The newly formed Mindanao Tourism Council is concerned over the dearth of new travel packages offered by Mindanao tour operators that could attract travelers even from within the island.

Dindo T. Ilagan, council chairman, said new attractions are needed with the global economic slowdown forcing tour operators to rethink their market and foreign tourists scrimping on travel in favor of basic necessities.

With this environment, there is a need to find new tour packages other than the usual beaches, mountains, and cultural sites in order to meet the discriminating demand from travelers.

"We need to have a unified, concerted effort to develop tourism, and our approach is, let’s target tourists from Mindanao first," he said.

The Davao Region alone, he added, has a couple of million potential tourists enough to support the island’s tourism industry.

One of the biggest stumbling blocks for Mindanao tourism is the undeserved reputation of the island as a war-torn area.

By enticing Mindanao tourists to cross regions within the island, the council hopes it will create a ripple effect for visitors in Luzon and the Visayas to also check out the sites in Mindanao.

He said adventure tourism is still the way to go for Mindanao, and tour operators can take advantage of the number of zipline, spelunking, and diving activities sprouting all across the island to entice locals into testing their limits.

With this in mind, tour operators in Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte, are offering a two-day and three-night all-inclusive package for Gloria’s Fantasyland that features 35 amusement rides, a commercial complex which includes a bowling alley and darts hall, beauty and recreation centers, Internet cafes, restaurants, gym, souvenir shops, and convenience centers for P6,000.

However, he quickly added the P6,000 will not include transportation costs going to Dapitan. "Once you are in the port, we will fetch you," he said.

Arecili L. Ayuste, Davao Region Tourism Council head, confirmed the observation that there’s lack of new creative packages for the island.

She said with the rich flora and fauna endemic to Mindanao, tour operators could even offer safari packages to differentiate from the usual mountain resorts and white beaches that are also offered in Luzon and Visayas.

But Ms. Ayuste said convenience should be the primary concern when offering packages.

She said it’s especially difficult when the destination is a newly discovered one, which means accommodation and infrastructure could be a problem.

Last August, tourism sector unveiled a P1-million three-dimensional topographical map showing the highways and bridges that connect key destinations spots in Mindanao to help would-be travelers plan their routes. -- Joel B. Escovilla, Business World
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The Philippine government aims to approve contracts to explore and develop the country's massive geothermal energy resources, which could attract more than $2.5 billion in private investment, an official said.

The Philippines, the world's second-largest developer of geothermal energy, plans to approve 19 deals in the next five months to allow foreign and domestic companies access to geothermal projects, the division chief for geothermal energy at the Philippine Energy Department, Alejandro Oanes, told Reuters.

Philippine power producer Energy Development Corp and Envent, a unit of Geysir Green Energy, one of Iceland's biggest geothermal energy companies, were among groups vying for contracts to tap the country's geothermal resources, he said.

"Incentives for renewable projects are giving (the country's) geothermal development a much needed boost," said Oanes in a telephone interview from Manila.

Tax holidays and tariff exemptions for renewable energy projects are boosting investment in clean energy in the Philippines, with the government recently awarding 87 contracts to develop alternative energy sources.

Geothermal power accounted for 17 percent of the country's total power mix at the end of 2008, with installed capacity close to 2,000 megawatts, energy department data showed.

The government was issuing tenders for the development of 10 geothermal sites and negotiating nine more deals directly with various companies, Oanes said. Combined, the deals could harness more than 620 megawatts of geothermal energy.

Geothermal sites covered in the deals include Mount Isarog, in Camarines Sur province, where about 70 MW of geothermal power could be developed. The government is also looking at resources in Mount Labo, Camarines Norte with a potential capacity of 65 MW.

Other provinces identified with geothermal resources include Benguet, Cagayan, Palawan, Oriental Mindoro, Surigao del Norte and Laguna.

(Reporting by Leonora Walet; Editing by Chris Lewis)

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AFTER an exhausting year on the WQS tour surfing poor quality waves, Queenscliff’s Sam Page was on a mission to find an event that would focus more on natural ability.

So when the opportunity came up to compete at a venue that is regarded as one of the most perfect, barrelling, right-hand reef breaks in the world, Page jumped at the chance.

The 2009 edition of the Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational was blessed with some of the most amazing conditions seen for an event, with perfect 6-8 ft barrels rolling through the famous Cloud 9 line-up. Due to Siargao’s proximity to the Philippine Deep, big swells from the Pacific Ocean roll in from the second-deepest stretch of water in the world.

It creates flawless, hollow barrelling waves and Page didn’t take long to find his feet, with the powerhouse pulling into some of the biggest barrels of his career.

The natural-footer isn’t renowned for his barrel-riding ability, but it didn’t take long for him to stamp himself as a standout in the line-up, posting some of the biggest scores of the event including one monster ride that saw him rewarded with a perfect 10 points.

In a stacked event he eventually went down to Hawaiian big-wave specialist Makua Rothman in what was a slow, fourth-round heat. Page started the heat on fire, posting a near perfect 9.5 ride, but a long lull meant he couldn’t find another set wave, giving the win to his opponent by the barest of margins.

“I’ve never been in an event where all you had to do was get barrelled, it was kind of a surreal feeling,” Page said. “It was unbelievable and I had some of the best heats of my career.

“I also got plenty of exposure from it which is always a good thing.” The former top junior has decided to take his career in a new direction in 2010, cutting back his WQS contest commitments to a select couple of events as he focuses on taking more surf trips as he continues to get footage for his series of surf flicks, called The Glimpse.

IT’S always great to see boardriders’ clubs getting behind any charity, and the Dee Why surfing fraternity is holding its annual event for the Black Dog Institute on Saturday.

The event is open to any under-18 boy or girl from this region and it’s sure to be a fantastic day out, so we encourage everyone to get behind this event and help the Dee Why crew raise important funds for the charity.

Registration is 7am, Start time 8am, Dee Why Beach, $5 entry fee and for information ring John on 0418 634 534. -ADAM HENNESSEY
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The recent birthday celebration of Gov. Jade Ecleo was not only memorable but also an affair to be reckoned with, cherished and remembered. The day also marked the unveiling of the 24-Hour Power in Dinagat Islands, giving the residents electricity round the clock. This is not only the greatest achievement she has done for her people but is testament to her commitment of service to them as well.

The birthday party started with a serenade from her constituents at exactly past midnight. It was a beautiful sight as they had candles lit, while the choirs and different groups took turns in serenading the governor.

And just as the affair was beginning, the biggest surprise for the governor came out – her eldest daughter Natasha who flew in from Manila just to be with her. The governor broke down into tears for she was overjoyed with the sight of her daughter carrying a birthday cake walking towards her. For the past three years or ever since she became governor, she has opted to celebrate her birthdays with her constituents, the Dinagatnons, away from her kids. They ended the serenade with a display of fireworks.

Everyone was given the chance to greet Gov. Jade and everyone expressed their love and their support.

As the evening progressed, the governor went on with her concert which she dedicated to them and which was aptly entitled “Gov. Jade’s Birthday Concert… Handog ko Para sa mga Mahal kong Dinagatnons.” It has become her tradition to gift her people with full entertainment as her way of thanking them for their unending love, support and dedication to her administration.

This year she invited the following artists to perform with her in the concert: Gabby Concepcion, Dingdong Avanzado, Jessa Zaragoza and Ara Mina. It was a night full of beautiful love songs as the Governor rendered duets with Gabby and Dingdong, a trio with Jessa and Ara Mina. There was also a rendition of a telenovela medley, the theme songs of some popular soap operas which the guest artists sang. They were joined by the governor’s brother, Mayor Benglen Ecleo.

Jessa sang songs from her album, “Jessa sings the Great Musical Icons.” The CD was one of the give-aways of the governor for the evening.

Dingdong Avanzado, the “Original Prince of Pop” proved to be the “Crush ng Bayan” still as the people screamed each time he got onstage. The most appreciated number was his duet with his wife Jessa.

Ara Mina, the sexy singer/ actress, won everyone’s heart and was welcomed with so much admiration.

Gabby Concepcion broke the house down as soon as he entered the stage, even without saying anything. The audience was just so thrilled that he was in Dinagat.

Aside from the guest performers, other special people close to the governor were also there to honor her on her birthday. It came as a surprise for everyone to see Mr. Milton Ngu sing a duet with Gov. Jade. The song was “I Will Take Care of You.”

The governor showed her dancing prowess as well. She had several mesmerizing numbers, one of which was her Bollywood medley wherein she did belly dancing. The audience, along with her constituents, really admired her for her amazing talent.

Lastly, she sang their (her’s and her constituents’) theme song, “Handog” which made everyone teary-eyed.

The night ended with so much joy and happiness in the hearts of the Dinagatnons, for once more it proved to them how much the governor loves them.

One too many were quoted as saying, “buong buhay namin, hindi namin makakalimutan ito. Hindi kami makapaniwala na makikita at makakapanood kami ng ganitong klase na show na may kalidad. At aming nakita ng personal ang mga de-kalidad na mga artista na ito. Mahabang panahon naming isasapuso ang alaala nitong birthday concert ng aming mahal na gobernador Jade Ecleo! Maraming salamat po! Mabuhay ka Governor Ecleo!” (CRISPINA MARTINEZ-BELEN, MB)
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‘Discovery’, the in-flight entertainment guide on Cathay Pacific, in its October issue cover page titled ‘Cool Asia 2009’, describes itself as the “guide to the best of the region”. In the listing under best beaches is “Paradise Found: Siargao beach Philippines and Unawatuna beach Sri Lanka – a peaceful coastline hemmed with coconut trees”.

Being identified among the best by Cathay Pacific is a fillip for the location and the people who are poised to deliver and delight visitors. Cathay Pacific was voted the Airline of the Year 2009 in the Skytrax World Airline Awards – the third time in 10 years, and also named Best Airline in Asia.
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The government’s poverty alleviation program, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps, already served at least 123,993 household beneficiaries in various provinces, cities and municipalities in the Caraga Region and Region 10, it was learned Tuesday.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), along with local government units (LGUs), started mobilizing Set 3, after successfully completing its Set 1 and Set 2.

A consolidated report from the DSWD stated that Caraga Region got the highest number of household beneficiaries under Set 1 and Set 2 with 68,282 while Region 10 served 55,711 household beneficiaries.

Records from the two regions also stated that close to P300 million was already disbursed to the 4Ps household beneficiaries.

“We are already in the move of identifying other household beneficiaries for Set 3 that may commence anytime in the Caraga Region,” said 4Ps regional focal person Neda P. Barrios.

She also said that 18 towns in the Caraga Region, mostly in Surigao del Sur and some parts in Surigao del Norte, Surigao City, Agusan del Norte and Dinagat Islands are targeted for Set 3.

DSWD Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat is personally spearheading the 4Ps project in the Caraga Region.

Meanwhile, Regional Information 1 Recthie Tolinero also said that coordinators and managers in the region are already identifying some potential household beneficiaries for Set 3.

These provinces are in Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin and Bukidnon.

Last week, President Arroyo ordered the DSWD to also include the highlanders, particularly the Higaonon tribe in Misamis, Bukidnon and Agusan in the 4Ps program. The Chief Executive issued the directive while she was in Cagayan de Oro to address the First Mindanao Cooperative Summit. (MB)
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LWUA Chairman Prospero “Butch” Pichay, this year’s Executive Committee Chairman of the 22nd Annual Aliw awards, has invited Governor Jade Ecleo to join his committee which will ensure the success of the awards night scheduled for 6 p.m. on Nov. 17, at the Mega Tent in Pasig City.

Already on his committee are Mr. Buddy Zamora, Iloilo Councilor Julienne Jam Baronda, Marissa Del Mar, Mr. Greg De Lara, and Mr. Teodoro Sagaral.

The former Surigao three-time representative and media mogul has a deep concern for and interest in the Filipino live entertainers’ welfare and accepting the chairmanship of the Aliw Executive Committee reflects his desires to contribute to the efforts of the AAFI, the first and only award-giving body that recognizes our live entertainers to raise the standards of the live entertainment industry.

Finalists for the 22nd annual Aliw awards will be announced soon according to AAFI President Rema Manzano. (MB)
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Every one at some time in his life has had a vision of an unspoilt place, one of natural beauty, peace and tranquility. Such is the Caraga Region, composed of six cities of Bayugan, Bislig, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao and Tandag and five provinces namely Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands.

The Department of Tourism headed by ever-driven, and progressively innovative Secretary Ace Durano, who in his tireless efforts to promote exciting tourist destinations in Southern Philippines, invited a handful of Cebu-based travel specialists and members of the media to experience an adventure which, visitors have only just begun to discover.

Butuan City was our first stop. The spectacular archaeological sites yield a bounty of artifacts. The must-see national museum is the repository of historical and cultural materials that attest to Butuan’s pre-Hispanic existence. The archaeological hall exhibits specimens of awesome gold, intriguing stone and metal crafts and interesting burial coffins while the ethnological gallery showcases the lifestyle of cultural communities of the Manobo, Mamanua, Higanon and lowland Butuanons.

The diocesan ecclesiastical museum has a vast collection of relics and religious items such as antique statues, vintage church vestments, chalices and goblets that reminded us of the religious practices of its early residents.

Of interest is the impressive Balangay Shrine Museum, which houses the nine Butuan boats called balangays, that date back to the 4th-century A.D. Local tour guides claim that these are the only flotilla of prehistoric wooden boats that exist throughout the globe.

The natural diversity distinguishes the Caraga Region from the rest of the country. Just an hour boat ride from Surigao City, which was our next destination, is the municipality of Socorro in Bucas Grande, Surigao del Norte. It is home to a number of spectacular caves, tunnels and beautiful coves. The most famous is the Sohoton Cove, often half submerged in water. Passed the narrow opening and skimming around the water maze is a lagoon with countless islets and a breathtaking natural landscape. Abundant there is the Philippine Ironwood locally called magkuno which is said to be among the hardest trees in the universe.

Just a stone-throw away is the Sohoton National Park, which is ideal for water sports such as snorkeling and kayaking or swimming. The experience is unforgettable because one is surrounded by thousands of non-stinging jelly fish in different shapes, sizes and colors.

Not to be missed is the teardrop-shaped island of Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines. It has 19 surfing areas, 12 are located in General Luna. The most famous break is Cloud Nine, which is believed to have the fastest, swiftest, strongest wave in the world.

Understandably hotels and resorts in the area are few, but highly recommended for their generous personalized services. Among the resorts are four hectare AA Almont Inland Resort in Butuan City, the high-end Tara Beach Resort in Bucas Grande and the Bayud Resort in General Luna, Surigao del Norte.

Due to the limited room accommodations, DOT has embarked on a home stay program in the town of Pilar, Siargao Island. We learned that residents eligible to join such a laudable experience are given P75,000 each for home improvements such as toilet and bath, beds and mattresses, and even air- conditioning.

The Caraga Region is endowed with many tourist attractions. We only visited two general areas.

Who can ignore such places where the locals proudly declare that their beaches are as powdery white as Boracay, the coves and natural lagoons as majestic as Palawan, and the waterfalls and lakes as enchanting as Camiguin. - C'EST CEBU By Honey Jarque Loop, philstar.com

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Australian surfer Garrett Parkes (Byron Bay, NSW, Aus) has taken out the Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational in the Philippines today, beating Hawaiian Makua Rothman in a man-on-man final.

Cloud 9 didn’t quite turn on the epic conditions seen for the opening rounds of the unique, specialty event, with finalists having to mix innovative, new-school manoeuvres with aerials, on-rail carves and barrel rides in rising 3-4ft (1-1.5 metre) waves.

Parkes, who stitched up the Gold Coast’s Joel Nantes (Coolangatta) in the quarters before taking down local Carlito Nogalo in the semis, made the most of the smaller conditions to bag two mid-range scores – a 5.50 and a 4.67- in the extended 35 minute final.

“It wasn’t exactly the real cloud 9, not many barrels,” said Parkes, who collected USD $7,500 for the win.

“But I made do with what I had. I managed to get through a few heats this morning and just keep it going through to the final. I’m stoked.”

Parkes, who was a standout throughout the entire event, said he wasn’t fazed entering the final after Rothman beat event favourite and former pipeline master Jamie O’Brien in semi one.

“I was trying not to think about,” he said.

“I just knew I had to get a few scores on the board. It got to the 5 or 6 minute mark and I got a little nervous. But he ended up coming in a minute early so I knew I had it.”

Rothman, who waited patiently for set waves, lacked rhythm in the high-stakes final, breaking two boards to finish with a 2.66 total to Parkes’ final winning tally of 10.17. Rothman surfing away with USD $ 4,500 for his efforts.

Semi final one was quite a show, with Rothman netting a last second victory over fellow Hawaiian O’Brien.

What started as a slow-scoring heat quickly transformed into a tight scoring affair with Rothman nailing the semi’s highest individual wave score – an 8.83 mid heat.

O’Brien hit back scoring a 8.40 and 6.50 to hold the lead briefly.

But with 10 seconds reaming, Rothman pulled into Cloud 9 drainer, weaving through the barrel before cleanly exiting to book a spot in the final with a 6.80.

Semi two was just as thrilling with Parkes besting local Philippines surfer Carlito Nogalo.

Parkes made the perfect start jagging an 8.00 on his first wave to setup victory – 13.33 to Nogalo’s 10.77.

The 2009 edition of the Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational was blessed with some of most amazing conditions seen for an event this year, with perfect 6-8 ft barrels rolling through the Cloud 9 line-up for the opening two days of competition.

Due to Siargao's proximity to the Philippine Deep, big swells from the Pacific Ocean roll in from the second deepest stretch of water in the world to create flawless, hollow barrelling waves.

The 2009 tournament will run from October 21-27,2009.

The tournament contest site is Siargao Island’s 'Cloud 9', a powerful, hollow right-hander that has been frequently compared to the renowned surf of Hawaii and Indonesia.

The Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational 2009 is proudly supported by Billabong, Province of Surigao Del Norte, Stoked Inc, Von Zipper sunglasses, Nixon, Kustom footwear, Friendster, and Sagana Resort. (Billabong)
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THE DEPARTMENT of Energy (DoE) will award five more coal contracts tomorrow in addition to the 11 which were previously awarded.

"These are the areas that had multiple proponents or applicants, so we just had to be very careful in evaluating the application," DoE Undersecretary Ramon V. Oca told reporters yesterday.

Opened last May, the Philippine Energy Contracting Round (PECR) for Coal offered 30 areas, or block systems, within the major coal basins of the country. Under the PECR, winning bidders are awarded contracts to explore and develop the country’s coal resources.

Among the areas offered for the coal contracting round were Cebu, Quezon, Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Catanduanes, Zamboanga Sibugay and del Norte, Davao Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and del Sur, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

The DoE Contacts Negotiating Panel evaluated the applications based on the company’s resource exploration strategy, utilization and production approach, evidence of available funds and financial track record, technical resources and validity of legal documents.

Coal deposits are scattered all over the Philippines but the largest deposit is located in Semirara Island, Antique.

The country’s largest coal producer, Semirara Mining Corporation, accounts for about 92% of total local coal production.

The Philippines has a vast potential for coal resources, with DoE data indicating the country’s coal resource potential at 2.37 billion metric tons.

Last year, the Energy department awarded five petroleum contracts, four geothermal contracts, and four coal contracts. — J. B. F. Santos, Business World
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AIR Philippines will operate eight Bombardier turboprop aircraft leased from Philippine Airlines (PAL) effective today.

The turboprop fleet will fly to 19 towns and cities, operating out of two hubs —Manila and Cebu. The airline will focus on delivering safe, affordable and quality service.

A new management team was appointed to implement the airline’s new business model. David Lim, Air Philippines’ new president, and Cesar Chiong, executive vice
president and chief operating officer, were tasked to fast-track the airline’s conversion to a low-cost business model using a leaner workforce.

The turboprop fleet consists of the state-of-the-art Canadian-built Bombardier Q-series that boasts of the latest in noise and vibration reduction technology. The 50-seater Q300 and 76-seater Q400 aircraft offer generous legroom and a very quiet cabin. “Q” stands for “quiet.”

Air Philipines serves the following destinations out of its hub in Manila: Tuguegarao, San Jose (Mindoro Occidental), Naga, Virac, Busuanga, Catar-man, Calbayog, Ormoc and Surigao. From Cebu, Air Philippines flies to Kalibo, Iloilo, Bacolod, Tacloban, Butuan, Ozamiz, Cagayan de Oro, Gen. Santos, Zamboanga and from Zamboanga to Davao. (PR)
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For a second year in a row, the Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. was hailed the Most Outstanding Chamber in Mindanao for 2009. The award was given by no less than Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, during the concluding plenary of the 35th Philippine Business Conference (PBC) held last October 21, 2009 at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel, City of Manila. The PBC is the country’s largest and most important business gathering, attended by over 3,000 local and foreign businessmen and government officials.

The award is the second of its kind for the chamber leading the way for the other 38 business chambers in Mindanao, the largest geographical group in the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Last year it won Most Outstanding Chamber for Mindanao for its exemplary performance in training entrepreneurs. Overall there are 107 chambers in the country representing more than 20,000 companies and millions of employees.

In the 2007 PBC, the Surigao CCI also received a special award for Membership Development and Entrepreneurship for its unique Surigao Young Business Alliance (SYBA) concept of recruiting the sons and daughters of its members as its second generation leaders as well as to pool young professionals and entrepreneurs in Surigao City.

The award came after thorough grilling by a panel of judges from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, consultants and national agencies done last October 12, 2009 at New World Hotel, Makati City. Mr. Miranda presented Surigao CCI’s efforts to improve the business growth of the Surigao community with its dynamic leadership, innovative services to its members and active participation in business activities.

Mr. Miranda, said “The key to a city’s success lies in its private sector especially the businessmen who have the logistics to lead the way for rapid economic growth and set high standards of performance for local government officials. This is why business chambers exist-they gather businessmen and unite their advocacies for a coordinated vision of a better city, a better life.” Mr. Miranda, who was once an officer in the Philippine Navy, then further added “Government needs our help, it can’t do the job by its lonesome, so let us continue to support our local business chambers or assist NGOs that help government do its work.”

The PBC awards are regarded as the highest recognition of achievements granted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to both business chambers and their corresponding local government units, and are seen to be important trophies of excellence that will attract more investors to their areas. The other regional winners are Paranaque CCI for National Capital Region, Baguio CCI for Northern Luzon, Metro Naga CCI for Southern Luzon, and Mandaue CCI for Visayas. Metro Naga CCI won the national award following its triumph in 2008 as most outstanding chamber for the whole country.

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Amidst clamor over high prices of medicines, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga intensifies campaign on availability of cheaper medicines by opening up more Botika ng Barangays (BnBs) in the region.

DOH Caraga aims to establish one BnB outlet in two neighboring barangays before the end of 2010.

As of September 2009, DOH Caraga already has 439 BnBs in the region. This includes 68 BnBs in Agusan del Norte, 132 BnBs in Agusan del Sur, 128 BnBs in Surigao del Norte, 35 BnBs in Dinagat and 76 BnBs in Surigao del Sur.

The BnB aims to provide safe, effective, available, accessible, affordable and quality medicines to the majority of the people especially the poor.

BnB is a collaboration of the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC).

BnB is a drug outlet initially identified, evaluated and selected by the regional DOH and approved by PHARMA 50 PMU. It is duly licensed by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD).

BnB sells low-priced generic over-the-counter drugs and six selected prescription drugs namely Captopril, Metoprolol, Metformin, Glibenclamide, Amoxicillin and Cotrimoxazole. (PIA-Caraga)
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Cebu Ferries is proud to introduce to their customers their new vessel “Cebu Ferry 2” which is now on service Cebu to Butuan 3x a week and Cebu to Ormoc 5x a week.

It has a passenger capacity of 892 and cargo capacity of 40teus. It runs a maximum speed of 16.5 knots.

Same with other Cebu Ferries vessels the customers will experience the most comfortable trip with Cebu Ferry 2 because of its clean passenger accommodations, accommodating vessel crews and vessel facilities that will suit the customers’ needs.

Cebu Ferries continues to look for ways that will service the majority of the riding public of Visayas and Mindanao areas.

One good news from Cebu Ferries; they will again be on service in Surigao City. Schedule to be announced soonest.

Surigao City is blessed with abundant mineral reserves, fisheries and aquatic resources, and tracts of fertile arable lands, which are the primary sources of its people's livelihood.

Surigao’s location in the coast offered enough opportunities to enjoy its wide array of beaches ranging from white, grayish-sandy to the gravel smooth pebbled ones, as well as other places of interest. Its outlying islands fronting the Pacific further augment the fun and adventure, especially surfing.

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Another lay day has been called at the Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational in the Philippines today, with small 2ft (0.5-1m) waves on offer for the US $20,000 specialty event. With only 12 heats to be completed, contest organisers are hopeful of a spike in swell overnight with a further increase into Tuesday.

When competition resumes, Hawaii’s Makua Rothman will face off with Australia’s Sam Page (Manly, NSW, Aus) in heat four of round four. Other round four heats include Ht5 Shinpei Horiguchi (JPN) vs Carlito Nagolo (Phl), Ht6 Gavin Beschen (Haw) vs Dionisio Espejon (Phl), Ht 7 Joel Nantes (Aus) vs Agus Frimento (Phl), Ht8 Rodolfo Alcala (Phl) and Garrett Parkes (Aus).

Due to Siargao's proximity to the Philippine Deep, big swells from the Pacific Ocean roll in from the second deepest stretch of water in the world to create flawless, hollow barrelling waves. The 2009 tournament will run from October 21-27,2009.

The tournament contest site is Siargao Island’s 'Cloud 9', a powerful, hollow right-hander that has been frequently compared to the renowned surf of Hawaii and Indonesia. The Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational 2009 is proudly supported by Billabong, Province of Surigao Del Norte, Stoked Inc, Von Zipper sunglasses, Nixon, Kustom footwear, Friendster, and Sagana Resort. - globalsurfnews
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