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Mactan Cebu Airport on its way to becoming plastic-free!

September 16, 2019 by Sinjin Pineda No Comments

Mactan-Cebu International Airport sets sights on becoming country’s first plastics-free airport

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the Philippines’ resort-airport, has showed tremendous progress in its Going Green Campaign after banning the use of non-biodegradable single-use plastics and polystyrene containers in restaurants and shops inside the hub.

Starting this year, MCIA private operator GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) prohibited its concessionaires from using the non-biodegradable single-use plastics and polystyrene containers in restaurants and retail stores located in Terminals 1 and 2. Under the policy, GMCAC encourages the use of eco-friendly and reusable substitutes.

To date, 80% of the concessionaires are already using biodegradable alternatives such as plant starch utensils, paper cups and straws, wood stirrers, paper bags, and carton boxes for takeaway food.

“We took this step forward starting with our commercial partners as our commitment to environmental sustainability,” said GMCAC chief executive advisor Andrew Acquaah-Harrison.

“In 2018, MCIA produced a monthly average of 3,500-kilograms (kgs) of plastic waste from its restaurants and shops. This is now down by close to 30% or a decrease of around 12,000-kgs per year,” Harrison added.

GMCAC also holds regular information and education campaigns for all airport concessionaires and stakeholders to raise awareness on the impacts of plastic use on the environment.

OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES
Meanwhile, GMCAC underlined its other initiatives as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability.

Since August 2017, GMCAC has been using 6,300 solar panels on the roof of Terminal 1 to supply electricity for the airport. This made MCIA the first solar-powered airport in the Philippines. 

On a monthly average, the solar panel system produces 196,800 Kwh and provides for 30% of the electricity requirements of the domestic terminal.

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Airlines and Aviation•Press•Travel News

AirAsia named Best Low-Cost Airline by Business Traveller Asia Pacific

by Sinjin Pineda No Comments

AirAsia has been named Best Low Cost Airline by Business Traveller Asia Pacific for the eighth year in a row, beating EasyJet and HK Express for the honor.

Photo: AirAsia Hong Kong and Macao CEO Celia Lao accepts the trophy for Best Low-cost Airline at the 2019 Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards held in Hong Kong

The Business Traveller Asia Pacific Awards recognize product and service excellence in aviation and hospitality, as voted by readers of the travel magazine, which has a circulation of 30,000 globally.

AirAsia Hong Kong and Macao CEO Celia Lao accepted the award at a special luncheon ceremony held in the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong.

AirAsia Group President (Airlines) Bo Lingam said, “We are proud to be recognised once again as the best LCC by the region’s most frequent and discerning travellers. For more than a decade, we have been at the forefront of delivering value to our guests, and we will continue to do so as we expand our travel offering on airasia.com beyond flights to better meet our guests’ ever-growing expectations.”

The Business Traveller Asia-Pacific magazine, launched in 1982, recognizes airlines, airports, hotels and travel destinations, that have been voted by its readers for their outstanding service and hospitality.

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Events and Festivals•Press•Travel News

Byahe ta Bai Travel Fair this September

September 1, 2019 by Sinjin Pineda No Comments

Tourism Operators Unite in Region 7 or TOURS7, a group of 30 members (as of counting) with the aim of fostering camaraderie and shared learning in its industry, is organizing its first ever travel fair in its six-year history dubbed as Byahe ‘ta Bai on September 13-15, 2019 at Robinsons Galleria Cebu.

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Airlines and Aviation•Cebu•Central Visayas•Press•Regional•Travel News

International Terminal fee to be included in ticket for flights out of Cebu starting September 1

August 28, 2019 by Sinjin Pineda No Comments

Good news to all travelers who are traveling international through the Mactan-Cebu International Airport! Beginning September 1, 2019, the International Passenger Service Charge (IPSC), otherwise known as the international terminal fee, shall be incorporated into airline tickets at point of sale for all international flights issued or reissued out of Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Previously issued tickets without International Passenger Service Charge

Within a year from September 1, 2019, passengers who have been issued or reissued tickets without the integrated IPSC shall pay the IPSC at the terminal fee counters inside Terminal 2. During this period, the following processes shall be implemented:
– At the check-in counter, the airline representative will verify through their system if the IPSC has already been integrated. If paid, airline representative shall issue the boarding pass with a PAID stamp and a non-revenue receipt.
– If the ticket was issued or reissued prior to September 1 , 2019, the airline representative shall issue a boarding pass without the PAID stamp and direct the passenger to the terminal fee counters. At the terminal fee counter, the teller shall collect the IPSC payment from the passenger and issue a receipt attached to the boarding pass.

IPSC Exemption

These passengers are exempted from the IPSC payment as mandated by law:

  1. Children below two (2) years old, with or without any airline ticket
  2. Overseas Contract Worker
  3. Passenger denied entry
  4. Airline Crew
  5. Diplomats
  6. Athletes which have been officially endorsed by the Philippine Sports Commission
  7. Muslim Passengers travelling to Mecca on HAJ
  8. Any other person as may be specified by MCIAA in mutual agreement with GMCAC or as may be specified by legal requirement

For exempt passengers who have the IPSC integrated in their tickets, they will need to present the following documents at the terminal fee counter for claiming the exemption:

  1. Valid Overseas Exemption Certificate (OEC)
  2. Exemption certificate for pilgrims, athletes, and others
  3. Boarding pass

IPSC Refund

– All request for refunds shall be processed at the terminal fee counters on the day of departure upon presentation of:
* Boarding pass with PAID stamp
* Valid exemption documents as specified above
– Exempted passengers shall be refunded the full amount of the IPSC.
– For unused tickets, the air carrier shall be responsible for the processing of the refunds subject to the airline ticket terms and conditions.

For any concerns or further inquiries, passengers may contact Mactan-Cebu International Airport through (032) 494-7000 or email customerservice@gmcac.ph.

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Airlines and Aviation•Cebu•Central Visayas•Press•Regional

Mactan-Cebu Airport recognized as a breastfeeding friendly airport

August 7, 2019 by Sinjin Pineda No Comments

GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation, together with the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, is proud to announce that the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) was recognized as a Breastfeeding Friendly Public Place by the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) during the 7th Breastfeeding Congress and the 1st Asia-Pacific Breastfeeding Conference in EDSA Shangri-La Hotel recently.

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Airlines and Aviation•Cebu•Central Visayas•Events and Festivals•Press•Regional

AirAsia offers special fares at Best of Cebu 2019

July 11, 2019 by Sinjin Pineda No Comments

AirAsia has announced special fares* up to 20 percent off on all flights from Cebu as part of the Best of Cebu 2019 held at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City yesterday.

AirAsia Philippines President and CEO Dexter Comendador said, “Supporting the local tourism industry in cities outside Metro Manila remains a key focus for AirAsia, and we’re pleased to come on board as a partner of this years event.

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Airlines and Aviation•Cebu•Central Visayas•Press•Regional•Travel News

Mactan Cebu Airport raffles off Mercedes Benz

July 8, 2019 by Sinjin Pineda No Comments

Mactan Cebu Airport celebrates success with exciting raffle promo The Philippines’ friendliest resort airport, is raffling off a 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Royal Air round trip plane tickets to travelers that shop at any of Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA)’s retail outlets.  
 
“This is our way of giving back and thanking all the travelers, passengers, and stakeholders for MCIA’s successful operations and the continued support the past years especially since the opening of Terminal 2 (International) a year ago,” said Ravishankar Saravu, Chief Commercial Advisor of GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), the private concessionaire operating MCIA.

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Airlines and Aviation•Press•Travel News

Cebu Pacific Juan For Fun 2019 wants you!

July 5, 2019 by Sinjin Pineda No Comments

Young and ready to see the world? Juan for Fun is back!

Get ready to whet your passion for travel and adventure as Cebu Pacific launches Juan For Fun 2019. Now on its eighth year, Juan For Fun is the most exciting and rewarding backpacking trip that enables today’s generation of passionate travelers to pursue their interests through traveling.

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Airlines and Aviation•Cebu•Central Visayas•Press•Regional

Xiamen Air launches Cebu-Chengdu route

by Sinjin Pineda No Comments

GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), together with the Philippine Department of Tourism and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, welcomed the inaugural flight of Xiamen Air (MF) from Chengdu to Cebu last June 27, 2019.

“We are glad to welcome Xiamen Air’s newest direct service to Chengdu, one of China’s busiest and economically-robust cities. Through this partnership with Xiamen Air, we aim to achieve a common goal which is to increase connectivity between Cebu to international destinations,” said Louie Ferrer, GMCAC president.

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Cebu•Central Visayas•Events and Festivals•Press•Regional•Travel News

International Travel Festival 2019 takes off this July

July 2, 2019 by Sinjin Pineda No Comments

Now on its 6th edition, the International Travel Festival is set to take centerstage again on July 12-14, 2019 at the Ayala Center Cebu with the theme “Within Your Reach”.

Stephanie Villahermosa, MyEventology general manager
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Got invited to a special preview to this new desti Got invited to a special preview to this new destination to wine and dine before 2020 ended and I’m glad that they’re now officially open! Dine and have coffee (since Cebu City currently has a liquor ban in place) at 𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐚 at 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝.⁣
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They are now accepting reservations through their IG: @esca.ph. ⁣
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For something a bit upscale, Esca’s prices are very reasonable and quite pocket-friendly. ⁣
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Esca features a compact menu of modern 𝘍𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘰 𝘧𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 dishes. I cannot stop raving about the 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞! It’s one of the best “kinilaw” I’ve had.⁣
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The 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐞𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚 is so tender and flavorful with an almost melt-in-your-mouth consistency. ⁣
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The 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐠𝐠 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐚 is a glorious twist to the usual pork chops. ⁣
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Take note that the establishment is implementing health protocols for the mutual protection of the guests and the staff.⁣
Just realized that the last time I was in Bohol wa Just realized that the last time I was in Bohol was four years ago! ⁣
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Now is the perfect time to revisit the beautiful island province of Bohol as hotels, resorts, tourism establishments, and tour operators will be offering their products up to as much as 𝟕𝟎% 𝐎𝐅𝐅 during the first 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐤 𝐬𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥: 𝐁𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞, happening on 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟏-𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏! More details soon. ⁣
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#BalikBohol⁣
Ganahan mo magtagbaw ug 𝘒𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘉𝘉𝘘?⁣⁣
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There’s a new kid on the block as 𝗪𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐣𝐢𝐛 (Korean for “Our Home”) recently opened at 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘚𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘶𝘦. ⁣⁣
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For as low as 𝐏𝟑𝟗𝟗, satisfy your cravings for 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐢 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐠𝐲𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐚𝐥, with unli side dishes, drinks and ice cream*. Great value for money. I was particularly happy with their side dish buffet as I took as much kimchi, sushi, chapchae and assorted dips at my liberty.⁣⁣
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Upon entry, their very friendly staff gave me a very good impression. The restaurant is spacious and cozy, and despite having several diners during our visit, it did not feel too busy, noisy or stressful. ⁣⁣
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They also have private rooms for your intimate and socially-distanced celebrations. ⁣⁣
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This is the second branch of Woorijib in Cebu (the first one being in Ridges Mabolo), and they’re looking to open more soon!⁣⁣
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See you there? Woorijib Prime is open daily from 𝟷𝟷𝘈𝘔-𝟿𝘗𝘔 at City Time Square Mandaue. Health protocols are observed. Please wear your face mask upon entry, and when getting food from the buffet.⁣⁣
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For bookings and reservations, contact them at 09126223916, 09656349759 or visit their FB page.⁣
One of the places I’d like to revisit after this One of the places I’d like to revisit after this pandemic is definitely Batanes. In this photo is their iconic “Blow Ur Horn” sign which serves as a warning to drivers when navigating around the terrifyingly sharp but breathtakingly beautiful curves that characterize the island’s roads. #Libotero
We just can’t have enough milk tea in the island We just can’t have enough milk tea in the island as 𝐍𝐡𝐚𝐦 𝐂𝐡𝐚 - 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐢 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐤 𝐓𝐞𝐚 opened recently at 𝘔𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 (formerly Tonyo’s, near Bigfoot).⁣
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Nham Cha has over 60 branches in Luzon and this marks their first foray in the Visayas. What’s interesting about them is that they only have 𝟷𝟸 𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘴 on their menu, all of them they consider as bestsellers. There’s a drink for everyone. Someone lactose-intolerant can have the 𝐂𝐡𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐰 (refreshing Thai tea).⁣
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As for myself, I had to try their 𝐂𝐡𝐚 𝐘𝐞𝐧 (Authentic Thai Milk Tea) so I could compare it with the ones I had in the streets of Bangkok. I’m so glad that it met my expectations! I also tried the 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐨𝐤 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐤 𝐓𝐞𝐚 (this one I could compare with the Brown Sugar milk tea of other shops), and 𝐍𝐡𝐚𝐦 𝐂𝐡𝐚 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 (which reminded me of Hokkaido Cream Milk Tea from another brand). On my next visit, I will try 𝐍𝐨𝐦 𝐘𝐞𝐧 or the Thai Pink Milk, popularized by BL series. ⁣
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The store is perfectly set for the new normal. Using a trailer, there is almost no contact between the customers and the staff. The customers order through a glass window, with a microphone so it is amplified inside. ⁣
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Visit them today and experience what Authentic Thai milk tea tastes like!! ⁣
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#TasteTheDifference⁣
#NhamChaCebu⁣
#ThaiMilkTea⁣
@nhamchacebu
The hustle of the holidays and Sinulog is finally The hustle of the holidays and Sinulog is finally over, but 𝐈𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐨 continues to be a safe space for those who wish to unwind without the crowds, jog, bike, breathe fresh sea breeze, enjoy good food, support local businesses and farm fresh produce, and bond with their pets. ⁣⁣⁣
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I recently went on a mini “Food Crawl” at Il Corso. We started with a sandwich at 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, and also checked out their 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘗𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘴. Then we had one of my favorites, 𝐁𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐙’s 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘚𝘶𝘨𝘢𝘳 𝘗𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘬 𝘛𝘦𝘢. ⁣⁣⁣
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Since we were quite stuffed, we took a break from the eating and checked out 𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐄 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐬 x 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬 x 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚, a pop-up store with plants and local products crafted by our Cebuano designers. We then checked out the 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 which has a variety of fresh produce from the province. ⁣⁣⁣
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By dusk, we capped off the day with dinner at 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐲𝐚. Glorious Cebuano food as always! ⁣Take a break, because #YouAreSafeAtILCorso⁣⁣
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Gentle reminders:⁣⁣⁣
1. Wearing of face mask and full face shield is required.⁣⁣⁣
2. Based on DTI, IATF, & LGU guidelines, only individuals aged 15-65 years old will be allowed entry. ⁣⁣⁣
3. Please bring your Q-Pass and/or ID for APOR.⁣⁣⁣
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For the latest information on Il Corso’s operating hours and establishments, visit their IG. @ilcorsofilinvestlifemalls⁣⁣⁣
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#ThankfulTogether⁣⁣⁣
#ILCorsoCebu⁣⁣⁣
#FilinvestLifemalls⁣⁣⁣
#CitydiMare⁣⁣

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By dusk, we capped off the day with dinner at 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐲𝐚. Glorious Cebuano food as always! ⁣Take a break, because #YouAreSafeAtILCorso⁣
⁣⁣
Gentle reminders:⁣⁣
1. Wearing of face mask and full face shield is required.⁣⁣
2. Based on DTI, IATF, & LGU guidelines, only individuals aged 15-65 years old will be allowed entry. ⁣⁣
3. Please bring your Q-Pass and/or ID for APOR.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
For the latest information on Il Corso’s operating hours and establishments, visit their IG. @ilcorsofilinvestlifemalls⁣⁣
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#ThankfulTogether⁣⁣
#ILCorsoCebu⁣⁣
#FilinvestLifemalls⁣⁣
#CitydiMare⁣⁣
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