CeBu CeBoom CeBlog

With a combined production capacity of 14,000 metric tons, Cebu is now the world’s major seaweed processing center, accounting more than half the world’s total capacityof 23,000 metric tons.

The three major suppliers of processed seaweed or carageenan in Cebu are CP Kelco Philippines, FMC Marine Colloids Philippines and Shemberg Marketing Corporation. In 2005, the country’s total raw and processed seaweed exports reached US$153.244 million, up from the 2004 exports of US$144.027 million.

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In line with the Department of Tourism’s drive to attract more tourists to Cebu, PDP Digital Inc., one of the leaders in digital photography and publishing in the country, together with DOT-7, launched last Friday two travel guide books about Cebu.

The books ‘Your Guide to Cebu, Philippines’ and the Japanese version of the ‘Philippine Diving, the Ultimate Guide to Apo Island, Bohol, Cebu and Siquijor’ are essential tools to every tourist who want to explore the natural and cultural wonders of Cebu.

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Tourism has been one of Cebu’s biggest industries for years. In fact, Cebu is the premier tourist destination in the Philippines with 40 percent of the total foreign visitors to the country come to the province for its world-class beach resorts and dive sites and historical landmarks that are abound all over the islands.

But without proper communication tool, tourists would seldom venture into new unchartered territory without getting first-hand information that would guide them throught their journey. Effective communication is the key to successful tourism promotion. Tourism promotion shouldn’t rely on glossy brochures and posters or cheeky ads on television alone.

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The dog is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. According to Chinese folklore, each animal is associated with certain personality traits.

The Dog is the eleventh Sign of the Chinese Zodiac, and is a Yang animal associated with the Metal Element. Recent Dog years have been 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, and 2006. Dogs are essentially honest, loyal, trustworthy, and noble creatures, who have a tendency to see all issues in terms of black and white. They can also be stubborn and selfish.

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Cebu’s economic climate, for the most part, is spared from the continuing political crisis in the country. Economy in the province, in general, is doing well based on the performance of its banking and financial sectors. It is the financial and banking industry that sends telltale signs whether the economy is failing.

And according to financial reports from most banks in Cebu, the province’s economy is doing quite well. One such bank that has attested to the positive growth of our ecnomy is Wealthbank. In its annual reports, its assets and deposits grew by more than 80 percent in 2005. Its growth was largely attributed to the increasing patronage and confidence on its products from its growing clients.

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Cebu is heading right into its long-term goal - to become the call center hub in this part of the country. While it is a farfetched idea, if not impossible, to outdo Manila in its bid to become the center of business process outsourcing (BPO), Cebu is trying hard to attract call centers and medical transcription companies by putting up more IT zones.

One latest addition is the Mango Square along Gen. Maximo Ave. No less than President Arroyo proclaimed Luym-owned and managed Mango Square as an information technology (IT) building, entitling IT firms that will locate there enjoy tax perks and holidays. It was declared an IT building under Presidential Proclamation 960, issued by Arroyo on Dec. 27, 2005.

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One morning, I was awaken by the ear-splitting sounds of drum beats near my house. It really got on my nerves I couldn’t help but cursed in silence. I hate to wake up as early as 4 o’clock but my curiosity got the best of me. I dragged myself to the nearest window and took a peek. I saw a lot of people in the street. Although still sleepy, I went downstairs and headed for the door outside to get a closer look. I later learned that every 2nd Saturday of January the procession bearing the image of Sto Niño will pass by our rented house to Ouano wharf where it will be brought back, via a fluvial parade, to the Basilica del Sto Niñoin Cebu City. It was not just a simple ceremony or a ritual, but a significant event that shows the deeper meaning of the coming of the Sto. Nino to Cebuto complete the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph”.

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You might think your boss is joking at you if he tells you that your meeting will be held next at McDonald’s. Then you try to remind him that McDonald’s isn’t exactly a convention center or a hotel that offers facilities for conference and group meetings.

And he was telling you just right.

McDonald’s is the world’s largest fast food chain of restaurants with over 30,000 stores in more than 119 countries in six continents serving over 50 million customers everyday.

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The period between year 2005 to year 2015 was declared by the United Nations as the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development in the whole world.

In line with this declaration, the University of the Philippines Cebu College will conduct a two-day workshop on the setting up of the Cebu City Regional Center of Expertise (RCE) on Education for Sustainable Development from January 25 to 26 at the UP-Cebu Conference Hall.

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The legendary Thai traditional massage has been around for centuries, originating in ancient India before it became widely practiced in Thailand.

It is known in Thailand as nuat phaen boran and in English also as Thai ancient massage, Thai classical massage, Thai bodywork, passive yoga, or assisted yoga. Thai massage is usually soothing because of its emphasis on stretching and loosening the body. Its roots go back far into history, originating in India based on the Ayurveda, and then becoming popular in Thailand.

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The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Cebu’s premier and largest chamber organization will hold an election of its new officers on Feb. 24, 2006.

The elected officers will represent their respective sectors for a two-year term in office. Different sectors that need to be represented are those from Industry (4 reps), Trade (2 reps), Services (4 reps), Agr-aqua (1 rep), and Sectoral Organization (1 rep). These sectoral representatives will form the 21-member board of trustees of CCCI.

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