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.

Local Economy

Known for its good harbor with large wharves and an extensive export trade, Tacloban City is the regional center of commerce, culture, education, government and tourism in the Eastern Visayas region. Recently, brand new malls, call centers, financial institutions, home depots, entertainment centers, coffee bars and business establishments have set foot on various areas bring up new competitors like Robinsons Land, Mister Donut, KFC, and other small establishments.

During the mid-90’s, the city outlined a 237-hectare Economic Zone which was later approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1210 on the 28th day of April 1998. Eventually, the Eastern Visayas Agri-Industrial Growth Center (EVRGC) became officially registered as an economic zone. The City Government of Tacloban is its developer/ operator. 

Tacloban’s economic growth has aided it in becoming one of the fastest growing cities in the Philippines. It possesses one of the lowest poverty incidence rates at roughly 9%. It is also the richest local government unit in Region VIII. The Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport is the region’s largest domestic airport. There are plans for structural development and facilities upgrade to pass international standards.

Currently, at least 30 banks and financial institutions operate in the city namely:
• Allied Bank
• Bank of the Philippine Islands- 3 Branches
• Banco de Oro- 3 Branches
• Chinabank
• Development Bank of the Philippines
• Green Bank of Caraga
• Philippine National Bank- 2 Branches
• Philippine Savings Bank
• Metrobank- 3 Branches
• Kauswagan Bank
• Land Bank of the Philippines- 3 Branches
• East West Bank
• Robinsons Bank
• RCBC
• First Consolidated Bank
• Rural Bank of Dulag
• UCPB
• Union Bank
• City Savings Bank
• Philippine Veterans Bank
• Philippine Farmers Bank
• Banco Filipino
• Postal Bank
• Security Bank
• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cooperative
• Quedancor

Shopping centers have already started flocking in the city, due to a wide base of aggressive consumers from different ages. Not long ago, Robinsons Land put up its first mall in the city, Robinsons Place Tacloban, which is now the region’s largest shopping complex. This record defeated Borongan’s (Eastern Samar) Wilsam Uptown Mall. The Gaisano Group also opened its second mall, the Gaisano Central Mall, somewhat larger than its first, the Gaisano Capital Mall. The Gaisano Central Mall houses the city’s first KFC restaurant. Another franchise opened in Robinsons Place Tacloban.

Here is a list of the shopping areas to visit:
• Robinsons Place Tacloban
• Gaisano Central Mall Tacloban
• Gaisano Capital Tacloban-Main
• Highway Supermart
• Marketsavers and Wholesale Club
• Dynasty Square
• Dynasty Center
• Kevin's
• Leyte Asia Trading
• Leyte Supermarket
• Tacloban Shopping Center (dry market)
• Tacloban Supermarket (wet market)
• Nena's Trading
• Reyna's Department Store
• RR Arcade
• 7R (fashion store)
• SM City Tacloban (Under Feasibility study)

Launch Message: Maupay na Adlaw!

Home to one of the most hospitable people, cleanest surroundings, sought-after food delicacies, highly preserved culture, greatly celebrated festivities, and abruptly improving business environment, Tacloban City enters as Eastern Visayas' first Highly Urbanized City (HUC) and regional center, and a 220,000-population strong, capital of Leyte.

 Photo Courtesy: http://travelandtourwithpari.wordpress.com/

Tacloban City Express takes you to every "hottah" spot and brings you all you need to know before visiting this place! Define "hottah"? Something that wows you! So, ride with us and be our guest!

 Photo Courtesy: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/7820e/718/