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

[arnoldsa]

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Davao City is being featured in skyscrapercity today! ayus..

[img width=500 height=85]http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/headers/30.jpg[/img]

[diehardbisdak]

OT: Juanito King (the developer of Club Ultima)

******

Juanito King is the founder of KING'S QUALITY FOODS. For more than four decades of dedication to its vision of becoming a premier company in the food processing industry of Cebu and diligence in fulfilling its mission of providing quality yet popularly-priced products have made King's Quality Foods (KQF) today as one of the most reputable names in Cebu's vibrant food processing industry. Established by its founder, Mr. Juanito I. King, in October of 1957, it started its very modest operations with just five personnel initially producing semi-processed Chinese-style Smoked Hams for delivery to King Sue Ham & Sausages Co.



KQF gained recognition and various awards from the City Government of Cebu, the City Health Department, and the Cebu Medical Society. The company also gained membership into such prestigious associations as the Association of Food Industries Region VII, the Philippine Association of Meat Processors, and the Philippine Article Numbering Council.

[diehardbisdak]

Cebu must be preserved, not broken up
The Freeman 09/30/2006

In a world where borders are vanishing, the name of the game is consolidation. Companies are merging in order to survive in a highly competitive world. If you are small, you get shoved aside. This is true wherever you look, whether among individuals, companies, or even countries.

That is why it is consternating for anyone to suggest, against the grain of this global reality, that it is to the best interest of Cebu and the Cebuanos for the premier province as they have known it for more than four hundred years, to be broken up into four smaller pieces.

Who are Simeon Kintanar, Antonio Yapha and Clavel Martinez to destroy a heritage that is written both in the bedrock of this land and in the veins of all those who walked upon it through time and toiled with all their nerve and sinew to make it what it is today?

Mere motes that perchance teetered briefly on the eyelid of history, how dare these three supposedly honorable members of Congress to arrogate unto themselves the task of rewriting an entire people's very essence?

Kintanar, Yapha and Martinez may be kings in their own turfs, and for that they should thank Cebu and the Cebuanos for the opportunity to have had their fling with destiny. But Cebu is much more significant than the mere piece of political real estate they think they can carve up.

Rather than move for the disintegration of Cebu, Kintanar, Yapha and Martinez ought to move instead for a law that will permanently ban any future attempt to tamper with the integrity of Cebu as we and the world know it.

For in case they have missed it, Cebu occupies a most unique place in the history of our country and of the world. There is no account of the Philippines that does not include Cebu in it. It was Cebu that first placed the Philippines on the world map.

Other provinces, no doubt, have their own place and stake in Philippine history, some also grand and interesting. But none can eclipse the significance of Cebu in that history. To break up Cebu is, therefore, sacrilege. It is treason. It is a crime.

****
To signify your disagreement on SUGBUAK, please visit this site:
http://www.vizmin.com/index.php?topic=88.0

[diehardbisdak]

Cebu City among most disabled-friendly in RP
The Freeman 09/30/2006

Cebu City has been identified as one of the most disabled-friendly cities nationwide.

Geraldine Ruiz, president of the Organization of Rehabilitative Agencies said Cebu City is the only city in the country to create an Accessibility Monitoring Committee.

The AMC, which is composed of representatives from the government and private sectors, is a body that monitors whether establishments have complied with Batas Pambansa 344 or the Accessibility Law. Ruiz is also member of the committee.

The law promotes a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities for their easy mobility.

Under the law, architectural facilities or structural features must be adopted in all establishments.

Specific design for accessibility features include ramps, grab bars in public toilets, structures in elevators, skywalks and designated pedestrian lanes.

Department of Public Works and Highways-7 said they are regularly monitoring the compliance of establishments to BP 344 and has issued warnings for compliance.

Failure to comply will be reported to the Office of the Building Official for possible sanctions, according to Marie Nillama, DPWH-7 public information officer.

A question raised during the recent regional media forum on disability inquired on the possible sanctions against the Palace of Justice in Cebu City and the newly constructed Palace of Justice in Toledo City that lack disabled accessibility features in violation to BP 344.

Ruiz said the law dictates that establishments that fail to comply with the accessibility features must pay a P2,000 fine.

Unfortunately, most establishments would rather pay the fine than renovate the building to add accessibility features that are more costly, Ruiz revealed.

Ruiz said the AMC is exercising maximum tolerance and will apply negotiations first before dispensing with the necessary sanctions. - Gregg M. Rubio/BRP

[diehardbisdak]

Development projects to help sell Central Phils as tourism hub
The Freeman 09/30/2006

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano yesterday briefed development planners in the region on the Central Philippines tourism projects, saying selling the area as tourism hub of the country can best be achieved with the completion of development projects.

Durano, who was earlier named "Champion of the Central Philippines Super Region" by President Arroyo, enumerated these various infrastructure projects - road, airport and seaport - in the provinces of Siquijor, Oriental Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Camiguin, Dapitan and Siargao.

He said these are part of the development program for Central Philippines with funding already allocated, and strictly monitored to ensure projects would be finished by 2010.

In Cebu, these projects include improvements in Talisay-Carcar section, Cebu South road, Carcar-Toledo road, Naga-Toledo road, Cebu North road, Barili-Carcar road, Cebu South Coastal Road, Cebu North Coastal road, Dalaguete-Badian road, Toledo-Tabuelan-San Remigio road, Carcar-Santander road, Santander port and San Remigio port.

Durano explained that these projects are all ongoing in different stages and implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways for the roads and Cebu Ports Authority for the ports. "The budget support has already been committed starting 2007 until 2010. As far as the House of Representatives is concerned, the budget is already approved in the committee level and set to be discussed in the plenary soon," he added.

The total budget for all projects in different provinces that make up Central Philippines amounted to P24.595 billion. Cebu gets the biggest chunk of the funding with P12.312 for all the projects that are presently being implemented here.

According to Durano "these are strategic projects that can be done now and finished in 2010." "The only thing that can derail it is the non-passage of the budget," he added. He explained that the projects are mostly infrastructure because the main constraint in tourism is transportation, adding that there is so much demand for travel to the country, but the country still lacks the capability to accommodate tourists. - Wenna A. Berondo/MEEV

[diehardbisdak]

... this is the MC City Square (formerly MCWD Building) - will open on 6 October (fully renovated) as the newest shopping, entertainment and lifestyle destination in the downtown area

(these are old pics by @arnoldsa)






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on the other side, behind the SMB's old Warehouse is the Compania Maritima ... restoration is on-going and i can feel the old Cebu is revive again

[diehardbisdak]

OT: Profile

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Price Warehouse Club (the same owner of soon-to-open MC CITY SQUARE)

The prince of shopping. No, this is not your stereotypical dreamy prince charming that exits only in your, well, dreams. This is one “prince” that knows your heart’s one true desire - a bargain.

Shopping has never been this affordable. Not until Prince Warehouse Club opened to the public in 1990. Value of prime commodities are absolutely low considering that stocks are bought in bulk, and thus, sold in wholesale prices.

Kitchenware, hardware, houseware, name it, they have it. But it is the groceries that are the biggest bestseller here much to the delight of the many small sari-sari storeowners.

Prince was not only the first to introduce the concept of warehouse store in Cebu, but also the pioneer in “fiesta caravan”, a mobile grocery van that goes to the provinces, especially during fiesta. These are also plans of branching out to Pardo, Danao, Carcar other than existing branches in Bogo, Mandaue and North Reclamation Area.

Indeed, in trying times like these, housewives and discriminating shoppers alike could still lay claim of their rightful place in the shopping realm, with their “prince” to their rescue.

[diehardbisdak]

P20-B projects ready for ‘mega paradise’ By Wilfredo Rodolfo III
Cebu Daily News
Last updated 04:16am (Mla time) 09/30/2006

IMAGINE a tropical paradise,” said Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano.

This vision for the Central Philippines mega region as a tourism magnet was presented yesterday with a P20 billion budget for infrastructure projects for three airports, six seaports and 21 road projects to be completed by 2010.

The strategy, he said, is to have travelers able to reach tourism destinations through well-placed international gateways in Cebu and other points of the mega region.

Central Philippines covers Regions 5, the whole of Visayas, and the Provinces of Romblon, Palawan and Camiguin and the island of Siargao.

“These (projects) are not just promises, these are projects which are ongoing in different stages. The budget support for these projects is already identified,” Durano said.

Durano, the mega region’s “champion” for administrations development, said infrastructure is needed to draw more people into the mega region.

“The number one constraint is not on the demand side. Millions of people want to come but we could not accommodate them,” he said.

What Cebu and the rest of the mega region have in its favor are “ white sand beaches, diverse marine life, UNESCO heritage sites, and people full of life and warmth,” said Durano in his Powerpoint roadshow presentation.

Durano said the thrust to develop an information technology (IT) corridor with Cebu at the center is also supported.

Upgrading the international airport in Panglao Island in Bohol and developing Boracay and Palawan won't take away the tourist crowd coming to Cebu which accounts for 1.4 million foreign visitors.

“The market is so big not one destination can take in all these tourists,” he said.

He said Cebu has always been known as a rich resort paradise close to the urban life. Bohol is sought by tourists looking for an eco-tourism experience.

[diehardbisdak]

.... this is what Congressman Roilo Golez has to say about the billboards in Manila which wreak havoc when typhoon Milenyo hit the mega city...

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"Ang masasabi ko lang siguro there are also other areas where we have seen regulation of billboards work.

For example 'yung sa Cebu, kasi sa Cebu hindi naman hardhit ng typhoon pero may board signs din sila inayos nila kung saan lang pwedeng ilagay yung billboards. 'Yung structure nila matibay.

So, hindi ba din natin pwedeng gawin dito yon?"

******

here's the full story: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=51768

[malaysia]

list of popular and biggest one stop shop and entertainment places in davao
(multiple bars, boutiques, concert halls and parks all under one roof)

in the south:
matina town square (MTS) - matina, davao city

in central area:
the venue - quirino avenue
rizal promenade - rizal street
wheels n more compound - j.p laurel avenue (bajada)

in the north:
lanang quadrangle - lanang
damosa gateway and IT park - lanang

speaking of damosa...
watch out MTS, here comes the turbo charged Damosa Gateway...

the open concert stage area...
[img width=500 height=375]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/damosa6.jpg[/img]

damosa traffic...
[img width=500 height=375]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/damosa1.jpg[/img]

old market basket side...
[img width=500 height=375]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/damosa13.jpg[/img]

view from the new market basket building (accross the road)...
[img width=500 height=375]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/damosa3.jpg[/img]

this is the new market basket accross the road...
[img width=500 height=375]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/damosa4.jpg[/img]

the 2 level marketbasket taken from damosa gateway (at the back of this is the IT Park)...
[img width=500 height=375]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/damosa5.jpg[/img]

inside stage one bar (damosa gateway)...
[img width=500 height=375]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/damosa2.jpg[/img]

view from the 1st comfort rooms (bar area)...
[img width=500 height=375]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/damosa11.jpg[/img]

the 1st comfort rooms (bar area)...
[img width=500 height=375]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/damosa12.jpg[/img]

the 2nd comfort rooms (boutique area)...
[img width=500 height=375]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/damosa8.jpg[/img]

chinese friendly CRs (boutique area)...
[img width=500 height=375]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/damosa10.jpg[/img]

view from the boutiques...
[img width=500 height=375]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/damosa7.jpg[/img]

no traffic at 11pm...
[img width=500 height=375]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/damosa9.jpg[/img]

the supermarket...
[img width=500 height=375]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/badith/damosa14.jpg[/img]



pasensya sa quality, at least you will have an idea how damosa gateway looks like...