You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?

There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!

Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!


Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!

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Showing posts with label Cebu City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cebu City. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

If Magellan only knew what was in store for Mactan

 How Cebu went from historic battleground to booming tropical paradise


AT A GLANCE

  • When we reached land, those men had formed in three divisions to the number of more than 1,500 persons. When they saw us, they charged down upon us with exceeding loud cries, two divisions on our flanks and the other on our front. —Antonio Pigafetta


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FROM THE BLOOD OF OUR ENEMIES The Battle of Mactan led to Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan’s defeat after being severely outnumbered by Datu Lapu-Lapu’s forces

Laced with enthusiasm, a young dance troupe tries to perfect their moves on the land that once hosted an epic battle against overconfident colonizers.

Just a short distance from the shore, a tall bronze statue commemorates the country’s earliest recognized hero, Datu Lapu-Lapu. Behind it lies a marker of defeat dedicated to Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his fallen comrades. Both are found at the Mactan Shrine, a national shrine dedicated to the historic Battle of Mactan, which is widely known as the first resistance against Spanish colonization in the country.

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THE FIRST HERO A bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu enshrined in Mactan

“When we reached land, those men had formed in three divisions to the number of more than 1,500 persons. When they saw us, they charged down upon us with exceeding loud cries, two divisions on our flanks and the other on our front,” wrote Antonio Pigafetta, who chronicled most of the Magellan-led expedition. Each year, on April 27, the Kadaugan sa Mactan (Victory in Mactan) Festival is celebrated to honor Lapu-Lapu’s victory. Its main highlight is a reenactment of the battle where the battle is said to have taken place.

While Cebu is home to this historic battle, it is also a solemn place for Catholic devotees.

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A HOLY PLACE The Basílica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebú is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the country

A short drive away from Mactan in Cebu City lies Magellan’s Cross just beside the Basílica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebú, one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the country. Magellan’s Cross stands as a marker of the beginning of Christianity in the Philippines after Magellan arrived and converted Raja Humabon and his wife Reyna Juana. An image of the Sto. Niño was then presented as a gift, over which Reyna Juana was said to have felt such immense joy that she danced around it, leading other natives to follow suit. Many pinpoint this as the act that would lead to the celebration of the Sinulog Festival, a large feast celebrated on the third Sunday of January, the feast of Santo Niño de Cebú.

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THE BIRTH OF PHILIPPINE CATHOLICISM Magellan’s Cross was erected following Magellan's arrival in Cebu on April 21, 1521

Finally, for music lovers, Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan is often referred to as the guitar capital of the Philippines.

Alegre Guitar Factory has made a name for itself not only in the Philippines but internationally. Its guitars are sold as far as Canada, Australia, and the US. Entering the factory, guests are given a brief look into how each guitar is made and the different types of wood that can be used for crafting the instrument. It’s inspiring to see just how much meticulous work goes into creating a single guitar. The salesmen are also proficient players, easily able to demonstrate and explain each instrument on display.

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HANDCRAFTED TO PERFECTION A worker from the Alegre Guitar Factory adds finishing touches to a guitar he made

If you’re considering a place to stay during your visit, consider booking a stay at the Belmont Hotel Mactan.

With over 550 guestrooms and suites, the Belmont Hotel Mactan is the perfect place for business or leisure purposes. Each suite comes in three categories, Superior Deluxe (up to 26 square meters), Deluxe Premier (up to 36 square meters), and Junior Suites (up to 50 square meters). 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 a wireless Internet connection. Other amenities include four function halls perfect for business meetings or celebrating events, a fitness center with top-notch gym equipment, and a swimming pool area replete with a poolside bar.

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BLEISURE PERFECTION The Belmont Hotel Mactan is the perfect hotel for business and leisure, with over 550 guestrooms and suites, and four function halls for meetings or celebrations

The Belmont Hotel Mactan is also located within a 30-hectare township development, The Mactan Newtown, Megaworld’s first-ever township outside of Metro Manila and within a beach. It is also home to two of the largest annual celebrations in Cebu, the Cebu Lechon Festival celebrated in August and the Cebu Mangoes Festival in May. It also hosted the Megaworld Ironman 70.3 Philippines last year, bringing in over 2,000 triathletes from all over.

For those considering a more permanent stay, Mactan Newtown is also home to residential condominiums, over 1,655 units and counting. It is a booming business district with about 81,000 square meters of leasable office spaces in eight office towers hosting top BPO companies and multinational firms. Education is a priority, so there’s the Newtown School of Excellence, an academic institution supervised by the La Sallian Schools of Supervision Office (LASSO), offering academic programs from pre-school up to Grade 7. The Mactan Alfresco offers a wide selection of restaurants offering local delicacies and specialty cuisines. It even hosts a live lechon roasting, where visitors can see how the iconic dish is made.

Saturday, January 7, 2023

Sinulog Festival in Cebu City kicks off

by Calvin Cordova 

A CONTINGENT performs during a parade that kicked off the week-long celebration of Sinulog Festival on Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City on Friday, Jan 6. (Calvin D. Cordova)

CEBU CITY – The Sinulog Festival is officially back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Top officials of Cebu led by Mayor Michael Rama here and Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, on Friday, Jan. 6, led the launching of this year’s Sinulog Festival and the Feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu.

This is the first time in two years that a series of physical activities will be held as part of the week-long celebration of the Sinulog.

Last Thursday, Jan. 5, the Augustinian Friars of the Basilica del Santo Niño also launched the 458th Fiesta Señor that kicked off a series of religious activities.

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Activities for Fiesta Señor include novena Masses and fluvial and and foot processions next weekend.

During the launching, Rama and Garcia attended a novena Mass at the Basilica where thousands of devotees also gathered.

Rama and Garcia described this year’s celebration as “One Cebu Island Sinulog” to highlight the unity among local government units in Cebu.

Covid-19 protocols have eased with most of the churchgoers no longer wearing face masks. With thousands of devotees packing the church, physical distancing protocol was also impossible to enforce.

The launching was highlighted by a parade on Osmeña Boulevard participated in by different universities and colleges in the Metro Cebu area.

Contingents donning colorful costumes showcased different festivals in the country and danced to the Sinulog beat. 

The parade ended at the Cebu City Sports Center where students had presentations. The kick-off ceremony ended with a fireworks display.

Another major pre-Sinulog event, the”Sinulog sa Kabataan,” will be held on Jan. 8, participated by different barangays, towns, and cities in Cebu.

The Sinulog Grand Parade will be held on Jan. 15 at the South Road Properties, the first time that it will be held outside the city proper.

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Which is a better place to live, Davao or Cebu? Why?

Any of the two, actually. Both cities are bustling metropolitans here in the Philippines; with constant economic growth and paradise-like sceneries. But to guide you better, check on some pointers laid down below. I’ve also attached some video highlights to entice you more to choose any of these two amazing cities! *winks*

Why choose Davao?

  • Listed as one of the safest cities in the world
  • An ideal place for start-up businesses and entrepreneurial ventures
  • Much fresher air and cleaner environment
  • Cheap cost of living
  • Not so much of a metropolitan as there is less skyscrapers and buildings

Why choose Cebu?

  • Have access to better quality of life and better standard of healthcare
  • Experience a metro lifestyle with a provincial rate
  • Considered as an economic hotspot (well or course, second to Manila)
  • More ideas for recreational activities
  • The entire island is laid with the best beaches, waterfalls, and mountain tops to make you feel like one with nature.

One might argue that these two cities are both heaven here on earth. I am not saying that it is but rather you’re more likely to achieve a relaxing, calming, and laidback way of living in these cities rather than in Metro Manila.

Cebu Tour Highlights and Davao Tour Highlights

Monday, November 7, 2022

Cebu junks Covid test for inbound travelers

by Calvin Cordova, MB

CEBU CITY – Gov. Gwen Garcia issued Executive Order No. 43 on Friday, Nov. 4, eliminating the Covid-19 test requirement for inbound travelers to Cebu. 

EO NO 43

Garcia said fully vaccinated travelers to the province will no longer be required to present any form of Covid-19 test.

But unvaccinated travelers are highly encouraged to take a rapid antigen test within 24 hours before departing for Cebu, Garcia said.

Unvaccinated travelers unable to take a Covid-19 test will be tested for free upon arrival at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), she bared.

Result of a rapid antigen test should not be a requirement for Cebu-bound travelers prior to boarding, the governor emphasized.

Vaccinated and non-vaccinated travelers shall only be required to present their ticket or passport or other valid identification card upon check-in.

“Any other requirement such as electronic arrival card shall only be presented upon arrival in Cebu,” Garcia said. 

Furthermore, she ordered that the wearing of face masks shall be optional for all travelers bound for Cebu and the MCIA.

The EO took effect on Saturday, Nov. 5, and was issued in light of a resolution that the Inter-Agency Task Force issued last Oct. 4 that eased travel restrictions for inbound travelers to the Philippines.

The edict was also in line with the memorandum that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marocs Jr. issued last Oct. 28 directing concerned agencies to identify other acceptable proofs of vaccination in order to avoid confusion and inconvenience of inbound travelers.

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Cebu City, Cebu province placed under state of calamity


by Calvin Cordova, Manila Bulletin


CEBU CITY — Cebu City has been placed under a state of calamity due to the effects of typhoon Agaton.


Mayor Michael Rama made the declaration on Sunday afternoon as the city was still experiencing incessant rains.


Rama said landslides have been reported in barangays Pamutan, Toong, Sinsin, Budlaan and Busay.


Rama said residents living near rivers and coastal areas had been evacuated.


Upon Rama’s order, classes and government works were suspended on Monday (April 11)


Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has also ordered the suspension of classes in all levels on Monday.


The Philippine Coast Guard-Central Visayas (PCG-7) reported that at least 300 passengers were stranded in various Cebu ports after several trips were cancelled.


The PCG 7 reported that a roll-on-roll-off (roro) vessel of Jomalia shipping submerged while docked in Consuelo Port, San Francisco town, Camotes Island.


The PCG said the vessel’s 14 crew members escaped unharmed after they decided to abandon the ship when huge waves started battering it.


PCG 7 said the submerged ferry had 5,430 liters of diesel oil and 68 liters of lube oil on board.


“Per latest info reveals that risk of oil spill is yet to be determined while inspection or monitoring is still in progress,” the PCG 7 said.

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Octa: Cebu City remains at ‘very high risk’ for Covid-19

(File photo)

By THIRD ANNE PERALTA-MALONZO


CEBU City, one of the major cities in the country, remains at “very high risk” for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and cases “could be peaking there soon,” Octa Research fellow Dr. Guido David said Wednesday, January 26, 2022.


David said Cebu City’s seven-day average cases increased from 325 from January 12 to 18 to 722 from January 19 to 25, while its one-week average daily attack rate (Adar) rose from 31 to 69.


Its seven-day positivity rate also went up from 36 percent from January 12 to 18 to 40 percent the following week.

However, the reproduction number in the city, which refers to the number of people being infected by one case, declined from 4.64 to 2.99, but is still on “very high risk” classification.

Octa also noted the increase in the healthcare utilization from 45 percent from January 12 to 18 to 68 percent from January 19 to 25.

The intensive care unit occupancy in Cebu City also went up by over 100 percent or from 28 percent to 42 percent.

As of January 25, Cebu City has a total of 5,961 active Covid-19 cases, or at least 2.4 percent of the country's total active cases, according to the Department of Health.

A total of 50,525 Covid-19 cases have been recorded in the city, with 1,440 deaths. (SunStar Philippines)

Saturday, December 11, 2021

PAL plane skids off runway; several flights diverted


PLANE TROUBLE. A Philippine Airlines plane skids off the runaway at Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City on a rainy Friday morning, Dec. 10, 2021. No one was harmed during the incident. 

AT LEAST 34 flights to and from Cebu have been diverted or cancelled after a Philippine Airlines flight from Caticlan, Aklan skidded off the runway upon arrival Friday, December 10, 2021.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) confirmed this, saying the wheels of PAL flight PR 2369 veered into the grass at the side edge of the runway as it arrived from Caticlan, Aklan around 11:40 a.m. It was raining at the time.

GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. spokesperson Edilyth Maribojoc said the plane encountered the issue during the landing.

All the 29 passengers and four crew members on the plane were safe and were taken to Terminal 1.

The aircraft was retrieved and cleared from the runway at 2:18 p.m., said Maribojoc. The runway was opened for operations at 2:38 p.m., she added.

PAL issued an apology over the incident.

“We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the partial blockage of the runway,” it said in a statement.

PAL said its operations teams assisted the passengers and promised to provide assistance.

The airline carrier said safety is its top priority and it is fully cooperating with the airport and aviation authorities conducting an investigation on the incident. (FVQ, JOB)

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Hot Temperature in Cebu City

Blame high pressure area, weak habagat - PAGASA


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Weather Specialist Jhomer Eclarino of the Mactan-based Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Regional Services Division for Visayas said the HPA and the weakening of the rain-producing habagat or southwest monsoon caused temperatures to soar. Philstar.com/File
CEBU, Philippines - Are you wondering why the weather in Metro Cebu is hot when it is supposed to be rainy season? Blame a High Pressure Area that is currently prevailing in the region.

Weather Specialist Jhomer Eclarino of the Mactan-based Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Regional Services Division for Visayas said the HPA and the weakening of the rain-producing habagat or southwest monsoon caused temperatures to soar.
In fact, Cebu actually registered last August 6 an air temperature of 33.9 degrees Celsius, which was the highest recorded so far this month.
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Eclarino said the temperature’s equivalent heat index, or how it is apparently felt by the human body, was at 39 degrees Celsius, which exceeds the average normal body temperature of 37 degrees Celsius.
He said that based on their recent weather monitoring, the “ridge of a High Pressure Area,”  or an extension of a high pressure area characterized by very light winds and clear skies, is over the Visayas region, including Cebu.
An HPA, which is commonly associated as good weather, is the opposite of a Low Pressure Area, which is characterized by cloudiness and rain showers. It is considered as “breaks” from the monsoon events.
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He said the southwest monsoon has weakened as it enhances its strength only when there is the presence of a weather disturbance like LPAs or tropical cyclones, not HPAs.
With people experiencing warm weather, he warned against heat allergies or illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke that is possible on prolonged sun exposure or continuing outdoor activity.
Eclarino advised the public to stay indoors as much as possible, especially if it is not necessary for them to go outdoors. They are also asked to wear light-colored clothing since light colors reflect the sun's energy.
He also advised drinking plenty of water at a regular basis, as the body needs it to keep itself cool. Alcohol, he said, should be avoided as it may dehydrate the body.
Eclarino also advised that the people should regularly monitor weather advisories as significant changes may abruptly occur. (FREEMAN)

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Device found attached to ATM:

 ... Aliens tagged in skimming


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A photo of foreign-looking man believed to be responsible for skimming operation victimizing several depositors of the Land Bank of the Philippines is posted at the bank’s ATM booth. Paul Jun E. Rosaroso
CEBU, Philippines - An official from the Land Bank of the Philippines yesterday revealed that an unusual device had been found attached to the bank’s automated teller machine in Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City that could have captured clients’ personal data and compromised the integrity of their accounts.
A syndicate operated by foreigners is now at the center of police investigation after surveillance cameras in the  the branch captured two suspicious foreign nationals seemingly installing something on the machine in the wee hours of the night.
The device was discovered on February 27 when bank workers inspected the branch’s ATM.
“They discovered that there was really an insertion. Duha ka insertion: sa card reader and the other one is a PIN (personal identification number) pad with a camera. May camera siya (ang ATM), pero it’s so sophisticated, di siya (insertion) madali’g ka-detect,” Manny Jose Mari Infante, LDP first vice president for Eastern and Central Visayas, told reporters yesterday.
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Following the discovery, Infante said the bank immediately blocked all registered accounts under the branch as a matter of security measure.
ATM cardholders were also advised to report and file a complaint with their main office.
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“Gi-block namo. That’s why daghan ang nag-approach sa amoa karon nga mga branches to ensure that their balances are okay. Kung wala, okay lang, we will lift the blocking but kung naa, they would immediately file (a complaint),” Infante said.
As of yesterday, Infante could not yet provide the number of accounts affected, saying the count is still ongoing. He said, though, that they have notified depositors whose contact details were available.
He also assured that clients whose accounts have been deducted without their knowledge will get refund after an anti-fraud committee in their main office in Manila has thoroughly evaluated their individual cases.
One way to avoid getting victimized by ATM skimming, he added, is to regularly change PIN.
Yesterday, a crowd of government workers that consisted of policemen, firemen, military personnel and teachers went to file their complaints at the bank’s branch on Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City.
They were among those who received a notification that their accounts have been temporary blocked for protection. Some of them also reported unauthorized withdrawals.
Infante pointed out that not all LBP ATM cardholders have been blocked, just those accounts in Banilad.
But other accounts may have also been blocked if cardholders have used them to transact with the branch’s ATM.
Such was the case of Cebu City Investigation, Detection and Management Branch chief Ryan Devaras, who told The FREEMAN that he lost P30,000 from his account after making a transaction in Banilad.
Devares, however, said he already had the incident reported.

Suspects foreigners?

Initial investigation showed that the modus could have been the brainchild of a syndicate of foreign nationals.
“We’re trying to collate and review our footages… I believe foreigners. I believe this is a syndicate,” said Infante, adding that the suspects were seen boarding a car and operating during dawn.
To alert the public, photos of two foreign suspects screen-captured from the CCTV footages have been posted at Land Bank’s ATM sites.
For his part, Police Regional Office-7 Director Noli Taliño vowed to conduct a deeper probe, especially since some of the victims were from the police ranks.
“We will coordinate with the bank officials kasi very technical kasi iyong problema nitong scheming device. All we can do is to check ang mga CCTVs nila. Iyong mga dating suspects siguro kung may mga record tayo ay i-check natin yun and we will continue conducting follow-up dito sa ating mga suspects,” he said.
Cebu City Police Office director Joel Doria said at least five police personnel reported falling victims to the scheme but the information will still be verified to ensure that it was not a plain case of transaction error.

Osmeña’s comment

At the Cebu City Hall, Mayor Tomas Osmeña is not entertaining yet the idea of shifting to manual payroll distribution but he did not mince his words when asked for his comment on the alleged ATM skimming cases.
“I’m very worried about that. You know, the banking industry has a responsibility. Right now, I see across the board that they are not upholding the responsibility to the people. They just want the money,” he told reporters yesterday.
Osmeña, who also reported losing P90,000 to unauthorized withdrawals in December last year, called on banks to immediately devise a way so that people’s wages will not be held.
“How many people can afford to hold their salary? Never mind Tommy Osmeña, I’m okay but ang uban? Ang ordinaryo nga tawo? Naa sila’y obligasyo nkadaadlaw. Kinahanglan sila mopalit og bugas unya nawala ilahang kwarta. Unsa ang atoang remedyo niana?” he said.
Acknowledging that he is not an expert on the matter, the mayor said he is open to suggestions on how the city could possibly help.
“I’m very open if there’s anything I can help. I’m not an expert on ATM system but send a message, we will listen to everything naman,” he said.
Osmeña said he is not amenable to manual payroll distribution because it is laborious and entails more manpower. 
— with Odessa O. Leyson (FREEMAN)

Friday, March 3, 2017

Big Vessels under new Cebu bridge

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday afternoon led the groundbreaking ceremony of the PHP27.9-billion Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), the third link between the Cebu mainland and Mactan Island. The ceremony was held in Sitio Dapitan, Pilipog in Cordova town on Mactan Island.

Among those who attended the ceremony were Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena, Cordova Mayor Therese Sitoy-Cho, Secretary Adelino Sitoy, Presidential Adviser on Legislative Affairs and Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of the Metro Pacific Tollways Development Corporation (MPDTC).
MPDTC officials told PNA the bridge will be at least 40 meters above sea level, double the height of the two existing Mandaue-Mactan bridges, to accommodate big vessels entering the southern entrance of the Mactan Channel towards the Cebu City port.
MPDTC, the project proponent, entered into a joint venture agreement with the Cebu City Government and the Cordova Municipal Government, to undertake the third bridge that will connect Cebu City to Mactan Island.
The actual construction of the CCLEX, a toll bridge, is set to start in the second quarter of the year.
The Cordova side of the CCLEX will be in Barangay Pilipog, Cordova, while the Cebu City side will be at the South Road Properties (SRP).
The 8.25-kilometer toll-bridge will be constructed 7.5 kilometers south of the old Mandaue Bridge.
Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena said no house will be demolished on the Cebu City side because it will be at the unoccupied portion of the SRP.
The SRP now hosts the SM Seaside City and a mixed-use development of Filinvest Land Inc.