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Tourists evacuated from Mexico’s hurricane-hit Acapulco
Airlines began to evacuate tourists from Mexico's beachside city of Acapulco on Friday after a scale-topping Category 5 hurricane left a trail of destruction and at least 27 people dead, authorities said. "Acapulco airport has already been reopened for an airlift," Defense Minister Luis Cresencio Sandoval told reporters in Mexico City, adding that the runway had not suffered major damage. Commercial airlines would bring in doctors and fly out tourists and locals, he added. Passengers hauling suitcases arrived to catch the free flights, expressing relief to be alive after Hurricane Otis smashed into Acapulco with winds of 165 miles (270 kilometers) per hour. "We're very happy and content, grateful to be able to continue living our lives," said Clara Elena Albo from Mexico City, who was on vacation with her husband. Other visitors left by road after the main highway to the capital was reopened. The storm partially destroyed many buildings, shattering windows and leaving gaping holes in the walls of high-rise towers. Tourists have said they used beds and mattresses for protection in their hotel rooms. Others took shelter in bathrooms. Four people remained missing, including three members of the Navy, according to the government. Pope Francis sent a message of condolences and prayers for "the eternal rest of the deceased," the Vatican said. Before hitting land early Wednesday, Otis rapidly intensified within hours from a tropical storm to the most powerful category of the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale, taking authorities by surprise. The World Meteorological Organization described the hurricane as "one of the most rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones on record." Much of Acapulco remained without electricity or telephone connections on Friday, while food was scarce, leading to looting of supermarkets. The government said that it had activated an emergency plan to bring essential supplies. Hurricanes hit Mexico every year on both its Pacific and Atlantic coasts, usually between May and November, though few make landfall as a Category 5. The post Tourists evacuated from Mexico’s hurricane-hit Acapulco appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Iloilo appeals to break stalemate in port dev’t, privatization
The Iloilo government is asking the Department of Transportation or DoTr, the mother agency of the Philippine Ports Authority or PPA, to help hasten the privatization and overhaul of the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex, which could catalyze economic growth in the city. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said a much-needed Public-Private Partnership will facilitate a more efficient trade and faster supply chain movement across the city. "Together with the business community, we have been pushing for the development of our ports — both airport and seaports. There was an offer from the ICTSI (International Container Terminal Services, Inc.) for our port but it is not moving," Treñas told reporters. The Iloilo City Local Development Council Executive Committee through Resolution No. 1 Series of 2021 had already endorsed the unsolicited proposal of the ICTSI to the National Economic Development Authority for review and approval. Yet, the submission has not progressed into a favorable action or result to date. Treñas, who sits as Chairman of the Infrastructure Development Committee of the Regional Development Council, had requested PPA General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago to prioritize fund allocation for the city's port development and expansion. In his letter dated 5 September 2023, Treñas cited that Western Visayas recorded the highest economic growth rate among all regions at 9.3 percent, which exceeded the national average of 7.2 percent. However, Treñas lamented that the Iloilo International Port in Barangay Loboc, Lapuz, Iloilo City, has not seen any additional improvements since its establishment in the 70s. Thus, the Iloilo City government reiterated that access to domestic and international transportation and logistics is of utmost importance to boost the sectors of trade, commerce, and tourism. "If ICTSI comes in, we will be able to accommodate more international and domestic vessels and we will have a better RORO (roll-on, roll-off) port. It will also reduce berthing costs," the city mayor said. "I think they presented a proposal to our local economic development office, they proposed to convert it into a container port to improve berthing facilities and add equipment, and I think they want to develop the RORO port. At the moment, we do not have a RORO terminal," he added. Operating 33 terminals in 20 countries across six continents, ICTSI is a global developer, manager, and operator of container terminals in the 50,000 to 3.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units per year range. The post Iloilo appeals to break stalemate in port dev’t, privatization appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Head hunting
Unusual contraband seized by French authorities last year exposed the illegal trade in endangered wildlife between Africa and the United States. Customs agents at Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris found 392 monkey skulls and 326 skulls of other animals in the luggage of smugglers during a seven-month period in 2022, Sputnik News reported. Authorities believe American collectors and hunting clubs bought the contraband. According to SN, the skulls ended up in the Natural History Museum in Aix-en-Provence in southern France for scientific evaluation. In Utah, USA, the Transportation Security Administration said that vigilant security officers at the Salt Lake City International Airport also found a skull in one bag while an X-ray machine was scanning it on 18 September. The human skull raised an alarm that forced the TSA to halt baggage screening for two hours so the item could be safely inspected and removed if necessary. Unidentifiable components resembling an improvised explosive device were inside the skull and regarded as a potential security threat. A police bomb squad with a bomb-sniffing dog was brought in, and the passenger who owned the baggage was called. The passenger said it was a plastic skull with a built-in battery and sensor. Neurosurgeons use the medical training device to teach how to conduct a brain operation called a lobotomy. Fox News reported that the passenger was bringing the skull to a trade show in Cancun, Mexico, but TSA said it was not allowed to be transported on a commercial aircraft. According to Fox News, TSA officials confiscated the device and told the traveler to pick it up when he returned to Utah. The post Head hunting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SMDC’s Now Residences breaks ground in Angeles City, Pampanga
SM Development Corporation marked an important milestone in its mission of creating modern living spaces with the groundbreaking ceremony for Now Residences that took place last August in Angeles City, Pampanga. The ceremony, graced by key SMDC executives and partners, signified a step forward for both SMDC and Pampanga's booming real estate landscape. Now Residences, boasting of proximity to the Clark International Airport and North Luzon Expressway Angeles Exit, offers maximum accessibility, whether residents are travelling by land or air. This gated garden community is also conveniently located near vital commercial hubs like SM City Clark as well as educational and recreational hubs, guaranteeing an unparalleled level of convenience and accessibility. With its enviable accessibility and proximity to essential amenities, Now Residences stands as a testament to SMDC’s commitment to elevating the living experiences of urban dwellers and catering to their evolving needs. Follow SMDC on its official Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and TikTok accounts, or visit the SMDC website. The post SMDC’s Now Residences breaks ground in Angeles City, Pampanga appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Topping-off ceremony marks DoubleDragon milestone
Less than a year before its completion, the topping-off ceremony held Tuesday for the ASCOTT-DD Meridian Park marks a milestone for DoubleDragon, nearly five years after concluding a partnership with Singapore-based Ascott Ltd. The building structure and topmost floor of the ASCOTT at DD Meridian Park project have been completed. "ASCOTT-DD Meridian Park, with over 300 luxury serviced residences located right behind DoubleDragon Plaza, is expected to be operational and generate recurring revenues by 2024," the developer said. [caption id="attachment_175653" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Perspectiveof Ascott-DDMeridian Park.[/caption] The five-hectare DoubleDragon Meridian Park complex is expected to fully develop by 2024 and become a mature prime hard asset portfolio. The premium luxury development ASCOTT-DD Meridian Park will complete and further enhance the mix of the whole complex as it is positioned to be the Mini-CBD (Central Business District) in the Bay Area of Pasay City. The Ascott Limited is a subsidiary of Singapore-based property company Capital Land, which operates worldwide and will manage Ascott-DD Meridian Park. DoubleDragon Plaza is LEED Gold certified and currently houses two government agency headquarters, namely PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) and TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure Economic Zone Authority), and expects to welcome an additional third government agency soon to relocate its headquarters in the complex, in addition to many private corporate head offices. Upon completion, the DoubleDragon Plaza at DD Meridian Park as a complex will bring a distinct advantage to a variety of office tenants, whether corporations, government agencies or BPO companies, given its prime landmark location with various top food chain brands. [caption id="attachment_175654" align="aligncenter" width="603"] DoubleDragon Plaza at DD Meridian Park is designed to be a mini central business district in the Bay area given its prime landmark double corner location at EDSA, Roxas Boulevard and Macapagal Avenue.[/caption] These early, famous brands, such as Jollibee, Mang Inasal, and many others, are confirmed tenants. "DD Meridian Park is like a mini-CBD in the Bay Area, being the only complex in the area that has eight commercial banks (Landbank, RCBC, PNB, BPI, AUB, Unionbank, Chinabank and BDO), making it uniquely convenient for office tenants to complete their banking transactions all within their proximity," the developer added. These dining and banking options are further complemented by a full-sized supermarket, MerryMart Grocery, on the ground floor of DoubleDragon Plaza. The complex also houses thousands of parking slots, with a separate, conveniently located large parking area in the basement dedicated to outside customers who visit DD Meridian Park for business meetings or leisure. DoubleDragon Plaza is located in a landmark double corner location, just a 10-to-15-minute drive to NAIA airport via NAIAX, a few minutes drive to the top three convention centers in the Philippines (PICC, SMX, and World Trade Center) and not too far from other CBDs in Metro Manila. The post Topping-off ceremony marks DoubleDragon milestone appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoubleDragon’s subsidiary conducts Topping Off of ASCOTT at DD Meridian Park
DoubleDragon's subsidiary conducts Topping Off of ASCOTT at DD Meridian Park as the building structure and topmost floor of the project have been completed on Tuesday, 22 August. ASCOTT-DD Meridian Park, with over 300 luxury serviced residences located right behind DoubleDragon Plaza, is expected to be operational and begin to generate recurring revenues by 2024. [caption id="attachment_174149" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Perspective of Ascott-DD Meridian Park[/caption] The premium luxury development ASCOTT-DD Meridian Park will complete and further enhance the mix of the whole complex as it is positioned to be the Mini-CBD (Central Business District) in the Bay Area of Pasay City, Metro Manila. The Ascott Limited is a subsidiary of Singapore-based property company Capital Land, which has operations worldwide will operate and manage Ascott-DD Meridian Park. [caption id="attachment_174150" align="aligncenter" width="603"] DoubleDragon Plaza at DD Meridian Park is positioned as a mini central business district (CBD) in the Bay area given its prime landmark double corner location of EDSA, Roxas Boulevard and Macapagal Avenue in the Bay Area, Pasay City, Metro Manila.[/caption] DoubleDragon Plaza is LEED Gold certified and currently houses two government agency headquarters namely PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) and TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure Economic Zone Authority) and expects to soon welcome an additional third government agency to relocate its headquarters in the complex, in addition to many private corporate head offices in the complex. DoubleDragon Plaza at DD Meridian Park as a complex brings undeniable advantage to a variety of office tenants whether corporations, government agencies, or BPO companies, given its very prime landmark location with various top food chain brands on the Ground Floor such as Jollibee, Mang Inasal and many others. DD Meridian Park is like a mini-CBD in the Bay Area being the only complex in the area that has 8 commercial banks (Landbank, RCBC, PNB, BPI, AUB, Unionbank, Chinabank, and BDO) making it uniquely convenient for office tenants to complete their banking transactions all within their proximity. These dining and banking options are further complemented by a full-sized supermarket, MerryMart Grocery, located on the Ground Floor of DoubleDragon Plaza. The complex also houses thousands of parking slots, with a separate conveniently located large parking area in the basement solely dedicated to outside customers who visit DD Meridian Park either for business meetings or leisure. DoubleDragon Plaza is located in a landmark double corner location, just a 10-15 minute drive to NAIA airport via NAIAx, a few minutes drive to the top 3 convention centers in the Philippines (PICC, SMX, and World Trade Center), and not too far from other CBDs in Metro Manila. The 5-hectare DoubleDragon Meridian Park complex is expected to be fully developed by 2024 and to become a fully mature prime hard asset portfolio, generating optimum level of recurring revenues by 2025. The foregoing disclosure contains forward looking statements that are based on certain assumptions of Management and are subject to risks and opportunities or unforeseen events. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated in the relevant forward looking statement and DoubleDragon gives no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be correct or that such intentions will not change. This Press Release discloses important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from DoubleDragon’s expectations. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on behalf of the Company are expressly qualified in their entirety by the above cautionary statements. The post DoubleDragon’s subsidiary conducts Topping Off of ASCOTT at DD Meridian Park appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
North Cebu ecozone pushed
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority on Monday disclosed that aside from the planned expansion program for the Mactan Economic Zone in Lapu-Lapu City, it also confirmed the creation of a new ecozone in the north end town of Medellin, Cebu. Medellin Mayor Joven Modigo Jr. confirmed to Daily Tribune that the approved investments will be worth P21.178 billion and will be called North Cebu Economic Zone — which will have a 583-hectare project and is envisioned to become the premiere center for eco-adventure tourism, education, retirement and agro-industry. For many decades, Medellin was dependent on the sugar industry as the town’s main source of income and also the local’s primary source of livelihood, but with the slowdown of the sugar industry and tem porary shutdown of the Bogo-Medellin Milling Company Inc. — Cebu’s oldest and only sugar mill — Medellin was “forced to change” and shift to purely agricultural town to diversified economy. Municipal Planning and Development Officer Giles Anthony Villamor said that the town’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan has already been endorsed by the Provincial Land Use Committee to the Provincial Board for approval. He also cited a 35-hectare airport will be built at the heart of the ecozone. “This is the most ambitious but we believe the most doable project that we see as the game changer to the economy of Medellin,” Villamor said. The ecozone also has urban development, urban design, urban planning and zoning that combines different uses, such as residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or entertainment into one area where those functions are partially physically and functionally integrated and offers pedestrian connections. The post North Cebu ecozone pushed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Group furthers ‘Great Transformation’ into 2023
The Aboitiz Group has seen exceptional performance in the first half of 2023, showcasing its "Great Transformation" into the Philippines’ first techglomerate. Leveraging innovation as well as synergies across its diverse business portfolio, the group has solidified its position as a trailblazer of industry. With a strong foundation in place, the Aboitiz Group eagerly sets its sights on forthcoming projects that promise further success and innovation. AboitizPower. The Aboitiz Group’s holdings in power generation and distribution, AboitizPower, continues to support the country’s energy transition and socioeconomic development with its diverse portfolio of thermal and renewable energy power plants, as well as internationally certified asset management capabilities from its distribution utilities. With close to 1,000 megawatts (MW) of ongoing and disclosed energy projects, it is en route to accomplishing its 10-year growth strategy of having at least 9,200 MW in its generation portfolio equally split between RE and thermal sources of energy by the next decade. This journey includes the development of the 17 MW Tiwi Binary Geothermal Power Plant, the 94 MW Cayanga-Bugallon solar facility, and the 167 MW Laoag solar facility. AboitizPower is also looking to begin the construction of its Calatrava Solar project and Olongapo Solar project within the year. These RE investments are complemented by other developments in Battery Energy Storage Systems, like the SN Aboitiz Power 24 MW Magat Battery in Isabela, which — much like the commercially operational 49 MW Maco Battery in Davao de Oro — will help provide regulating and contingency reserve power to the country’s grids. Subsidiaries. Meanwhile, subsidiaries Davao Light and Power Company, Visayan Electric Company, Cotabato Light and Power Company and Subic EnerZone Corporation were the first power DUs in the Philippines to be certified with an ISO 55001:2014 certification for Asset Management, an international standard that attests to the efficiency of how they manage the lifecycle of their assets, i.e., power lines, transformers and substations. This validates the reliability of their services and strengthens the uninterrupted provision of electricity in their respective service areas. Efficient asset management is essential for DUs to successfully manage their infrastructure and optimize maintenance and costs, thereby ensuring regulatory compliance and a reliable bridge between transmission lines and businesses, communities and homes. UnionBank. Union Bank of the Philippines continues on its trajectory of becoming a Great Retail Bank as it has consistently been recognized as one of Asia’s leading companies. Among the many recognitions for the 1st half of 2023 that UnionBank has reaped are: Best Retail Bank in Southeast Asia (Cfi.co), 4-time Best Retail Bank in the PH (The Asian Banker) and 6-time Digital Bank of the Year PH (The Asset). In line with its nation-building “Tech-UP Pilipinas” advocacy, UnionBank’s strategic partnerships have been focused on digitization as an essential element for client success. UnionBank’s determination to be an enabler of the Philippines’ bid to be a G20 country by 2050 is apparent as it continues to nurture and grow its diverse client portfolio that includes corporate, MSME, high net worth as well as local and national government entities. As a recognized trailblazer that embraces technological innovations that empower its customers, UnionBank together with its digital banking arm UnionDigital Bank (UnionDigital), fintech arm UBX and thrift arm City Savings Bank (CitySavings) showcased its expertise in artificial intelligence at the first AI Summit PH 2023 last May. The first half of the year also saw UnionBank’s commitment to offering clients amazing and exclusive experiences through partnerships with Live Nation (for world-tour concerts) and GMG productions (for the Hamilton musical). “The investments we made last year have exceeded our expectations. UnionDigital is already profitable after less than a year in operation. There is strong momentum in the acquired credit cards business from Citi. New-to-bank card customers are at a record level. We are geared up to grow our retail banking business. Our infrastructure is ready for scale. We have sufficient capital coming from the recent stock rights offering to further grow our earning asset capital base,” said UnionBank president and CEO Edwin R. Bautista. Aboitiz InfraCapital. Aboitiz InfraCapital remains on track with its purpose of enabling businesses and uplifting communities. AIC Economic Estates maintains its position as the leader in industrial-anchored mixed-use development nationwide, with the largest footprint of developed industrial estates as well as the single largest privately owned industrial estate in Lipa-Malvar, Batangas– LIMA Estate. 2023 marked LIMA Estate’s 25th anniversary, as well as the 30th year of West Cebu Estate in Cebu. These estates are undergoing industrial and commercial expansion to accommodate more locators and create approximately 90,000 employment opportunities. Water business. For AIC’s water business units, Apo Agua can now produce safe and reliable water for the Davao City Water District’s water reservoirs. Apo Agua’s laboratory has also obtained accreditation for drinking water analysis from the Department of Health. AIC's LIMA Water, on the other hand, continues to operationally benefit from its SMART Water Network, leading to reduced fuel consumption and high facility uptime. Digital infrastructure. In the digital infrastructure landscape, Unity Digital Infrastructure completed the first closing of a total of 250 sites from its acquisition of over 1,000 telecom towers from Smart-PLDT and Globe Telecom. Additionally, Unity marked a major milestone by successfully co-locating three Mobile Network Operator tenants (Globe, Smart and DITO) in one of its towers in Cebu. The three-tenant tower is the first in the Philippines and showcases the effectiveness of the shared tower model in support of the government's drive to improve digital connectivity through the common tower initiative. Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Mactan-Cebu International Airport surpassed expectations with significant growth in passenger traffic, peaking at around 5 million passengers in the first half of this year, more than double the previous year. The resumption of major international routes, such as Shanghai and Taipei, and improved aircraft availability are expected to further boost traffic in the second half of the year. MCIA's excellence in promoting the airport and in ensuring customer experience was also recognized, as it received the Routes Asia 2023 Marketing Award in the 5 million category and became the first airport in the Philippines to be accredited by the Airports Council International for its Airport Customer Experience. The post Aboitiz Group furthers ‘Great Transformation’ into 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MIAA demonstrates NAIA’s emergency response preparedness at CREX 2023
PASAY CITY — The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) showcased its emergency response capability and preparedness during the Crash and Rescue Exercise (CREX) 2023 at the airside premises of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Friday, 4 August. The successful demonstration of this year’s full-scale simulated emergency CREX allows MIAA to ensure that the prescribed plans, guidelines, and organizational setup of the 8th edition of the NAIA Airport Emergency Plan 2023 adequately and effectively address emergencies occurring at or within the immediate vicinity of the country’s main gateway. “A dependable communication and coordination system is essential for a responsive Airport Emergency Plan (AEP). This exercise puts our communication and coordination system to the test, not only among MIAA offices but also with our external partner agencies,” said MIAA officer-in-charge Bryan Co. “We want to assess primary and secondary responders’ ability to respond to an aircraft crash and the resulting mass casualty event, including rescue and fire suppression, treatment and transport of survivors, and crash site security. The exercise also validates the methods for shifting from an emergency situation to normal airport operations following a potential major incident,” Co added. The scenario for CREX 2023 involved a commercial aircraft bound for Subic, CREX flight #0000, carrying 76 passengers and four crew members, that suffered a left engine malfunction during the take-off run after a flock of domestic pigeons crossing the runway was ingested into the aircraft's number one (left) engine, causing the aircraft to crash. The aircraft lost thrust on its number one engine during take-off. The pilot attempted to abort the take-off, but the aircraft veered off the runway and came to a stop on the western portion. A fire broke out on the left wing. In this mock incident, there were 80 casualties, with 72 survivors and eight deceased. In addition to the standard fire suppression, medical, emergency response, and search and rescue activities, this year's CREX edition featured the activation of Cebu Pacific's Accident Site Go Team, marking the first time MIAA partnered with an airline. “Cebu Pacific prioritizes safety and has established processes when it comes to emergency response. We thank the MIAA for the opportunity for us to train together to help ensure that communication systems are in place in the event of a multi-agency response,” Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao said as the airline demonstrated its emergency response, particularly in providing support to victims as well as processing and cross-matching victims and family members. The CREX is held to continuously meet security standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In compliance with ICAO’s Suggested and Recommended Practices, the CREX is held every two years, but the full-scale exercise may not be conducted if the airport’s emergency plan was activated. The last full-scale CREX was on 19 October 2017. Several actual aircraft incidents in the succeeding years then brought to the fore MIAA’s emergency response capabilities. In August 2018, a Plan 1 emergency under its Airport Emergency Plan was activated when a Xiamen Air aircraft veered off the main runway while attempting to land during a heavy downpour. Barely two years after, another Plan 1 emergency occurred in March 2020, when a Lion Air medivac flight caught fire while it was rolling for take-off. The most recent involved a Saudia Airlines flight that went off the taxiway onto the grassy portion when its six right landing gears malfunctioned in June 2022. All passengers and crew were immediately evacuated and brought to NAIA Terminal 1. No one was hurt as a result of the incident. NAIA is rated as a Category IX airport, while MIAA’s current rescue and firefighting capability is Category X compliant, making it ready to respond to an airport emergency involving an Airbus A380. With the support of highly skilled fire and rescue personnel, a medical team well trained and experienced in aviation medicine, a fleet of modern firefighting and medical vehicles, pneumatic aircraft lifting systems, and various other rescue equipment, the MIAA Emergency Services department is on par with its counterparts in the region. “As this is a multi-agency response to a simulated emergency, assessment activities will be done after the exercise, where stakeholders are welcome to share their observations and raise comments and suggestions to improve our airport emergency plan and coordination system. The response is a community effort, and we appreciate everyone’s contribution in our quest to maintain the global standards of safety and security in NAIA,” Co said. “We would also like to thank our secondary responders for their support: Pasay City General Hospital, Ospital ng Parañaque, San Juan De Dios Hospital, Philippine Airforce, Las Piñas General Hospital, Philippine Coast Guard, Taguig City Fire Station, Manila Medical Center, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – Makati, Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, Las Piñas City Fire Station, BFP Parañaque, Philippine General Hospital, Philippine Red Cross – Pasay City Chapter, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority,” Co added. See more photos here: The post MIAA demonstrates NAIA’s emergency response preparedness at CREX 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Russia fends off attack drones
Another wave of bomb drones has been unleashed by Ukraine targeting the Moscow region and two Russian naval ships in the Black Sea, but the Kremlin said Tuesday it foiled the attacks. “Two Ukrainian (unmanned aerial vehicles) were destroyed by air defense systems over the territory of the Odintsovo and Narofominsk districts of Moscow region,” the Russian defense ministry said. “Another drone was suppressed by electronic warfare and, having lost control, crashed on the territory of the Moscow City,” the capital’s main commercial district, the ministry said. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Tuesday on Telegram that one of the drones flew into the same tower in Moscow City that was damaged by debris from a destroyed Ukrainian drone on Sunday. Shortly after the drone attack, Moscow’s Vnukovo international airport was briefly closed, TASS state news agency reported. “Vnukovo was temporarily closed for arrivals and departures, the planes are redirected to other airports,” emergency services said, according to TASS, which later reported that it had resumed normal operations. The same airport, to the southwest of Moscow, was briefly closed after Sunday’s attack and earlier this month, a volley of drone attacks disrupted air traffic at Vnukovo. Meanwhile, three drones attacked the “Sergei Kotov” and “Vasily Bykov” patrol boats of the Russian fleet, 340 kilometers southwest of Sevastopol, the base of Russia’s Black Sea fleet on the annexed Crimea peninsula, the defense ministry said in a statement. Ukraine’s drone attacks on Moscow and the Black Sea followed Russia’s missile strikes on a residential building Kryvyi Rig, hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The strikes killed six people and wounded dozens others. WITH AFP The post Russia fends off attack drones appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Megaworld to open Phl’s largest hotel
Property developer Megaworld Corp. led by tycoon Andrew Tan is eyeing to partially open the country's largest hotel this year — the Grand Westside Hotel, which is a two-tower hideaway with a 1,500-room capacity. In a stock report on Monday, Megaworld said the 19-story property will be located within the 31-hectare Westside City township in Parañaque City. The first tower of the Grand Westside Hotel will open this year, while the second tower will welcome guests by 2024. “Once it opens, Grand Westside Hotel will become the biggest hotel property in our portfolio and the entire country, to date. It will be just a short drive away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport via the NAIA Expressway,” Megaworld Hotels & Resorts managing director Cleofe Albiso said. Sunset and skyline views “It promises to delight guests with wonderful views of the world-famous Manila Bay sunset as well as the skylines of Makati, Manila and Taguig City,” Abiso added. The hotel will offer various room types and sizes. It will also feature a two-level retail and commercial space covering 1,995 square meters of floor area. Among others, it will also boast four dining outlets, including the Grand Westside Café, an all-day dining restaurant serving Filipino and international dishes that can accommodate nearly 250 persons. Grand Westside Hotel will be the 19th hotel property launched by Megaworld and the second homegrown hotel brand to rise inside Westside City — the first being the 529-room Kingsford Hotel Manila. The post Megaworld to open Phl’s largest hotel appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DPWH identifies affected structures on bridge construction
The Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Visayas has identified more than 198 residential, commercial and industrial structures that will be demolished or relocated before the start of the construction of the fourth Mandaue-Mactan bridge project. Engr. Nonato Paylado, head of the DPWH-7 Planning and Design Division, said that the P76.4-billion project is at the Detailed Engineering Design stage and has considered the inclusion of a Resettlement Action Plan to cater to the families and business establishments in the affected structures. Paylado said that the construction will likely start in 2024 and will be completed by 2028. The bridge will start from Barangay Ibo in Lapu-Lapu City, then will cross over the Mactan Circumferential Road, and end near the Cansaga Bay Bridge in Mandaue City Coastal Road. The project design consists of a steel box girder bridge with an orthotropic steel deck. The bridge will have a total length of 3.3 kilometers and a total width of 60 meters, of which 40 meters will be the actual road lanes. “The bridge will have four lanes, two for each direction, but it may be expanded to six lanes,” Paylado said. He stressed that DPWH is complying with aviation and navigation requirements for the bridge in terms of its dimensions because of its proximity to the airport and marine vessels passing through the Mactan channel. It is also considering to add bike lanes and pedestrian sidewalks similar to other bridges. The project is funded by a loan of about 120 billion Yen or roughly P50 billion, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency as an Official Development Assistance project. The remaining balance will be funded by the Philippine national government. “We are still consolidating our data on the affected structures, but we expect that more structures will be affected as the project progresses,” Paylado said. The post DPWH identifies affected structures on bridge construction appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
IACAT-11 reopens at Davao airport
DAVAO CITY — To intensify its campaign at eliminating trafficking in person and other diverse types of exploitation, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking-11 reopened its office at the Davao City International Airport on 14 July. The reopening of the office is a result of a joint endeavor aimed at eliminating TIP and diverse types of exploitation — including sexual exploitation, prostitution, pornography/online sexual abuse or exploitation of children, illegal recruitment and forced labor. It will also serve as a vital hub for coordination, information sharing, and implementing strategies to protect vulnerable individuals. In a presentation, Barbara Mae Flores, the deputy regional prosecutor of the Regional Prosecution Office 11 and the chief of operations IACAT-11 Anti-TIP Task Force said they established the office at the DIA since traffickers use commercial planes in transporting victims. “Airports may be our last chance of visibility and protection. Knowing where and/or how to report suspected TIP incidents is one step in eliminating TIP,” said Flores, adding that they will also be putting up a help desk as an effective prevention of TIP through the improvement of intelligence, surveillance and monitoring activities. “For a timely apprehension of traffickers and interception/rescue of victims and as an immediate assistance to victims or potential victims as well as create and maintain a database and advocate against TIP inside airports,” Flores said. The post IACAT-11 reopens at Davao airport appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
House vs. condo: Which is a better investment?
Buying your own home is a decision that undoubtedly ranks among the most critical choices an individual can make. Discovering the ideal space for your safety, comfort and personal preferences is paramount when considering property investment. It must be a place where you can find solace, freedom and a breath of fresh air away from the chaos of daily life. But the question that looms large for many is whether to invest in a house or a condo unit. The certainty of buying a property during a recuperating economy is a valid concern. However, according to Collier International’s latest report, both the local office and residential property sectors are expected to recover from the disruptions of the past year. The gradual reopening of the economy will support the demand in the residential sector, including pre-selling and secondary markets. Cost efficiency is subjective when it comes to owning a property. Condominiums are typically less expensive than houses due to their size, and their maintenance is usually cheaper as you are only responsible for the interior of your unit. With association fees in place, you won’t have to worry about exterior maintenance or administrative assistance. Condos have a dedicated Property Management Team consisting of professionals who are specifically trained to oversee the day-to-day operations of the property. While houses provide homeowners the freedom to customize a larger space and transform it into your ideal home, you will be responsible for all maintenance and repairs. Regardless of whether you choose a house or a condo, it is essential to have a realistic budget in mind before beginning your property search. Functional facilities Condominiums offer a plethora of state-of-the-art functional facilities such as swimming pools, fitness gyms, kids’ play areas, game rooms and lounges. Communal areas provide condo owners with an abundance of ways to relax and unwind without having to travel too far from their residences. These communal spaces also foster interaction among residents, enabling them to forge connections and establish a sense of community. On the other hand, houses may not offer as many amenities to homeowners. Depending on the type of lifestyle you want, the amenities incorporated into the spaces play a crucial role in enhancing your quality of life. Security is a top consideration when looking for a place of your own. As condos have shared spaces such as lobbies, hallways, parking and amenity areas, they often have dedicated security personnel and 24/7 surveillance systems in place. In contrast, houses have individual entrances and private spaces, which may require homeowners to implement their own security measures. Moreover, condos often have controlled access points, such as key card systems and intercoms. These help regulate who can enter the building and add an extra layer of security. Houses, on the other hand, rely on individual means of access control, such as locks, alarms, and security systems installed by homeowners. Convenience-wise, condominiums are usually strategically located in prominent business districts and mixed-use communities, offering unparalleled convenience to their owners. These prime locations give residents effortless access to a myriad of lifestyles and commercial establishments. From trendy retail outlets, cozy cafes and vibrant entertainment venues, condominium dwellers find themselves amidst a thriving urban ecosystem. MidPark Towers, located in the heart of Aseana City, is the epitome of sophisticated city living. With its world-class amenities and convenient access to transportation linkages, lifestyle centers, businesses and services, it offers a luxurious retreat from bustling city life. The property is also just a 10-minute drive from Ninoy Aquino International Airport via NAIAx and is near the Entertainment City, home to Solaire Resort and Okada Manila. Developed by Aseana Residential Holdings Corp., MidPark Towers is a four-tower residential property set for completion in the last quarter of 2023. The predominantly glass façade of the four towers exudes an elegant and sophisticated ambiance. The units are spacious and livable, ranging from studios (40 sqm +/-) to three bedrooms (120 sqm +/-), offering endless possibilities for creating a perfect home. MidPark Towers also provides a host of amenities to support growing families and inspire the imagination and creativity of children. From kid’s play areas to outdoor pools, fitness gym and private and business lounges, it offers a truly rewarding experience of luxury and comfort. The post House vs. condo: Which is a better investment? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Belmont Hotel Mactan: A home away from home
For many, a hotel is synonymous to comfort and relaxation, offering people luxurious amenities for a memorable and hassle-free stay. For Belmont Hotel Mactan, these experiences are taken to the next level as it extends incomparable services and first-rate amenities that not only embody class and elegance but also add convenience into the total hotel experience. Belmont Hotel Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Cebu, is the third hotel to open under Megaworld Hotels and Resorts’ homegrown hotel chain in the country. Under its business and leisure or “bleisure” label, Belmont Hotel Mactan is also the second hotel (after Savoy Hotel) that sits on the 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown township. Yes, Megaworld’s townships have always been known as a city within a city that amazingly brings everything together — upscale condominiums, lifestyle malls, commercial establishments, office towers, banks, learning institutions and more — in one mixed-used development. That’s why Belmont Hotel Mactan guests in The Mactan Newtown, particularly the business travelers, are assured of this rare convenience because almost everything they need while staying at the hotel is within their reach. “Guests surely find it efficient to stay within the heart of a 30-hectare lifestyle and business hub of the township,” says Johnson Del Valle, Belmont Hotel Mactan general manager. [caption id="attachment_145632" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH BY VANGIE BAGA-REYES | JOHNSON del Valle (left) Belmont Hotel Mactan general manager, and Harold Geronimo, Megaworld’s vice president for public relations and media affairs.[/caption] Home away from home The 20-story hotel is poised as a business travelers’ home away from home while staying in the beguiling island of Mactan. Located along Newtown Boulevard and just beside Savoy Hotel Mactan, Belmont Hotel Mactan features 550 guestrooms and suites with three room categories, namely, Junior Suite (50 sqm), Deluxe Premium (36 sqm) and Superior (26 sqm). It also has seven rooms dedicated for guests with special needs. [caption id="attachment_145629" align="aligncenter" width="525"] DELUXE Premier[/caption] All rooms are fully equipped with essential amenities, such as an in-room electronic safety box, wall-mounted TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, a minibar and wireless Internet connection. [caption id="attachment_145630" align="aligncenter" width="525"] BELMONT Café, the hotel’s all-day dining outlet offering Asian and Mediterranean dishes.[/caption] Interestingly, most units feature expansive views of the Magellan Bay and the Hilutungan Channel, a deep-water channel that separates Mactan Island from Olango Island. With regards to its location, guests arriving via Cebu International Airport will only take at least 15 minutes to reach the hotel. Del Valle says Belmont provides a logical choice for guests with a business mindset. “Since we opened, we host mainly guests who visit the area for business,” he shares. “The hotel features facilities built specifically for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions), team-building, networking and corporate celebrations across our four available function rooms that can accommodate a maximum of capacity 120 guests down to 30 guests.” These function spaces are equipped with smart-control projectors and sound systems. “The Mactan Island is populated by hotels and resorts focusing heavily on leisure and wellness, so we are very excited to bring a new kind of hospitality experience through Belmont Hotel Mactan,” says Cleofe Albiso, managing director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts. “Just like the first two Belmont Hotel properties in Newport City in Pasay and Boracay Newcoast in Aklan, Belmont Hotel Mactan will host guests who are in the area for both business and leisure.” She adds: “They can expect the usual topnotch amenities that enable rest and relaxation, but because we want to address the need for Mactan to be MICE-ready we have also built here facilities for business events. Coupled with the Megaworld brand of hospitality, we are very proud to say this kind of experience is something that cannot be found anywhere else on this side of Cebu.” Rich history Stepping inside the lobby, Belmont Hotel becomes a tribute to Cebu’s festive culture, landmarks, marine life, rich history as showcased through numerous art installations. For instance, colorful headdresses used in Cebu’s Sinulog are displayed in the walls of its all-day dining outlet, Belmont Café; Cebu’s finest handcrafted guitars in different sizes and colors are mounted in the chic hangout spot, Zabana Bar; and the room’s wall art paper features popular things Cebu is known for, from guitars to its delicacies, such as otap and puso (rice wrapped and boiled in woven coconut leaves). To relax and unwind, the central amenity area on the third floor has the swimming pool and kiddie pool, female and male wet and dry sauna, outdoor lounge with elevated deck, fitness center and viewing deck where guests can marvel at the beauty of the nearby sea and the rest of the township and the Mactan Island. In terms of food outlets, guests can also savor a variety of cuisines and delicacies from the hotel’s three food and beverage outlets. Belmont Café offers a wide variety of Asian and Mediterranean dishes, as well as other local delicacies. Just a few steps away from Belmont Café is the Zabana Bar, where guests can enjoy a selection of cocktails and refreshing beverages. [caption id="attachment_145635" align="aligncenter" width="525"] FITNESS center.[/caption] Over on the third floor is the Float Pool Bar, where guests can sample a variety of snacks and beverages as they lounge and take a refreshing plunge at the swimming pool. Belmont Hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Mactan Newtown Beach, and about five-minute walk away from the Mactan Alfresco, a hawker-type dining destination. “While in the area, don’t forget to visit the notable tourist sites much like the Mactan Shrine where the iconic 20-meter statue of Lapu-Lapu stands or the Sto. Nino de Cebu Mactan Parish Church which is noted to be shaped like the Magellan’s hat,” shares Del Valle. Largest hotel operator With the opening of Belmont Hotel, alongside Savoy Hotel, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts now has a combined room keys of 1,100, the largest number of room keys in the entire Mactan Island. At the same time, it makes Megaworld the largest developer and operator in the entire Cebu province today. “Belmont means Beautiful Mountain in French,” says Harold Geronimo, Megaworld’s vice president for public relations and media affairs. “It was a name created by our chairman Dr. Andrew L. Tan when we launched the first Belmont Hotel in Newport City. He fell in love with the name. He just wanted to create a new brand for Megaworld Hotels and Resorts because the first brand that we introduced was Richmonde Hotel. The second brand was Belmont.” The first Belmont Hotel was opened in 2015 at Newport City in Pasay City. It was followed by Belmont Hotel Boracay. Soon, the fourth Belmont Hotel will open in Iloilo City. Geronimo adds that Belmont Hotel will complement the Savoy Hotel inside the township because the vision of Megaworld is to be able to expand its portfolio of hotels in Mactan Island. They want to cater to more business and leisure travelers. “When we open Savoy Hotel, we notice there has been a high demand for those types of travelers who want to do business meetings here, as well as families and tourists who are on vacation in Mactan Island. We want to cater to both that’s why we are adding more rooms.” Belmont Hotel is still in the process of coordinating with the Department of Tourism for the hotel-star rating. The post Belmont Hotel Mactan: A home away from home appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Central Luzon: Burgeoning industrial hotspot
AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp. strengthens its foothold in Central Luzon with Pampanga Technopark. The 270-hectare development is the first master-planned agro-industrial township in this region. The development will be home to manufacturing and logistics locators, a bagsakan or agricultural wholesale market and commercial-retail spaces for the township’s social and recreational activities. With 270 hectares of gross land area, Pampanga Technopark will serve as a mixed-use development. Currently, phases 1 and 2 are registered with the Board of Investments as Domestic Industrial Zones, with phase 3 lined up next. With shopping, dining and recreational spaces soon to rise in Pampanga Technopark, the development is designed to bring lifestyle experiences to the communities working and residing within or around the area. Pampanga Technopark is allotting 2,000 sqm of gross leasable area across over 30 retail spaces featuring homegrown Kapampangan restaurants, plus several retail and service merchants. On top of this, lots are also available for commercial uses such as shops and outlets, medical centers, offices, co-working spaces, business hotels and more. There will also be a variety of quick service restaurants and a gas station for motorists. Moreover, Pampanga Technopark will be a new location of a bagsakan (agricultural wholesale market) which will be complemented by ALLHC’s ALogis and ALogis Artico facilities, all slated for completion within the first half of 2024. The ALogis ready-built facilities will span 8,000 sqm of warehouse space, while ALogis Artico cold storage will feature 5,000 pallet positions with temperature ranging from 10°C to -20°C. The bagsakan will cover 3,000 sqm of space, offering both wholesale and retail of agricultural produce and local products within the marketplace. All components will support the agriculture supply value chain in Luzon. Accessibility and convenience Located in Mabalacat City, one of the biggest transportation hubs in Central Luzon, Pampanga Technopark will be accessible through various major road networks including the North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and MacArthur Highway. Additionally, the North-South Commuter Railway project will soon connect the existing Tutuban (Manila) Station to Clark, thereby contributing to the city’s economic progress. Pampanga Technopark is poised to serve as a gateway to the international markets. Strategically located near major infrastructures, it is approximately 30 minutes away from Clark International Airport and an hour away from Subic Bay International Terminal. The upcoming New Manila International Airport will be roughly an hour away from the development. A sustainable development For many years, ALLHC has been a trusted industrial real estate company for creating sustainable environments that support businesses. The soon-to-rise Pampanga Technopark bears with it the promise of connecting commerce and communities. As a dynamic center for business and leisure activity, Pampanga Technopark ensures pedestrian mobility and transit connectivity with allocated sidewalks throughout the township and an easily-accessible public transport terminal serving both in-city and regional transit routes. Helping improve the property’s resilience to environmental stress and geohazards are native trees to be used for landscaping, five detention ponds serving as spaces for rainwater absorption and green and open spaces including a dedicated 1.2-hectare park area. Countryside development ALLHC aims to build its national footprint by being in 10 key areas by 2025, creating a network of industrial and logistics developments by following the key road infrastructure and the nautical highway. “We will introduce a modern food terminal and this will be supported by our cold storage and dry warehouse facilities. Farmers from Northern Luzon and all over Central Luzon can bring their produce here, and we can preserve and store them with the proper facilities. We hope this would help all the farmers and our supply chain,” shared ALLHC president and chief executive officer Jose Emmanuel H. Jalandoni. He added, “What is happening here in Pampanga Technopark is a new township. Industrial park, agro hub, commercial, retail — beneficial to all Pampangueños. Through Pampanga Technopark, we are committed to work together to create employment opportunities for all Filipinos.” BOI executive director for Investment Promotion Services Evariste M. Cagatan stated, “ALLHC has been a steadfast partner of the BOI in providing location options for potential investors, and our partnership has been proven effective in matching investment-ready locations to our local and foreign investors. We are very excited with this project as it shows support in the government’s proactive stance to promote economic activities outside of Metro Manila. There has never been a better place and a better time to make it happen in the Philippines, and this time, we will make it happen right here in Pampanga.” The post Central Luzon: Burgeoning industrial hotspot appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CAAP, Borongan sign MOA to develop Borongan airport
On 13 June 2023, at the CAAP Central Office in Pasay City, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Borongan city government signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the development of the Borongan Airport, situated in Borongan City, Eastern Samar. Borongan Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda and CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo were present for the signing. Recognizing the region's rising need for air travel, the Borongan city government collaborated with CAAP and airlines as the airport began operating commercial flights last year. The city government proposed a comprehensive plan to carry out and finance various development and maintenance projects at the airport, including the construction of a new passenger terminal building and other necessary infrastructure to accommodate more passengers and promote economic growth in the region. In his speech, Tamayo said the MOA is a significant milestone in the partnership between CAAP and the Borongan city government, a "testament to our dedication and joint efforts to improve and develop the airport and would hopefully serve as a blueprint for our continuous cooperation going forward." Agda, for his part, said the development will pave the way for future economic development not just in the city but in the entire Samar region. -----anthony ching----- The post CAAP, Borongan sign MOA to develop Borongan airport appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Direct flight from S. Korea to bring 148 tourists to Boracay
ILOILO CITY - A direct commercial flight from Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea carrying 148 passengers bound for Boracay Island is expected to arrive via Kalibo International Airport (KIA) early Saturday morning.Tourism Regional Director for Western Visayas Cristine Mansin.....»»
Airport execs say 2nd taxiway may be used for commercial planes this June
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Commercial aircraft may start using the second taxiway at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) for landing and takeoff this June, airport officials announced. MCIA officer-in-charge and lawyer Glenn Napuli said they are just waiting for the go-signal from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to use the second taxiway […] The post Airport execs say 2nd taxiway may be used for commercial planes this June appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Mini Suroy-Suroy in Bantayan soon
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu province is gearing up for the formal opening of its newest commercial airport this November. And Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, in a press conference on Thursday, November 5, announced that the Capitol would be initiating a ‘mini Suroy-Suroy’ in Bantayan Island this November 28. Garcia told reporters that the event would […] The post Mini Suroy-Suroy in Bantayan soon appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»