This Week in Cebu (October 09 to 15, 2016)

Traffic along the viaduct of the South Road Properties (SRP) is expected to become moderate to heavy as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) sets to repair the gap on the expansion joints of the viaduct. A recent social media post highlighted a gap in the expansion joint of the viaduct which prompted the decision of DPWH to start the repair.

DPWH 7 Planning and Design Division Chief Engineer Nonie Paylado allayed the fears of the public indicating that existing expansion joints are still serviceable and the section is “still passable to all types of vehicles.” He said the 2013 earthquake caused the gaps to develop on the viaduct after some parts of the expansion joints fell. Engineer Paylado added that the gap is still “within the allowable limit.” Repairs on the gaps will be done from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM to reduce traffic congestion in the area.

The Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) requested the Cebu City Council to convene the committee on traffic to make amendments to Cebu City Ordinance 801 or the Traffic Code. CCTO Chief Atty. Rafael Christopher Yap said his office is reviewing the ordinance and checking which penalties to increase in order to deter traffic violators. Atty. Yap also noted that the number of vehicles in the major thoroughfares in Cebu has increased. Due to this, the CCTO will deploy additional personnel on board new Toyota Hilux pick-up trucks donated by the city government. This will reduce their response time to accidents on the road.

Three major malls will hold sale events this weekend.

Participating stores at SM Seaside City Cebu are giving discounts of up to 70% on select items during The Great Seaside Sale on October 14 to 16, 2016. Shoppers will also have the chance to win a Suzuki Ciaz.

Shoppers can get discounts of up to 80% on select items at the Season Opening Sale of Parkmall Cebu. Participating tenants are also giving away free gift vouchers as a lead-up to the event scheduled on October 14 and 15. Shopping hours are extended up to 2:00 AM during the sale.

The Giant Sale at Robinsons Galleria Cebu offers shoppers discounts of up to 70% on select items. The Giant Sale will run from October 14 to 16.

Read: The Best Things to Buy This Feisty October

Cebu is home to numerous white sand beaches, with the more famous ones found in Mactan Island. But there are a number of relatively undiscovered paradises known only to local residents and a few visitors.

One of these white sand beaches is located in Barangay Maravilla in the town of Tabuelan. Situated on the northwestern coast of the island, Maravilla beach has started to attract the attention of weekend warriors who want to have some time off the stress of city living.

The powdery white sand beach of the place can rival the best in the world. While there are a number of establishments in the area, the place has remained relatively untouched by commercial development. The beachfront is wide enough for visitors to pitch a tent and not worry about getting wet when they wake up in the morning.

Visitors will not have to worry about their safety since barangay officials patrol the area at night to ensure the security of visitors. The Maravilla Barangay Hall is also located right at the entrance of the beach.

Getting to Maravilla beach requires a van or bus ride from the Cebu North Bus Terminal. But, it is important to take note that there is a limited number of buses and vans going straight to Barangay Maravilla so it’s best to check the schedule at the terminal before the trip is planned.

Visitors can also opt to take a bus or van ride to the town of Tuburan and hire a motorcycle or tricycle to take them to Maravilla beach. It is also important to take note to tell the driver to go to the public beach since there is also a private resort in the area carrying the same name. Visitors can stay free of charge in the public beach whereas an entrance fee may be collected in the private resort.