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‘New Promise’: FeastCon Visayas 2023 Officially Launches

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Cebu, Philippines – The Feast Conference (FeastCon) Visayas 2023 officially launched last Sunday, September 3, 2023, at the Feast Cebu in the Cinema 5 of Ayala Center Cebu. Tickets are now on sale for 30% off for this highly anticipated event, which will take place on December 2, 2023, at the IEC Convention Center (IC3) in Mabolo, Cebu City.

This year’s theme, “New Promise”, is inspired by a divine proclamation from Revelations 3:8,

“Behold, I have left an open door before you, which no one can close.”

Now in its 15th year, The Feast Conference Visayas will bring together 4,500 individuals from all walks of life to celebrate faith, family, and fellowship.

The Visayas leg of the largest Catholic inspirational conference in the country will feature a distinguished line-up of speakers, including renowned preacher, author, and entrepreneur Bro. Bo Sanchez, Bro. Alvin Barcelona and Bro. Stephen Nellas, among others.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.feastconference.com/visayas or in person every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Ayala Center Cebu Cinema 5.

In line with its mission to uplift and support, the Light of Jesus (LOJ) Family in the Visayas, a Catholic charismatic community and organizer of The Feast Conference, has chosen the Jeremiah Foundation as its beneficiary, whose mission is to provide care for young girls who have been victims of sexual abuse. The foundation also provides psycho-spiritual counseling and takes care of their daily needs, helping them heal and rebuild their lives.

Businesses and organizations are also invited to participate in the Feast Conference in various ways, such as through sponsorships, setting up exhibition stalls, or making donations. Sponsorships and exhibitions offer companies a chance to align their brand with the conference, gaining exposure and creating meaningful connections in the process.

For those specifically in the food industry, there’s an additional opportunity to serve as a concessionaire. This unique role allows businesses to provide food and beverages to attendees, offering an excellent platform to showcase their culinary skills and products while contributing to the overall experience of the Feast Conference.

For tickets, sponsorships, and other conference-related inquiries, interested parties may reach out to [email protected] or its official Facebook page @FeastConferenceVisayas.

Aloria Beach Resort in Cebu: An Affordable Luxury

Along the picturesque shores of the island of Cebu, the Aloria Beach Resort offers a memorable and affordable stay for you! With its beautiful surroundings, access to a balcony, free private parking, and complimentary WiFi, Aloria Beach Resort is a true gem that promises an unforgettable experience. Let’s dive into why Aloria Beach Resort is  the perfect choice for your next getaway.

Photo from Aloria Beach Resort Facebook Page

A Stunning and Affordable Oasis

Aloria Beach Resort stands out as an epitome of elegance and affordability. It welcomes guests with open arms, offering an array of accommodations that cater to various budgets, ensuring that visitors can experience the beauty of Cebu without breaking the bank. It is only 10 minutes away from the Consuelo Port and 10 minutes to Santiago Beach.

Talking about accessibility, it is noteworthy that Aloria Beach Resort offers a private beach with a budget-friendly rate for accommodations.

Photo from Aloria Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Aloria Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Aloria Beach Resort Facebook Page

Traveling to a remote destination can be a hassle when it comes to transportation and connectivity. However, Aloria Beach Resort eases these concerns by providing free private parking for its guests– you can conveniently park your vehicle and rest easily, knowing it’s secure and readily accessible. Additionally, the complimentary WiFi ensures that you stay connected with loved ones and share your remarkable moments with the world. Rooms are also air conditioned, guaranteeing a wonderful stay!

Delectable Asian Breakfast

A great start to the day begins with a satisfying breakfast. Aloria Beach Resort offers guests a free delectable Asian breakfast that comes with your stay to energize you for your adventures. The flavors and aromas of Asian cuisine will tantalize your taste buds, setting the stage for a memorable day exploring the stunning Cebu coastline.

Photo from Aloria Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Aloria Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Aloria Beach Resort Facebook Page

Promo for October Midweek

Available every Monday to Thursday until the end of October, Aloria Beach Resort offers a promo that gives you more reasons to totally take that break with your friends. The rates are as found below in the Rates and Information section.

Aloria Beach Resort in Cebu is a testament to the fact that luxury and affordability can indeed coexist. With its access to a private balcony, free private parking, complimentary WiFi, comfortable accommodations, delectable Asian breakfast, and direct access to the beach, it offers an incredible and unforgettable experience. So, if you’re seeking a beautiful and budget-friendly getaway to Cebu, consider Aloria Beach Resort as your ideal destination.

Photo from Aloria Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Aloria Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Aloria Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Aloria Beach Resort Facebook Page

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

ROOM RATES: 

  • Package for a Minimum of 4 pax: ₱950/person
    • Inclusions:
      • Pick up and drop off to Consuelo Port
      • One-night accommodation with breakfast
      • One-day tour around San Francisco, Camotes

Promo for October Midweek: Room Rates for Fan Rooms:

  • ₱900: for 1-2pax
  • ₱1200: for 3-4pax 

Note: Additional ₱300 for extra pax

Inclusions:

  • Free breakfast
  • Free wifi
  • Private white sand beach

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Palanas, Heminsulan 6050 San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu, Philippines

BY BUS: You can ride a bus from the North Bus Terminal going to Danao Port. From there, there’s a Ro-Ro vessel going to Consuelo Port in Camotes Island. Travel time by boat is approximately two hours.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Aloria Beach Resort Cebu” in Camotes Island

Malacañang Releases Philippine Holidays for 2024

The official list of Philippine Holidays for 2024 has been released by Malacañang on October 13. 

The list of regular and special non-working holidays is included in Proclamation 3268 and signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. You can look at the list below.

Photo from Unsplash

Regular Holidays

  • New Year’s Day: January 1 (Monday)
  • Maundy Thursday: March 28 (Thursday)
  • Good Friday: March 29 (Friday)
  • Araw ng Kagitingan: April 9 (Tuesday)
  • Labor Day: May 1 (Wednesday)
  • Independence Day: June 12 (Wednesday)
  • National Heroes Day: August 26 (Monday)
  • Bonifacio Day: November 30 (Saturday
  • Christmas Day: December 25 (Wednesday)
  • Rizal Day: December 30 (Monday)

Special (Non-working) Days

  •  Ninoy Aquino Day: August 21 (Wednesday)
  • All Saints’ Day: November 1 (Friday)
  • Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary: December 8 (Sunday)
  • Last Day of the year: December 31 (Tuesday)

Additional Special Non-working) Days

  • Chinese New Year: February 10 (Saturday) 
  • Black Saturday: March 30 (Saturday) 
  • All Souls’ Day: November 2 (Saturday)
  • Christmas Eve: December 24 (Tuesday)

Note: Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha will be issued according to the days determined by the Islamic Calendar.

Photo from Unsplash

“Where’s the EDSA Anniversary?

Upon the list’s release, it can be noticed that the People Power Revolution, or EDSA revolution, is missing. As of writing, there are still no official comments regarding this. There is no clear answer if it was removed because it falls on a Sunday or because of a different reason. 

OpenAI’s ChatGPT Unleashes Real-Time Web Access

Even with ChatGPT’s handiness in its current state, some exciting developments are in the works for users, as OpenAI’s cutting-edge AI is set to enter a new era by accessing real-time web information, complete with source links. This breakthrough represents a profound departure from ChatGPT’s previous constraints that limited its information access to data that are only up until September 2021.

Photo from Unsplash

Previously, real-time web browsing was a privilege that only those who availed the premium version of the application can do. However, even among ChatGPT Plus users, the ability to tap into the internet still required the installation of third-party browser plugins. This still entails a degree of hassle for the user.

Browse with Bing

The engine driving this feature will exclusively be Bing, which is Microsoft’s major search engine and a crucial supporter of OpenAI. This strategic collaboration showcases the commitment of major players in the industry to enhance AI capabilities and expand their utility. Hence, the introduction of the “Browse with Bing” feature streamlines and simplifies this process, making real-time information more accessible and easier to do so.

Photo from Unsplash

OpenAI made its announcement regarding the matter through a tweet, emphasizing the new capability of ChatGPT to navigate the web for current and credible information. This means that the AI is no longer confined to information up to September 2021, breaking the barrier of temporal limitations.

ChatGPT’s Previous Limitations

The impending introduction of the “Browse with Bing” feature marks a significant change in the landscape. Previously, ChatGPT users seeking  information were met with responses that pointed out the limitations of the AI’s knowledge which is cutoff at September 2021, unable to provide insights on developments thereafter.

Photo from Unsplash

Initially accessible to ChatGPT Plus users, this real-time web browsing capability will soon be extended to all users. This development gives a more dynamic and informative future for ChatGPT users, bridging the gap between AI’s extensive knowledge and the ever-evolving world of information.

Ikea ‘CEO’ Bryanboy Reveals More IKEA PH Locations are Coming Our Way.

It’s a sign of adulting when you are more excited to go furniture shopping than having a night out. Nothing beats the feeling of buying furniture with your hard-earned money. But of course, investing in high-quality household items is also a must. Lucky for us, IKEA PH is here. 

Photo from bryanboy on Instagram

Speaking of IKEA— in a hilarious 1-minute video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Bryan Grey Yambao, aka Bryanboy announced that new IKEA locations are coming our way. The self-proclaimed CEO of Ikea Philippines poked fun in his video as he pertains to IKEA as his “small business.”

“Actually konti lang nakakaalam, malaking sikreto to kasi hindi naman ako masyadong ayabang so hindi ko siya masyadong pinagmamalaki. pero totoo anf balitang naririnig niyo, yes it’s true, it’s me bryanboy… ceo of iKEA PHILIPPINES,” Bryanboy said in his video post on X (formerly Twitter). 

In the video, Bryan said how proud he is to ‘have’ the biggest IKEA store in the world. He also expressed how thankful he is for the employees of IKEA Philippines.

But is Bryanboy really the CEO of IKEA Philippines? No. Ikea already clarified that the real CEO of Ikea is Christian Roejkjaer.

However, not many netizens know about that, and his videos were flooded with comments wishing that the next location would be in their respective provinces. Moreover, some even joked that they do not know what to believe anymore about Bryanboy being IKEA PH’s CEO.

You can watch the video below: 

Euphoria Mactan Resto Bar: Home of Cebu’s Fluffiest Pancakes

Have you seen those jiggly and fluffy pancakes on social media? They look so good to eat, and we’re out here wishing we could immediately grab a bite. This resto-bar in Mactan says, “Your wish is our command!”

Euphoria Mactan Resto Bar is the hottest place to be if you are craving soft, moist, and jiggly Japanese pancakes. They also have dishes crafted to tick your tastebuds. Let’s see what Euphoria Mactan Resto Bar has to offer. 

Happy Fluffy Pancakes

Euphoria Mactan Resto Bar’s Happy Fluffy Pancakes are melt-in-your-mouth goodness that are currently only at the resto. Customers can enjoy the pancakes in two ways: 

  1. Freshly Baked Fluffy Pancake
    • These pancakes are better consumed when dining at the resto-bar.
  2. Cold Pancake
    • These pancakes are best for take-out. Cold pancakes are sweeter and have a deeper flavor. 

The Happy Fluffy Pancakes also come in a variety of flavors, such as: 

  • Chocolate Banana
  • Strawberry Cream cheese
  • Fluffy Plain Pancake
  • Banana Caramel 
  • Tiramisu Cream 
  • Mango Calamansi
  • Creme Brulee 

Savory Burger Steak

Another must-try on the menu is the burger steak. Euphoria Mactan Resto Bar offers an array of burger steak choices. You can choose from the following:

  • Italian Cheese Burgersteak
  • Japanese Ponzu Sauce
  • Original Onion Sauce

Lunch Time Promo

Looking for the best time to eat at Euphoria Mactan Resto Bar? Well, head over to the resto bar at 11 AM to avail of their Lunch Time Promo. From 11 AM to 3 PM, customers can enjoy a free additional serving of rice and salad. That’s not all; there won’t be any service charge either.

And if you have reached this far, Euphoria Mactan Resto Bar has a treat for you. Take a screenshot of this article, and show it to the staff when you dine at Euphoria Mactan Resto Bar to avail a special promo.

Customers who present the screenshot will get 10% off. You better head on to Euphoria Mactan Resto Bar quickly since the promo period lasts until November 30, 2023

VIP Room at Euphoria Mactan Resto Bar

If you are looking for the perfect place to host an occasion like birthdays and company events, Euphoria Mactan Resto Bar has the ultimate space for you. Guests can book a VIP room complete with karaoke, sofa seating, and regular table seating.

Top-tier Japanese Services and Dishes

With Japanese management, Euphoria Mactan Resto Bar commits to giving customers a high level of quality of service and hospitality. Moreover, the entire staff crafted and perfected the food they served through hundreds of tasting sessions. In addition, their food and drinks are prepared by professional chefs and bartenders with over 20 years of experience.

Take a Sip of High-quality and Authentic Wine at Euphoria Mactan Resto Bar

Complete your Euphoria experience with a sip of Authentic wine choices that are specially selected by the owner, a qualified wine profession in Japan. There are various types of wine available such as 10 different sparkling wines, red wines, and white wines. 

But that’s not all, they also serve wines that are only available in exclusive restaurants and hotels. Customers can indulge themselves in well-rounded flavors of each wine from a starting price of P980 per bottle.

The Delectable Bliss at Euphoria Mactan Resto Bar

As its name suggests, Euphoria Mactan Resto Bar makes it a goal to provide customers and diners with happiness. 

“It is also our desire to be a place where everyone can be happy regardless of sexual orientation, age, or gender”

– The owner of Euphoria Mactan Resto Bar. 

Grub on incredibly soft pancakes and mouth-watering burger steaks only at Euphoria Mactan Resto Bar, and elevate your dining experience. 

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Best-sellers:

  • Happy Fluffy Pancakes
  • Burgersteaks 

Menu:

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Buyong road, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines.

BY BUS: From Parkmall, ride MI-04B going to Maribago. Ask the driver to drop you off at Buyong Road. From there, you can ride a tricycle to Euphoria Mactan Resto Bar. It is located near Bluewater Maribago.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Euphoria Mactan Resto Bart” in Cebu. 

Canyoneering in Malabuyoc and Ginatilan Suspended Due to Safety Concerns

Heads up, thrill seekers! Canyoneering activities in Malabuyoc and Ginatilan are suspended for an unspecified period of time.

Photo from Mitsu Honda

The Executive Order (EO) 23, series of 2023, was issued by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on October 10, 2023. In the EO, the suspension of canyoneering activities in the above mentioned towns are ordered.

But what is the reason for the suspension? 

There have been reports that some canyoneering activities are being led by people who did not do proper training and accreditation as tour guides in the said towns. Because of this, safety concerns were raised.

Photo from Earl FCG
Photo from Earl FCG

According to her EO, recent reports have highlighted instances of risky canyoneering activities conducted by untrained and unaccredited tour guides in Ginatilan and Malabuyoc. These incidents have raised alarm and underscored the necessity for immediate action.

It was also stated in the EO that injuries and accidents due to gross neglect will put a strain on the tourism of Cebu. 

Seamless Travel: PAL’s Cebu Hub Reintroduces Domestic Flight Options

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Philippine Airlines is bolstering its Cebu hub just in time for the upcoming high-demand travel season by reintroducing domestic flights from Cebu to Luzon and Mindanao. This expansion now offers passengers a broader and more convenient network of choices, with a total of 210 weekly roundtrip domestic flights originating from Mactan-Cebu International Airport!

Photo from Unsplash

PAL’s Route Expansion

Starting from December 15, 2023, PAL will commence daily flights connecting Cebu and General Santos City, as well as daily flights linking Cebu and Legazpi’s Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay.

PAL President and COO, Captain Stanley K. Ng, expressed optimism about these domestic flight resumptions, as they will not only facilitate travel from Cebu to various domestic destinations but also seamless connections to international destinations like Bangkok, Tokyo Narita, and Seoul Incheon.

Bantayan Island, Cebu | Photo from Unsplash

Improved Customer Satisfaction

These flights will employ the De Havilland DHC-8-400 Series, which offers 86 seats, including six Comfort Class seats. The schedules for these routes have been strategically planned to cater to passenger convenience.

Traveling is definitely back on the map, and on a surge after the lift of the constraints brought upon by the pandemic. With the competitive nature of the airline industry, it is definitely a step forward for PAL for making these adjustments.

Antarctic Ozone Hole Larger than Brazil Found in the Antarctic

According to scientists, the annual ozone hole that forms over Antarctica has expanded to a size close to a record, as of September 16, 2023. Satellite imaging data revealed that the ozone depletion area had grown to 26 million square kilometers, roughly three times the size of Brazil.

Photo from Copernicus Sentinel/ESA

This ozone depletion phenomenon is a recurring event over Antarctica caused by the presence of substances in the stratosphere and the unique environmental conditions in the region. The size of the ozone hole fluctuates from August to October, usually reaching its maximum extent between mid-September and mid-October. This year, the ozone hole started early and rapidly expanded in mid-August, making it one of the largest on record.

In January 2022, the eruption of the Tongan underwater volcano led to the injection of a significant amount of water vapor into the atmosphere. This water vapor, which has reached the south polar region after the 2022 ozone hole, may have contributed to an increased formation of polar stratospheric clouds. These clouds could facilitate the reaction of chlorofluorocarbons, accelerating ozone depletion.

While ozone depletion is not a primary driver of global climate change, there is evidence suggesting that rising global temperatures, coupled with factors like wildfires injecting smoke into the stratosphere, could impact ozone holes and the Earth’s climate system. Ozone holes may influence the progression of seasons and have complex effects on the planet’s climate.

Filipina Beauty Queen Makes History as Mrs. Universe Winner

Meranie Gadiana Rahman, a Filipina beauty queen hailing from Hawaii, emerged as the winner of the 46th Mrs. Universe pageant held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. India claimed the first runner-up position, followed by the Philippines, Black Sea, and Moscow.

Photo from meraniegadianaofficial on Instagram

Meranie shared her emotional journey, emphasizing her pride and honor in securing the Mrs. Universe title. She had been competing in pageants for the last five years, facing both victories and defeats. Regardless of the outcomes, she saw every loss as a stepping stone to her dream of winning one of the most prestigious titles in the pageant world. Her victory made history as the first Filipina to achieve this feat in the 46-year history of Mrs. Universe.

In 2021, Rahman had also participated in the Mrs. World competition.

The Advocacy of Meranie Gadiana Rahman

Meranie is determined to use her title to advocate against domestic violence and will pursue various projects to raise awareness about important issues such as school and internet bullying and postpartum depression. 

Issues such as domestic violence and postpartum depression are very important especially within the audience and reach of a platform such as Mrs. Universe. Within that age group of women, it is very likely that those are things that they have encountered, or perhaps their peers. Feminism is centered on promoting women’s empowerment and agency in their lives, which is why this is a significant statement for the winner of Mrs. Universe to make. Domestic violence can rob individuals of their agency and hinder their ability to make choices, hence addressing and preventing domestic violence is integral to fostering women’s autonomy and control over their own lives.

On the other hand, postpartum depression is a mental health issue that disproportionately affects women during and after pregnancy. The importance of addressing mental health concerns boils down to women to ensure their overall well-being and quality of life.

Both domestic violence and postpartum depression are often stigmatized, which can isolate women who experience these issues. Meranie advocating for these issues is a step forward to breaking these stigmas, creating an environment in which women can seek help and support without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Photo from meraniegadianaofficial on Instagram
Photo from meraniegadianaofficial on Instagram
Photo from meraniegadianaofficial on Instagram

Meranie Gadiana Rahman on Representing Hawaii

When asked about representing Hawaii instead of the Philippines, Meranie clarified that she represents both. Hawaii is her heart, known for its diversity, aloha spirit, and natural beauty. She highlighted her strong connection to Hawaii, where she has lived for many years. Still, her roots in the Philippines run deep, having been born and raised in Talisayan, Misamis Oriental, and educated in Cagayan de Oro City. This deep connection to both Hawaii and the Philippines inspired her to represent both places in the pageant.