CEBU and DAVAO, hand in hand for a stronger Philippines!

[diehardbisdak]

---

American group plans to build state-of-the art hospital at SRP
The Freeman 08/28/2006



Negotiations are ongoing between the City of Cebu and an American firm for the establishment of a P700 million state-of-the-art hospital at the South Reclamation Properties.

Dr. Philip Chua, the Chairman of Cardiovascular Surgery at Cebu Doctor's University Hospital told The Freeman that the Cardiovascular Hospitals of America (CHA) based in Wichita, Kansas plans to build the American Medical Center in Cebu City, its first branch in Asia, by next year.

Chua, a Filipino-American cardio-surgeon from Indiana and Las Vegas, is also the Vice President of CHA for Far East Operations.

Chua said the Philippines was primarily chosen as the pilot area as it has an edge over other Asian countries because of its natural resources as the availability of manpower.

"Particularly the knowledge and grasp of the English language, the Philippines can do it better than those Asian countries whose medical tourism is now rapidly evolving a multi-billion dollar industry, like Malaysia, Thailand and India," Chua said.

The planned American Medical Center-Cebu will apply for accreditation with the Joint Commission International, US Blue Cross/Blue Shield and US Medicare.

When it comes to fruition, Chua said that with the enabling environment and assistance provided by Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and the national government, this industry would bring hundreds of thousand new jobs and billions of pesos to boost the sagging economy of the country.

Chua said that Filipinos abroad are most eager to visit the Philippines often or even to retire but due to lack of health and hospitalization insurance coverage, they are reluctant to do so.

The AMC-Cebu would change all this and will allow Filipinos overseas fulfill their dream of retiring in their native land.

Investors of this medical tourism center, besides the CHA in Kansas, are all physicians and businessmen in Cebu, Manila and other major cities south of Manila.

It will be built based on American standards and managed as a world class center with licensed surgeons in the United States among the many surgical specialists on its staff.

Chua said it is going to be a win-win situation for the American investors, Filipino physicians, Cebu and the Filipino people as a whole.

The doctor also assured that although the hospital will cater mainly to balikabayans and patients from other countries, Filipinos can also seek treatment and medical care in the facility.

The CHA owns four hospitals in the United States. - Ferliza C. Contratista

[diehardbisdak]

Aglipay to push Cebu as RP's 'retirement haven'
The Freeman 08/28/2006

Tingko Beach - Alcoy, Cebu


Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and now Philippine Retirement Authority chairman Edgardo Aglipay plans to make Cebu as the "retirement haven" of the country.

Aglipay made this announcement last Saturday during the Siloy Festival in Alcoy.

Alcoy if the first town that sent him a project proposal shortly after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared the retirement industry as her administration's flagship program to buttress the government's bid for the Philippines to become the homestead of retirees all over the world.

Alcoy town mayor Antonio Plando invited Aglipay as guest speaker in last Saturday's fiesta celebration.

Impressed by how Cebu has greatly developed through the years, Aglipay has announced he wanted Cebu to be developed "as a retirement haven/ province."

He said Cebu does not only have pristine beaches and vast greenery, its cheerful and courteous people will entice retirees to settle here and that by word of mouth more and more elderly will come over.

Since a census in the US projected a one billion population of aging people from developed countries by 2015, Aglipay said they are targeting that at least one for every 1,000 of the aging population would settle here in the Philippines.

Aglipay is fostering a different concept of developing the country's retirement industry. That is by working on the idea of retirees coming over here and living in the very home of the doctors, nurses or caregivers that will be looking after them instead of the traditional practice where members of the medical profession work abroad to take care of the elderly.

Specifically, the retirement package for the aging population from other countries encompasses provision of retirement villages including health care service.

Aside from putting an end to the "brain drain," Aglipay said this convenient setup for our caregivers and medical practitioners will earn them $3,500 a month without having to leave their family and country. - Cristina C. Birondo

[diehardbisdak]

...by september 2007, Cebu skyline will never be the same again.... the tallest structure in the visayas & mindanao ... the CROWNE REGENCY HOTEL & SUITES...at 38 storey high

still... underconstruction but the height of the building will be like this....
[img width=357 height=500]http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m195/diehardbisdako/crown-regency.jpg[/img]

this is the original photo by @arnoldsa... current stage of the construction

[Tj-Mixxed]

...by september 2007, Cebu skyline will never be the same again.... the tallest structure in the visayas & mindanao ... the CROWNE REGENCY HOTEL & SUITES...at 38 storey high

still... underconstruction but the height of the building will be like this....
[img width=357 height=500]http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m195/diehardbisdako/crown-regency.jpg[/img]

this is the original photo by @arnoldsa... current stage of the construction

Expect for another skyscraper beside Club Ultima and Crown Regency Hotel. Few months from now, Ultima Residences - a condominium (i think it's as tall as Crown Regency or even taller than that) will be constructed. Nakapost na dun yung rendering ng building. It was posted here in istorya too by arnold.

[Tj-Mixxed]

Crown Regency Hotel and Suites || Club Ultima

[img width=450 height=500]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/CEBU/cbu.jpg[/img]

Oh here it is...posted by my good friend arnold.... :mrgreen:

Ultima Residences
(aka Tower 3)

- More or less 36 floors
- Residential condominium
- Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City

The condominium will be built at the lot behind this small building.

Rendering

[Tj-Mixxed]

OT: ...... and speaking of TFC, i also watched the taped broadcast of Kadayawan sa Dabaw.... but it was not broadcast in the main channel of TFC but in PinoyCentral TV.

FYI.... a subcriber of TFC, one can enjoy to see 4 channels: The TFC (the main channel where one can see all ABS-CBN 2 program), ANC News Channel (24 hour news program), Cinema 1 Global (24 hour pinoy movie channel) and PinoyCentral TV (channel for regional news and variety show programs in Cebu such as TV Patrol Cebu, Jud Morning, For Life! and SNG Game Na!...also for Davao, I get to watch sometimes Okkido, KSP Kapamilya Sabado Party, DDS Dinhing Dapita Sadya and other regional news and shows )...... however, most subscribers here, watch the TFC main channel.

Kudos to the ABS CBN network for their utmost support to cities outside of Metro Manila, especially Cebu and Davao. Speaking of live coverage, this year's Kadayawan was not broadcasted live by TFC but by Sonshine Network only and the regional networks of ABS-CBN. GMA had consecutive live flash reports too regarding the festival.

Last 2004 - Kadayawan Festival was the country's first festival which was covered live nationwide and worldwide (as claimed by ABS CBN)through TFC Channel, ABS-CBN Regional News Network, and Studio 23. Here's the related news about it:

ABS-CBN does extensive coverage on Kadayawan
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav...kadayawan.html

FOR the first time ever, the 19th Kadayawan festival of Davao City was not just seen here in Mindanao nor just here in Philippines.

For the first time, a Philippine festival was seen practically live all over
the world where there is a Filipino Channel.

This is courtesy of the ABS-CBN that used their facilities from the regional network group, the Studio 23 and The Filipino Channel Direct in bringing Kadayawan straight to the homes of Filipinos wherever they may be.

As early as 8 a.m. Saturday, the local ABS-CBN started their coverage on the 19th Kadayawan street dancing competition using their local crew for the coverage.

Studio 23, on the other hand, started their coverage on the said event at 9 a.m. with actors and actresses as hosts.

Local ABS-CBN showed the rich culture of Davao by showing in its entire coverage the "Indak-indak sa Kadalanan' and the various destinations, fruits and flowers the city could offer to the world.

Studio 23, on the other hand, mainly offered dancing and singing entertainers all the way from Metro Manila. Coverage on the street dancing was delivered by Dabawenyo reporters Alex Santos and Aladdin Bacolodan and actress Angel Aquino.

ABS-CBN reportedly allocated millions of pesos for the said coverage and utilized hundreds of their talents and crew to bring the Kadayawan festivities directly to The Filipino Channel subscribers in the US, Middle East, Europe, Japan and other parts of the world.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte thanked ABS-CBN's Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez for the global coverage with a promise that next year the Kadayawan festival would even be more better.

ABS-CBN bolsters excitement for Mindanao's Kadayawan 04
http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2004/08/...080415485.html


ABS-CBN highlights its presence in the tourism trail as it takes full charge in airing Mindanao's Kadayawan festival nationwide and worldwide.


The station's technical superiority will allow this month's Kadayawan festival to be heard and seen throughout our archipelago via the Regional Network Group (RNG) and Studio 23, and around the world through The Filipino Channel (TFC).

For the first time, these ABS-CBN units will join forces to give the viewers a different experience of exploring the sights and sounds, the wealth of culture, and the bounties of harvest of the Davaoeño

Aside from the extensive, multi-platform, live coverage, the network giant bolsters more excitement as it adds color to the festival's activity line up. Talents of Studio 23, RNG and ABS-CBN Channel 2 will spice up the event. It will also push through with its interactive promo and contests for the event, and will even produce a full-blown Kadayawan music video.

Through the years, ABS-CBN has been integral in showcasing our country's wonderful tourist destinations. RNG's signals have traveled long miles to cover various regional festivals, like Bicol' sPenafrancia, Bacolod's Masskara, Baguio's ?Panagbenga, Iloilo's Dinagyang, Quezon's ?Pahiyas, Aklan's Ati-Atihan.

ABS-CBN's Kadayawan feat not only promotes Davao as the center for education, culture and arts in Mindanao. It first and foremost reminds the public of ABS-CBN's commitment to serve the Filipinos in numerous ways; this time, it is through bridging the gaps between our many islands and enjoining Filipinos overseas to share a festival that is close to the Mindanaoans' hearts, and to show the world of the Philippines' gifts of nature.

This 2006

3 networks coverged Kadayawan Festival - ABS-CBN, GMA, and Sonshine Network

The City Tourism officer bared the three networks as ABS-CBN, GMA and the Sonshine Television network of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy. He said that the three networks are broadcasted internationally and would offer to the world a glimpse of the annual August festivities.

[Tj-Mixxed]

... hello, welcome!@scandinavian boy... i've noticed that you're shopping some info or comments about Cebu and Davao....anyway, Davao is the biggest city in the Philippines in terms of land area. While Cebu comes 2nd after Manila - economically, politically and in urban development....

...and if you plan to visit Cebu.... you can stay on these nice hotels and resorts in Cebu...

Plantation Bay Resort & Spa....15 to 20 minute drive from the airport


Shangri-la's Mactan Island Resort Hotel & Spa... 15 minute drive from the airport


Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino.... 25 to 35 minute drive from the airport
[img width=500 height=375]http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m195/diehardbisdako/33083496238866l-1.jpg[/img]
...they also have this hotel right in front of the airport (Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino)

Cebu Parklane International Hotel (left)...just opened recently.. 25 to 35 drive from the airport


Cebu City Marriott Hotel... 25 to 35 minute drive from the airport


Cebu Hilton Resort Hotel & Spa.... 15 minute drive from the airport
[img width=332 height=500]http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m195/diehardbisdako/hilton-1.jpg[/img]

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu...35 to 40 minute drive from the airport
[img width=500 height=199]http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m195/diehardbisdako/marcopolo.jpg[/img]

Cebu Midtown Hotel... 30 to 35 minute drive from the airport
[img width=500 height=375]http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m195/diehardbisdako/fuente_park_03-arnoldsa.jpg[/img]

...photo credits go to the forumers of skyscrapercity...(what happened to skyscrapercity?)

scandinavian boy.......when u get here in Cebu...you SHOULD VISIT Plantation Bay! If you need assistance, we can tour u around!

[Tj-Mixxed]

Cebu's Skyline (photo taken by my good friend photographer Markii) :mrgreen:

[img width=500 height=129]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/CEBU/cebu123.jpg[/img]

[img width=500 height=129]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/CEBU/cebu12.jpg[/img]

[scandinavian boy 1]

scandinavian boy.......when u get here in Cebu...you SHOULD VISIT Plantation Bay! If you need assistance, we can tour u around!

thaks to diehare and tjmixed. cebu is wunderfol. the bilduings are nice and colourful. hope yuo tour me cebu around...beeches, museeum, and all. i am hapy to meat nice flipinens (ladys) for friendship only.

god morgon to all from stockholm
:mrgreen:

[Tj-Mixxed]

@scandinavian boy....

and since you'll be in CEBU, try to visit my hometown too....DAVAO.

Here are some of the hotels or resorts where you can also stay.

Marco Polo Hotel Davao
In the heart of the city’s bustling commercial district stands The Marco Polo Davao, Mindanao’s first and only International Deluxe Hotel. A mere 20-minute drive from the Davao International Airport, the 245-room hotel is surrounded by various boutiques and shops, making it an ideal location for both business and leisure. The Marco Polo Davao has a fitness center and four Food and Beverage outlets. All rooms have cable TV, Broadband Internet access, IDD telephones, dataports and a second telephone line. The hotel has designated Wi-fi spots.

[img width=500 height=113]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/DAVAO/sml2.jpg[/img]





[img width=500 height=113]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/DAVAO/sml1.jpg[/img]

Pearl Farm Resort
Nestled on the quiet side of Samal Island, the 73-room Pearl Farm Beach Resort is a mere 45-minute boat ride from Davao City. The 14-hectare spread was once a pearl farm, where thousands of white-lipped oysters transported from the Sulu Sea, were cultivated for their pink, white & gold pearls. Today, the resort has guestrooms, suites, cottages on stilts perched above the sea and exclusive villas designed from Maranao and Samal ethnic influences in both materials and form.

[img width=149 height=500]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/DAVAO/apo_view_pic.jpg[/img]

Apo View Hotel
Davao’s premier landmark has so many things to offer. Perfectly located at the heart of Davao City, it is a both a place of business and pleasure. The 146-room Apo View is a first class hotel offering five-star amenities and comfort. Its four food and beverage outlets include the Zugba seafood restaurant and the Top of the Apo that treats diners to breathtaking views of the Davao Gulf on one side and Mt Apo on the other. For entertainment, the Apo View Hotel obliges with The Blue Room Jazz Bar and the Liquid Bar, a choice party spot in Davao City. The hotel has a business centre and all guestrooms have IDD phones. Local calls are free of charge.

Grand Regal Hotel Davao
Located in Davao City’s north, the Grand Regal Hotel is a mere five-minute drive from the airport and two kilometres from the Lanang Golf and Country Club. The hotel has 217 rooms and suites meticulously furnished in understated elegance but with comfort and convenience in mind. It is also home to the Casino Filipino- Davao, the only casino in Mindanao. The hotel has two executive floors, a business centre, a fully equipped fitness centre, and two food and beverage outlets. Rooms have IDD phones.

[img width=500 height=332]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/DAVAO/ntr3.jpg[/img]

[img width=500 height=375]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/DAVAO/ntr2.jpg[/img]

Malagos Garden Resort
A 40-minute drive from the city proper, the Malagos Garden Resort is a 12- hectare inland nature theme park with first class resort amenities. Located in a once purely agricultural village, the resort showcases flowering plants, orchids, exotic ducks, birds and butterflies. Nearby too is the Philippine Eagle Nature Center. The resort’s 21 rooms can take up to four people. More luxurious options are the five Family Cottages and the two Presidential Cottages.

[img width=500 height=201]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/DAVAO/waterfront.gif[/img]

Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao

Overlooking the Davao Gulf, the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao is strategically located 15 minutes from the Davao International Airport, 10 minutes from the Sasa wharf and 20 minutes from downtown Davao. The hotel comprises four low-rise buildings of 159 luxurious guest rooms and suites that overlook blue waters and lush tropical gardens. Facilities include seven food and beverage outlets, a business centre, and a fitness centre. The lobby area, business centre and some functions rooms have wireless connectivity.

[img width=500 height=341]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/DAVAO/royalmandaya-1.jpg[/img]

Royal Mandaya Hotel
Ideally located at the heart of downtown Davao City with primary access to business, commercial and recreational centres, the Royal Mandaya Hotel has three food and beverage outlets and 120 guestrooms of international standard yet exuding a homey Mandaya distinction while catering to the business class who yearns for a home away from home. Guests are treated to a breathtaking view of Mt. Apo on the west and the crystal blue waters of Davao Gulf on the east.

Grand Men Seng Hotel

Conveniently located in downtown Davao City, the Grand Men Seng Hotel is within minutes to the City Hall, Legislative Hall, San Pedro Cathedral, business offices, and shopping malls. The NCCC Exhibition Centre is just 10 to 15 minutes away. The hotel has two food and beverage outlets. Each of its 70 deluxe rooms has a mini-bar, refrigerator, cable TV, and IDD telephones.

[img width=500 height=452]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/DAVAO/crown.jpg[/img]

Crown Regency Residences

Crown Regency Residences is a sprawling garden hotel with Mediterranean-inspired architecture. It has two food & beverage outlets, a fitness room, a day spa, and a business centre. All guestrooms have IDD telephones and the site is a Wi Fi spot.

and other more hotels within downtown area and outside the downtown proper......

For backpackers or those who are budget conscious, you can also choose among the small pension houses, inns, and small hotels in Davao.

One of those affordable options is Humberto's.