DOTr, CAAP Inaugurate San Vicente Airport

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), in cooperation with the provincial government of Palawan, led the inauguration of the San Vicente Airport (SVA) in Palawan today, 10 May 2018.

 

The inauguration of the SVA concludes the PhP62.7 million airport project that began construction in 2009, which was envisioned to provide more flights and routes for air passengers travelling in Palawan, and help boost the country’s first Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone.

 

Secretary Tugade was accompanied by DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Manuel Antonio L. Tamayo, Undersecretary for Finance and Administration Garry De Guzman, CAAP Director General Jim Sydiongco, and Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez.

 

According to Secretary Tugade, more flights will be accommodated in the airport after the inauguration.

 

“Ngayon ay bumibiyahe na dito ang Air Juan. Sa lalong madaling panahon, magsisimula na ring bumiyahe dito ang Cebu Pacific at ang Philippine Airlines (PAL),” Secretary Tugade said.

 

The SVA’s passenger terminal building (PTB) can accommodate up to 100 passengers at any given time, bigger than the average capacity of community airports that can cater to 50 passengers.

 

With SVA ready to accommodate commercial flights, the number of tourists are expected to further increase as they begin to explore various tourist destinations in San Vicente.

 

Secretary Tugade reminded everyone that while tourism is expected to boom in San Vicente after the inauguration of the airport, locals should maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings as to protect Palawan’s beautiful locale.

 

“Regalo po ito ng Pangulo sa inyo. Alagaan ninyo ito. Siguraduhin ninyong hindi magiging basurahan ang mga baybayin nito, hindi magiging itim ang white sand, at hindi magkakaroon ng mababaho at maduduming mga kanal. Take care of your paradise. Do not let anyone destroy your paradise,” Secretary Tugade added.

 

Started in 2006, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced the construction of a new airport in San Vicente to jumpstart tourism development not only in San Vicente, but in other parts of North Palawan.

 

Over the years, funding was allocated for the construction of the airport, which was personally spearheaded by Governor Alvarez.

 

“There is nothing more basic at stake than the future of Palawan to play on a global stage of tourism. If the province can figure out how to invest in its future, all Palaweños will prosper through education, improved quality of life, and jobs. And, the generations to come will see and benefit all of these beautiful things we’ve done in our lifetime,” Governor Alvarez said.

 

Seen as the country’s first Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone, the town of San Vicente, a first-class municipality, is home to the Long Beach, known as the longest white sand beach in the Philippines that stretches to 14.7 kilometers spanning to the coastline of four barangays.

Month-Long Mother's Day Celebration with Nobu Staycation and Retreat at Nuwa Spa & Nobu Spa at City of Dreams

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In celebration of Mother’s Day, City of Dreams Manila indulges moms their desire for total relaxation with a Nobu Hotel staycation package and pampering treatments at NÜWA Spa and Nobu Spa, which are offered until May 31, 2018.

Nobu Hotel Manila

Nobu Hotel Manila’s Mother’s Day staycation package includes an overnight stay with complimentary buffet breakfast for two at Nobu restaurant, a special welcome amenity and P5,000 dining credit valid in City of Dreams Manila-operated outlets such as Nobu Manila, Crystal Dragon, The Tasting Room, Red Ginger, Jing Ting and Café Society. On May 13, Nobu Manila lays out a special Sunday buffet brunch. Nobu Hotel’s swimming pool and well equipped gym give moms wellness options.

Guests can choose from Nobu Deluxe or Nobu Premier rooms with either city view or pool view, Nobu Executive, and Nobu Suite with the package price starting at P15,888 net.

Moms may also go for additional experiences offered at City of Dreams’ other entertainment facilities that offer enjoyable bonding moments with the family, such as DreamPlay where 12 DreamWorks-inspired interactive attractions promise fun with the children, CenterPlay where top live bands perform nightly, KTV lounges for uninhibited videoke, and even EDM entertainment at Chaos with the young adults in the family.

NÜWA Spa and Nobu Spa

To honor moms and provide them a respite from their busy schedules, the 2018 Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Awardee NÜWA Spa and the Nobu Spa offer curated Mother’s Day spa packages for a delightful pampering experience. While gift vouchers are available, bookings can be made directly at the two spas.

NÜWA Spa at the 2018 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Awardee NÜWA Manila, draws inspiration from Nüwa, the goddess who created mankind in ancient Chinese mythology. Among many of her great deeds, Nüwa smelted together five colored stones to patch up the azure sky, saving the world from destruction. The myth about the five stones encapsulates the fundamental principle of Chinese medicine that equilibrium can be achieved by honing the power of nature. NÜWA Spa captures the power of these “healing elements” and incorporates the soothing power of nature in the spa therapies.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, NÜWA Spa has hand-picked a few of the highly-acclaimed holistic spa treatments for an indulgent experience for moms. 

The 2-hour One Mom-ent in Time package consists of a bespoke body polish, gold hydration intensive facial and head, neck and shoulder massage at P5,800. For an immersion in Philippines’ age-old healing techniques, traditions and ingredients handed through generations, the 2 hour-and 30 minute Mother’s Day Out comprises Heal-ot massage with Dagdagay foot massage and NÜWA Radiance facial at P6,800 net. An option for Ayurvedic therapy to balance mind, body and spirit is available with the 2 hour-and-30 minute  Mum Me-Time which includes Shirodhara treatment, Abyanga massage and OM facial express at P7,800 net. All packages come with a long-stemmed American rose and a signature chocolate bar.

The Nobu Spa situated at the Nobu Hotel Manila offers a fully-immersive rejuvenation in an elegant and contemporary Japanese oasis. The 1 hour-and-30 minute Super Woman Retreat consists of chocolate body glow treatment and Juan Hilot’s Pride massage at P3,800 net. For a more youthful radiance, the 2-hour Flawless Mom package includes pink salt body polish and collagen skin booster facial at P4,200 net. For a total revitalizing experience, the 2 hour-and-30 minute Ageless Beauty package comes complete with a renewal massage, Dr. Babor BTX lifting facial and For Your Eyes Only treatment at P4,600 net. All packages come with a special Ikebana flower token and a signature chocolate bar.

For inquiries and reservations, guests can call 8008080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.comor visit www.cityofdreams.com.ph.

Guerrero Bares MARINA’S 14-Point Agenda for 2018

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Newly appointed Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Rey Leonardo Guerrero recently bared his 14-point agenda, giving the agency the direction and boost it needs to carry out lasting reforms.

Presiding on his first flag ceremony as MARINA Administrator last Monday, 7 May 2018, the former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff reminded officials and employees on their duties as public servants.

 

“Always bear in mind that, where a position of governance is higher, the expectations and demands will also be higher. Therefore, corrupt and non-performing employees will have no place in this organization,” Guerrero said.

During the ceremony, Guerrero reiterated the following programs should be accomplished by the end of the year, including submission of substantial accomplishment from concerned Directors. 

At the center of these programs is the (1) completion of the 10-year draft of the Maritime Industry Development Program (MIDP), which provides a general framework and execution plan for the agency. 

In an effort to make merchant marine services and procudures more efficient, Guerrero directed MARINA to work on the following: (2)completion of the revised draft on Philippine Merchant Marine Rules and Regulations; (3) completion of the MARINA quality procedures covering all major services at the MARINA Central Service Units in preparation for the eventual implementation of the MARINA Integrated Management System; and (4) completion of the draft for the Philippine Fishing Vessels Rules and Regulations (PFVRR).

Strengthening the organization is also among Guerrero’s priorities. He is (5) proposing for a new MARINA organizational structure; and wants to (6) accelerate filling up of vacant plantilla positions. To ensure everyone is performing his or her duties as mandated, the Guerroro wants to (7) revive the MARINA Performance Governance System (PGS); and work on the (8) validation by the Civil Service Commission of MARINA’s implementation of the strategic Performance Management System. 

The newly-installed MARINA chief also wants to make sure that the Philippines will carry on with its good standing in the global maritime community by ensuring (9) full compliance with the audit findings of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) relating to Philippine Maritime Education, training and certification system; (10) preparation for the Philippine Audit under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) in 2021; and (11) strengthened and substantial Philippine participation in international meetings and conferences. He added that MARINA participants in such conferences should have prepared and cleared positions, interventions, and papers before being allowed to travel. 

Other efforts also include (12) assessment on the implementation of Republic Act No. 9295, also known as the “Domestic Shipping Development Act of 2004”; (13) implementation of regulatory reforms to ease doing business in the maritime industry; and (14) re-engineering and updating of the contents of the MARINA website.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade expressed his confidence in the leadership of the new MARINA Administrator. 

 

“I am certain that his track record and commitment in serving the public will prove valuable as the agency moves into a new direction of providing world-class quality service to the people, while fighting corruption from the inside,” Secretary Tugade said.

 

Guerrero was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to the MARINA after his resignation from the AFP last April 24.