BIZ BUZZ: ‘Silencing’ the Cebu airport

If you like reading a book in peace while waiting for boarding, Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) might be the airport for you. The international gateway is transitioning into a “silent airport”—the first of its kind in the Philippines.

Silent airport practice, already adopted at Singapore Changi Airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, refers to minimal or complete absence of announcements over loudspeakers to mitigate noise pollution.

Instead of verbal announcements, operators use visual displays, electronic signage and mobile notifications to communicate boarding times, gate adjustments and security notices.

READ: Mactan-Cebu airport gets Level 1 international accreditation

“We continuously monitor advancements in the aviation industry to implement at MCIA, prioritizing the highest level of passenger experience,” MCIA CEO Athanasios Titonis said.

“Our goal is to ensure that the passenger journey at MCIA aligns with global standards, inspiring foreign visitors to choose us as their gateway to discover the Philippines,” he added. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

Boracay’s back as sailing hub

It was once a fast-rising hub for high-stakes yacht racing in Asia—until its abrupt shutdown for rehabilitation in 2018, followed by nearly three years of pandemic lockdowns starting 2020.

Earlier this month, however, Boracay island raised the curtain for summer with a regatta that beckoned the country’s top sailors back to its pristine waters.

Revived with a big bang was BPI Boracay 200, a 200-nautical-mile race from Subic Bay to Boracay that marked the third leg of the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series.

READ: Sailing isn’t so different from banking after all

Belatrix, skippered by entrepreneur Jun Villanueva, was the first boat to reach the finish line, thus clinching the “line honors” with a recorded elapsed time of 37 hours, 55 minutes and 9 seconds.

It was followed by three days of exhilarating inshore yacht racing. Selma Star, skippered by Jun Avecilla, veteran sailor and co-owner of Subic Lighthouse Marina & Resort, emerged as the overall winner of the International Racing Class (IRC) category. Avecilla and his crew likewise bagged the much-coveted BPI Boracay 200 Perpetual Trophy.

Misty Mountain, helmed by sailing veteran George Hackett, captured IRC second place, while Villanueva’s Belatrix copped third place.

The cruising class was ruled by Wild Honey, led by its captain James Villareal, followed by John Quirk’s Columbus. Lady May, helmed by Bong Perez, finished third.

“The revival of Boracay’s sailing scene mirrors our commitment to revitalizing and redefining spaces where we see huge potential,” said Tere Marcial, president and CEO of BPI Wealth. “Just as we are transforming the private banking landscape in the Philippines, we aim to breathe new life into Boracay’s nautical identity, enhancing a destination that not only captivates with its beauty but also thrives with the most thrilling sailing activity. This is our small contribution to ensuring that we promote the best of the best in the Philippines while supporting marine conservation.” —Doris Dumlao-Abadilla