PAL launches Cebu-Laoag-Cebu flight set to start December 15

CEBU CITY— The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) and the Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced the new Cebu-Laoag-Cebu direct flight route to start Friday, December 15, 2023 with Cebu to Laoag leaving on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7:35am to 10:05am and the Laoag to Cebu leaves at 10:15am to 12:35am on Tuesdays and Fridays too.

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc,

in a press conference and networking event on December 11 at Oakridge Business Park said, the economic and tourism potentials of this new route is tremendous as this will transform the regional landscapes of both provinces.

“This historic and inaugural flight from Cebu to Laoag opens up a lot more opportunities not only for Cebu, but also for this entire region because Cebu serves as the commercial hub of central and southern Philippines and we look forward to working with all of you to make sure that this route is successful, and sustainable and truly beneficial to so many Ilocanos and their families who depend on our tourism industry,” Manotoc said. 

Manotoc added that PGIN and PAL also look forward to inviting and attracting investment from Cebu.  “We know that so many of our business leaders in the Philippines trace their roots here, right here to Cebu and of course, with our international air and seaports and our strategic location being so close to East Asia.”

Manotoc added that Ilocos Norte is primed for investments and likes to refer the province as Philippine gateway to East Asia and he welcomed everyone to Ilocos Norte via Philippine Airlines. 

He describes Ilocos Norte as the only province in the country that can offer a slice of Dubai in its sand dunes; a slice of Boracay in its white sand beaches and a slice of Baguio in its Solsona Apayao.

In terms of gastronomy-food tourism, Ilocos Norte is very well known for its pork dishes, whether it be bagnet or longganisa and they also have the famous empanada and Pinakbet pizza and many native and local and exotic dishes.

PAL-Vice Pres. Sales Department, Salvador Britanico, Jr. said that the partnership between PGIN and PAL signifies a commitment to advancing regional connectivity, driving economic growth, and promoting cultural exchange. 

The new flight route is poised to be an effective strategy for enhancing ties between the Visayas and Mindanao regions, offering Ilokanos residing in these areas a convenient and efficient transportation alternative.

The Cebu-Laoag route will be served by Philippine Airlines, the country’s leading carrier. With its reputation for providing top-notch services, PAL is positioned to ensure a seamless travel experience for passengers on this new route, Britanico states.

“Cebu-Laoag” is anticipated to boost tourism by providing travelers with a direct link between Cebu and Ilocos Norte to open new opportunities for exploration for both local and international tourists.  This improved connectivity between the two provinces is expected to create an ideal environment for business partnerships and collaborations where entrepreneurs and business professionals can efficiently traverse the distance, spurring economic activity,” Britanico noted.

The inaugural flight will carry Ilocos Norte officials, tourism stakeholders, PAL executives and Cebu-based online influencers who will participate in the re-run of the “Himala sa Buhangin! Arts and Music Festival.”  They will also engage in the “Kakanin Cook-off, a celebration of traditional Ilokano delicacies, and witness the first-ever “Coffee and Food Festival” in Ilocos Norte.

“Ilocos Norte welcomed almost three thewe million visitors in 2022 with tourism receipts reaching an estimated P8.8 billion.  We regard the new Cebu-Laoag-Cebu route as the beginning of greater regional collaboration and connectivity to benefit Ilokanos in the tourism and business-related industries,” Manotoc concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

Sen. Imee says Senate close to ratifying int’l labor treaty

CEBU CITY— Senator Imee Marcos, who chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations said, the Senate is close to ratifying an international labor treaty that would give informal workers the same degree of protection as regular employees against physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse.

Marcos said the committee was ready to recommend International Labor Organization Convention 190 to the Senate plenary after the treaty received “unanimous concurrence” from key government agencies and non-governmental organizations during the committee’s hearing last week.

“Informal workers comprise 42 percent of the country’s labor force, many of them farmhands, house helps, and gig workers in the creative industries,” she pointed out.

Senator Imee added that the number could be higher if an accurate national inventory of informal workers was created. Also known as the Violence and Harassment Convention of 2019, the ILO treaty “no longer refers to a territorial workplace but, more importantly, the entire world of work,” Marcos explained.

The treaty expanded the protection of workers beyond the traditional workplace and now includes places where workers take a meal or rest break, sanitary and changing facilities, employer-provided accommodation, venues of work-related trips and social activities, as well as virtual spaces where work-related communications take place.

Besides informal workers, the treaty also protects trainees, interns, apprentices, volunteers, job applicants, and workers whose employment has been terminated.

Toward full compliance with the treaty, Marcos instructed the formation of two technical working groups to identify what domestic laws should be amended and to organize a reliable inventory of informal workers finally.

“Thirty-six countries have already ratified the treaty but the Philippines could be the first Asian country to do so,” Marcos said.

Fairfield by Marriott Cebu now opens in Mandaue City

​MANDAUE CITY— Fairfield by Marriott Cebu opened on December 1, 2023 at A.C. Cortes Avenue, Ibabao-Estancia, Mandaue City as the first Fairfield brand establishment in Cebu, promising a unique experience inspired by the rich legacy of hospitality. 

Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mandaue City on showcased the collaboration between JOVIMA Management & Development Corporation, a real estate developer, and Prestigio, JOVIMA’s hospitality arm in partnership with Marriott International.

Multi Property Vice President Bruce Winton from Marriott International-Philippines highlighted the significance of this addition, marking Marriott’s 557th property worldwide and the 8th in the Philippines. “Marriott intends to foster relationships within the local community,” he said during the grand opening.

Joseph Michael Yu, representing JOVIMA, thanked the Mandaue officials and Marriott International stressing the importance of honoring Mandaue’s heritage.

According to Yu, the hotel features 142 rooms spread over nine floors, each around 24 square meters. It features three event rooms named Ibabao, Estancia, and Centro plus comfortable accommodations with hotel rooms with mini-fridge, work desk and stunning views of Mandaue City or the mountains. It is located 45-minute drive from the airport that adds convenience for travelers.

 Winton shared that Fairfield, Marriott’s original brand, draws inspiration from J. Willard Marriott’s cherished vacation home, the Fairfield Farm, nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The farm serves as an inspiration for the distinctive approach Fairfield employees embody, ensuring that guests receive the warmest and most genuine hospitality.

The grand opening ceremony featured its Christmas Tree Lighting event that symbolized more than just the unveiling of a new establishment but the opening of a door to an extraordinary experience for all who step inside. The ceremony was a celebration of warmth, hospitality, and the beginning of countless memorable moments for both locals and visitors alike.

Fairfield by Marriott’s introduction in Mandaue City represents a new chapter in hospitality, combining Marriott’s legacy with JOVIMA’s expertise. The establishment promises a comfortable stay, aiming to offer beauty in simplicity.

For more information, follow @fairfieldbymarriottmandaue on Facebook and Instagram, or visit https://www.marriott.com/cebfm for updates.(Photos: Fairfield of Marriott/Bigseed)

Zonta Club Cebu II hosts Teen Summit for gender equality, transformative leadership

CEBU CITY —More than 100 students from Mandaue City Science High School, Mandaue City School for the Arts, St. Theresa’s College, Our Lady of Joy Learning Center and ChildLink High School Cebu, accompanied by their respective teachers, attended the Teen Summit on gender equality and transformative leadership on November 25 at the DepEd Ecotech Center, Lahug, Cebu City organized by Zonta Club of Cebu II in partnership with Z Club of Childlink High School Cebu and MOVE Mandaue for the first day of the commemoration  of the 18 Days of Activism for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

According to Zonta Club of Cebu II, the objective of the Teen Summit is to call to action for all students to become potent force in the campaign to end violence against women and children in schools and the promotion of gender equality through positive youth action.

Dr. Salustiano Jimenez, DepEd-7 Regional Director in his inspirational message said that hard work, dedication and commitment as necessary elements of success. He hopes that he is able to inspire others by his teachings, with a quote, “I will aspire to inspire before I expire”.

Janet Mananay, a professor at Cebu Normal University expounded on Transformative Leadership and the elements of Inspirational Leadership, with the acronym V-I-C-E.  Visionary, which means one must have clear direction of the future; Inspiring, meaning optimistic, inspired daily; Considerate caring, concerned; and Ethical—has integrity, promotes trust.

Childlink director, Ma. Teresa Tio said that an activity such as a teen summit, necessarily brings out leadership, team-building, problem-solving skills, creativity and open-mindedness.  “Such goals are in consonance to the aims of Z Club, namely, character building, leadership, and lending a helping hand to others,” Tio added.

Dr. Rhodora Bucoy, former Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), talked about “Transforming Gender Inequalities, Changing Lives: Towards a Gender-fair, Violence-free Inclusive Society.” 

Bucoy said gender transformative education unlocks the potential of learners in all diversity, contributes to ending harmful gender norms, attitudes, and practices, and transforms institutions to achieve a just, equal, and inclusive society.

That inequality in the home, in the community, and institutions exist should be recognized, and must be addressed and she cited the need for transformative thinking and achieving critical consciousness to recognize the truth in society, she said.

“Use your talents and idealism to help change misogynist norms and promote values founded on respect for human rights, respect for diversity, inclusivity, and democracy.  It is time to realize and translate into action the legal imperatives aimed at ending discrimination and men’s violence against women and girls,” Bucoy added.

She urged the students to be part of the challenge to rebuild a more equal and inclusive world where no one is left behind.

The workshop output demonstrated the beginning transformation of the young leaders, as conduits of change towards gender equality, as seen through their composed song, original dance, poem composition, and paintings. (Photos: Zonta Club Cebu II)

Living ‘N Style unveils Mega Yearend sale, December 1-15

​MANDAUE CITY— Living ‘N Style located at level 2, Parkmall, Mandaue City opened its Mega Yearend Sale today, December 1 to 15, 2023 with a wide array of furnitures and fixtures with discounts from 20 to 50 percent.

Save up to a maximum of 50% OFF on select furniture pieces for bedroom, living area, dining area and accessories, carpets, chairs and tables, computer table sets, and more that will surely make homes a great place to live in.

This Furniture Sale promises to redefine living spaces with elegance and style, perfect time to upgrade living spaces with a touch of luxury and style with premium furniture items at unbeatable prices.

Don’t miss this mega furniture sale today, only at Living ‘N Style at Level 2 of Parkmall, Mandaue City. (Photos: MBCNewman) 

Bo's Coffee brews "Paskong Pinoy" flavors, festive menu for Xmas holidays

CEBU CITY – Bo’s Coffee, a homegrown Filipino brand introduces limited-edition “Paskong Pinoy” festive menu, an array of seasonal delights that includes the perennial favorite Dark Mocha Macadamia Froccino. for the Christmas holidays.

"We wanted a holiday menu that not only delights the taste buds but also resonates with the warmth and joy of a Filipino Christmas.  Our Dark Mocha Macadamia Froccino, a returning favorite, is something our customers eagerly anticipate during this special time of the year," Steve Benitez, the visionary Chief Executive Officer of Bo's Coffee, explained how they came about creating the festive lineup.

Benitez said that this year, Bo’s Coffee introduces the Davao Tableya Series, paying homage to world-class local chocolate with Davao Tableya Mocha Froccino, Davao Tableya Iced Mocha and Davao Tableya Hot Mocha.

The holiday menu is thoughtfully complemented by traditional Paskong Pinoy treats, featuring Mini Bibingka in Original, Cream Cheese, and Ube Cheese variants. Customers will surely enjoy the indulgent Bibingka Cheesecake, made with queso de bola on a graham cracker crust, and the decadent Tableya Chocolate Cake, a moist and rich chocolate delight. 

To kick-off the launch of the “Paskong Pinoy” menu and celebrate a successful year after post-pandemic challenges, Bo's Coffee hosted a Salo-Salo and media thanksgiving at its flagship store in Capitol, Cebu.  The event was attended by CEO Steve Benitez, SVP-Chief Operating Officer Rachel Fallarme, VP-Global Franchise Ivy Benatiro, and the operations and marketing team, led by AVP-Director for Marketing Laine Vallar.

As a brand deeply rooted in Filipino pride, Bo's Coffee consistently showcases Filipino flavors throughout the year. The menu features popular drinks like Iced Creamy Latte, Iced Caramel Latte, and Cold White Brew, all made with world-class Philippine coffee sourced from local farmers.

The brand's commitment to fairtrade supports coffee farmers across the Philippines, from Sagada and Benguet to Mt. Apo, Mt. Kitanglad, and Mt. Matutum.  Benitez emphasized, "Our advocacy has always been putting the spotlight on Philippine Coffee Origins, believing that the taste, flavor, and quality of our coffee beans can compete on the world stage."

Bo's Coffee, founded in Cebu in 1996, has expanded to over 130 branches nationwide and has a growing presence in the global market, particularly in the Middle East. The company, known for its warm Filipino hospitality, has plans to open in two more countries soon.

In addition to its staple coffee offerings, Bo's Coffee has diversified its menu to include not only pastries but also filling meals such as pastas, sandwiches, and cakes. Their coffee shops, designed with a distinct Filipino aesthetic, provide a relaxing ambiance, making them ideal spaces for study sessions and meetings.

Responding to market demand, Bo's Coffee is actively expanding its presence in Metro Manila and NCR through franchising. The brand attributes its staying power to its world-class, high-quality homegrown coffee, served with the warmth of Filipino hospitality.

Bo's Coffee has also embraced the digital era, strengthening its online presence with robust e-commerce portals and partnerships with aggregator platforms. For more information about them and its Paskong Pinoy offerings, visit boscoffee.com and follow the brand on social media at Bo’s Coffee on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok. (Photos: Bo's Coffee/Samantha Rusuelle  Macariola)