Green One Hotel Mactan; The perfect homebase while exploring Cebu

ENJOY THE SUN AND SIGHT! Green One Hotel is the newest hotel destination in the rural sea side of Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island. Amidst the landscape beauty of the historic island, everyone can witness the enchantment and natural wonder as everyone visits the stunning pristine beaches and marine sanctuaries nearby. Green One Hotel is also a perfect home base in Mactan for foreign travelers who wanted to have a holiday and enjoy the activities such as island tour, diving and parasailing after doing business in Metro Cebu. The hotel is situated in Sitio Lawis, Suba-basbas, Lapu-Lapu City and only 20-30 minutes away from the Mactan- Cebu International Airport.

ACCOMMODATION: Green One Hotel features a total of 24 elegant rooms and suites with contemporary interiors and a lush garden and sea view creating a relaxing, refreshing and comfortable feeling. Each deluxe room is equipped with a split type air-condition, wide screen T.V. and a 10ft. refrigerator and also furnished with 1 queen size and 1 single bed, hot and cold shower with full bathroom amenities, bath tub, private balcony, and kitchenette with living and dining area for the Family Suite rooms, internet can be accessed in all areas. The hotel also features a club house swimming pool, a Japanese restaurant and 24 hrs. Security services.

GREEN ONE ENGLISH ACADEMY: The hotel has an in house English Academy that teaches English Language to foreign students. Their ESL faculty had undergone an intensive Methodology Training from Technical Education Skills and Development and the Department of Education. With different programs offered to suit one needs, one can be assured of achieving your goal, with the best training with the most updated curriculum our academy had offered.

DINING EXPERIENCE: The hotels Japanese Restaurant offers a variety of delectable food options prepared by the hotels chefs with fresh, organic and healthy ingredients.

BUSINESS AND EVENTS: Green One Hotel is a quiet and discreet place ideal venue for seminars, business conferences other company events. A perfect setting to unwind, relax and enjoy the scenery with an extraordinary experience worth for everyone’s memory. Our trained event planner can help you anytime to make your event more meaningful and successful. Other hotel services include Airport Shuttle, Babysitting, and Doctor on Call, 24 hr Front Desk, Gift Shop, Laundry, Parking, Sightseeing and Island Hooping Tour arrangements. GREEN ONE HOTEL is located at Sitio Lawis, Suba-Basbas, Lapu-Lapu City Cebu, Philippines Green One Hotel 618 Sitio Lawis Suba-basbas Lapu-Lapu City For further information one may contact the hotels trunk-line number (+63)-032-495-1329.

EXPLORING SAN FRANCISCO, CAMOTES AND THE INVITING SANTIAGO BAY

It was Wednesday afternoon that we decided to depart from Lapu-Lapu City our homebase going to Danao City. From Danao City we had to take a 2 hrs boat trip via Jomalia Shipping’s Roro Vessel going to San Francisco in Camotes Island which costs Php 200 pesos only for an air-conditioned sitting accommodation. As planned initially we will stay in San Francisco for 3 days and jump off to Ormoc City via motorized pump boat and stay for an overnight before going back to Cebu. We arrived in Consuelo Port in San Francisco almost midnight already because of the delays. Though they have good and wide roads I was surprised to know that there’s no public transport in the island except for this for hire single motorcycles locally called Habal Habal but anyways I am not interested to announce my disappointments of the inequality of the economic progress in the province of Cebu let it be on a separate article and not here. Anyways, we were welcomed by our host with our favorite Manok Bisaya or the native chicken papaya soup before we say good night for the long trip.

I was not able to sleep well maybe because it’s my first time or just im too excited for our first day in exploring San Francisco. We were planning our itinerary and we decided to start our day with tasting the early morning harvest from Camotes Sea. When we arrived at the local public market we were a little disappointed since there’s not much produce on that day and since its holy week sea foods are scare and expected to be a bit expensive. But it did not stop us, finally we had bought few kilos of seafoods, after our Breakfast neighbors comes in to welcome us. Our host let us barrow their single motorcycle and we decided to have a short tour of the nearby resorts in Mangodlong, The Mangodlong Rock Resort and Mangodlong Paradise. At Mangodlong Rock Resort you will just pay Php20 pesos for an entrance fee and you can already use their amenities inside the property. We took our lunch at the resort before we proceeded to Santiago Bay Resort few kilometers away from Mangodlong. We did not stay long in Santiago Bay since I felt im dehydrating already. The temperature is almost 37 degrees Celsius already and it’s very ironic since news on TV tells us that a storm is coming on Sunday. Just to recall the horrors of the super typhoon Yolanda that did not spare Camotes Islands from devastation and is still very fresh from the memories of the locals. Camotes is a group of Islands midway between Danao City in Cebu and Ormoc City in Western Leyte. After our short tour we ended up feasting buko mixed with condensed milk and powdered grahams locally known as lamaw. Our first day was mostly a get to know and make some friends in the neighborhood with a karaoke show down until late in the evening.

Our third day on the itinerary was to visit the tourist spots of San Francisco. We rented 2 single motorcycles which the driver also acts our guide. Our first stop is Lake Danao where I had to sample kayaking inside the lake for only Php50 for 30 minutes, we proceed to Timubo Cave and we paid Php20 pesos per person for the entrance fees then to the Town proper of San Francisco before we decided to go home. Our guide tells us that there are plenty of tourist spots to go but we decided to go home since its too hot already and we unexpectedly got wet because we were mesmerized with the pool inside Timubo Cave and we decided to have a swim.

It’s a long hot day for us and we need to take a rest and freshen up. We will experience Santiago’s pride later. The long coastline, very fine white sands and the most amazing people we meet. Santiago White Sands is adjacent with the Santiago Bay Resort and is a public beach where one can set up small tents for overnight camping. There are plenty of shops and restaurants around the area. Its Friday night and our last night in San Francisco, we meet plenty of locals that opted to live in Cebu for work and had just taking advantage of the long holiday for vacation on their birthplace. Our night was a blast, full of fun and laughter’s and amazing stories of experiences. We woke up very late on the next day, and decided to cut short our trip instead. Our plan for an overnight in Ormoc was not realized, the coming typhoon that makes in the headlines changes direction northward sparing devastation in Bicol areas and Quezon province and we decided to go back to Cebu. With us are our funny and crazy stories, a message was sent to whom by someone. “What happens in Camotes, Stays in Camotes” but me? I can’t resist of sharing this to everyone. Though life in Camotes Island is slow paced my short vacation means I will have the sand, the sea and the sun all day to enjoy. What could I ask for more, my very first vacation was a blast.

“Extended rainy days at Palmbeach Resort & Spa”

Mactan Island, Philippines- Palmbeach Resort & Spa introduces the “Extended Rainy Day Promo.” From September 23 to December 17, 2013, one can avail an overnight stay for as low as Php 2,500 net in a Standard room inclusive of buffet breakfast for 2 persons and complimentary use of resort facilities. One can also opt to avail of their Packages inclusive of an overnight or 3-day/2-night stay and meals with savings of almost 50%. Palmbeach Resort & Spa, located at Punta Engaño, Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, also offers packages for Christmas parties, team building activities, live in seminars, wedding receptions, debuts and exclusive conventions. With the variety of food and accommodation packages to choose from plus the superb hospitality of its team of staff members, one can enjoy a hassle free and pampered vacation at the resort. To answer the demand for a private-feel and relaxing place to stay in Mactan, Cebu, Palmbeach Resort & Spa maintains its unique character as it preserves its serene and tranquil environment where everyone can enjoy a holiday from the hustle and bustle of the city life and seek comfort inside the resort’s homey ambience at an affordable rate. Each of its 53 spacious rooms has its own mini-bar, refrigerator, electric kettle, complimentary coffee and tea, and unlimited wifi. Palmbeach Resort & Spa is a 2013 Excellence Awardee from TripAdvisor.com, the world’s largest travel site. This prestigious award places the resort in the list of top performing 10% of all business worldwide on the said online travel site. TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence award is given to businesses that are consistently earning high ratings from TripAdvisor’s travelers. This Award is an indication that the Management of the Resort aims to consistently provide excellent and personalized service to attain the highest comfort possible to its guests with an extra homey touch to it. Indeed, with Palmbeach Resort & Spa, there is “comfort within reach at the palm of your hand.” What better time to experience Palmbeach Resort & Spa than at this time during the rainy days and at low rates at that. For inquiries and reservation, please call +63 (32) 238-5877, 239-5299, 239-5300 or visit www.palmbeachcebu.com for more information on its ongoing promos and on the Resort. Keep up-to-date with the Resort’s latest offerings by joining them on Facebook (facebook.com/palmbeachresortcebu).

Palmbeach Resort & Spa, Cebu’s Boutique Resort in Mactan, Wins 2013 Award from TripAdvisor

Palmbeach Resort & Spa, a nearly two-year old deluxe boutique resort located in Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City, bags the 2013 Certificate of Excellence Award from the world’s largest travel site, TripAdvisor.com. This prestigious award places the Resort in the top-performing 10% of all businesses world-wide listed on TripAdvisor. This award also acknowledges businesses that are consistently earning high ratings from TripAdvisor’s travelers. The Management of the Resort has been aiming to consistently provide excellent and personalized service to attain the highest comfort possible to its guests with an extra homey touch to it. With the Excellence Award garnered from TripAdvisor, the Management is further motivated to move towards gradual improvement of its amenities and services in its pursuit to providing excellent customer service. “This accolade we received confirms our commitment to make the stay of our guests enjoyable and memorable by providing them with excellent personalized service. This is largely made possible with Palmbeach Resort & Spa‘s team of vibrant and hospitable staff members,” Atty. Regina Ann Nonato, Chief Operations Officer of Palmbeach Resort & Spa, said. “With this in mind, we seek to reach out further to both local and international guests so we can impart the comfort and experience we provide the Palmbeach way. That is simplicity and beyond at its best,” Atty. Nonato added. Meanwhile, Mr. Victor Recaña III, the Resorts Marketing Officer, described the award as an inspiration to work hard and work more. Being a new player in the industry, Palmbeach Resort & Spa has slowly gained a reputation of excellence in the local and international market. With the growing competition in the industry, Palmbeach Resort & Spa, with its vibrant and hospitable team, will continue to aim for excellence and constant growth, putting quality in their philosophy in order to obtain the same honor in the succeeding years. Palmbeach Resort & Spa is located at Punta Engaño, Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City. For inquiries and reservation, please call +63 (32) 238-5877, 239-5299, 239-5300 or visit www.palmbeachcebu.com for more information on its ongoing summer promo and on the Resort. Keep up-to-date with the Resort’s latest offerings by joining them on Facebook (facebook.com/palmbeachresortcebu).

SUMMER BLAST AT CORDOVA REEF

Experience the heat blast of this summer as Cordova Reef Village Resort introduces the “Summer Hotness Promo”. Starting April 21 to June 30, 2012 one can stay in our De luxe Garden Villa for as low as Php 4500 net, inclusive of breakfast for 2 persons, complimentary use of resort facilities including non motorized water sports, 20% discount on all spa services at the Village Spa. Free use of the snorkeling equipments, 50 % discount on souvenir items at Club 1521 Shop, free use of the tennis court and volleyball, free entrance fee to Island and Sun Beach Resort. For a minimum stay of three nights one can enjoy additional free 1 time full body massage for 2 persons per villa, free boat transfer to Hilutungan Island where everyone can dive or snorkel in the marine sanctuary. Organized island hooping trips can be arranged. The resort also offers packages for honeymooners, group team building, live in seminar, wedding reception, debuts and exclusive private conventions. Cordova Reef Village Resort maintains its mysterious and uniqueness character as it preserves its peaceful, serene and tranquil environment where everyone can enjoy holiday away from the stress of the city and seek solace in each others arms inside the 4.5 hectare property with its tropical green ambience. Each of its 50 fully appointed villas has its own terrace and enjoys unlimited wifi through the resorts DSL and Broadband connectivity. Across the channel, is the Island and Sun Beach Resort in Hilutungan Island, known for its pristine stretch of white sand and its strategic location to the Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary. Island and Sun Beach Resort enjoys being one of the must to be discover resort in this area. For only Php 950 net and a minimum number of 20 persons one can enjoy a day of this summer with SAND, SUN and the SEA inclusive with boat transfer to and from the island and a barbeque lunch. Truly, Cordova Reef Village Resort and Island and Sun Beach Resort are the places where nature and romance can be enjoyed together under the heat of this summer.

For bookings and inquiries, please call 238-1878, 496- 8050 or email us at cordovareef@gmail.com , visit www.cordovareef.com and like us on facebook: Cordovareef Villageresort.

NEW JCI TRAINERS GRADUATED

About thirteen new JCI volunteer trainers from four different chapters in Cebu graduated from the two days intensive training on the updated version of the JCI trainers program held last February 11- 12, 2012 at the Cebu Mary Immaculate College in Talamban, Cebu City. The event was hosted by the Junior Chamber International Mandaue Chapter through the efforts its project chairman and Training Director Mr. Garry Garcesso with the support from its 2012 President Mr. Michael Jay Villanueva.

The said event focuses on the planning and delivering of trainings, a two days activity that covers adult learning styles, best training methods in teaching, training tools and the techniques needed to understand in delivering training for adult audiences.

Meanwhile, the JCI Cebu-Mactan Channel headed by its 2012 Vice-President for Operations JCI Members Mr. Jay Carl del Rosario and Treasurer Mr. Victor S. Recaña III together with Auditor Ma. Lucia D. Napata and the three new JCI members Ms. Riza Pelaez, Ceasar Laro and Patric Henry Perez II comprise the six participants from power team Cebu-Mactan Channel to finish the new program.

In an interview with the Bridges News Team, JCI Member and 2012 Treasurer Mr. Victor Sesmundo Recana III said that he was waiting for the said training for a year. He even planned to chairman such activity but because of the busy schedule and numerous big projects line up for the upcoming months in the chapter, he just set the plan to second priority. He thanks the humble JCI Senator and Head Trainer Mr. Gleendo Dasmarinas, IG for sharing his valuable time to handle such kind of training. According to him if not with the sacrifice of the head trainer they will be waiting again for another months or even a year for that activity to push through. He also appreciated the efforts of the JCI Mandaue Chapter for sponsoring the said event.

Other graduates of the JCI Trainers are JCI Mandaue 2012 President Mr. Michael Jay Villanueva and members Mr. Garry Garceso, Mr. Darrel Jon, Mr. Ramil Montealto, Mr. Pual Villacorta. JCI Cebu Sinulog President Patrick Yared and JCI Sugbo member Mr. Nicolas Briones.

Sikad; Cordova’s Ride to Progress

They say it is the poor man’s taxi, they call it padyak, others call it pedicab, and we call it trisikad or sikad, it has the basic principle of having a three wheel and powered by human. Sikad is the mode of transportation wherever you go within the town of Cordova. For centuries, this has been visible in the town streets witnessing the changes of its landscape and progress. This human powered vehicle has been the partner of Cordovanhons in their daily lives, whether going to the public market or going to the schools or simply going to Day-as to witness the beautiful sunset and the view of Metro Cebu skyline.
The trisikad can be found everywhere in the country even in highly urbanized cities like Metro Manila but what makes the Cordova sikad different from others? While it may look comfortable, colorful, stable and safe as others do, Cordova sikad is powered by Cordovanhons who dreamed to have a better future. This people work hard to reach their goals and ambitions in life. They believed in their own selves to succeed and did not submit to other people to decide on what kind of future they wanted to have.
Noregim Goncer Degamo is a third year college student taking Bachelor in Teaching Secondary Education with majors in Biological Science. He comes from a family of six. His father died when he was still seven years old, his mother earns by picking sea cucumbers and selling it to the town’s public market. Their income is not sufficient to feed the whole family neither to sent one in college. However, Ronald never lost hope, when he reached on the sixth grade he applied for assistance and passed as a supported child by the ALLOUETTE FOUNDATION, a France based NGO who advocated child support especially to the indigent but deserving school children. On his first year in High School he took the Alternative Learning System examination. He passed and was accelerated to first year in college. He decided to get a degree in Teaching Education and enrolled in Cordova Public College. He never misses his classes and always participates in school activities, even in town. Just to earn money for food and his allowance, he drives trisikad going to school picking some passengers along the way at the same time he sells ice candy in campus, after his class he drives his three- wheeled service again bringing some students who wanted to go home. He often parks at the public market during the night waiting for passengers. He never quits, instead he is always positive that when he graduates, become a teacher and earned enough money, he will help his mother and his older siblings. He always believes that everyone should work so that God will help. According to him if people will not work for their future nothing will happen in their lives but the same as what it is and it will be forever. Noregim is just one of the many Cordovahanons who airs the same story. This hardworking young people in their trisikads are the symbol of hope for the town, an envy to other who has all the luxury but failed to neither help nor inspire others to succeed and make their home town proud.
Many foreign tourists were amazed with the ingenuity of Cordovanhons, their smile and brand of hospitality excelled and incomparable to others but one cannot over look when entering the town seeing many locals using their sikad not only for transporting people but also for their small businesses like selling bread, friend chicken, rice porridge, ripe bananas. Likewise, for enjoyment and past time on weekends they have a sikad race. They even accessorized their trisikads with colored cloths with authentic designs and speakers just to catch people’s attention. This might be very simple entrepreneurial acts but indeed this makes the towns economy more vibrant and with the help of this hardworking young people like Noregim who wants to be better and determined to reach their goals, everything is possible. Truly, the poor man’s taxi promises hope to Cordovanhons giving them smooth ride to progress.