Photoblog: Robinsons Tacloban

Robinsons Tacloban opened last June 11, 2009. And I have heard of the people's overflowing support. Last sembreak, I went back to Tacloban and visited the shopping center. Just like every mall, the place is cozy and customer-friendly. You will feel the magnetic aura which entices you not to go out and keep on looking at the items on sale. A lot of stalls await their customers. Unlike any other mall, it's really funny that I get to talk and shop with my fellow Taclobanons. It was my first time, inside a mall, uttering the Waray language.  And that was cool!!! It was really good to be back, after all the academic loads and mind-boggling exams.  I just can't wait for another touchdown soon!! :)

Here are my personal shots of the mall's 70% completion:

Finally, Sir Gerry Ruiz allowed me to post his photos here! The photos shown below are my favorite Gerry Ruiz shots! Featuring: Robinson's Place Tacloban at 99% completion.

Photo Courtesy: gerryruiz photoblog

 Photo Courtesy: gerryruiz photoblog

 Photo Courtesy: gerryruiz photoblog

 Photo Courtesy: gerryruiz photoblog

 Photo Courtesy: gerryruiz photoblog

 Photo Courtesy: gerryruiz photoblog

 Photo Courtesy: gerryruiz photoblog

 Photo Courtesy: gerryruiz photoblog

 Photo Courtesy: gerryruiz photoblog

To view  more of his photos and articles, click gerryruiz photoblog. His site is the ultimate source of pictures of Tacloban and Region 8. Sir Gerry Ruiz is one of the region's premier photographers. Aside from that, he's my personal favorite.

Tacloban City: A Business Attraction

There will be an influx of business establishments to Tacloban now that it has been declared with public support as a Highly Urbanized City.

This could be the primary reason why the city government plans to convert the Kanhuraw Convention Center into a one-stop-shop business center. Alongside it, Mayor Alfred Romualdez calls for a “fast-track business transactions to the city hall” by proposing the computerization of its operations.

He also added that some city government offices such as the City Assessor’s Office and the City Treasurer’s Office will have to be transferred to the business center. This means that all transactions related to the renewal of and the application for business permits will be done there.

According to the city mayor, the one-stop-shop will pave way for faster transactions and lesser hassle on part of the investors in applying for business permits. In this way, he concluded, Tacloban will have a business-friendly image.

Why Invest in Tacloban City

Tacloban City is an investor's choice. This is the place where one's money multiplies. Listed below are the top 10 reasons why one should invest in Tacloban City.

Reasons:
1. Abundance in Natural Resources
Eastern Visayas has sufficient mine deposits (chromite, nickel, clay, coal, limestone, gravel, pyrite and sand)

2. Effective Governance and Urban Planning
Full government support envelopes the city, causing high satisfaction rates and low circumstances of protests. The city government enacted the Revised Investment Incentives Code for Tacloban City, which includes the Provision of Fiscal Incentives for Investors (e.g. Tax Exemption packages)

3. Strategic Location and Accessibility
The city is built and positioned along the Maharlika Highway, the national road of the Philippines. Seaports, airports and bus terminals bring travelers safely from Tacloban to the different parts of the country.

4. Low Crime Incidence and High Police Monitoring
The upgrade of its police station into the Tacloban City Police Office has opened opportunities for higher residential coverage and patrol, leading to low incidences of crime in the city and relatively high media exposure. This provides security among residents and businessmen. Moreover, there is an intense campaign against illegal drugs.

Ave. monthly crime rate: 8.95%
Crime Solution Efficiency: 98.25%

5. Humble Filipino Hospitality
Filipino hospitality once again proves to the world that it is vital in attracting investments and improving tourism status. Taclobanons are gregarious and trustworthy.

6. Outrageous Establishment of the Banking Sector and Financial Institutions
The financial sector, with almost 30 banks and other financial institutions established, continuously thrives in the city despite rumors saying that the global recession has not yet come to an end, and might cause rebound effects on local economies.

7. Availability of Facilities and Equipments
The readiness of State of the Art telecommunications, the increment in the number of garbage trucks circulating the city, the abundant supply of water, and the constant generation of 700.9 MW of electricity by the Tongonan Geothermal Power Plant provide grounds for economic stability, investment attraction and industrial support.

Its proximity to the Eastern Visayas Regional Growth Center, 237 hectares of land duly recognized by PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority), makes it more suitable for various industries ranging from textiles to food and beverages.

8. Skilled Labor Force and Competitive Educational System
A lot of government-funded pubic schools and highly maintained private schools have produced a gigantic mass of skilled workforce.

9. Public Interference and Transparency
The people's active involvement in the doings of the city government leads to secured allocation of funds and transparency.

10. Wide and Assertive Consumer Market
The Gokongwei's move to put up Robinsons Tacloban is proof that consumers are willing to pay for what they want to have - goods and services. The company also plans on building a hotel beside the shopping complex. The mall's location is an advantage since it is surrounded by residential areas.