A special program that officially opened the maiden flight of Cebu Pacific to Davao City Saturday at the pre-departure area of the New Bacolod-Silay Airport also proved to be an opportunity for both the city and province to thank the airlines for its continuing effort to foster nation building and tourism, a press release from Bacolod said.

The new flight, head of sales Agnes Gupalor, said, is Cebu Pacific’s “new milestone” and will now cater to more tourists and visitors of the two cities.

Mayor Monico Puentevella lauded the company for improving its service and added that the direct flight will open new opportunities for both cities.

Warning out vs. some
‘bagoong’ variants

The public should be cautious in buying bagoong, a Philippine condiment made partially or completely of fermented fish or shrimp and salt, Negros Occidental Provincial Health Officer Ernell Tumimbang said Friday.

The Food and Drugs Administration recently found out that some bagoong from Cebu sent to their laboratory contained Rhodamine B, anon-permissible colorant used for floor wax.

FDA says that bagoong with this kind of chemical is still hazardous and may affect one’s liver, kidneys and red blood cells even if the bagoong is thoroughly cooked.

Puregold expands
into more areas

Philippine grocery chain Puregold Price Club Inc. is expanding aggressively into regions with large unexploited potentials, as it aims to sustain double-digit growth this year despite intensifying competition.

Antonio delos Santos, Puregold's vice president for Operations, said the company is spending P1.5 billion to P5 billion this year to put up 25 branches in the country.

Delos Santos said the planned 25 new stores do not include acquisitions. The number will bring the retail chain’s total number of stores to 230 by end-2014.