What’s new?
Cebu continues to grow and make progress despite the difficulties it’s been going through these past two years. Buildings are rising, businesses are sprouting and hopes are high for a promising tomorrow.
The newest building at the gateway of Cebu IT Park is Cebu Exchange, the ultra modern building developed by Arthaland, the only real estate developer in the Philippines with a portfolio which is 100 percent certified as sustainable by both local and global organizations.
An afternoon affair dubbed “Advancing Net Zero Cebu” introduced Cebu Exchange to people from the fourth estate. Arthaland public relations consultant Ryan Villaflores and marketing officer Sydney Lizares acted as program hosts and started the ball rolling with a video presentation of Arthaland vice chairman and president Jaime C. Gonzalez discussing the projects in Cebu.
He proudly declared: “With over 11 hectares of gross floor area and five stories of premier retail space, Cebu Exchange is the largest office development vying for net zero certification. The de-carbonization of its operational energy is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions equivalent to planting and growing one million trees over a 10-year period.” He also disclosed that the construction of Lucima, Arthaland’s flagship residential condominium located at the Cebu Business Park is ongoing and that it is envisioned to be the first quadruple-certified, high-rise residential development in the country.
On hand to welcome the guests and give an overview of the two Arthaland projects was senior vice president Oliver L. Chan. He then led the way to the 12th floor Terrace Garden to show the beautifully landscaped, wraparound open space which offered a perfect view of the Cebu skyline.
Very much part of the afternoon activity was the unveiling of two model units of Lucima. Both units had a well thoughtout floor plan and their tropical motif added to the cheery appeal. Furthermore, Lucima has earned pre-certification for LEEDS Gold by the US Green Building Council.
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Over at Meerea High Street along Ouano Ave. at the North Reclamation area is a new watering hole for the young and the young-at-heart. It is called RUE - The House of Caramel Beer. A resto bar that had its origins in Metro Manila, it started out as Rue Bourbon, a take-off from the famous Mardi Gras festival at Bourbon St. in New Orleans, USA. It has since expanded to six branches all over the metro and now has its first branch in the VisMin area, thanks to the Mendoza siblings Elisha, Jeric and Jeff who are the Cebu franchisees.
RUE in Cebu is the seventh branch and the only one outside Metro Manila. The place is cozy and inviting with its well-stocked bar and yummy food. There is
an al fresco area as well as a private room with KTV good for 10-12 persons. It is open from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily except on Friday and Saturday when closing time extends to 3 a.m.
Opening day was a fun affair with lots of food and drinks, music and dance. Entertainment galore with fireworks and fire dancers marked that lovely, lively night.