“Live within your means.” Most of us have probably heard of this old money mantra that is essential in building the foundation of one’s financial well-being. It's a saying we can easily agree with, but don’t or can't always put into practice. 

According to Metrobank, the key to “living within your means” are three things: knowing which expenses to prioritize, creating a personal budget, and sticking to it. 

Know which expenses to prioritize

At the top of your priority list are your necessities—these are the items you need to spend on for your day-to-day, such as housing (rent or mortgage), utility bills, food, groceries, health (ex. medicines, vitamins), housekeeping expenses (ex. laundry), and any outstanding debts.

A common mistake is considering the money you have after taking care of your necessities as “disposable income” or the money that’s already available for you to spend as you want to. 

Other expenses that are important for your financial well-being are forgotten, such as:

• Emergency fund: This is the money you set aside in case of unforeseen events, such as accidents, major home repairs, or sudden unemployment. A good rule of thumb is to have enough funds, which is worth about three to six months of your living expenses. 
• Insurance: There are a wide variety of insurance products to consider, but some popular ones are the traditional life insurance and the Variable Universal Life (VUL) insurance. Traditional life insurance ensures your loved ones will receive a benefit in case of your demise, while VUL insurance is investment-linked, you not only get protection but a chance to grow your money as well.
• Retirement Fund: Retirement funds, such as pension plans, Personal Equity Retirement Account or PERA, are long-term investment you can explore as you prepare for your retirement. The earlier you start it, the more time you can grow your funds. 

It is only after we’ve set aside money for these important expenses that we know exactly how much we can spend for our wants. 

Creating a personal budget

Now that you know which expenses to prioritize, how do you determine if you are living within your means?

There are different approaches to budgeting. You can follow the well-known 50/30/20 budgeting scheme, which encourages you to set aside 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings. This makes it easier to see whether you are overspending on any one category.

You can also do the reverse budgeting approach called "Savings First" wherein you prioritize setting aside your savings before all other expenses. This ensures that you’re always saving and setting aside some money before you spend on your wants. 

Sticking to your budget

Dieting is akin to budgeting because both require a lot of discipline. A common mistake for people who are just starting on this journey is they get into it like doing a crash diet. They make drastic changes at the start, only to end up running out of willpower halfway and going back to their old habits.

Rather than trying to change everything at once, try to create an environment that makes it easier for you to build these new habits and unlearn the old ones. This entails utilizing the right tools to enable you to follow healthy money habits.

You can start by scheduling all your financial transactions like bills payments with the help of banking apps. This ensures you don’t miss on any of your payables and you don't incur penalties, plus you get to track your cash flow for your everyday transactions. If you’re a Metrobank client, you can easily download the Metrobank app on your mobile phone via the AppStore or PlayStore and enjoy all its features to help you get organized. 

Another way to help you stick to your budget is by setting up different bank accounts for different funds like your savings, expenses, and even for your emergency fund. This helps you keep on track on achieving specific goals as you don't get to touch on your different savings accounts.

Last, but definitely not the least, take advantage of perks and deals that banks offer. One great offer for new bank accountholders is Metrobank's Triple Bonus Savings promo, which runs until August 31, 2025. For those opening their first Metrobank savings account during the promo period, they get to enjoy cash gifts, transaction fee rebates, and event insurance protection. Just keep on building your funds until you reach PHP50,000 within the promo period and maintain it as your Average Daily Balance (ADB) for six months to get:

• PHP1,500 cash gift (credited to your account after 6 months)
• 1 year of InstaPay rebates (up to 10x per month)
• 1-year AXA accident insurance coverage worth PHP1 million

Living within your means is all about following a budget, having a disciplined spending habit, saving regularly, and taking advantage of offers to further grow your funds. By following these tips you can better take charge of your financial well-being. To learn more, head to https://earnest.metrobank.com.ph/.

Cebu is in for a treat, as Watsons—the Philippines' beloved health and beauty retailer—lands with a powerful mission: to transform men’s grooming! For the very first time, Watsons is bringing its exclusive Men’s Campaign to the Queen City of the South, reinforcing its commitment to educating Filipino men on the importance of self-care and grooming.

2025 American superhero film Superman, the first film in the DC Universe roduce by DC.

A Cinematic Experience Like No Other

On July 12, Watsons kicked things off with a special block screening of the much-anticipated Superman movie at SM City Cebu, exclusively for its Watsons Club members. The event wasn’t just about a night at the movies—it was about empowering men to be their best selves, just like the heroes they watched on screen. With an uplifting theme of self-improvement, the screening perfectly aligned with Watsons' ongoing mission to elevate men’s grooming and self-care routines.

Watsons held an exclusive block screening of the highly anticipated film Superman

A Supercharged Shopping Experience Awaits

But that’s not all—superhero enthusiasts and grooming aficionados alike can supercharge their shopping experience at Watsons stores! In collaboration with DC Justice League and Warner Bros., Watsons is offering limited-edition Superman collectibles, including neck pillows, tote bags, tumblers, and more. These exclusive items are available at over 92 Watsons locations nationwide—so hurry and grab your piece of superhero swag while supplies last!

Watson's limited-edition Superman collectibles

Grooming That Goes Beyond the Basics

Watsons isn't just about stocking up on the essentials—it’s about becoming the destination for men's grooming. Whether you're a Gen Z trendsetter, a young professional building confidence, an active guy seeking post-workout care, or a man aiming for graceful aging, Watsons has everything you need to level up your grooming routine. From skincare to haircare, shaving essentials to body care, their extensive range of products ensures that men of all ages and lifestyles can "man up" and meet their grooming goals.

Supercharge your basket with the best in grooming essentials only in Watsons

Man Up your Grooming Essentials

Man Up your Grooming Essentials

Seamless Shopping at Your Convenience

Shopping for your grooming essentials is made easy with Watsons' innovative online and offline features. Whether you prefer shopping in-store, via the Watsons app, or online through their website, you can enjoy hassle-free experiences like Click & Collect (for in-store pick-up) or Express Delivery (for doorstep convenience).

Watson's limited-edition Superman collectibles. Snag a piece of the action, from Superman neck pillows, tote bags, tumblers, and more, in partnership with DC Justice League and Warner Bros.

Unlock More with Watsons Club Membership

Want to make your shopping even more rewarding? Sign up for the Watsons Club membership today! Enjoy exclusive access to exciting events, limited-time promotions, and other perks that make every purchase feel like a win. With Watsons offering the best products and unbeatable rewards, there’s no better place to meet all your grooming needs.

Make your shopping more rewarding with the Watsons Club membership!

Whether you’re treating yourself or gearing up for your next adventure, Watsons is here to help you look and feel your best. Visit one of their 1,100+ stores nationwide or check out their app or website today to start your grooming journey.

Follow Watsons’ year-long fun at @watsonsph on Instagram, @WatsonsPH on Facebook, and @watsonsphilippines on TikTok.

Watsons is the flagship health and beauty brand of A.S. Watson Group, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer. Today, the company operates in over 16,900 stores across 12 retail brands in 30 markets, employing 130,000 people globally.

In 2002, AS Watson Group joined hands with SM, the Philippines' leading shopping mall developer. The partners brought about the first Watsons stores in SM Megamall and The Podium (Ortigas) and has since seen rapid growth. Today, Watsons operates more than 1,165 stores in the Philippines (as of January 2025).

Watsons strives to ensure that its customers get the best value for their money through monthly promotions, special offers, and continuous consumer marketing programs. Each Watsons store houses nothing but the best brands from top manufacturers all over the world and also carries its own competitively priced, high-quality private labels and brands. With more than 1000 brands ranging from medicines, cosmetics, and fragrances to personal care items and general merchandise, Watsons Your Personal Store delivers only the best health, wellness, and beauty solutions to each and every customer.

The pulse of progress in Visayas resonated during Synchrony: Connected Living in the Visayas Region, a premier showcase of three new residential developments by Vista Land. Designed to be a convergence of culture, connectivity, and community building, it also became a platform for Vista Land to unveil its vision for real estate in the region, one that is attuned to the shifting urban patterns and strategic growth corridors in the islands.

Synchrony: Connected Living in the Visayas Region, was a platform for Vista Land to unveil its vision for real estate in Visayas, one that is attuned to the shifting urban patterns and strategic growth corridors in the islands.

Engr. Ric A. Pallesco, Group Head for South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao gave an  inspiring talk to business partners at the launch of  Vista Land’s new residential developments in the Visayas Region.

The event brought together the Vista Land business team and partners to explore how connections among heritage, home, and human-scale planning can refine the horizons of residential living in Camella Orilla in Dumaguete City, Camella Montevia in Cebu, and Harland Place at Georgia in Iloilo. In his welcome address, Engr. Ric Pallesco, Vista Land Group Head for South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, highlighted the role of expanding infrastructure in facilitating the movement of people, goods, and opportunities across the region. "These road networks are foundational forces making our newest residential developments both scalable and sustainable," he noted. "As regional economies reach their potential, Vista Land positions itself at its intersections, where accessibility meets aspiration, and where residential vision meets real-world opportunities."

The highlight of Synchrony was the presentation of residential developments across Dumaguete City, Cebu, and Iloilo, built to respond to the evolving needs of Visayan families and communities.

Host Vanessa Caro welcomed the attendees while the interpretive interludes by the Sidlangan Dance Company captured themes of form, flow, and function, aligned with the Vista Land ethos of creating communities in concert with their surroundings. Representatives from Vista Land Strategic Commercial Assets Division introduced a range of commercial land and space leasing opportunities in the region. As the event drew to a close, company executives raised a ceremonial toast, a symbolic gesture of shared vision and steadfast commitment. Attendees left informed and inspired, witnessing how Vista Land continues to chart the course of Philippine real estate, one region, one road, and one community at a time.

Beauty titlist, entrepreneur, and corporate host Vanessa Caro welcomed the attendees to an afternoon marked by rhythm and regional pride

Rooted in place, reaching in purpose

The highlight of Synchrony was the presentation of three residential developments across Dumaguete City, Cebu, and Iloilo, each shaped by the nuances of its locale and built to respond to the evolving needs of Visayan families and communities.

Adding to the momentum was the introduction of Camella Orilla in Dumaguete City and Camella Montevia in Talamban, Cebu by Concept Development Officer Ar. Eric Suarez.

With direct access to the Dumaguete North Road and a short distance from the downtown area through the Bacolod Economic Highway and Sibulan Airport, Camella Orilla is where the serenity of nature meets the sanctuary of a built environment. The community invites residents to enjoy a laid-back lifestyle without compromising on modern conveniences, tailored for Overseas Filipinos and seasoned retirees seeking a restful yet rewarding pace of life.

Along the sloping ridges in eastern Cebu, Camella Montevia in Talamban presents a haven within reach of South Road Properties (SRP). Combining calm and connectivity, the residential neighborhood offers premium residential living with access to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and economic centers, making it ideal for growing families. 

At Harland Place in Savannah, Iloilo will rise, an enclave of themed residential developments built for professionals advancing in their careers.

Within Georgia, the biggest lifestyle destination in Iloilo, Harland Place in Savannah will rise, an enclave of themed residential developments built for professionals advancing in their careers. With construction on the Iloilo-Capiz-Aklan Expressway underway and the Iloilo International Airport continuing to expand its reach, the province is rapidly becoming a vital gateway not only within Visayas but also to the entire country. 

Pioneering excellence in property development

As the holding company of the residential ventures of Vista Group, Vista Land is primarily engaged in developing master planned communities, horizontal properties, and vertical residences in the Philippines' key growth areas.

Filipinos deserve the best—this driving belief has been integral to Vista Land and its day-to-day operations and is the secret to its success. Creating better, more expansive, and globally oriented offerings and experiences for its residents while delivering excellent long-term investment growth for its stakeholders has always been the driving force behind the conglomerate's continuous evolution.

To learn more about Vista Land developments in the Visayas, visit www.vistaland.com.ph. Discover the latest news and offerings @VistaLandOfficial.

Book your tickets now for the newest heartfelt adventure from the studio that brought you “Inside Out 2”

This June 18, prepare yourself for “Elio,” a cosmic misadventure featuring an unexpected best friendship between an 11-year-old space fanatic who can’t fit in and a goofy and soft-hearted son of a violent alien warlord who wants to carve his own path.

Team from CebuEventsblog at the Disney Elio Advance Screening in Cebu

In Disney and Pixar’s newest feature film “Elio,” the two discover the value of friendship and embrace their true selves as they meet aliens and challenges of intergalactic proportions.

Elio Solis, from the new original story from Disney and Pixar, “Elio,”.  All Rights Reserved.

In this new original story from Disney and Pixar, “Elio,” is taking viewers beyond Earth and into the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide. After being mistakenly taken as Earth’s leader, Elio discovers who and what he is really meant to be while forming new bonds with eccentric life forms and navigating crisis after crisis.

SPACE FANATIC – Elio (voice of Yonas Kibreab) is a space fanatic with an active imagination who finds himself on a cosmic misadventure where he must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions and somehow discover who he is truly meant to be. Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Adrian Molina, and produced by Mary Alice Drumm, Disney and Pixar’s “Elio” releases in theaters June 20, 2025. © 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

(L-R) Zoe Saldaña as Aunt Olga with Yonas Kibreab as Elio Solis.  All Rights Reserved.

Voiced by Filipino-American Yonas Kibreab, Elio Solis is just like any other curious kid who thinks that the only way out of his misery is getting out of this planet, literally. “He’s an unusual kid who’s obsessed with getting abducted by aliens,” says director Domee Shi. “Elio feels like there’s nothing for him on Earth—he dreams of going to another world where he’s accepted for who he is.” Meanwhile, Elio’s guardian Aunt Olga is a Major in the Air Force who's always dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Voiced by Zoe Saldaña, Aunt Olga wants nothing more from Elio than to stop looking to the stars and start living his life with her.

Brad Garrett as Lord Grigon, Yonas Kibreab, Elio Solis and Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa.  All Rights Reserved.

Remy Edgerly as Glordon.  All Rights Reserved.

Yonas Kibreab with some of the team behind Elio. All Rights Reserved.

From the studio that brought you “Inside Out 2,” “Elio” is directed by Domee Shi, writer and director of Academy Award®-winning short film “Bao,” Madeline Sharafian,  storyboard artist on the Academy Award®-winning film “Coco,” and Adrian Molina, the co-director and writer on Academy Award®-winning film “Coco.”

The film also features the voices of Remy Edgerly as Glordon, Brad Garrett as Lord Grigon, Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa, and Shirley Henderson as OOOOO.

Blast off into an intergalactic adventure with Disney and Pixar's "Elio"— in cinemas this June 18! Get ready to blast off into an out of this world adventure and book your tickets now: https://www.disney.ph/movies/elio.

French heritage brand Sledgers made a strong return to Cebu, celebrating the grand reopening of its newly renovated store at Ayala Center Cebu, where media, guests, and aficionados gathered to witness the debut of the Spring/Summer 2025 collection and  the brand’s renewed commitment to craftsmanship, comfort, and the modern gentleman’s wardrobe.

Sledgers Store Ayala Center Cebu

The new store design, reimagined to resemble a European gentleman’s club, welcomed guests into a space that embodies the brand’s ethos — refined, understated, and designed with purpose. Rich textures, tailored finishes, and a contemporary interior palette provided the perfect canvas to reintroduce Sledgers to Cebuano style setters.

Sledgers Store Ayala Center Cebu

The event officially opened with a ceremonial toast and ribbon cutting, graced by executives, media, and VIP guests — including Primer Group of Companies CEO and Co-founder Jimmy Thai, who spoke to the brand’s deep ties to Cebu and its enduring legacy in Philippine retail.

From L-R [Jimmy Thai (Co-founder and CEO of Primer Group of Companies), Susan Thai, Rose Ann Eugenio (Operations Manager - Ayala Center Cebu) and Edward Roxas, Sledgers Regional Brand Manager.

Following the ceremonial toast, guests explored the SS25 collection in a guided walk-through led by Edward Roxas, Regional Brand Manager for Sledgers, who offered insights into the brand’s latest design direction, technical innovations, and the thinking behind its evolving aesthetic.

Sledgers Spring Summer 25 Collection

The Noel Penny Loafer took the spotlight — Sledgers’ flagship model, now updated with a shortened vamp and pre-polished leather that gives it a clean, straight-from-the-box shine. It arrives this season in black and coffee, with a new wine colorway featuring a contrasting black rubber outsole.

Noel II (Wine)

Also on view were two new lace-up models: the Danilo and Pietro derbies. Designed in full and top-grain calf leather, both styles are built for everyday wear but with thoughtful touches — curved piping, sculpted vamps, and sturdy outsoles — that give each pair a polished look without feeling overdesigned. As with all Sledgers footwear, Ortholite insoles come standard, ensuring all-day comfort with every step.

Danilo derbies

A styling showcase led by fellow Sledgers wearers offered guests modern takes on incorporating Sledgers footwear into a range of everyday looks — from boardroom polish to weekend ease — reinforcing the brand’s vision of stylish, all-day wearability.

Albert Slip-on Loafer (Black, Tan, Dark Brown)

Alexis (Black) & Gael (Black Golf) & Tung Thong Sandals (Black, Brown)

Ballou Suede Slip-on Loafer (Camel) & Beauchamp Suede Slip-on (Navy, Wine)

Cache Tassel Loafer (Black & Brown)

Cassel Slim Slip-on Loafer (Black, Coffee) & Par Formal Loafer (Black, Brown)

Chaumont Chukka Boot (Black) & Berthoud Chelsea Boot (Brown)

Dillon Mens (Black), Dustin Mens (Coffee), Dillon Mens (Brown)

Dustin Mens (Black)

Founded in France in 1921 and first introduced to the Philippines in Cebu over 20 years ago, Sledgers remains committed to crafting shoes for the man who moves with intention. 

The new Sledgers store is now open at the Ground Level, Ayala Center Cebu, featuring the full Spring/Summer 2025 line and the brand’s most iconic silhouettes. Visit the store to experience refined French craftsmanship in person, or explore the collection online at www.sledgers.com.ph.

About Sledgers

Founded in France in 1921, Sledgers is a premium men’s footwear brand known for its blend of classic European craftsmanship and modern-day comfort. Acquired by the Primer Group of Companies as part of its growing portfolio of international lifestyle brands, Sledgers continues to uphold its legacy of refined, functional footwear for the modern gentleman. With a design philosophy rooted in understated elegance and practicality, each pair is crafted using genuine full- or top-grain leather, Ortholite insoles, and considered construction details designed for all-day wear.

The 2025 NBA season delivered one of the most exciting and unpredictable finishes in recent memory — and once again, the Play-In Tournament was right at the center of it all. What started out as a temporary fix during unusual times has now become a permanent fixture in the NBA calendar, fundamentally altering the path to the postseason.

The Play-In doesn’t just add drama. It creates opportunity. It offers new lifelines to fringe teams, disrupts the expectations of higher seeds, and throws a wildcard into what used to be a more straightforward playoff picture. This year was no exception.

NBA Play-In 2025

Now that the Play-In Tournament has wrapped up, the conversation shifts from how it works to what it did. Which teams capitalized on the format? Which contenders stumbled? And how has this high-stakes mini-tournament affected the balance of power heading into the 2025 NBA Playoffs?

Experts at 1xBet have crunched the numbers and broken down the biggest storylines emerging from this year’s Play-In. From surprise breakthroughs to postseason shakeups, here are the key insights into how this evolving format continues to change the game — literally and figuratively.

What Is the Play-In? (Just in case)

The format was first introduced in 2020 and became a permanent part of the NBA postseason in 2021. It allows teams ranked 7th through 10th in each conference to fight for the final two playoff spots.

• The 7th and 8th seeds play each other. The winner takes the 7th spot.
• The 9th and 10th seeds also play. The winner then plays the loser of the 7 vs. 8 game for the final 8th spot.

This gives the 7th and 8th seeds two chances to qualify, while the 9th and 10th seeds must win twice in a row.

Play-In 2025 Results: Who Made It Through

Eastern Conference:

• Orlando Magic secured the 7th seed after a solid and disciplined performance. Their strong team play helped them lock in a playoff spot.
• Miami Heat, despite a shaky finish to the regular season, came through in classic Heat fashion  -  beating both the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks to grab the 8th seed. This is becoming their trademark: showing up when it counts.

Western Conference:

• Golden State Warriors proved they still have the fight. Their victory over the Memphis Grizzlies earned them the 7th seed and a place in the postseason.
• Dallas Mavericks, led by Luka Dončić, fought their way through Sacramento and then Memphis to claim the 8th seed — making the Western Conference bracket even more dangerous, despite losing Kyrie Irving to the Lakers in February."

What Did the 2025 Play-In Show Us?

• Motivation until the final game. Teams stay locked in until Game 82, knowing the 10th seed can still mean a chance at the playoffs.
• A second life. Teams like Miami and Dallas proved that a couple of clutch wins can completely change the narrative of a season.
• Tension and drama. Every Play-In game carries playoff-level pressure. It's one shot  -  and everything’s on the line.

Is the Format Fair?

Some argue that a 7th-place team shouldn’t have to risk elimination in a single game, while others feel a 10th seed shouldn’t get a second chance. But one thing is certain: the Play-In keeps things exciting  -  for fans, for teams, and for the league.

What Happens Now?

The playoffs have started, and Play-In teams are already testing the top seeds. If one of them manages to make it to the second round  -  or even further  -  it won’t just be a "feel-good" story. It will be proof that the Play-In isn’t just extra games  -  it’s a real part of the competitive journey.

A format that once looked temporary is now part of the NBA’s identity.

Following the success of Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill Philippines at Newport World Resorts, two more Gordon Ramsay restaurant concepts are set to open in the country—this time inside the renowned township in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. The new concepts include Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips and Street Burger by Gordon Ramsay that will open its first-ever Philippine locations side by side by the middle of this year.

The announcement follows Gordon Ramsay’s landmark first visit to Manila earlier this year, signaling the continued growth of the chef’s global restaurant portfolio in Asia. The two new dining concepts will offer casual, quality-driven menus that reflect Ramsay’s signature flair, set against the backdrop of one of Cebu’s premier beach destinations.

Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips will bring its fast-casual flair and over-the-counter style restaurant serving variations of its signature take on the British classic, alongside its crave-worthy Lobster & Shrimp, Dirty Chips, and decadent handcrafted milkshakes. Right next door, Street Burger by Gordon Ramsay, is flipping the script on the classic American diner with a bold lineup including the much-hyped Idiot Burger, the G.F.C. (Gordon’s Fried Chicken) Burger, and the O.G.R. Burger, along with other fan favorites.

“Cebu is a dynamic center of tourism in the Philippines; and our township in Mactan Island is the perfect tourism hub in a prime location near the airport,” says Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc. (TIHGI) Executive Chairman Kevin L. Tan. “The Mactan Newtown is also a vibrant commercial and leisure hub. With the entry of Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips and Street Burger by Gordon Ramsay, we will introduce dynamic dining concepts that will further enhance the township’s appeal, not just for visitors, but also for the growing community who live and work there.”

The Mactan Newtown is a 30-hectare beachfront township by Megaworld that blends business, leisure, and residential living in one vibrant community. It is home to two hotels with a combined total of over 1,100 room keys, and will soon welcome the Mactan Expo, set to be Cebu’s largest stand-alone convention center. The township also features nine residential towers, eight office towers, and the Newtown School of Excellence, and soon the Mactan World Museum. 

For more information visit www.gordonramsay.com.ph and follow @gordonramsayfishandchips and @gordonramsaystreetburger on Facebook and Instagram. 

About Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc.:

Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. (TIHGI), a subsidiary of Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI), is the owner, operator and developer of Newport World Resorts, the country’s pioneer integrated resort that operates hotels, retail, dining, leisure and entertainment attractions to complement its gaming business since 2009. In 2024, TIHGI announced its partnership with Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, a world-renowned collection of dining experiences led by Michelin-starred chef and global culinary icon Gordon Ramsay, further reinforcing the group’s dedication to innovation and excellence in the hospitality industry.

About Gordon Ramsay Restaurants

Founded in 1997, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants comprises the restaurant business of acclaimed chef, restaurateur, TV personality and author Gordon Ramsay. It is one of the largest privately-owned restaurant groups in the UK with 32 restaurants in the UK. The group has a further 92 restaurants internationally including USA, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, France, Dubai, Singapore and now Thailand, with further international openings planned.

To date, Gordon Ramsay holds a total of 8 Michelin stars across the restaurant group worldwide, including the flagship venue Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, which has held three Michelin stars for more than 20 years. As well as fine dining, the group has expanded to include more casual dining restaurants offering a wide variety of guest experiences around the globe.

Mactan Island stands out as a key and highly recognized island within Cebu province, divided between Lapu-Lapu City and the municipality of Cordova. Lapu-Lapu City manages a significant portion of the island, while Cordova oversees a smaller area on its southern side.

Valencia will build vertical residences and recreational spaces that offer the accoutrements of a dynamic metropolis while paying homage to heritage.

Situated a short distance from the main island, the accessibility to and from Mactan has been dramatically enhanced by recent upgrades to Cebu road infrastructure. The island is linked to Mandaue City, Cebu, through the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge. Additionally, introducing the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cordova aims to further connect the island with the southern regions of Metro Cebu, facilitating the growth of master planned communities.

The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) aims to connect Mactan with the southern regions of Metro Cebu, facilitating the growth of property developments  like Valencia.

Mactan has steadily made strides toward economic progress in recent years, proving itself a key player in boosting the local economy of Cebu, particularly in the tourism, manufacturing, and real estate sectors. 

Tourism: A Magnet for Visitors

Mactan has long been a paradise for beach enthusiasts who take pride in some of the country's highly-regarded resorts and the recent renovations of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has bolstered Mactan’s efforts to enhance its capacity to attract more visitors.

Mactan now operates the second busiest airport in the Philippines, following Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila and serving as a critical gateway to prime vacation destinations in the Queen City of the South. With the return of international travelers and domestic tourists, businesses throughout Cebu are experiencing revitalization, including resorts, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and various shopping and dining establishments.

Manufacturing and Employment: A Growing Industrial Force

Industrialization has significantly transformed the Philippines' metropolitan areas, and Mactan, as part of Metro Cebu, is no exception. Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ), an initiative of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, is a major economic force in the region. Ranking as one of the largest ecozones in the Philippines and second only to the Cavite Economic Zone (CEZ), MEZ hosts a diverse range of operations from tourism and medical tourism to warehousing and manufacturing. Mactan Economic Zone encompasses two economic zones and has attracted PHP 51.5 billion in investments over the past 26 years. 

In addition to the Mactan Economic Zone, Mactan is home to General Milling Corporation (GMC), a national leader in consumer food product processing and production. Its operations generate thousands of jobs for locals and enhance Cebu's position within the national manufacturing landscape.

Nestled in close proximity to the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), Valencia emerges as the nearest growth metropolis to Cebu City.

Real Estate: A Premium Investment Opportunity

While Mactan Island is relatively small at about 65 square kilometers, it ranks as one of the most densely populated islands in the Philippines, with a rising population of half a million. Its appeal lies in its opportunities for tourism and commerce, making real estate a highly desirable asset.

Over the years, Mactan has undergone significant transformation, evolving from a landscape dotted with residential neighborhoods to exquisite communities offering interconnected living spaces. This shift has positioned Mactan as an ideal location to raise a family in Cebu, attracting real estate investors to develop commercial and residential developments, including strip malls and shopping centers.

Valencia is a five-hectare multi-tower development in Lapu-Lapu City, radiating a vibrant ambiance reminiscent of the lively hues seen in and around the Queen City of the South.

Developers quickly recognize the opportunities presented by real estate properties in Mactan. Capitalizing on this potential, Vista Land, through its collection of master planned developments called Vista Estates, has strategically positioned itself in alignment with the dynamic growth of the island. Tailoring its offerings to suit those cognizant of Mactan's role in the economic landscape of Cebu, Vista Estates provides properties at the nucleus of economic activities, fostering an environment where residents can thrive and improve the quality of their lifestyle.

Valencia: Never Miss Out on Life!

Valencia by Vista Estates, the five-hectare multi-tower development situated in prime Lapu-Lapu City real estate, radiates a vibrant ambiance reminiscent of the lively hues seen in around the Queen City of the South. It is poised to progressively transform the cityscape of Mactan by combining the charm of the island with the pulse of the city. 

Taking its cue from Spanish Modernista architecture, the towers of Valencia will be marked with a stylish diversity of historically derived touches.

Taking its cue from Spanish Modernista architecture, Catalonia's version of the English Arts and Crafts movement, the towers of Valencia will be marked with a stylish diversity of historically derived touches. The predominance of curves, rich decoration, detail, organic motifs, and a prevalence of asymmetry characterizes the design. Catalan sensibilities meld perfectly with the Cebuano lifestyle in Valencia. 

Nestled in close proximity to the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), Valencia emerges as the nearest growth metropolis to Cebu City. Here, the boundaries between urban comfort and leisure are seamlessly interlinked, providing residents with diverse residential choices tailored to various lifestyles and aspirations. The development caters to residents' needs and enriches their lifestyles with amenities such as a swimming pool, fitness center, jogging path, and a dedicated children's play area.

Valencia will create a vibrant environment festooned by landscapes integrating work and play. It will build vertical residences and recreational spaces that offer the accoutrements of a dynamic metropolis while paying homage to heritage.

In addition to these resident-focused facilities, the estate features a commercial complex housing retail shops, restaurants, and cafes, creating a dynamic environment that complements the residential offerings. This unique blend of residential options and retail conveniences positions Valencia as a well-rounded district, promising a distinctive quality of life for residents and visitors alike. 

An Investment into a Better Way of Living

Vista Land is investing into these master-planned developments, making good on its promise to its homebuyers and investors to continue creating superior offerings, and, more importantly, deliver excellent long-term investment growth.

To know more about Vista Land  developments in Cebu, visit www.vistaestates.vistaland.com.ph and follow @VistaLandAndLifescapesOfficial for news and offerings.