This Week in Cebu (October 6 to 12, 2019)

While it will be generally cloudy on the first day of the week, the sun will be out from Monday to Wednesday in the Queen City of the South. Thursday will still see partly sunny weather, but rain showers are expected until the weekend. A thunderstorm or two is also expected on Friday and Saturday. Aside from protecting yourself from the heat of the sun at the start of the week, an umbrella is also useful to keep yourself dry in the second half of the week. Temperatures for the week will be between 23°C and 32°C [1].

The Mactan-Cebu Bridge Management Board (MCBMB) has amended its decision to ban bicycles from crossing the two bridges between Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City. The reconsideration came after Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan asked the bridge board to reconsider its decision since it would affect Lapu-Lapu City residents who use bicycles to go to work. While cyclists can use the bridges, they have to dismount and use the pedestrian lanes while on the bridge. Moreover, the board also reconsidered its decision to limit pedestrians to one side of the bridge. The curfew on the use of the sidewalks of the bridge will also be lifted and pedestrians will be allowed to cross the bridge between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM [2].

Despite complaints from motorists, the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) will continue implementing the new traffic scheme implemented along UN Avenue. The MCBMB supports the continued implementation of the new traffic scheme since it eased traffic congestion on the Marcelo Fernan Bridge. The new traffic scheme was aimed at avoiding giving tourists a bad impression of Cebu after they arrive at the Mactan Cebu International Airport. But adjustments will be made according to Team Executive Director Florentino Nimor Jr. He added that they will give the traffic scheme another week before deciding on its permanent implementation [3].

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) welcomed the arrival of the inaugural flight of Jeju Air on September 17. The flight originated from Daegu International Airport in South Korea. In addition, the flight marks the expansion of the airline in Cebu. Representatives from GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and Jeju Air greeted the passengers on the inaugural flight that arrived at 11:15 PM. The airline has four flights between Cebu and Daegu every week. GMCAC president Louie Ferrer said they are aiming to make the MCIA a bug for flights between the Philippines and other Asian countries. The strategic location of Cebu makes it an ideal hub since it is only one hour away from most domestic tourist destinations in the country [4].

Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark opened a new indoor theme park based on a popular children’s show in Korea [5].The Pororo Park features rides designed mainly for kids and kids at heart and can be found in different locations around the world. The park particularly located in Mactan Island is the 18th location of the brand. It occupies two floors at Jpark and offers over 20 attractions. The first floor features attractions for toddlers and small children, including the Pororo Fishing Zone and a jungle gym. It also houses a café and an Arcade Zone. The second floor features attractions for older children, including a Sliding Ball Pool, Pororo’s Aqua Play Zone, and Eddy’s Sliding Car. The indoor theme park is based on the Korean television show “Pororo the Little Penguin."

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