Cebu Pac launches 4 flights from MCIA

LAPULAPU CITY— Cebu Pacific, launched new direct flight routes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to Kansai, Don Mueang, Masbate, and San Vicente.

“We are thrilled to introduce these new routes, which further enhance travel options for passengers flying through Cebu. Our strong partnership with Cebu Pacific enables us to continuously broaden our destination offerings, and we are grateful to all our airline partners for their contributions to our vision of establishing MCIA as the world-class tourism and transfer gateway to the Philippines,” Athanasios Titonis, Chief Executive Officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC said.

The inaugural flight to Don Mueang departed from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) at 2:20 AM on October 2, marked by a traditional water cannon salute. The water cannon salutes for the flights to Kansai, San Vicente, and Masbate followed on October 15, 26, and 30, respectively. The airline operates three weekly flights to Don Mueang and four weekly flights each to Kansai and San Vicente, along with three weekly flights to Masbate.

Travelers can now explore the vibrant culture and unique experiences of Bangkok, enjoy the stunning landscapes of Osaka, relax by the beautiful shores of San Vicente, and discover the scenic charm of Masbate.

“The expansion of flight options also plays a key role in advancing Cebu Connect, a service we launched this year to ensure seamless and efficient airport transfers within MCIA. Cebu Connect is specifically designed to minimize layover times, allowing travelers to move swiftly between flights with ease. By integrating more flight connections and streamlining transfers, we are reinforcing our commitment to providing world-class service to our passengers,” Titonis added.

Titonis also highlighted how strategic partnerships with airlines like Cebu Pacific are essential to the airport’s goal of connecting Cebu with key global cities, thereby supporting tourism and business growth in the region.

Xander Lao, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Cebu Pacific Air,
voiced pride in the launch of direct flights to Don Mueang International Airport. “Given the increasing demand for flights to various destinations, we are excited to unveil new routes to Don Mueang, Kansai, Masbate, and San Vicente.”

Cebu Pacific is dedicated to collaborating with Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC to further connect Cebu with local and international destinations. Passengers can anticipate even more flight options from Cebu in the coming months as the airline continues to expand its network. Lao said.

The introduction of these four new flights represents a strategic initiative to enhance Cebu Pacific’s connectivity to popular Southeast Asian travel destinations. This expansion not only increases travel choices for passengers but also plays a crucial role in bolstering Cebu’s tourism industry and economic growth.

By offering more direct international routes, MCIA continues to position itself as a competitive alternative for travelers seeking seamless connections without the need to transit through Manila.  As the Philippines’ second-busiest airport, MCIA has been instrumental in promoting Cebu as a significant travel destination in the region.

With Bangkok and Kansai now among the 14 international destinations served by MCIA, the airport solidifies its position as a vital international gateway while Masbate and San Vicente are part of the 27 local destinations accessible from MCIA. (Photos: MCIA/FB) 

Cebu Port Authority gears for Undas 2024

CEBU CITY -- The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) is now gearing to activate "Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2024" to manage the anticipated influx of travelers during the 'Kalag-kalag' or All Saints' Day celebrations from October 31 to November 5, this year.

CPA General Manager Francisco Comendador III bared that CPA alongside with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other government agencies implement an annual set of measures to enhance and streamline security operations in all ports in Cebu, to prepare for the significant increase in passenger traffic throughout the region.

Commendador highlighted the importance of passenger safety, announcing that CPA implements round-the-clock security over the six-day period to ensure the safety and security of all port users within the port premises.  CPA will also deploy explosive detection dogs across all CPA port terminals, he added.

 

The CPA through its Port Safety, Security and Environmental Management Department (PSSEMD) convened on October 25, with representatives from Cebu’s shipping lines and cargo handling service providers to reiterate the critical safety and security measures in place during the busy travel season.

Commendador strongly encourages all passengers to book for tickets in advance to prevent overcrowding and ticket scalping.  The CPA will also enforce a strict "No ticket, No ID, No Entry Policy," allowing only those with valid tickets and identification to enter the port area at least two hours prior to departure.

Malasakit Help Desks (MHDs) and first-aid stations are also installed in passenger terminals to address any passenger concerns or emergencies that may arise. (Photos: CPA-FB/Google Images)

 

 

United Airlines inaugurates its new Cebu-Tokyo/Narita-USA route

CEBU CITY—United Airlines launched its new Cebu-Tokyo/Narita-USA route with the first outbound flight from Cebu at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) at 9:30 a.m. on October 28, marking it with a special ribbon and cake-cutting ceremonies at the departure gate with customers, guests, United executives, staff and crew joining in the event.

The new service departs Cebu daily at 9:30 a.m. and arrives in Tokyo/Narita at 3:15 p.m. the same day. The return flight from Tokyo/Narita to Cebu departs at 5:30 p.m. and arrives on Cebu at 10:05 p.m. United operates the flight with a 737-800 with 166 seats, 16 of which are in business class.

“We are excited to offer even greater travel choice to our customers in the Philippines, with a one-stop connection, via Tokyo/Narita, to destinations in the United States and our unrivalled network of onward connections to destinations across the Americas, including our hub in Newark with fast easy access to Manhattan,” Walter Dias, Director, Asia Pacific, United Airlines told media during the event.

Dias expressed his excitement of the United Airlines launching flights to Cebu, highlighting the long history of operating in the Philippines since 1982.  The new service connects Cebu with Narita, Japan, and brings many tourists from Japan, as evidenced by a full flight.

He added that United Airlines aims to integrate Cebu into its network by using Narita as a hub, connecting major U.S. cities to Cebu through Tokyo.  The new route is expected to drive economic benefits through tourism, with a focus on serving both Japan and Cebu points of sale.

Dias further explained that United Airlines chose Cebu due to its high tourism activity and the large U.S. frequent flyer community looking for unique destinations. The decision to select Cebu was influenced by its under-connected status to the U.S. in terms of aviation services.

“The airline aims to fill its flights by offering comprehensive travel packages that include ground, hotel, and air component. The new route features seven weekly flights from Tokyo to Cebu, with additional daily flights from San Francisco to Manila and daily services from Guam to Manila,” Dias bared.

(Walter Dias, Director, Asia Pacific, United Airlines

Athanasios Titonis, CEO, Aboitiz Infracapital GMCAC)

Athanasios Titonis, CEO, Aboitiz Infracapital GMCAC, private operator of MCIA emphasized the prestige of having United Airlines and the potential to increase tourism traffic in the Philippines.  MCIA’s future plans include developing domestic and international connectivity, with collaborations from various departments in government.

“The goal is to make Cebu a regional hub and eventually to a national one, with plans to increase capacity and improve processes and design at the airport.  The arrival of United Airlines as a valued airline partner marks a significant milestone for our Cebu Connect service. This new connectivity to Japan and the United States not only expands travel opportunities for Cebuanos and Filipinos,” Titonis stated.

The entry of United Airlines to Cebu also strengthens Cebu's role as a gateway, inviting travelers from around the world to experience the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Cebu and other popular destinations across Central and Southern Philippines, including Siargao, Palawan, and Boracay, Titonis added.

The new daily nonstop service provides greater choice for customers in the Philippines to travel to Tokyo and with United connections, to the United States. United is the only U.S. carrier to operate from Cebu, connecting customers from the Visayas and Mindanao regions to Japan via Tokyo/Narita and to more than 200 destinations across the United States through its hubs at Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark and San Francisco.

With this partnership, we aim to foster even greater cultural and economic exchange between the Philippines and the world. Together, we are unlocking new possibilities for tourism, investment, and growth that will benefit our local communities and industries,” Titonis said.

Dias acknowledged the support from MCIA and its marketing airline department over the past eight months which has been crucial in the success of the new flight.  “I want to thank everyone for supporting United Airlines and for those getting on the flight, have a fantastic flight back to Tokyo or wherever your destination is,” he concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 MSMEs train on SEAL-BETA program

CEBU CITY-- Some 30 MSMEs in Cebu completed training on the Small Enterprise Acceleration Lab (SEAL) – Business Expansion thru Training and Acceleration (BETA) program on October 1-4 in partnership with DTI-Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), BPI Foundation, BPI Direct Banko, to enhance market competitiveness and growth.

The SEAL-BETA program is a collaborative initiative to empower local MSMEs, equipping them with practical skills and business opportunities. Through this program, Cebu-based MSMEs are now better prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern marketplace and position themselves for sustainable growth.

This program offers training and capacity-building activities such as workshops, trade fairs and networking sessions. Participants had the opportunity to showcase their products during a mini trade fair and product pitching session, generating estimated total sales of over Php 45,000.

The event concluded with a graduation and awards ceremony on the fourth day, recognizing outstanding MSMEs in several categories, including Best Booth (Php 20,000.00 Each) with We Farm Foods, Audreys Confectioneries, Approvative Digestive Food Hub & Carson Hills Agricultural Farm as winners.

Top 10 Best Pitching MSMEs (Php 25,000.00 Each) included Arapal Livelihood Center Incorporated, Approvative Digestive Food Hub, Brew Szn Café, Handworks Cleaning Services, Margo Craft Shop, Gallivanter Travel and Tours, Sinugbox, Cebu Fryd Food and Beverage Stall, Bakerlane Bakery and Weaving World Handicrafts Manufacturing.

According to the SEAL-BETA, awardees may use the cash prizes to further invest in their business operations and these funds may be used to expand product lines, upgrade equipment, enhance packaging and marketing efforts, or explore new distribution channels. (Photos: DTI7/Kyle)

 

 

DTI-7 supports Cebu MSMEs to join Manila FAME

CEBU CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Central Visayas provided support to 15 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Cebu that showcased their world-class products at this year’s Manila FAME, the Philippines’ premier home, fashion, and lifestyle trade event on October 17-19 at the World Trade Center, Metro Manila.

Through the Tatak Pinoy Industrial Policy (TPIP) ProgramDTI-7 provided comprehensive support to these Cebuano enterprises to enable them to present products that seamlessly blend tradition, craftsmanship, and contemporary design. The support covers technical and logistical assistance, including booth space rental, freight costs, and professional booth design and curation services. 

“We are thrilled to support Cebu’s exporters in showcasing their creativity and products on a global stage at Manila FAME.  This event offers an excellent opportunity for our local companies to gain international exposure, build new partnerships, and strengthen their brands in an increasingly competitive global market,” DTI-7 regional director, Maria Elena Arbon bared.

Arbon added that Manila FAME 2024 highlights Filipino creativity, and Cebu’s exporters play a key role in demonstrating the innovation and craftsmanship that define the region. The Cebu-Gifts, Toys, Houseware (GTH) Pavilion exhibited how local companies turn raw materials into extraordinary products that appeal to both local and global consumers.

This year’s Manila FAME theme, REIMAGINATION, celebrated the ingenuity of Filipino designers as they transform local raw materials into artistic and functional pieces. The show featured over 250 exhibitors from across the country, presenting new perspectives on home furnishings, fashion, and lifestyle products.

The Cebu-GTH Pavilion’s curator designed the space with a focus on rhythm and flow, ensuring that every product – from finely crafted furniture to fashion accessories – is presented in a way that reflects the spirit of REIMAGINATION, Arbon said.

The participating companies from Cebu include 33 Point 3 Exports, Inc., Arden Classic Inc., Art N’ Nature Manufacturing Corp., Bon-ace Fashion Tools, Inc., Calape Crafts, Cebu Homecraft Consolidated, Inc., Cebu Philcrafttraders, Inc., Dierde Export Trading, Finale Furniture and Home Accessories, Mano Arts Corp., Maranga Furniture Manufacturing, Real Imagination Home and Garden Furnishings, Rei Handi Global Corp., R & S Handicraft Manufacturing, and Wagas Crafts/Ukulele. (Photos: DTI-7/Kyle)

Volunteers help repack , load food packs for storm affected areas

LOOK:  Volunteers from the Philippine Coast Guard, Balsert Force and Guardians help with the continuous repacking of family food packs (FFPs) at the Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Tingub, Mandaue City, Cebu today, October 27. The VDRC aims to produce 20,000 FFPs today to support areas affected by severe tropical storm #KristinePH.

The Volunteers also load family food packs (FFPs) to the BRP Teresa Magbanua at Pier 2 of Cebu Port from the trucks from the Visayas Disaster Resource Center in Tingub, Mandaue City, Cebu.  DSWD-7 targets to transport additional 11,000 FFPs to the Bicol region.

The DSWD through the VDRC had already sent 50,500 FFPs since October 23 to areas affected by #KristinePH. (Photos: DSWD7/Kerwin Marcopia)

Top Line targets to open 10 more Light Fuels gas stations in Metro Cebu

 CEBU CITY-– Top Line Business Development Corp. (Top Line) through its subsidiary Light Fuels Corp. (LFC) targets to open 10 more service stations in Metro Cebu before the year ends, as it did a simultaneous inauguration of its three Light Fuels service stations on October 15 located at the North Reclamation Road, Ouano Avenue and Jagobiao, Cebu North Road, both in Mandaue City and an extended blessing ceremony to its very first service station at A.C. Cortes Avenue, Mandaue City that was launched in 2023.

“This is a milestone for Top Line. For the last 11 years we have been focused on real estate and industrial fuel distribution, and as we expand into the retail fuel sector, we are encouraged and see huge potential in the industry because of Cebu’s robust economy,” Erik Lim, Top Line’s Chairman, President and CEO said duringthe press conference.

Lim said, the focus is on vertical integration. Since the company has been in the industrial fuel industry, it backward integrated to include depot operations to support its growth and also forward integrate by opening up service stations under the Light Fuels brand, Top Line’s retail arm.

Two additional Light Fuels service stations are also expected to open in October 2024 located in Liloan, Cebu and in Looc, Lapu Lapu City, bringing the total number of operating fuel stations to five in Metro Cebu.

Soon to open are Light Fuels Express Stations around Metro Cebu, which will focus on two-wheeled and light-wheeled vehicles.  “This is very exciting for Cebu,” Lim smiled, and by the end of 2024, Top Line aims to have 10 Light Fuels stations, among which, two are Light Fuels Express stations, Lim added.

These service stations are strategically located along major thoroughfares with considerable vehicle traffic to cater to motorists in Metro Cebu.   

Top Line has also been engaged in fuel distribution, and has been operating a leased fuel depot to support market demand as well as expanded into retail service stations. (Photos: MBCNewman)