I flew into Cebu City yesterday to experience a walkthrough of the new Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) terminal, which began operations last Sunday. Considered a central gateway to the Visayas and the southern Philippines, MCIA is the second-largest airport in the country.

The new terminal is an attraction on its own, offering a cool ambiance and unique design inspired by the natural landscape of the country, which was formulated by Hong Kong-based architectural firm Integrated Design Associates.

The terminal, which spans 6.5-hectares, will be used for international flights and is strictly for ticketed passengers.

The new facility is projected to accommodate 4.5 million passengers.

MCIA has since been taken over by the GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation and we look forward to Iloilo International Airport and Bacolod-Silay Airport undergoing privatization in the future.

***

Last week, the Megaworld Corporation inaugurated the Festive Walk Mall in Iloilo City, which I was invited to attend. Also present were Department of Tourism-Region VI director, Atty. Helen J. Catalbas; Megaworld Corporation Senior Vice President Kevin L. Tan; Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr.; Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III; Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon; and Iloilo City lone district Rep. Jerry P. Treñas.

The mall is pet-friendly and boasts two VIP cinemas, which include lounge seating and free unlimited popcorn. It is also located near the Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and the recently-opened Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo.

***

Bacolodnons and Negrenses have to admit Iloilo has overtaken Negros Occidental and Bacolod City in terms of nightlife, shopping, restaurants, and hotels. While Megaworld is constructing their new township development along the Bacolod-Silay Airport Access Road, it will still be around five years before it can be enjoyed.

***

This column greets Apollo Santos, Blessie Cruz, Dindo Yapjoco, Doc Tinton Javellana, Michael Trani, Rey Balaan, Bobby Tee, Mark Jimenez, Ridgee Ang, and Alvin Rongo./WDJ