My Bus: Cebu, Philippines' New Metro Rapid Transit (Photos, Route Details, Updates and More)

PHOTO: My Bus - Cebu's Metro Rapid Transit

Say hello to "My Bus", a Europe-made, energy efficient metro transit in Cebu, Philippines that will start operating publicly this November 16, 2015. This will be operated by a consortium called "Metro Rapid Transit Services, Inc. (MRTSI)" which is formed by Manila-based Jam Liner, Inc. and Premier Southern Corp. (SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Subsidiary). These 12-meter-long buses are mainly manufactured by Volvo, Mercedez Benz and Daewoo with Euro-5 engines, the first of its kind in the Philippines. The main target of My Bus are those who own private vehicles that aggravate traffic.

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Manila, Philippines 2012: Skyline, The Heritage Hotel, SM Mall of Asia Arena and NAIA Airport

 I went to Manila last July 25-26, 2012 to process my Visa at the US Embassy in Roxas Boulevard, Manila (all expense travel by my company). I had Philippine Airlines flight PR 858, on a window seat with an overlooking view of Manila Bay (though a bit cloudy) and I could've witnessed a perfect setting of the Sun. (refer to below photos, click to enlarge)

 

I arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 around 5PM. The weather was fine that time.

 I went directly to The Heritage Hotel Manila, where I had my overnight stay (personal appearance at US Embassy was scheduled July 26, around 9AM). It's a 5-star hotel (as what I've read), situated in Pasay City (few minutes away from NAIA). Refer to below photos of the hotel (click to enlarge).

 And how about the room? Not bad at all, very relaxing deluxe room and it has a mini-bar (but opted not to avail, additional charge applies).

 After check in at the Hotel, I went out for dinner at SM Mall of Asia (MOA). It's been 2 years since I had my last visit here. :)

I went back to the hotel, prepared myself for the interview the following day and had a great sleep. But sadly, my application was denied due to weak bond or no concrete ties here in the Philippines (social, family nor economic ties) that will convince the consul to provide me a non-immigrant visa (B1 - Business Trip). Not so affected with the result actually, I grabbed the chance to explore the hotel's other side.

After which, I then check out from the hotel and went to SM Mall of Asia for a short strolling few hours before my flight back to Cebu. I was able to see this SM MOA Arena, which is already on operation (venue for UAAP & major concerts/events).

My flight back to Cebu was courtesy of Philippine Airlines via PR 863, had my check in at NAIA Terminal 2 (Domestic Departure).

I actually went back to Manila last August 13-14 for my US Visa re-application and this time, it's been approved. Here are the following photos taken during my 2nd visit in Manila with not-so-fine weather due to tropical storm Helen (click to enlarge).

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Feel free to post your comments below. :)

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SM Seaside City Cebu, SMX Cebu and SM Cebu Arena: Updates, News, Latest Photos and More!

Here are the latest updates or news about the on-going construction of SM Seaside City - CEBU, gathered from different sources thru online postings, news article, etc. 

 *PhilStar.com (posted June 2, 2012): "SM Prime hikes SRP Project Cost to P8B". There was an adjustment made regarding the project cost for it to be called a "destination mall", not just a shopping mall facility. From P6 Billion to P8.5 Billion, SM Prime Holdings President Mr. Hans T. Sy decided to make it as the newest landmark in Cebu and making it the 4th Largest Mall in the world that every Cebuano should be proud of. This is just one of the first developments in the master-plan of SM properties from northern part of the South Roud Properties (SRP) to the sea. This flagship project is designed by Arquitectonica ( international architecture, interior design and planning firm from Miami Florida). As posted in PhilStar.com:

"The 3rd SM shopping mall in Cebu, next to the newly opened SM Consolacion, the SM Seaside City Cebu will be a 4-level, circular-shaped, world-class retail mall with multiple anchors, including a two-story SM Department Store and SM Hypermart, a five-theater Cineplex and IMAX Theatre, an 18-lane SM Bowling and Amusement Center, and a food court flanking an ice skating rink."

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SM City Consolacion: A Preview of Cebu's New SM Supermall (Latest Photos and Updates - Blessing and Opening)

PHOTO: Facade of SM Consolacion, Cebu's Newest  SM Supermall, opens to on June 1, 2012.

SM City Consolacion, the 2nd SM Supermall in Cebu, the 4th in the Visayas and the 43rd in the Philippines will have its Grand Opening this Friday, June 1, 2012 at Cebu North Road, Barangay Lamac, 6001 Consolacion, Cebu, Philippines. The newly built four-hectare property in the expanding Metro Cebu Area will also cater the needs of our fellow Cebuanos from northern municipalities without heading to the city proper (SM City Cebu) for shopping, dinning and entertainment thru its 3-level, "L"-shaped structure when facing south. The Mall has four (4) Cinemas (3 of which are Digital Cinemas), a Supermarket, a Foodcourt, Department Store, Appliance Center, Toy Kingdom, National Bookstore, Cyberzone, Northwing-inspired Atrium and so much more. A carpack building was built behind the mall.

You may refer to below Photos of SM Consolacion - Cebu.
(credits to the owners, click photo to enlarge)

PHOTO: Interior preview of SM Consolacion, Cebu's Newest  SM Supermall, opens to on June 1, 2012.

PHOTO: Preview of Digital Theatre in SM Consolacion, Cebu's Newest  SM Supermall, opens to on June 1, 2012.

PHOTO: Preview inside Digital Cinema of SM Consolacion, Cebu's Newest  SM Supermall, opens to on June 1, 2012.

PHOTO: The Atrium of SM Consolacion, Cebu's Newest  SM Supermall, opens to on June 1, 2012.

PHOTO: Preview of Foodcourt in SM Consolacion, Cebu's Newest  SM Supermall, opens to on June 1, 2012.

PHOTO: Interior preview of SM Consolacion, Cebu's Newest  SM Supermall, opens to on June 1, 2012.

PHOTO: Interior preview of SM Consolacion, Cebu's Newest  SM Supermall, opens to on June 1, 2012.

PHOTO: Interior preview of SM Consolacion, Cebu's Newest  SM Supermall, opens to on June 1, 2012.

PHOTO: SM Department Store of SM Consolacion, Cebu's Newest  SM Supermall, opens to on June 1, 2012.

PHOTO: Interior preview of SM Consolacion, Cebu's Newest  SM Supermall, opens to on June 1, 2012.

PHOTO: Interior preview of SM Consolacion, Cebu's Newest  SM Supermall, opens to on June 1, 2012.

PHOTO: SM Consolacion, Cebu's Newest  SM Supermall, opens to on June 1, 2012.

Here are the Latest Photos taken by Libotero (via skyscrapercity) during the SM City Consolacion Blessing done just today, May 31, 2012, attended by Mr. Hans Sy of SM prime Holdings and Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia.
(click photos to enlarge)

PHOTO: SM City Consolacion Blessing, attended by Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia and Mr. Hans Sy

PHOTO: Hallway to SM City Consolacion Cinema 3 and 4

PHOTO: Unfinished Male Restroom of SM City Consolacion

PHOTO: SM City Consolacion Cinema 3

PHOTO: SM City Consolacion Cinema

PHOTO: Interior of SM City Consolacion

PHOTO: SM City Consolacion Atrium

PHOTO: SM City Consolacion Atrium

PHOTO: SM City Consolacion Atrium

PHOTO: SM City Consolacion Interior

Here's the Opening of SM Consolacion Photos, credits to the owners of these pictures
(click photos to enlarge):

PHOTO: The Countdown at the Opening of SM City Consolacion

PHOTO: The Crowd at the Opening of SM City Consolacion

PHOTO: The Crowd at the Atrium during the Opening of SM City Consolacion

 

PHOTO: The Crowd at the Atrium during the Opening of SM City Consolacion

PHOTO: The Crowd at the Atrium during the Opening of SM City Consolacion

PHOTO: The Opening of SM City Consolacion

PHOTO: The SM Foodcourt at the Opening of SM City Consolacion

PHOTO: People strolling at the opening of SM City Consolacion

PHOTO: People at Cinema Lounge at the opening of SM City Consolacion

PHOTO: People strolling at the opening of SM City Consolacion

PHOTO: People at Al Fresco during the opening of SM City Consolacion

Here are exciting events in store for you at the Grand Opening Week of SM City Consolacion:
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June 1 4pm: Party Pilipinas' Jaya, Bianca King, Kris Lawrence, Rochelle Pangilinan, Mark Herras and Nomer

June 2 5pm: Sam Milby and ABS-CBN Local Stars

June 3 5pm: Paulo Avelino and Melissa Ricks of Walang Hanggan

June 1-3 8pm: FIREWORKS DISPLAY by PYROWORKS

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More updates to come! Thanks for reading. 

What do you think about this new SM Supermall in Cebu? 

Post your comment/feedback now! :)

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