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How to go to Bohol Part III

2012-08-06T03:11:00.001-07:00

Regular Ferry Schedules

A large number of regular ferries connect Bohol with the other islands of the Philippines. They are the cheapest way to travel from island to island, and hence can be very crowded during high season (just before the Holy Week or Christmas).

This list is far from exhaustive, and schedules tend to change often, especially with the smaller shipping companies. If you have additional information, please tell us, so that we can share it here.

When you go to Bohol from Cebu, you have to head to Pier 3 to go to Tubigon, or Pier 1 or 4 to go to Tagbilaran. Note that the route via Tubigon is normally cheaper (also by fastcraft), and can be faster, even when going to Tagbilaran, if you take a V-hire or bus from Tubigon to Tagbilaran.

Sulpicio Lines

Sulpicio Lines operates on the route from Tagbilaran to Dipolog and Iligan. Telephone (032) 232-5361 to 80, website: www.sulpiciolines.com.

The fare from Tagbilaran to Manila and vice versa; starting from Peso 1,808.80 (Saver), up to Peso 3,264.80 (Matrimonial suite): Tagbilaran to Dipolog and vice versa; starting from Peso 519.68 (Saver), up to Peso 1,256.64 (Matrimonial Suite):Tagbilaran to Iliganand vice versa; starting from Peso 614.88 (Saver), up to Peso 1,346.24 (Matrimonial Suite):Jagna to Butuan and vice versa; starting from Peso 387.52 (Saver), up to Peso 522.48 (Suite): Jagna to Cagayan and vice versa; starting from Peso 448.00 (Saver), up to Peso 980.56 (Matrimonial Suite):Jagna to Nasipit and vice versa; starting from Peso 300.00 (Saver) up to Peso 412.50 (Suite)

From	Departure	To	Arrival	Vessel
Manila	Wed 12:00	Tagbilaran	Thu 18:00	Dipolog Princess
Tagbilaran	Mon 19:00	Manila	Wed 02:30	Dipolog Princess
Tagbilaran	Thu 22:00	Iligan(via Dipolog)	Fri 16:00	Dipolog Princess
Iligan	Sun 19:00	Tagbilaran	Mon 15:00	Dipolog Princess
Tagbilaran	Thu 22:00	Dipolog	Fri 03:00	Dipolog Princess
Dipolog	Mon 9:00	Tagbilaran	Mon 15:00	Dipolog Princess
Jagna	Thu 23:00	Butuan	Fri 06:00	Princess of the Earth
Butuan	Thu 14:00	Jagna	Thu 21:00	Princess of the Earth
Jagna	Sat 21:00	Cagayan de Oro	Sun 02:30	Princess of the Ocean
Cagayan de Oro	Sat 12:00	Jagna	Sat 17:30	Princess of the Ocean
Jagna	Thu 23:00	Nasipit	Fri 06:00	Princess of the Earth
Nasipit	Thu 14:00	Jagna	Thu 21:00	Princess of the Earth

Cebu Ferries

Pier 4, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City. Telephone:+63 32 233 7000. Email:info@superferry.com.ph

Cebu Ferries Ticketing Offices, Tagbilaran:

WGA Tagbilaran Main: Gallares street (Near Pier Area), Tagbilaran City. Telephone: +63 38 411 3651; +63 38 411 3048

AATC Tagbilaran Main: CPG Avenue, Tagbilaran City. Telephone: +63 38 411 4906

ABOEX Gallares: Gallares streest, Tagbilaran City. Telephone: +63 38 411 3967

The fare from Jagna, Bohol to Cagayan and vice versa; starting from Peso 659.00(Super Value); Peso 790 (Tourist class); Peso 2,280 (Suite).

The fare from Jagna, Bohol to Nasipit and vice versa; starting from Peso 699 (Super value); Peso 830 (Tourist class); Peso 2,360 (Suite): Website: Cebu Ferries

Nr.	From	Departure	To	Arrival	Vessel
1	Jagna	Sun 24:00	Nasipit	Mon 6:00	Cebu Ferry 2
1	Nasipit	Sun 12:00	Jagna	Sun 17:30	Cebu Ferry 2
1	Jagna	Tue 14:00	Cagayan	Sat 19:00	Cebu Ferry 3
2	Jagna	Thu 14:00	Cagayan	Sat 19:00	Cebu Ferry 3
3	Jagna	Sat 16:00	Cagayan	Sat 21:30	Cebu Ferry 3
1	Cagayan	Tue 07:00	Jagna	Tue 12:00	Cebu Ferry 3
2	Cagayan	Thu 07:00	Jagna	Thu 12:00	Cebu Ferry 3
3	Cagayan	Sat 08:00	Jagna	Sat 13:30	Cebu Ferry 3

Trans-Asia Shipping Lines

M.J. Cuenco Ave., corner Osmeña Blvd. Tel. +63 32 2546491 to 95 Fax. +63 32 255-7899. In Tagbilaran: Tagbilaran Shipping Agency, 51 Palma street, Tagbilaran city.

The fare from Tagbilaran to Cagayan and vice versa; starting from Peso 645.00(2nd class); Peso 775.00 (Tourist class); Cabin (960) Peso 1,100 (Presidential Suite).

The fare from Tagbilaran to Cebu and vice versa; starting from Peso 180.00(2nd class); Peso 240.00 (Tourist class); Cabin (345) Peso 445 (Presidential Suite).

For the schedules visit the Trans Asia Shipping Lines website.

Nr.	From	Departure	To	Arrival	Vessel
1	Cebu	Mon 12:00	Tagbilaran	Mon 16:30	MV Asia China
1	Tagbilaran	Sun 22:00	Cebu	Mon 02:30	MV Asia China
1	Tagbilaran	Mon 19:00	Cagayan	Tue 03:30	MV Asia China
2	Tagbilaran	Wed 19:00	Cagayan	Thu 03:30	MV Asia China
3	Tagbilaran	Fri 19:00	Cagayan	Sat 03:30	MV Asia China
1	Cagayan	Tues 19:00	Tagbilaran	Wed 03:30	MV Asia China
2	Cagayan	Thu 19:00	Tagbilaran	Fri 03:30	MV Asia China
3	Cagayan	Sat 19:00	Tagbilaran	Sun 03:30	MV Asia China

Cokaliong Shipping Lines

46 D. Jakosalem St., Cebu City Telephone: +63 32 71220/75941/2532262; +63 32 232 7211.

Cokaliong Shipping Lines sails weekly on the route Cebu to Tagbilaran. Tagbilaran office, Port area. Telephone: +63 38 501 8598 Website: www.cokaliongshipping.com.

The fare from Tagbilaran to Cebu and vice versa; starting from Peso 210 (Economy class); Peso 295.00 (Tourist class); Peso 920 (Suite room)

From	Departure	To	Arrival	Vessel
Cebu	Mon 18:30	Tagbilaran	Mon 23:30	M/V Filipinas Maasin
Tagbilaran	Tue 7:30	Cebu	Tue 12:00	M/V Filipinas Maasin

Lite Shipping Corporation

Lite Shipping Corporation operates on the route from Cebu Tagbilaran and Tubigon. Lite Shipping Corporation, Tagbilaran city 038 411 4724; 038 411 3074; 038 235 3270: Lite Shipping Corporation Office Cebu 032 255-1721 to 26; 032 414 9001 to 03, website:http://www.lite-shipping.com/.

The fare from Tagbilaran to Cebu and vice versa; starting from Peso 225.00 (Economy), up to Peso 395.00 (Business Class): Tubigon to Cebu and vice versa; starting from Peso 150.00 (Economy), up to Peso 200.00 (Business Class): Loon, Bohol to Argao, Cebu and vice versa; Peso 120

From	Departure	To	Arrival	Vessel
Cebu	Daily 22:00	Tagbilaran	Daily 03:00	San Ramon de Bohol
Cebu	Daily12:30	Tagbilaran	Daily 17:30	San Jose de Tagbilaran
Tagbilaran	Daily 22:30	Cebu	Daily 03:30	San Jose de Tagbilaran
Tagbilaran	Daily 12:00	Cebu	Daily 16:00	San Ramon de Bohol
Cebu	Daily 07:00	Tubigon	Daily 09:00	Lite Ferry 1
Cebu	Daily 19:00	Tubigon	Daily 21:00	Lite Ferry 1
Cebu	Daily 24:00	Tubigon	Daily 02:30	LCT Sto. Nino
Tubigon	Daily 07:00	Cebu	Daily 09:30	LCT Sto. Nino
Tubigon	Daily 12:00	Cebu	Daily 14:00	Lite Ferry 1
Tubigon	Daily 24:00	Cebu	Daily 02:00	Lite Ferry 1
Loon, Bohol	Tue-Sat 06:00	Argao, Cebu	Tue-Sat 08:00	LCT St. Mark
Loon, Bohol	Tue-Sat 10:00	Argao, Cebu	Tue-Sat 12:00	LCT St. Mark
Loon, Bohol	Tue-Sat 16:00	Argao, Cebu	Tue-Sat 18:00	LCT St. Mark
Loon, Bohol	Sun-Mon 09:00	Argao, Cebu	Sun-Mon 11:00	LCT St. Mark
Loon, Bohol	Tue-Sat 16:00	Argao, Cebu	Sun-Mon 18:00	LCT St. Mark
Argao, Cebu	Tue-Sat 04:00	Loon, Bohol	Tue-Sat 06:00	LCT St. Mark
Argao, Cebu	Tue-Sat 08:00	Loon, Bohol	Tue-Sat 10:00	LCT St. Mark
Argao, Cebu	Tue-Sat 12:00	Loon, Bohol	Tue-Sat 14:00	LCT St. Mark
Argao, Cebu	Sun-Mon 07:00	Loon, Bohol	Sun-Mon 09:00	LCT St. Mark
Argao, Cebu	Tue-Sat 11:00	Loon, Bohol	Sun-Mon 13:00	LCT St. Mark

Jadestar Shipping Lines

Jadestar Shipping Lines operates on the route from Tubigon to Cebu and vice versa. Tickets start at 150.00 peso and you can just buy your ticket on board.

2/F ADL Building, E. Perez street, Subangdaku Mandaue city. Telephone: +63 32 345 3745; +63 32 345 0263; +63 32 345 0265.

Trip Nr.	Frequency	From	Departure	To	Arrival
1	Daily	Tubigon	07:00	Cebu	09:00
2	Daily	Tubigon	08:15	Cebu	10:15
3	Daily	Tubigon	10:00	Cebu	12:00
4	Daily	Tubigon	11:50	Cebu	13:50
5	Daily	Tubigon	13:15	Cebu	15:10
6	Daily	Tubigon	18:00	Cebu	20:00
1	Daily	Cebu (Pier 3)	06:00	Tubigon	08:00
2	Daily	Cebu (Pier 3)	12:00	Tubigon	14:00
3	Daily	Cebu (Pier 3)	13:30	Tubigon	15:30
4	Daily	Cebu (Pier 3)	15:00	Tubigon	17:00
5	Daily	Cebu (Pier 3)	17:30	Tubigon	19:30
6	Daily	Cebu (Pier 3)	19:30	Tubigon	21:30

Please take note: Schedules are subject to change without prior notice. For daily schedules, fares and other destinations, please check out the shipping website.

How to go to Bohol Part II

2012-08-06T03:10:00.003-07:00

Fast Ferry Schedules

The most convenient way to get to Bohol from the neighboring islands is by fast ferry. Fast ferries offer a high speed passenger service, often using Singapore or Danish built catamaran type motorboats. These have a cruising speed of about 50 kilometers per hour. When you are on board, these boats resemble aircraft, including the safety instruction video just before departure. The fare is about three times the fare of a regular ferry. Some have a small open-air deck, where you can feel the breeze and watch the islands pass by, but others don't allow you to go outside during the trip. They are my favorite for island-hopping.

Note that the route via Tubigon is normally cheaper (also available by fastcraft), and can be faster, even when going to Tagbilaran, if you take a V-hire or bus from Tubigon to Tagbilaran.

Super Cat

SuperCat Fast Ferry Corporation, Pier 4 North Reclamation Area 6000 Cebu City.

Telephone: +63 32 233 7000 Fax:+63 32 234 9667 Email: SuperCat-Customercare@superCat.com.ph.

Website: www.supercat.com.ph.

SuperCat Bohol Ticketing Outlets:

ICM Alturas: Dao district, Tagbilaran City Telephone: +63 38 501 8380; ATSC U.B.: Maria Clara street, Tagbilaran City. Telephone: +63 38 501 8237; ATSC Pier: Pooc Pantalan, Tagbilaran City. Telephone: +63 38 501 8380; 2 Go Express Main: CPG Avenue, Tagbilaran City. Telephone: +63 38 411 4906; +63 38 501 9799; 2 Go Express Gallares: Gallares street, Tagbilaran City. Telephone: +63 38 411 3967; +63 38 501 0289; 2 Go Express Cogon: San Jose street, Dao district, Tagbilaran City. Telephone: +63 38 235 5241

Trip Nr.	Frequency	From	Departure	To	Arrival
1	Daily	Tagbilaran	10:30	Cebu	12:15
2	Daily	Tagbilaran	14:30	Cebu	16:15
3	Daily	Tagbilaran	18:30	Cebu	20:15
1	Daily	Cebu (Pier 4)	08:30	Tagbilaran	10:15
2	Daily	Cebu (Pier 4)	12:30	Tagbilaran	14:15
3	Daily	Cebu (Pier 4)	16:30	Tagbilaran	18:15

Ocean Jet

Website: http://www.oceanjet.net/.

Ocean Fast Ferries, Pier 1, Cebu Pier Area Cebu City. Telephone Cebu: +63 32 255 7560; +63 32 255 0115. E-mail: marketing@oceanjet.net; customerservice@oceanjet.net

The fare from Cebu to Tagbilaran and vice versa is Peso 800.00 (Tourist class), Peso 1000.00 (Business class)

The fare from Tagbilaran to Dumaguete and vice versa is Peso 650.00 (Tourist class), Peso 850.00 (Business class)

The fare from Tagbilaran to Dapitan and vice versa is Peso 900.00 (Tourist class) Peso 1,200.00 (Business class)

The fare from Tagbilaran to Larena and vice versa is Peso 700.00 (Tourist class) Peso 1000.00 (Business class)

Trip Nr.	Frequency	From	Departure	To	Arrival
1	Daily	Cebu (Pier 1)	06:00	Tagbilaran	07:40
2	Daily	Cebu (Pier 1)	09:30	Tagbilaran	11:20
3	Daily	Cebu (Pier 1)	13:50	Tagbilaran	15:30
4	Daily	Cebu (Pier 1)	15:35	Tagbilaran	17:30
5	Daily	Cebu (Pier 1)	18:00	Tagbilaran	19:40
1	Daily	Tagbilaran	07:05	Cebu	08:30
2	Daily	Tagbilaran	09:30	Cebu	11:10
3	Daily	Tagbilaran	11:35	Cebu	13:10
4	Daily	Tagbilaran	16:10	Cebu	17:50
5	Daily	Tagbilaran	18:00	Cebu	19:20
1	Daily	Tagbilaran	08:00	Dumaguete	09:40
2	Daily	Tagbilaran	17:45	Dumaguete	19:25
1	Daily	Dumaguete	07:30	Tagbilaran	09:10
2	Daily	Dumaguete	14:20	Tagbilaran	16:00
1	Daily	Tagbilaran	17:45	Siquijor	20:25
1	Daily	Siquijor	06:00	Tagbilaran	08:40
1	Daily	Tagbilaran	08:00	Dapitan	11:40
1	Daily	Dapitan	12:20	Tagbilaran	16:00

Weesam Express

Website: http://www.zimnet.com/weesam/php/contactus.php.

Weesam Express, Pier 4, beside former Water Jet Terminal. Telephone: +63 32 412-9562 +63 32 231 7737. E-mail: cebu@weesamexpress.com

Bohol ticket office is located inside the Tagbilaran Port Terminal. E-mail:tag@weesamexpress.com

The fare from Cebu to Tagbilaran and vice versa is Peso 400.00 for adult and 210.00 Children (Economy class); Peso 600.00 for Adult and 300.00 for Children (First class).

Trip Nr.	Frequency	From	Departure	To	Arrival
1	Daily	Tagbilaran	07:00	Cebu	09:00
2	Daily	Tagbilaran	11:30	Cebu	13:30
3	Daily	Tagbilaran	16:20	Cebu	18:20
1	Daily	Tagbilaran	08:10	Dumaguete	10:20
1	Daily	Dumaguete	14:00	Tagbilaran	16:20
1	Daily	Cebu (Pier 4)	09:00	Tagbilaran	11:00
1	Daily	Cebu (Pier 4)	12:00	Tagbilaran	14:00
2	Daily	Cebu (Pier 4)	14:00	Tagbilaran	16:00
3	Daily	Cebu (Pier 4)	18:20	Tagbilaran	20:20

Starcraft

MV Starcraft Fastcraft operates on the route from Tubigon to Cebu. The fare from Tubigon to Cebu and vice versa is Peso 200.00 (Economy), Peso 200.00 (Tourist class), Peso 280.00 (Business class).

Trip Nr.	Frequency	From	Departure	To	Arrival
1	Daily	Cebu (Pier 1)	05:45	Tubigon	06:45
2	Daily	Cebu (Pier 1)	07:00	Tubigon	08:00
3	Daily	Cebu (Pier 1)	08:30	Tubigon	09:30
4	Daily	Cebu (Pier 1)	10:30	Tubigon	11:30
5	Daily	Cebu (Pier 1)	12:30	Tubigon	13:30
6	Daily	Cebu (Pier 1)	14:00	Tubigon	15:00
7	Daily	Cebu (Pier 1)	15:30	Tubigon	16:30
8	Daily	Cebu (Pier 1)	17:30	Tubigon	18:30
1	Daily	Tubigon	07:00	Cebu	08:00
2	Daily	Tubigon	08:30	Cebu	09:30
3	Daily	Tubigon	11:00	Cebu	12:00
4	Daily	Tubigon	12:30	Cebu	13:30
5	Daily	Tubigon	14:00	Cebu	15:00
6	Daily	Tubigon	16:00	Cebu	17:00
7	Daily	Tubigon	17:45	Cebu	18:45
8	Daily	Tubigon	19:45	Cebu	20:45

SeaJet

SeaJet Fastcraft operates on the route from Tubigon to Cebu.

Trip Nr.	Frequency	From	Departure	To	Arrival
1	Daily	Cebu	07:45	Tubigon	08:45
2	Daily	Cebu	11:15	Tubigon	12:15
3	Daily	Cebu	14:55	Tubigon	15:55
4	Daily	Cebu	18:15	Tubigon	19:15
1	Daily	Tubigon	06:00	Cebu	07:00
2	Daily	Tubigon	09:30	Cebu	10:30
3	Daily	Tubigon	13:00	Cebu	14:00
4	Daily	Tubigon	16:30	Cebu	17:30

Please take note: Schedules are subject to change without prior notice. For daily schedules,fares and other destinations, please check out the shipping website or you can contact them directly.

How to go to Bohol?

2012-08-06T03:09:00.000-07:00

Getting to Bohol

Bohol is located in the central Philippines, and can be conveniently reached by air and boat. Please see How to go to Bohol Part II for schedules and fares when you opt to travel by Jet Ferries/Fast Ferries. And How to go to Bohol Part II for schedules and fares when you opt to travel by regular ferries.

Coming from abroad, you have two options: you can fly to Manila or Cebu. Cebu is the most convenient, but only a limited number of international flights will arrive there. Coming from Europe, you'll need to have a stop-over in either Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong, however, it will save you the hassle of going through Manila (including a transfer from NAIA to the domestic airport, and dealing with stricter luggage-weight restrictions on domestic flights).

If you come via Manila, you'll probably want to take a connecting flight to Tagbilaran, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is also possible to take a boat to Bohol, but will take 25 hours, and is only advisable if you have plenty of time at hand and enjoy a trip on sea, or have to travel on a rock-bottom budget or with a lot of luggage. Currently, there are numerous daily flights from Manila to Tagbilaran.

If you fail to catch a direct flight, you can also fly from Manila to Cebu, and then continue by boat. The flying time is about 50 minutes. The transfer by taxi from the airport to the pier takes about 30 minutes in normal traffic conditions, and should cost 165 pesos (2007).

It is always worthwhile to look for a promotional fare if you fly. You can save a considerable amount of money by asking around a little.

If you come via Cebu, you can take the one and a half hour trip with a fast boat to Tagbilaran. The regular boat to Tagbilaran will take about four hours. It is also possible to take a boat to Tubigon and Talibon, and a number of other towns on Bohol, which may be more convenient if you want to be on the west or north coast of the island.

The most economical way to get from Cebu to Tagbilaran by boat is to catch a ferry to Tubigon, and continue by bus from Tubigon to Tagbilaran. This is sometimes both faster and cheaper than taking a boat directly to Tagbilaran.

Note that security regulations on domestic flights in the Philippines no longer allow bringing liquids (such as perfumes and bottles of wine) as carry-on items into the cabin. Even if you had those liquids sealed by duty-free shops on the airport of origin, you may be forced to throw them away if you are not able to place them in your checked-in luggage.

Domestic Flight Schedules

Bohol is currently connected with Manila by several airline companies. Note that next to the listed airfare, you will also have to pay the applicable terminal fees.

Flights to nearby islands are also available. Mid-Sea Express offers flights from Tagbilaran to Cebu and Camiguin, using an 8-passenger Islander aircraft.

Please note that flight schedules and fares often change. For daily flight schedules, fares and other destinations, please check out the airline's website. Please inform us of any irregularities or changes in the schedules you are aware of.

Philippine Airlines

PAL flies from Manila to to Tagbilaran and vice-versa. Flight Info: 855-9999. Reservations: 855-8888. Website: www.philippineairlines.com. One-way fares start at about 3,300 pesos (including insurance).

Flight Nr.	Frequency	From	Departure	To	Arrival
PR 173	Daily	Manila [MNL]	05:30	Tagbilaran [TAG]	06:50
PR 175	Daily	Manila [MNL]	08:50	Tagbilaran [TAG]	10:10
PR 177	Daily	Manila [MNL]	14:35	Tagbilaran [TAG]	15:50
PR 174	Daily	Tagbilaran [TAG]	07:20	Manila [MNL]	08:25
PR 176	Daily	Tagbilaran [TAG]	10:40	Manila [MNL]	12:00
PR 178	Daily	Tagbilaran [TAG]	16:20	Manila [MNL]	17:35

The PAL schedules change often. For daily flight schedules please check out their website.

Cebu Pacific

Cebu Pacific also flies Manila to to Tagbilaran and vice-versa, and started on this route on 28 April 2004. Telephone: (02) 879-5964 (NAIA Helpdesk) Website: www.cebupacificair.com. Indication of one-way fare: Normal Fare Adult Peso 2,789.00 Child Peso 1,575.00 Infant Peso 315.00, plus insurance.

Flight Nr.	Frequency	From	Departure	To	Arrival
5J-617	Daily	Manila [MNL]	08:30	Tagbilaran [TAG]	09:45
5J-619	Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun	Manila [MNL]	12:00	Tagbilaran [TAG]	13:15
5J-621	Tue, Sat	Manila [MNL]	14:15	Tagbilaran [TAG]	15:35
5J-618	Daily	Tagbilaran [TAG]	10:15	Manila [MNL]	11:30
5J-620	Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun	Tagbilaran [TAG]	13:45	Manila [MNL]	15:05
5J-622	Tue, Sat	Tagbilaran [TAG]	16:05	Manila [MNL]	17:25

Air Philippines

Air Philippines also flies Manila to to Tagbilaran and vice-versa. The Air Philippines ticketing outlet is located in the PAL Terminal, Tagbilaran airport. Telephone:+63 38 4112232 or +63 38 4114226. Fax number:+63 38 411 3102. Website:http://www.airphils.com/.

Flight Nr.	Frequency	From	Departure	To	Arrival
2P 955	Daily	Manila [MNL]	09: 40	Tagbilaran [TAG]	10:55
2P 957	Daily	Manila [MNL]	13:30	Tagbilaran [TAG]	14:45
2P 956	Daily	Tagbilaran [TAG]	11:25	Manila [MNL]	12:40
2P 958	Daily	Tagbilaran [TAG]	15:15	Manila [MNL]	16:30

Zest Airways

Zest Airways also flies Manila to to Tagbilaran and vice-versa. For more information please check out their website: http://www.zestair.com.ph/.

Flight Nr.	Frequency	From	Departure	To	Arrival
Z2 350	Daily	Manila [MNL]	08:10	Tagbilaran [TAG]	09:30
Z2 352	Daily	Manila [MNL]	13:10	Tagbilaran [TAG]	14:30
Z2 351	Daily	Tagbilaran [TAG]	10:10	Manila [MNL]	11:30
Z2 353	Daily	Tagbilaran [TAG]	15:10	Manila [MNL]	16:30

Mid-Sea Express

Mid-Sea Express fliest from Tagbilaran to Cebu and Camiguin Island.

Frequency	From	Departure	To	Arrival	Flight Nr.
Tue, Fri, Sun	Cebu	09:00	Tagbilaran	09:20	MX 101
Mon, Tue, Fri	Tagbilaran	16:30	Cebu	16:50	MX 102
Tue, Fri	Tagbilaran	10:30	Davao	11:30	MX7601
Sun	Tagbilaran	10:00	Davao	11:00	MX7601
Mon, Tue, Fri	Davao	14:30	Tagbilaran	15:30	MX 702

For their other schedules (from Cebu), please consult the Mid-Sea Express website

Acting Governor Receives Cebu Pride Award

2009-08-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

Guam - Acting Governor Dr. Mike Cruz was presented with the 2009 “Garbo sa Sugbo” (“Pride in Cebu”) award by the Cebu Provincial Government on Aug. 5 at Capitol Social Hall in Cebu, Philippines.

In conjunction with the province of Cebu’s founding anniversary, the awards are given annually at the Governor’s Ball to a few select individuals who have made significant contributions in sharing and promoting Cebu’s culture.

Acting Governor Cruz was awarded specifically for outstanding achievement in service within the government of Guam, dedication and commitment to health care and humanitarian services, and faithfulness to his Filipino and Cebuano roots. His grandmother was born a Cebuano citizen.

“I am humbled by this award,” said Acting Governor Cruz. “My grandmother has always been proud of her Cebuano heritage. With this award, I feel her love for her homeland has come full circle, and I am proud of what this award represents.”

Other 2009 recipients of the award were Profoods International Corp., Cebu Arts Foundation Inc., and Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.

Cebu library for designers opened

2009-08-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

A MATERIALS library has been opened in Cebu to help engineers and furniture designers come up with new creations, said a resource center backed by the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP).

The library will allow artists and developers to “see, touch, and play” as a means to develop new end-products, said organizers.

They also made sure that majority of the materials in the libray would be indigenous and environment friendly.

The research and development library opened in Jagobiao, Mandaue City will contain samples of swatches and indigenous materials which can be used by artists, architects, and product developers come up with an end product that are often for export.

Funding support was also done by the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation with the Export Development Council. No amount was announced as to the expenses in operating such novel facility but the Materials Library is housed at the CFIF Information Centre.

“It will be open to the academe, opened for everyone as much as possible. We want to inspire designers and developers to come up with something new,” said Henry Schumacher, executive vice president of the ECCP.

World-class furnitures coming from Cebu's furniture industry are mostly exported to the European market.

CFIF President Eric Casas on the other hand described the new facility as a “breakthrough” as it paves the way for the availability and knowledge of non-traditional materials.

According to CFIF organizers, those who could profit most from this “quantum change” rarely had access to or knew how to maximize the creative or business potential of these swift changes.

“Foreseeing how busy design professionals and companies seeking to better their products could benefit from learning about the latest material innovations,” said Casas in a presentation during the press briefing.

Organizers added the over-all goal of the library is to link up the material swatches to existing material suppliers and to acquire eco-friendly material swatches.

The library is also envisioned to house not only the collection of material swatches and books, but will also be a venue for exhibitions, forums and classes on new materials and material uses.

In fact, according to Haufe, the facility is encouraging the academe to take advantage of the materials available at the library.

Haufe said that the library will contain mostly materials which will be displayed in the library are those that are indigenous to Cebu and the neighboring provinces so that product developers can easily access supplies of such materials if they wish to use such materials.

Casas also said that the mixing of materials in new products will be shown in the upcoming Cebu X exhibition of furnitures in the coming weeks.

Source:

Fashion show to highlight UP’s Con-Ass stand

2009-08-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

THE University of the Philippines Cebu College will conduct its annual activity called rampahan on Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. at the UP-Cebu grounds.

The rampahan activity or fashion show is a venue where students wear clothes that can express their stand on the constituent assembly or Con Ass, this year's rampahan theme.

Ana Coritha Desamparado, president of the UP Student Council, said they decided to have “Con Ass” as this year’s Rampahan theme since this is the hottest issue today.

Desamparado said the school organizations picked Con Ass over the other themes proposed, including reproductive health and 2010 election.

Grace Guiang, a fourth year Mass Communication student and the segment head of Rampahan, said aside from Con Ass, Rampahan will also tackle other issues relevant to the country.

Jayve Catubay, a sophomore Mass Communication student and a representative of the UP Students Theater Arts Guild for Education (Upstage) for this year’s Rampahan, said “I decided to join Rampahan to further my knowledge on Con Ass and to see the different interpretations of the students on the issue.”

Catubay said joining the fashion show challenges her to be more creative in terms of choosing which clothes to wear that may reflect their individual stand on Con Ass.

“Participating organizations will be given two minutes to present their respective views on Con Ass through rampahan,” Guiang said.

Aside from Rampahan, other activities lined up are the cookout and the band, singing and dancing contests.

The Cookout is organized by the senior Mass Communication students, the UP Student Council and the Organizations of UP.

Source:

Alternate sites for BPO companies emerging

2009-08-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

Metro Manila has a population of more than 10 million people spread across 17 cities and municipalities, excellent power and telecommunications infrastructure, and abundance of colleges and universities have made Metro Manila the largest business process outsourcing city in the world.

Metro Cebu, on the other hand, is now touted as the world’s largest emerging BPO city, ahead of the likes of Shanghai and Beijing in China, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Krakow in Poland and Kolkata in India, according to research firm Tholons.

But the country’s BPO universe stretches beyond these two urban centers.

Ten “cities” have actually proven themselves worthy of being placed on the list of areas most suitable for BPO operations in the country.

According to the Next Wave Cities 2009 report of the Business Processing Association of the Philippines, Commission on Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Trade and Industry, the Top 10 includes Metro Laguna, Metro Cavite, Iloilo City, Davao City, Bacolod City, Metro Pampanga, Bulacan East and West, Cagayan de Oro City and Lipa City.

These 10 “cities” have a combined absorptive capacity of 888,000. Current employment, however, is placed at a mere 35,000.

This means that these 10 areas, all already ripe to host BPO locators, can still absorb a workforce of more than 850,000.

Best three

The report shows that for 2008-2009, Metro Laguna is the best place for information technology and BPO operations outside of Metro Manila and Metro Cebu. Ready access to potential BPO workers is the primary reason for this.

The Metro Laguna area—composed of the cities and municipalities of Santa Rosa, Calamba, Los Baños, Cabuyao and San Pablo—has more than 7,000 graduates each year.

It can also attract graduates and workers from Metro Manila, as well as from nearby Southern Luzon provinces.

This area has an absorptive capacity of 206,000, but currently employs only 6,000 BPO workers.

Apart from its huge base of potential employees, other plus factors for Metro Laguna are its excellent power and telecommunications infrastructure, low vulnerability to natural disasters and the presence of several Philippine Economic Zone Authority zones.

Compared with others in the Top 10 Next Wave Cities list, however, it is relatively more expensive to operate in Metro Laguna.

BPO locators can also try setting up shop at No. 2 destination Metro Cavite, another Metro Manila neighbor that plays host to more than 5,000 graduates each year and is the country’s most populous province.

Its absorptive capacity is even bigger than that of Metro Laguna at 212,000, yet its current employment is pegged at only around 2,000.

Apart from having relatively good roads, power and telecommunications infrastructure, Metro Cavite is also close to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, a big consideration for BPO locators.

It has limited IT-BPO-specific infrastructure, however, and has no multistakeholder point of contact for investors.

But compared with Metro Laguna, rental rates in Metro Cavite are lower.

Rounding up the Top 3 Next Wave Cities is Iloilo.

Touted as the most cost-efficient city in the list, Iloilo offers potential BPO investors the lowest average wage, rental and power rates among the Top 10.

BPO locators can tap the city’s more than 17,000 graduates a year, although they may have difficulty sourcing additional talent, as the talent pool in the city’s immediate vicinity is quite small.

The city’s current BPO workforce of just 4,000 is way below its estimated absorptive capacity of 22,000.

But investors will have to take into consideration the absence of international flights in the city’s airport, power supply problems and slow construction of IT-BPO infrastructure.

The next frontier

While it has the distinction of being the only city outside of Metro Manila with more than a million people, Davao City is one of the most underutilized potential BPO sites in the country, due mainly to blanket travel advisories that are usually issued against Mindanao as a whole.

The city produces more than 11,000 graduates a year, and also offers potential locators reasonably priced IT-BPO facilities and competitively priced labor and power.

It has both an international airport with international flights and good hotels.

Its growth, however, is hampered by the negative perception of Mindanao in general. Contrary to this bad image, Davao City has one of the most effective police forces in the country, and the peace and order situation in the area is stable.

Bacolod City is another choice BPO spot, having been recognized as the city with the best business environment.

The local government unit helps facilitate the Peza accreditation process and also helps prepare its graduates for work in the BPO sector.

It also provides ready assistance to BPO firms that may encounter any problems during the course of their operation.

But as with most areas in the Visayas and Mindanao, power supply is a problem.

Infrastructure haven

In terms of infrastructure, sixth placer Metro Pampanga offers the best. Centered on the Clark Freeport Zone and including Angeles City and Mabalacat, the area provides BPO locators with an international airport and an efficient road network, as well as reliable and redundant power and telecom infrastructure.

Metro Pampanga also offers access to more than 30,000 graduates a year, institutionalized investor services, an active ICT council and BPO-ready sites that are also Peza-accredited.

But these perks come with a price, as Metro Pampanga has the highest rental and wage rates outside Metro Manila. Low power rates help offset these high costs.

Two other generally untapped potential BPO sites are located in Bulacan—the Baliuag-Marilao-Meycauayan areas in the east and the Malolos-Calumpit areas in the west.

Located relatively close to both Metro Manila and Metro Pampanga, these two key areas in Bulacan occupy the seventh and eighth spots in the Next Wave Cities Top 10 for 2008-2009.

Being near two other Next Wave areas gives Bulacan East and West access to thousands of graduates and workers, in addition to its own 5,000 graduates a year.

While having an absorptive capacity of as much as 300,000, the biggest among the Top 10, there are no BPO firms operating in the two areas.

Its rise to the seventh and eighth spots on the Top 10, however, has prompted the creation of an ICT Council, which will have to quickly address the lack of BPO-ready office space in the province.

Growth potential

Another Mindanao city on the list, Cagayan de Oro City, gives BPO firms another option if they want to escape the already-saturated Metro Manila area. Offering among the lowest rental and wage rates among the Top 10 locations, Cagayan de Oro is considered the most cost-competitive.

Despite having no tertiary schools within its immediate periphery, the city produces more than 6,000 graduates a year and also has access to another 6,000 within commuting distance.

If it plans to take advantage of the BPO boom, the city government should address the relatively high crime rate in the area, as well as prepare additional power capacity to prevent a shortage in the future.

Rounding up the Top 10 is Lipa City in Batangas, which has already proven its position as a BPO host with a huge potential for growth.

Lipa currently plays host to TeleTech and Advanced Contact Solutions, which have a combined employee count of around 1,500. Another 800 people work for smaller IT-BPO players in the area.

The city, however, has yet to put up an ICT Council that will make it easier for IT-BPO companies to set up shop in the area.

New list

By November, CICT chair Ray Anthony Roxas-Chua III said a new Top 10 list of Next Wave Cities would be released.

“Although we’ve already assessed around 40 areas, we want to focus on promoting just 10 at a time. We want to get into that mode where potential investors already have mindshare on our BPO cities. We hope this will serve as an incentive for cities to further develop, to enable them to get into the Top 10,” he said.

IBP Cebu reaches out to towns

2009-08-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

Cebu Daily News

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu Chapter headed by its president, Ramsey Quijano, has included in their agenda a monthly community outreach program designed to benefit all the municipalities of Cebu province.

The program, dubbed as “Kusina Sa IBP and Lecture Series,” includes feeding activity for the undernourished children; lectures on legal topics; free legal assistance and sports activities between IBP Cebu and the host local government unit.

The IBP Cebu launched the program last June 27, with the municipality of Argao in southern Cebu as the first beneficiary.

The members of the chapter, assisted by the teachers, gave feeding to the more than 400 undernourished pupils of Argao Central School.

Lawyers Felipe Velasquez, Glenn Ronquillo and Christian Bacalso took turns in discussing various topics, such as the Katarungan Pambarangay Law and the Republic Act 9262 or the Law on Violence Against Women and Children in the lecture forum attended by the barangay captains and the barangays’ Lupon representatives, including Lupon secretary.

Another lecture designed for the police officers and barangay tanods was conducted by lawyers Lolito Barbajo, Ed Rosello, Arvin Odron, Mauro Licen and Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Lolita Lomanta.

The lecture included topics on Law and Jurisprudence on search and seizure, arrest, custodial investigation, Miranda doctrine, human rights, victims' compensation and witness protection and dangerous drugs.

A lecture on the New Fisheries Code and a special lecture on search and seizure and arrest was conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources was conducted for the fish wardens and the Bantay Dagat Commission.

A free legal assistance was offered by lawyers Dindo Perez, IBP Cebu vice president, and Edgar Seguerra to the more than 20 constituents of the town.

A basketball game between the local government unit of Argao and the IBP Cebu culminated the activity where IBP won over Argao with a score of 87-60.

Source:

talisay city

2009-08-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Talisay City map

Talisay City is a 3rd class city in the province of Cebu, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 179,359 people.

Talisay is known for its "Inasal Baboy" (Roasted Pig). Its name is taken from the 'Mantalisay' tree which is abundant in the city. It is primarily a residential and trading center. Talisay City is part of a metropolitan area known as Metro Cebu.

Barangays

Talisay City is administratively subdivided into 22 barangays.

Biasong
Bulacao
Cadulawan
Camp IV
Cansojong
Dumlog
Jaclupan
Lagtang
Lawaan I
Lawaan II
Lawaan III

Linao
Maghaway
Manipis
Mohon
Poblacion
Pooc
San Isidro
San Roque
Tabunok
Tangke
Tapul

PGMA finds ally in economics professor from Cebu

2009-08-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

by Roberto M. Cabardo

Cebu City (27 July) -- Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo finds an ally in an Asian Institute of Management Awardee for Economics who is a university professor of Economics here in Cebu City.

Dr. Ma. Victoria Sy of the University of San Jose-Recoletos Graduate School of Business and Management said that “in fairness the President did her best to lead the Philippines to progress” and that she hopes her successor will continue whatever good economic programs she (PGMA) has done for the country.

Professor Sy rated the President’s performance in the past nine years with a Grade of 8 and reasoned that her rating is based on the fact that Arroyo despite all the negative remarks about her really did her best to spur economic activity in the country.

This economist expects though that Arroyo will set her as to how the country can survive and progress even after she shall have left Malacanang next year.
Sy has been teaching Economics, Management and Finance in the University of San Jose-Recoletos and has earned the respect of students and colleagues not only here but also abroad who has been a lecturer even to select students in Thailand and in the Philippines. (PIA Cebu)

Source

Sumilon Island, Cebu

2009-07-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

Sumilon Island Beach

Sumilon Island Clear Water

Aerial view - Sumilon Island

Sumilon Island Beach

The serenity surrounding tiny Sumilon (meaning "take refuge") is a graceful invitation to open air seclusion. The island's breathtaking ocean views, lush tropical environment, and tranquil seas give you the space and peace to unwind. Clear blue waters with varying aquamarine hues, shifting white sands and the popular coral gardens of its marine sanctuary provide that unique ambiance.

The 24-hectare coral island, located on the southeastern tip of Cebu, is home to Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort.

HOW TO GET THERE

CEBU CITY TO SUMILON ISLAND
There are daily flights between Manila and Cebu City. From Cebu City, guests can take a scenic drive through the southern coastal towns of mainland Cebu. The ride offers glimpses of both Filipino urban and rural life, as well as its historical past that help form the local culture. Once outside the city limits, a relaxing trip begins through a tree-canopied highway with breathtaking views of the eastern seashores. The following are towns and places of interest along the way:

Carcar
Location : 46.3 km.South of Cebu City
Town Fiesta : November 25
Patron Saint : St. Catherine of Alexandria
Places of Interest:
-Balay’ng Tisa (Don Ramon Sarmiento’s Manor, built Feb. 2, 1859)
- Spanish Kiosk
-17th century church
-Villadolid Watchtowers
-Monument of Leon Kilat
- Caves in Barangay Mainit

Argao
Location : 66.9 km. South of Cebu City
Town Fiesta : September 28 - 29
Patron Saint Michael Archangel
Places of Interest:
-Beaches (Mahayahay, Mahawak, Kawit,Sunshine, Looc)
-Cave Lantoy (with streams, lake and spring inside it)
-Cave Kahilum (Bats live inside)
-Balay ug Colon Cave

Dalaguete
Location : 85.1 kms.S of Cebu City
Town Fiesta : February 9 - 10
Patron Saint : San Guillermo
Places of Interest:
-Centuries-old church
-Mantalongon Market
-Osmeña Peak
-Beach resorts

Boljoon
Location : 103 km South of Cebu City
Town Fiesta : 2nd Sunday of November
Patron Saint : San Patrocinio de Maria
Places of Interest:
-Centuries old church with separate belfry
-Eli - natural barrier against Moro raids Watchtowers

Oslob
Location : 117 kms. South of Cebu
Town Fiesta : December 8
Patron Saint : Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepcion
Places of Interest:
-Old Spanish cuartel ruins
-1788 church belfry
-Spanish era gazebo
-Nigad tree - centuries old legendary tree
- “Mainit” medicinal hot springs
-Sumilon Island - Marine Sanctuary, ideal for deep sea diving
-St. Joseph Church - Nueva Caceres

Source:

Distributor of food supplements based in Cebu to introduce more products

2009-07-31T08:55:00.000-07:00

CEBU CITY — Food supplement distributor Uniherb Corp. plans to introduce 12 more products over the next three years.

Slimming product Slima and male potency supplement Hardman will be launched later this year. Athan, which is for vertigo, was recently launched. Nine more new brands, including a cure-all supplement, are in the pipeline.

Jonathan Guardo, Uniherb president, said the food supplements market has not been affected much by the economic slowdown because more consumers are becoming health-conscious.

The Cebu-based Uniherb, which is owned by the Guardo family, currently markets Arthro to manage arthritis, Diabet for diabetics, anti-cholesterol Heartvit, Kidney Care and Eye Berry.

"We are very confident because the people now prioritize their health. There’s a slowdown but it’s not as prominent as in other sectors. All players are still launching new products," he said.

Source: http://www.bworldonline.com/BW072709/content.php?id=046

University of San Carlos

2009-07-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

University of San Carlos logo

University of San Carlos - South campus (formerly Girls High)
Address: Corners J. Alcantara St., P. Del Rosario Ext. and V. Rama Avenue.

University of San Carlos-North campus (formerly Boys High)
Address: Gen. Maxilom Ave., Cebu City

Talamban campus (TC - Technological Center)
Address: Talamban, Cebu City

University of San Carlos-Main Campus
Address: P. del Rosario St., Cebu City

The University of San Carlos is an education institution in Cebu City. It is the oldest school in the Philippines, established by Spanish Jesuits in 1595, and it is a Roman Catholic school of higher learning governed by the Society of the Divine Word since 1935. It offers pre-elementary and basic education as well as undergraduate and graduate courses, and a broad spectrum of academic programs through its eight colleges.

As the business and tourist hub of Southern Philippines, Metro Cebu provides Carolinians (as USC students are called) with a cosmopolitan setting where malls are just a few minutes away from the beaches, heritage towns, or mountain resorts.

With its four campuses housing all levels of educational programs that include eight colleges and 27 departments, USC is truly a “universe-city” in its own right. International linkages now External Affairs and a steady influx of foreign students and visiting professors have made USC a multicultural academic community bonded by the common pursuit for global standards.

Course Offered:

Doctor in Business Administration
Doctor of Education
Doctor of Management
Master of Arts in Business Administration
Master of Arts in Education
Master of Arts in Education in Educational Administration
Master of Arts in Elementary Education
Master of Arts in Philosophy
Master of Arts in Teaching
Master of Education
Master of Engineering
Master of Management
Master of Science in Information Technology
Master of Science in Management Engineering
Bachelor of Arts in English
Bachelor of Arts in English Language
Bachelor of Arts in Library Science
Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Elementary Education
Bachelor of Elementary Education major in English
Bachelor of Elementary Education major in Filipino
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Commerce
Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Banking and Finance
Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Economics
Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Management
Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Management Accounting
Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Marketing
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Economics
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Information Management
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Office Administration
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Tourism
Bachelor of Secondary Education
Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Biology
Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English
Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Filipino
Bachelor of Secondary Education major in History
Associate in Accounting
Associate in Computer Office Administration
Associate in Computer Technology
Associate in Hotel and Restaurant Management
Associate in Tourism
Diploma in Small Business Management

Campuses
Main Campus, Talamban Campus, North Campus, and South Campus.
How to get there

By Land Travel

New students and visitors from outside Cebu coming for the first time may reach USC by every available means of public transportation. Taxicabs available at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and at the Cebu Port area are the easiest and most convenient way to get from those entry points to the Main Campus in downtown Cebu. All taxis in Cebu are air-conditioned and metered. Flag-down rate is P30 and P2.50 for every 300 meters traveled thereafter.

For getting around the city, the cheapest way is the jeepney, the colorful “mobile folk art” first invented when some enterprising guys extended the US Army jeep into a minibus right after World War II. Jeepneys have fixed routes indicated on the sides of the vehicle. Fare ranges between the minimum of P6 and P10.
For example, the route from the Main Campus to Talamban Campus is P10. Jeepneys with code numbers 13B, 13C, 62B, or 62C ply this route. For the minimum fare, O1A jeepneys take you from the Main Campus to the South Campus, and those coded 04C will shuttle you to the North Campus. It’s a must for students skimping on their allowance and foreigners looking for exotic cheap thrills.
back to top

By Air Travel

Students benefit greatly from the recent boom in cheap air travel for both domestic and international routes. As the country’s second largest facility, the MCIA is a busy hub for major international and local airlines. Located in Lapu-lapu City in Mactan Island, the international airport is only 15 kilometers away from Cebu City.

The following is a list of airlines serving the MCIA:

Domestic

* Air Philippines (http://www.airphils.com/)
* Asian Spirit (http://www.asianspirit.com/)
* Cebu Pacific (http://www.cebupacificair.com/)
* Philippine Airlines (http://www.philippineairlines.com/)
* South East Asian Airlines (http://flyseair.com/)

International

* Asiana Airlines (http://us.flyasiana.com/Global/US/en/index)
* Cathay Pacific (www.cathaypacific.com)
* Cebu Pacific (http://www.cebupacificair.com/)
* Korean Air (http://www.koreanair.com/)
* Malaysia Airlines (http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/)
* Mandarin Airlines (http://www.mandarin-airlines.com/)
* Philippine Airlines (http://www.philippineairlines.com/)
* Qatar Airways (http://www.qatarairways.com/)
* Silkair (http://www.silkair.com/)

By Sea Travel

With its fine harbors, Cebu City is also the hub for local and international shipping. A number of ships with a capacity of 2,000 to 4,000 passengers ply the more distant routes such as Manila, Davao, Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro. They offer slow but cheaper and more luxurious travel, complete with disco, arcades, restaurants, souvenir shops, karaoke and live entertainment on board.

Smaller inter-island ferries and fastcrafts also ply most routes from Cebu to the provinces. Cheap travel by boat delights local students going home to nearby towns and cities, and foreign ones eager for a change of scenery during the sembreak and summer vacations.

Contact Nos.

Main Campus
Connecting All Depts. 253-1000
Academic Affairs-Vice President 254-6694
Fax 253-7989
Administration-Vice President (Telefax) 253-8895
Admissions Office 255-8392
ALF Verbum Design 255-8154
Arts & Sciences, Dean (Telefax) 253-7193
Canteen,Steyler 256-2824
Carolinians Inc. (Telefax) 253-7507
Catholic Trade Cebu, Inc. 254-2884; 253-7867
Center for Religious Education (CREED) 253-9832
Commerce, Dean (Telefax) 253-3166
Credit Union (Telefax) 255-4208
DYDW Radio Station-FM 253-8183
DYRF radio Station-AM 253-8846
Finance-Vice President 253-1012
Purchasing (Telefax) 253-7699
Information Resource Management
IRM-ACS (Telefax) 254-6025
IRM-TNS & HDS 254-6644; Telefax 254-7268
International Linkages Office (Telefax) 253-7183
JPIC/IDC 254-7459; 253-325; Telefax 256-3463
Library System, Director (Telefax) 254-0432
President 254-1006; Fax 255-4341
Registrar (Telefax) 256-3305
Research Office (Telefax) 254-7742
Scholarships Office (Telefax) 253-5495
Testing Center (Telefax) 255-2433

North Campus
Connecting All Depts. (Telefax) 233-3145; 231-4012
Accounting 231-8706
Canteen,Steyler 234-1146
Clinic/Regitrar 233-7703
Elementary PTA 231-0273
Pricipal 232-4095
Steyler Inc.-Accounting 231-1013
Steyler Inc.-manager (Telefax) 231-8723

South Campus
Connecting All Depts. 254-0117; Fax 261-9586
Canteen,Steyler 255-1557
IRM-TNS & HDS 255-1284
Montessori 254-9385
Student Affairs Services-SGS 235-0760

Talamban Campus
Connecting All Depts. 344-3801
Admin TC, Telefax 346-0351
Arts & Sciences (CAS) 419-3004
Bursar 346-7939
Canteen,Steyler 345-1327
Chemical Eng'g., Chair (Telefax) 344-6783
Chemistry, Chair (Telefax) 344-6715
Civil Engineering, Chair (Telefax) 346-4615
EE/ECE, Chair (Telefax) 346-1099
IRM-TNS & HDS 346-7930
Maintenance & Calibration (Fax) 346-7920
Office of the Population Studies (OPS) 346-0102; Fax 346-6050
Physics, Chair (Telefax) 346-4614
Retreat House 419-7520
SMED (Telefax) 344-3512
Water Laboratory 345-3811
Water Resource Center 346-7941; 344-0523; Fax 346-0583

Source: www.usc.edu.ph

Fort San Pedro

2009-07-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

Entrance - Fort San Pedro

One of the cannons that lined the battlement of Fort San Pedro

the marker on the wall near the entrance at Fort San Pedro

museum

Fuerza de San Pedro is a military defence structure, built by Spanish and indigenous Cebuano labourers under the command of Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi and the Spanish Government in Cebu. It is located in the area now called Plaza Indepedencia, in the Pier Area of Cebu City, Philippines. The smallest, oldest triangular bastion fort in the country was built in 1738 to repel Muslim raiders. In turn, it served as a stronghold for Filipino revolutionaries near the end of the 19'th Century. This served as the nucleus of the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. The fort is triangular in shape, with two sides facing the sea and the third side fronting the land. The two sides facing the sea were defended with artillery and the front with a strong palisade made of wood. The three bastions were named La Concepcion (SW); Ignacio de Loyola (SE), and San Miguel (NE). It has a total inside area of 2,025 sq. Meters. The walls are 20 feet (6.1 m) high, 8 feet (2.4 m) thick and the towers are 30 feet (9.1 m) high from the ground level. The circumference is 1,248 feet (380 m). The sides are of unequal lengths and the one fronting the city is where one may find entry into the Fort. Fourteen cannons were mounted in their emplacements most of which are still there today. Work first started on May 8, 1565 with Miguel Lopéz de Legazpi breaking ground.

Little was known about the activity of the fort from the time it was built until two centuries later in 1739 when the King of Spain, Philip II desired information regarding the island of Cebu, Governor General Tanon, who was the Spanish ruler of the Islands at the time made the following reports: Fuerza San Pedro, the fort is described as built of stone mortar with a terraplein where guns are mounted. The fort contains the necessary buildings. The largest of these buildings was the "Cuerpo de Guardia" where the personnel that manned the fort lived. Adjacent to it was the "Vivende del Teniente" which was the living quarters of the lieutenant of the Fort. In between the aforementioned buildings is a well. At one corner attached to the walls of the bastion San Miguel (NE) was the "Alamazaros del Rivera" (powder magazine where the fort's supply or arms and gunpowder from Manila were stored).

How to get there

The easiest way to get there if you’re taking public transport is by riding a taxi. All cab drivers know where it is. From the uptown area, it’s a 70 pesos taxi ride. If youu’re taking the cab from Lapu-Lapu City, the ride may cost you 180 pesos.

If you want to go there Pinoy style, take the Philippine icon of mass transportation, the jeepney. Several jeepneys have routes that pass the place. Look for jeepneys with Pier 2 or Plaza signboards in their windshields.

Magellan's Cross

2009-07-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

The Magellan kiosk that houses the cross

A plague below the Magellan's Cross

The Magellan's Cross

Magellan's Cross is a Christian cross planted by Portuguese, and Spanish explorers as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan upon arriving in Cebu in the Philippines on April 21, 1521.

This cross is housed in a chapel next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño on Magallanes Street (Magallanes being the Spanish name of Magellan), just in front of the city hall of Cebu City. A sign below the cross describes the original cross is encased inside the wooden cross that is found in the center of the chapel. This is to protect the original cross from people who chipped away parts of the cross for souvenir purposes or in the belief that the cross possesses miraculous powers.Some people, however, believe that the original cross had been destroyed or had disappeared after Magellan's death, and the cross is a replica that was planted there by the Spaniards after they successfully colonized the Philippines.

Magellan's Cross is a symbol of Cebu, and the chapel's image can be found in its city seal. It is also seen as the symbol of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines.

How to get there

Shell and woodcraft vendors outside Magellan's CrossMagellan’s Cross is right in front of the old Cebu City Hall building, which is now being renovated as a legislative building, in downtown Cebu near the port area. The easiest way to go to the area is to take a taxi, all drivers know where it is. If you’re from the uptown area, the taxi ride may cost you around P60. If you’re coming from Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island, the taxi fare may be around P200.

If you feel adventurous and you want to tour Cebu City via public transport, you can take one of the many public utility jeepneys with routes passing near the area. Just check the jeepney’s signboard, usually on the windshield, if it says City Hall or Basilica (for the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino, which is right next to Magellan’s Cross).

Source

Camotes Islands

2009-07-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Camotes Islands Beaches & Resorts

Camotes Island Beach

The Camotes Islands are a group of islands that form part of the province of Cebu, in the Philippines. The island group is located east of Cebu Island, southwest of Leyte Island, and north of Bohol Island.

The Camotes is composed of the following five islands and municipalities:

* Poro: the municipalities of Poro
* Tudela.
* Pacijan: the sole municipality of San Francisco.
* Ponson: the sole municipality of Pilar.
* Tulang: part of the barangay of Esperanza, which is part of San Francisco.

The islands of Pacijan and Poro are connected by a paved road. Ponson is separated by the Camotes Sea, lying about four kilometers northeast of Poro. Tulang is located off the northern tip of Pacijan.

The Camotes are low-lying islands. There is only one hill on Pacijan and another hill on Poro. These hills are used by a telecommunications company for relay stations. Pacijan has a fresh-water lake around two kilometers in length. Palm trees are the dominant plant on the islands. There are also numerous native varieties of fruit trees and other plants.

Origin

The word camotes is Mexican for sweet potatoes.

Languages

Porohanon or Camotes Visayan is spoken in the town of Poro only. The dialect is very similar to the dialect of Cebuano which is spoken in the rest of Camotes Islands and throughout the province of Cebu, Northern Mindanao and other parts of the Visayas. Porohanon is distinguished by the way the locals substitute the /y/ sound for /z/. Example: Maayong buntag (good morning) in Cebuano would be changed to Maazong buntag in Porohanon. Na-a diha (in cebuano), Ara dira ( in porohanon )

Camotes Island Transportation
Access to the island is by boat. There are daily boats from mainland Cebu to Camotes Island.

E.B. Aznar Shipping:
The travel time is a leisurely 4 hours on a clean and comfortable large boat. The boat docks at Poro Island port. You can board on this boat at Pier 2 in Cebu.

The Aznar boat leaves daily at 9:00pm from Cebu and arrives in Camotes Island at 1:00am. From Camotes Island, the boat leaves at 11:00am and arrives in Cebu City at 3:00pm.
Fares from Cebu to Camotes Island and vice versa:
Tourist: P280.00 pesos
Economy: P220.00

However, if you miss this boat, you will have to travel north of Cebu to Danao City, which is about an hours' drive north of Cebu. There are other smaller outrigger boats, which takes you to the island, in 2.5 or 3 hours depending on the sea's temperament. This is not the most comfortable ride, but i can sure you, a very interesting one. You will have an opportunity to sit next to chickens, cows, and pigs,, and people retching out of nausea, and motionsickness !

Camotes Island Pumpboats to Camotes Island:
From Ouano Wharf, Mandaue City daily at 1:00pm/
Fare: P200.00
From Danao City to Camotes Island/
Fare: P 180.00

From Ormoc, Leyte to Tudela, Camotes Island:
Pumpboats departs at 09:00AM and 01:00PM
Travel Time - 3 hrs.

Camotes Island light and water
The two major sources of lighting is power and kerosene which are utilized by 43.9% and 55.5% of the sample house holds, respectively. Common source of water on the island is the community water system consisting of public faucets and individual (private faucets), at 40.6% and 23.8% respectively. Around 16.1% indicate tube/pipe well as a source of water; a 0.3% dug wells; and 5.2% spring. A 220V. The power depends on Camotes Electric Cooperative (CELCO) that energizes the mainland Camotes spring water by gravity. Jetmatic and deepwell pumps are great source of water. Some parts of the island, don't have water supply. They keep big water container jars and collect rain water during the rainy season.
camotes rain

Camotes Island communication
A postal service office and telecommunication offices provide communication services. Otherwise, a cellular phone is accessible in all parts of the island. Landlines are also available for business and residential purposes which is powered by Globelines communication.

Since there are landlines like globelines, a dial up service is available. Smart offers WIFI in Camotes, but they need to come up with more customers before they can offer the service to the island. Not many people in camotes owns a computer so it may take a while for SMART to offer this service.PLDT(Philippines Long Distance Telephone) offers a wireless internet connection that would be applicable to all the islands all over the Philippines.

Mactan Island

2009-07-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

Shangrila Hotel & Resort

Shangrila Hotel & Resort

Resort in Mactan Island

Aerial view - Mactan Island

Mactan is an island located a few kilometers off Cebu, in the Philippine Islands. The island is part of the Province of Cebu, and is divided into Lapu-Lapu City, and the municipality of Cordova. The island is connected to Cebu by the two bridges one of which is the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, and the Mactan Bridge.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the country's second busiest airport, is located on Mactan Island.

The only aquarium attraction in the Visayas is also located on the island.

Mactan Geography
Location: South East Asia
Archipelago: Visayas
Major islands Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Masbate, Negros, Panay, Samar
Country: Philippines island.
Largest city Lapu-Lapu (217,019)
Demographics
Population: 251,051 (as of 2000)
Ethnic groups: Visayan (Cebuano)

San Miguel Corporation

2009-07-21T08:45:00.000-07:00

San Miguel Brewery Plant-Mandaue City

San Miguel Brewery, Incorporated, now San Miguel Corporation established its first soft drink plant outside Manila in Cebu City. The Cebu Royal Plant was established in 1940 and it became operational on November of 1941 under the management of Mr. J.B. Preysler. Main product of this plant was soft drinks – Coca-Cola and Royal and distributor of beer in Visayas and Mindanao.

When World War II came, it fell to the hands of the Japanese Military Government. A new line of soft drink was bottled, using vinegar extract for carbonation and a new management was formed under Mr. Jose Corrales.

The rehabilitation of the Cebu Plant was effected after the liberation in 1945 and reopened in 1946. In 1949, it bought the franchise for ice production and distribution and named it the Visayan Ice and Cold Storage Plant besides the old Cebu Royal Plant along Martires Street. It did not last long because Magnolia sales office was opened in 1954 and produced ice cream, frozen delights and Anchor butter. Due to the economic growth at that time and increase of demand of their products, San Miguel expanded its operations still in Cebu due to its center of economic activities in Central and Southern Philippines. Mandaue was then selected as the site of the new modern complex. The year 1964 was the start of the construction and eventually inaugurated in February 8, 1968. From that year on, SMC became a landmark, not only in Mandaue but in the entire province. The industrial complex, about 27.1 hectares was like a village of its own. It is self-supporting. It occupies of what use to be farmlands in Tipolo. It has its own automotive repairs and maintenance shop and training center, warehouses for materials and ingredients used in the products of the different plants, glass plant, engineering building, a fire station and security office, sports facilities such as pelota, basketball and tennis courts, training center for the physical and intellectual upliftment of its 3,000 or so employees, staff houses for key official who are on call, a water treatment plant, a fuel treatment plant, gasoline station, LPG tank farm, fuel tanks, paint vault and storage building, BMD sales office and bodega, industrial gas storage shed, a cullet crushing shed, a GSD central stores, medical clinic, guest house, a metal closure plant, plastic case plant, power plant and a wharf which is about 2.5 kilometers from the complex.

source: http://www.mandauecity.gov.ph/festival/otherlandmarks.htm

SM City Cebu inlcuding its North wing, Cyberzone, and IMAX Theaters

2009-07-20T08:38:00.000-07:00

SM City Cebu logo

SM City Cebu's Northwing facade

SM City Cebu is a large shopping mall in Cebu City, Philippines. It is the 4th largest shopping mall owned and operated by SM Prime Holdings, the country's largest mall operator, and it is the company's first shopping mall outside of Metro Manila. It has a land area of 11.8 hectares and a gross floor area of 268,611 m² (2,891,305 sq. ft.), becoming part of the world's 15 largest shopping malls and making it the 11th largest shopping mall in the world in 2009.

On an average day, more than 100,000 people visit SM City Cebu, with the figure increasing to 140,000 to 150,000 on weekends.[6] Due to Cebu City's position as a transshipment point for the Visayas and Mindanao, and SM City Cebu's location close to the city's port area, the mall attracts a significant number of transient shoppers.

The mall first opened in November 1993, and is seen as catering to the broad middle class of shoppers, in contrast to its upscale competitor Ayala Center Cebu which opened a few months later. An expansion wing particularly targeting upper class customers was added in 2007.

Facts and statistics
Location: Cebu City
Address: North Reclamation Area, Mabolo, Cebu City
Opening date: November 1993
Developer: SM Prime Holdings
Owner: SM Prime Holdings
No. of stores and services: 700+[1]
Total retail floor area: 268,611 m² (2,891,305 sq. ft.)
No. of floors: 4
Website: SM Prime Holdings

The Northwing

Construction on SM City Cebu's expansion building, dubbed the Northwing, began in March 2006.[8] The expansion, which was developed at a cost of P1.3 billion (US$30.5 million), was built on the parking lot to the north of the existing building, temporarily decreasing the number of parking spaces by more than 30%.The Northwing was started in April 2007, and opened in November 2007, featuring spacious hallways catering to the leisure market and upper class customers, while the previously existing mall, redubbed the Southwing, is targeted to those who "love the hustle and bustle".[9] It increased the total gross floor area of SM City Cebu by 107,049 m², for a total of 268,611 m².

Cyberzone

SM Cebu is no longer holding back on giving us the best shopping experience. With their latest addition of the North Wing, shoppers have become more excited and eager to go to one of Cebu’s premier malls. Just recently, SM City Cebu Cyberzone located on the 2nd level of the North Wing was opened to bring all IT enthusiasts all in one place to have a chance to choose a wide variety of the latest gadgets and other IT related stuffs. Cebu is fortunate enough to have the biggest Cyberzone in Mindanao and Visayas.

SM City Cebu Cyberzone

Now you can enjoy a one-stop Information Technology related mainstream and high-end products all in one area of the mall. At around 4,127 square meters, it is more than enough to accommodate a whole lot of IT shops. Here you can stay up to date with technology and its enhancements. From cellular phones to the famous iPods you can find it at the Cyberzone.

SM City Cebu Cyberzone Retailers

SM City Cebu Cyberzone

Shops like Aerophone, AirTouch, Junrex and a lot more will help you get the best deals on Cellular phones. After a great time shopping, have a sip of good coffee at Chaikofi just located at the same floor. Now there’s no reason not to visit SM Cebu.

IMAX THEATERS

SM to open 3D theater in Cebu before yearend

BELIEVING the Cebu market is ready to pay more for digital films, SM Cinemas will open a 500-seater IMAX Theater in SM City Cebu in the fourth quarter of the year.

Digital theater system developer IMAX and SM Cinemas will convert SM’s Cinema 4 into an IMAX theater, equipped with 3D projection technology, laser-aligned digital sound system and a customized way of maximizing a movie-goer’s field of view. When it opens in November or December, it will be the first IMAX Theater outside Metro Manila.

Since they need to choose a good film for the launch, SM Cinema senior vice president Edgar Tejerero said the IMAX-SM partnership are looking Walt Disney’s A Christmas Carol, which is due for release in November, and James Camerons’ Avatar, which Twentieth Century Fox announced will be available in 3D format on Dec. 18.

Tejerero believes movie goers in Cebu will patronize the technology once it is available here.

“The market is very ready,” he told Sun.Star Cebu in an interview at the launch of SM Cinema’s second IMAX Theater in the country at the SM City North Edsa
Wednesday.

An IMAX movie costs from P250 to P400.

SM North Edsa’s IMAX Theater, which has 472 seats, opened with the showing of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” yesterday.

With IMAX’s 2D and 3D conversion technology, 12 minutes of the movie’s opening sequence is in 3D, SM Cinema’s press release said.

“IMAX is able to create a 3D experience like no other,” said Don Savant, senior vice president and managing director of IMAX Corp., during the launch.

IMAX plans to produce more titles next year, including Alice in Wonderland, Shrek Goes Fourth and Inception from director Chris Nolan of the Dark Knight.

Despite the ticket price, the company’s first IMAX Theater at the SM City Mall of Asia (MOA), which opened in 2006, “is earning well” and has an occupancy rate of about
70 percent, Tejerero said.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen even enjoyed a 96 percent to 100 percent occupancy rate, he added.

MOA’s IMAX Theater features 10 Hollywood films and five educational films or documentaries a year.

Regular theaters, Teje-rero said, only have an average occupancy rate of less than 20 percent.

“Sixty percent of those who watch in regular theaters watch it again in IMAX,” he told reporters in an interview.

An IMAX Theater has a screen with a height of 14 to 24 meters. Regular cinemas only have about eight to 10 meters.

Despite the financial crisis, Tejerero said SM cinemas enjoyed a three to four percent increase in movie goers in the first half of the year compared to figures in 2008.

SM cinemas’ nationwide gross sales from tickets sold in its 206 theaters, which seats 127,000, reached P2.5 billion last year.

Although its investments in an IMAX Theater is seven times more that of a regular one, Tejerero said the company abides by the vision of SM founder Henry Sy Sr., which is to expand the conglomerate’s reach in the country and to bring to the Filipinos the latest technology.

The next IMAX Theater will open in Taguig, with the opening of a new mall there.

click here for more information

Mandaue City

2009-07-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

Mandue City official logo

Skyline view of Mandaue City

The City of Mandaue (Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Mandawe; Tagalog: Lungsod ng Mandaue) is a 1st class city in the province of Cebu, Philippines. It is one of the three highly urbanized cities in the Province of Cebu and form the core of the Metropolitan Cebu area.

Mandaue lies right across Mactan Island where Lapu-Lapu City is located. Mandaue is connected to Mactan Island via two bridges: the Mactan-Cebu Bridge and the relatively new Marcelo Fernan Bridge.

Based on the August 2007 census, Mandaue City has a total population of 318,575 people. This figure is up by 58,847 from 259,728 persons recorded in the May 2000 census, giving an annual growth rate of 2.86% during the 7-year period--significantly higher than the national average of 2.04%. If this growth rate were maintained, Mandaue would double its population in 24 years

Mandaue is known as the “Furniture Capital of the Philippines.” Mandaue has a long history of commerce. It was once a busy port where merchants traded and conducted business. Today it is a modern metropolis wherein about 40 percent of Cebu’s export companies are located.

Mandaue City is politically subdivided into 27 barangays.Of the city's twenty-seven barangays, Banilad has the biggest land area at 281.57 hectares.

* Alang-alang
* Bakilid
* Banilad
* Basak
* Cabancalan
* Cambaro
* Canduman
* Casili
* Casuntingan
* Centro (Pob.)
* Cubacub
* Guizo
* Ibabao-Estancia
* Jagobiao
* Labogon
* Looc (Mandaue)
* Maguikay
* Mantuyong
* Opao
* Pakna-an
* Pagsabungan
* Subangdaku
* Tabok
* Tawason
* Tingub
* Tipolo
* Umapad

click here for more info

cebu city

2009-07-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

Cebu City official seal/logo

Skyline - Cebu City

Cebu Heritage Shrine

The City of Cebu (Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Sugbo; Filipino: Lungsod ng Cebu; Spanish: Ciudad de Cebú), is the capital city of Cebu and the second city in the Philippines, the second most significant metropolitan center in the Philippine Islands, and known as the oldest city in the country.

The city is located on the eastern shore of Cebu, and is the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. Cebu is the Philippines' main domestic shipping port, and is home to more than 80% of the country's domestic shipping companies. Cebu also holds the second largest international flights in the Philippine Islands, and is a significant center of commerce, trade, and industry in the Visayas, and Mindanao region. According to the 2007 Philippine census, the city has a population of 798,809 people.

Cebu City is the center of a metropolitan area called Metro Cebu, which includes the cities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Talisay. Metro Cebu has a total population of about 2 million people. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport, located in Lapu-Lapu City is only a twenty-minute drive away from Cebu City. To the northeast of the city are Mandaue City, and the town of Consolacion, to the west are Toledo City, the towns of Balamban, and Asturias, to the south are Talisay City, and the town of Minglanilla. Across Mactan Strait to the east is Mactan Island where Lapu-Lapu City and an aquarium attraction are located.

List of Barangays:

North District

* Adlaon
* Agsungot
* Apas
* Bacayan
* Banilad
* Binaliw
* Budla-an
* Busay
* Cambinocot
* Capitol Site
* Carreta
* Cogon Ramos
* Day-as
* Ermitakjhjkl
* Guba
* Hipodromo
* Kalubihan
* Kamagayan
* Kamputhaw (Camputhaw)
* Kasambagan
* Lahug
* Lorega San Miguel
* Lusaran
* Luz
* Mabini
* Mabolo Proper
* Malubog
* Pahina Central
* Parian
* Paril
* Pit-os
* Pulangbato
* Sambag I
* Sambag II
* San Antonio
* San Jose
* San Roque
* Sirao
* Santa Cruz
* Santo Niño
* T. Padilla
* Talamban
* Taptap
* Tejero
* Tinago
* Zapatera

South District

* Babag
* Basak-Pardo
* Basak San Nicolas
* Bonbon
* Buhisan
* Bulacao Pardo
* Buot-Taup
* Calamba
* Cogon Pardo
* Duljo-Fatima
* Guadalupe
* Inayawan
* Kalunasan
* Kinasang-an
* Labangon
* Mambaling
* Pahina San Nicolas
* Pamutan
* Pasil
* Poblacion Pardo - Pardo Proper
* Pung-ol Sibugay
* Punta Princesa
* Quiot Pardo
* San Nicolas Proper
* Sapangdako
* Sawang Calero
* Sinsin
* Suba
* Sudlon I
* Sudlon II
* Tabunan
* Tagba-O
* Tisa
* Toong

The city is politically subdivided into 80 barrios or barangays. These are grouped into two congressional districts, with 46 barrios or barangays in the northern district, and 34 barrios or barangays in the southern district.

Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino

2009-07-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino

Basic information
Location Cebu City, Philippines
Religious affiliation Roman Catholic
Year consecrated 1565
Ecclesiastical status Basilica Minore
Functional status active
Architectural description
Architectural type Church
Architectural style Mixed baroque and Neo-classical
Specifications
Materials coral stones

The Basilica of Santo Niño, also called Basilica del Santo Niño, Basílica Minore del Santo Niño and formerly known as the San Agustin Church prior to its elevation as a Basilica Minore, is a 16th century church in the heart of Cebu City, Philippines. It is purportedly built on the exact spot where the image of the Santo Niño, a sculpture depicting Jesus as a black Holy Child, was found by Spanish conquistadors in 1565 preserved in a burned wooden box which was left behind during the 1521 Magellan expedition.

History

The church of Santo Niño de Cebu was founded by an Augustinian priest, Andrés de Urdaneta on April 28, 1565. The first church structure was built out of earth, hard wood and nipa in 1566 ordered by Fr. Diego de Herrera. In 1735, Fernando Valdés y Tamon, the Governor of Cebu, ordered the church to be constructed of hard stone, which was built in the same spot were the previous church stood. Construction was completed in 1739. In 1965, during the fourth centenary of the Christianization of the Philippines, Pope Paul VI elevated the church to the rank of minor basilica.

The Basilica remains under the care of the Order of St. Augustine.

Museum

A small museum inside the Basilica showcases the rich history of Christianity in Cebu. Antique objects are on display, including century-old furniture, priestly vestments and the Santo Nino's old cloaks donated by individuals over the centuries. Religious articles such as statues and relics are also displayed and other items of daily life from the adjacent convento. Several toys may also be seen; these are said to be presents to the Child Jesus, as well as a large Santo Niño rosary composed of 15 beads.

More Tsino tourists expected in Cebu

2009-07-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

Cebu is opening its doors to more Chinese tourists with the inaugural flight of China Southern Airlines from Guangzhou city last June 9.

This development marks another step for the further growth of Cebu's tourism industry as well as its neighboring province of Bohol, said Department of Tourism undersecretary Phineas Alburo.

“When you have these number of tourists coming in to Cebu every week, how much will this contribute to the local economy? This is truly positive for us and we hope to establish more partnerships with other cities in the future,” he said.

DOT hosted the welcome luncheon for the first 130 Chinese tourists at the Laguna Garden Cafe in Ayala Center on Friday.

DOT has partnered with GZL International Travel Services, a Guangzhou-based travel agency, in carrying out the chartered flight agreement.

The agreement will run until December 2009, after which, Alburo said they will be looking into the possibility of opening chartered flights with other cities or renew the agreement.

There will be two weekly flights going to Cebu every Monday and Thursday. Return flights to Guangzhou are scheduled every Tuesday and Friday.

“We are expecting 300 tourists to come every week with these chartered flights,” he told Cebu Daily News in interview.

Alburo said the direct flight from Guangzhou to Cebu is less than four hours with no stopovers.

Sarah Choi Siu Ha, DOT market representative and assistant project manager for Hong Kong, Macau and South China, said these tourists have heard about Cebu's beaches and rich natural resources and are interested to experience the “sand, sea and sun” of the province.

“Philippines as a tourism destination is included in the top ten hit countries among browsers of the leading Chinese internet portal, Baidu,” the DOT said in a statement furnished to CDN.

Guangzhou is the capital city of Guangdong province with about the same population as the Philippines at nearly 90 million.

While there are beaches in Guangdong, she said, Guangzhou is a landlocked city so residents are “excited to experience island-hopping and snorkeling” in Cebu and Bohol.

The 130 tourists are billeted at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel in the next five days. Most of these tourists are first-time travelers to the Philippines.

Alburo said these tourists travel with families with the head of the family working in a top position for a manufacturing company or an information and communication technology firm.

More than 65 of these tourists left for Bohol yesterday for a two-day tour and will be back in Cebu on Monday before leaving for Guangzhou next week, said Choi Siu Ha.

Alburo said DOT is engaged in a joint promotion program with GZL Travel Services. This enabled DOT to penetrate Guangzhou, which has 10 to 12 million population.

“It's a win-win agreement because if you partner with a big travel agency like this they will really go out of their way to do business with the department.”

“We give them the materials and some funds and they push the promotion of our destinations in their brochures and leaflets,” added Alburo.

source: www.inquirer.net

Top Mindanao Gym Relocates to Cebu

2009-07-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

The Digos-City based American Boxing Academy owned and operated by American Ken Smith and his Filipino brother in-law John Glen Salazar, has just announced the decision to team up with Cebu's SGG Promotions and the Philippines #1 boxing promoter Sammy Gello-ani.

Smith and Gello-ani have agreed to bring the upstart ABA to Cebu after discussions in Atlantic City between the two just this past month.

"Sammy offered that he and I could team up in Cebu and make American Boxing Academy the Philippines' no. 1 pro boxing gym," Smith said. The ABA has been based at Smith's compound on the island of Mindanoa in the southern Philippines. Over the past 2 years ABA has promoted some 10 shows all in Digos City along the way co-promoting several others all around Mindanao.

Smith said "At the same time that I am excited and motivated about American Boxing Academys partnership in Cebu with Sammy G. I also cherish the memories of what we did in Digos. This was a very difficult enviroment to operate in. I am proud of what we all did on Mindanao, ABA brought good boxing, and entertainment to the people of Digos, and they always appreciated us". It was an exciting time for the American and his brother in-law as they built the program from the ground up [literaly building a gym and apartelle for ABA fighters. Smith and Salazar combed the Island for fighters to first promote and then eventually to manage, sometimes having to avoid military vs rebel conflicts along the way, even just missing being bombed out of mayor JoJo Lopez Maasim office at city hall where they all slept just the night before the MILF, and Abu Syaff attacked city hall ].

American Boxing Academy quickly built a solid stable of Filipino fighters that today includes world rated Ramie Laput among other hopefuls. SGG Promotions run by Cebu promoter Sammy Gello-ani who is regarded by top American promoters as the #1 promoter in the Philippines has agreed to partner with Smith in opening the new American Boxing Academy in Cebu. Smith noted that SGG promotions regular schedule of events all around the Philippines, along with SGG's international contacts will best assure American Boxing Academy a world champion. Smith said. "I have spoken with a top executive at a major American boxing company and he told me that SGG promoted fighters will be fighting on their future cards in the USA."

American Boxing Academys re-location to Cebu should bring along with it a world class gym and fighter philosophy. American Boxing Academy has already attracted other international fighters to its training camp, most notably world rated jr middleweight Charles Whittaker.

Smith said "Sammy and I will open our gym soon in Cebu, the new American Boxing Academy, and it will be modeled after other world class American boxing gyms like Wild Card in LA. and Gleasons in New York, and yes we will have American fighters come train here." Hopefully some more Filipino boxing stars can be born out of this union."

source: http://philboxing.com/news/story-25701.html

Central Visayas still most desirable place to live, work, engage in business

2009-07-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

Cebu, Philippines (13 July) -- The PNP-Regional Office (PRO-7) here declares that Central Visayas is still the "most desirable place to live, work and do business in" despite the crime volume.

Senior Supt. Melvin Buenafe of the PRO-7 Intelligence Division said this during the 2nd quarter meeting of the Regional Peace & Order Council at the Capitol recently.

Buenafe told the council that domestic and foreign arrivals in the region continues to increase at 952,969 for the January-May 2009 period compared to the 895,185 tourists arrival in the same period in 2008.

Cebu has the highest tourist arrival at 703,465 or 73.82% from that same period in 2008 at 681,148 with Koreans, Japanese, Americans, Taiwanese and Chinese as the top five tourists.

The PNP here said, to sustain such tourists preference, the police continues to implement police visibility, intensify intelligence monitoring and closer coordination with business establishments on security matters.

Finally, the PRO-7 in its assessment of the region's peace & order situation reported that there is a remarkable reduction of crimes in Central Visayas despite the increase of its population and economic activities.

It also highlighted the accessibility of people to firearms as a significant crime factor.

The PNP also said the AFP-PNP have relentlessly intensified the ISO efforts coupled with joint legal offensives that resulted to the demise of the insurgency movement in the area.

Buenafe went on that street protests by militant groups continued but did not have significant participation which indicates unpopularity of the movement.

"The continuous arrivals of foreign and domestic tourists indicate a favorable perception of peace and order in the region," the PNP concluded. (PIA-7)

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