Philippines Poised to Become Aviation Hub In Asia by 2028

Philippines Poised to Become Aviation Hub In Asia by 2028

By Kisho Kumari Sucedaram

Bernama (Malaysia)

02 October 2024

MANILA, Oct 2 (Bernama) — The Philippines aviation industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation and is poised to become an aviation hub in Asia by 2028, lifted by its airport privatisation initiatives and the completion of its new airport.

Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said this advancement would be fueled by increased investment and private sector involvement in crucial areas like infrastructure, human capital, and sustainable development.

“We are in the process of privatizing the operations of selected regional airports as part of the strategy to improve airport operations and maintenance.

“The formula has been proven successful in the privatization of the operations of international airports such as Clark International Airport and Mactan-Cebu International Airport,” he said on the sidelines of the 2024 Aviation Summit Philippines today.

He said the government has difficulty modernizing the port because of the procedures and investment policies that need budgeting and finance.

So, we look at the private sector to help us modernize the airport. We’re privatizing just the operations as the private sector is more efficient and customer-centric,” he said.

Recently in April, the country has undertaken the privatization of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to drive economic growth and position the Philippines as a premier tourism and investment hub.

The contract was awarded by the government to the consortium led by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) which offered the Philippines government a revenue share of 82.16 per cent.

Under the contract, the group, which includes the operator of South Korea's Incheon airport, would manage the Philippines' main gateway until 2039. It is the third major airport privatization in the country.

Through public-private partnerships (PPP), Bautista expects to finally raise NAIA’s capacity to 62 million from 35 million passengers per annum.

“The airport rehabilitation should generate more than 58,000 jobs due to increased tourism arrivals and spending,” he said.

The country will also see another new airport, the New Manila International Airport, which is also known as Bulacan International Airport, which is under construction on the coastal area 35 kilometers north of Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

The Philippine economy is projected to sustain over six per cent growth through 2029 and inflation to stabilize at three per cent.

— BERNAMA

Queen City is morphing swiftly

Cebu City thrives with improved infrastructure, cultural growth

Story by Genivi Verdejo

The Manila Times

12 July 2024

CEBU, often called the Queen City of the South, is undergoing significant infrastructure developments, highlighting its commitment to growth and sustainability.

These projects span various sectors from transportation and education to environmental conservation and tourism, shaping Cebu into a dynamic and resilient city.

Infrastructure advancements and economic impact

Cebu's infrastructure landscape is rapidly evolving with several key projects to enhance connectivity and urban development.

The Cebu Provincial Government has recently approved phase 2 of the Santa Fe Port project on Bantayan Island. This initiative aims to enhance ecological preservation and boost tourism opportunities.

The phase 2, costing over P110 million, includes the construction of a reinforced concrete deck with roll-on/roll-off facilities and gangway amenities for motorized boats. This upgrade addresses environmental concerns by allowing water and sand to flow naturally, preserving the island's allure.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has announced in June 2023 that the Cebu Port Authority approves the request of the Province of Cebu for the capitol to construct a new and environmentally friendly port in Santa Fe.

The Port of Cebu facilitates the movement of goods and services not only within the Philippines but also to and from international destinations. The port's modern facilities and strategic location enhance Cebu's status as a key logistics hub in the region.

In Tudela, around P13 million worth of infrastructure projects have been inaugurated, including a light-emitting diode wall and perimeter fence, enhancing public amenities and safety.

Tudela Mayor Greman Solante praises the collaboration with the provincial government, noting improvements despite challenges in infrastructure development.

Environmental sustainability initiatives

Cebu leads in environmental conservation through eco-friendly ordinances and restoration projects across the province. In northern Cebu, four local government units have passed eco-friendly ordinances, aimed at environmental protection.

Third District Board Member John Ismael Borgonia has presented these ordinances from Consolacion, Carmen, Sogod and Danao City, emphasizing the need for environmental consciousness across all age groups.

In Carmen, Ordinance 073 Series of 2024 mandates waste segregation at the source with penalties for violations, aiming to improve waste management at the household level.

The municipality of Consolacion strengthens its Plastic Regulation Ordinance while Sogod bans single-use plastics under Ordinance 01-2024, targeting plastic waste reduction through reusable materials.

Meanwhile, Danao City has introduced two significant ordinances: 20024-17-107 for wildlife conservation and 2024-17-110 to declare schools as pollution-free areas.

Efforts to preserve cultural landmarks also contribute to environmental sustainability. Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority's increased funding of P100 million for the restoration of Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church in Sibonga aims not only to safeguard historical sites but also to promote cultural tourism.

Garcia reaffirms the importance of preserving heritage, stating: "We will make everything look good. It's just a matter of extreme urgency."

Cultural promotion and community development

Cebu's rich cultural heritage is celebrated through various initiatives that promote local arts, crafts and traditions.

At the Cebu Provincial Capitol, a recent fashion show by Furne One Amato showcases garments made from indigenous Filipino fabrics, highlighting the province's vibrant textile heritage. This collection is a tribute to Filipino craftsmanship and cultural diversity.

Amato presents the signature colors of the T'boli, the indigenous people of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. The runway has been adorned in black and red, showcasing the intricate and modern designs made from T'boli fabrics, accented with crystals and brass. This final segment celebrates the craftsmanship and mystique of Mindanao.

Tourists planning to visit Bantayan Island are in for a treat as King Aces Travel and Tours Service Inc. (Kattsi) announces the commencement of regular flights from Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to Bantayan Island Airport, starting in August this year.

Retired army general Gilbert Llanto, along with officials from Prime Aces Holdings Corp. and Kattsi, has met with Garcia to finalize details for the inaugural flight on August 28. The flights will use avions de transport régional or regional transport airplanes with a 72-seat capacity. It will fly from MCIA to Bantayan and vice versa twice a week, on Fridays and Sundays, in time for the influx of tourists for the weekend.

Llanto expresses excitement about the accessibility boost for tourists, aiming to promote Bantayan Island's natural beauty.

Balancing cultural heritage with modernity, Cebu offers a unique blend of old and new. Historic sites such as Magellan's Cross and Fort San Pedro stand as testaments to the city's rich past while modern shopping malls, entertainment centers and dining establishments showcase its contemporary vibe.

Sports and social welfare

Cebu has hosted the 64th Palarong Pambansa, marking a return after 30 years and showcasing the province's capability in organizing national sporting events.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. praises Cebu's hospitality and organization, highlighting the event's role in promoting unity and national pride among Filipino youth.

Marcos says: "The Palarong Pambansa stands as the country's pinnacle of national sporting events. Today, we continue this important legacy, celebrating not just games but also the unity, camaraderie and national pride that these games inspire."

The Palarong Pambansa, established by Republic Act 10588, is organized by the Department of Education, the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. It aims to promote sportsmanship and unity among young Filipino athletes while allowing them to experience Cebu's rich culture and scenic beauty.

Meanwhile, the Cebu Provincial Government is also investing in educational infrastructure, planning to construct two-story, six-classroom buildings for Cebu Normal University's extension campuses in Catmon, Alegria and Argao.

Economic boom amid challenges

Despite global economic uncertainties, Cebu has shown remarkable economic resilience. The city's economic landscape is marked by robust growth in sectors such as information technology (IT), business process outsourcing and tourism.

The Cebu IT Park remains a key player, attracting multinational companies and generating employment for thousands of Cebuanos.

Following Garcia's successful visit to Russia, Cebu anticipates enhanced business collaborations in sectors such as finance and environmental initiatives. Garcia holds a meeting with Russia-Association of Southeast Asian Nations Business Council Chairman Ivan Polyakov and discusses business opportunities in Cebu Province that the organization members may be interested in.

Among these opportunities is to acquire or partner with local financial institutions to facilitate easier transactions for Russians when visiting the Philippines as tourists or traveling for business.

Garcia has also met with a Russian environmental operator on waste management on the possibility of investing in a waste-to-energy venture in Cebu Province.

Digital transformation

Garcia also spearheads digital innovations in social welfare, implementing a quick-response (QR) code system to streamline assistance distribution.

Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development commends Cebu's initiative, noting its effectiveness in reaching vulnerable communities and promoting transparency.

The QR code system — implemented through programs such as Sugbo Negosyo and Dasig Sugbo — ensures transparent and graft-free distribution of social welfare benefits.

Cebu is embracing digital transformation with advancements in technology, shaping various aspects of life in the city. The adoption of smart city initiatives, digital services and e-governance platforms is enhancing urban living and improving public services. The digitalization of industries from finance to retail is driving economic growth and innovation.

Cebu's prospects appear bright. The city is poised for continued growth with ongoing infrastructure projects, a thriving economy and a resilient community. The local government's focus on sustainable development and innovation ensures that Cebu will remain a key player in the Philippines' economic landscape.

Luxury hotel in Cebu is 100% Filipino

This luxury hotel in Cebu is 100% Filipino

By Angelo Garcia
GMA Lifestyle
June 23, 2024

Filipinos are known to be hospitable and friendly people that is why tourists love visiting the Philippines. But when it comes to a luxury hospitality brand, there is no homegrown brand that comes to mind.

A new local hotel brand aims to change this and envisions itself to be the Philippines' premier hospitality company like Raffles Hotels & Resorts of Singapore and the Dusit brand of Thailand.

Its name is Fili Hotel, a name derived from the word “Filipino”.

“We call ourselves Fili hotel coming from the word 'Filipino' because we want to imbibe the Filipino culture and values, from the time you check in, the dining experience, and the stay experience,” explained Cristina Ong-Cruz, cluster director of marketing and sales of Fili Hotel, during a special media familiarization tour.

The 5-star hotel is under Robinsons Hotels and Resorts of Robinsons Land Corporation. It recently opened its first property in Cebu City, at the NUSTAR Resort and Casino complex, an integrated resort that has luxury hotels, a high-end mall, several premium restaurants, and a casino.

“I think one of the unique selling points of the property is we are fully Filipino owned. It's the first Filipino luxury hotel brand,” Cristina said.

Filipino hospitality

NUSTAR is situated on the Cebu South Road Properties fronting the Cebu Strait with views of Cebu City, Mactan Island, and the new Cebu-Cordova Bridge.

The lobby of the hotel is modern with Filipino touches like the solihiya wall dividers, which separate the check-in counters from the whole lobby. The geometric marble slabs flooring add an interesting pattern to the space. The counters are also made of marble in white and gray.

Just across the check-in counters is the Fili Lobby Lounge, a space that features furniture by Vito Selma and artworks by Jef Albea and Fidel Sarmiento.

What makes this hotel truly five-star is the 379 spacious rooms. From its deluxe rooms to the suites, the hotel is very generous with space. The deluxe seaview king room, for instance, is a one bedroom space with a living room, a dining area, a bedroom, a powder room, and a bathroom with a bathtub.

According to the hotel, the size of this type of room ranges from 41 to 47 square meters, which is very spacious in hotel room standards.

The room is modern and has that luxe feel and it features neutral colors with splashes of yellow and teal. The room also features Filipino paintings and banig-like wall panels. The bathroom is mostly white marble and features a white freestanding bathtub.

Aside from the deluxe rooms, the hotel also has the premier, suite, and villas. The suites can be rented for no less than six figures a night. The suite has a bedroom, a very spacious living and dining area, an office, a powder room, a kitchen, a walk-in closet, just to name a few.

For the amenities, the hotel has the Hagod Spa, a gym, the Fili Cafe, which is considered as the most extensive buffet restaurant in Cebu City.

“Fili Hotel stands as the first authentic Filipino five-star hotel in the country, offering guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the luxury and warmth of Filipino hospitality,” says Alan Teo, CEO of NUSTAR Resort and Casino.

Food, casino, cruise

As mentioned above, Fili Cafe is the hotel's all-day dining restaurant. Many guests have considered its breakfast spread as one of the best in Cebu. It has a Filipino section that serves freshly cooked favorites like turon, kamote fries, and various kakanin. Of course, there's Pinoy breakfast staples like tocino, longganisa, dangit, just to name a few. There's also freshly made sikwate or Filipino hot chocolate.

The restaurant also has a Korean chef and there are quite a few Korean dishes from kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) to gyeran mari (rolled omelette). The kimchi in particular is a must try. There are also Chinese dishes like dimsum and Western favorites like waffles, bacon, and sausages.

There's a cheese and fruit section that also has a variety of cheeses, yogurt, cereal, and in-season fruits.

Aside from Fili Cafe and Fili Lobby Lounge there are a lot of food choices to choose from located within the integrated resort. There's the world-famous Mott 32 from Hong Kong, the only branch here in the Philippines. This high end restaurant is widely regarded for serving “the best Peking Duck in Hong Kong” and it also serves various premium dishes like the barbecue Iberico pork with yellow mountain honey, lobster mapo tofu, black truffle siu mai, and crab meat fried rice with flying fish roe.

The casino is one of the many areas in the complex where guests can explore and even play and test their luck. The premium mall is where guests can splurge, shopping at luxury shops like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Loewe, Off-White, Burberry, Diagold, Tory Burch, Univers, among others.

The hotel also offers the Crucero sunset cruise which sails along the Mactan Channel and passes under the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX). It offers cocktails and a relaxing cruise with views of Cebu City and Mactan Island.

4 Filipino high school students win science international awards

4 Filipino high school students win science international awards

Story by Adrian Parungao 
Inquirer.net
30 May 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Four Filipino high school students won international awards in the field of science, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Wednesday.

From: DepEd Philippines FB

In its Facebook post, it announced the following awardees:

Michaela Rentuza, Mikaella Macabata, and Wesly Secuya who were all from the Cebu City National Science High School won the fourth award in the Cellular and Molecular Biology Division in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.

Their project was titled “In vitro and in silico Evaluation of Embryogenesis Inhibition Activity of Ethanolic Extracts of Chico (Manilkara zapota) Bark Against Gastrointestinal Strongyle Eggs.”

The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) was held at Los Angeles, California, United States of America, on May 17.

The three also received $500 as part of their winnings.

Meanwhile, Arnon Guinto of the Tarlac National High School won the National Geographic Society’s Excellence in Geography and Geospatial Science Award for her project on a rainfall-predictive system which can also identify flood-prone areas in Tarlac City.

Guinto also received the award on May 17 at the ISEF

“Patuloy nating pasiklabin ang ating pagmamahal sa pagtuklas at paglikha para sa mas magandang kinabukasan,” the DepEd added.

Fil-Am Muay Thai fighter making waves in One Championship

‘It’s In Our Blood’ – How Warrior Roots Helped Filipino-American Phenom Sean Climaco Earn A ONE Championship Contract

Jay Furness
Onefc.com
16 April 2024

Sean Climaco is the latest United States-based striker with big dreams of making a name for himself in ONE Championship.

The 29-year-old will debut in a flyweight Muay Thai clash against Josue “Tuzo” Cruz at ONE Fight Night 22: Sundell vs. Diachkova on Prime Video, and he knows it’s a huge opportunity to take his career to the next level.

There was a point when Climaco thought he’d have to give up on his goal of becoming a professional athlete, but he’s now set to compete on the biggest platform of all – live in U.S. primetime on Friday, May 3.

Find out how the rising star overcame his doubts, won himself a contract with the world’s largest martial arts organization, and earned this chance to compete at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Growing Up On Bruce Lee

Climaco was born and raised in the city of Fremont in California’s Bay Area. His parents moved from the Philippines to the United States, where they found work and started their family.

It was a fairly normal childhood for the youngster, with iconic martial arts films playing a prominent role in his early interests.

Climaco recalled:

“Originally, my parents are from the Philippines, so I’m Filipino-American. I have a younger brother, Mark.

“When I was a child growing up, I really liked watching a lot of martial arts films, stuff related to fighting, like Bruce Lee and Rocky.

“Me and my brother were also pretty aggressive towards each other growing up, so we would play fight till we got in trouble.”

Finding The Right Outlet

Climaco and his younger brother’s inclination to fight was a common theme, but fortunately, their father knew a proper way to channel that aggression.

As an avid martial artist who didn’t have the same opportunities back home in the Philippines, he initially enrolled the young duo into MMA classes at American Kickboxing Academy to use their energy productively.

Looking back on his father’s nudge toward the gym, Climaco said:

“My dad actually was the one that really got me and my brother into it. He was doing karate and boxing when he was growing up, but it’s something he never got to do the way my brother and I are doing it now.

“We both started training together. I was 14 and he was 11. He’s gone on to be a pro MMA fighter, and I’m a pro Muay Thai fighter.”

Along with the actors he watched in movies, Climaco also saw Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao’s incredible success in boxing and took motivation from that.

In fact, it ignited Climaco’s warrior spirit – a part of his heritage that he believes is ingrained into his DNA:

“I idolized Bruce Lee and Rocky, and then, also being Filipino, Manny Pacquiao as I grew older watching him fight. But it wasn’t just those influences that got us into fighting. I think it’s in our blood too.

“The part of the Philippines my family is from is called Cebu [City], and people from that city of the Philippines are known as fighters and warriors.

“If you’re from that part of the Philippines, you’re considered to have a strong heart and fighting spirit.”

Finding His Purpose In Life

With an affinity for striking, Climaco stuck with his kickboxing and Muay Thai training throughout high school, but although he loved it, it wasn’t anything more than a hobby for a long time.

However, when he graduated and didn’t have any other goals in mind, he decided to dive into his passion under the guidance of coach Rudi Ott.

Climaco explained:

“I didn’t really have a direction after high school. I didn’t know what to do career-wise. Luckily, I had training still going on. I’m like, ‘Alright, I’ve been doing this long enough. Why not go as far as you can with it?’

“That’s when I started to compete more seriously, getting more fights, being more active, and from that point on, it took about another five years to finally decide it was time to turn pro.

“I dropped out of college, became a pro. Then I quit my full-time job and dedicated my whole self to fighting and teaching at the gym, finally living the fighter lifestyle.”

Of course, this career path is always a risk, with the chances of making it slim and the life of a fighter fraught with danger.

It almost came crashing down when a serious knee injury briefly derailed Climaco’s journey – but that’s when ONE came into view at just the right time:

“One of the biggest obstacles that I had overcome was getting back from tearing my ACL. When that happened, I didn’t really know where my career would go. I thought I was gonna end up stopping fighting. And who knew if my knee would ever be the same again?

“Luckily, I had this opportunity to compete in the Road to ONE. It just so happened to start at the same time as I was ready to fight again after doing my knee rehab.

“I won the Road to ONE tournament for the U.S. and now I’m in ONE, something that I didn’t even see after I tore my knee. I thought I was done.”

Reaching The Global Stage

The timing was impeccable for Climaco, as it offered him a much-needed lifeline in the sport.

The Fremont native was already a fan of ONE, but with the U.S. Muay Thai scene not offering many routes toward the big leagues, he thought it was out of reach.

Winning the Road to ONE tournament with a trio of knockout victories changed his life, and now, the Filipino-American can see a bright future in “the art of eight limbs”:

“I first heard of ONE in 2019. At that time, I was only a year into my pro career, and I thought, ‘Oh damn, that’s pretty cool that they’re doing Muay Thai in the MMA gloves.

“I wasn’t really sure how I would eventually get in there because it looked like a lot of the guys, especially the male fighters, were all international. There weren’t really any American fighters, so I didn’t really see myself fighting in ONE until the Road to ONE, honestly.

“I’m just very fortunate that they had a Road to ONE tournament here in the U.S., and I’m grateful to Warriors Cup for including me in that tournament because I didn’t think I’d end up fighting on the highest level.”

With his debut now beckoning, Climaco is thrilled to be competing among the world’s most elite striking superstars.

The number of eyeballs tuning in on May 3 will be much higher than anything he’s experienced before, and “The One” is eager to deliver an impressive performance to prove he belongs.

He added:

“I’m really excited to test myself against the best in the world.”

“Of course, I’m training harder than ever, but that’s what you have to do when you get called to fight in one of the biggest organizations in the world.

“I’m just trying to get my feet wet and show the world who Sean ‘The One’ Climaco is.”