By Johanna M. Sampan, The Manila Times, PhilippinesMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News

http://www.hotel-online.com/Neo/News/2009_Jan_29/k.MFL.1233167136.html

Jan. 29–Braving the commonalities of the facilities in a hotel, Crown Regency Hotel and Towers in Cebu City recently launched The Edge Coaster and Sky Walk Extreme Sky Adventure to have new tourist spots not just in the land of Magellan’s Cross but as well as in the country.

Located at the 38th floor is The Edge Coaster. The first of its kind in the Philippines, each unit has two seats that can be titled up to 55 degrees. Safely and tightly fastened in the coaster, it revolves around the edge of the hotel that takes approximately four minutes. The sensation of what hanging on the edge of the building is what the ride is all about. While on the ride, you can have the panoramic view of the Queen City of the South. To make the excitement and thrill more evident, joysticks are accessible to control the tilting.

On Sky Walk Extreme Sky Adventure is on the 37th floor. Guests need to wear SkyWalk suits that are attached to harnesses to ensure safety. This experience allows anyone to walk around the edge of the building on see through glass flooring. The tour guide will assist and take pictures while embarking on the tour.

Both attractions have no height and weight limitations and can be enjoyed by everyone–except of course, by infants.

“This concept can’t bee seen anywhere in the Philippines. We’re really going miles ahead by offering entertainment and leisure, all in one roof,” Hitesh Sampat, Crown Regency Hotel and Towers general manager shares.

“First in the country, we hope that people wouldn’t leave and say that ‘it was nothing’ because we aim to give them memorable moments for them to remember,” Sampat adds.

“We ensure that the rides are safe. The Sky Walk Adventure passed all the international standards for its level and passenger safety system has been tested through the years. As long as your under 5,000 pounds, you’ll be safe,” Danny Dy, managing director of International Link Management and Consultancy, the firm behind the Sky Walk Experience relates.

Extreme activities are open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily and it costs P500 each on first try and P400 for succeeding rides.

—–

To see more of The Manila Times, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.manilatimes.net.

Copyright (c) 2009, The Manila Times, Philippines

Thursday, February 19, 2009
BY NANCY R. CUDIS, Sun.Star Staff Reporter

A REAL estate industry player has intensified its marketing efforts to attract prospective buyers who are less affected by the global financial crisis.

Fuente Triangle Realty Development, a subsidiary of Cebu-based J. King & Sons Co. Inc. (JKSCI), is eyeing markets in the Middle East and other parts of Asia.

“(Our) package investments (are) good for those who are doubting investments in other countries but would rather want to settle their investments in hotel rooms, condotels, in properties that have value enhancers (and) are linked up with tourism,” said Jose Ma. Gianzon, vice-president for sales and marketing of Fuente Triangle Realty Development.

Fuente Triangle Realty, incorporated three years ago, is the sales and marketing force behind Ultima Residences Towers, among JKSCI’s projects in Cebu.

JKSCI is simultaneously implementing real estate developments in Cebu City (Fuente Tower 3 and Ultima Residences Ramos Tower) and in Boracay (Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center).

Gianzon disclosed that there are 40 available units at Ultima Residences Ramos Tower that are available for investors while the Boracay project has 280 to 300 units.

JKSCI is also renovating some floors at Club Ultima Fuente Tower 2 to accommodate commercial spaces for sale, and a diagnostics center dedicated for visitors, travelers, businessmen and medical tourists. The firm’s Crown Regency Tower on Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City will also house a casino, to add to existing recreation facilities, like the Sky Experience Adventure.

“We will be replicating buildings that you will find only in Las Vegas. These (facilities in dining, health and fitness, recreation and entertainment) would add value to the properties we are selling here,” said Gianzon.

As part of its sales and marketing campaign, Fuente Triangle is planning to reach out to the “30 to 40 percent of the market” that is less affected by the crisis.

The real estate firm is also looking at individuals who want to become part of the real estate industry and entrepreneurs who are looking for business space.

According to Fuente Triangle, having an office beside Crown Regency Hotel & Towers—considered to be the tallest hotel tower in the country—not only lends social prestige but also the benefits of a total lifestyle environment.

“Those who are attracted to us are solid people who have decided to push through with their investments. We have also cleaned up our inventories and re-opened a few that mean opportunities not only for investors but also for sellers,” said Gianzon.

He observed that while the economic turmoil has slowed down real estate investments, it has not pushed down the prices of the industry’s products.

He also noted that his office continues to receive inquiries while Cebu continues to welcome more visitors.