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.

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:

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

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:

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

More Tsino tourists expected in Cebu

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

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.

Cebu Philippines Cities and Municipalities

Cebu is subdivided into 6 cities, and 47 municipalities. In 2007 the towns of Bogo, Carcar and Naga, respectively became cities. Bogo, Carcar and Naga, along with 13 other cities in the Philippines, were demoted back to townhood the next year by the Supreme Court citing that the 16 cities did not pass the requirements of cityhood.

City
* Cebu
* Danao
* Lapu-Lapu
* Mandaue
* Talisay
* Toledo

Municipality
* Alcántara
* Alcoy
* Alegria
* Aloguinsan
* Argao
* Asturias
* Badian
* Balamban
* Bantayan
* Barili
* Bogo
* Boljoon
* Borbon
* Carcar
* Carmen
* Catmon
* Compostela
* Consolacion
* Cordova
* Daanbantayan
* Dalaguete
* Dumanjug
* Ginatilan
* Liloan
* Madridejos
* Malabuyoc
* Medellin
* Minglanilla
* Moalboal
* Naga
* Oslob
* Pilar
* Pinamungahan
* Poro
* Ronda
* Samboan
* San Fernando
* San Francisco
* San Remigio
* Santa Fe
* Santander
* Sibonga
* Sogod
* Tabogon
* Tabuelan
* Tuburan
* Tudela

i love to hear comments, suggestions and everything. feel free to write yours below.

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Bantayan Island

my friends enjoying the white sand, blue and refreshing water of Bantayan Island


a shot from one of the resorts here


Bantayan Island (can you ask for more?)


Bantayan island, the shining tropical paradise in Asia is commonly known as an island paradise in Philippines. Tourists as far as Europe fall in love with its fine white sand and crystal clear blue waters. Many of these foreigners even settled down on the island to spend the rest of their lives. They build single-cottage beach houses along the shore but as time went by, construct a couple of new cottages instead to accommodate the growing number of tourists who seeks safe haven on the splendid island paradise. Two of the main attraction of the island is its crystal-clear waters and it's long stretch of powdery white sand. The stunning sunset will really spice those romantic walks on the beach. One of the reasons the island is famous is its peacefulness, the way a resort should be. Unsaturated beauty and a combination of sweet smiling natives made the island as it is now.

When you get to cool, crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, pleasant town folk and delicious sea foods ... you're in the island of Bantayan. Coming to Bantayan is like coming out of a time machine. It's like entering the time and place when life was simple and quiet.

The island, which is composed of three municipalities, specifically Bantayan, Madridejos & Santa Fe is also generally known as the “Egg Basket” in the neighboring regions because it has been generating over one and a half million eggs a day to supply the growing demand of eggs for mainland Cebu, Negros, Panay and even Leyte.

The people in Bantayan island is mostly Christian, aside from the fact that it has the oldest church in the Visayas and Mindanao, it is also named as the Lenten capital of the Visayas. Many people from Cebu and as far as Manila go to Bantayan not only for a swim and relaxation but also to witness the holy week procession and to observe the most solemn practice of faith. Because of this, almost all resorts double their rates at this time of year.

During holy week, on Maunday Thursday and Good Friday, both locals and visitors get together by the thousands at the town center of Bantayan to be part of the Lenten procession of religious symbols and images symbolizing the Passion of Christ. Such religiosity only reflects the Bantayanon's unquestioned faith in Christ therefore making the island one of the safest place in the country.

Bantayan considered as the town proper of the island has 25 barangays and the basic infrastructure. The town is known for its mouth-watering dried fish and squid. Aside from fishing, the people are also into rock phosphate and limestone mining.

If the other two towns are busy with their income projects, Sta. Fe is busier during the Lenten Season with hundreds of people who gather to its white sandy beaches. Reservations to Bantayan's beach resorts for the Lenten Season should be done six months to one year earlier. As early as February this year, the resorts have already been fully booked.

With regards to the food in Bantayan, a combination of cuisine is served on the island with a taste of restaurants serving Filipino, Thai, and Japanese to European menus. A massive selection of sea foods fresh from the day's catch is very well dished up since most of the people of the island are fishermen that cast their nets on the abundant Visayan seas. One can even visit the wet market to see fishermen unpack their precious catch from the sea. Fresh live fish from groupers to blue marlin's are just two of the many surprises. Shrimps, crabs and lobsters are displayed in large quantity in the market. After a full meal one can choose a selection of fresh fruit shakes with choices from mango to choco banana.

Your stay in Bantayan would be a dream come true.

HOW TO GET THERE

You can go to Bantayan island by plane from Cebu or by Bus and Vans for Hire from the North Cebu Bus Terminal.

From Cebu City
Take a bus ride at the North Cebu Bus Terminal which will take you about 3 hours to Hagnaya from which one desires to take the Island Express Ferry Boat for the 1 hour ride to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island. Flying time to Bantayan Island is about 25 minutes or less. Recently, there is already a Ro-Ro boat going from Hagnaya to Santa Fe, you can take your car or SUV from Cebu all the way to Santa Fe for a fantastic island getaway!

Vans, Buses, Ferries and Planes
(subject to change without notice)

Vans
From the airport or seaport to Hagnaya.
Good for 6-7 persons.
Non-stop trip
CHARGE: 3,500 pesos to 4,000.00 pesos
TRAVEL DURATION: 2 hours to 2 and half hours

V-Hire
From White Gold Terminal to Hagnaya.
Very crampy ride.
Must be there earlier so you can have the best seat on the van.
Van leaves every hour or when the van is full.
CHARGE: 100.00 pesos
TRAVEL DURATION: 2 and a half hours

Buses (Phil-Cebu Bus Liners, Rough Riders)
From the City North Bus Terminal to Hagnaya,
4:30 AM and every 30 minutes thereafter until 3:00 PM daily
CHARGE: 60.00 pesos to 70.00 pesos
TRAVEL DURATION: 3 - 4 hours

Ferries (Island Express Shipping)
From Hagnaya to the port of Santa Fe and vice versa daily.
CHARGE: 60.00 pesos to 70.00 pesos
TRAVEL DURATION: 1 and a half hour (maximum)

Fastcraft(Aznar Fastcraft)
From Hagnaya to the port of Santa Fe and vice versa daily.
CHARGE: 100.00 pesos
TRAVEL DURATION: 30 minutes (maximum)

Ro-Ro Boats (Shuttle Ferry Service)
From Hagnaya to the port of Santa Fe

Boats (Don Martin, Palacio Shipping Lines)
From the city to the port of Santa Fe
CHARGE: 150.00 pesos - 200.00 pesos
TRAVEL DURATION: 6 to 7 hours

Boats (Lapu-lapu Shipping Lines)
From the city to the port of Santa Fe
CHARGE: 150.00 pesos - 200.00 pesos
TRAVEL DURATION: 6 to 7 hours


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Cartridge World offers franchising opportunity

Cartridge World offers franchising opportunity
Written by Louise M. Francisco
Monday, 06 July 2009 22:55

INK refill and toner replacement service provider, Cartridge World sees more room for expansion this year.

The strong optimism of the Australia-based Company is boosted by franchising inquiries from different parts of the country such as Pampanga, Batangas, Iloilo and Davao on top of an ongoing plan to put up more franchised stores, two in Metro Manila and one in Cebu.

“It is really a challenge to educate consumers that there is real product in a tainted mainstream,” started Bruce Newfield, master franchisee of Cartridge World in the Philippines. “Education is important in establishing the clear message that our products are not substandard nor fall into the universal ink category.”

Newfield told the BusinessMirror that Cartridge World inks come from Germany and are formulated to be “like the original.” Cartridges and toners are sourced from Australia, the United States and United Kingdom.



Since the company has own research and development and suppliers services, prices of the alternative products are reduced compared with original printing peripherals.

“We have proven our operations in 52 countries worldwide. Here in the Philippines, although we just started in 2007, clients and businesses are assured ink will equal the performance of an original one. We also offer 100-percent money back guarantee if we void the printer warranty or damaged the printer itself,” said Newfield.

The executive added they conducted a printer refill population study in the Philippines in 2006 and found they have a 3-percent market prospect.

“If that same study is performed now, probably there will be an additional 1 percent or 2 percent,” said Newfield.

“The markets served by our business are mostly small and medium businesses and corporations engaged in consumer products, mobile handsets and logistics,” he pointed out.

Cartridge World offers franchise operations for P975,000. The return on investment, said Newfield, may vary in terms of rent space, wage, sales and marketing, but disclosed that an operator may break even within six months.