CVCB, HKITA sign tourism MOA

Accomplished concept designer and Singapore-based Cebuana Annie Mae Reynes Chen,together with her equally successful husband businessman Chris Fussner, who is an industry leader in electronic marketing distribution in southeast Asia and beyond, recently visited Cebu to formally launch A.C. Enclave, the first of its kind on property development in the northern seaside town of Tabogon, about an hour-and-a-half drive from Cebu City.

Six of the island’s dynamic and progressive architects, all achievers in their field, were tapped to individually draw plans for contemporary retreat and resort homes.

Accepting the challenge were Ricardo Alcordo, former national president of the United Architects of the Philippines and past chairman of Architects Council Asia; the efficient husband-and-wife team of Alex and Janet Go Medalla, whose expertise comprise of high-rise residential and commercial office development; the brilliant Arsenio Abella, an AAP awardee in sculpture and recently conferred his membership in the College of Fellows in the field of architecture; the able and capable Arnulfo Wong, whose forte is well-known and appreciated by many; and the gifted and artistic Michael Colmenares, who assisted in the early conceptualization of the project and was instrumental in assembling the finest architectural talents to give life and vibrancy to this unique project. His mastery of merging function and form in architecture with the natural beauty of the site has produced a Monterey-like haven right here in Cebu.

The deft and adept Socorro Atega will design and supervise the landscape, a not-so-easy task considering the enclave’s hilly terrain, which will feature a skywalk for the residents and their guests to reach the boardwalk and finally the beach.

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Seasoned tourism player, the good natured Dennis Javellana, country representative for Lacturan Holdings, Inc., breezed into town not too long ago to update travel specialists on the latest unique tour packages offered by Orthodox Cruise Company.

"The initial sailing of the special series will be on board the m/s Dostoevsky, one of the best on the Russian River fleet, which Tchaikovsky Cruise devoted to the memory of the great Russian composer," Javellana explains. "The voyage will include concerts, lectures on Tchaikovsky’s life and a visit to Votkinch, his motherland."

The motor ship will afford the guests freedom to relax and enjoy the numerous facilities. All cabins have large scenic windows, climate control and bathrooms.

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As the Cebu Visitors and Convention Bureau (CVCB), the first private sector-led tourism group committed to promote Cebu as a premier event and convention destination in the country, welcomed its newest member, Philippine Airlines, it likewise formally forged a unique marketing agreement with The Hong Kong Inbound Travel Association (HKITA)

Eleven delegates, headed by its chairman Paul Leung, visited Cebu recently to sign a memorandum of agreement with CVCB. The tie-up will ensure aggressive marketing promotions offering value-for-money tour packages.

With joint efforts from the government and private sectors, Cebu will in no time be the premier convention and event destination of the Philippines and hopefully also of Asia.