Acting Governor Receives Cebu Pride Award

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

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

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:

IBP Cebu reaches out to towns

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

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

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

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

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

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.
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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

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

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

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

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

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

Mandaue City

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



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cebu city

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

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.

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

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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Kawasan Falls

second falls.


my friends in the second falls.


on the way to the falls...


kawasan falls

A brief trip brings you to the famous Kawasan Waterfalls, a three tiered cascade of crystal clear mountain springs. Enjoy the picnic to lush scenery, tropical forest, and a cool swim. A very unique experience.

How to get there

Some 98 km (or 2,5 -3 hours drive) south-west of Cebu you'll find Kawasan Falls. From the parking area you'll have to walk more or less 15 to 30 minutes along a very rocky and narrow path, but even though it is a bit humbling bumbling it is worth it, just take it easy and enjoy the walk along the beautiful river. Look at all the different kind of tropical plants -it is not every day you'll have that many beautiful impressions.

You'll have to cross 3 small bridges before reaching the falls, even though you might feel for passing them very fast, try to stop at the middle of number 3 and look upstream, your camera will jump for pleasure if you allow it to take a few shots and you will have a forever lasting picture of what might have been, or- is Paradise.

What is it?

Kawasan Falls are where a river falls steeply down the hills above the town of Matutinao, just south of Badian (Pls. note that Matutinao is part of Badian). It is actually a hierarchy of waterfalls, of which the first is the biggest, however the scenery gets wilder and more impressive the further up you go.

The area is very pretty and offers (cold!) fresh water bathing, a Tarzan swing and the opportunity to climb up beside the waterfall and imitate the high divers of Acapulco! The higher up the river valley, the prettier it gets, with places where you must swim up a gorge and clamber over rocks. Good fun!

Malapascua Island

Cocobana Resort in Malapascua Island


Malapascua is known for diving and underwater adventures

the long shore of beach with an amazing white sands and a crystal clear water

Malapascua is a beautiful, sleepy island, as yet unspoiled by tourism with white sandy beaches, lush green palm trees and surrounded by clear blue waters.

There are no cars on the island and most buildings are only one floor high. The locals are friendly and like to say hello and chat. They may even invite you to their homes for dinner, or at least to sit down, join them singing songs and playing guitar, and toast each other with a rum and coke.

Bounty Beach and Thresher Shark Divers is located on the south of the island, on the bottom side of the map above.

Local events

Fiestas: There are many fiestas throughout the year with beauty pageants, discos, booths, food and drink. Westerners are always welcome.
Basketball is the national obsession and games are played at courts all over the island. You may even be here at the right time to cheer on the Thresher Shark Divers team.
Cockfighting comes second after basketball, and you will see the proud birds (and prouder owners) all over the island. For the less squeamish among you, you can find a fight most Sundays. You will be welcome to watch, especially if you want to place a bet!

Malapascua is suitable for families, with a swimming pool at Kuan Ba as well as the beautiful beaches. If this is not enough to completely relax you, the massage ladies will soothe away any remaining stress, with a coconut oil massage for less than the price of a Western beer.

As for sightseeing, the island is so small, the main attractions are the beaches, the snorkeling and the diving. Many people enjoy walking around the island to see the local villages, and the local children will clamor for you to take their photos. There is a lighthouse open to the public, and the cemetery is worth a visit. It has a certain interest, despite the skulls and bones that can sometimes be seen!

Find out more about recreational activities on Malapascua

Resorts

We use several resorts on the island, each with different facilities and its own charm. Find out more about Malapascua's resorts.

Dining

Malapascua has some excellent restaurants. Many are Western owned and run and they have set a high standard for the island. The food is of excellent quality, and is generally a mix of Filipino and European dishes. German, English and Italian cuisines rank high in the ratings. There are also some excellent curries and even Mexican food! And if you are a meat or fish lover, the Philippines is really the place for you.

"Oscar's" is the island's newest restaurant and our favorite. It is a new concept in dining on Malapascua with an ever-changing menu serving a mix of international dishes made from the freshest ingredients.

Bars

Malapascua has several different bars and you are sure to find one you like. Our favorite is the Pub Upstairs, an open air bar, right above Thresher Shark Divers in the palm trees with a view over the sea. With a wide selection of imported liquor as well as several imported beers and an extensive cocktail list, you are sure to find a tipple to suit you. It is a popular choice for divers' decompression time, comparing how many sharks they saw that morning. Happy Hour runs from 4-7pm. Come around 7pm to see our newly certified divers get their free Shark Bite shot.

The Weather in Malapascua

We are very fortunate with the weather on Malapascua. The Philippines in general has two seasons: "rainy season" (July-November) and "dry season" (December to June). Luckily, this doesn't mean that it always rains in rainy season - in fact we can go for months in rainy season with very little rain. As Malapascua is away from the mountains, we experience much less rainfall that Cebu City. We are rarely affected by typhoons, which tend to pass near to Luzon in the north of the Philippines.

Diving and the weather: We lose very few days diving out of every year. There is almost always a protected area on the island that we can dive. It is very difficult for us to say how the weather will be at a certain time of year and of course the weather is hard to predict far in advance. The few storms we have are spread out fairly evenly through the year with a few more in November and December. This can change from year to year.

So when should you come?

This very much depends on the kind of holiday you want and the marine life you want to see. Our personal favorite time to dive here is September. Mantas are usually at their peak, and there are usually many thresher sharks. The weather is generally sunny but not too hot, and there are not many tourists. This means fewer divers in the water, fewer people on the beach, and faster service in the restaurants.

A few points to think about when making your decision:

• High season (December to April) means less chance of rain, but also more people and with some things higher prices. Hottest time is from March - May. If you want to meet lots of people and have a livelier social life this is the best time.
• We get mild typhoons year round, but more so in low season (Jul-Dec). However, they do not usually hit us hard and we can almost always dive. It is hard to predict year to year. It can go 1-2 months with barely a day of rain.
• Water temperature varies from 27-30 degrees for most of the year. From December - February it is 24-26 degrees.
• Your chance of seeing sharks is not as good during major holidays as there are always many divers around. These holidays include Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, Easter and May 1. It is best if you can avoid these times if possible.

comments and suggerstions are always welcome. feel free to post them.