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5 Features You’ll Want on Your Very First Credit Card

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Photo from Canva

One of the milestones you may be looking forward to, especially as a young adult or first-time earner, is getting your first credit card. If used responsibly, your card can be a helpful means to spread out the cost of big-ticket purchases through its installment plans, and it can also make purchases more convenient for you since you won’t have to worry about always bringing cash wherever you are in the Philippines. 

Photo from Canva

With a card like the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya, you can even obtain superb rewards like a 5% cashback on purchases from Landers Superstore, 2% cashback on your bills at dining establishments, and 1% cashback on other qualified transactions. A card like this one should be your go-to when spending on groceries and other essentials. 

But before you start filling out that credit card application Philippines form, it’s important for you to do your research and shop around first to see which credit card possesses the best qualities and features for your needs. That being said, to get the most out of your very first credit card, here are some features that should be included on it:  

1) No Annual Fee

As the term suggests, an annual fee is a yearly payment you make for being able to use your credit card. Annual fees vary depending on the type of card you have. For instance, credit cards that offer more lucrative rewards and benefits often have a higher annual fee compared to a regular credit card. Even though it’s only a once-a-year payment, it’s still an additional cost that you’d have to make room for on top of your other expenses.

To worry less about a cost like this one, look for a credit card with a no annual fees for life (NAFFL) offer. Some credit card providers offer this right off the bat, while some may attach certain conditions that you need to fulfill first to get that NAFFL feature. An example condition would be having to spend a certain amount 60 days after activating your card.

2) A Generous Rewards Program


When it comes to credit cards, a top feature you should always look for is how extensive its rewards program is. Some cards will allow you to earn points through each purchase to eventually get rewards such as vouchers, while others can give you cashback for making purchases in particular spending categories such as dining or online shopping. There are also cards that let you convert your points to miles, which will allow you to enjoy free flights and other travel discounts. 

Make sure you choose a card with a rewards program that’s relevant to your spending habits and lifestyle. For example, if you’re the type who likes to spend on bulk deals for imported goods, Maya’s Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card would be a great fit for you. It’s also a breeze to review the rewards you’ve earned with the card, as you don’t have to wait for your billing statement at the end of the month just to count how many rewards you have and use them as soon as you’re able.

3) Card Security Safeguards


Security is a common concern among applicants getting their first credit cards. After all, while it may be convenient to use your credit card for online purchases and the like, you may also be worried about falling victim to cyber criminals who could steal your information and use your card to make fraudulent transactions. 

You’ll want a credit card that comes with security features that you can truly rely on. Some examples include the ability to issue one-time passwords (OTPs), to block the card immediately if you suspect that a fraudulent purchase was made, and to send SMS alerts that notify you if your card has been used in any type of transaction. 

The Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya takes this a step further with a dynamic CVV that changes every 24 hours or whenever the opening screen is accessed again after being closed. It’s also easy to control your spending limits and review different types of transactions and, most importantly, block the card if it’s suspected of fraud.

4) Low Interest Rates

Some cards offer low or even zero interest rates within a specific period, allowing you to make big purchases without having to pay for them upfront. If you’re interested in using your credit card primarily for big purchases such as appliances, bulk items, or flights, then look for cards that have installment plans with low or zero interest. 

Note that some credit cards offer this only for partner merchants, so check as well if the businesses you frequently purchase from are partnered with any credit card provider. These can be a big factor in your choice of card.

Do keep in mind that if you let your balance go unpaid for months, then you’d still be racking up those interest charges despite the low interest. Strive to stay on top of your credit card bills to ensure you won’t have to worry about paying more down the line.

5) No Difficulty Monitoring Transactions

A system for easily monitoring your transactions is another must-have feature for any credit card, as it allows you to review your transactions right away—either to better plan out your budget or simply to verify that no fraudulent purchases were made with your card. 

While you’ll always receive a monthly statement with a detailed list of your expenses during that billing period, having the option to monitor your transactions in real time through an app or online portal makes this process all the more convenient. Moreover, should there really be any unauthorized transactions in your history, then you can quickly act and notify your credit card provider rather than having to wait for your next billing statement to come.

Photo from Canva

With so many options available, it may be easy to experience choice fatigue when choosing a first credit card. However, if you’re clear on what features and benefits you’ll want to get out of it, it will be easier to narrow down your choices and end up with a card that you’ll genuinely enjoy using. 

Unpopular Opinion: PH Should Stop With The Love Team Film Agenda

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“To be honest, love teams are a phenomenon only created in the Philippines, only existing in the Philippines. And to box a woman like that is so dangerous actually for their mental health and also for their growth, not just as a professional but as an individual.” –Liza Soberano

It’s been nearly a year since the breakup of the popular Kathniel loveteam, three years since Jadine, and rumors suggest LizQuen quietly split two years ago. These breakups have sent shockwaves across the Philippines, with fans mourning like they’ve lost a close relative and pointing fingers in search of blame. From the perspective of the celebrities, what fans see is a devastating heartbreak, they see it as a newfound freedom.

TOXIC FANDOM

Fans have been head over heels by the onscreen chemistry of their favorite loveteams, believing in the perfect romantic partnerships they see in movies. Makes them forget that it’s all fictional and they’re just actors pretending to be boyfriend and girlfriend. Fans really couldn’t see it, could they? The whole point of acting is to be in character, meaning not being themselves, and that includes love; it’s what they do for a living. However, the public’s desire for these pairs to be a couple off-screen puts immense pressure on them, creating a toxic environment where personal choice becomes secondary to fan expectations.

While some love teams might have developed feelings for each other to pair up in reality, who knows what happens off-screen? Possibilities are they are truly in love with each other. What if they wanted to end the relationship a long time ago but didn’t go with it because they didn’t want to let the fans down? Or it turns out they never had any feelings for each other but only went into the relationship for the sake of the media. This obsession with maintaining these loveteam pairings is like a prison, keeping actors from experiencing real-life relationships on their own terms.

We are supposed to explore another relationship after the other so that we can find which one is truly who we are meant to be with, and we are taking away that experience from these actors. Celebrities are as ordinary as non-celebrities. They deserve the right to choose who they can and can’t date without any constraints of public opinion.

For those loveteams who have gone their separate ways, you’re free now, date whoever you want, we won’t judge. Love is not a career—it’s a choice your heart desires.

Thailand’s King Signed Bill To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage, First In Southeast Asia

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“Love is too beautiful to be hidden in the closet”

Photo from Pexels

Thailand has now officially legalized same-sex marriage starting this January 2025, making the first Southeast Asian country to pass this groundbreaking legislation

Known for its progressive stance on LGBT rights, Thailand has long been considered as one of the most gay-friendly countries in Asia, granting same-sex couples many of the same perfunctory rights as heterosexual couples. As friendly as they are, the country’s film industry grew wide popularity for making a variety of LGBT representations in their films, drawing kilig moments to Asian viewers. The country’s openness to queer narratives has been evident since the mid-90s.

Same-sex marriage has come to represent societal acceptance and inclusion of the queer community. In Thailand, the journey toward this milestone began with the Civil Partnership Bill, introduced in 2019. Despite multiple delays, including a major setback in February 2022, the bill was a critical first step in securing LGBT rights.

Now times have changed. The wait is over for Thailand’s queer community. King Maja Vajiralongkorn has signed a landmark marriage equality bill into law, and endorsed it last Tuesday, September 24th. The legislation is set to take full effect for 120 days, which is expected on January 23, 2025, allowing same-sex couples to register their marriages at last.

“Congratulations on everyone’s love,” Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra posted on X with a hashtag #LoveWins.

Photo by Creative Space Studio AHS | Coordination by Carlo Abaquita

So mga Sugboanons, after hearing this good news for Thailand, surely an important question has dawned on us Filipinos: should the Philippines follow Thailand’s steps? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Acting Cebu City Mayor Proposes Subsidy Increase For Sinulog Festival 2025

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Pit Senyor! Mag-andam tah sa sunod na Sinulog!

Photo by Apo Ni Juan Zosimo

It has been 2 years since the festival’s hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the issue surrounding the lack of participation by certain contingents in Cebu City’s Sinulog Festival 2024 grand parade is framed as a leadership issue. Despite efforts by the city’s leadership to convince the winners of the “Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan” to join the grand parade at the South Road Properties (SRP), they have refused. Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia clarified that this decision was made collectively by local government units (LGUs) under the province’s jurisdiction, not by her alone. She cited concerns about the SRP venue, particularly the exposure of performers to heat and other safety risks.

Photo by Apo Ni Juan Zosimo

Due to the lacking number of dancing contingents who participated at the 2024 Sinulog Festival, the Cebu City Government and the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) agreed to increase the financial subsidy in order to convince more contingents to participate in next year’s event. This decision was finalized on September 20, 2024, during a meeting led by Acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, alongside SFI president Pericles Dakay and the SFI Executive Committee.

Garcia proposed a subsidy boost, allocating P1.5 million for contingents from outside Cebu City and P1 million for local groups. The prize structure remains unchanged, with P3 million for the first prize, P2 million for second place, P1.5 million for third, P1 million for fourth, and P750,000 for fifth.

Photo by EJ Espolon

So far, 11 contingents have committed to joining the festival, but Garcia is optimistic about increasing the participation numbers. He said with support of Cebu Provincial Government, there will be 15 additional from the province.

Most Overrated and Underrated NBA Players

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The terms overrated and underrated are relative and mostly depend on context. They may not accurately reflect a player’s performance and ability but reflect their reputation in the court of public opinion compared to their value on paper. This disconnect may happen due to injury, a spike or drop in form, and other off-court factors in players’ lives. This article looks at two of the most overrated and underrated players in the NBA.

As we shed light on these players, remember that as a basketball and NBA fan, you can enjoy the games and still make money predicting events. GGBET gives you a wide range of basketball markets where you can place your bets with the most competitive odds in the industry to ensure you enjoy higher winnings. Join the millions of others who call GGBet home today and enjoy betting like never before.

Most Overrated Players in the NBA

These are players who, in the opinion of the fans, have received all the recognition but, for one reason or another, don’t quite match this with their performance on the court. Below are two who there is a general feeling are the most overrated in the NBA.

Rudy Gobert

Photo from NBA

31-year-old Gobert has had an illustrious career and has received numerous accolades over the years. However, a large number of NBA fans think that the performances of the Frenchman and Minnesota Timberwolves players on the court do not match the reputation they receive.

He has been named defensive player of the year thrice and may most likely be called again, but a sizable section of fans feel that he lacks something they can’t put a finger on, to stand among other greats. 

Jordan Poole

Photo from NBA

A point guard for the Washington Wizards, Jordan Poole, joins the list of fans who feel their reputation is not at par with their performances. Accused of being highly rated because of playing alongside superstars, Poole’s decorated career isn’t convincing fans of his perceived playing prowess. He is credited for playing a crucial role in his former team, the Golden State Warriors, title run in 2022, but many are of the opinion he has lacked consistency since then.

Most Underrated Players in The NBA

These are players fans feel, for one reason or another, have not gotten the reputation and appreciation they deserve based on their performance on the court. Below we look at two of them.

Jonathan Isaac

Photo from NBA

Fans believe that Jonathan Isaac is an underrated and often unrecognized player. This is mainly due to his short, injury-laden career that has kept him on the side most of the time. This has made his team, Orlando Magic, look elsewhere and try to come up with other players to build play around. He has missed two seasons, around 250 games in total, but whenever he has gotten the chance to play, he still shows he has that defensive talent. 

Derrick White

Photo from NBA

Fans have also picked Derrick White, the Bolton Celtics guard, as a player who doesn’t receive the accolades he deserves. A large number of fans feel that “The Buffalo,” as he is nicknamed, has often been overlooked when the best players in the game are mentioned. He made it to the All-Defensive Second Team last season, a feat many appreciate, but there is a collective feeling that a place in the All-Defensive First Team was befitting of his performance. He made a great contribution in helping the Celtics get to the 2022 finals, which, although losing, helped him announce the presence of a new sheriff in town.

Epektibong Estratehiya sa Pagbuo ng Tiwala para sa Pangmatagalang Tagumpay ng Negosyo

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Sa mundo ng negosyo, ang tiwala ay isa sa pinakamahalagang pundasyon ng tagumpay. Sa digital age, kung saan ang mga transaksyon at interaksyon ay madalas na nagaganap online, ang pagkakaroon ng tiwala mula sa mga kliyente at kasosyo ay nagiging mas kritikal. Halimbawa, ang GGBet Casino ay isa sa mga online platform na matagumpay na nakapagpundar ng tiwala sa kanilang mga kliyente sa pamamagitan ng transparency, mahusay na serbisyo, at maaasahang sistema ng pagbabayad.

Photo from Canva

Maging Transparent at Bukas sa Komunikasyon

Ang pagiging transparent ay isa sa pinakamabisang paraan upang makuha ang tiwala ng mga kliyente. Ang mga kumpanya tulad ng GGBet Casino ay nagbibigay ng malinaw na impormasyon tungkol sa kanilang mga serbisyo, patakaran, at kahit na mga kundisyon sa paglalaro.

Mahalagang ipaalam sa mga kliyente ang lahat ng detalyeng kailangan nila bago sila gumawa ng desisyon. Sa ganitong paraan, hindi sila makakaramdam ng pangamba o pagdududa sa bawat hakbang ng kanilang transaksyon.

Magbigay ng Mahusay na Serbisyo sa Customer

Ang pagkakaroon ng responsive at maasahang customer service ay isa pang mahalagang aspeto sa pagbuo ng tiwala. Sa GGBet Casino, ang mga customer ay maaaring mag-expect ng agarang tugon mula sa kanilang customer support team, na nagbibigay ng solusyon sa kanilang mga katanungan at problema.

Ang ganitong uri ng serbisyo ay nagpapakita ng dedikasyon ng kumpanya sa pagpapahalaga sa kanilang mga kliyente, na nagiging sanhi upang bumalik at magtiwala ang mga ito.

Patunayan ang Kakayahan sa Pamamagitan ng Mga Testimonial at Reviews

Walang makakatalo sa kapangyarihan ng mga positibong testimonials at reviews. Ang mga potensyal na kliyente ay madalas na nagbabasa ng mga review upang malaman kung paano nag-perform ang isang negosyo mula sa pananaw ng iba. Sa GGBet Casino, halimbawa, ang kanilang mga positibong feedback mula sa mga manlalaro ay nakakatulong upang makumbinsi ang mga bagong customer na subukan ang kanilang mga serbisyo. Mahalaga para sa anumang negosyo na hikayatin ang kanilang mga nasisiyahang kliyente na magbigay ng feedback o review upang makuha ang tiwala ng mas marami pang tao.

Magkaroon ng Consistent na Brand Image

Ang pagkakaroon ng consistent na brand image ay nagpapakita ng professionalism at reliability. Ang isang negosyo na palaging nagbabago ng kanilang imahe o naguguluhan sa kanilang branding ay maaaring magdulot ng pag-aalinlangan sa mga kliyente.

Ang GGBet Casino, halimbawa, ay nagtatag ng isang solid at reliable na imahe bilang isang ligtas at masayang platform para sa online gaming. Ang ganitong consistency ay nagtataguyod ng tiwala at kasiguraduhan sa mga kliyente.

Magpatupad ng Mga Patakaran na Nagpoprotekta sa mga Kliyente

Ang seguridad at proteksyon ng impormasyon ng mga client ay napakahalaga sa pagbibigay ng tiwala. Ang mga negosyo, tulad ng GGBet Casino, ay nag-iimplementa ng mga patakaran at teknolohiya upang matiyak na ang mga impormasyon ng kanilang mga kliyente ay ligtas mula sa mga cyber threats.

Sa pamamagitan ng pagsiguro na ang mga transaksyon at personal na impormasyon ay protektado, ang isang negosyo ay makakabuo ng tiwala at kumpiyansa mula sa kanilang mga kliyente.

Magtatag ng Matibay na Relasyon sa mga Kliyente

Ang pagkakaroon ng matibay na relasyon sa mga client ay nagtataguyod ng long-term na tiwala. Ang mga negosyong naglalaan ng oras upang makilala at intindihin ang kanilang mga kliyente ay nagkakaroon ng mas matibay na koneksyon sa kanila.

Sa pamamagitan ng personalized na serbisyo, tulad ng pag-alala sa mga paborito ng kliyente o pagbibigay ng espesyal na atensyon, ang tiwala ay mas lumalalim at nagiging long-term.

Photo from Canva

Ipakita ang Integridad sa Bawat Transaksyon

Ang integridad ay isa pang mahalagang aspeto ng tiwala. Ang bawat transaksyon na isinasagawa ng isang negosyo ay dapat na tapat at makatarungan.

Ang GGBet Casino ay kilala sa kanilang fair play policies, na nagbibigay-daan sa mga manlalaro na magkaroon ng patas na pagkakataon sa kanilang mga laro. Ang pagpapakita ng integridad sa lahat ng aspeto ng negosyo ay isang paraan upang makuha at mapanatili ang tiwala ng mga client.

Gumamit ng Marketing Strategies na Tumutok sa Pagbuo ng Tiwala

Ang mga marketing strategies na nakatuon sa pagbibigay ng halaga sa mga client ay mas epektibo sa pagbuo ng tiwala. Imbes na puro pagbebenta lamang ang pokus, dapat ay ipakita rin ng isang negosyo kung paano nila pinapahalagahan ang kanilang mga client.

Ang paggamit ng mga edukasyonal na content, halimbawa, ay isang paraan upang ipakita na ang negosyo ay nagmamalasakit sa mga pangangailangan ng kanilang mga client.

Ang Papel ng Tiwala sa Pangmatagalang Tagumpay ng Negosyo

Sa isang kompetitibong merkado, ang tiwala ay isang mahalagang puhunan para sa tagumpay ng negosyo. Ang mga estratehiyang tinalakay sa itaas, tulad ng transparency, mahusay na customer service, at integridad, ay mga patunay ng epektibong pamamaraan sa pagbuo ng tiwala.

Photo from Canva

Gaya ng ipinakita ng GGBet Casino, ang pagpapahalaga sa tiwala ng mga client ay nagdadala ng hindi lamang tagumpay sa negosyo, kundi pati na rin ng long-term na relasyon sa mga client. Sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatupad ng mga estratehiyang ito, ang anumang negosyo ay maaaring makapagtayo ng matibay na pundasyon ng tiwala at tagumpay.

Needleless Innovation: Ultra Beauty Institute’s EMFACE Is Now In Cebu!

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Sugboanons, a new beauty machine is in town at Ultra Beauty Institute!

Ultra Beauty Institute is thrilled to announce the arrival of their latest beauty innovation—the EMFACE! Conveniently located across from the University of San Carlos – South Campus, this top-tier beauty clinic is dedicated to bringing you the best in aesthetic treatments.

THE ICONIC WOMAN BEHIND ULTRA

At the helm of the clinic is the remarkable Dr. Mia Borja-Chiong, a true pioneer in the field of aesthetics. With a background as a laparoscopic surgeon and OB-GYN, she has transitioned her medical expertise with her artistic vision for the beauty needs of Cebuanos.

Dr. Mia’s mission goes beyond enhancing outer beauty; she is passionate about embracing inner confidence and self-esteem. Her commitment to excellence, integrity, and transparency in aesthetic care is reflected in the radiant transformations of her clients.

As Dr. Mia established the Ultra Beauty Institute (UBI) from the ground up, she was able to maintain a pro-client reputation for everyone. In line with her vision, UBI believes that beauty is part of well-being, and their goal is to provide authentic, affordable beauty care. All their services maintain a high standard of excellence, and as a result, they are all in high demand. Some of their top services include Hydrafacials, tattoo removals, rhinoplasty, liposuction, blepharoplasty, and hair transplants.

So, as part of the newest addition to the clinic, Dr. Mia brought in the latest and most innovative non-invasive beauty technology, the EMFACE.

EMFACE AT ULTRA BEAUTY INSTITUTE

If you’re looking for a way to reduce wrinkles and enhance muscle volume with up to 70% effectiveness, then the EMFACE is the answer to that, Sugboanons! It is an advanced treatment for individuals aged 20 and above with a non-invasive, surgery-free, nature as it is needleless.

This new technology is from BTL that combines Synchronized RF technology with HIFES™ (High-Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation) to deliver exceptional facial rejuvenation. With the Synchronized RF, the machine stimulates collagen and elastin production in the dermis, while HIFES™ targets facial muscles to lift, tone, and smooth the skin. It is 100% needle-free and painless with zero downtime, making it the best choice for on-the-go individuals.

RESULTS

WHY CHOOSE ULTRA BEAUTY INSTITUTE

They care! When we arrived at the clinic, we were greeted by their lovely and highly trained professional staff who welcomed us warmly. Not to mention, the clinic does not look like a clinic at all; in fact, it made us feel like we’re at home or at a resort spa where a relaxing ambiance surrounded us. Every part of their clinic has a touch of artistic class and well-thought out design preferences, thanks to Dr. Mia and her creative eye.

As an institution, UBI strives to be a global leader in aesthetics, recognized for their commitment to excellence and integrity. They don’t just perform procedures; they provide comprehensive assessments and expert recommendations tailored to each individual’s needs. In addition, they also value the privacy of their clients! So, if you’re someone who wants to keep your enhancements a secret, then Ultra Beauty Institute got your back! And the best part is that you don’t need to worry about setting an appointment as UBI accepts walk-ins, too!

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

Reach out to their Facebook page directly for detailed information on the latest offers.

OTHER INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: 296 V. Rama Ave., Calamba, Cebu City

  • By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin “Ultra Beauty Institute” as your destination. The clinic is directly across USC-South Campus and by the skywalk. You can spot their billboard ads at the front of the establishment’s building.

Cebu City Kaka Ordinance: Php 2K Penalty Plus 3 Months Jail Time

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Kung hilig ka’g “kaka” o “damang,” undange na na!

Photo from Canva

The Queen City of the South has an ordinance banning selling and buying of native spiders, as well as participating in “spider fighting.”

Cebu City Ordinance No. 2285 states, “An ordinance prohibiting and penalizing the catching, buying, and/or selling of native spiders and spider fighting in Cebu City.” It also indicates the prohibited acts, such as

Section 4

  • a. Pag organisar o pagmugna para sa pagpasabong sa “KAKA o DAMANG”
  • b. Pagkuha ug “KAKA o DAMANG” para ibaligya
  • c. Pagpamalit ug “KAKA o DAMANG”
  • d. Pagpamaligya ug “KAKA o DAMANG”

PENALTIES

Photo from Canva

In detail, the ordinance has accompanying penalties for the violators:

  • First Offense – Php 500.00
  • Second Offense – Php 1,000.00
  • Third Offense – Php 2,000.00 plus 3 months imprisonment, depending on the court’s decision.

And if you can’t pay the fine, then you’d have to render 8 hours of community service at the Barangay where you were caught. In addition, violators below 18 years old will be required to undergo counseling with their parents at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

HOW A CHILD’S GAME BECAME AN ILLEGAL ACT

Photo from Canva

Spider fighting just used to be a child’s game where young boys will have their caught spiders compete to be crowned as the strongest among the rest. However, everything took a turn when adults with corrupted minds started doing it as a way to gamble and raise bets. This is when the laws of our country, the Philippines, amended Republic Act 9287 to include spider fighting in our anti-illegal gambling law.

What started as a seemingly just-for-fun game has not become a reason for some individuals to face jail time for a minimum of 3 months.

What Is Trauma Dumping & Why You Shouldn’t Do It With Your Friends

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Nagmeet-up, nangaon, nag-trauma dumping… but, what is “trauma dumping?”

Photo from Canva

The term “trauma dumping” may be relatively new, but the concept has existed alongside psychology itself. It describes the act of sharing one’s trauma and struggles with someone else without their consent or acceptance to talk about it. Essentially, it involves offloading personal issues onto another person, leaving them no choice in the matter. 

Is Trauma Dumping a Red Flag?

Short answer? YES! Trauma dumping is a gigantic red flag, even among friends. Everyone faces their own challenges, and while some may handle your emotional load, it’s unfair to impose your struggles on others without considering their circumstances. Venting differs from trauma dumping; the latter disregards the emotional capacity of the listener.

Photo from Canva

Some of the effects of trauma dumping in relationships include:

  • Emotional Exhaustion – The friend you confide in might eventually feel drained by the weight of your emotional struggles. Ironically, you might also feel exhausted by the constant need for validation, creating a cycle of emotional fatigue for both parties.
  • Desensitization – Just as customer service reps can become numb to harsh words over time, friends who repeatedly hear trauma stories may lose their empathy and understanding. What once felt significant may start to feel routine and less impactful.
  • Fear of Sharing – Your friend might hesitate to share their own feelings for fear of adding to your emotional load. This can lead to feelings of isolation and create a one-sided dynamic in the relationship.

How to Build and Support Relationships Without Trauma Dumping

Photo from Canva

Finding a balance between being vulnerable and respecting boundaries is essential. So, before getting into heavy topics, ask your friend genuinely if it is the right time to talk about it and if your person is in the right space to listen. Then, when it’s a go, opt to practice active listening and offer a time to share mutually for you to both express your feelings without overwhelming each other.

Above all, when everything in your life just seems to tumble and spiral, seek professional help! Even therapists themselves have their own therapists or counselors to provide support without putting strains on their personal relationships.

Photo from Canva

So, Sugboanons, quit the habit of trauma dumping; it is selfish, inconsiderate, and can do more harm than good in your relationships.

Langub Shrine sa Atong Birhen sa Guadalupe Diri Sa Cebu

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“Let your heart be disturbed… Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything. Am I not here, your Mother?” –Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego

Photo by Franchesca Marie Quijada Gamboa

We all know Our Lady of Guadalupe as the Roman Catholic image of the Virgin Mary, who is said to have appeared to Saint Juan Diego on the hill of Tepeyac in 16th-century Mexico. Known as La Virgen Morena or “The Brown Virgin” in Mexico, she is one of the most beloved and protective figures of the Blessed Virgin. The Virgin of Guadalupe is deeply rooted in Mexican culture and identity. Her shrine, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, is the second most visited Catholic shrine site in the world, following San Pedro’s Basilica in Vatican City.

“I would love to build a temple here… to be a witness of my love and mercy, giving relief and protection. Because I am a compassionate Mother to all who love me and those who trust me and ask for my help. I will listen to their cries and pleas when I give them protection and rest.”

The Virgin of Guadalupe said to Juan Diego

Every December 12, a feast for the Mother of Guadalupe is celebrated, commemorating her appearances at Juan Diego from December 9-12, 1531.

LANGUB SHRINE IN CEBU CITY

Photo by Franchesca Marie Quijada Gamboa

If you would like to visit one of the shrines of Birhen sa Guadalupe here in Cebu, here’s one Langub Shrine, or Cave Shrine that you would like to see. This serene and peaceful church offers worshippers a quiet space to pray to the Virgin Mary without distractions. In fact, the limited internet connection in the area serves as a blessing, allowing visitors to focus entirely on their religious devotion without the interruption of technological peril.

This shrine became popular for its water drippings that come out from the cave, which many worshippers believe can heal any sickness. Faith in Our Lady is said to bring miracles into people’s lives, and countless visitors come here to pray, give thanks, and seek blessings for themselves and their families. Trust in the Virgin Mary, and her grace will guide and protect you in life.

ORIGINS

Photo by Franchesca Marie Quijada Gamboa

Legend has it that a chicken trapper named Ricardo Ramirez stumbled upon the shrine while living in the lush forests of what was then Barrio Banawan (now Barangay Guadalupe). While setting his traps, he noticed a mysterious flash of light emanating from a place known as the “langub nga duha’y baba,” or the “cave with two mouths.” Intrigued, Ricardo ventured inside and discovered that the source of the light was a statue of Our Lady, elegantly perched atop a naturally formed rock, beside a steady drip of water cascading into a basin-shaped stone below.

Excited by his discovery, Ricardo shared his find with the teniente del barrio and later with the leader of the local prayer group. They quickly sought out the parish priest to show him the statue. Upon seeing it, the priest recognized it as an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He requested to keep the statue at the parish and subsequently gave his blessing for the construction of a small chapel in her honor.

Photo by Franchesca Marie Quijada Gamboa
Photo by Franchesca Marie Quijada Gamboa

SCHEDULES & HOW TO GET THERE?

OPEN HOURS

  • Monday – Saturday: 8 AM – 5 PM
  • Sunday: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM

MASS SCHEDULE

  • Wednesday (inside Langub) – 12:15 PM
  • Sunday – 9:45 AM & 4:00 PM

*Follow their Facebook Page to stay tuned for more mass schedule announcements https://www.facebook.com/ourladyofguadalupecebu

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, Guadalupe, Cebu City, Cebu

  • By Car: Navigate via Waza or Google Maps and pin the exact location above as your destination.