Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA Soon to Operate

Wazzup Pilipinas!

On the night of July 31, we attended the launch of the newest hotel in the North operated by Radisson hotels and to soon add to the many luxury accommodations available in the Philippines.

The night was led by Nils Rorhbarth, General Manager of the hotel, giving the welcome remarks, with an opening remarks by Peggy Angeles, EVP of SM Hotels and Convention Center. Also in attendance were Elizabeth Sy, President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, and Hon. Joy Belmonte, Mayor of Quezon City, who came in later after the launching ceremonies so she was initially represented by her local tourism officer.

Awesome entertainment numbers were provided by Michael Barry Que & DanceRs and Talahib People's Music, The Nightingales, and Gian Magdangal.

Hopefully, we would be able to visit the hotel again when it is finally operational be so we could show you the rooms and amenities.

If the buffet spread is an indication of the dushes available at their restaurants, then we are positive about the sumptuous food soon to be served at the hotel.

Congratulations!

International Award of PH Dancers at the Hong Kong Challenge Cup Dance Competition

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippines made its way again into the spotlight at the 8th annual Hong Kong Challenge Cup Dance Competition, held at Y Theatre in Chai Wan, Hong Kong last July 24th, 2019. The Filipino participants from the ballet school Dance Theatre Arts are comprised of young talented dancers that are passionate to take home the honor and glory in winning the event.

With wonderful participants as young as 7-16 years old, the Filipino squad competed with a brave heart to make the nation proud, coupled with their enthusiasm, talent, and passion for dance, creating an unstoppable formula for victory as they entered the competition.

Each performer impressed the judges as well as the audience with their outstanding performances with their own unique forms and movements. The young dancers did show their versatility in performing different techniques, with individual youths performing in numerous categories. During ensemble performances, they also showed notable coordination and collaboration. The dancers showed their uniqueness and distinct mastery of their piece in the solo performances. These performances highlight many characteristics of Filipinos such as the willingness to work in unity and passion for one's craft. With this many talented youths competing together, the Philippine team is a force to be reckoned with.

These young Filipino dancers have taken back from the event a variety of awards and prizes from a variety of categories, making the nation truly proud.

DOTr-CAAP Orders Fast-tracking of Antique Airport Development Project

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) ordered to expedite the development project of the Antique Airport to increase its operations, following a site inspection held on 03 August 2019.

DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Manuel Antonio Tamayo and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Area 2 Cluster Manager Efren Nagrama met with Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao and former Senator and now Deputy House Speaker Cong. Loren Legarda to inspect and discuss current infrastructure developments at the airport.

After the inspection, Usec. Tamayo urged Verzontal Construction, the project contractor, to fast-track the construction works, as its completion rate currently stands at 12% since the project started on 16 December 2018. The proposed target completion date is scheduled for June 2020, months ahead of its original completion date of August 2020.

“We have requested the contractor to fast-track the development of the Antique Airport to efficiently serve the region. To do this, we need the augmentation of workers and equipment, and extend the working hours from 8 to 12 hours,” Usec. Tamayo said.

Ongoing improvements at the airport include the construction of a new Passenger Terminal Building (PTB), apron, taxiway, fire station building, power house, administration building, perimeter and security fence, vehicle parking area, and staff house.

Congresswoman Legarda expressed appreciation for the efforts of the DOTr and CAAP to hasten the project, as the expanded airport operations are seen to boost economic growth in the province.

Upon the request of Congresswoman Legarda, Verzontal Construction and the DOTr will submit the airport’s master plan, including the details of the PTB in two (2) weeks.

The Antique Representative also recommended the installation of solar panels, a vertical garden, rain catchment system, and non-corrosive materials for the airport. Cong. Legarda’s son, Leandro Leviste, committed to provide the solar panel system free of charge.

Discussions were also made to extend the airport’s runway from 1,430 meters to 1,800 meters in order to accommodate jet operations. Congresswoman Legarda has pledged to work on the additional funding of at least PhP150 million for the runway extension.

Likewise, Governor Cadiao has requested to expedite succeeding fund releases for site acquisition, which the DOTr assured.

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade commended the joint efforts of all parties and assured the completion of the Antique Airport development project ahead of schedule.

“I am thankful to Deputy Speaker Legarda and Governor Cadiao for accommodating and assisting our team in the development of the Antique Airport even on short notice. We will ensure that this airport will be upgraded on or before its target date so that we may deliver to the people of Antique the service and facility that they have long been yearning for,” Secretary Tugade said.

As the only Principal Class 2 airport serving the province of Antique, the Antique Airport held the groundbreaking ceremony for its development project on 16 December 2018, the same day it relaunched commercial operations after several years of inactivity.