PRESS RELEASE

                       

                           Grand Land, Inc. to bring dusitD2 brand to Cebu

After recently announcing an unprecedented joint venture with Dusit International as theoperator of its Grand Tower Hotel in North Reclamation Area, Grand Land, Inc., the residential property arm of the Gaisano Grand Group of companies,confirms that a second project will now join the ranks of Asia’s leading hospitality group.

                

At a signing ceremony held last month at Dusit Thani Dubai, GLI President Ryan Bernard Goinked a deal with executives from Dusit International to bring a dusitD2 Residence to Cebu.

                

dusitD2 is Dusit International’s “next generation” hotel brand, catering to the needs and desires of today’s new generation traveler seeking cutting-edge design, high-tech connectivity andefficient convenience in an environment that is contemporary, colorful and chic.  As the first branded serviced residences in Cebu City, guests and residents can expect to enjoy Dusit’s signature Thaihospitality with a modern touch. 

                

“Our partnership with Dusit International will hopefully blossom into more projects as

Grand Land is embarking into more tourism-related projects around Cebu.  The Dusit hospitality isvery similar to our Cebuano hospitality --- warm and welcoming,” Go disclosed.  “We wanted to bring an international-branded hotel with exceptional service and aesthetically-designed rooms within the master-planned development to complement the grand experience we want to offer for each guest,” he added.

                

On the other hand, Ryan Chen, Dusit International’s Director for Development, also said, “We are pleased to work on our second project with Grand Land within their landmark development,  Grand Residences Cebu.  Given the pleasant environment and integrated facilities, we believe that dusitD2 Residence Cebu City will enliven both the guests’ and residents’ experience.  This vibrant brand is well suited to the exciting growth of Cebu City that seeks to offer quality accommodations in this burgeoning market.”

                

Located along Gov. M. Cuenco avenue and in close proximity to the city’s business district, I.T. Park, and the Cebu Golf and Country Club, the dusitD2 Residences will be situated within GLI’s five-tower condominium development, Grand Residences Cebu.  This 3.2-hectare project is all about convenience --- living in the center of the city at the same time having all the resort amenities for relaxation and family bonding.  A separate entrance and lobby will lead guests to the 160-unit serviced apartments the facilities of which include an all-day dining restaurant, a gym, swimming pool, and meeting rooms.  (PR)

                                                                                                E N D

L-R :

Mr. Robert Carlos : Product Planning Asst. Section Head, ISUZU Phils. Corp.

Mr. Steve Gingco : General Manager, ISUZU Cebu Inc.

Mr. Hajime Koso : President,  ISUZU Phils. Corp.

Mr. Rene Paningbatan : President,  ISUZU Cebu Inc.

Official Press Release

Isuzu brings 3.0-liter VGS D-MAX and mu-X to provincial markets

ISUZU

Isuzu brings 3.0-liter VGS D-MAX and mu-X to provincial markets

Following its official Philippine introduction, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) brings its 3.0-liter variants of the Isuzu D-MAX and mu-X to the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

On November 21, IPC officially introduced the 3.0-liter VGS turbo variants of its pick-up and SUV model in Cagayan De Oro City. Home to one of the Isuzu’s multi-awarded dealerships, Isuzu Cagayan De Oro, which hosted a mini-launch in their newly renovated showroom, exhibited an array of the existing 3.0-liter variants of the D-MAX and mu-X

“We are very happy with the introduction of this new engine. Our customers here in Mindanao have always been asking, when we are going to bring it here – and finally it has arrived,” said Isuzu Cagayan de Oro Assistant General Manager George Ongchua.

A few days later, on November 23, the 3.0-liter VGS variants made a debut in the Visayas starting with the biggest Isuzu showroom in the region, Cebu City. Similar to Cagayan De Oro, Cebu displayed its new 3.0-liter VGS variants and invited customers to join in the celebration.

“The introduction of the 3.0-liter VGS variants will strengthen the already strong sale of both the DMAX and the mu-X in the area; this new engine will not only entice our customers but rather gives them more options on top of our 2.5-liter variants,” Isuzu Cebu Inc. President Rene Paningbatan.

According to IPC President Hajime Koso, “Outside of NCR, Cebu and Cagayan De Oro are considered two of our biggest provincial markets - this is true for both the D-MAX and mu-X models. Which is why we have decided to make separate special introductions for our 3.0 VGS variants in these areas,” he said.

Improved Power and Performance

Both the Isuzu D-MAX and mu-X is equipped with one of Isuzu’s most powerful engine, the new 4JJ1-TC (HI) 3.0-liter Diesel engine. Fitted with Common Rail Direct Injection and an intercooled Variable Geometry System (VGS) turbocharger, the engine responds quickly even at low speed and eliminates “turbo lag” or the delay in the distribution of power.

The new 4JJ1-TC (HI) engine also promotes Isuzu’s reputation of being reliable, durable and fuel-efficient. Its lifetime steel timing chain and anti-friction melt-in cylinder liners are among its advantages that ensure durability. Evaluated to produce 163 Ps at 3,200 rpm and a high 380 Nm of torque from 1,800 to 2,200 rpm, the engine also provides plenty of power, translating to less gear changes, effortless hill climbing and easier off-road driving.

Safety and Styling

The new 3.0 VGS Turbo variants also has more premium features like the new LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) for the Isuzu mu-X LS-A – which not only adds to the sporty appearance of the SUV but also acts as an avoidance safety feature. This new set of lights increases the vehicle’s conspicuity, making it easier to detect as it approaches other vehicles on the road.

Adding to its already packed safety features, the Isuzu D-MAX LS 3.0 VGS Turbo has a new tailgate mounted Reverse Camera, which automatically activates when the driver engages the transmission to reverse. With this, the rearview will be projected on the 7-inch touchscreen entertainment system to help assist in reverse parking and alleviating blind spots.

Leveling up its styling, the mu-X LS-A 3.0 VGS Turbo has a Chromed Muffler Cutter tailpipe, which rather completes the variant’s chrome finish – front grille, door handle, and rear door garnish.

--00--

Press Release

Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard "Dick" Gordon formalizes turnover of the first fully developed Red Cross Village in the Visayas to Daanbantayan Mayor Augusto Corro, while Republic of France Ambassador to the Philippines Thierry Mathou witnesses the occasion with a colleague.

During the Ribbon Cutting & Inauguration 

of the new Red Cross Village

Solar Power Plant

Barangay Health Station

The Red Cross Village

PRC revisits various provinces two years after Yolanda to check on project progress

Two years after the devastation wrought by super typhoon Yolanda, more than 66,000 houses have been built, and the Philippine Red Cross is still constructing more in its ceaseless efforts of recovery and renewal in nine provinces and countless municipalities affected. However the Yolanda experience is not just about providing shelter, medical assistance and other basic services. The Philippine Red Cross embarked on massive rescue, rehabilitation, and renewal operations that have been one of the most successful worldwide as attested to by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC).

To commemorate the 2^nd year anniversary of typhoon Yolanda, top representatives from the PRC are revisiting the various provinces hardest hit by the typhoon to check on the current progress of PRC efforts.

The first place to be visited was Cebu where a formal turn over of the houses located at the Red Cross village was given to 128 families in Daanbantayan, Cebu. The livelihood center, barangay health station and other facilities including a solar power plant were constructed with the help of various donors like French Red Cross, and in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines and France-Philippines United Action and through donations from French companies such as Total, Sanofi and Caisse des Dépôts, as well as donations from the French people; were also inaugurated.

The November 8 leg focuses on the turn over of completed projects and the delivery of the Red Cross report aptly delivered in the hardest-hit province of Leyte that documents and catalogs the successful projects conducted in the areas of shelter, livelihood assistance, health and sanitation, school re-construction and repair among other things.

Richard Gordon, Philippine Red Cross Chairman (PRC) said, “The Yolanda experience has transformed the Philippine Red Cross into a full service Red Cross. No longer is the Philippine Red Cross just a provider of first aid and assistance in the midst of natural calamities and disasters; the PRC has become a partner in providing basic services and continuing assistance in giving back not only what the people have lost but more importantly helping them get back their lives and dignity.”

Highlights of the report outlined the tremendous efforts by the PRC and all partner agencies and donors and looked back at the timeline of what had been done which started as early as November 6, two days before typhoon Yolanda’s landfall.

As early as November 6, PRC chapters have already been advised to take precautionary measures and have been mobilized to consolidate supplies, vehicles, equipment and manpower. By the 7^thof November, an SMS blast was sent by Richard Gordon to all Chapters to activate response units. And as typhoon Yolanda made landfall on November 8, in the next 24 hours the PRC was on the ground delivering crucial services to the people affected.

After two long and difficult years since November 8, 2013, PRC has focused its efforts on shelter, livelihood assistance, healthcare, hygiene and sanitation and education. As testament to their efforts, the PRC built 66,011 homes; provided 59,218 households with livelihood assistance; reached 90,779 families with cash relief assistance during the emergency phase; rehabilitated and constructed 410 classrooms; provided 32 schools with improved access to water and sanitation facilities with 55,503 families participating in Hygiene Promotion Activities.

The work did not end there. The men and women of PRC repaired/constructed 38 health facilities; conducted Community Based Health and First Aid Sessions in 121 communities that produced 1,145 volunteers trained; gathered 42,222 individuals who assisted with medical consultations, health promotion and health care referral and supplemental feeding programs.

However work is not over as the PRC continues to move forward in achieving its commitment to the countless families affected by typhoon Yolanda.

 “The Philippine Red Cross understands that action without direction is nothing. We, the PRC, pride ourselves in being there at times when people need us most, sharing hope when there doesn’t seem to be any, and providing light when others cannot see the way,” shared Gordon. “As long as the PRC lives, we will continue to serve, protect and be of service to the Filipino people.”