Sinulog Festival 2017

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The Sinulog Festival is one of the grandest, most distinguished and most colorful festivals in the Philippines. 

The major festival is held each year on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City to honor the Santo Niño, or the child Jesus, who used to be the patron saint of the whole province of Cebu (since in the Catholic faith Jesus is not a saint, but God). It is fundamentally a dance ritual which remembers the Filipino people's pagan past and their recognition ofChristianity.

The festival features some the country's most colorful displays of ceremony and pageantry: participants clothe in bright-colored costumes dance to the rhythm of drums and native gongs. The streets are generally lined with vendors and pedestrians all wanting to witness the street-dancing. Smaller versions of the festival are also held in different parts of the province, also to celebrate and honor the Santo Niño. There is also a Sinulog sa Kabataan, which is performed by the youths of Cebu a week before the Grand Parade.

The word Sinulog comes from the Cebuano adverb sulog which roughly means "like water current movement;" it describes the forward-backward movement of the Sinulog dance. The dance consists of two steps forward and one step backward, done to the sound of drums. The dance is categorized into Sinulog-base, Free-Interpretation, and street dancing. Candle vendors at the Basilica continue to perform the traditional version of the dance when lighting a candle for the customer, usually accompanied by songs in the native language.

Sinulog is the ritual prayer-dance honoring Señor Santo Niño or the Child Jesus. An image of the Child Jesus is said to be the baptismal gift the Portuguese conquistador Ferdinand Magellan gave Hara Amihan (Humanay) of Zebu (now Cebu) in April 1521. The image, believed to be miraculous, is housed at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in downtown Cebu City.

The Sinulog dance moves are basically two steps forward and one step backward as the dancer sways to a distinct rhythm of drums. This movement resembles the current (Sulog) of what was known as Cebu’s Pahina River.

The cultural event has been commercialized as a tourist attraction and instead of traditional street-dancing from locals, Sinulog also came to mean a contest highlighting groups from various parts of the country. The Sinulog Contest is traditionally held in the Cebu City Sports Complex, where most of Cebu's major provincial events are held.

SINULOG FESTIVAL 2017 Schedule of Activities 

January 5, 2017 (Thursday) — Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus

4:00 A.M. Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osmeña

4:30 A.M. Start of Walk-Fuente Osmeña Blvd. – Basilica del Sto. Niño

5:30 A.M. Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2017

January 6, 2017 (Friday) Sinulog 2017 Kick Off

10:00A.M. : Sinulog Trade Fair @ SM City Cebu by Department of Trade and Industry

2:00 P.M. : Solemn Mass (Basilica del Santo Niño)

3:00 P.M. Launching Parade (Basilica Del Santo Niño to CCSC)

5:30 P.M. Novena mass

7:00 P.M. Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña

January 7, 2017 (Saturday) Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan

1:00 P.M. Parade of Participants (Capitol to CCSC)

2:00 P.M. Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan at CCSC

5:30 P.M. Novena mass

7:00 P.M. Ms. Cebu 2017 Pre Pageant Night @ Ayala Activity Center

10:00 P.M. Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Party Bands

January 8, 2017 (Sunday) Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan

3:00 A.M. : Cebu City 2017 Marathon

1:00 P.M. : Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center

2:00 P.M. : Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan @ Cebu City Sports Center5:30 P.M. : Novena Mass

9:00 P.M. : Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 9, 2017 (Monday)

5:30 P.M. : Novena Mass

9:00 P.M. : Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 10, 2017 (Tuesday)

5:30 P.M. : Novena Mass

9:00 P.M. : Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 11, 2017 (Wednesday)

9:00 A.M. : Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)5:30 P.M. : Novena Mass

7:00 P.M. : Ms. Cebu 2017 Coronation Night @ Waterfront Hotel Cebu City

8:00 P.M. : Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña)

9:00 P.M. : Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 12, 2017 (Thursday)

9:00 A.M. : Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)

6:00 P.M. : Balik Cebu Welcome Party @ Ayala Activity Center

6:30 P.M. : Sinulog Festival Queen Runway Competition and Photoshoot

8:00 P.M. : Handumanan @ Ayala Terraces

8:00 P.M. : Sinulog 2016 Idol Grand Finals @ the Fuente Osmeña

9:00 P.M. : Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 13, 2017 (Friday) Visual Merchandising Contest (Dept. Stores and Malls)

4:00 A.M. : Walk with Mary (Area) Fuente Osmeña – Sto. Niño

9:00 A.M. : Solidarity Meeting (All Competing Contingent/Floats/Higante/Puppeteers)

@ Cebu City Sports Center Gym

6:00 P.M. : Sinulog 2016 Dance Crew Finals @ Cebu City Sports Center

7:30 P.M. : Sinulog Festival Queen 2016 Coronation Night @ Cebu City Sports Center

8:00 P.M. : Cebu Popular Music Festival @ Cebu Coliseum

January 14, 2017 (Saturday)

6:00 A.M. : Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of the Sto. Niño

9:00 A.M. : Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon Basilica del Santo Niño

12:00 P.M. : 12th “The Street Vibration & Big Bike Rally 2017” by V-max Owner’s Group, Inc. Cebu Chapter

2:00 P.M. : Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño

7:00 P.M. : Sinulog Fireworks Competition @ SM City Cebu

7:00 P.M. : Street Party @ Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia

January 15, 2017 (Sunday) – Sinulog Grand Parade

4:00 A.M. : Mañanita Mass at Basilica del Sto. Niño

6:00 A.M. : Pontifical Mass

8:00 A.M. : Holy Mass at Cebu City Sports Center

9:00 A.M. : Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off

7:00 P.M. : Grand Finale and Grand Fireworks at CCSC

9:00 P.M. : Pyrospectacular Show (Pyromusical Show at SM City Cebu)

5:00 P.M. – 2:00 A.M. : Sinulog DJ Mixing Grand Finals Night at Fuente Osmeña Circle

12:00 MN : Sinulog Fireworks at SRP (South Road Properties)

January 16, 2017 (Monday) : Awarding Ceremonies @ Cebu City Sports Center

January 20, 2017 (Friday) “HUBO”

January 31, 2017 (Tuesday) : Judging Sinulog 2017 Photo Contest

February 1, 2017 (Wednesday) : Judging of Finalist in Short Film / Video Documentary and Music Video Contest

2017 SINULOG STREETDANCING PARADE ROUTE

Cebu Sinulog Grand Parade will start 9AM. From Imus Road to Gen. Maxilom Ave to Fuente Osmeña Circle, Osmeña Blvd and ends up at Cebu City Sports Center for the Ritual presentation.

Source: sinulog.ph

February 4, 2017

1:00 P.M. : Screening of Finalists Sinulog Short Film Festival @ SM City Cebu

6:00 P.M. : Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest, Short Film and Video Documentary Contest @ SM City Cebu

February 4, 2017 – February 13, 2017 : Photo Exhibit “Winning Photos Sinulog 2017″ @ SM City Cebu

Multiply to Fly! Double, triple GetGo points this September

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Have you ever imagined the possibility of receiving more free flights just by going through your basic everyday routine? This September, turn your daily shopping spend and bank transactions into free flights, faster, as GetGo, the most exciting rewards program by Cebu Pacific, introduces “Multiply to Fly”. 

The promo enables members to double or triple their rewards points to earn more GetGo points.

To turn shopping sprees to rewarding get-aways, GetGo with its partners, Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Selections, and Robinsons Easymart to allow members to earn three times more points by just flashing their GetGo membership cards upon payment. And for even more rewards points, members can continuously avail of the promo via multiple transactions with any of the participating Robinsons stores nationwide.

Members can also convert their Credit Card Rewards points from Citibank, UnionBank, AUB, BDO, BPI, Metrobank Robinsons-Cebu Pacific MasterCard, RCBC Bankard, and Security Bank Cards—a one-time offer that lets members earn twice as many GetGo points for free flights. Furthermore, the transaction also applies to all GetGo bank partners to receive even more points.

So, hurry! Swipe your way through your next retail purchases—use your GetGo card, multiply your points, and fly to more destinations faster. Don’t miss out on this exciting offer, visit www.GetGo.com.ph to learn more about the multiplier promo. 

Promo period is from September 7 to 30, 2016 only Per DTI-FTEB SPD Permit No. 13745, Series of 2016. 

Not yet a GetGo member? Visit www.GetGo.com.ph or call +632 71-GETGO (43846) to discover how you can avail of a GetGo membership card, learn about the loyalty program, its partners, promos, and how to start redeeming rewards points. The latest updates are also on GetGoPH's official pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Epson Philippines reveals latest printers in Print & Label in Cebu

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Epson Philippines Corporation officially unveils its S-Series signage printers in Print & Label, Cebu 2016. The SureColorTM S-Series printers are Epson’s latest high-performance roll-to-roll eco-solvent signage printers with new technological advancements. The event held  from 30 June to 2 July at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Cebu.

This line’s features include the high-performance PrecisionCoreTM TFP printhead that provides output quality at high speed, a new Print Mode that improves image quality by reducing visible banding, and an auto media adjustment system that ensures great ease on any task. Among these is the Epson SureColor SC-S60670. The SC-S60670 incorporates the latest Epson printing technologies that allow high-volume printing with minimal downtime through its advance features.

Engineered with the industrial setting in mind, the Epson SureColor SC-T5270  also was showcased at the event. The T5270 ensures that every user is able to print with exquisite quality and precision. With its PrecisionCore technology, line placement is accurate to within +/-0.1%, ensuring that graphics come out as envisioned by the user. 

The Epson F-series printers were also highlights at the event - The SureColor SC-F6270 and the SureColor SC-F2000 printers are both set to redefine textile printing. The SC-F6270 is designed for sheet production, ideal for short-volume dye-sublimation transfer printing of custom clothing, soft signage, merchandise and even hard surface work. For the technology-inclined visitors, the SC-F2000’s digital t-shirt printing technology makes garment printing more efficient and easier than it ever was. 

And lastly, photography aficionados who want to make an income out of their prints witnessed the SureLab SL-D700 up close. The SL-D700 can print high-quality photos of up to one meter in length. Also, the SL-D700 is Epson's first 6-colour compact photo production printer with inkjet technology. It utilizes Epson’s Micro Piezo printhead and image processing technology which all make for the vivid quality on photos, cards, art reproductions and other quality print products.

“We are truly grateful to officially launch our S-Series Signage printers here at the Print & Label, Cebu 2016 since this event is the perfect avenue for our products to reach professionals here in Cebu City”, shared Pamela Albar, head of Epson Philippines Corporation’s Commercial & Industrial Printers business. “Epson Philippines is proud to be a part of this trade event as this is our way of strengthening our relationship with business leaders in the region who continue to support our products”, she added. 

The Print & Label, Cebu 2016 is a major event where companies showcased advanced machineries, technologies, and services that trade buyers and industry leaders can use for their business. This event also serves as a one-stop shop for companies to discover new markets, learn more about the latest innovations and generate better brand awareness.

LARGER THAN LIFE: Epson promises to answer the digital imaging needs of Cebuanos

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Digital imaging leader Epson Philippines displayed its heightened commitment to Cebu by joining the recent Sinulog festival. Epson’s unique float featured a giant Epson inktank system printer along with Epson Cebu employees and 2015 Ms. Cebu 2nd runner-up Aivy Mae Castro. 

“This is our first time to join Sinulog and our participation echoes our aim to bring world-class, pioneering digital imaging technologies to the VisMin region and Cebu City in particular by bolstering our presence in the Queen City of the South. On a macro scale, this is aligned with our strategy of strengthening our presence outside Metro Manila to confidently offer our services to the expanding economies of the different regional centers in the country,” said Carlo John Ortiz, Head of Epson VisMin. 

Just last December 7, Epson inaugurated its new Cebu office at the 4th floor of the NIC 2 Bldg., at Capitol Square, N. Escario Street, Cebu City. Along with its regional warehouse and depots also stationed in Cebu, Epson’s new sales office signifies the company’s big plans for the region.

“Epson’s investments in Cebu are just the beginning. With improved initiatives that will excite the market, the support of our regional trade partners, and by providing new, innovative, cost-efficient products, we are confident that Epson will be more responsive to the different needs and requirements of our customers and become the brand of choice in Visayas," added Ortiz.

Goldilocks Cebu Plant to Bring More Tasty Treats to Visayas

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Sweet and more tasty treats for all in Visayas Region! 

Goldilocks, the country’s number one bakeshop, has undoubtedly established itself as a true Filipino icon through its passion to serve quality products all throughout the Philippines.

Despite having 454 branches nationwide, Goldilocks has always maintained an inimitable level of freshness when it comes to its all-time favorites. Aside from applying the most advances baking and packaging techniques to preserve this attribute, the transport time from Goldilocks plants to retail outlets are likewise kept to a minimum.

With the growth of demand in the Visayas market – where Goldilocks has 83 branches – the company recently opened a new cake plant at the Cebu Light Industrial Park in Lapu-Lapu City. The new cake plant is meant to serve the areas of Cebu, Bohol, Eastern Visayas, and Negros Oriental more efficiently.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza joined Goldilocks Bakeshop President Richard Yee and Supply Chain and Technical Director Lawrence Chin for the official blessing of the plant. 

Together with almost a hundred guests, it was once again affirmed how Goldilocks is committed to bring the most delicious and iconic Goldilocks treats to the entire Visayas region.

To learn more about Goldilocks Bakeshop, please visit their official Facebook page, or their website at www.goldilocks.com

October Music and Laughter in Casino Filipino

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In a few more months its December. And the festivities in the different branches of Pagcor continues.

Super comedian Pooh kicks off the comedic festival of talents in Pagcor with a show on October 2 at Casino Filipino Mimosa.

Funny girl K Brosas entertains with her brand of comedy on October 3 at Casino Filipino Park Mall Cebu and Casino Filipino Olongapo on October 9. 

Audiences are in for a big laugh with Allan K at Casino Filipino Hyatt October 10. Allan K will be joined by Aj Tamiza and Le Chazz.

Ivy Violan, also known as the Music Festival Queen for having won in most music festivals here and abroad, and one of the original prime movers of Original Pilipino Music, sings music to melt the heart on October 14 at Casino Filipino Pavillon.

Get ready to be rolling down the aisle with Pooh's antics as he goes to Casino Filipino Mactan Cebu on October 15.

Allan K with Aj Tamiza and Le Chazz will surely bring the house down with a combination of songs and laughter at Casino Filipino Tagaytay on October 17.

And over at Casino Filipino Angeles, K Brosas will cap the night with a performance on October 17.

For inquiries, call the PAGCOR Entertainment Department at (02) 708-2046, 526-0337 loc 2401 or 2403. Check and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pagcor.artists

Cebu brightens up with COLOR Manila Run

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More More than 2,000 fun runners joined the Cebu leg of the Color Manila Run

The Queen City of the South was painted with vibrant colors and big smiles during the Cebu leg of COLOR Manila Run. More than 2000 Cebuanos, including local and international tourists, eagerly braved the shower of water and dyes to give their early morning run a colorful twist.

The beautiful seaside view of South Road Properties (SRP) served as the backdrop as runners get color-bombed with the happiest colors of the rainbow – yellow, orange, blue, green and purple, at different designated stations. 

Participants from Korea and Japan

Aside from the standard dri-fit shirts, race bibs and bags, all participants were alsogiven colorful reflectorized sunglasses that added a funky, fashionable touch.

The race was divided into 10K, 6K and 3K running categories but therewere no clocks, checkered flags or victory lanes. Everyone ran at their own pace and those who completed the race each received a specially designed finisher’s medal.

From left: Color Manila Run’s Jay Em, DOT Central Visayas Regional Director Rowena Montecillo, Color Manila Run’s Justine Cordero and Tourism Promotions Board’s Edwin Vincent V. Ortiz 

Edwin Ortiz with wife Monette and kids (from left) Gabriel, Angelo and Rafael 

Ian Camfield and Daniel Coos from England 

Tom Sanborn from Arizona and Sarah Colton from Indiana 

From left: Jeff Oxford, Sally Angue, Sebastian Van Der Schrier, John Danielson, Frances Enriquez and Prudence Jalandoni 

From left: Ingrid Ramos, Celia Seniedo and Hope Kho 

Toshimaru Soma from Japan 

Paul Ha from Korea

Capping the race was a party like no other where the participants were showered with more colors as the event climaxed into a beautiful, colorful mess. 

Supported by the Tourism Promotions Board, COLOR Manila Run is a friendly, non-competitive run and color festival rolled into one. This one-of-a-kind run definitely captures the fun spirit of the Filipinos. Aside from Manila and Cebu, COLOR Manila Run will also be held in Bacolod, Davao and Dagupan. 

For more exhilarating events and festivities that are happening in the Philippines this year, head to www.visitph2015.com.

JDI showcases Solignum protection in 2014 Cebucon Construction Show

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Cebucon Construction Show has presented the best of the best, for 22 years when it comes to construction products and supplies. And it has evolved to put focus on innovations that move construction into a more sustainable future. Not surprisingly, Jardine Distribution, Inc. became one of the exhibitors in the 2014 Cebucon held last June 6 to 9 at the SM Cebu Trade Hall in Cebu City.

Visitors at the 2014 Cebucon Construction Show learned more about the innovative, quality, and sustainable products from Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI) during the event held at the SM Cebu Trade Hall in Cebu City. 

Solignum Total Termite Solutions took the spotlight at the JDI booth. Solignum, a trusted brand in termite protection for the past 50 years, has undergone innovations that make it not only more effective against termites but also more convenient to use, more versatile, and safer to the environment. 

Solignum has various termite protection products designed to provide protection to the house interiors and exteriors. They come in both colorless and stained finishes. They may also be used to protect not only walls, beams, floors, and ceilings but even wood furniture. Solignum products have no irritating smell.

Solignum Total Termite Solutions took the spotlight at the Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI) booth in the 2014 Cebucon Construction Show in Cebu from June 6 to 9 at the SM Cebu Trade Hall.

To complete the termite defense of every home, Solignum also has a soil termiticide called Soilguard, an odorless soil termiticide that creates a barrier between the house and subterranean or underground termites. 

Visitors at Cebucon trooped to the JDI booth and were better informed not only about Solignum but also the other quality construction materials from JDI.

“Cebucon is the most prestigious and popular venue for keeping us in touch with our market and our distribution channels in the Visayas. We’re very happy to participate this year,” said Nancy Pereyras, Product Manager of JDI.

For more information about JDI construction products, visit www.jardinedistribution.com

Allphones Summer Fun Caravan : Allphones and Lenovo Philippines hold the best summer party in Cebu!

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Allphones Summer Fun Caravan  and party-goers rocked at the best summer party in Cebu, with Ibiza Beach Club.

The all-night celebration was the first leg of the Allphones Summer Fun Caravan, which kicked off in the Queen City of the South last April 26th. Those who joined the beach party were treated to the coolest music, sumptuous food, as well as exciting giveaways and raffle prizes in the event. 

Those who attended the Allphones bash received their Fun Passports from Allphones outlets in Cebu--Robinsons Cebu; Gaisano Grand Mactan; Insular Square Cebu; Elizabeth Mall; Gaisano Fiesta; Gaisano Minglanilla and Ayala Center Cebu. These Fun Passports were their official pass to join the Ibiza Beach Club summer party.

Allphones Summer Fun for All Kicks-off in Ibiza Beach Club Cebu last April 26, 2014 (L-R) Cris Crisostomo, Open Comm Inc., exclusive distributor of Lenovo Smartphone in the Philippines - Key Accounts Manager, Geoff A. Hester, Allphones Phils. Chief Executive Advisor and Maureen L. Gallant, Allphones Phils, Head of Marketing

Cebu’s hottest DJ’s Louise and Bono played as hosts for the Allphones Summer Fun for All Caravan at the Ibiza Beach Club, Cebu

And while the awesome party at Ibiza Beach Club has now passed into party-goer lore, you can still share in the spirit of fun when you visit Allphones stores, thanks to exclusive, special deals from Allphones and Lenovo. You can now have the most high-tech, advanced smartphones and tablets from Lenovo at huge discounts, or even have them free if you get a postpaid subscription. 

Allphones and Lenovo Philippines gave away more than 50 Lenovo Smartphones and Tablets at the culmination event at the Ibiza Beach Club, Cebu. (L-R) Allan Catli, Allphones Head of Brand, Chris Guarin, Allphones Head of Trade, raffle winner and Maureen L. Gallant, Allphones Head of Marketing.

Seen at the Ibiza Beach Club party were Lenovo’s latest mobile devices like the Lenovo Idea Tab A3000 tablet device and the Lenovo A316 smartphone. Also spotted were the Lenovo K900 and the Lenovo Vibe X smartphone. These were the perfect tools for recording the party’s best moments and sharing them on social networking sites. Allphones stores offer these devices at discounted outright purchase prices.

Cebu-based Allphones stores are offering these Lenovo devices for free along with a postpaid plan. The Lenovo A680 is free at Plan 499 while the Lenovo K900 is yours at Plan 1299. The Lenovo Vibe X comes free with Plan 1799. With these Lenovo gadgets, you can start your own party and share the highlights on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. 

Watch out for the other Allphones events this summer at the other Summer Fun for All Caravan sites in Palawan, Subic, Davao, and Lucena. 

For updates on these events, go to www.allphones.com.ph

Thousands of Youth Gather for Habitat Youth Build 2014 “Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!”

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This year’s Youth Build is expected to be one of the biggest youth gatherings in the country. Over 5,000 youth will converge at Habitat Youth Build 2014 “Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!”

“Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!” as this year’s Habitat for Humanity “Youth Build”, happening simultaneously on May 3, 2014 in five key provinces in the country, to make a commitment to help rebuild homes across calamity-stricken areas in the Philippines. 

Beginning May 3, young volunteers will sweat it out as they get their gloves, hard hats, and shovels ready to begin the construction of Habitat houses in earthquake-hit areas in Bohol, and Yolanda-affected communities in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Naga. After Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) destroyed parts of the country in November last year, Habitat launched its “Re-Build PH” campaign with a target to rebuild 30,000 houses. This year’s Youth Build aims to rally the youth to do their share to meet this target.

“Rebuilding the Philippines is everyone’s responsibility. This time, we want to gather our youth and tap into their passion and energy to help get the job done while at the same time serving as role models to the younger generation,” shares Charlie Ayco, Habitat for Humanity Philippine’s CEO and Managing Director.

“Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!”

Since the build-sites are mostly around the Visayas region, this year’s theme was taken from the local Visayan dialect-- “Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!” (Let’s gather. Let’s build. Let’s do it.) It hopes to speak more urgently to the Visayan youth to rise to the challenge of helping their own neighbors, friends, and kababayans rebuild their own communities by taking part in the Youth Build.

“For us to be able to truly move forward from the horrors of the earthquake and typhoon, we need to work hand-in-hand as one community-- the progress of one is the progress of all. We encourage the Boholanos to help their kababayans, because by doing so they are helping the entire province,” Ayco adds.

Rebuilding 7,000 houses in Bohol

In October last year, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake rocked parts of Bohol leaving houses in shambles and families homeless. The Youth Build targets to rebuild 7,000 homes in 16 municipalities across the province providing decent shelter to families still living in tents and make-shift houses.

To kick-off festivities in Bohol on May 3, a motorcade of celebrity youth supporters will take place in the morning leading all the way to the Habitat site in Loon, Bohol where Habitat’s Youth Council will begin the initial build. To cap the day, a youth concert open to the public will be staged to further urge the Boholano youth to respond to the call.

Other local festivities to kick-off the “Youth Build” will also happen in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Naga.

The Habitat Youth Build is a movement that engages young people to raise funds for, and awareness of the poverty housing situation in the Asia-Pacific region where one in eight people live in slums, according to the United Nations.

Now on its third year, the annual campaign challenges the youth to do something concrete to help. Young people from 11 other Habitat countries across the region will also participate and build or repair homes for low-income families. 

Habitat for Humanity Philippines is a global non-profit organization committed to addressing the housing backlog in the country.

To know more about Habitat and its programs, log on to www.habitat.org.ph.

Filipino-owned Mӧvenpick Resort Cebu Tops Hot New Destinations List in 2013, According to Google, CNN New Filipino-owned Swiss Hotel is Second Most Googled Destination in the Philippines

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Mӧvenpick Resort Cebu is the second most Googled destination in the Philippines, according to Google’s 2013 year-in-review search list. As first reported on CNN, the Zeitgeist is Google's year-ender report and lists the hottest travel destinations by country.

The annual Google report captures the trends and interests of people all over the world, including new favorites among Filipinos.

Sky Ranch in Tagaytay and Tubbataha Reef in Puerto Princesa were ranked the first and the third respectively. Pico de Loro, Tugawe Cove Resort, Potipot Island, Amana Waterpark, Misibis Bay, Nuvali and Laiya resorts rounded up the ten spots that Filipinos were most interested in learning more about.

Manny H. Osmena, owner of the two-year old Mӧvenpick was thrilled to hear about the results. 

“When my General Manager told me about the great news, I was so happy. It Is a gift from God to be recognized for the complete transformation of the property, as well as the transformation of the food and beverage service. We welcome visitors who are curious about the resort and aim to give them a great experience with the unique ambience of Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu."

Interesting amenities and offers at the resort include the Ibiza Beach Club reminiscence of the club atmosphere in the Spanish island. Guests could watch gorgeous views of the sunset as they enjoy the Balearic-stye churrasco capped by the world-famous Mӧvenpick Swiss Ice cream. Guests could also order the same premium coffee served in Mӧvenpick Hotels in Paris, Zurich and Berlin. The outdoor performance venue shoes exciting Latin dance numbers, fire exhibition dancers and Las Vegas style performances four to five nights a week produced by our in-house artists under the direction of the entertainment director hailing from Majorca, Spain Paco Beltran. Meanwhile special occasions culminate in a special fireworks display over the beach from the rooms, views of the aqua colored waters and the seamlessly constructed boardwalk made from ironwood look pristine and serene. Guests pamper themselves with the finest bath sets imported from the luxury brand Chopard. To begin and end the journey is a luxury hotel car service: a Porsche Cayenne, which provides visitors a full-circle experience of excellence and elegance they won’t forget. 

The above qualities of Mӧvenpick Resort Cebu make it a place for a great and luxurious stay. The traits of this place have fueled the Filipino traveler’s interest in making Mӧvenpick Resort Cebu his destination of choice in 2013 and beyond.

Nestled on the shores of Mactan Island, Mövenpick Hotel offers contemporary style with a fun and fresh appeal for both leisure and business travelers. The hotel evokes romance and tranquility with its elegant accommodation, lush tropical gardens and fabulous restaurants showcasing stunning ocean views.

Let's enjoy the wonderful world of Movenpick Resort Cebu.  Let's enjoy the facilities of the hotel and go to the city to explore the Island of Cebu. It's more fun in the Philippines!

SM Foundation Sends Out 50,000 Relief Packs to Yolanda Victims

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Typhoon Yolanda have caused a massive disaster in the Philippines that needs a swift response to help and save lives in the affected areas.

The SM Group of Companies, through the SM Foundation's disaster relief program, Operation Tulong Express, has started relief operations in typhoon-stricken areas across Luzon and the Visayas region to provide assistance to the families greatly affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

An SM Foundation “Operation Tulong” truck carrying relief goods for disaster survivors arrives in Cebu.

“The SM Group of Companies has mobilized SM Foundation’s Tulong Express disaster relief facility. We are distributing 50,000 kalinga packages to typhoon victims in Tacloban, Samar, Panay Island (Iloilo, Antique, Capiz), Cebu, Bicol and Bacolod," said SM Foundation executive director Debbie Sy.

Following the onslaught of “Yolanda,” SM Foundation volunteers and partners were able to immediately prepare 20,000 relief goods and have repacked 30,000 more for distribution to various areas at once.

Survivors receive aid from “Operation Tulong”, an SM Foundation relief drive, in typhoon-ravaged Cebu.

The Kalinga relief packages consist of bottles of mineral water, rice, ready-to-eat ulam packs, and instant noodles. A total of 50,000 relief packs are allocated in the following areas, Tacloban (20,000 packs); Cebu (10,000); Panay Island (7,000); Samar (5,000); Bohol (4,000); Bicol (3,000); and Bacolod (1,000).

A resident of Cebu clasping a relief pack she received from SM Foundation’s “Operation Tulong”.

The distribution is done in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Philippine Air Force, local government units, SM Malls, SM Hypermaket, SM Supermarket, and SaveMore.

SM Foundation also accepts donations in kind through Tulong Express booths in all SM Malls nationwide or in cash deposited at BDO account name: SM Foundation Inc.-Operation Tulong Express with savings account number: 15000 70694. SM Foundation will issue receipt of donations for deposit slips faxed to 831-8282.

For SM employees, they were able to raise more than Php100,000 for the Bohol earthquake victims. Currently, the employees are raising funds for the victims of typhoon Yolanda.

While for its other ongoing relief efforts, the Foundation vowed that it will push through with the assistance it is currently extending to other regions in the country that were hit by previous calamities, such as the earthquake that struck Bohol and Cebu in October and typhoon Maring which battered various parts of the Philippines last August.

#ReliefPH operations for #YolandaPH

DepEd establishes command center in Cebu for post-Yolanda efforts

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Lahug, Cebu - The Department of Education (DepEd) has established a command center at its Ecotech facility in Cebu Tuesday to secure information on the whereabouts of its personnel. Interim offices have been set up for each of the Eastern Visayas divisions that are still not operational: Leyte, Tacloban, E. Samar, Catbalogan, Biliran, Borongan and Baybay.

Each interim office is manned by staff from the Cebu office and tasked to establish contact with all personnel – from the superintendent to school heads – and get updates.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC reminded everyone of the urgency to account for people saying “Before anything else, we look for people. List all regions. Regions, contact divisions; divisions, contact schools; schools, establish contact with teachers and staff. First things first, tao muna (people first).”

Luistro then instructed officials to plan for the resumption of classes when everyone has been accounted for. “The best way for kids to recover is to bring them back to their routine as soon as possible – and that is to bring them to school. There is no need to conduct classes right away. Let them play. Do activities.”

An operations center has also been set up at Leyte National High School in Tacloban where teachers and other personnel can report. Luistro is asking Eastern Visayas personnel to report as soon as they can. “We need to know if you’re ok.” 

The Ecotech Command Center in Lahug, Cebu can be contacted through: (032)254-6747, (032)414-7320, and (0917)309-0583.

DOTC : MCIAA Donates P 2-Million to Earthquake Victims

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Airport Back to 100% Normal Operations One Day After Temblor

Following the aftermath of Tuesday’s temblor, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) has decided to donate P 2-Million to the victims of the earthquake in the provinces of Cebu and Bohol out of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budget.

The MCIAA Board of Directors met yesterday, 17 October 2013, and approved the release of P 1-Million each to the Provincial Governments of Cebu and Bohol as financial assistance for use in their relief operations.

“I commend MCIAA for this generous act at this critical time, and I hope this inspires others to help out as well. I personally visited our kababayans in these areas over the past two days and saw the difficulties they are going through. It is good for them to be reassured that government is here to help them,” said Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya.

The MCIAA also reported to the DOTC that the Cebu airport has been back to 100% 24-hour normal operations since the day after the earthquake hit, or on 16 October 2013. This confirmation dispels certain false and irresponsible text messages which have been circulated, claiming that the runway was badly damaged and that the airport was closed.

According to the MCIAA, the runway was closed for only 20 minutes right after the temblor hit, in order to allow the Runway Inspection Team to conduct an immediate technical inspection of the runway and taxiway integrity. Having been found to be safe, the runway was reopened for flight operations.

Meanwhile, the passenger terminal building (PTB) was evacuated and closed for around three-and-a-half hours on 15 October 2013 as structural integrity was assessed. No major damages were detected, as minor damages such as cracks were non-structural in nature. Passenger and cargo processing were returned to the PTB from separate buildings by around noon of the same day.

The riding public is advised to remain on alert and to follow any public announcements that may be broadcast at the airport. Should there be a need to evacuate, they should follow the guidance of airport personnel and head to the nearest exits. The MCIAA is appealing for calm and sobriety as aftershocks occur.

The MCIAA reaffirms its commitment to provide the highest level of airport services possible with safety first on its mind, in line with the DOTC’s priority of ensuring passenger safety and convenience.

http://www.dotc.gov.ph/

ABS-CBN stages simultaneous 5-city "ONE RUN, ONE PHILIPPINES"

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Pinoys in five cities can run to save five environment projects including Pasig River rehabilitation

Thousands of participants are expected to take part in the “One Run, One Philippines,” the five-city simultaneous advocacy run of ABS-CBN in the Philippines and the United States this October 6 as part of ABS-CBN’s 60th anniversary celebration.

In cooperation of ABS-CBN Foundation’s Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP), Regional Network Group (RNG) and The Filipino Channel (TFC), the “One Run, One Philippines” will invade Quezon City, Cebu City, Bacolod City, Davao City, and Los Angeles (USA) to clamor for the protection of various environmental advocacies.

"Participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles as disposable cups will not be provided at water stations positioned along the roads to promote environmental awareness and minimize waste production," said ABS-CBN Foundation managing director Gina Lopez at the press conference held at the Torre Venezia Suites, the official hotel partner of the event.

The Quezon City leg or the fifth “Run for the Pasig River” will be held at Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) with 6:00 AM gunstart for both 3K and 5K categories. Starting line is located at the Technohub overpass. Participants will go straight along Commonwealth Avenue then head to QMC for the finish line.

As part of its preparation, lanes that will be used for the race will be closed at 2 AM on the event day, while the two outermost lanes on both sides of Commonwealth Avenue will remain open. The motorists are advised to take alternate routes if possible as heavy traffic is expected.

Parking zones located at Philcoa, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, Sugar Regulatory Commission, Trinoma, Wildlife, Quezon City Hall, National House Authority, and side streets of University Avenue, Visayas Avenue, North Avenue, Quezon Avenue, East Avenue and Kalayaan Avenue have been reserved for participants with vehicles.

Meanwhile, the three provincial legs will all start at 4:30 AM with its 21K category followed by the 5K and 10 K at 5:30 AM. Starting line of Cebu leg is at SM City Cebu, Davao leg is at the Abreeza Mall, while the Bacolod leg is at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon.

The Los Angeles leg, on the other hand, will begin at 7:30 AM with its 1K Kiddie Run, 5K and 10K categories at Burbank, California.

The Cebu leg will benefit coastal conservation in Daan Paz; the Davao leg will support the ecotourism projects in Marilog Tourist Center; the Bacolod leg will help the mangrove and livelihood projects in Punta Taytay, Sum-ag River rehabilitation, and ecotourism projects in Bacolod City Water District Campuestuhan Watershed; while the Los Angeles leg will fund the Green Initiative of Bantay Kalikasan.

Kapamilya stars Anne Curtis, Kim Atienza, Kim Chiu, Karylle and model-blogger Erwann Heusaff will lead the “Run for the Pasig River” in Quezon City that will again raise funds for the rehabilitation of the Pasig River and its tributaries.

Paulo Avelino, Jayson Abalos (Cebu leg); Maja Salvador, Aaron Villaflor, Bryan Termulo (Davao City); Joem Bascon, Paul Jake Castillo, Bangs Garcia; and Jake Cuenca (Los Angeles), will represent the four other legs of "One Run, One Philippines," which will also benefit various environmental projects.

The KBPIP has organized four successful runs for the Pasig River and had raised P25.94 million. In 2009, the fun run funded the initial phase of Estero de Paco’s clean-up, while the historic “10.10.10 Run for the Pasig River” funded the second phase and even broke the Guinness World Record for the “most number of participants in a running event” with 116,086 runners.

The 2011 and 2012 runs for the Pasig River are currently aiding the rehabilitation of 16 esteros in Quezon City and Manila including the Estero de San Miguel and four others behind the Malacañan Palace.

Registration for the fifth “Run for the Pasig River” is ongoing at Run for the Pasig River booths in  the following : 

SM Mall of Asia

SM North EDSA

SM Megamall

Chris Sports outlets in:

Glorietta

Festival Mall

SM North EDSA Annex

SM Manila

SM Fairview

SM Megamall

and Fitness & Athletics BGC.

For the Cebu, Davao and Bacolod legs, sign-up at ABS-CBN Cebu; 

ABS-CBN Davao

Abreeza Mall or Holiday Gym and Spa;

and ABS-CBN Bacolod.

Online registration for the Los Angeles leg is open at https://racewire.com/register.php?id=3348. 

Log on to www.onerunonephilippines.com for other updates. Limited edition “One Run, One Philippines” official race gear distributed by ABS-CBN Licensing are also available in the booths.