As fuel prices continue to rise, airfares will rise as well starting July 1.
The fuel surcharge bracket was recently increased by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) from level 7 to 11 for the month of July.
In order to meet their rising fuel costs, local airlines in the Philippines submitted proposals to levy increased fuel surcharges.
According to the Inquirer, fuel surcharges are extra fees that airlines levy to assist them recover their fuel expenses. These are not included in the basic fee, which is the price the passenger actually pays for a seat.
Beginning on July 1, airlines in the country are permitted to collect fuel surcharges for domestic flights of P355 to P1,038 and international flights of P1,172.07 to P8,714.84.
A fuel surcharge of P1,172.07 will be applied on flights from the Philippines to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Brunei under Level 11.
The relevant fee for flights to North America, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands amounts to P8,299.85, while it is P1,620.99 for those traveling to Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Guam.
It’s time to book that trip to one of Asia’s exciting destinations.
Taiwan-based airline EVA Air recently announced that it will resume its direct flights from Taipei to Cebu starting July 2, 2022, and Cebu to Taipei starting July 16, 2022, thrice weekly.
This is in time as the Philippines and Taiwan have both eased the travel restrictions. However, upon arrival in Taiwan, tourists are required to undergo a 3-day home quarantine and 4-day self-initiated epidemic prevention following the end of quarantine. On the contrary, the Philippines only requires a negative RT-PCR test upon arrival.
Taiwan Travel Requirements
Negative COVID-19 Test (RT-PCR) Result from DOH-accredited laboratories valid within forty-eight (48 hours) before departure.
Mandatory Quarantine: The day of arrival counts as Day 0; a 3-day home quarantine and 4-day self-initiated epidemic prevention following the end of quarantine will be required. The previous 7-day self-health management will be terminated.
You may book your flight through your preferred travel agent or via EVA Air’s official website: www.evaair.com/en-ph/index.html.
If you are ready to be blown away, wait until this teaser gets into you!
After being halted due to the pandemic, Pampanga’s annual outdoor event just made its return on June 10-11, 2022. The 2-day event was full of food and live music by our favorite performers.
Photo from Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Facebook Page
With the success of this event and have probably noticed Cebuanos wanting to join hence, they have teased the Cebuanos for a possible event in our very own Queen City of the South! I mean, why not, right?
If you are not familiar with the Clark Hot Air Balloon Festival, here’s what you can expect.
Aside from the world-class hot air balloons, you can also enjoy live music performances as mentioned previously and have a gastronomic experience with a wide array of food concessionaires.
Photo from Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Facebook Page
Though we do not have an exact date and details about the event, we could only hope it will be any time this year. But for now, hold your horses, and let’s keep on hoping for a fun-filled one before we close 2022.
A Merry Christmas from the organizers, perhaps? ;)
Photo from Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Facebook Page
All job seekers out there, maybe Croatia is for you.
This June 2022, Croatia has issued more than 51,000 work permits for foreign nationals, mostly in the construction sector, followed by catering and tourism and is said to issue at least 100,000 work permits this year.
Split, Croatia | Photo from Unsplash
Croatia is lacking workers due to its tourism sector demands. Tourists are now flocking back to Croatia after the pandemic which is why they are recruiting people in neighboring Balkan countries and Asia to aid the shortage.
Croatia, officially known as the Republic of Croatia, is a country at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe. It is a country famous for its grand tourist spots like the amphitheater in Pula which is the sixth largest surviving Roman arena, the walled city of Dubrovnik and its idyllic coast line dotted with more than 1,000 islands and islets.
With this many famous tourist spots, it is no wonder that tourism plays a big part in the revenue of Croatia which makes the worker shortage situation “alarming” as described by an owner of a restaurant in the tourist hotspot in Croatia.
Dubrovnik, Croatia | Photo from Unsplash
Croatia is already primed for a tourism rebound as they had nearly three million visitors in the first five months of 2022 only and had a pre-pandemic record of 21 million visitors in 2019.
“The desire for travel is big…tourists will come,”
VELJKO OSTOJIC, HEAD OF THE CROAT TOURISM ASSOCIATION,
Since Croatia joined the European Union in 2013, more than 250,000 Croats have left the country seeking a better life in Germany, Austria or Ireland.
One of the reasons for the lack of workers is that the pandemic forced catering and tourism workers to look for jobs in other sectors and some Croats have also searched in other countries entirely like Germany, Austria or Ireland. With better wages and better working hours, they eventually stayed.
Dubrovnik, Croatia | Photo from Unsplash
Pinoy 385 is an employment agency for Filipinos that has already found jobs for our Kababayans in Croatia, you might want to check them out.
Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation (PDO), the property development arm of the ICCP Group, is on schedule for the completion of its 27.4-hectare township in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu as it launched another residential project in the area.
PDO recently inaugurated the 3.7-hectare Park Place II in Babag, Lapu-Lapu City – the third exclusive subdivision in the Cebu township now dubbed as “Pueblo de Oro Townscapes Mactan.” Park Place II is the awaited addition to the highly successful La Aldea Del Mar (13.5 hectares) and Park Place (8.0 hectares) residential developments.
Park Place II offers 194 single attached housing units, with three bedrooms. The regular lot size is 88 square meters with a total floor area of 106.5 square meters. Prices are estimated to start at P5.5 million per unit.
The master-planned Townscapes Mactan, with a total development cost of over P1.63 billion, is also expecting the completion of the Pueblo de Oro Townsquare – a three-level commercial strip due to start operations by the fourth quarter of this year.
The nearby community mall will provide residents with the ease and convenience of shopping for their daily needs. A second building is planned for 2023.
Future developments within Townscapes Mactan include the soon-to-rise Pueblo de Oro Storeys Lapu-Lapu Condominiums. The four-building, six-storey– project will house 450 Modern Asian-inspired units. Its first building is projected to be completed by 2025.
“Cebu remains one of the most important provinces in the country in terms of progress and development,”
SAID PUEBLO DE ORO VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER FOR VISAYAS OPERATIONS RONALD ALLAN UY.
He said the economy in Cebu is vibrant and is expected to grow further as coronavirus restrictions ease and as the province recovers from the effects of Typhoon Odette.
“The province itself is also full of natural beauty, and we are honored to have the opportunity to offer quality housing projects so that homeowners can share in the splendor that Cebu has to offer,”
HE ADDED.
The Pueblo de Oro township in Cebu has grown to become one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the province. It is 700 meters away from the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) T-intersection and is an easy 15-minute drive to and from Cebu City.
In the last quarter of 2021, Pueblo de Oro launched Townscapes Malvar – a 42-hectare residential, institutional, and commercial project, which completes the ICCP Group’s 212-hectare ‘live-work’ community development in Malvar, Batangas. Townscapes Malvar is home to three gated subdivisions and five hectares of commercial area and an educational hub.
Whether you go motorcycle riding as a hobby or for daily use and convenience, one thing is for sure, a good helmet is non-negotiable and a must.
Photo from H-Audio Technologies
It is always safety first on the road. Now, a good quality helmet will keep your head safe in untoward circumstances but as the world evolves and modern technology, riding now have needs that a simple old helmet cannot provide.
Video documentation is everything nowadays as not only for entertainment or social media content but also as evidence when the time comes. This as well as other smart digital tools that can help a biker on the road can be a life saver.
Now, a helmet that can give this support to a biker is now here and it is even smarter than you can imagine. This smart audio helmet is from H-Audio. It is perfect for those who ride bikes and e-scooters.
Photo from H-Audio Technologies
Smart Helmet features
perfect size to bring around
only takes 3 hours to charge
built-in safety light for 12 hours (at full charge)
listen to music for 36 hours (at full charge)
record videos of up to 6 hours (at full charge)
has buttons for each feature (on the side of the helmet)
comes with a remote to control the signal lights and hazards on the back of the helmet
Feature | Photo from H-Audio Technologies
Feature | Photo from H-Audio Technologies
Feature | Photo from H-Audio Technologies
Feature | Photo from H-Audio Technologies
Feature | Photo from H-Audio Technologies
Feature | Photo from H-Audio Technologies
Feature | Photo from H-Audio Technologies
Feature | Photo from H-Audio Technologies
The signal lights at the back of the helmet will signal anyone on the road to which direction you’re going whether you’ll be turning left or right. It is such a visible signal that may be proven very useful to the biker and the people driving around them.
This helmet is user friendly so once you get used to using it, you’ll be able to use all the buttons and functions with ease.
If you have a smart phone, watch and tv, it might be time for you to get a smart helmet too. Level up your biker life or every day ride now.
Award-winning developer Primary Homes Inc. (PHI) marked another significant milestone for Royal Oceancrest Mactan as the company officials broke ground its Tower D on June 15, 2022.
Tower D will have finished condo units; it will also have commercial spaces that will be available for rent. This building will complete the company’s first Royal Oceancrest development.
Located along Sudtunggan Road in Barangay Basak, Lapu-lapu City, the company’s P2B mixed-used resort condominium in Mactan Island will ultimately be completed by 2024. In spite the lockdowns brought by the covid-19 pandemic, PrimaryHomes was able to make sure that the project is being constructed on-time.
Royal Oceancrest Mactan will feature resort-style dwelling perfect for young professionals and starting families either looking for a perfect living space, or for properties to be rented out.
With billions worth of new industrial and world-class developments, Lapu Lapu City would be a perfect choice to settle or invest in Cebu. The project’s close proximity to the Mactan International Airport, the newly opened Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, export zones, first-class resorts and hotels, export-oriented manufacturing companies, and BPOs make Royal Oceancrest Mactan a desirable address for working professionals and those eyeing to do business in the city, thus, making it an attractive location for property purchases.
“Now that we are recovering as a community, we look forward to continue to contribute to the growth and vibrancy of Lapu-lapu City through Royal Oceancrest Mactan,”
SAID RAMERO ESPINA, VICE-PRESIDENT FOR SALES AND MARKETING OF PHI.
Since the company started selling last 2019, and even with the pandemic that started the year after, the project has been consistent with its remarkable sales performance.
“The younger generation is becoming more financial literate. The market’s priorities have shifted due to the crisis, and we’ve seen an increase of first-time real-estate investors more specifically for our Royal Oceancrest Mactan project,”
RAMERO ESPINA SAID.
“As a reliable developer, we are supporting them fully in their investment journey with our all-in pricing, seamless sales process, flexible financing, and on-time delivery,”
ESPINA ADDED.
Royal Oceancrest Mactan’s resort amenities are designed for wellness and leisure with 60% of the total development dedicated to open spaces and natural features like its gardens, bamboo tunnels, and pocket yoga spaces. Its amenities also include a swimming pool, clubhouse, fitness gym, play areas, jogging paths, edible gardens, grilling station, and commercial spaces.
Royal Oceancrest Towers A, B, and C are now 80% to 90% sold and Tower D will soon be available for sale.
Start your investment journey now! Know more about the resort-style living at Royal Oceancrest Mactan by checking out www.primaryhomes.com. You can also have a preview of your living space in the project by visiting its showroom at the project site itself which is open daily from 9AM to 5PM.
No worries though as we have found you the greatest and tastiest cure to the paralyzing heat — the Italian ice at Ice Monkees.
Yes, you’ve read it right, Italian ice treats here in Cebu. Ice Monkees is Cebu’s very own Italian ice which are sweet- and semi-frozen treats made with fruit juices or other food flavorings.
Italian ice may be compared to sorbet and snow cones but the only difference is that it does not contain dairy or egg. Named after the immigrants from Italy that started it, it is said to have originated in Philadelphia and the South Jersey area.
Similar to its origin story, Ice Monkees was born out of inspiration and on the streets of New York which the owners then decided to bring home to Cebu.
Ice Monkees Flavors
Named after the popular animal in the Philippines, the “Monkees” as they call it have a mouth-watering fruity collection that already sounds refreshing. They also have unique flavors like cotton candy and sour apple that only add to the excitement, fun, and literal chilling experience of eating these icy treats.
Meet the Monkees:
Orange
Cotton candy
Strawberry
Lemon
Blue raspberry
Cherry
Sour apple
Pineapple
Mango
You’ll get them in three cup sizes from Mini Tarsier, Medium Chimp and Monster Gorilla. You can even make your own Ice Monkees just follow the few simple steps below.
Choose your cup size
Stick your chosen 1-5 Monkee flavors into the cup with the sticker sheet provided
Stick monkee flavor stickers far from each other- different flavor per scoop
Stick monkee flavor stickers beside one another- multi colored scoops
your icy treats!
Ice Monkees had its share of struggle just to bring these delicious icy treats to Cebu with the pandemic and typhoon Odette. But alas, they are finally here and ready to serve all the Cebuanos as kiosks and pop-up stores will open in exciting locations while they rebuild their flagship store.
Promo Alert!
BUY 1 TAKE 1 Happy Hour is now from 6PM to 7PM daily.
Exact location: Escario Central Mall, N. Escario Street, Cebu City – same location with SMR Chocolates and Politics Café, beside McDo Escario.
BY BUS: You can ride any jeepney going to Escario Central Mall or passing through N. Escario (Axis). Or, ride 12L and 14D jeepney from Ayala and drop off at Escario Central Mall. From Colon/Fuente – Maxwell Hotel: 17D, 17B,17C 14D, and 04H.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Escario Central Mall” in Cebu City. Parking space is available.
There is something to look up to this June. And when I say look up, I mean literally look at the sky as five planets will have an alignment that will be visible to us early morning or dawn of June 24.
Art by LJay Manayon
This rare “planet parade” is Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn lining up in their proper orbital order from the sun.
The marvelous event is a month-long one however, the best day to see it with the naked eye is on June 24 when the lineup sight is more compelling.
Truly a sight to behold, what makes it more special is the fact that there hasn’t been seen this kind of planetary event since 2004, one that includes five separate planets.
Photo from Unsplash
When & Where to watch
Now, if you just want a glimpse of it then you can wake up early, get out of bed and look up but if you really want the best view and experience then get out very early in the morning, before the sun is too high in the sky as it will wash out the visibility of some planets.
You can decide to grab a pair of binoculars or not and look for higher ground or just a spot with a clear view of the southeastern predawn sky.
Photo from Unsplash
Sit back and relax, with your breakfast or snacks by your side and watch as the five planets make their way into the sky, starting with Mercury, then moving on to Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
Skywatchers and planet nerds should definitely take advantage of this rare planetary alignment as it is not certain when it will happen again and could take years.
During Lapu-Lapu City’s Charter Day last June 17 at the Session Hall, the Lapu-Lapu City Government, together with Lapu-Lapu Expressway (LLEX) Corporation signed a memorandum of agreement regarding the proposed P24.8 billion Lapu-Lapu expressway, also known as the skyway project.
Photo from Junard “Ahong” Chan on Facebook
With the approval of the City Council, where the majority signed a resolution last June 9, allowing Mayor Jun “Ahong” Chan to enter into a joint venture agreement (JVA) between the city government and LLEX Corp. composed of Premium Megastructures Inc., Ulticon Builders Inc. and MTD Philippines Inc.
Even though already proposed last year, the project was just recently signed after the City Council reviewed the amendments that came with JVA. One of the members of the City Council, lawyer Michael Dignos cited that the extension of the contract to 35 years with a possible extension of another 15 years was one of the amendments. Additionally, the City’s share in terms of toll revenues was increased from 1% to 2.5%.
“Proponent is not granted automatically exemption from taxes but (this) must be requested and left to the discretion of the SP (Sangguniang Panlungsod),”
HE SAID.
Photo from Junard “Ahong” Chan on FacebookPhoto from Junard “Ahong” Chan on Facebook
Apart from that, the road right of way (RROW) acquisition period was increased to 180 days instead of 90 days while the free service road must be constructed by the proponent once the general aviation road is closed and used for the expressway.
“Any and all roads directly affected by the LLEX must be provided with free service road,”
HE SAID.
Dignos also added that houses and other establishments affected during the construction of the project should be properly compensated.
With an aim of solving the traffic congestion Lapu-Lapu City is infamous for, the project targets serving 50,000 vehicles per day, effectively easing the traffic congestion. The expressway will be a four-lane, 12-kilometer toll road on Mactan Island.
Render by Premium Megastructures Inc.Render by Premium Megastructures Inc.Render by Premium Megastructures Inc.Render by Premium Megastructures Inc.
LLEX will connect the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway which ends in Gabi, Cordova to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City.
The project, which was in “development hell”, was turned down by the City Council a total of three times before finally being approved.
The City Council, whose majority was from the opposition bloc, cited issues why the project had to be turned down numerous times unless the amendments were met by both the government and LLEX Corp. The raising of the government’s share in the project’s proceeds to 2.5%, the compensation for the affected stakeholders, provision of alternative roads during the construction, and the questioning of the tax exemption for LLEX from paying both real and property taxes for 50 years were just some of the issues addressed.
Photo from Junard “Ahong” Chan on Facebook
The LLEX, which is expected to be operational by 2025, has an estimated economic return worth P66.5 billion over a 50-year period, or 40% of the joint venture’s commercial revenues will be going to the City’s treasury.
