SLEEPING DRAGON OF THE SOUTH: Iloilo The Next Big Thing Series Part 6: Iloilo - Guimaras Island Ferry Terminal

 Propose Guimaras - Iloilo Ferry Terminal
@ Rotary Park at Fort San Pedro ( Parola ) Iloilo City
Two international firms are interested to invest in the public-private partnership projects of Iloilo City that are still in the pre-feasibility study stage, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said.

The pre-feasibility studies of both the central business district and Guimaras-Iloilo ferry terminal (GIFT) projects were already evaluated to pave the way for a formal feasibility study that will be submitted and recommended to the Regional Development Council 6 and the National Economic Development Authority 6.

Mabilog said he will ask for an authority from the Sangguniang Panlungsod to sign a document for the eventual proclamation by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III for the almost one-hectare Rotary Park at Port San Pedro for the GIFT project.

Embodied in the pre-feasibility study at no cost to the city government and submitted by Concept Consultants headed by Nathaniel Von Einsedel, the project proposal was approved by the Cities Development Initiative Asia.

The GIFT project will connect Guimaras island-province to Iloilo City through a modern terminal for ferry boats and calls for the improvement of Jordan and Buenavista wharves in Guimaras to complement the Iloilo City ferry terminal for Buenavista and Jordan ferries.

Mabilog said President Aquino is enthusiastic about the project and has ordered the Presidential Management Staff to review the Iloilo City project for possible foreign and national government funding.

He said the Asian Development Bank is also expected to help in the project by providing a loan facility complemented by an ideal public and private partnership with 51 percent from the private and 49 percent from the government.

Under the same PPP set-up, the central business district is expected to be converted into a modern multi-storey edifice for wet and dry sections and other stalls.

A CBD pre-feasibility study was also conducted by Concept Consultants calling for the rehabilitation of the Iloilo central market into a world-class shopping center complete with a podium and mall stores.

During the City Council’s regular session on September 8 this year, the issue was given priority attention by the city councilors who wanted a new and modern ferry terminal at Fort San Pedro.


City Council committee on rules chairman Joshua Alim said the authority given to Mabilog will pave the way for the establishment of a multi-million peso modern Guimaras Iloilo Ferry Terminal (GIFT) project in the area of abandoned Rotary Park aimed to service commuters between Iloilo City and the island province of Guimaras.


A pre-feasibility study was conducted by Concept Consultants more than two years ago and funded by Asian Development Bank for the development of a ferry terminal in Parola Fort San Pedro area and the ferry terminals in the municipalities of Buenavista and Jordan in Guimaras.


With a Presidential Proclamation over the area, the project is expected to be given priority attention by the regional development council and National Economic Development Authority for possible government or foreign funding.

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo – The construction of the P135-million Iloilo-Guimaras Ferry Terminal will soon start, with the formal signing of an agreement October 1 between the Iloilo City government and the DoubleDragon Properties Corporation, which has been contracted for the project.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said the existing Parola Terminal in Iloilo City will serve as a world-class ferry facility for passengers going to and from the neighboring island province of Guimaras.

The 1.3-hectare land allocated for the project will include a state-of-the-art ferry terminal, a mini-mall and a fueling station for pump boats.

“This is another public-private partnership (PPP) project that aims to boost tourism and investment opportunities in both Iloilo and Guimaras province,” remarked Mabilog.

Owned by billionaire Edgar Sia II of Mang Inasal food chain fame, DoubleDragon Properties Corp. will build-to-operate the ferry terminal within a 25-year period.

“The city is not spending a single centavo for the project, but it will have a share from the revenues and taxes which will be placed in the city’s general fund,” Mabilog said.

Said ferry terminal will rise in what used to be the Rotary Park complex, which was turned over last year to the Iloilo City government through Presidential Proclamation 201.

The complex will also host the Iloilo district office of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).


Sources: 

iloiloilove.com 

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375672/construction-of-new-p135m-iloiloguimaras-ferry-terminal-set#.UMh20fJM604 

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2010/08/27/2.firms.interested.in.cbd.ferry.terminal.projects.mayor.html 

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/iloilo/local-news/city-council-okays-deal-ferry-terminal?sort=asc&order=Combinations

SLEEPING DRAGON OF THE SOUTH Iloilo The Next Big Thing Series Part 5: Iloilo IT and Business Park

Iloilo Business Park Master Development Plan 

Festive Walk 

Some of the Exciting Places in the Business Park 

Megaworld Avenue 

Here’s  A General Summary of the Iloilo Business Park Project: 

54.5 hectares total land area, the largest IT park yet of publicly-listed Megaworld Corporation 
- P18B investment by Megaworld over the next 10 years 
- P2.5 billion initial investment to develop the road network 

Once completed, the project is expected to create 24,000 BPO seats, 200,000 square meters of commercial space, and around 35,000 jobs

A six-lane highway will serve as the main artery running through the entire length of the property 

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and Richmonde Tower features: 
12-storey building 
Hotel component will host 90 guest rooms, which will cater to businessmen and tourists 
Seventh level amenities deck features play amenities such as a lap pool, children’s pool and fitness center, while the business center on the same level will include meeting rooms and a conference room. 

Richmonde Tower will occupy the second to sixth floors of the hotel, offering more than 9,000 square meters of prime office space for BPO locators. 

Festival Walk 
Two kilometers total length, which will be the longest shopping and dining strip in the Philippines once completed 
Initial 200 meter section of the Festival Walk will be opened alongside Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and Richmonde Tower 

Le Grand Richmonde Hotel 
High-end Hotel counterpart of Richmonde Hotel Iloilo with convention facilities 
Construction to begin after the completion of Richmonde Hotel Iloilo 

Two Additional Business Process Outsourcing Towers

SLEEPING DRAGON OF THE SOUTH: Iloilo The Next Big Thing Series Part 4: Iloilo Convention Center

The Proposed Iloilo Convention Center and Its Unveiling

A GRAND DESTINATION CHANGING THE ILOILO LANDSCAPE

The Iloilo Convention Center is set to transform the Western Visayas Region into a world-class business tourism, convention and events destination. This grand new setting located at the Il oilo Business Park in Mandurriao affirms the vibrancy and vitality of Iloilo, the South’s new city of tomorrow.

CULTURAL INSPIRATIONS
Designed by Ilonggo Arch. Willy V. Coscolluela
With 15 exterior fins that evoke the beauty of Iloilo’s colorful Paraw Sail
Glass Walls feature abstract designs of the Dinagyang Festival 
Use of indigenous stones for the façade and interiors


EXCEPTIONAL FEATURES 
Can accommodate over 3,700 guests 
Main convention hall at the ground level 
8 function rooms at the second level 
State-of-the-art audio and video equipment 
Kitchen designed to international standards 
Museum / souvenir shop

STRATEGIC LOCATION 
Part of the 54-hectare Iloilo Business Park, and near the community’s hotels 
BPO offices and retail and leisure attractions 
Near the Iloilo international airport

SLEEPING DRAGON OF THE SOUTH Iloilo The Next Big Thing Series Part 3: Iloilo To Have A 5-Star Luxury Hotel In A Pristine Island In Iloilo

Gigantes Island, Carles, Iloilo

Quantum International Philippines Official Website Describing Their Major Projects In The Philippines 

Including A Luxury Resort in Iloilo 

Here is the report about the planned luxury resort to be put up in a pristine island in Northern Iloilo. Click the link below.  

Iloilo To Have A 5-Star Luxury Hotel In A Pristine Island Jewel Paradise In Iloilo

SLEEPING DRAGON OF THE SOUTH Iloilo The Next Big Thing Series Part 2: International Avenue, Santa Barbara, Iloilo

The INTERNATIONAL AVENUE 

by Global-Estate a Sister Company of Megaworld Corp. 

It's More Fun In Iloilo 

Because We're BOOMING Non Stop. 

ILOILO means BUSINESS. Invest Now! 

Western Visayas To Experience Global-Estate Resorts, Inc.'s 'Township' Lifestyle 

       Something new is coming to the shores of Western Visayas – the 'township' lifestyle. This 'township' lifestyle brought by Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI) to the Sta. Barbara Heights development will follow after the “live-work-play” concept pioneered by its sister company, Megaworld. 
       Sta. Barbara Heights is a mixed-use development that will consist of residential spaces, a town center, an IT park and various establishments. The 170-hectare property, which is the first of its kind on its region, is poised to propel Iloilo into a future 'central business district'. 
       “As pioneers of the township concept in Metro Manila, we would like to revolutionize how our fellow Filipinos live in other parts of the country, starting with Sta. Barbara Heights in Iloilo,” says Noy Mercado, GERI's Head of Sales and Marketing. 
      The residential estates signify the 'live' component of the township. All are residential lots, complemented by Sta. Barbara's expansive rolling hills and natural lake as backdrop. Topnotch amenities include a multi-purpose clubhouse with a 260 square-meter swimming pool and tennis and basketball courts, children's parks, a picnic area and other activity areas. 
      The 'work' and 'play' element, on the other hand, will be incorporated in the upcoming Iloilo International Business Park. This six-hectare park will be home to an IT cyberpark, BPO centers and various office strips. Future residents will benefit the ease of access with the 2.7-kilometer Iloilo International Avenue that runs through the township, bringing the nearby Iloilo International Airport closer. Adjacent to Sta. Barbara Heights are the historical landmarks of the Iloilo Golf Course and Country Club as well as the Santa Barbara Church and Convent, to the advantage of its future tourists. 
      Other projects on the pipeline for the development include commercial strips, food chains, hotels, an international school and a football field, with the aim of fusing business and pleasure into one hotspot. 
      “By putting the 'live', 'work' and 'play' aspects side by side, we are bringing a new lifestyle that's tailor-made for the fast-paced lifestyle of the Ilonggos,” Mercado adds. 

About Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. 

Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI) is a subsidiary of Alliance Global Group, Inc., (AGI) one of the Philippines' largest conglomerates, under the leadership of its Chairman and CEO Andrew L. Tan. The company handles the development of the country's world-class tourism estates such as those in Boracay (Boracay Newcoast), Tagaytay (Twin Lakes) and Iloilo (Sta. Barbara Heights), all marketed by Megaworld Global-Estate, Inc.

SLEEPING DRAGON OF THE SOUTH Iloilo The Next Big Thing Series Part 1: Proposed Iloilo Central Market

Iloilo Central Market Promenade View From The Podium

           The Iloilo Central Market is a proposed building construction project with a heritage restoration feature for its front facade. The present structure occupies 1.37 hectare and is bounded by major avenues in the city such as Iznart, Rizal, Aldeguer and Guanco streets. 
        Once completed, much of the area of the central market will be occupied by a 3 five-storey mixed-used structure that will be leasable to private establishment and businesses. It will also include a parking building and internal roads to improve traffic and accessibility. 

Land use components are the following: 
a) Commercial arcade for the existing Heritage building; 
b) Office/residential towers and a parking building linked by a podium for the main area behind the Heritage building; 
c) Wet market and dry goods area under the podium; 
d) Open public promenade adjacent to the Heritage building; and 
e) Miscellaneous commercial stall strip along Aldeguer and Guanco strips. 

           The beautiful art-deco 2 storey V-shaped facade of the central market will be preserved and restored. Between the retained facade and the main complex will be a promenade that will include open spaces, restaurants, and possibly an activity center. 
           The project also calls for another effort to take the welfare of present vendors into consideration. The pre-feasibility study suggested the creation of training and organization programs with the help of NGOs, including microfinance mechanisms, in order to enhance business practices and consumer services of local vendors or “hawkers”. 
            It is important to note that the basic concepts of this project is to improve infrastructure and utility to make the present market an interesting and convenient urban consumer area while preserving the city’s heritage. By making the heritage feature an integral part of this redevelopment effort, the city hopes to attract more tourists and foster a pride of place for Ilonggos in general. 


Source: Iloiloilove.com

SLEEPING DRAGON OF THE SOUTH ILOILO: The Next Big Thing Series

The Proposed Iloilo City Bridge at the Diversion Road 

Iloilo City by Night featuring the Iloilo Customs House (right) and Iloilo City Hall (left) 
 

I will be featuring a few series of proposed, planned and on-going projects and investments for Iloilo in the next few years for this decade. The real "Queen City of the South" also known as the "Sleeping Giant of the South" is waking up and is now gearing towards being one of the most livable and elegant city in the Far East. We are hoping that more big businesses and investments will come into the province providing more jobs and opportunities to the people.

A New Paradise In The Philippines Will Rise

Gigantes Island, Carles, Iloilo, Philippines 

 Tumaguin Island, Sicogon, Carles 

Sicogon Islands, Iloilo, Philippines 

A new premier luxury resort will rise in one of these islands in the central Philippines in the town of Carles in the province of Iloilo. This is Gigantes Islands. The Department of Trade and Industry is willing to fund a project development assistance of 2 billion pesos or roughly $50 million to develop these island for tourism and related activities. Foreign investments and projects are well encouraged by government to develop these islands into world class destinations provided they meet certain guidelines and strictly adhere to regulations and control to preserve the natural beauty and bounty of these islands. Another promoted island for investment is the Sicogon Islands also in Carles town, Iloilo province.

Boracay Islands Named One of the Best Islands In The World; Bangkok The Best City In The World

       The influential and respected US travel magazine Travel + Leisure named Boracay Island in Malay town in the province of Aklan in the Philippines as one of the best islands in the world ranked number four just three notches behind Santorini, Greece as the best island in the world. On the other hand, Bangkok, Thailand was named as the best city in the world which they won for the second consecutive year. Announced as part of its World's Best 2011 Awards issue to be published on July 22, the prestigious title was awarded based on the thousands of votes of Travel + Leisure readers who voted for cities, islands, hotels and cruises around the world. Read the full rankings at http://www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest/

The Top 10 Best Cities

                                                  Score

1 Bangkok                                  90.49

2 Florence                                  89.92

3 Rome                                      88.45

4 New York City                        88.40

5 Istanbul                                   88.18

6 Cape Town                              88.06

7 Siem Reap, Cambodia              87.90

8 Sydney                                    87.84

9 Barcelona                                87.83

10 Paris                                      87.78

The Top 10 Best Islands

1 Santorini, Greece                              90.61

2 Bali                                                  90.45

3 Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia       89.90

4 Boracay, Philippines                         89.83 Debut

5 Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia 89.68

6 Sicily, Italy                                       89.51

7 Big Island, Hawaii                            89.11

8 Kauai                                              88.99

9 Maui                                               88.59

10 Galápagos                                      88.22

The Top 10 Best Hotels

1 Singita Grumeti Reserves (Sasakwa Lodge, Sabora Tented Camp, Faru Faru Lodge), Serengeti National Park, Tanzania   98.44

2 Singita Sabi Sand (Ebony Lodge, Boulders Lodge, Castleton Camp), Sabi Sand Wildtuin, South Africa                    97.95

3 Royal Malewane, Kruger Area, South Africa           97.88

4 ol Donyo Lodge, Kenya Game Parks                       97.71 Debut

5 Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India                              97.70

6 Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, Montana                      97.10

7 Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, Thailand 97.00

8 Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, India                                       96.92

9 Kirawira Luxury Tented Camp, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania                                                                       96.71

10 Serengeti Migration Camp, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania                                                                       96.50

The Top 10 Best Large Ship Cruise-Lines

1 Crystal Cruises                               92.45

2 Regent Seven Seas                         90.14

3 Oceania Cruises                             86.42

4 Disney Cruise Line                         85.70

5 Cunard Line                                   84.27

6 Azamara Club Cruises                    82.51

7 Celebrity Cruises                            81.92

8 Holland America Line                    81.29

9 Royal Caribbean International        80.28

10 Princess Cruises                          79.81

The Top 10 Best Family Hotels in U.S. & Canada

1 Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Orlando                 95.72

2 Sanderling Resort & Spa, Duck, North Carolina 94.44

3 Beaver Creek Lodge, Beaver Creek                           93.85

4 Eliot Hotel, Boston                                                    93.75

5 Four Seasons Resort, Jackson Hole, Wyoming            93.64

6 Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek, Colorado 93.48

7 Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, Jackson Hole       93.33

8 Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Orlando                          93.21

9 Sagamore Resort, Adirondacks, New York                93.10

10 Grand Wailea, Maui                                                93.09

The Top Ten Best Spas

1 Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa, New Zealand 98.93 Debut

2 Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans                                 98.00 Debut

3 Couples Tower Isle, Jamaica                              97.67

4 Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Rome 96.92 Debut

5 Omni Bedford Springs Resort, Pennsylvania       96.50 Debut

6 Couples Sans Souci, St. Mary, Jamaica              95.86

7 Discovery Shores, Boracay, Phillippines            95.63 Debut

8 Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok                             95.35

9 Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris                  95.33

10 St. Regis Hotel, Singapore                              95.23 Debut

Why Does Foreign Tourists Prefer Thailand Over Philippines?

Philippines

Thailand

            There are more than 3 million foreign tourists visited Philippines last 2008 while Thailand had more than 14 million tourists flocking to the land of the free. Thailand even attract celebrities and big personalities to visit and even stay in Thailand like Hollywood stars, world leaders, athletes and other celebrities and they even make it their permanent home. So it came as a puzzle to me that the Philippines has as much beautiful places as Thailand if we say natural awesome landscapes and beaches. I found three reasons why tourists still choose Thailand over Philippines.

1. Aggressive Promotional Campaigns. Thailand spends millions or maybe even billions in promoting tourism in their bejeweled paradise. Thailand has enough tourism ads in major news and media networks around including the likes of CNN, BBC, NBC, etc. They also offer excellent travel packages, discounts and other promotional offers it can afford to bring influx of tourists to their country which makes tourism a major industry that sustains their robust economy.

2. Government. Thailand has one of the most effective laws that people adhere to and follow it faithfully. The laws are well implemented and respected by most people. Thais are well disciplined people and maintains cleanliness and neatness around the country. They avoid committing crimes as much possible because harsh penalty awaits those who stain themselves with crimes. Bureaucratic corruption has been lessen tremendously and business friendly laws attract huge foreign investments.

3. Attitude or Personality of the Citizens. Thais are friendly, loving, honest and very kind to anyone contrary to some of the Filipinos. Although Filipinos are naturally honest, kind and friendly people but some who are jack of all trades who knew any petty crimes to high profile crimes who at some point went loose elsewhere doing their nasty jobs to gain their selfish desires. Crimes ranges from pickpocketing and snatchers to big time drug syndicates and burglaries proliferate tarnishing the image and reputation of the country. Plus people are backbiters, gossipers who habitually watch one another maliciously everyday of their life and they are plastic or fake too because they seems friendly and nice when in front of a person but they stab the person treacherously when it turns its back. In other words, they are traitor. I think ignorance and stupidity contributes to this worse attitude. Well on the other hand, Thais who rarely or never exhibits ill manner are well loved and respected by foreign tourists and they love to stay after visiting the country.
 


4. Hotels, Places to Stay, Accommodations and Perks. If you go to Thailand, hundreds of travel agency will give you a thousand options where to stay and how to enjoy your stay in Thailand. In every interesting cities and places in Thailand like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Krabi, Phi Phi Islands each will offer you a thousand and one ways to stay and have fun which ranges from over expensive to super cheap or affordable and also there are thousand options there to have fun, relax and enjoy your moment. Aside from the coolest perks they offer, you are also given the coolest deals and discounts so they could entice more tourists and visitors and encourage their friends to come to Thailand. Philippines missed BIG TIME on this one.

            The only barrier of Thailand of tapping its full potential is language. If they really want to enjoy the benefits of tourists arrival, they should invest more in learning the English language and only then well they can gain more and more tourists every year. On the other hand, Philippines has a lot of things to learn about Thailand and be inspired by Thais. Ignorance, pride and stupidity are the Filipinos slaves which chained and locked them in their misery. If they want change, they should eradicate ignorance and illiteracy and try so hard to swallow the pride and humbly submit themselves to changes and openness. Else, maybe they want to mass execute all the ignorant, stupid and pride guilty people in the country so as not to spoil the rest of the decent ones.

Carabao Island, A Sweet Alternative To The Crowded Boracay

            San Jose (formerly named Carabao Island due to its shape that looks like the water buffalo) is the southernmost municipality or town in the province of Romblon. It was created with the name Carabao Island on June 18, 1961 by Republic Act No. 3423, and was renamed as San Jose on June 19, 1965 by Republic Act No. 4289. San Jose has a population of 8,226 according to 2000 census. San Jose is politically subdivided into 5 barangays: Busay, Combot, Lanas, Pinamihagan, Poblacion (Agcogon).
        The place to find real estate for sale, and investments and business opportunities including, but not limited to, future beach resorts, villas, cottages, and golf courses. Carabao Island is definitely an extension to already crowded island resorts of Boracay.
        The perfect hideaway for those who prefer quiet and solitude, a few minutes away from Boracay beach crowd. The place is also a haven for snorkeling and SCUBA diving, as a few steps from the shore is a seaweed and coral gardens. Tipok-pok can be reached from Lanas by hiking, mountain biking or motorbike. Cottages or bamboo huts could be built comfortably perched on the rocky cliffs. Both places offer a spectacular view over deep blue sea to Boracay, Panay and Tablas islands, and even as far away as Mindoro island on a calm day.
       Carabao Island finds a white beaches and coves in its natural status. In a beautiful pure virgin white sand beach, Carabao Island is a place where children can play and enjoy the natural beauty of an island paradise, a place where men and women can be children again. And, most importantly Carabao Island is the ideal place for tropical dream vacations: Water sports galore, ideal for diving and learning to dive, mountain biking, tennis, golf, horse-back riding, island hopping and lots of sunshine.
       Carabao Beach Resorts was created for assisting Carabao Island travellers either travelling as individual, partners, groups and families to find resources about Carabao Island travel, Carabao Island beaches, island resorts, Carabao Island vacation packages and useful information and resources related to island Carabao.
       Carabao Beach Resorts offer a large, constantly updating catalog of Carabao Island Philippines related island travel packages so you'll always find what you need. With tons of tour packages from best and leading Carabao Island beach resorts, We're sure to have exactly what you want. Why pay regular prices when you can buy discount Carabao Island Philippines island packages tours online from Carabao Beach Resorts.
       Carabao Island, which is also known as the town of San Jose, is four times the land size of Boracay
       San Jose or Carabao Island said to be the most beautiful beach in all of Romblon is just a short boat ride away from its sister island the famed Boracay - a perfect antidote to the noisy party of Boracay. Located almost in the heart of the Philippine archipelago, it remains one of the unexplored treasured islands of the country. With its mystical caves, powder white-sand beaches and crystal clear seawater to boost, Carabao Island, Romblon is indeed a paradise to visit. "Its dazzling scenery will charm you and give you the relaxation you need."