A mother from Cebu City is earning praise and gratitude from online citizens after a video of her went viral. In a TikTok video by uploader Lyn Baclayon, she shares footage of a mother fanning her child sleeping in a compartment of her food cart while making ends meet.
Photo from Lyn Baclayon on TikTok
“My heart melts (emoji) MAMAS LOVE will always the best (heart emoji) Godbless you ate!!”
Lyn Baclayon said in her caption.
The mother was captured on video during Barangay Tisa’s Siomai Festival last Sunday, September 24, 2023. As of writing, the video has over 10.6 million views, 1.2 Million likes, 2769 comments, and 55.6k reads.
Mothers show their love in the smallest gestures possible. However, their acts create a significant impact. Kudos to all mothers who show undying love for their children and family. And kudos to the mother on the viral video; you are indeed a supermom!
Whether we like it or not, AI (artificial intelligence) is something that we need to master if we want to upskill. Luckily, google is offering courses on learning more about AI and information technology as a whole.
Photo from Unsplash
Google PH announces that they will launch a free AI course for Filipinos to develop their skills. The Course will be launched through Google Cloud.
According to Yves Gonzalez, Google PH’s head of Government Affairs and Public Policy,
“Anyone can access this anytime, anywhere, at no cost. The courses feature a wide array of topics, including the difference between generative AI and other types of AI, responsible AI and machine learning, and much more.”
Photo from Unsplash
Through the courses, Filipinos can show how proficient they are in AI, which is an in-demand skill. Furthermore, Google PH will launch three more courses in its Google Career Certificates program, such as Business Intelligence, Advanced Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity.
Google Cloud will also offer early-stage AI startups with up to P20 million worth of access to cloud credits. Gonzalez stated, “With this, early-stage AI startups can access Cloud credits of up to $350,000 over two years. The program provides access to AI experts, training, and networking opportunities.”
This year, Google PH has granted up to 1,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships. Google partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology and NGOs.
Photo from Unsplash
Progress and change are part of life, even when it comes to the work setting. Take this as a sign to learn and upskill; in the end, it’s you who will benefit.
Besides the exhibits and hands-on workshops, fun traditional recreational activities were re-introduced during the week-long celebration of BambuFest held at Ayala Center Cebu from September 18 to 24, 2023.
Mallgoers were able to test-ride a bamboo bicycle; play with a bamboo kariton, a traditional toy made of a bamboo pole approximately two meters long with wheels usually made from old rubber slippers; and fire a bamboo gun, also known as luthang, in a shooting booth which looked like one of those stalls you find in carnivals. Some have also tried their hand at weaving at Tubigon Raffia Gallery booth.
Organized by the Philippine Institute of Architects – Cebu, headed by Architect Bryan Auman, BambuFest aims to elevate bamboo from a simple plant to a symbol of sustainability, innovation, and cultural heritage.
“In this event, we aim to highlight the importance of bamboo as a sustainable and eco-friendly material in modern design,”
said Auman.
On its first day, a bamboo cutting ceremony was held (with the use of some handy power tool), instead of the usual ribbon cutting, to usher in the series of week-long activities. A Bamboo Tensegrity Dome, which measures 4.5 meters in height and 9 meters in diameter, was also assembled live at the venue – a testament of bamboo’s versatility and strength as a material.
Exhibits featuring paintings of bamboo also filled the mall’s Activity Center. Fashion pieces, handicrafts, and even ornaments in time for Christmas, all made from locally sourced materials, were on display. Tarot reading and workshops on bamboo lamp making, bamboo lashing, and amakan weaving were also made available to interested mallgoers.
Known as “bamboo whisperer,” Auman, who spearheaded the event, has always been fascinated with bamboo growing up because of his grandmother’s bahay kubo that always seem to give off a refreshing ambience, with its amakan walls and lipak flooring.
This has led Auman to pursue architecture; he even got his master’s degree in architecture in Institut Teknologi Bandung in Indonesia, wherein he majored in bamboo research.
“I got to really immersed myself in Indonesian culture and to fully understand what Indonesian Bamboo Architecture feels like. Now that I’m back in Cebu, I’m want to share everything I learned to all Cebuanos,”
he said.
A platform to local weavers
This event has also served as a platform for local weavers from Raffia Gallery in Tubigon, Bohol, to present their craftmanship and even taught some mallgoers a thing or two about weaving.
“Joining trade fairs and events such as this is very vital for a business like ours for this is where we can find potential buyers. Though our products are mainly made out of buri, we have been also incorporating bamboo into our handicrafts,”
said Maria Trina Sumayang of Raffia Gallery.
As per Auman, BambuFest will serve as an avenue for Bohol local weavers to showcase their invaluable skills and products, making sure that the craft to not only survive but to also thrive in the modern world.
“This will give more livelihood opportunities to our backyard industry in Bohol,”
said Auman. Bohol bamboo weavers are mostly composed of women in the community.
From its humble start as a bamboo bike building workshop last year to this week-long list of activities, Auman assures that BambuFest is just the start of something bigger, to help educate, inspire, and foster a deep appreciation for a remarkable material such as bamboo.
Unlock the Secrets: Cryptocurrencies Soaring in the Philippines Don’t Miss Out on the Hottest Trend! Discover Key Insights Now!
One hand holds a crisp $20 bill, while another hand holds a shiny Bitcoin.
When the crypto industry burst onto the scene back in 2009, its creators could not have imagined just how big the industry would grow over the next few years. Crypto has taken the world by storm, with many countries embracing it with open arms.
One such country is the Philippines. Sometimes referred to as the crypto hub of Asia, 6.13% of the total population of the Philippines (a staggering 7 million Filipinos) now own cryptocurrency.
Unsurprisingly, Bitcoin is the most owned crypto in the Philippines, making it the perfect place to enjoy some online gaming on the bitcoin casino. Men are more active in the crypto industry than women, and most of them lie within the 19-34 years age bracket.
This article will look at how this small Asian country has embraced cryptocurrency, the current crypto landscape of the country, and what the future has in store for Filipinos in the crypto industry.
The Philippines Has Embraced Cryptocurrency
Photo from Unsplash
Reports across the world have shown that the Philippines is one of the fastest- growing crypto industries on the planet. One possible reason for this surge in interest in crypto is the recent Covid-19 pandemic.
The period of mandatory isolation, and the added threat of people’s livelihoods, forced enterprising Filipinos to seek other avenues for investments. Crypto emerged as a possible viable investment option, especially among the younger generations.
Crypto was adopted so fast in the Philippines that the country is now on par with early crypto adopters, such as Nigeria and Vietnam. Evidence of this can be seen in the country’s integration of crypto in ATM networks, gaming rewards, and rural banking integration.
Why were Filipinos (and so many other demographics across the world) so quick to adopt cryptocurrencies? Well, while every investor has their reason for getting into crypto, the following are the most common reasons:
● Transactional Freedom
Being a decentralized currency, crypto offers investors unapparelled transactional freedom. When you are a member of the peer-to-peer crypto community, you have complete control of your financial assets, which is something fiat currency holders can only dream of.
● Long-term Store of Value
With many cryptocurrencies having limited minting, the demand for the currency is likely to grow as the years go by, which makes it a solid candidate for long-term investments. It’s also insulated from inflation due to no political powers having power over crypto, meaning you can store it safely for a long time without it losing any value.
● Safe Transactions Despite Fewer Interventions
The improvements in blockchain technology and cryptographic algorithms have ensured swift and secure transactions between crypto investors. There is also a low risk of third parties having unauthorized access to transactions, making such transactions quite safe.
Domestic Support and Crypto-friendly Regulations
A 2016 decision by the Philippines’ Central Bank (Bangko Sentral Pilipinas) to regulate crypto exchanges and ask them to register as remittance and transfer financial institutions transformed the crypto landscape in the country forever.
Photo from Unsplash
This friendly move by the BSP has led to at least 16 cryptocurrencies being approved and regulated by the central bank, with that number set to increase. Reports have also emerged that the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), has also shown interest in embracing cryptocurrency transactions, a move which would further solidify interest and trust among investors.
There have also been reports that the BSP is interested in further developing the country’s crypto interests by developing an independent central bank digital currency to oversee all of its crypto interests. Surely this is a long-term goal that may still be many years away, but the fact that the Philippines is one of the first countries in the world to take such an initiative shows the level of its commitment.
According to the Philippines News Agency, digital currencies are being used to help boost the country’s economic activities. Metropolitan areas in the Philippines, such as Cebu City, are taking steps to explore their options in the digital market. The city recently launched a joint venture with the Filipino-Korean firm C Pass Inc., to discover practical uses of crypto, such as allowing the city’s residents to settle City Hall payments using the city’s stablecoin, called C PESO.
Furthermore, the Philippines has given citizens access to the digital wallet G Cash, which can be used to buy, sell, and store crypto. Using this wallet, mobile remittances can be made from Canada to the Philippines, with the platform offering plenty more opportunities.
Filipinos Are Optimistic but Still Cautious
In 2022, El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender for any transition. The European Union, USA, and Japan have also recognized the legality and financial value of cryptocurrencies.
Photo from Unsplash
The Philippines, on the other hand, has shown a lot of optimism but has yet to completely accept crypto as legal tender. There is still a lot of caution mixed with the enthusiasm. However, considering the fact that the first half of 2021 saw a 362% increase in crypto transactions, the authorities may soon become less cautious.
With transactions reportedly worth P105.93 billion being conducted in the first half of 2021, the Philippines is currently the fifth-ranked country in terms of crypto ownership. The day is fast approaching when the Philippines may be one of the best places to invest in crypto. If you are thinking of developing online crypto games like slots, this could be a hidden gem worth considering.
The Future of Crypto in the Philippines
With the central bank and other government agencies endorsing the use of cryptocurrency in financial transactions, it seems that digital currencies have a bright future in the country. One of the most encouraging facts is that the biggest supporters of using cryptocurrency seem to be the younger generation.
Photo from Unsplash
Even after enduring the recent global crypto crash, interest in digital currencies is still strong in the Philippines. As long as the government continues to support crypto and launch further initiatives to help residents adopt it as a viable transaction method, the industry will continue to grow at an exponential rate.
Here it is, Counter-Strike Fans. Counter-Strike 2 has officially launched!
The game is now available on Steam. Valve, the game’s developer, said, “Counter-Strike 2 is the largest technical leap forward in Counter-Strike’s history, supporting new features today and updates for years to come.”
Photo from Valve
What can players expect?
For Counter-Strike 2, players can expect more enhanced maps and matchmaking modes. Counter-Strike also launched a Premier mode, which allows players to compete for ranks.
“If you’re a returning player, you’ll find your favorite maps and matchmaking modes right where you left them, along with a revamped Premier mode where you can establish your all-new CS rating.”
– Valve.
Photo from ValvePhoto from Valve
Counter-Strike 2 has officially replaced Valve’s CS:GO after almost ten years of being an FPS player’s favorite.
It’s finally time to test out which is better, CS2 or CS: GO—already tested it out? Let us know what you think!
The Philippines is about to get hotter this November!
One Piece Star Mackenyu Arata will fly to the Philippines for the Manila Pop Culture Convention (ManiPopCon). Arata will be the headliner for this year’s event.
Photo from Netflix
ManiPopCon posted the announcement on its official Facebook page.
“Hi, Mackenyu here. To all my Filipino fans out there, I am happy to share that I’ll be appearing at the ManiPopCon in Manila from November 17th to the 19th. See you guys there,”
Arata said in the video announcement.
Fans will not only get to see Mackenyu, but they will also get a chance to meet and greet the rising star.
Photo from Manipopcon
Mackenyu is best known for his role as Roronoa Zoro in the live-action One Piece. Because of his looks, charisma, and how well he plays the legendary Roronoa Zoro, Arata quickly became a fan favorite.
According to ManiPopCon, Mackenyu will join other international guests during a panel discussion.
At the moment, the Mackenyu ManiPopCon CIP Experience on November 19, 2023, tickets are all sold out. However, the Mackenyu ManiPopCon Premium Experience Photo Op and Autograph sessions for November 18, 2023, will be available on September 29, 2023, at 12 noon.
Photo from Netflix
You can sign up and register at manipopcon.com for ticket prices and updates.
Don’t you just wish you could taste worldwide goodness in just one go? Well, SM Seaside City Cebu says, “Your wish is our command.”
Get ready to tickle your tastebuds with delectable food items from around the world during SM Seaside’s #FoodFestAtSM for an EATventure of a lifetime. Indulge in Filipino, Japanese, Western, Middle Eastern, and Korean dishes in one place at the SM Foodcourt.
Tokyo Joe & Osaka Takoyaki | Third Level, Foodcourt | SM Seaside City Cebu
A TASTE OF JAPAN
Craving for Japanese food? Tokyo Joe and Osaka Takoyaki are here to satisfy your cravings. Grab a bite of savory maki rolls, takoyaki, and Gyudon. And if you are feeling chilly, steaming bowls of ramen are available. Dynamic and delicious, that’s what Japanese cuisine has to offer, leaving you satisfied.
Icha Bingsu & Seoul Bibimbob | Third Level, Foodcourt | SM Seaside City Cebu
ANNYEONG KOREAN GOODNESS
Do you need that quick Korean food fix? You can find that at the SM Foodcourt, too.
Experience a burst of Korean flavors at Icha Bingsu and Seoul Bibimbob. Munch on crispy Korean corndogs made deliciously by Icha Bingsu. But wait, there’s more; Tantalize your taste buds with the savory flavors of Seoul Bibimbob. You can choose between the classic bibimbap or the fiery kimchi.
Turks | Third Level, Foodcourt | SM Seaside City Cebu
A BITE OF MIDDLE EASTERN
Turks will always be a go-to when it comes to Middle Eastern food. Nothing beats flavorful beef or chicken wrapped in high-quality Pita wraps. And what’s even better is they serve them quickly, conveniently, and smoke-free.
The diversity and richness of Middle Eastern cuisine is an amazing culinary experience that quickly captured the hearts and tastebuds of people worldwide. Middle Eastern food is a good EATventure for foodies and those looking to explore different cuisines.
Dimsum Break | Third Level, Foodcourt | SM Seaside City Cebu
GET YOUR CHINESE FIX
You can never go wrong with traditional Chinese cuisine. Dimsum has always been part of our lives and is here to stay. Grab a bite of their savory Shaomai and Steamed Rice handcrafted to perfection at Dimsum Break. The taste of authentic Chinese flavors will surely satisfy your cravings.
Salo & Marina Seafood | Third Level, Foodcourt | SM Seaside City Cebu
INDULGE IN PINOY SALO-SALO
Pinoy flavors definitely give us a taste of home. With food that reflects the country’s rich history and cultural diversity, Salo and Marina Seafood offers a unique blend of tastes and textures.
Both Filipinos and foreigners can definitely enjoy and celebrate the country’s vibrant culinary heritage. For the ultimate foodie experience, Filipino food is something you don’t want to miss.
B-Steak, Jambalaya, SBarro, Potato Corner, Thirsty & Juice Co. | Third Level, Foodcourt | SM Seaside City Cebu
WESTERN CUISINE’S A FOODIE
Western Cuisine is known for its hearty portions. A bite and sip of the fantastic flavors of B-Steak, Jambalaya, SBarro, Potato Corner, Thirsty, and Juice Co will absolutely leave you feeling full and satisfied. The taste of comfort and nostalgia is unbeatable.
Our love for culinary heritage and good food binds us together, regardless of race. And SM Seaside City Cebu brings us #FoodFestAtSM, where we can enjoy great meals with a great view at SM Seaside’s Foodcourt located at the Third Level, City Wing fronting Ice Skating Rink.
And guess what? You can get first dibs on the latest Food Deals here:
Exact Location: SM Seaside City Cebu in South Road Properties (SRP), Cebu City.
BY MYBUS: You can take a FREE MyBus ride from/to BDO Fuente Osmena from 8:20am to 10:00pm. You can also ride any MyBus from SM City Cebu, Talisay, Mandaue City, Parkmall and any Cibus to get to and from SM Seaside City Cebu Drop-off point is at the City Wing Entrance.
BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “SM Seaside City Cebu.” Parking space is free.
Christmas might be a few months away, but it’s never too early to give yourself a gift. And, it’s very timely that realme released another phone series— the realme 11 Pro+ 5G which is priced at just P24,999. Honestly, this might be realme’s most stylish phone yet.
Realme 11 Pro+ 5G Unboxed
The realme 11 Pro+ 5G comes in the signature yellow and black box. Inside, we found:
Pre-supplied Type C charger
Sim Ejector Tool
Safety Guide
Realme 11 Pro+ 5G device
Phone Review
Sugbo.ph got a closer look and feel of the newest addition to realme’s phone series. Here’s what we think.
Appearance and Design
Let’s delve first into its appearance and design. This model has got to be the most stylish one yet.
The most noticeable design difference is the circular lens that houses the triple rear camera system. Instead of a horizontal placement, the lenses are in one large circle.
But what makes the phone classier is the leather-type back panel. This is much different than the usual glossy and matte finish of realme phones. From afar, people would think the phone already has a case, but it’s actually just the back design.
Personally, I think the leather back panel makes it easier to grip the phone, along with its round edges. It won’t easily get scratched, too. However, if you purchased the realme 11 Pro+ 5G in Oasis Green or Sunrise Beige, the downside is it can become dirty quickly.
Buttons and Ports
Both volume and power buttons are on the right. Meanwhile, the USB-C port, speaker, and SIM Card slot are at the bottom. However, there is no audio jack available.
Display and Multimedia
The realme 11 Pro+ 5G is equipped with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display responsible for the vibrant colored images. We tested out the phone by watching videos, scrolling through the device, and playing different mobile games. And as expected, the experience went really smoothly because of the phone’s 120Hz refresh rate.
The phone also houses loudspeakers, just as you would expect from an Android phone.
Cameras
The realme 11 Pro+ 5G’s best feature is the 200MP main shooter. The model has a triple rear camera system and is equipped with an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro lens. The front camera, on the other hand, has a 32MP shooter.
Here’s another camera that’s quite a trickster. When you shoot a photo, it looks like it will be pixelated. However, when you click and review the photo in the gallery, it produces a beautifully captured, clear, and crisp image.
Video-wise, the realme 11 Pro+ 5G lives up to expectations. The back camera can shoot up to 4K@30FPS. This phone also has a camera feature that’s great for those who love to film and create content. The phone has an Ultra Steady mode that can shoot up to 1080P@60FPS.
Performance and Charging
We tried using this phone for mundane tasks such as scrolling through social media apps, taking phone calls, and doing video calls to see if it lags and heats up quickly. The realme 11 Pro+ makes a great work phone because while different apps were running in the background, it still functioned smoothly.
For gaming, the realme 11 Pro+ is quite decent. We tried playing our favorite CODM using this phone, which met our expectations: no lag and no heating for quite a long time.
In terms of charging, the device comes with a pre-supplied charger that allows ultra-fast charging. For context, I charged the phone at 15%, and after 5-8 minutes, it reached 40 already.
Final Verdict
Aside from the classy design, the realme 11 Pro+ 5G is quite a great phone for everyday use. It can run smoothly even with different tabs open, which is perfect for those who will use it for work. It’s also a great beginner camera phone for content creators. It also has a long battery life and fast charging, so you won’t have to worry about charging it all the time.
Suggested Retail Price: P24,999
Daylight | Shot on realme 11 Pro+ 5G with 200MP CameraLowlight | Shot on realme 11 Pro+ 5G with 200MP CameraNight Mode | Shot on realme 11 Pro+ 5G with 200MP Camera
Singer and songwriter Zack Tabudlo will perform live at the Ayala Center Cebu on Sunday Oct.1 at 6 pm.
Musical artist Daniel Paringit, known for his songs Pahina and Palayain, will be the front act for the show.
Known for his popular hits like Gusto, Nangangamba and Sigurado, Tabudlo was first discovered on the Voice Kids Philippines in 2014. In 2022, he emerged as the most streamed local artist by 2022 Spotify Wrapped. He has collaborated with other popular artists like James Reid for Hatdog, and Moira de la Torre for Iba.
Tabudlo, also a producer, has released singles, both solo and collaborative, and albums.
To get one entry pass to the live performance of Tabudlo at the Activity Center, present :
A minimum P1,000 single purchase receipt from any non-food merchants, excluding supermarket (Metro Supermarket and The Marketplace), pharmacy, bills payment, and services of Ayala Center Cebu.
A minimum P2.000 single purchase receipt from any food merchants of Ayala Center Cebu
Redemption of entry passes will be until Oct.1. The first 100 shoppers to present the receipts at the concierge will be entitled to a meet and greet and one postcard of Zack Tabudlo
Zack Tabudlo Live! is part of the Alive Concert Series at the Ayala Malls. With the return of face-to-face concerts, Ayala Malls has paved the way for live concerts and gigs, featuring local, rising, and established artists through the mall-wide ALive Concert Series.
For more updates, visit and follow the Facebook page of Ayala Center Cebu.
Heads up, Swifties! Taylor Swift is coming to your local theaters this October!
Photo from The Eras Tour Film Website
On the singer’s official Facebook page, Taylor Swift announced that The Eras Tour Concert Film will be coming to theaters all over the world on October 13, 2023. The film is directed by Sam Wrench and will run for two hours and 45 minutes.
Sam Wrench is a famous director known for directing live concert documentaries. He has worked with Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and Jennifer Lopez.
Ticket prices and screening schedule will be announced soon. Swifties can purchase their tickets at their local cinemas or through this link.
Photo from Taylor Swift Facebook Page
In Cebu, The Eras Tour Concert Film will be screened at:
Ayala Malls Cinemas – Central Bloc
Ayala Malls Cinemas – Ayala Center Cebu Cinema
SM Cinema Cebu
SM Cinema Consolacion
SM Cinema Seaside City Cebu
Get ready to scream Fearless in theaters this October 13, 2023. Save the date, Swifties.
![[REVIEW] realme 11 Pro+ 5G with 200MP Camera: realme’s Most Stylish Phone Yet](https://b3092648.smushcdn.com/3092648/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1-realme-11-pro-cebu-768x432.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 "[REVIEW] realme 11 Pro+ 5G with 200MP Camera: realme’s Most Stylish Phone Yet")
