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These Two Establishments In Cebu Won In The “World Travel Awards 2024”

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Sugboanons, aside from having our own Cebu island bag the “Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination” award, we also got two hotel chains grabbing wins from the prestigious awarding ceremony of the “World Travel Awards 2024!”

Photo from the Department of Tourism Philippines

Philippines’ Leading Business Hotel 2024: bai Hotel Cebu

Photo from Bai Hotel Cebu

bai Hotel Cebu was honored as the “Philippines’ Leading Business Hotel 2024.” The hotel is located strategically between Mandaue and Cebu City, making it a great choice for travelers seeking comfort and efficiency.

Photo from Bai Hotel Cebu

Philippines’ Leading Family Resort 2024: Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

Photo from Shangri-La Mactan Resort

In another significant recognition, Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu was named “Philippines’ Leading Family Resort 2024.” This luxurious resort continues to be a favorite among families and groups, offering a mix of relaxation, adventure, and exceptional service along its stunning beachfront setting.

Photo from Shangri-La Mactan Resort

These awards show Cebu’s growing reputation as a premier destination for both business and leisure travelers. With our island’s outstanding hotels and beautiful wedding venues, Cebu is truly making waves on the global stage. Once again, congratulations to bai Hotel Cebu and Shangri-La Mactan for bringing these prestigious honors to our island and to us, Sugboanons!

Cebu Wins the World Travel Award for “Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination 2024”

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Is Cebu becoming the new Paris, France?

Photo from the World Travel Awards Official Website

Sugboanons, our beloved Cebu has been honored at the World Travel Award as “Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination 2024,” proving its growing appeal as a top location for dream weddings.

Photo by Reymund Mejica Requina

The 31st Annual World Travel Awards was hosted in our very own country, the Philippines, on September 3, 2024, at the City of Dreams in Manila. It is a recognition that serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

Photo from Soulful Studio
Photo from Point 1998

The Winners: Asia’s Leading …

The gala was filled with successful celebrations as winners were announced to determine who’s the best amongst the rest in the field of travel. For Asia, below are the places who ranked high:

  • Vietnam: “Asia’s Leading Destination”
  • Ha Giang Province: “Asia’s Leading Regional Cultural Destination”
  • Ho Chi Minh City: “Asia’s Leading Business Travel Destination”
  • Hong Kong Tourism Board: “Asia’s Leading Tourist Board”
  • Cebu, Philippines: “Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination”
  • Bali: “Asia’s Most Romantic Destination”

Cebu’s recognition as “Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination 2024” invites couples to explore its enchanting offerings and experience a wedding that combines beauty, culture, and unparalleled service.

Photo from Carlo Abaquita
Photo by Reymund Mejica Requina

Aside from the “World Travel Awards,” our own island is also nominated for “Most Desirable Region” by a UK Magazine! To show your support, cast your votes here, Sugboanons!

Maritime & Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month: Calendar of Activities In Cebu

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September is a special month for maritime enthusiasts and environmental advocates as it marks the celebration of MANAMo, the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month. This annual event showcases the importance of protecting our seas and promoting maritime safety. And for us Sugboanons, the Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) is the one spearheading the series of impactful activities aimed at boosting marine life and fostering maritime awareness.

Photo from the Cebu Port Authority’s Official Facebook Page

Based on the calendar of events listed on the official MANA Mo 2024 website, here are the activities that the Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) will be conducting:

September 20, 2024: Simultaneous Coastal and Ports Clean-Up

Photo from the Cebu Port Authority’s Official Facebook Page

Kickstarting the month’s activities, Cebu will witness a massive clean-up drive involving both public and private ports for a coordinated effort to clear our coastlines and port areas of debris and pollutants. This activity is crucial in preserving the marine environment and ensuring that our waters remain clean.

September 21, 2024: Mangrove Planting on Olango Island

Photo from the Cebu Port Authority’s Official Facebook Page

The focus shifts to one of the most essential ecosystems in the marine environment—mangroves. Volunteers and stakeholders will gather on Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City, to engage in a mangrove planting activity as part of the goal to protect our coastal areas, provide habitat for marine life, and support biodiversity.

Photo from the Cebu Port Authority’s Official Facebook Page
Photo from the Cebu Port Authority’s Official Facebook Page

September 23, 2024: Opening Salvo of the National Maritime Week

Photo from the Cebu Port Authority’s Official Facebook Page

The celebration of the National Maritime Week will commence with a grand opening salvo at the CPA Sports Facility. This event will mark the beginning of a week dedicated to maritime awareness and activities, showcasing the commitment of the Cebu Ports Authority and its partners to maritime safety and environmental stewardship.

September 23, 2024: Simultaneous Blow of Ships’ Horns

Photo from the Cebu Port Authority’s Official Facebook Page

In a unique and symbolic gesture, ships across Cebu’s ports will simultaneously blow their horns for two minutes! This is to signal the start of the Maritime Week Celebration, highlighting the unity and solidarity of the maritime community in advocating for marine protection and awareness. This will also be followed by a culminating activity on September 27, 2024 at the CPA Sports Facility, CIP Complex, Cebu Baseport.

September 29, 2024: Wreath Laying Ceremony for Fallen Seafarers

Photo from the Cebu Port Authority’s Official Facebook Page

Concluding the MANA Mo 2024 activities, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony will be held to honor our fallen seafarers at the Tip Part of Passenger Building 2, Pier 3 of Cebu BasePort to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives at sea. This ceremony serves as a reminder of the risks faced by those who work on the waters and a remembrance to their sacrifice.

Photo from the Cebu Port Authority’s Official Facebook Page

So, Sugboanons, let us all remind ourselves of the importance of keeping our seas and coastal areas clean. And if you want to see proof of how it can affect our tourism, then check out this article which contains a video showing the reality of Cebu’s coastal pollution!

Mediterranean-inspired Luxurious Paradise at Luxury Cebu Beach House in Carmen

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Did you know that Cebu’s best kept secret is in Carmen?

Photo from Cebu Beach House and Villa Official Facebook Page

Yes, we couldn’t believe our eyes when we saw it too as with just a turn at a corner, we seemed to have been transported to a whole new country.

Located in Carmen, this private and exclusive luxury beach resort, Cebu Beach House and Villa, became our home for 3 days and 2 nights and we will share our memorable and restful experience here in this tell-all.

Mexican hacienda Homes

Photo from Cebu Beach House and Villa Official Facebook Page

We saw the pictures and we’ve read their website but nothing could have prepared us to the magnificence of the place in real life.

With the prominent hacienda architectural style that is common in Spain and Mexico, it felt like it wasn’t in the Philippines more so in Cebu.

These beautiful shade of orange villas we occupied had red clay roof tiles and uses heavy rustic wood accents to solidify the hacienda experience. You can wake up to the breathtaking view of the reflections of the trees and vast sky in the sparkling pool along with the view of the sea and the overall effect of the tint of orange in the atmosphere.

Photo from Cebu Beach House and Villa Official Facebook Page
Photo from Cebu Beach House and Villa Official Facebook Page
Photo from Cebu Beach House and Villa Official Facebook Page
Photo from Cebu Beach House and Villa Official Facebook Page

Mediterranean Vibes

Photo from Cebu Beach House and Villa Official Facebook Page

The place encourages a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere that you can definitely enjoy with your family and friends. It is reflected in the design of this style: from light outdoor furniture to wooden, forged and stone decor elements.

The Mediterranean style in interior design is characterized by simple and romantic aesthetics with light and warm tones in color scheme, as well as the extensive use of beautiful intricate wood pieces.

Sunny romance of Spain, the abundance of warm colors of Italy, the marine freshness of Greece and the spices of Morocco, the decoration in Mediterranean style will surely become the embodiment of all the above.

Photo from Cebu Beach House and Villa Official Facebook Page
Photo from Cebu Beach House and Villa Official Facebook Page
Photo from Cebu Beach House and Villa Official Facebook Page
Photo from Cebu Beach House and Villa Official Facebook Page
Photo from Cebu Beach House and Villa Official Facebook Page
Photo from Cebu Beach House and Villa Official Facebook Page

Food that are just a chef’s kiss

The open-plan kitchens of both The Beach House, The Beach Villa, and The Native Beach House are fully-fitted and well-stocked to whip up anything your heart desires. Should you decide to not lift a finger, a chef and five full time staff are around to cater to your needs. A menu is on-hand for suggestions and inspiration, while a local produce market is not too far away. Really, what you want to eat and when you want to eat are all up to you, and few private Cebu resorts have this arrangement on offer.

Your private chef is on-hand to cook a variety of mouth watering international dishes, from freshly caught crabs, to chicken madras curry, to home-made pasta, and pizzas in the wood-burning oven. We make an effort to source authentic (when available) international ingredients as well as the freshest local ingredients to create your tasty meals from scratch. We maintain a stock of food items such as fresh bread, pastas, milk, egg, and etc. as well as soft drinks, alcoholic beverages of various price ranges, and local beers. Drinks are kept at the right temperature, ready to be served as soon as you arrive.

All meals, food items, and beverages will be charged as consumed at very reasonable rates. While that special bottle of wine or champagne is exempted, a corkage applies on beverages brought in from outside the resort. Please contact us for our current stock list and/or let us know your preferences when you make your booking so we can stock accordingly.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

HOUSE RATES

  • Luxury Beach Villa: P30,000 per night, good for 15 persons
  • The Beach House: P25,000 per night, good for 8 persons
  • The Native Beach House: P6,000 per night, good for 2 persons

INCLUSIONS:

  • Welcome drinks upon arrival
  • Wifi access in all areas of the property
  • Use of sports equipment (i.e. mountain bikes & children’s kayaks)
  • 1 private chef
  • 5 full-time staff

OPTIONAL/ADDITIONAL:

  • Airport pick-up and/or drop off available (standard saloon or 9-seater van)
  • Masseuse on-call
  • Manicure-pedicure services on-call
  • Yacht charter
  • Food & beverage costs

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Luyang, Carmen, Northern Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from Cebu City.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Cebu Beach House Villa” in Carmen. Once you arrive in Carmen, from the south (Cebu City), turn right going to “Barangay Luyang” and just follow the road for about 5-10 minutes then you will find the beach house on your left. Parking space is available upon arrival. Don’t forget to make a reservation before going to the destination as they will assist you with the navigation, too.

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, ride any bus going to Carmen. Inform the driver to drop you off at Barangay Luyang in Carmen. Bus fare is ₱40 per person. From there, you can walk a little further going to the beach house. It’s best to communicate with the owner or property staff for transpo arrangements.

NUSTAR’s Journey of Flavors Could Land You a Trip to Hong Kong, Singapore, & Narita for 2!

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Heads up, travelers and foodies; NUSTAR is hosting their most awaited “Journey of Flavors” that offers tasty treats and luxurious prizes!

Photo from NUSTAR

The event not only promises delicious meals at discounted prices, but also gives you the chance to win luxurious trips for two to three of Asia’s most vibrant cities: Hong Kong, Singapore, and Narita; definitely an adventure that you wouldn’t want to miss!

Photo from NUSTAR

A Journey of Flavors

Photo from NUSTAR

NUSTAR’s “Journey of Flavors” is a celebration of cuisines, where every dish tells a story and every bite is a passport to a new destination. And, speaking of passports, the promotion grants each participant a “passport” that will bring each diner to different restaurants around the mall, such as:

  • ABACA Baking Company – Free coffee with every order of any Eggs Benedict (Smoked Ham, Slab Bacon, Smoked Salmon)
  • Barcino Wine Resto Bar – 5% discount on Paella Mixta con Azafran and Sangria pitcher (tinto or blanco) or a 10% discount on their Paella de Chorizo y Pollo and Sangria pitcher (tinto or blanco)
  • Cafe Laguna Cebu – 15% discount on the Crispy Pata Dish
  • Good Luck Hot Pot – 40% discount on the USA Angus Snowflake Beef Dish
  • Kazuwa Prime – 25% discount on 5 kinds of Sashimi Dishes
  • Koshima by Nonki – 20% discount on the Sushi Course
  • Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken – 10% discount on Any-to-share Bolognese, Carbonara, Aglio Olio, Tartufo + Whole Classic Chicken
  • Yeonwha The Premium by Kaya – 20% discount on the Beef Stone Hot Pot Ser: 1 Beef Stone Hot Pot, 1 Beef Seaweed, 4pcs Beef Patties, 2 Rice, 2 Drinks, and Side Dishes
  • Taiwan Sha-bu Sha-bu – 15% discount on the Red House Group Set A which includes shrimps, lobsters, meatballs, beef, pork, and vegetables
  • Tom N Toms Coffee – Brunch Set Special which includes a choice of meat: bacon, ham, or sausage paired with a drink of choice whether Hot Americano, Iced Americano, Peach Iced Tea, Lemon Iced Tea.
Photo from NUSTAR

Win a Dream Trip for Two

The Journey of Flavors Passport

But here’s where it gets even more exciting: by participating in NUSTAR’s “Journey of Flavors,” you could win a dream trip to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Narita for you and a guest. That’s right—three incredible cities, all in one unforgettable getaway!

Photo from NUSTAR

So, how can you hop in on the journey? Well, here’s how:

Step 1: Present a single-receipt purchase of Php 3,000.00 at NUSTAR The Mall Concierge from any participating outlets of ABACA Baking Company, Barcino, Cafe Laguna, Good Luck Hot Pot, Kazuwa Prime, Koshima by Nonki, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, Taiwan Sha-bu Sha-bu, Tom n Toms Coffee, and Yeonwha The Premium by Kaya. Upon presentation of the receipt, a passport will be given which contains the list of places that the passport-holder will have to go to to complete the stamps.

The Journey of Flavors Passport

Step 2: The passport-holder must order the Journey of Flavors special menu or dish from the participating stores to get a stamp.

Step 3: Completed passports should be presented and surrendered to The Mall Concierge.

Step 4: Completed passport-holders will pick from rolled prizes:

  1. Two (2) roundtrip tickets for 2 via Cebu Pacific Cebu-Hongkong-Cebu
  2. Two (2) roundtrip tickets for 2 via Cebu Pacific Cebu-Singapore-Cebu
  3. Two (2) roundtrip tickets for 2 via Cebu Pacific Cebu-Narita-Cebu
  4. Twenty (20) overnight stays for 2 with breakfasts at the Fili Hotel
  5. Fifty (50) sets of NUSTAR Premier Cinema Pass valued at Php 500.00 and Timezone Passes valued at Php500.00
  6. One-hundred (100) The Mall | NUSTAR branded luggage tags
Photo from NUSTAR
Photo from NUSTAR

So what are you waiting for? Start your flavor journey today as the promo period only runs until September 15, 2024! Good luck, and may the best foodie wins, Sugboanons!

Turn Your Idle Car into Income: Visit DOON at Sugbo Mercado!

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Sugboanons, we’ve got exciting news — DOON, a new and convenient car rental app, is now at Sugbo Mercado! 

DOON is the Philippines’ first fully-insured peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace. Whether you’re looking to earn extra income by renting out your car or you need to rent a car for your next trip, DOON makes it happen with just a few clicks. The current state of car rentals in the Philippines leaves room for improvement, which is where this car rental app wants to step in. For car owners, vehicles tend to be an under-utilized, and a depreciating continuous expense. Did you know that the average car is parked 94% of the time? Instead of  your car becoming a depreciating asset parked in your garage, you can list it on DOON to make some extra cash. 

Looking for another source of income? Try renting out your car on DOON. 

Earn Extra Income: By renting out your vehicle, you can turn an idle asset into a source of income. 

Flexible Schedule: You have full control over when your car is available for rent. This flexibility allows you to rent out your car according to your schedule, ensuring that it doesn’t interfere with your personal use.

Easy to Manage: DOON is designed to make the rental process simple and hassle-free. You can easily manage bookings, track earnings, and communicate with renters directly through the platform.

Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Thanks to DOON’s partnership with Pioneer Insurance, every trip booked through the app is insured, giving you the peace of mind that your car is protected against any potential damage or accidents.

Screened Renters: DOON’s thorough vetting process ensures that your car is rented out to responsible and verified individuals, reducing the risk of misuse or damage.

Host-Exclusive Benefits: Enjoy the benefits of Cartrack services, including real-time vehicle tracking, remote engine shutdown for theft prevention, and fuel consumption management. Plus, a free membership to the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) which offers emergency roadside assistance, fuel discounts, and discounted 24/7 ambulance service. 

On top of all that, you keep 100% of your rental income. Now that sounds like a pretty good deal.

Let’s go DOON!

Experience the future of car rentals in Cebu. Visit DOON’s booth at Sugbo Mercado from August 13 to September 12, 2024, every Tuesday to Sunday. Their team will be happy to answer your questions and provide all the information you need to get started. 

RATES & INFORMATION

Lalamove Celebrates Cebuano Partner Drivers; Boosts Community Spirit through ‘Liga ng mga Bossing’ Basketball Tournament

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Lalamove, the on-demand delivery platform, launched a sports-themed event to honor Cebuano partner drivers for their hard work and notable contributions to the community. Through the Liga ng mga Bossing Basket Tournament, Cebuano partner drivers gained a newfound community and passion on the court. 

“With Liga ng Mga Bossing, we want to recognize the strong bond of the growing community of Lalamove partner drivers nationwide and celebrate their achievements and commitment to creating a positive spirit within the community,” said Djon Nacario, Managing Director of Lalamove Philippines. 

The first leg of Liga ng Mga Bossing Basketball Tournament was held at Ananias G. Ouano Sports Complex in Cebu City on August 26. It will also be held in Manila and Pampanga on September 8 and September 15, 2024 respectively.

Champions of teamwork and camaraderie 

Cebu-based partner drivers were seen donning Lalamove-branded jerseys as they geared up for the most-awaited Liga ng Mga Bossing Basketball Tournament.

Lalamove Maxxis Racers team captain Erwin Danlag said he felt the spirit of camaraderie with his fellow Lalamove partner drivers and teammates during the game.

“I’m happy that we’re given an opportunity to connect with our fellow partner drivers. We worked hard as a team to win the game. The prize we received is just a huge bonus so I hope there will be more activities like this in the future,” he said. 

Their team consisted of Lalamove partner drivers Ervin Letrero, Johnvic Villarino, Rodgrio Caupit, Jessie Villarino, Steven Cabahug, and Joselito Mapalo Jr. They ended up as the tournament champion and received a P50,000 cash prize and trophy.

Meanwhile, for Prestone Motor Stars team captain Arnel Vilvestre, the event strengthened his bond and friendship with other partner drivers.

“I really appreciated that we got recognized for our efforts and that this sports day brought all of us together to celebrate our achievements as Lalamove drivers,” Vilvestre said.

His team consisted of partner drivers Rex Gumban, Rey Cinco, Tomas Entienza, Marlon Lenizo, Francesco Cinco, Joseph Tipactipac, and Eric Arnibal, won the first runner-up place in the tournament and received a P10,000 cash prize and trophy.

Aside from the basketball tournament, Lalamove also recognized and awarded the Top Drivers who had an excellent performance from April to June this year. 

Attendees also received treats and freebies from sponsors including Prestone, Maxxis, Delkor, CST Tires, Castrol, Arisun Tires, Invested, Supermiler, Sting, Gatorade, Seaoil, Rejuviant, Oishi, Puregold, MemoXpress, and TNT. 

“The basketball tournament is just one of the many ways we are celebrating and rewarding the efforts of our partner drivers. We are also continuously providing further support for their day-to-day trips through the Panalomove Benefits Program, from fuel discounts, vehicle maintenance, and health insurance,” Nacario added.

For more information on Lalamove partner driver benefits, visit https://www.lalamove.com/en-ph/driver/exclusive-benefit. Visit Lalamove’s Facebook page to get updates on future activities. 

ABOUT LALAMOVE

Founded in Hong Kong in 2013, Lalamove is an on-demand delivery platform born with a mission to empower communities by making delivery fast, simple, and affordable. At the click of a button, individuals, small businesses, and corporations can access a wide fleet of delivery vehicles operated by professional driver partners. 

Powered by technology, we seamlessly connect people, vehicles, freights and roads, moving things that matter and bringing benefits to local communities in 12 markets across Asia and Latin America.

6 Suspected MPOX Cases In Cebu: No Need for Vax, said DOH

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As of September 2, 2024, there are six (6) “suspected” Mpox cases disclosed by the Mandaue City Health Office (MCHO) and each patient had already been advised to undergo self-isolation for three weeks to ensure that any viral infection will not be spread.

But, despite the advice and efforts of the MCHO, it was later found out that one of the six patients was caught going out of isolation. The head of the Mandaue City Health Office (MCHO), Debra Maria Catulong, shared that they already took precautionary measures and reiterated to the patients the importance of self-isolation. In addition, they are also waiting for the confirmation of the Research Institute For Tropical Medicine of the Department of Health on the samples gathered from each patient.

No Need for MPox Vaccinations!

Photo from Canva

The Department of Health (DOH) specified that there’s no need to conduct a mass vaccination to protect against Mpox and that it should not be a cause for alarm. In addition, the main issue that the DOH is focusing on would be treating the rashes of the Mpox patients as it’s one of the more painful symptoms that could progress into further complications when left untreated.

Cebu Is Nominated As Most Desirable Region

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Sugboanons, rejoice as Cebu is nominated as the “Most Desirable Region” by a UK Magazine!

Photo from Canva

The UK’s Wanderlust Travel Magazine is running their 23rd Annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2024 which showcases “Most Desirable” places, tours, and many more travel-related categories.

Photo from Canva

Cebu, along with Palawan and our very own country, the Philippines, are nominated in separate awards; Cebu as the “Most Desirable Region,” Palawan as the “Most Desirable Island,” and the Philippines as the “Most Desirable Country.”

Photo from Canva

Back in 2022, Palawan won the “Most Desirable Island” award in the 21st Annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2024, while Florida won the award that we are vying for as the “Most Desirable Region.”

So, Sugboanons, let’s vote for our beloved Sugbo to win this prestigious award by clicking on this link!

A 17-Billion Resort Will Be Built In Mactan

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MACTAN – A new resort is coming to town with a worth of 17-Billion Pesos!

The Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc. and Megaworld are set to revolutionize Mactan Newtown with their ambitious project, the Mactan World Resort (MWR). With a staggering investment of Php 16.896 billion, this development is set to become a hub of luxury and entertainment in Lapu-Lapu. The MWR will feature a world-class hotel with a wide array of entertainment options and a state-of-the-art casino. 

This high-profile resort is expected to boost Lapu-Lapu’s employment landscape, generating over 5,000 jobs across various sectors. The project aims to help the city’s tourism industry by attracting international visitors and offering them a premier destination for leisure and entertainment.

Beyond its immediate economic benefits, the Mactan World Resort is anticipated to have a ripple effect on the local economy, aiding in the growth of related industries such as hospitality, retail, and services. This landmark investment not only shows the commitment to elevating Mactan Newtown but also promises to transform Lapu-Lapu into a place of tourism and employment.

What do you think on this new development, Sugboanons?