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We Can’t Wait to Fly Off From Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s Terminal 2

For Cebuanos and travelers, Terminal 2 is something they’ve been waiting for with bated breath—and it’s a breath that they’ll be releasing soon, as T2 is set to open on July 1. It’s time to plan your next exodus overseas!  

As someone who travels pretty frequently, it’s no surprise that I find myself going in and out of airports around the country and across the globe.

Each airport has its own charm; often, I’d find that many of those in the country are quite small, simple and straight-to-the-point, serving as gateways to and from other islands. To their credit, they’re well-maintained and well-managed.

In other countries, like Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur International Airport, for example, their airport is of decent size, divided into areas of the lower-end airlines and higher-end ones. Of course, I can’t forget Singapore’s Changi Airport, which was named by Forbes as the world’s best airport for the sixth year in a row this 2018. Then there’s South Korea’s Incheon Airport, the eight busiest airport in the world, which personally, was my best airport experience. Other notable airports include Hong Kong’s International Airport and Japan’s Haneda Airport.

These airports have left positive, lasting impressions on me not just for their world-class facilities and services, but their designs, as well. It’s interesting to note that many other Cebuanos echo the same sentiment.

Mactan Cebu International Airport Terminal 2 at night

That being said, my excitement was palpable when I caught wind of talks about plans of expanding the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) into a world-class airport, three odd years ago. Who wouldn’t be excited about a world-class airport, right on this tiny island of Cebu?

Cebu is a jump-off point to many other destinations not just in the Visayas region and in the country, but to international destinations as well—with the likes of Hong Kong and Singapore. It was only natural that congestion (the airport was operating over half its capacity, at 10 million last year in 2017) and the need for better facilities became a concern over the years, which in turn, cemented the decision to establish Terminal 2 through a public-private partnership between the Philippine government and the GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC).

The MCIA Terminal 2, or T2 as we fondly call it, is set to become the friendliest gateway to the country—not just to Cebu, but to the Philippines. The addition of T2 is expected to accommodate 12.5 million passengers per annum, a huge jump from the 4.5 million capacity that the airport initially had.

Inaugurated last June 7, President Rodrigo Duterte and other key political figures were also in attendance for a first look at T2.

“It’s a beautiful airport. Cebuanos are very lucky,” Duterte says at the press conference after the inauguration ceremony.

Lucky, indeed, considering how much of the terminal is largely Cebu-influenced—from its design down to the materials used for construction; even the floors have mother of pearl shards embedded into them, which glisten like the sand of the island’s beaches when the light hits them. Fun fact: it takes about twelve polishings to achieve that particular shine.

At first look, the most recognizable element of the terminal is its arched roof, made out of Glulam timber and reminiscent of the waves of Cebu’s popular beaches. Complementing the wood is the tempered glass facade and high ceiling, which will keep the passengers entertained with the view as they wait for their flights. Mahogany wood, a true Cebuano trademark, can also be found in the terminal’s interiors, perfectly mimicking the beauty of Cebu. Rattan, which is embedded in the history of Cebu’s furniture industry, are weaved onto the check-in counters, showcasing an excellent mix of Cebuano history and beautiful craftsmanship.

Terminal 2’s check-in counters

A little greenery plays a big role in livening up a space, and Terminal 2 goes the extra mile by placing live moss on the walls of their comfort rooms, which help stabilize humidity as well as improve the quality of air. Take it from us—this is definitely going to be the most-instagrammed spot of T2!

As a Cebuana and a traveler, Terminal 2 is something I’ve been waiting for with bated breath—and it’s a breath that I’ll be releasing soon, as T2 is set to open on July 1. It’s time to plan your next exodus overseas!

 

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Bringing businesses together: Lalamove paves way for SMEs across the globe to “Make a Winning Move”

The local episode #LalamoveItToWinIt to support MSMEs across PH

To inspire businesses around Asia and Latin America, Lalamove has launched a regional branding campaign “Make a Winning Move” to showcase its various B2B services, strong driver-partner network, and wide-ranging fleet for fast and reliable delivery solutions. Locally, the on-demand delivery platform has kicked off the campaign by inviting its patrons, old and new, to #LalamoveItToWinIt.

Now more than ever, businesses are focusing their efforts on an experience-led customer journey. With deliveries as undeniably crucial for businesses to fulfill their services and win over customers, the central creative idea behind the regional campaign revolves around such scenarios where Lalamove’s services and B2B features help entrepreneurs stay ahead of the intense competition.

Lalamove, as the trusted delivery partner, has been servicing businesses of all sizes in the Philippines. Lalamove’s corporate clients can enjoy the on-demand delivery platform’s variety of business solutions, such as multi-stop delivery, API integration, real-time GPS tracking, a wide variety of fleet for on-demand, same-day, long distance, and last-mile delivery, and a dedicated account manager.

“The Philippines has more than 900,000 businesses, over 99% of which are MSMEs. What Lalamove offers businesses of all sizes is faster, easier, and a more seamless delivery experience to help them save time and costs. Our dedicated partner drivers, the economic frontliners of today, are here to deliver to an even wider reach across Luzon and in Cebu. This campaign is the visualization of what we can do to help businesses jump over hurdles – simply put, just ‘Lalamove It to Win It!’” remarked Dannah Majarocon, Lalamove Philippines Managing Director.

First-time users of the Lalamove mobile delivery app can get up to Php 150 off when they sign up and use the code LALAWINIT. New corporate clients, on the other hand, can also receive a welcome bonus of up to Php 1,200 when they sign up and top-up their Lalamove corporate wallet. Moreover, with Lalamove Rewards recently launched, each delivery for every user is now made even more rewarding.

Find out more about what Lalamove offers by visiting www.lalamove.com/lalamoveittowinit, or follow the official Lalamove Facebook page, Instagram account, and TikTok account for more information.

***

ABOUT LALAMOVE

Launched in the Philippines in late 2016, Lalamove is an on-demand logistics company that matches drivers with customers and SME businesses to fulfill same-day deliveries. Lalamove’s mission of making local deliveries faster and simpler across North, Central, and South Luzon, and in Cebu is achieved through innovations such as instant order matching, real-time GPS vehicle tracking, 24/7 services, and a driver rating system. Lalamove also allows businesses to scale their deliveries and operations at an accelerated rate. Lalamove now operates in over 30 markets across Asia and Latin America. Visit Lalamove’s website: http://lalamove.com

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Featured

King-size Treats Await Dad this Father’s Day at Seda Central Bloc

Misto Restaurant at Seda Central Bloc

King-size Treats for the King!

by Ryan Daniel R. Dablo

Seda Central Bloc celebrates the hardworking hero and steadfast lynchpin of the home with its offerings for Father’s Day weekend. 

 

At the Misto, Seda’s restaurant, Dad gets to sample the delicious international cuisine for free when dining with five full-paying adults. If an evening dine-out is more the family’s speed, the Straight Up bar offers a dinner buffet with a continental menu and mocktails, all enjoyed amid a backdrop of excellent cityscape views from the rooftop. Staycation at the hotel comes packed with perks for the weekend as well, such as complimentary lunch at the Misto, drinks at the Straight Up bar, and breakfast for two.

Honor your number one hero and highlight the love you have for him this Father’s Day weekend. Celebrate at Seda Central Bloc!

For more information, please call  (032) 411 5800. Follow their Facebook page or visit their website at www.sedahotels.com.

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Fashion

37 Years of High Fashion; Arcy Gayatin leaves a Legacy of Edginess and Elegance

Arcy Gayatin: A Legacy of Luxury in Fabrication

 

By:  Allain Dumon Fonte 

 

The brand Arcy Gayatin gave the Queen City of the South a distinct reputation in the fashion industry.  The fashion line of Arcy Gayatin sets the bar higher each year for clothing luxury and fabrication techniques.

 

April Duenas, Nikki Gayatin and Arielle Gayatin for Arcy Gayatin—Photos by John Paul Autor from Lifestyle Inquirer.net

 

Araceli “Arcy” Ancajas Gayatin is the daughter Galileo Ancajas and Remedios Zanoria Ancajas who founded Cebu’s home brand, Gal’s Bakery.  Arcy went to the University of San Carlos and studied Political Science.  And just like Dr. Muccia Prada, who completed her Ph.D. in Political Science and established the luxury line of Prada, Arcy also got in touch with her artistic side and started her own fashion line.  However, it was not Prada that influenced Arcy.  Arcy was introduced to fashion and tailoring at a very young age by her mother, Madame Remedios Anacajas whom they dearly call Mama Eme.  Mama Eme was running a tailoring business back then.  It was called Arabel; named after Arcy and her sister Belma.  Ara from Araceli and Bel from Belma.  In those years, Arcy was fascinated by fabrics and was intrigued by how to manipulate the fabrics to come up with fashion-forward designs without compromising comfort and taste.

 

Arcy Gayatin (photo grabbed from Space Philippines Blog Spot)

 

After 37 years of creating haute couture pieces for the most fashionable personalities in the Philippines, Arcy Gayatin is now laying down her sketchpads and pens to rest.  As she enjoys her retirement, may be on a cruise to the Bahamas or a holiday to the Swiss Alps, Arcy Gayatin has left the fashion industry a legacy of elegant and edgy clothing ensembles that understand and define the shape of women; without compromising comfort and good taste.

 

Arcy Gayatin’s Pink Flamingo collection                                               Arcy Gayatin’s Sketch on a Terno

 

To salute the lady who brought Cebu fashion to the world, a retrospective exhibition of Arcy’s incomparable masterpieces can be seen today at Ayala Center Cebu’s The Gallery; curated by fashion editor and writer, Clint Holton Potestas, and interior and fashion designer, Jul Oliva.

 

BALANCE.  Arcy Gayatin is known for her perfect symmetrical lines when fabricating.  She knows how to balance edginess and class; understanding well the strength and the finesse of a woman.

 

RHYTHM.  Arcy’s expertise in draping and fabric manipulation can be seen in how she achieves rhythm between architectural lines and soft fabrics like silk and cashmere.

 

TEXTURE.  With her thorough knowledge on fabrics, Arcy Gayatin has achieved the perfection of fabrication by working on different types of fabrics and creating a single piece of art out of them. 

 

HARMONY.  The simplicity of the silhouette plus the intricacy of the details create a wonderful harmony, making Arcy Gayatin’s design a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

           

The photos below show an up-close look at the intricacy and the exquisite craftsmanship of Arcy Gayatin’s fabrication techniques:

 

THE SPIDER WEB:  one of Arcy’s genius fabrication techniques.

 

MATCH and PATCH:  Arcy’s unique fabrication craft by patching layers of different types of lace and lace patterns

 

PLEATS: The perfection of symmetry in pleats on silk.

 

LA ROSE BLEUE:  U.P. student, Danielle Alessandra Deutsch, inspired by the artistry of Arcy Gayatin, designed this midnight blue dress.   The cabbage rose made from layers of silk organdy gave this evening ensemble a romantic appeal.

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