Bicol International Airport construction overall progress rate now at 72.2 percent

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Construction of the Bicol International Airport (BIA), which is touted as the “Most Scenic Gateway” in the country, is moving at a fast pace.

At present, construction work at the BIA has been logged at 72.2 percent overall progress rate, considering that actual construction of the airport only started in December 2016.

As of 13 January 2021, Package 2A of the BAI development project is now 88.2 percent complete.

Construction work in Package 2A is being handled by the Sunwest Construction and Development Corp. and covers the airport’s landside facilities, such as the Administration Building, Air Traffic Control Building, Crash Fire Rescue Building, and the Maintenance Building.

Package 2B of the airport project, meanwhile, is now 49.5 percent complete. Package 2B which is being handled by the E.M. Cuerpo construction company, covers the construction of the passenger terminal building (PTB), taxiway, runway extension, and other site development works.

Once completed, the BIA, which features the iconic Mayon Volcano as its magnificent backdrop, is expected to serve a total of 2 million airline passengers every year. The new international airport is also projected to boost air traffic in the region amid the existing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The BIA initially started construction in 2008. However, development works were uncompleted until 2012. When the Duterte administration came in 2016, the airport's Package 2A and 2B projects were continued.

An important component of the Duterte Administration’s “Build, Build, Build” Program, the BIA also intends to be an instrumental in the transformation of Albay Province, and the rest of the Bicol Region, into a strong economic contender.

Secretary Tugade stressed the importance of having continuous transport infrastructure developments such as the BIA, which will prove vital as the country starts recovering from the impact of COVID-19.

“It can’t be denied that the aviation sector has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. That’s why it is important that we finish the airport at the soonest possible time, as this will absolutely give the economy a boost. Gusto ko matapos ‘yan within the year dahil gusto na natin itong agad na mapakinabangan ng ating mga kababayan. As we ready for take-off, kung baga, dapat all systems go,” the transportation chief emphasized.

Norwegian cruise line invites travellers to celebrate 2021 with its most popular "Take 5" offer

Wazzup Pilipinas!

- Guests Receive up to US$2,900 in Value –

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 54-year history of breaking boundaries, is ringing in the new year with its exciting ‘Take 5’ offer, providing up to US$2,900 in value for a limited time*. NCL’s most popular promotion sees all stateroom categories across all ships and destinations receiving all five ‘Free at Sea’ offers, with 50% reduced deposits and 30% off voyage total fare also available as a combination promotion. 

With NCL’s ‘Take 5’ promotion, guests in Asia-Pacific can enjoy the following free offers:

1. A beverage package: Guests can raise a glass whenever they choose - with NCL’s ships featuring up to 22 bars and lounges – whether that be a mouth-watering cocktail in Shaker’s Martini Bar, taking in the sunset with a margarita at the Great Outdoors Bar, or deciding between one of the more than 50 bottled beers available in The District Brew House, to name but a few. 

2. A shore excursion credit: Explorers can find their happy place with NCL’s vast range of immersive shore excursions, from discovering the rugged wilderness of Alaska to the ancient temples and traditions of Asia.

3. A specialty dining package: With more than 40 restaurant, bar and lounge options available across the NCL fleet, guests will have a range of dining delights at their fingertips. From a new take on old-world Italian fare in Onda by Scarpetta, to traditional Mexican flavours with a modern twist in Los Lobos, or authentic slow-roasted Brazilian meats in Moderno, travellers are invited to take their tastebuds on a voyage around the world, without having to step foot off the ship! 

4. A Wi-Fi package: Happiness soars when shared– with NCL’s free Wi-Fi package, guests can share their memorable holiday moments with friends and family back home and stay connected while onboard with an internet package that can be used throughout the ship. 

5. NCL’s ‘3rd and 4th guest sail at a reduced rate’ (on select sailings): Why not make your next cruise holiday a family affair? This offer allows the 3rd and 4th guest on a reservation to sail at a reduced rate on select cruises. 

“The start of a new year is the perfect time to plan for new bucket-list experiences for 2021 and beyond, and ‘Take 5’ provides extraordinary value for travellers looking to book their next dream holiday. 

Available fleetwide across all our 300 plus stunning destinations – including Europe, Alaska, Asia, Hawaii and the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand - the world is your oyster. For cruisers wanting to explore the beauty of their own backyard, ‘Take 5’ is also available across our forthcoming Asia￾Pacific voyages onboard Norwegian Sun,” said Ben Angell, Norwegian Cruise Line Vice President and Managing Director, APAC.

For guests looking to explore the wonders of Asia, Norwegian Sun offers superb voyages from October 2020 onwards. Exquisitely refurbished in 2018, Norwegian Sun has plenty of generously sized 

accommodation options, a wide variety of bars, delectable dining choices and thrilling entertainment such as Rock You Tonight, a high-energy tribute to rock icons as Queen, Journey and The Who.

Norwegian Sun is the perfect place to kick back and relax after a day of adventures onshore.

Singapore Airlines and Collinson launch pilot Covid-19 pre+departure testing for outbound travel from Singapore

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Collinson have announced that all SIA passengers flying outbound from Singapore and Indonesia (bound for Singapore) will be able to book pre-departure polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and serology tests as part of a trial service.

Collinson – a global leader in the provision of traveller experiences, including medical and security assistance – will lead and manage the process; and subject to success, the programme is expected to be expanded to include more cities in the SIA and SilkAir network.

This is the first time that Singapore Airlines has offered pre-departure testing services with a global partner to its passengers. The newly developed and secure portal, seamlessly accessible via Singapore Airlines’ flight booking platforms, will enable customers to request an appointment for a pre-departure test with their preferred in-city clinic from a given list of testing facilities. Upon completion of their test, customers will automatically receive notification of their test results within 36 hours, which if negative, can then be used for travel.

Todd Handcock, President, Asia Pacific, Collinson said: “Our partnership with Singapore Airlines helps to enable the safe reopening of key routes for travellers and is another step forward in our aim to achieve the long-term, safe return of global travel. COVID-19 has brought challenges for businesses and individuals alike around the world, and while there’s optimism that the roll-out of vaccines will help to bring an end to the pandemic, there remains a complex road ahead. In order to restore confidence in travel, the implementation of safe and robust testing protocols remains key.”

Ms JoAnn Tan, Senior Vice President Marketing Planning for SIA, comments: “As more countries demand pre-departure test results for entry, this pilot is a reflection of our ongoing efforts to provide passengers with the support they need to feel safe. And by providing seamless access to booking a pre-departure test, our passengers can enjoy a much more streamlined experience with Singapore Airlines.”

Collinson is also working in partnership with London Heathrow Airport, London Luton Airport, London City Airport and Manchester Airports Group in the UK – which includes Stansted, Manchester and East Midlands Airports – as well as leading airlines globally; and have performed more than 90,000 COVID-19 tests to date.

The trial also includes pre-departure testing for all SIA passengers flying to Singapore from Jakarta and Medan

Service available since 19 January, with the pilot due to run until mid-March

The newly developed and secure COVID-19 test appointment booking portal is seamlessly accessible via Singapore Airlines’ flight booking platforms

Collinson, a global leader in the provision of traveller experiences, including medical and security assistance, to lead and manage the process

Focused on supporting the safe, long-term return of global travel, Collinson has performed more than 90,000 COVID-19 tests for travellers to date working in partnership with leading airlines and airports globally, including London Heathrow