Our country is in a state of decentralization.

Although Metro Manila remains packed with people, it’s no longer the only viable place for business, domestic and leisure opportunities. Other parts of the Philippines are also being developed to offer world-class facilities and attract international investments.

Central Luzon, in particular, is being eyed as the north’s “main business hub,” according to Susan Yap of the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. (CLGFI).

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Given exciting developments such as the New Clark City and the future Bulacan airport, it’s easy to see why people are now eagerly sizing up the opportunities in this region. At the helm of this progress are the provinces of Pampanga and Bulacan, with various infrastructure projects set to be launched and built this year. Check out the different projects fueling Central Luzon’s rise to progress, and see for yourself if it’s time to pack your bags and move now.

Pampanga

Known as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines,” this province warrants a visit beyond food trips and vacations. The area is gradually becoming a millionaire’s playground where different infrastructure projects and high-end developments are being constructed.

For example, the New Clark City Sports Complex was completed in record time last year to cater to the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. This facility impressed foreign and local visitors, with the Athletes’ Village especially garnering praises from participants and spectators of the SEA Games. Other notable government-led projects include the redevelopment of the Clark International Airport and the Subic-Clark Cargo Railway. Due to improvements in infrastructure and transportation, many investors are now turning their focus on this once-sleepy province.

The Widus Group, in particular, has been enthusiastic about Pampanga’s tourism opportunities. While it has already built the Widus Hotel & Casino and the Clark Marriott Hotel in the area, it recently committed to a P12-billion luxury mountain resort in Clark Freeport.

Named the Hann Lux luxury resort, this project is slated to turn the north of Manila into a new, high-class destination. With Phase 1 aiming to open in five years’ time, we will soon see an 18-hole championship golf course, premium villas and a 10-hectare public park being offered in Pampanga.

Bulacan

Once dubbed as the Northern Gateway to Manila, Bulacan is earning its own right as a premiere destination and an ideal hometown. With the New Manila International Airport set to commence construction this year, people are seeing a huge potential for this province.

In addition, the Metro Manila Skyway System will extend its service from Gil Puyat in Makati to Balintawak in Quezon City, providing an easier route to Bulacan. Once operational, this project will open Bulacan to more transportation routes and easier access from Metro Manila.

Real estate giants and companies are starting to turn their focus on the blossoming province. For example, Sta. Lucia Land and Araneta Properties have joined forces to expand the existing Colinas Verdes estate in San Jose Del Monte. This project has been planned in anticipation of the proposed Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-7 station which is within a kilometer of the expansion area. The Colinas Verdes community, already a premiere residential project, will gain an additional 58 hectares of land under the joint venture between the two conglomerates.

Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and La Union

With the rise of an airport, a skyway extension and an MRT station in Pampanga and Bulacan, nearby provinces are slated to benefit. Other ventures, both private and by the government, are set to transform the North. In particular, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and La Union are predicted to have a rise in demand for industrial spaces and residential areas.

With all these new developments, there is much reason to consider the north as your next destination. New job opportunities, housing options and leisure attractions will no doubt make Central Luzon an alternative homesite for those wishing a life outside the metro. One can only anticipate the exciting future of this region in the coming years.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

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P30 – 35M requirement.

After more than five decades of presence in the Philippines, American fast food restaurant chain KFC is opening opportunities to local investors to franchise the world-famous fried chicken.

This was made possible after KFC Philippines and KFC Asia signed a master franchise agreement last November to allow the restaurant chain’s local unit to offer sub-franchises to local investors.

In a phone interview, KFC Philippines franchise team told GMA News Online that the minimum financial requirement to open a free standing KFC store is around P30 to P35 million for at least 1,200 square meters of space.

To open a KFC franchise inside a mall or establishment, a franchisee must have a minimum of P17 to P22 million. The store area must be between 160 to 250 square meters.

The franchisee’s investment cost will vary depending on the location and preferred store type, according to KFC Philippines.

KFC Philippines said it will provide “top-notch” support for potential franchisees, including business development, marketing and operations.

“Unit franchisees will be equipped with all the necessary tools to maximize their stores’ potential, from selecting the optimal site, promoting the store, to managing daily operations,” it said.

“Given the company’s world-class standards, entrepreneurs are ensured the full benefits of franchise ownership while enjoying a hassle-free management experience as KFC Philippines will handle the full operations of the stores,” it added.

Entrepreneurs interested in operating their own KFC franchise can contact the KFC Franchising Team through email: franchising@kfc.ph.

KFC opened its first Philippine store in 1966, bringing its signature “11 secret herbs and spices” chicken recipe to Filipino taste buds.

The KFC brand has since expanded into more than 300 stores nationwide. 

Referece: GMA News

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tvN’s “Crash Landing on You” ended gloriously, even overtaking “Goblin” to achieve the highest ratings in tvN history with its finale.

The lead actors of the drama each picked out their favorite scenes from the drama and shared some words to say goodbye to the drama.

Spoilers

Hyun Bin chose the ending scene from episode 9, where Ri Jung Hyuk (Hyun Bin) and Yoon Se Ri (Son Ye Jin) had to part despite their growing feelings for one another. Hyun Bin stated, “[The scene] shows the feelings of Ri Jung Hyuk, who courageously crossed the military demarcation line to follow Yoon Se Ri, and it was a moment in which the two people overcame their reality.”

Hyun Bin also shared, “I worked on the project hoping that ‘Crash Landing on You’ could be a gift to viewers in the way Ri Jung Hyuk and Yoon Se Ri’s unexpected encounter brought them special joy. Thank you for sending us lots of support and love and allowing Ri Jung Hyuk to happily ‘land’ by your sides.”

The scene chosen by Son Ye Jin was the part in episode 12 where Ri Jung Hyuk and Yoon Se Ri share a conversation over drinks. Relying on his tipsiness to gain confidence, Ri Jung Hyuk expressed his honest feelings to Yoon Se Ri, who was overjoyed by his words that almost seemed like a proposal. Viewers were captivated by their romantic atmosphere.

Son Ye Jin said, “I laughed a lot and cried a lot while acting as Yoon Se Ri. More than anything, I was very happy. I’m thankful to have been part of a project that will take up a very big part of my acting career, and I sincerely thank everyone who sent us love all this time.”

Seo Ji Hye expressed her love for the scene in episode 8 in which Seo Dan (Seo Ji Hye) and her mother’s affection for one another was shown. In the scene, Go Myung Eun (Jang Hye Jin) revealed how worried she was about her daughter Seo Dan, and Seo Dan reassured her by saying, “Your daughter will live more happily than anyone no matter what happens.” The scene showed the sincere feelings of the mother and daughter who made viewers laugh with their petty fights in most of their other scenes.

Seo Ji Hye stated, “I had to go to a lot of places while acting as Seo Dan. Even though we had to film while battling against the cold, I felt healed when I saw the starry night sky, and those moments have all become memories. I was happy thanks to the interest and love shown by our viewers,” and explained that she would never forget her time with “Crash Landing on You.”

Lastly, Kim Jung Hyun picked the line, “I looked everywhere for so long,” said by Ri Jung Hyuk in episode 11 when he arrived in Seoul and found Yoon Se Ri. Kim Jung Hyun explained, “I think it was the most fantastical line in our drama. It remained in my memory because it brought out lots of emotions.”

The actor continued, “I have met new people and formed new relationships in every project, but this project is even more meaningful. Through the love [I received], I reflected on myself and found hope. To the viewers who accompanied us on the 16-episode journey, I would like to thank you for sharing your time with us.”

Reference: Naver

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Sa mga single dyan, sawang-sawa na ba kayo na laging walang plano sa February 14? We’ve got you covered.

Valentine’s is a wonderful time of the year to celebrate love. It’s a time for people to show love and receive love from their special someone (#SanaAll). We’re incredibly happy for the all the awesome couples spending Valentine’s this year.

On the other hand, if you’re single, you don’t have to miss out on the fun. Because if there’s one person who deserves your love on the 14th, it’s you!

Self-love is just as important as romantic love on Valentine’s. To help you out, we came up with this list of great ideas of how you can practice some self-love on this special day without breaking the bank!

Cook for yourself.

If you love eating good food, cooking is an extremely therapeutic way to satisfy your cravings on a budget! You’ll find so many available quick and easy recipes online. You’re bound to feel like a champion after learning how to make a winning dish, and it’s definitely a lot cheaper than eating out!

Try a new fun workout!

Working out can be a lot more exciting nowadays with so many new options available. With spinning, rowing, dance, martial arts, wall climbing, archery, and other crazy programs popping up lately, there’s bound to be something for you. Most walk-in classes for these usually go for under 500php. Feel good about yourself by having fun while staying healthy this Valentine’s!

Look good this Valentine’s Day!

Looking good shouldn’t be reserved for impressing a Valentine’s date. It might be time to get a new haircut, go for a mani-pedi treatment, or go through your favorite skincare routine!

Do some tidying up.

Cleaning is something we often neglect amidst our busy lives. As the mess grows, so does the stress. It’s not too late to make Marie Kondo proud and come home to something that sparks joy for you. You might actually even find old things to sell for some quick money!

Make plans with your other single friends!

Who says you have to be alone on Valentine’s? Reconnect with your single friends, because they too deserve to be a bit less lonely today. Go out for some drinks, get dinner, and have fun!

Curl up with a new book.

When’s the last time you picked up a book? Sometimes, new knowledge and a great story are the best gifts you can give yourself. Good reads are always worth the small investment.
Read A Book

Take-out some comfort food and marathon a feel-good TV show!

Treat yourself to some fried chicken or pizza while watching some feel-good favorites like Brooklyn 99, How I Met Your Mother or Friends.

Go on a date with your parents.

If you’re itching to show the people in your life some love today, it’s a good idea to bring this to the people who loved you first. Make mom and dad feel loved by spending some time with them!

Take part in random acts of kindness.

Sometimes, being nice to yourself means being nice to other people. Someone out there may also be looking for love this Valentine’s Day! Hand out some flowers, hold open doors, and give away free hugs. With just a little extra effort, you might just make a random person’s day!

Jam out with your favorite instrument.

Music is something that heals the soul. Feel sawi? Feel especially single today? Jamming out will help you release all your feels! It’s time to channel your inner Taylor Swift and Ben&Ben.

Attend a local gig!

Don’t worry, it’s also fine if you don’t have the confidence to make your own music today. Why not enjoy the music of our very own local talent? You’ll be surprised to find so many accessible gigs around the city on Valentine’s!
Go To Gig

Stay off of social media!

All the Facebook posts and IG stories that surface on Valentine’s can have a way of making you feel super single. Spare yourself from those lonely feelings and give yourself a break from social media! Good vibes only.

Become tito or tita of the year!

Do you have younger nieces/nephews? Why not take them out on a fun activity? It’s finally your chance to secure your spot as their favorite tito or tita.

Get some beauty sleep!

TBH, the perfect way to the end the day. When’s the last time you got a solid night of sleep? Nothing beats waking up the next day feeling fresh!
Sleep

Valentine’s 2020 isn’t just for the couples. It’s for everyone! Leave no room to negative vibes on the 14th. Everyone deserves love on this special day, and self-love matters just as much. Hope this list inspired some of your Valentine’s plans. Now it’s your turn—go make those plans, be kind to yourself, and give yourself the care you deserve this Valentine’s!

Referece: Sulit.PH

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For many couples, the best way to spend Valentine’s Day is to spend quality time together. What better way to do this than to go on an easy yet romantic getaway near the metro? If this is your idea of a dreamy retreat for Heart’s Day, then Subic may be the best place for you.

With picturesque beaches and relaxing landscapes, this may be the escape you and your partner may be looking for. Ready to start planning? Here are the top 3 most romantic hotels that can make you feel the love:

White Rock Beach Hotel and Waterpark

Relaxing in a beach resort is one of the best things to do in Subic. By choosing to stay at this hotel, you can have a dip in the scenic beaches on White Rock and spend enjoy the vibrant sunsets the province has to offer. If you and your partner are into trying out a variety of activities such as watersports and inflatable waterparks, White Rock’s facilities will be a great addition to your trip.

Kamana Sanctuary Resort and Spa

Looking at its façade, you will immediately feel the romantic vibes of Kamana Sanctuary. It has a quaint feel to it, especially with the magnificent mountaintops that line the horizon. Located near a long-standing rainforest, this resort will give you the peace and quiet you need to rest your mind and body together with your partner. Try out their spa and massage services and this could be the ultimate recreational experience.

Moonbay Marina The Villas

The adventurous couple will surely love staying at the Moonbay Marina the Villas. This hotel offers a comfortable and breathtaking place to stay in Subic while giving you and your partner opportunities to enjoy thrilling attractions such as Zoobic Safari, Ocean Adventure and Treetop Adventure. For those who love swimming in cool waters, Moonbay Marina’s sprawling waterpark will certainly satisfy your needs!

You and your partner can spend your Valentine’s Day in laidback vacation, or you can go the more adventurous route in Subic. With these three hotels, you can start planning your trip just in time for this special occasion.

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