Introduction to Maranao Cuisine

Maranao Cuisine features a unique blend of flavors and spices setting it apart from other Philippine cuisines. It traces its origin from the indigenous people inhabiting the lands around Lake Lanao in the island of Mindanao. Their history of trade and migration adds to the rich flavor of their cooking. Majority of Maranao people are Muslims thus their cuisine is governed by the Halal diet law.

AirAsia Philippines and Zest Air sign Strategic Alliance

Budget airlines AirAsia Philippines and Zest Air signed on March 11, 2013 a strategic alliance agreement aimed at strengthening AirAsia Philippines' operations in the country. AirAsia Philippines currently operates from its hub in Clark. Through this partnership, AirAsia Philippines will be able to leverage on Zest Air's operations at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The strategic alliance is expected to bolster competition in Philippine airline industry, resulting to lowered fares and improved services. This will also support the growing domestic tourism in the country which registered 37.5 million domestic trips in 2012, exceeding the 35.5 million passengers target originally set for 2016.

Under the strategic alliance agreement, AirAsia Philippines is to acquire a 49% stake in Zest Air from business tycoon Alfredo Yao. Yao will then receive a 15% stake in AirAsia Philippines, joining Antonio O. Cojuangco (15%), Michael L. Romero (15%) and Marianne Hontiveros (15%) as shareholders in the company. Malaysia's AirAsia Bhd, majority-owned by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, holds the remaining 40% in AirAsia Philippines.

Source: Philippines' AirAsia in Strategic Alliance with Zest Airways (Bursa Malaysia)
Image Source: AirAsia Philippines Facebook Page (shared with permission from AirAsia Philippines)

Have a Taste of Authentic Tausug Cuisine in Metro Manila

Tausug Cuisine is the cuisine of the Tausug people of the Sulu Archipelago, encompassing the provinces of Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and the southern tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula and Palawan. Due to its proximity to Malaysia and not being effectively occupied by the Spaniards, Tausug Cuisine has maintained its Malay origins characterized by the heavy use of spices, chili and coconut milk. Because the great majority of the Tausug people are Muslims, Tausug Cuisine strictly follows the Islamic Halal dietary law. Below are selected dishes that best represent Tausug Cuisine.

Cebu Pacific launches flights to Camiguin and Masbate

In a press release, Cebu Pacific Air launches today two new domestic routes at an introductory promo fare of Php 99.00.

Cebu Pacific Flights to Camiguin

Cebu Pacific will start serving the Cebu<>Camiguin route on April 15, 2013. This route will have three flights weekly scheduled every Monday, Wednesday and Friday utilizing an ATR 72-500 aircraft . Flight 5J-833 will depart from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) at 6:45am and will arrive at Camiguin Airport (CGM) at 7:25am. The returning flight 5J-844 will depart from Camiguin at 7:45am and will arrive in Cebu at 8:25am.

Cebu Pacific Flights to Masbate

Cebu Pacific is schedule to have its first commercial flight serving the Cebu<>Masbate route on June 1, 2013. Flights are scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday utilizing an ATR 72-500 aircraft. Flight 5J-440 will depart from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) at 6:15am and will arrive at Moises R. Espinosa Airport (MBT) in Masbate City at 7:10am. The returning flight 5J-441will depart from Masbate at 7:30am and will arrive in Cebu at 8:25am.


Piso Fare

These two new routes are also included in Cebu Pacific's ongoing Piso Sale. Sale Priod is from March 7 to March 8 while Travel Periods are November 1-December 12, 2013 and January 13-March 31, 2014.

Earlier in December 2012, the City of Masbate, through pia.gov.ph, made mention about the Cebu-Masbate-Cebu route to be served by Cebu Pacific. In January 2013, Camiguin Governor Jurdin Jesus Romualdo announced through pia.gov.ph that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) gave its green light for Cebu Pacific to open a new route between Cebu and Camiguin.

Image Source: cebupacificair.com