Is this the start of a fully AI broadcasting community?
GMA finally introduced the first A.I. Sportscasters in Philippine history. The TV network gave a first look at Maia and Marco, the fully A.I. sportscasters. According to GMA, Marco and Maia will “help sports fans keep up with the latest sports news and updates” using state-of-the-art generative AI.
Photo from GMA News
Not only that, but Maia and Marco can also speak Tagalog. However, they do have a monotonous voice when speaking.
Both A.I. sportscasters made their debut last September 34, 2023, during the NCAA Season 99.
Despite the positive goals GMA has set, a lot of people on social media reacted negatively towards the A.I. sportscasters. Netizens have expressed their disagreement towards the A.I. sportscasters, saying that A.I. will replace human journalists.
Furthermore, other netizens expressed how artificial intelligence can never replicate human skills, talent, and emotions. However, there were also positive reactions. One netizen even said, “Ang ganda at ang gwapo parang totoong tao.” (They are so pretty and handsome, just like real humans.)
What do you think of this move done by GMA? Do you think it’s a good idea to integrate A.I. into journalism and the broadcasting industry? Let us know.
Cebu is home to a multitude of delicacies that people come here for to enjoy or try out. Some are pretty easy to love because of their convenience, presentation, and the familiarity of people about what the dish is, paired with the anticipation for what Cebuano twist there is. However, there is one dish that originates from this region which causes a lot of people shock – the tuslob buwa.
Tuslob buwa is a dish that literally translates to “dip in bubbles”. It works through combining ingredients in one pan until they thicken, and then dipping the puso or hanging rice in the mixture. The dish is made of pig brain and pork liver.
Recently, the dish has gained traction from people outside of Cebu, and they cannot wait to find out what it tastes like. If you plan on finding out yourself, here are some spots in the city where you can try it:
1. RandR D’ Original Tuslob Buwa sa Pasil
Pasil is a good place to find the best tuslob buwa since the dish has its origins there. RandR D’Original Tuslob Buwa sa Pasil is one of the best-selling shops for the Cebuano special, gaining acclaim for their use of authentic ingredients. Despite the shop being set up at the CCLEX Food Park, the recipe remains Pasil-made.
Photo from RandR D’ Original Tuslob Buwa sa PASIL Facebook Page
Photo from RandR D’ Original Tuslob Buwa sa PASIL Facebook Page
Photo from RandR D’ Original Tuslob Buwa sa PASIL Facebook Page
Photo from RandR D’ Original Tuslob Buwa sa PASIL Facebook Page
Photo from RandR D’ Original Tuslob Buwa sa PASIL Facebook Page
For only Php 210 a set, you can enjoy your delicious tuslob buwa. Catch them at CCLEX Food Park Cebu City, Philippines.
Exact Location: CCLEX Food Park Cebu City, Philippines
2. 8Flix & Chill
8Flix & Chill is a great tuslob buwa place especially when you unexpectedly crave the dish because of their many branches.
The following are the different branches of 8Flix and their respective opening hours:
8Flix & Chill Cebu City, The Parking Lot of Queensland Manor Condominiums, Rahman St., Zapatera, Cebu City
Opening Hours: 11AM – 1AM Daily
8Flix & Chill Lapu-Lapu City, Outlet Mall, Pueblo Verde, MEPZ II, Lapulapu City (Infront of Tamiya Terminal)
Opening Hours: 11AM – 1AM Daily
8Flix & Chill Talisay City, San Isidro Road, Talisay City (Beside Monterey School)
Opening Hours: 3PM – 12AM Daily
8Flix & Chill provides a very cowboy-esque ambiance with their outdoor service and do-it-yourself procedure of customers mixing their own ingredients and cooking the pig brain.
Jeprox Food Stuff is the place to go when you’re craving tuslob buwa, yet want other fried dishes to pair it with. The shop has a wide range of menu from takoyaki, shrimp tempura, cheese sticks, crabsticks, dynamite, and a lot more. To top it all off, their food is very affordable.
Photo from Jeprox Food Stuff Facebook Page
Photo from Jeprox Food Stuff Facebook Page
Photo from Jeprox Food Stuff Facebook Page
Photo from Jeprox Food Stuff Facebook Page
Photo from Jeprox Food Stuff Facebook Page
Photo from Jeprox Food Stuff Facebook Page
Photo from Jeprox Food Stuff Facebook Page
Photo from Jeprox Food Stuff Facebook Page
You can get one set of tuslob buwa with 10 puso for as low as Php 110!
Exact Location: Andres Abellana St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
4. Azul Cebu
Directly following the trend that started in Pasil and Suba, Azul Cebu kept up around 2016 to establish itself as one of the top tuslob buwa spots in Cebu. You can find them in the streets of Asilo, Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City, Philippines with their outdoor style of dining.
Photo from Azul Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Azul Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Azul Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Azul Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Azul Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Azul Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Azul Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Azul Cebu Facebook Page
A set of tuslob buwa that comes with 12 puso is for Php 180. Other than that, Azul offers special tuslob buwa dishes including one that has egg, chicharon, and roasted garlic, which is sold per set for Php 220.
Exact Location: Asilo, Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City, Philippines
5. Elvie’s Tuslob Buwa
Also known as Don Don Eatery & D’Original Tuslob Buwa. When it comes to authenticity, Elvie’s Tuslob Buwa stands unparalleled among other spots in serving the genuine Pasil-originated delicacy. Established in 2002, it swiftly earned the title of Pardohanon’s favorite, drawing not only locals but also visitors from neighboring barangays who embark on a journey for a taste of the true Tuslob Buwa experience.
With a set of 10 pieces of puso for Php 70, you can have an unlimited tuslob buwaFor Free.
Exact Location: 92A Gabuya St. Pardo , Cebu City, Philippines.
6. 7’e Tuslo Buwa Sa Pardo
7’e Tuslo Buwa Sa Pardo is praised by its customers for the delicious taste of their very own tuslob buwa. They serve fresh ingredients that go perfectly well with the pig brain, and aside from that, they also offer other fried goods such as hotdogs, lumpia, and dynamite. You can find them at 92A Gabuya St. Pardo , Cebu City, Philippines.
Photo from 7’e Tuslo Buwa Sa Pardo
Photo from 7’e Tuslo Buwa Sa Pardo
Photo from 7’e Tuslo Buwa Sa Pardo
Photo from 7’e Tuslo Buwa Sa Pardo
Here, you can avail a set of tuslob buwa without puso, which means you will have to bring your own rice, for Php 70. You can also avail a set with 6 pieces of puso for Php 100.
There is nothing more relaxing than taking a few steps back from the clutter of our everyday lives and surrounding ourselves with nature. The popular idea for a break or vacation is somewhere cool where we can take a swim, with good food and beverages. Taking all of these as a package, the perfect spot to be headed to is definitely Paraizzo Garden Cafe.
Photo from Paraizzo Garden Cafe Facebook Page
Located in a high altitude area, Paraizzo Garden Cafe offers the serenity we crave for. The moment you step foot there, you’re greeted with the warm welcome of the fresh breeze from an orchestra of trees, and the quiet – devoid of the sound of busy streets and crowds of people. Paraizzo is the place to go if you are looking for this kind of ambiance.
You can go to Paraizzo just for a day if you’re tight on schedule, and use their pool as well. You’re able to get a refreshing swim surrounded by a lot of trees and plants. Along the poolside are tables with a nipa roof where you can place your belongings or food items. This styling gives the place more of a tropical tone that truly gets you in the mood of relaxation and fun.
Photo from Paraizzo Garden Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Paraizzo Garden Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Paraizzo Garden Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Paraizzo Garden Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Paraizzo Garden Cafe Facebook Page
Aside from this, you can dine in and order refreshments such as fruit shakes and other juices. They offer a delicious menu including sliders, fries, and silog meals that really get you going. You can also get pork lumpiang shanghai, the staple of any Filipino table, and other pork meals.
This kind of paradise makes you never want to leave, and you are very much allowed to spend more time in Paraizzo if you book a room. Their cottages stick to their rustic and tropical theme with nipa hut-looking abodes. Their interiors showcase beautiful combinations of wood with different styles, ensuring your comfort and aesthetic satisfaction.
Photo from Paraizzo Garden Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Paraizzo Garden Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Paraizzo Garden Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Paraizzo Garden Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Paraizzo Garden Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Paraizzo Garden Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Paraizzo Garden Cafe Facebook Page
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Entrance fee: ₱25 entrance only; ₱75 entrance with pool use
ROOM RATES: (or COTTAGE FEES)
Sunflower Room (Non-Aircon) – ₱1,455 good for 4 pax
Millionaire Room (Non-Aircon) – ₱955 good for 2 pax
Villa Jasmine (Non-Aircon) – ₱855 good for 2 pax
Barkada Room (Air-conditioned) – ₱2,500 good for 5 pax
Villa Marigold (Non-Aircon) – ₱1,050 good for 3 pax
Villa Aurora (Non-Aircon) – ₱2,335 good for 4 pax
Villa Gumamela (Non-Aircon) – ₱2,335 good for 4 pax
BY BUS: From the SM City Terminal, take a jeep or a Vhire going to Danao. The trip will take a little over an hour, and from there, ask the driver to drop you at Basak Elementary School. You may take a habal-habal and tell the driver to take you to Paraizzo Garden Cafe.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Paraizzo Garden Cafe”.
This long stretch of tropical cliché in Alcoy, Cebu is a famous spot frequented and adored by locals and tourists alike.
Due to the long stretch of Tingko Beach, it is divided into four parts: Tingko Beach 1 & 2, Voda Krasna Resort, and a public beach.
Photo by Do Yan An
The public beach is the only one without fees but Tingko Beaches 1 & 2 have an entrance fees for maintenance costs.
Tingko Beach Resort is a great place for picnics and group activities but because most of it is also public, it tends to be packed on weekends and holidays.
Sugbo.ph File PhotoSugbo.ph File PhotoPhoto by Roman Garces Cisneros Jr.Photo by Roman Garces Cisneros Jr.
The beach also lacks in accommodations but it has wooden cottages for those who wish to rent. For overnight stays, the locals have beach houses, apartments and beach resorts that are just a walking distance from the beach that range from P500 to P1,000 for small to big groups.
The powdery white sands and azure waters that hem the coastline extends into a shallow drop filled with corals and aquatic flora that is perfect for snorkeling and diving. Coconut palm trees and beach cottages sitting atop limestone rocks also line the shore and offer shade for those who prefer to stay on land.
Photo by Do Yan An
During low tides, groups may rent boats and check out the sandbar and coral island of Mabad-on Reef hiding just across the beach or explore secluded spaces in secret places.
Snorkeling, swimming, and virtually any activity is allowed as long as it does not damage the island and/or disturb other visitors.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
ENTRANCE FEES
Tingko Beach 1 & 2: P20 per head
Public Beach: Free
OTHER FEES
Tent Space: P100 (some areas are free)
Cottage Fees: Ranges from P300 – P1000
LOCALLY-OWNED COTTAGES
Barangay Beach House: P600 per cottage
Duplex cottage w/ veranda
View of the sea
Antig Tingko Beach Cottages: Ranges from P900 to P1,000 per cottage
BY BUS: Find your way to Cebu South Bus Terminal (near E-Mall). Ride any bus bound for Oslob. Ask the driver or conductor to drop you off at Tingko Beach, Alcoy. Remember that Tingko Beach has multiple entrances. From Cebu City, Tingko 1 will appear first. The public resort is the easiest to spot.
BY V-HIRE/VAN: Find your way to the Cebu South Bus Terminal and ride a v-hire bound for Oslob. Ask the driver to drop you off at Tingko Beach, Alcoy. The trip costs around P90-P150.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Tingko Beach”.
We all dreamed of heading to the Maldives for an epic summer adventure. However, there’s one thing holding us back— the expensive airplane tickets.
Photo from Kaway Resort and Spa Facebook Page
But what if we tell you there’s a place in Cebu that is on par with the beauty of Maldives? Are you intrigued? Then, keep on reading.
Introducing Kaway Resort and Spa— your soon-to-be new ultimate vacay destination. The resort is located in Brgy. Tabunok Tabuelan. Kaway Resort and Spa has so much to offer, and we will show you just that.
Beautiful Water Villas with both a Modern and Traditional Twist
Kaway Resort and Spa houses several water villas stationed above the azure waters. The villas are designed to look like Nipa huts but with a modern vibe and look. Moreover, the water villas can fit up to 4 people.
Photo from Kaway Resort and Spa Facebook PagePhoto from Kaway Resort and Spa Facebook Page
Swim in the Beautiful Sea and the Eternity Pool
Do you love swimming? Then you are in for a treat. Kaway Resort and Spa is equipped with a vast eternity pool where guests can relax and swim. Of course, kids also have a pool of their own. Not only that, but the beach is also available for those looking for a natural feel of swimming.
The waters at Kaway Resort and Spa sports a beautiful turquoise color that is incredibly enticing.
Photo from Kaway Resort and Spa Facebook PagePhoto from Kaway Resort and Spa Facebook Page
Other Amenities
Aside from the Villas, pool, and beach, Kaway Resort and Spa has other amenities to offer. The resort has a deck where guests can chill and bask under the sun. They also have a boardwalk where you can stroll by the waters.
Moreover, overnight guests can enjoy the following:
Complimentary breakfast for four at Putahe By The Sea
Welcome Drinks
Use of Crystal Kayak
Use of Kiddie & Eternity Pool
Access to Beach
Use of Billiards
Use of Wifi
Use of Boardwalk
Use of Deck
Use of Diving Deck
Meanwhile, Day Use guests can enjoy the following:
Kids 3 to 7 years old – 50% off
Kids below two years old – FREE
Welcome Drinks
Free lunch at Putahe By the Sea
Use of Billiards
Use of Wifi
Use of Kiddie and Eternity Pool
Access to Beach
Tables & Chairs
Shower Rooms
You don’t need to spend much on airplane tickets just to enjoy a top-tier resort. Sometimes, the ultimate vacation spot you are looking for is just within reach. With just 2.3 hours of travel, you can already indulge in the blissful waters of Kaway Resort and Spa.
Photo from Kaway Resort and Spa Facebook PagePhoto from Kaway Resort and Spa Facebook PagePhoto from Kaway Resort and Spa Facebook PagePhoto from Kaway Resort and Spa Facebook PagePhoto from Kaway Resort and Spa Facebook Page
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE: ₱1,200
ROOM RATES:
Water Villa: ₱8,000 per night, good for two persons with breakfast
BY BUS: Find your way to the Cebu North Bus Terminal and ride a bus/v-hire bound for Tabuelan or Victoria. Bus fare is ₱90-115 (one-way). Ask the driver to drop you off at the nearest stop to Kaway Resort and Spa.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Kaway Resort and Spa” in Tabuelan, Cebu.
Kathryn takes home the award for the “Outstanding Asian Star Award” for her role in 2 Good 2 Be True. Alongside the Filipina Actress was Thai Actor Gun Atthaphan, who received the same award for his role in “Midnight Museum.”
Photo from News 1
During Kathryn’s speech, she expressed her appreciation for the healthcare workers and gave honor to them. 2 Good to Be True made an impact on its viewers as it tackled the realities of medical emergencies.
Meanwhile, Gun Atthapan thanked GMMTV and also showed how grateful he was to receive the award.
Gun and Kathryn even took a selfie together during the awards night. The Filipina actress posted via Instagram story, tagging the Thai Actor with the caption, “Congratulations @gun_atthaphan.”
Photo from Kathryn’s Instagram Story
Kathryn Bernardo further proves that she is the Philippine Entertainment Industry’s gem regarding acting skills. Moreover, Gun also proves that he is one of the aces of GMMTV. Congratulations to both actors!
Philippine companies are integral to the country’s economic stability, and in pursuing better heights in business and development.
As an extension, things like market expansion is crucial to create a stable business and to reach wider audiences that would contribute to sustainability. This includes the recognition of being globally competent, something that has been achieved by these six companies in the Philippines.
San Miguel Corporation, Jollibee Foods Corporation, PLDT, Metrobank, BDO Unibank, and Ayala Corporation were listed by TIME under the 750 Best Companies of 2023. These companies are recognized as those that are landscape-defining in their respective industries and in the economy at large.
Photo from San Miguel Corporation
There are three criteria for this list which are revenue growth, sustainability, and employee satisfaction. Ranking at 309 is Ayala Corporation with an overall score of 83.66%. The conglomerate is applauded internationally with its advances in business, with a maintained moderate growth rate.
Ranking at 347 is San Miguel Corporation. The food and beverages company is one of the staples at any Filipino table, and its impact has reached foreign ones with an overall score of 83.08%. According to TIME, its growth rate is very high.
Jollibee Foods Corporation has taken over the world as it is one of the most trending restaurants as of today, gaining large audiences from Tiktok and other social media outlets. It ranked at 421 with a high growth rate, and an overall score of 81.94%.
Photo from Jollibee
At rank 609 is PLDT. Being the number one telecommunication service in the Philippines, it is clear that it has extended its economic prowess beyond our country with a moderate growth rate as well. It garnered an overall score of 78.71%.
Photo from PLDT
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company proves itself to be one of the best banking and financial services companies with its rank at 634. It has an overall score of 78.12% and a high growth rate.
Lastly, BDO Unibank ranks at 647 with an overall score of 77.85%. Domestically, we see the signs of BDO everywhere we look, and now, it graces the pages of TIME along with international companies. It has a moderate growth rate, serving areas in the world outside of the Philippines such as other Asian countries, North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Hans Sy takes his own curve in creating a legacy aside from being part of the executive committee at SM Prime Holdings Inc. Aside from his impact in the business industry, Sy plans to further empower the athletic community in the Philippines through his recent commitments.
Photo from SM Seaside City Website
The National University Bulldogs is where a large number of people who are in the women’s volleyball team originate from. Sy promises to contribute to improving the athletic program in this institution in order for our players to become more competent. This is also a step to be taken to ensure that the country is able to produce new generations of great athletes.
Sy commits to his pursuit in hosting the International Volleyball Federation Women’s World Championships in 2025. He made his claim clear when our national team competed at the Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship.
Photo from SM Mall of Asia Arena Facebook Page
As for the venue, he envisions an infrastructure to be made that would hold 15,000 people. He mentioned that he has learned lessons from the MOA Arena and plans to make sure that his project will be world-class.
“Sometimes, the most mundane people bring the most joy to our hearts.”
Have you ever come across videos of live-action mermaids with their beautiful tails? There’s just something so mesmerizing about them that heals our inner child. Beauty and Grace are two words we can use to describe tank mermaids. However, there is more to them than just the surface.
Cebu also has its tank mermaid— CebuanaSirena or Mermaid Mariae. Mermaid Mariae went viral on Tiktok as she showed a day in the life of a tank mermaid at Cebu Ocean Park. But what does it take to become a tank mermaid? Mermaid Mariae was able to tell us exactly what.
Meet Naomi, aka Mermaid Mariae
Naomi is behind the trending Mermaid Mariae. She was born and raised in Cebu and has been swimming since she was three. Naomi is part of the Bakhaw Adventure Team, a group of free divers in Cebu. Mermaiding is Naomi’s side hustle, and according to her, it takes all the energy she has to balance her time as a mermaid and having a full-time job.
When asked what she likes most about mermaiding, Mermaid Mariae expressed how heartwarming it is to see people of all ages smile. How their eyes shine as if seeing the mermaids are healing their inner child.
A Little Girl’s Dream Turned Reality
Ever since Naomi was a kid, she had always been comfortable in the water. Her mom was a swimming instructor, and she taught Naomi how to swim. Moreover, Naomi dreamed of being a mermaid as a kid, which she brought up until adulthood.
During the pandemic, Naomi had to find a new hobby. She and her partner joined a freediving class in Moalboal. Eventually, they joined the Bakhaw Adventure Team, which established mermaiding in Cebu. The group partnered with Cebu Ocean Park, and that’s when Naomi’s career as a mermaid kicked off.
She and her co-mermaid went to Bali, Indonesia, to get certified as mermaids. Yes, you read that right. They had to do a 3-day training, lecture, pool training, and open water training. They also had to be physically fit in order to become certified.
What Does it Really Take to Do Mermaiding?
Gone are the days when people thought mermaiding is “langoy-langoy lang.”
According to Naomi, mermaiding is physically demanding. It is something that requires training such as breath hold and learning how to be graceful underwater. Even the mermaid tails are quite heavy as well.
“Mermaiding is a hobby and passion, but it also became a career. Even if kapoy, dili gyud nako ma feel nga kapoy. It’s more of a challenge to train myself harder.” –
Naomi, Mermaid Mariae.
Real-Life Disney Princess
Naomi might as well be a real-life Disney princess because she also has a heart of Gold. She and her diving group, the Bakhaw Adventure Team, arrange the “Heart Meal Project” every year, when they cook for homeless people. Not only that, but they also have advocacies such as marine conservation.
You Can Be a Mermaid, too!
Yes, you can become a mermaid too! Mermaid Mariae says that as long as you are comfortable in the water and are willing to train, you can become a mermaid; Even kids can practice.
If you want to start your mermaiding journey, Mermaid Mariae emphasizes the importance of finding a community you can connect and swim with. The number one rule to mermaiding is never to dive alone, so find like-minded people and train with them. Most importantly, enjoy the journey.
Naomi, aka Mermaid Mariae, reminds us that even ordinary Cebuanos can become an instrument of happiness and hope to everyone.
About “The Cebuano”
The Cebuano is a special Sugbo.ph feature where we showcase ordinary Cebuanos with extraordinary and inspiring stories. This is a platform where people’s real-life accounts are shared in the hopes of inspiring and motivating others.
The Cebuano shares raw and genuine tales of Sugboanons as they navigate life in Cebu. And YOU can also be part of The Cebuano.
Angkas has forever changed the landscape of modern transportation. We have our riders to thank for their services, plus the affordable fare we couldn’t avail if we opt for other private vehicles. With these conditions, a lot of us wonder how much they actually make a month. George Royeca, CEO of Angkas, answers this question.
Photo from Angkas Facebook Page
According to Royeca, riders make an average of Php 40,000 monthly. Some riders even earn 1.5 times or double the average amount. The 30,000 riders of Angkas are very well compensated, and the company even aims to work with PAG-IBIG to give riders housing benefits.
The proposed program envisions the riders to be able to afford a home after 5 years of working with the company. They have also been talking to real estate developers to make this a reality.
Photo from Angkas Facebook Page
Service workers are integral in our society, and they are more than deserving to get the fair compensation that is commensurate with the work that they do. Angkas serves as a great precedent for other companies to provide good salaries and benefits to their service workers who pour their heart and sweat into what they do.
