By Cris Evert Lato

Cebu Daily News First Posted

10:17:00 05/25/2009

For years, white sand beaches and rich cultural heritage are two main reasons why tourists come to Cebu.

But today, there is another reason why tourists are in Cebu: the edge coaster ride on top of Cebu’s tallest tower.

“People now come to Cebu to experience how it is to be on top of Cebu’s tallest tower riding a coaster or watching the scenery from above,” said Richard King, chairman of J. King and Sons Company Inc., which is the prime mover of the activities under the brand Sky Experience Adventure.

King, who graduated summa cum laude in Chemical Engineering from the University of San Carlos in 1979, said the Sky Experience Adventure series was launched in December 2008.

The adventure experience includes the edge coaster ride, sky walk extreme and sky observatory among others. The activities are all located in Tower 1 of Crown Regency Hotels and Towers in Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City.

The adventure series attracted Pinoy boxing champion, Manny Pacquiao, who was in Cebu last Sinulog.

King said putting up the extreme adventure experience “in the heart of Cebu’s tallest tower” had been planned since he decided to put up the hotel-tower property.

“We want to make this a landmark of Cebu. In two to three years, this may not be the tallest tower here anymore. Having this whole range of sky adventure activities will place us in a strategic position,” said King who has a master’s degree in business management from the Asian Institute of Management in 1983.

SKY EXPERIENCE

About $5 million was invested for the sky experience adventure series, said King.

This investment is growing as they aim to improve the services to suit the adventurous needs of the public.

King said an American company, which put up the different rides in Las Vegas, was commissioned to install the edge coaster ride located on the 38th floor and the sky walk, 127 meters above the street.

King said the company takes pride on the edge coaster ride as the world’s first and the only amusement ride of its kind.

The coaster ride literally goes around the edge of the building. The riders are locked into the rail seats, which can be tilted at 55 degrees.

“We are elevating the level of the hospitality industry to entertainment. It is no longer just rooms or banquets and the concept of sky adventure fits in this entire concept,” he said.

Entrance to the sky observatory costs P380 for non-peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and P480 for peak hours (4 p.m. onwards). The fee is good for two people and inclusive of a sky meal — bottomless drinks and a sandwich.

Online bloggers have posted positive reactions on the edge coaster ride, which is at P500 during non-peak hours and P600 for peak hours. The fee is also good for two people.

For the faint-hearted, the sky observatory, also on the 38th floor, offers an alternative. Coin-operated binoculars and telescopes are available or tourists and visitors can enjoy the view at the tower’s Sky Bar.

About 40 people, including the operators and maintenance personnel, were trained by employees of the American company, who installed the edge coaster ride.

“Safety is secured for all rides and activities. The system is monitored in the US and through the Internet, they know what’s going on–how many took the ride and in what time,” he said.

INNOVATION

An additional feature, which is gaining attention, is the 4D Theatre on the 18th floor where viewers can see, feel, hear and move with the movie.

The audience can watch three movies which last for close to 30 minutes. The fee is from P450 to P600 depending on the viewing time.

“This is innovation and all these put us up ahead of the competition. Innovation is a characteristic of the different ventures of the company,” said King.

King said another ride, called an “insanity orbit,” will also be in place two years from now.

As the company develops more properties nationwide, King hopes to bring the concept of the sky experience.

Taking inspiration from his father, Don Jesus Amado King, he said making people aware and appreciate these innovations would be the primary challenge.

He said he also should not wait for tomorrow to do things that can be done today.

But before making any decision, King said it pays to anticipate for any eventuality by gathering the right information — the same learning concepts he applied in making the breathtaking sky experience adventure activities a reality for Cebu.

MANILA BULLETIN

Visayas

Saturday, November 22, 2008

By Malou M. Mozo

CEBU CITY – A Cebu-based property developer is investing on a multi-million peso amusement center being built on top of a hotel tower in this city, where its facilities are described as the first of its kind in the world.

J. King and Sons Co. Inc. (JKSCI), through its entertainment media arm Sky Advertures Experience Inc., will open the amusement facility next month. It will feature a roller coaster running around the edge of the building.

Another project feature is the Sky Walker, situated on the top four floors of the 40-story Crown Regency Hotel and Towers located at the Fuente Towers Complex.

The roller coaster, known as the Edge Coaster, is the first of its kind in the world to be mounted on top of a hotel tower, said JKSCI Creative Director Edward Tan.

“This is a very unique concept,” said Tan, adding that Crown Regency is the only hotel in the Philippines and in Asia, so far, to have an amusement facility at its top floors.

While the facility is patterned after those in Hong Kong, he said the company would introduce a new concept in the Philippines so it partnered with United States (US)-based Interactive Rides Inc.

Interactive Rides manufactured and installed the Edge Coaster and a similar facility on a building tower in Las Vegas. Also in the pipeline is the Insanity Orbit ride, similar to the Stratosphere in Las Vegas, to be mounted on the 40 th floor of the hotel tower that will allow passengers to sit suspended in the air. It will become operational by 2010.

“The purpose of the rides, apart from the thrill, is to promote Cebu’s skyline, a complete view of the mountains, sea, city view, and more,” he said, voicing optimism that the amusement facility would lure locals and foreign guests.

“The facilities are meant to provide a place where the entire family can have fun,” Tan added.

The Edge Coaster is designed to carry eight people and allows its passengers a 360-degree view of the metropolis. To beef up adrenalin rush, it has an option where the chair can be titled to a 45-degree angle.

The Skywalker can accommodate ten people and allows one to walk on a platform outside the tower, at level with the 37 th floor. Those who want to take a stroll around the building would be attached to a harness for safety.

Tan assured the rides are well secured as it utilizes NASA technology. The roll coaster vehicles and track are made of aircraft steel and aircraft aluminum.

“We have double redundancy safety measures. In case on fails, there are three more safety backups,” he said.

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.

THE PHILIPPINE STAR

VOL.XXIII NO.82.FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2008.18 SECTIONS, 116 PAGES

POSSESSORS, investors and other stakeholders in Boracay Island declared that the recent Supreme Court decision on the issue of land ownership in the country’s top tourist destination as “the single most significant step to boost the country’s bid in becoming a premier tourist spot among other Asian destinations”.

“Investors’ confidence will definitely be boosted by this landmark (decision) since the legitimacy of land ownership and possession will finally be resolved, said Jocielo Ramirez, a former director of the United Nations World Food Program.

As one of the possessors and stakeholders in Boracay Island, Ramirez said that he sees a better future for Boracay as serious investors will have a different perspective about their investment plans for the island.

Ramirez, a Filipino who occupies a one-hectare property in the island said that contrary to the current public perception, we as stakeholders here see the High Court’s ruling as a very positive development”, Ramirez said.

He explained that as soon as the issue on property rights and ownership are settled, the re-development of Boracay will be set in motion. Proper environmental protection and related programs will be re-established to compliment world-class facilities that will be built in the island, he added.

By Anne Jambora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:44:00 01/17/2009

Filed Under: Tourism, Lifestyle & Leisure

RIDING a coaster along the edge of a building 430 feet off the ground may not seem much to a hardcore thrill-seeker, but have you tried it face down with the safety locks supporting just the lower body? Maybe not, unless you’ve been to Cebu City recently.

The Crown Regency Hotel and Towers on Fuente Osmeña Boulevard, in the heart of Cebu City, launched what could become the south’s entertainment icon—the Sky Experience Adventure (SEA).

Atop the tallest hotel in the city, the $5-million SEA has the Edge Coaster, a unique amusement ride that coasts along the outline of the building face down. Inclined at 55 degrees at the start of the ride, the two-seat coaster can tilt up to a dizzying 90 degrees. How much further it tilts, or not tilt at all, you can control at the push of a button.

The Edge Coaster is not about speed, but about the thrill of enjoying a bird’s eye view of the cityscape. Each ride makes a full turn around the tower in four minutes.

“We want to be the new landmark of Cebu. If you haven’t paid us a visit, you haven’t been in Cebu,” said Richard King, whose brainchild is the SEA. He’s chair and CEO of property developer J. King and Sons Co. Inc., (JKSCI). JKSCI is developer of Crown Regency Hotel and Towers.

SEA also has the Sky Walk Extreme where visitors walk on a four-foot-wide strip around the tower, supported by safety harness. The finale is a glass walkway about 10-15 ft long. You can jump, dance, or pretend to be falling on the edge; or have yourself photographed by the SEA official lensman like you are standing on air.

Safety, said King, is SEA priority. SEA is so sure of its visitors’ safety that no one is required to sign a waiver before the ride.

Designed and engineered by Interactive Rides Inc., which created the amusement rides on top of the Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel and Casino and the adventure experiences at Macau Tower, SEA complies with the strictest international safety standards, officials said.

Harnesses for the Sky Walk Adventure alone, said Danny Dy, managing director of International Link Management and Consultancy, cost more than $100,000 each, while each rope can carry the weight of several people put together at the same time.

State-of-the-art technology is coded in all rides that at any given time of day, engineers at Interactive Rides Inc. in the US can monitor what’s happening in the country through the Internet—in real time.

SEA also has a Sky Observatory equipped with coin-operated binoculars and telescopes. Since SEA is open until midnight, the binoculars are also a good way to peek into the stars.

Sky Lounge serves fast-food fare and finger foods. Sky Resto Bar has entrees for the casual diner, while Stratus Restaurant has international dish selection.

Next year, King said SEA will open the Insanity Orbit, the exact replica of that at the top of the Stratosphere Las Vegas. Insanity Orbit is a massive mechanical arm that extends over the edge of the tower and spins at a force of 3 Gs.

By Lester Gopela Hallig of  Philippine Star

These were the four reassuringly confident words that Sky Experience Adventure general manager William “Bill” Killgore told us as we conquered our fear of heights at the Sky Walk Extreme.

Located at the 37th floor of the Crown Regency Hotel & Towers in Cebu, the Sky Walk Extreme lets thrill-seekers walk around the edge of the building, incidentally the tallest hotel structure in the Philippines. He said, “This is the first in the country and the 360-degree view is just awesome. It passed international safety standards, so don’t fear.”

The platform where Sky walkers would step on looked intimidating, but Killgore immediately, well, killed any more morbid thoughts that could arise.

He said, “For starters, the Walk can hold up to 5,000 pounds. There is a harness that will be strapped very securely around you. Even if you fall off, which is a long shot, you’re not going down. You’ll just hang for awhile. Besides, you won’t be doing the Sky Walk Extreme. There are guides who will walk along with you.”

Before we knew it, we were already in an orange jumpsuit and white sneakers being strapped to safety. The guides gave us a little briefing on safety and an added encouragement. Apparently, the deer-caught-in-the-headlights look in our faces had become embarrassingly evident.

When we finally stepped out on the platform and began our walk, we were instantly seized with a little — just a little — sense of panic. Remember, you have someone here suffering from acrophobia. Our guides humored us during our first few steps and very efficiently distracted this moment of agitation by pointing out the breathtaking view that was set before us.

Our jaws dropped at the magnificent scenery. We could see not just the whole of Cebu but even its neighboring islands and beyond. You want something as far as the eyes could see? The Sky Walk Extreme made sure ours did. We got too busy taking in the experience that we absolutely forgot about our fear. The adventure stroll turned out to be both comforting and exciting.

The walk around the building took around 15 minutes to finish, and our stunts included sitting on the edge of the platform while our feet dangled in the air, dancing on the ledge (yes, ledge dancing to the highest level), and being dared to look 37 floors down. Who knew that walking would give such an adrenalin rush?

Another kind of adrenalin rush was waiting in the form of the Edge Coaster. Found at the 38th floor directly above the Sky Walk, the interactive ride called Edge Coaster is the stuff man-on-the-street daredevils would instantly consider. It is the first ride of its kind in the world.

“Just like the Sky Walk Extreme, the Edge Coaster is very safe. It was done by Interactive Rides Inc., known for building the safest and most extreme thrill rides in the world. Their most famous work is the Stratosphere in Las Vegas,” Killgore said. The ride is securely held together by double-redundant restraint systems.

Think about it: the Edge Coaster moves around the edge of the building and tilts 55 degrees. Give it a try and feel like you’re hanging or in some instances, about to literally fall off your seat. Of course, the riders are provided with joysticks, so they could control the tilt level.

Richard King, chairman and CEO of J. King & Sons, is proud of his brainchild. “The Sky Experience Adventure is the latest attraction in the world’s amusement industry. Nowhere else can you find an amusement center like this at the top of a hotel building.”

King declared, “We are definitely taking the hospitality industry to exciting new tangents. Our future hotel projects will also have rides and thrills similar to this.”

The rides at Crown Regency Cebu are not stopping with the Sky Walk Extreme and Edge Coaster. In 2010, the Insanity Orbit will take a bow. The Insanity Orbit, which is being installed at the 40th floor of the building, is an inverted centrifuge that will take passengers on a spin at up to three Gs. It will pull riders out in escape-proof seats to an angle of 70 degrees, tilting passengers facedown from the top floor. The Insanity Orbit will be the second ride of its kind in the world, following the Stratosphere.

Killgore said, “The Sky is the total experience. We have the rides, the restaurants, the live bands, and the hotel. It is a one-stop shop. There is nothing like it in the Philippines. People interested in rollercoasters must have thought that they only existed in other countries. Here in Cebu, it is accessible and reasonably priced.”

“All this is our humble contribution to our tourism industry. We are proud to say that Cebu is the only spot in the world where you can find this kind of excitement,” King concluded

*****