inauguration of newly-transformed Siquijor Airport

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade led the inauguration of the newly-transformed Siquijor Airport on Thursday, 26 August 2021.

“Happy tayo ngayon kasi pinasisinayaan natin itong bagong airport. But I’m telling you, our happiness should be the window that will open to us greater happiness. Noon, sampung pasahero lang ang kapasidad ng old airport, ngayon ay pinaganda natin ito at na-expand, nadagdagan ng 50 passengers ang capacity nito at any given time. In the future, magiging 100 na ito,” Sec. Art said.

“Napakaganda ng Siquijor, nararapat lamang na bigyan natin ng magandang transport infrastructure ang probinsya upang lumago ang negosyo, gumanda ang lokal na ekonomiya, mapabuti ang buhay ng mga residente,” he added.

The upgrading of Siquijor’s gateway was driven by the commitment of the DOTr and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to the “Build, Build, Build” program of the Duterte administration.

The upgrade of the Siquijor Airport covers the construction of a new Passenger Terminal Building (PTB), a powerhouse, and a vehicular parking area.

The new face of the community airport is a stark contrast to its previous sorry state in 2017, when it only had a small and dilapidated terminal. Responding to call of President Rodrigo Duterte for enhanced connectivity and mobility for Filipinos, Sec. Tugade ordered the gateway’s improvement and expansion to meet modern standards.

Additionally, CAAP also completed the repair and maintenance of the airport’s perimeter fence, constructed a concrete path walk, installed runway, taxiway, and apron markings, and further improved the PTB’s interior and exterior in August this year. All of these were accomplished ahead of the target completion date.

Meanwhile, the DOTr, CAAP, and local government of Siquijor continue to work together to ensure the development of Siquijor’s air mobility, accessibility, and connectivity.

In his speech, CAAP Director General Capt. Jim Sydiongco said proposals are now being considered and works are underway to make the airport ready to serve commercial flights.

“In the future, CAAP, DOTr and the Department of Public Works and Highways will be implementing a P450 million project under CY 2021 for the site acquisition, extension, and asphalt overlay of Siquijor airport’s runway, which are targeted to be completed by June 2022,” DG Sydiongco said.

After the inauguration of the upgraded Siquijor Airport, Sec. Art also inauguarated on the same day the improved Siquijor Port.

Siquijor Mayor Richard Quezon expressed his gratitude for the completed upgrade of the airport saying that it will enable the recovery of the province’s tourism industry.

“These upgrades that we have in Siquijor’s Airport and Seaport, we will surely receive benefits that will affect our economy largely. We thank the Secretary for playing his role in the continuous development of our province,” he said.

Children expose harms of tobacco using art

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Cover photo caption: Mulat na Bulag’ by 12-year-old John Henry Luna, Jr. of Quezon City exposes the harms caused by the tobacco industry.


Twelve Filipino child-artists were awarded on Thursday by children’s rights groups in a poster-making competition aimed to demonstrate the dangers of tobacco companies and their products.

The competition ‘Sigarilyo: Panganib sa Bayan Ko’ (‘Cigarettes: Danger to My Nation’) was launched by Child Rights Network (CRN) Philippines, Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), Gitib, Inc., and ImagineLaw this August. The said competition received more than 200 entries from age groups 10-14 years old and 15-17 years old for both digital and traditional poster-making categories.

Twelve-year-old Kaye Sarmiento won first place in her age group in the digital category for ‘Paralyzing Addiction’. Jun Ivanne Dalman’s digital poster ‘Tobacco Destroys, Destroy Tobacco’ placed first in his age group.

In the traditional poster-making category that allowed the use of physical materials such as watercolor and acrylic, 12-year-old John Henry Luna Jr.’s poster ‘Mulat na Bulag’ won first place in the 10-14 year old age group while Errol Caringal’s ‘The Outturns of Ash’ gained the top prize in the 15-17 age group.



Photo caption: ‘Paralyzing Addiction’ by 12-year-old Kaye Sarmiento of Cavite wins first place in a digital poster-making competition by children’s rights groups to illustrate the death caused by the tobacco industry.

“Tobacco companies are targeting children and young people as the next generation of consumers of their deadly products to sustain their business,” said Romeo Dongeto, executive director of PLCPD and co-convener of CRN Philippines.

“These artworks remind us to take time and listen to children and young people in their clamor for a tobacco-free future,” he added.

“We have to remind grown-ups constantly: there are 117,000 deaths every year due to tobacco related illnesses in the Philippines, 269 billion pesos in annual socio-economic losses, 12.5% student-smokers as of 2019, and 23.8% adult smokers,” said ImagineLaw Executive Director Atty. Sophia San Luis.

“Children can reduce complex problems into the simplest truths: tobacco companies are harmful and deadly. Tobacco companies are neither friends nor allies,” she also said.

The other finalists in the traditional poster-making category are the following: Second Place, 10-14-year-old Age Group: ‘Pag-iwas sa Mapanganib na Sigarilyo, Isang Babala para sa Sambayanang Pilipino’ by Elyzza Jane V. Caringal (13 years old) of Batangas; Third Place, 10-14-year-old Age Group: ‘Nagkakaisang Kabataan upang Sigarilyo ay Wakasan’ by Kyle Brondial Espinosa (13 years old) of Bataan; Second Place, 15-17-year-old Age Group: ‘Don't Let Tobacco Burn Your Future Into Ashes by John Estrael J. Ballera (17 years old) from San Pedro City, Laguna; and Third Place, 15-17-year-old Age Group: ‘Deadly stick’ by Zara Gen G. Velasco (16 years old) from Nueva Ecija.

The other finalists in the digital poster-making category are the following: Second Place, 10-14-year-old Age Group: ‘Sigarilyo ay huwag susubukan dahil ito ay magdadala ng kadiliman sa sarili at sa bayan’ by Bai Alija Zacaria (14 years old) of North Cotabato; Third Place, 10-14-year-old Age Group: ‘Ill Effects of Cigarettes’ by Gerald Timothy M. Cruz (11 years old) of Zamboanga City; Second Place, 15-17-year-old Age Group: ‘Ang Industriya ng Tobacco’ by Lander John Salango (17 years old) of Cavite; and Third Place, 15-17-year-old Age Group: ‘Cremation’ by Imma Christel Ehlan Carranza Quimbo (16 years old) of Cavite.

Winners received cash prizes and certificates.

“Ember” and “Aquamar Kitchen” to Debut Aboard Vista, Oceania Cruises’ New Ship

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, revealed the restaurants and dining experiences aboard its newest ship, Vista, due to debut in early 2023.

“Vista will present a fresh perspective on the finest cuisine at sea with an astounding array of dining options that range from informal to the extravagant,” stated Bob Binder, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises.

Vista will offer a total of twelve culinary venues, which is unprecedented for a ship of its size. Of the twelve, four are brand new and exclusive to Vista.

“We have never been content to rest on our laurels, so even the expected has become the unexpected. A dramatic re-inspiration of every dining space from décor to table setting to menu offerings has resulted in a new pinnacle of diversity and creativity for our guests to enjoy,” added Binder.

Ember is the signature addition to Oceania Cruises’ family of restaurants. Open for lunch and dinner, Ember is the ideal place to warm your culinary soul. Featuring a menu of inventive American creations blended with time-honoured classics, this inviting dining spot will instantly charm you with its alluring ambiance and tantalising menu. Whether you are looking forward to a leisurely evening of dining or a quick dinner before catching the headline show, Ember is where you want to be. Braised Short Ribs on Polenta, Grilled Swordfish with Asparagus, Crab Cakes with Spicy Aioli, and a Cobb Salad with Smoked Chicken are just a few of the delights designed to tempt the palate.

Aquamar Kitchen presents a decidedly fresh perspective on dining and the pursuit of wellness. Whether you are a dedicated flexitarian or a die-hard foodie, Aquamar Kitchen offers an abundance of indulgence with none of the guilt. Breakfast selections include cold-pressed raw juices and superfood smoothies, hearty homemade granolas and avocado toasts, organic power bowls, and savoury breakfast wraps. For lunch, dozens of tempting, healthy dishes are offered such as Slow-Roasted Organic Salmon with Quinoa Tabouleh and Lemon Tahini, Yellowfin Tacos with White Cabbage Slaw, or even a Crunchy Chicken Sandwich on a freshly baked whole grain bun.

The Grand Dining Room is the luxurious grand dame of Oceania Cruises’ culinary world. Here, guests will savour a leisurely dining experience in a truly magnificent and inspired room whose ambiance soars to equally lofty heights as the cuisine. This signature dining experience has always offered a bevy of delicious continental dishes, and now a fresh and new array of options brings even more exciting possibilities. Every day presents a realm of choices from signature Jacques Pépin classics to an incredible spectrum of global flavours and an all-new Executive Chef’s Tasting Menu. Menus change daily with an expansive choice of at least 10 appetisers, soups and salads and ten main courses, along with healthy options such as Aquamar Vitality Cuisine.

Polo Grill delights diners with the ultimate classic steakhouse experience presented with timeless reverence. Richly layered décor and an abundance of custom millwork create an imaginative rendition of tradition set against crisp white linen tablecloths while a cadre of black jacketed servers set the tone for an evening of gracious dining. Each course stands as the very definition of time-honoured favorites, most notably the beef dishes, all of which are 28-day dry aged certified Black Angus USDA Prime, while succulent seafood dishes such as grilled swordfish and whole Maine lobster gratinée are also classics in their own right.

Toscana presents an evolution of Tuscan cuisine in a truly Italian setting of rich Chianina leather, hand-blown Venetian glass and Carrara marble. Evolved from generational family traditions, many of our recipes originated with the mothers and grandmothers of our own Italian culinary staff. Presented on elegant, custom-designed Versace china, masterfully prepared dishes exemplify the essence of Tuscany and celebrate Italy’s culinary passion. Perhaps the evening begins with the Octopus Carpaccio with Champagne Vinaigrette or the Artichoke and Parmesan Cheese Timbale with Black Truffle Sauce, followed by classic dishes such as the Hand-Rolled Gnocchi with Pesto, a rich Risotto with Lobster Medallions and Shallots, or a Pan-Seared Sea Bass Fillet finished with Sorrento Lemon, Chardonnay and Capers.


Red Ginger radiates harmony and tranquility while evoking the boldness and subtleties of the extraordinary Pan-Asian dishes our talented chefs have created. Much like the room itself, the Thai, Korean, Japanese and Malaysian rooted specialities are a mélange of spicy and soothing, savoury and sweet to please virtually every palate. Begin with a salad of Spicy Roast Duck and Watermelon with Cashews, Mint and Thai Basil. Savour a Malaysian Beef Penang with Coconut Rice and Paratha roti. Or try Thai vegetable curry with sweet potatoes, aubergine, mushrooms and basil in green curry Sauce. In Red Ginger, the gustatory pleasures are as striking as the visual ones.

Terrace Café is the ultimate informal dining experience any time of day, whether inside the plushily adorned dining room or alfresco at one of the shaded tables on the stylish terrace. At breakfast, Terrace Café features a seemingly never-ending selection of sumptuous savoury and sweet temptations including made-to-order eggs, omelettes, pancakes and waffles. Come lunch, an expansive menu of international-inspired dishes is complemented by flavourful roasted and rotisserie meats and the magic of the pizzeria’s oven. In the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner in decidedly relaxed comfort as our chefs serve up an astounding array of dishes. Revel in a bounty of selections from grilled-to-order lobster tails, fish, fillets and steaks to freshly made, hand-cut sushi and sashimi. A varied menu of hot and cold specialities changes daily along with our hallmark Chef’s Market Dinners featuring locally inspired specialities from the ports of call.

Waves Grill is a casual, colourful, and perhaps a bit playful setting for dining on all-American favourites. Located in a spacious, shaded area steps from the swimming pool and Terrace Café, Waves Grill offers an extensive and mouthwatering menu during lunch and late into the afternoon for that much-desired snack or meal after an adventurous day of touring ashore. Watch the chefs grill gourmet burgers, succulent seafood and sandwiches to order in the open galley, accompanying them with sides like fresh salads, coleslaw and crispy, hand-cut fries. There is always room for dessert and the selection here is too good to pass up. Try a homemade sorbet, a made-to-order hot fudge sundae or a thick, hand-dipped milkshake.

The Culinary Center ascends to a new level of gustatory immersion as our passionate Chef Instructors share their enlightening perspectives on culture and cuisine through the lens of food and wine. Here, guests may not only partake in lively hands-on instruction – they may also indulge the pleasures of the palate in the new ocean view Culinary Center Dining Room with private group dinners or one of our many exclusive and highly acclaimed food and wine pairing experiences.

Priveé is our marquee venue for bespoke, intimate culinary celebrations for a maximum of ten privileged guests. Dramatic backlit, debossed walls and a blooming flower petal ceiling from which a dramatic chandelier descends over the polished marble slab dining table set the stage for a memorable evening. Meanwhile a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass provides an exhilarating view to complement a most memorable private dinner party that can literally traverse continents.

Baristas offers the ultimate panoramas aboard Vista with its commanding 270-degree views over the sea while guests enjoy complimentary illy® espressos, cappuccinos and lattes prepared by our master baristas as well as the delicious pastries, finger sandwiches and homemade biscotti. Just steps away, the new Bakery, with its freshly baked French and Italian pastries, is certain to be an instant hit. As the delicate yet rich scents fill the air, you’ll be drawn from the adjacent coffee bar or Library for an indulgent chocolate-almond croissant or sinfully sweet bombolini while enjoying the lost art of people watching or simply gazing out at the azure blue sea.

Coming Soon

Owner’s Suite - Details on Vista’s Owner’s Suites will be revealed on 30th August, 2021

Inaugural Season Itineraries – Vista’s inaugural season itineraries will open for viewing on 9 September, 2021, and go on sale the following week, on 15 September, 2021.