The Philippines is an archipelago composed of over 7,100 islands. With its geography, ferry travel emerged as one of the most important modes of transportation to travel the entire country. Thanks to technology and innovations, sea travel is no longer slow and inconvenient. Fast Crafts in the Philippines are no longer new. These reliable vessels connect island provinces and are conveniently used by passengers for travel as well as transport of goods. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a lot to know about fast ferries in the Philippines. This article shares some useful information you need to know about them. What are FastCrafts? FastCrafts or fast ferries are also known as high-speed catamarans. They are a popular form of sea transport designed for traveling the Philippine islands. FastCrafts: What are they made of? A game-changer in sea travel, fastcrafts have high-speed performance with monohulled vessels and overpowered engines. Aluminum alloy is another material commonly used in fastcrafts to reduce vessel weight and boost its power. This creates a ‘power to weight ratio’ that improves its speed. While speed is a major differentiator for fastcrafts, there are other key features that you need to know to further appreciate their value. Key Features of FastCrafts Speed As its name suggests, fast crafts offer speed. It makes sea travel more efficient. They operate at higher speeds as compared to traditional ferries. Island travel is quicker because of them. Upgraded Amenities FastCrafts are an upgrade from the ordinary ferry. Passengers can access basic amenities to make sea travel more convenient. They are usually equipped with air-conditioned cabins, comfortable seats, clean restrooms, snack bars, entertainment systems, and WiFi. Enhanced Safety Sea travel safety is a key consideration in fastcrafts. They use advanced technology and modern navigation equipment for a safe journey. Shipping companies also invest in crew training to make them skilled and knowledgeable in maritime safety. Sustainability Environmental impact is now a major consideration for any undertaking. FastCrafts comply with sustainability regulations. These vessels help reduce environmental impact through fuel efficiency. Fare Classification Unlike traditional ferries, there are different types of fares for fastcraft passengers. Tickets are available for different types of passengers. It provides an option to travel in economy, luxury, or business class–each offering a different type of comfort and convenience for sea travelers. Wide Coverage FastCrafts ply various routes and connect major island destinations in the Philippines. You can book fastcrafts not only in Manila but other strategic locations. Established shipping companies like SuperCat have fastcrafts that ply through Batangas, Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, Ormoc, Calapan, and Tagbilaran to help connect travelers to the most sought-after destinations. CHECK OUT SUPERCAT’S SCHEDULE ALSO READ: CHELSEA LOGISTICS ENHANCES PASSENGER EXPERIENCE THROUGH SEAMLESS PAYMENT TRANSACTIONS In sea travel, it is important to choose the right vessel that can take you to the island destination of your choice safely and conveniently. FastCrafts have taken sea travel to another level with the promise of speed, safety, and efficiency. With its key features, you can expect a better sea travel experience. Want to book a fastcraft in the Philippines? Check out SuperCat Fast Ferry Corporation. Buy your ticket to Batangas, Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, Ormoc, Calapan, and Tagbilaran through our ticketing outlets and authorized agents. Fastcrafts in the Philippines are a game-changer. Find out what they are and the important amenities that add safety and convenience to sea travel.
Summer is here, and Cebu is calling! It’s time to embark on a journey through Cebu’s tourist attractions on one the most stunning islands in the Philippines. Known for its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant city life, offering an array of tourist spots and attractions to suit every traveler’s taste. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway, an adrenaline-pumping adventure, or a dive into history and culture, Cebu has it all. From the sublime raging waters of Kawasan Falls to getting up close and personal with gentle giants at the Oslob Whale Shark Watching, or immersing yourself in the vibrant floral paradise of Sirao Garden, these Cebu attractions are filled with wonders and rich stories waiting to be explored and discovered. Here are the 20 best Cebu tourist spots to check out for your next getaway. 20 Best Cebu Tourist Attractions 1. Heritage of Cebu Monument Located along Sikatuna Street, these concrete and metal sculptures are among the notable Cebu attractions that depict important events from Cebu’s colonial history. This monument was made by Filipino artist Eduardo Castrillo alongside architects Heradio Espanol and Ildefonso Santos, which started construction in 1997 then finished towards the end of the 2000s. This monument is not just an ordinary Cebu tourist spot. It is a testament to Cebu’s importance in Philippine history and the people who were involved. This is an open tourist attraction and is relatively close to the sea and airports, so this is a good first stop on your journey. 2. Mactan/Lapu-Lapu Shrine This is also known as the Liberty Shrine which is located within Lapu-Lapu City. This Cebu tourist spot features a bronze statue which represents the figure of Lapu-Lapu the native chief who defeated Ferdinand Magellan and drove back the Spaniards in the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521. It is a reminder of Filipino bravery and the protection of national freedom against invaders. This monument is also close to the Cebu Heritage Monument as well as the seaports and airports, this place is a nice place to take one of your initial pictures during your getaway. 3. Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House An old wooden house situated at Mabini Street, this was said to date back to the 1600s as one of the first Chinese houses in the city. Originally belonging to Don Juan Yap, a wealthy merchant and his wife, which had a mix of Chinese and Spanish architectural styles. You can take a look at the artifacts and antiques which show the multicultural history of the Philippines. 4. Temple of Leah Is an ancient Roman-styled monument built in 2012 which is located at Roosevelt Street Busay. The temple has also been dubbed the “Taj Mahal of Cebu” because it was built to honor Teodorico Soriano Adarna’s wife: Leah Albino-Adarna. Teodorico built the temple to store his wife’s antiques, books, Chinese jars and various other antiques as he had promised his wife who was ill of cancer at the time to find safe storage for them. Besides the gorgeous sculptures and architecture there is also a brand new nearby Italian restaurant, Ristorante Teodorico, that is open in the afternoons. 5. Sirao Flower Garden If you want to be transported into flowery paradise then the Sirao Flower Farm/Garden which is established on a hilltop within Barangay Sirao. Also termed as the “Little Amsterdam of Cebu” because of its organized rows of celosia flowers or cockscombs, or wool flowers which are a species prominent in the Netherlands. There are many aesthetically pleasing photos to be taken from structures such as the mini windmills or giant hand platform in this Cebu tourist spot. 6. Taoist Temple This amazing structure was built in 1972 and was funded by the Chinese-Filipino community in Cebu. Meant as a place of worship at the mountainside subdivision of Beverly Hills, Lahug – it has become one of the biggest Cebu tourist attractions. Here you can experience rich Chinese symbolism that is cleverly integrated into its architecture. Among them being the 81 steps to the temple which reflect the 81 chapters in the Taoist/Daoist scripture. 7. Museo Sugbo A museum which is also called the Cebu Provincial Museum located in the former Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) jail in Cuenco Avenue. The building was designed by Domingo de Escondrillas and started construction in 1871, which initially served as a prison housing various criminals and Katipuneros jailed without trial and eventually executed. Filipino guerillas were also imprisoned during the Japanese occupation in the 1940s. This monument serves as a reminder of the constant shifts and repurposing of historical events. 8. Casa Gorordo Museum A large mansion built in the 1850s along what is now called Eduardo Aboitiz Street, near the Parian area which is the oldest city in the Philippines. First owned by Alejandro Reynes y Rosales, was then bought by Isidro Gorordo, a merchant from Spain. Four generations of his descendants lived in the house including the first Filipino bishop of Cebu, Juan Gorordo. Browsing the curios inside deepens your understanding of Cebu’s cultural identity, making it one of the standout Cebu attractions. 9. Fort San Pedro Under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi, first governor of the Philippines, Fort San Pedro is a military defense structure which can be found near A. Pigafetta Street. This Cebu tourist spot served as the first Spanish settlement during the country’s colonization and was overrun by Philippine revolutionaries towards the end of the 19th century. You’ll come across great views near the pier and a look at Spanish architectural styles. 10. Magellan’s Cross Pavilion A stone kiosk which marks the spot where the first Christian Filipinos were baptized posted along P. Burgos Street near Cebu City Hall. Housed within the octagonal building is a tall wooden cross supposedly planted by Ferdinand Magellan and his fellow explorers. Take a look at a piece of the Philippines’ religious history on this Cebu tourist spot. 11. Sto. Nino Basilica This church is the oldest Roman Catholic church
Sea travel in the Philippines is no longer new. In fact, it is an essential form of transport for travel, trade, and tourism. It has evolved through time to meet different needs. Different types of ferries ply our coastlines and they exist to serve essential services between islands. Read through this article to learn more about the different types of ferries in the Philippines. 6 Types of Ferries in the Philippines 1. Ferry Boats Traditional ferry boats are still a regular sight in Philippine waters and are used for passenger and cargo transport. This type of ferry is reliable and comes in various sizes and capacities. They may be in the form of (1) bangka or small outrigger boats intended for short-distance travel, (2) large hulled ferries made of wood or steel that are designed to accommodate passengers and vehicles. 2. Roll-on/Roll-off Ferries Commonly referred to as Ro-Ro, this type of ferry offers versatility and is designed to accommodate not only passengers but also to facilitate the transport of goods, vehicles, and cargo, Ro-Ros have ramps to allow efficient loading and unloading. 3. FastCrafts A fast ferry in the Philippines answers the need for speed, safety, and convenience in sea travel. FastCrafts are high-speed ferries that allow rapid transport between islands. These vessels are equipped with powerful engines to allow faster travel time. They are equipped with advanced navigation technology to support sea travel safety. Unlike the traditional ferries in the Philippines, passengers may opt to travel in economy or business class through fastcrafts. 4. Passenger Ferries This is a type of ferry that is purely for passenger transport and not for cargo or vehicles. They are designed with the passenger in mind and are equipped with amenities essential for comfortable sea travel such as comfortable seating, restrooms, and other amenities. Passenger ferries come in different sizes and configurations. 5. Leisure Ferries Ferries are also used for leisure travel, particularly for island-hopping. This type of ferry is notably smaller and used as a vessel for the exploration of nearby islands and coastal areas. Island-hopping ferries are usually owned and operated by people who offer day tours or travel packages to popular tourist spots in the area. Other types of leisure ferries include those that are used as tourist charters or for the private transportation of guests in island resorts. 6. Double-Ended Ferries Unlike the other types of ferries in the Philippines, this is designed with two propulsion systems found at both ends. They are used to allow the ferry to operate in either direction without the need to maneuver or turn around. This is ideal for places with narrow or congested waterways and is commonly used to cross adjacent islands or ports. ALSO READ: CHELSEA LOGISTICS OFFERS A MORE USER-FRIENDLY AND COST-EFFICIENT ONLINE BOOKING APP, CHELSEA TRAVEL The Philippines as a country surrounded by waters is home to different types of ferries for sea travel. A ferry that suits specific requirements should be used to allow connectivity in coastal areas, transport passengers, vehicles, and cargo, and boost tourism in a certain destination. For more than 20 years, SuperCat Fast Ferry Corporation has maintained its status as one of the most reputable providers of fast, safe, and prime sea ferry service. If you need to travel by sea or ship goods and commodities, book with us. Get your ticket from one of our ticketing outlets near you.
Embark on a journey through time as you wander the cobbled streets of historical sites in Iloilo, where colonial architecture stands as a testament to the city’s enduring legacy. Whether tracing the footsteps of explorers or unraveling tales of local legends, Iloilo’s historical sites promise an unforgettable glimpse into the soul of this enchanting province. Home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Iloilo is a captivating destination brimming with tales of triumph and resilience, where echoes of the past mingle with the rhythms of modern life. Here are the 4 fascinating and picturesque historical landmarks in Iloilo you can visit: 4 Historical Sites in Iloilo You Should Visit 1. Plaza Libertad A place that used to be known as Plaza Alfonso XII is a historic plaza or town square. It is considered a site where the flag of the first Philippine Republic stood in victory against Spain after surrendering in Iloilo, led by the revolutionary soldiers of General Martin Delgado by the end of December 1898. This is one of the oldest historical sites in Iloilo which marks a turning point in the story of the Philippines. 2. Villa Arevalo Plaza This location is one of the seven districts of Iloilo, built by a Spanish governor-general in the style of his hometown in Avila, Spain. Many historical events took place in the district from foreign raids from two separate periods to the building of the first schools in the country and safeguarding venues for religious veneration. If you’re a hardcore history buff, then Villa de Arevalo is definitely the place for you. 3. Eusebio Villanueva Building A historical site in Iloilo which is a huge building located at J.M. Basa Street in Iloilo, is one of the country’s oldest business districts built in the 1920s. It is often dubbed the “Escolta of Iloilo” or Calle Real or Royal Street in English. It used to be a renowned International Hotel in 1927, over time it was dilapidated but was restored in 2012 to be unveiled as a heritage site. 4. Nelly Garden Mansion Otherwise known as The Lopez Heritage House, is a historical landmark in Iloilo, Barangay Jaro built in 1928. Commissioned by an Ilonggo statesman Don Vicente Lopez and his wife, Doña Elena Hofileña, in honor of their eldest daughter, Nelly Lopez y Hofileña. It is a mansion situated in 4-hectares of trimmed grassy fields. Because of its architectural grandeur and due to the province’s aristocratic history, it is considered the Queen of Heritage Houses in Iloilo. Walking through the Houses of History When you are walking through the historical landmarks in Iloilo, you can’t help but feel the weight of history lingering in the air. Each step through Plaza Libertad echoes tales of liberation from General Martin Delgado’s victory still resonate, marking a pivotal moment in the Philippines’ step toward independence. While Villa Arevalo Plaza stands as a testament to resilience, bearing witness to centuries of foreign raids and the birth of educational institutions. Who knows what other secrets time has kept away you will unlock, discovering the untold stories hidden within each site’s walls. Want an inexpensive and worry-free trip to Iloilo? Book a trip with SuperCat today! If you have any further inquiries, feel free to contact us.
SuperCat provides passengers with contactless payment options The three shipping lines of Chelsea Logistics, namely Starlite Ferries, Inc., The SuperCat Fast Ferry Corporation and Trans-Asia Shipping Lines Incorporated are now providing passengers with contactless payment options via GCash, ShopeePay and PayMaya. These partnerships are part of the ongoing digitalization efforts of Chelsea to modernize and provide safe and convenient booking experiences for its passengers. Trans-Asia General Manager Sheila Sy said, “The move to incorporate the use of digital payment systems started in March 2020 and back then we only had PayMaya. During the height of the pandemic, the need for cashless payments became a necessity to follow safety protocols.” Sy further added that the move was to help increase sales and provide payment flexibility. Sy reported that in July 2021, a partnership with GCash was inked, and recently, the Company debuted in Shopee. On the Shopee app, passengers are able to enjoy up to P50 discount when they avail of ShopeePay Piso Deals during PayDay Sale or Double Double Sale. Customers can also use their e-wallets for cashless transactions at main ticketing booths nationwide. In order to make the payment, passengers simply have to open their App of choice, scan the QR code displayed at the counter, enter the amount to pay, and confirm payment. The landscape has shifted since the pandemic started, causing consumers to abandon cash and resort to electronic payment. Cashless is now emerging as the preferred mode of payment for consumers under the new normal as internet banking and online shopping have become more widespread. “Chelsea Logistics aims to further expand its digital footprint and explore new systems that will give our customers seamless and hassle-free booking experiences. These contactless payments facilitate faster transactions and improve passenger experience while reducing the cost inefficiencies of cash for merchants,” said Starlite Ferries General Manager Shane Arante. The Group’s passenger fleet, composed of 22 RoPax vessels and 9 fastcrafts, has a total GRT of 357,433 tons and a carrying capacity of 15,188 passengers. The passage segment showed remarkable recovery in the first quarter of 2022 as revenues more than doubled year-on-year, up by 124% to P160 million. Chelsea Logistics President & CEO Chryss Damuy remarked: “Now that we are seeing recovery in the passage business due to relaxed travel restrictions and eagerness of Filipinos to travel again, we are ready and happy to welcome them aboard. Our commitment to provide digital solutions is not only aimed at making transactions faster and easier; but we also desire for Filipinos to gain the freedom of traveling and enjoy the adventures they missed due to the pandemic. We sincerely thank our partners for the smooth flow of on boarding and support in terms of instore and online promotional materials.”
AVAILABLE Now! Grab the limited edition of Chelsea Travel Anniversary Collection. Available on board and at selected ticketing outlets! 3-in-1 multi-function ballpen (stylus, cellphone stand, clip holder) notepad water-proof drawstring bag stylish tote bag drifit t-shirt with famous tourist destinations in the Philippines insulated leak-proof tumbler Stickers of iconic landmarks in the Philippines bucket hats and caps
Chelsea Travel App offers improved features: cheaper group booking, self-service booking management, and shorter reservation cut-off time 20 September 2023, Manila, Philippines –Chelsea Logistics enhanced its ‘Chelsea Travel’ App, the unified online booking system of its subsidiaries Starite Ferries, SuperCat, and Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, which provides an easy, simple, and stress-free booking experience to passengers. As simple as three steps: “SCAN, BOOK, PAY”, anyone can instantly book a sea travel and explore the Philippines’ breathtaking tourist destinations. Chelsea Travel’s major upgrades include Group Booking, self-service Booking Management, and a One Hour Late Cut-off to make booking reservations. With Group Booking, families and barkada traveling together can input passenger details and preferred accommodations all in one go, saving them time and effort. Booking for a group of three or more passengers is also cheaper due to the one-time payment of the admin fee. Passengers also have the option to pay via GGives, providing more manageable installment payments. With the “Manage Booking” option feature, there is no need to contact customer support, and passengers can access existing reservations and reprint their e-tickets which can be sent to their email for their reference. To provide more flexibility and convenience to passengers, Chelsea Logistics reduced the reservation cut-off time to 1 hour prior to departure from the previous 4 hours cut-off time. For passengers who want to make an impulsive trip, even during peak season, they can be confident that they will have a reserved seat on board. Aside from these major upgrades, the Chelsea Travel App also offers a consolidated ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ from Starlite Ferries, SuperCat, and Trans-Asia. A comprehensive breakdown of the fare and charges before passengers proceed to make the payment will also be available to maintain transparency and lessen confusion about actual charges associated with their transaction. Chelsea Logistics Information Technology Head Efren M. Bernardino, Jr. remarked: “The Chelsea Travel App, powered by Outsystem, is focused on innovations that aim to make booking more convenient, reliable, and satisfying not only for our passengers but also for our back-end users who are tasked to diligently review and validate an average of 300 transactions daily. We believe that these improvements will attract more families and barkada to try sea travel more often.” Chelsea Logistics President & CEO Chryss Alfonsus V. Damuy said: “We at the Chelsea Group will keep on enhancing our services to make our valued passengers happy and satisfied with their travel experience. We believe that sea travel is not only a mode of transportation, but also a way of discovering new places, cultures, and perspectives. That’s why we are constantly investing in our fleet, our crew, and our technology, to ensure that we can offer the most diverse, entertaining, and memorable journeys for our customers.”
ADVISORY. September 4, 2023 Effective September 4, 2023, all trips for the Batangas-Calapan-Batangas route are CANCELLED due to vessel maintenance. We shall keep you posted on the resumption of trips. For other queries or concerns, you may email us at supercat-customercare@supercat.ph or call us at 09271476281. #SuperCat #ZoomtotheIslands #ZoomwithSuperCat
Good day, Byaheroes! July 24, 2023 Advisory. We would like to inform you that all trips today for Cebu-Ormoc-Cebu route are CANCELLED due to Signal #1 raised over Leyte Area of Typhoon Egay. We shall keep you posted on the resumption of trips. For bookings, just visit our Corporate Ticket Offices located at the port. We also have our online booking, https://online.supercat.ph/search Or you can book via Chelsea Travel: https://bit.ly/ChelseaTravel For other querries, you may email us at supercat-customercare@supercat.ph. #SuperCat #ZoomtotheIslands #ZoomwithSuperCat
November 2022 – Chelsea Logistics launched ‘Layag’, a quarterly publication that will feature travel activities, history, food, and culture of the Philippines’ tourist spots and hidden gems. Specifically, ‘Layag’ will focus on travel destinations and local businesses that are accessible through sea travel. Published online and to be distributed on board Chelsea Logistics’ three shipping lines: Starlite Ferries, SuperCat, and Trans-Asia, ‘Layag’ also aims to keep passengers informed about the Group’s newest services, route developments, and vessel amenities. ‘Layag’ is an endeavor of the Chelsea Group to help promote the Philippines’ tourism industry after a two-year travel hiatus caused by the pandemic. For its first issue, ‘Layag’ focused on Cebu City, the Queen City of the South, highlighting its Sinulog Festival, the grandest annual celebration in Cebu City held every third Sunday of January to honor the Santo Niño (Child Jesus). Aside from sea travel hacks and travelers’ experiences, ‘Layag’ also offers free tickets to those who will participate in its regular contests. A special section, ‘Traveler’s POV’, is designated for Chelsea Group employees to encourage them to contribute their own articles, travel tips, and photos, driving internal engagement. Chelsea Logistics President & CEO Chryss Alfonsus V. Damuy said: “We launched ‘Layag’ on 11.11.22 at 11am, an auspicious date, as we are certain that the passage business will hit significant growth in the next few months which will hopefully continue in succeeding years. Our desire is to help rebuild the livelihood of those communities affected by the pandemic by featuring them in ‘Layag’. We will start with the areas where we operate in like Cebu, Batangas, Ormoc, Surigao, Cagayan De Oro, etc. We commit to promoting local businesses and attractions while boosting our routes to aid the Group’s recovery.” The Chelsea Group’s Passage revenues in the third quarter of 2022 grew more than 7x year-on-year and 4% quarter-on-quarter to P371 Million — the highest quarterly revenue achieved since the government-imposed lockdown in March 2020. Advertisers are also welcome to further improve the circulation of ‘Layag’ and contribute to the full recovery of tourism in the country. Currently, ‘Layag’ has a potential readership of more than four million passengers nationwide. Interested companies may reach the Chelsea Group’s Marketing Communications Department at stratcomm@chelsealogistics.ph. The second issue of Layag will feature the Industrial Port City of CALABARZON and one of the fastest urbanizing cities of the Philippines, Batangas City. Explore the first two issues of Layag: Layag Issues
