The popularity of Korean dramas, K-Pop music, and Korean celebrities have a huge impact on Filipino travel preferences. The vibrant and dynamic image of South Korea portrayed in the media captured the imagination and sparked the interest of Filipinos, enticing them to explore and experience the country firsthand.
Han River | Photo from Unsplash
That’s why, it would be wonderful news for Filipino travelers interested in visiting South Korea.
According to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines, the Ministry of Justice in Korea has introduced the e-Group Visa for regular tourists, on June 27, it was announced that a group containing at least three people can apply for the e-Group Visa, which includes company incentive tour groups, educational tour groups below the collegiate level, and regular tour groups.
Travelers must intend to enter and leave Korea on the same vessel, flight, or other regularly scheduled means of transportation to be eligible for this visa.
Tourists may inquire with accredited travel agencies about the application procedure and requirements.
Kim Seolhyun | Photo from s2seolhyuns2 on Instagram
Have you seen the recent ads of Google mocking Apple’s iPhone?
Photo from Made by Google YouTube Channel
This isn’t the first time Google has taken a playful approach towards its biggest smartphone competitor. With the launch of the Pixel 5a, Google has launched a new ad campaign called “Best Phones Forever,” where the Pixel Phone humorously showcases its superiority over the iPhone. However, this time, Google has opted for a friendlier strategy, highlighting the Pixel’s exceptional features while maintaining a lighthearted tone.
#BestPhonesForever: Plateau
Photo from Made by Google YouTube Channel
In one ad entitled “Plateau,” a user of iPhone 14 Pro is seen envious of the Google feature which highlights Pixel’s AI capabilities, particularly praising its 30x zoom, astrophotography mode, and image sharpness.
The Pixel responds sympathetically, reassuring the iPhone that it is still highly regarded. However, during their conversation, the iPhone abruptly shuts down due to a depleted battery.
GooglePhone: The Lifesaver in Your Pocket
In the ad titled “Lifesaver,” the duo takes on a beach getaway together. While Pixel suggests capturing moments on the beach using his iPhone, he soon discovers that the iPhone has run out of battery. To the surprise of the iPhone, the Google phone revives it by wirelessly sharing its own battery power, showcasing a feature that the iPhone was unaware of.
Photo from Made by Google YouTube Channel
In another ad called “Opening Up,” the Pixel Fold unfolds, revealing the impressive features of Pixel’s Magic Eraser and VP capabilities, which the iPhone had seen and become envious of. Furthermore, in the “Seeing Stars” ad, the iPhone expresses concern about potential hackers on a public WiFi network. Google calmly responds, amusingly, that it has a built-in VPN to ensure security.
Although iPhone and Google phones have their distinct features and ecosystem, both phones offer special functionalities that users admire. The portrayal of these devices as best friends in the advertising campaign by Made by Google on YouTube has been well-received by supporters and users of each company, appreciating the new entertaining approach.
What happens if the two brands stop their rivalry and become friends instead?
Photo from Made by Google YouTube ChannelPhoto from Made by Google YouTube Channel
The entire #BestFriendsForever campaign series can be watched on the MadeByGoogle and Google Pixel YouTube channels, as well as the company’s Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook pages.
Jellyfish is a beautiful creature, but better be safe and not touch it. They appear charming and cute, yet some of them are potentially dangerous.
Photos from Unsplash
The Philippines, a tropical paradise renowned for its breathtaking beaches and vibrant marine life, is no exception to the natural phenomena that can occur along coastal destinations. During jellyfish season, these alluring yet potentially hazardous creatures make their presence felt along the country’s coastline. Visitors should exercise caution and be aware of their presence when enjoying the splendors of the Philippine seas.
Photos from Unsplash
Mysteries of the Deep
“Mesoglea” refers to the jelly-like material that gives these organisms their common name. They do not have a backbone since they are invertebrates. It has a body that feels smooth and jelly-like and tentacles that come with tiny stinging cells.
Jellyfish go with the flow and float with the current, which means if the current comes to shore, jellyfish may occur too. Strong winds can also be why jellyfish come to the shore and end up on the beach because they contain so much water; as a result, jellyfish die quite fast and wash up on a beach.
Photos from Unsplash
In the Philippines, you may hear the myth if you get stung by a jellyfish, the common action they will do is to urinate its sting. However, there is no scientific basis for this ‘remedy,’ and sometimes it can make the sting more painful.
Does vinegar work?
Vinegar is also one of the emergency remedies in the Philippines when stung by jellyfish. Some researchers also discovered that vinegar might cause more harm than good in cases of box jellyfish stings but recommended a general first aid kit for jelly stings in the US and Australia. For us to be properly educated, here are the steps to provide crucial immediate first aid when stung by a jellyfish:
Rinse with Seawater: The sting could get worse if you use fresh water. To get rid of any remaining tentacles, thoroughly rinse the affected area with seawater.
Remove Tentacles: Carefully remove any visible tentacles with tweezers or a gloved hand. Using bare hands may result in more stings.
Vinegar Solution: Apply a vinegar solution (5% acetic acid) to the affected area for about 30 seconds to neutralize the toxins. However, vinegar should not be used for Portuguese man o’ war stings.
Pain Relief: Applying a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
Avoid pressure and contact with sand.
Take pain relievers: Like ibuprofen or steroid creams can lessen the pain, itching, or swelling.
Seek Medical Attention: Regardless of the severity, it is advisable to seek medical assistance after a jellyfish sting. Healthcare professionals can evaluate the situation and provide further treatment if necessary.
Symptoms of Jellyfish stings
Intense Pain: Jellyfish stings are often associated with a sharp, burning, or stinging pain at the site of contact.
Welts or tracks on the skin — a “print” of the tentacles’ contact with the skin
Itchiness (pruritus) and Irritation: Some may experience itching, tingling, or a prickling sensation around the sting area.
Skin Changes: The skin may develop welts, blisters, or elevated, whip-like marks.
Throbbing pain that radiates up a leg or an arm
When do jellyfish often appear on Philippine beaches? How can I recognize one?
The jellyfish is a natural occurrence in the coastal areas of the province from May to September. It depends on the wind’s direction, according to the initial assessment of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Aklan.
Jellyfish jiggles like gelatin, and some simply appear as little, clear blobs. Others, though, are larger and more colorful, with tentacles that hang down behind them, similar to an octopus.
Moon Jelly
Disc-shaped, clear to whitish bell is about the size of a dinner plate, with fine tentacles that make a short fringe. It has a purple or pink flower shape with four “petals” in the center of its sac-like body.
Photos from Unsplash
Box Jellyfish
Box jellies, also referred to as sea wasps and marine stingers, are mostly found in coastal waters. Their name comes from the cube-like shape of their bell, which is pale blue and transparent in color.
Photos from Unsplash
Visitors can safely experience the beach by staying informed and taking the appropriate precautions. Safe travels mga laagan!
Today’s hustle culture highlights the importance of financial stability and security. Because of this, part time jobs and having multiple streams of income has become increasingly popular for people wanting to support daily necessities and living expenses.
A side hustle is excellent for people who want to earn extra income and strengthen financial security. This is also perfect for people who have a lot of time on-hand. It’s an even more productive way to spend time during off days from day jobs.
With that being said, what are the most convenient and abot-kaya part-time jobs in the Philippines? Keep on reading to find out.
1. Online Selling
For business-savvy people, online selling might be the right match. What’s great about online selling is the wider audience reach that the internet provides. Additionally, business owners won’t even have to shell out money for physical stores. They can simply keep supplies within their homes and then book deliveries once their customers confirm the orders, making it economical.
With the help of trusted delivery partners like Lalamove, merchants can opt for a fast, simple and affordable alternative while also being able to reach a wider market with wide-ranging delivery vehicles. In the meantime, merchants can rest assured that their deliveries are handled safely and securely through Lalamove’s same-day delivery, while being able to track the transactions through real-time and seamless in-app features.
Here are a few examples of online selling ideas that best fit the Philippine market, incorporating hobbies that business owners might be interested in:
Handmade crafts: Artistic individuals can sell handmade crafts, such as customized jewelry, home decor items, or personalized greeting cards. This allows an avenue for creativity while catering to customers that seek unique and locally-made products.
Food and baked goods: Filipinos are known for their love of food, making it an ideal avenue for hobbyists to share their culinary talents. Selling homemade delicacies, baked goods, or even meal kits online, in order to target the large market of food enthusiasts and those looking for a taste of authentic Filipino cuisine would be a promising business venture to explore.
If you are unsure which food business to venture in, let Chef Jade Kitchen be of inspiration. It is a small business that assures premium and quality baked goods for Cebuanos. The small business’ best-seller is its famous Ube Cheese Pandesal.
Not all businesses start big; Souffle Cakes and Chocolate Art, one of Lapu-Lapu’s best cake shop started selling through Facebook 7 years ago. Now, the owners have physical stores in Cebu. Cebuanos love food, and if you are a real foodie yourself, then food and baked goods might be worth the shot.
Clothing and accessories: Fashion-conscious individuals can create and sell unique clothing designs, upcycled garments, or customized accessories online. This allows the expression of personal style while catering to a market interested in sustainable and one-of-a-kind fashion.
2. “Be your own boss” opportunities
Self-employed workers and home-based business owners refer to a wide scope of people utilizing their business skills and the internet, in order to make a living. There are different kinds of niches to choose from for those wanting to be their own boss, or work from the comforts of their home.
With an increased demand of looking for freedom in work, there are more opportunities for part-time projects and self-employment roles in markets. Lalamove offers a similar set up for truck owners and fleet operators that are looking to be self-employed. Becoming a Lalamove Partner Driver allows riders to manage their own time, work as frequent as they please, and juggle another job on the side!
But wait; There’s more! Become a a driver partner and receive the following benefits:
Fuel Benefits
Insurance
Healthcare
Vehicle Maintenance
Vehicle Purchase
Roadside Assistance
Financing
Gadgets & Gears
Food & Groceries and;
Apparel
3. Courier and Logistics Delivery Service
Here’s something for people who love to ride motorcycles or drive vehicles. Driving enthusiasts can apply as delivery partners for Lalamove Philippines. Lalamove, the 24/7 fast, simple and affordable on-demand delivery platform is now accepting part-timers or full-timers who want to become Lalamove Partner Drivers.
By working with Lalamove, Partner Drivers will not only earn, but will also help give customers the reliable and affordable service they need when it comes to delivery options. Lalamove has an island-wide scope that covers 16 municipalities of Cebu such as:
Cebu
Cordova
Consolacion
Lilo-an
Compostella
Danao
Talisay
Minglanilla
San Fernando
Toledo
Pinamungajan
Balamban
Carcar City
Naga City
Mandaue City
Lapu-Lapu City
Lalamove’s latest Abot-Kaya campaign launch continues to empower business owners and hustlers alike, all over Cebu, by providing hassle-free logistics services that are always within reach.
And the best thing about being a Lalamove Partner Driver? Hours are flexible, benefits are economical, and the only limit to how much one can earn depends on how many rides they want to accept within the day!
With this list of side hustles available, all there’s left to do is find one’s perfect match. After all, there is no harm in trying. Plus, a side job puts people one step closer to financial freedom, while allowing the development of skills that could prove helpful in the future!
This new Siargao-feels cafe in Toledo will never ‘seas’ to amaze you.
You better take out your cafe-hopping bucket list because Balud Cafe will be launching its soft opening to serve hungry Cebuanos.
Photo from Balud Cafe Facebook Page
Balud Cafe is a tropical coffee shop that offers customers a faultless seascape experience. The cafe is perfect for those who love to chill and witness the fiery sunset Toledo has to offer.
Experience Siargao-vibes in Cebu
Balud Cafe exudes a tropical feel that will make you feel like you are in Siargao. The cafe is designed to resemble nipa or island huts. There are wooden chairs that customers can comfortably sit on as they dine delicious grubs.
Photo from Balud Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Balud Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Balud Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Balud Cafe Facebook Page
The interior and exterior also sports rattan fixtures, furniture, and accents, adding to the boho design. Moreover, Balud Cafe is exceptionally pretty at night when the hanging lights light up the whole place.
At the cafe, you can find an array of drinks and food. Balud Cafe is still on its soft opening and will give updates on its menu and prices. Food and drinks you can anticipate are mango sticky rice, pizza, all kinds of coffee, smoothies, and more.
Not only that, but the cafe also offers free wifi, and it is also pet-friendly too.
Make sure to follow their social media pages, such as Facebook, for more information and updates.
Photo from Balud Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Balud Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Balud Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Balud Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Balud Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Balud Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Balud Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Balud Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Balud Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Balud Cafe Facebook Page
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Other Information:
Soft Opening hours: 11AM to 9PM on Mondays to Fridays; 8AM to 9PM on Satrudays-Sundays
Exact location: Birao Compound, Bato, Toledo City, Cebu.
BY BUS: From South Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Toledo City – approx. 2 hours from Cebu City, and ask a habal-habal driver to take you to Birao Compound.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Birao Compound” or “Balud Cafe” in Toledo.
Apple has recently announced that starting July 26, 2023, the ‘My Photo Stream’ will shut down permanently. The ‘My Photo Stream’ is the feature where your photos appear when you delete them.
Photo from Unsplash
“As part of this transition, new photo uploads to My Photo Stream from your devices will stop one month before, on June 26, 2023. Any photos uploaded to the services before that date will remain in iCloud for 30 days from the date of upload and will be available to any of your devices where My Photo Stream is currently enabled. By July 26, 2023, there will be no photos remaining in My Photo Stream, and the service will be shut down.”
Photo from Unsplash
Losing cherished photos is heartbreaking, truly. However, you can do something to not lose them. First, go to your ‘My Photo Stream Album’ and save all photos to iCloud or your device.
Many Apple users came forward to express their distaste. Some users even said that Apple’s actions were unnecessary.
Is this Apple’s new move to get more people to subscribe to iCloud services? If it is, not everyone is happy.
Photo from Unsplash
What do you think about this move? Let us know in the comments.
Fluid art absolutely got us trippin’ and drippin’!
Photos from Bare Bears Cebu Facebook Page
Fluid art is a popular painting technique and is quite a stress reliever. It is the art of pouring acrylic paint onto a chosen canvas to create an abstract artwork. It is also a fun activity to do with your friends, family, and significant other.
Good news Cebuanos, a new fluid art studio, has come to say hello! Bare Bears Cebu is now open to let your artistic imaginations come to life.
Photos from Bare Bears Cebu Facebook PagePhotos from Bare Bears Cebu Facebook PagePhotos from Bare Bears Cebu Facebook PagePhotos from Bare Bears Cebu Facebook Page
Bears and Bunny Bears: Colorful Cuteness
Bare Bears Cebu offer customers Bear and Bunny Canvases to literally pour their feelings out on. There are bear and bunny canvases of all shapes and sizes, such as:
BB FAMILY
BB Brick 27cm
BB Small 18cm
BB Medium 33cm
BB Large 53cm
BB Jumbo Bear 73cm
Photos from Bare Bears Cebu Facebook Page
BARE BUNNY FAMILY
B Bunny Small 18cm
B Bunny medium 29cm
B Bunny Large 31cm
Photos from Bare Bears Cebu Facebook Page
BB KEYCHAIN FAMILY
BB Big Head 6.5cm
BB Slim 8.5
BB Kaws 8.5cm
Photos from Bare Bears Cebu Facebook Page
They also have an activity wherein you literally shoot paint on a 20×24 canvas using a water gun. How fun is that?
Let your artistic self run wild at Bare Bears Cebu! It’s fun, creative, and lets you unleash your inner artist—head on over there today.
Photos from Bare Bears Cebu Facebook PagePhotos from Bare Bears Cebu Facebook Page
Facebook and Instagram owner Mark Zuckerberg has hinted at a new program by Meta that would compete with Twitter by providing a competitor platform for online real-time interactions.
On the App Store, the software called ‘Threads’, will launch on Thursday. Its description on the App Store highlights dialogues as well as the opportunity to develop a following and meet like-minded individuals, which suggests that it has many parallels to Twitter.
Photo from Spp Store
“Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow,” it says. “Whatever it is you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favorite creators and others who love the same things — or build a loyal following of your own to share your ideas, opinions and creativity with the world.”
During Twitter’s temporary restriction on tweet reading during an outage, Meta’s action has raised questions about data theft and system manipulation. Musk, the billionaire owner of Meta, says these limitations were put in place to prevent data theft and manipulation.
In addition to aiming to intrude on Meta’s domain, Twitter intends to charge users for TweetDeck, a tool for organizing and monitoring followers accounts. In order to compete with Meta’s Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, Twitter will also be adding encrypted messaging and calls in May, potentially encroaching on the platform’s domain.
Photo from UnsplashPhoto from Unsplash
Musk and Zuckerberg, in other news, may engage in a cage battle in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Las Vegas venue as part of their ongoing public rivalry, far from business reasons.
Potential rivalry for a well-established platform like Twitter highlights the dynamic and changing social media ecosystem that is being pushed by the need for cutting-edge online communication and networking.
With the recent viral trend of the lato-lato toy captivating not just kids but also teenagers and adults, it has sparked a wave of nostalgia among Filipinos.
The fascination with this simple yet captivating toy has prompted us to reflect on the cherished playthings of our childhood, reminding us of the joy and innocence that defined our younger years.
Let’s take a stroll down memory lane as we revisit five nostalgic toys that Filipino kids of past decades will surely remember.
1. Pogs
Starting off strong and calling dibs on the Barbie pogs.
A staple in schoolyards and neighborhood gatherings, pogs were a phenomenon that swept through the Philippines in the 1990s.
Photo from Unsplash.com
Photo from Unsplash.com
Photo from Toy Room on Shopee
Photo from Made For You on Lazada
These small, circular cardboard or plastic discs adorned with vibrant designs and images became a must-have collectible.
Kids would stack them and use a larger “slammer” to knock down their opponents’ pogs.
Pogs brought forth friendly competitions, trading sessions, and hours of fun-filled entertainment.
Are pogs still being sold anywhere? Let us know… for research purposes.
2. Yo-yo
A timeless classic, the yo-yo has been captivating children for generations.
Photo from ARSHOP on Shopee
Photo from h1wvp6xjc1 on Shopee
Photo from wivo on Lazada
Filipino kids would spend hours perfecting their yo-yo skills, mastering tricks such as “walk the dog,” “rock the cradle,” and “around the world.”
Whether it was a simple wooden yo-yo or a flashy light-up version, the joy of watching the yo-yo spin and return to your hand was unmatched.
3. Rubber Band or Dampa
Simple yet versatile, the rubber band or dampa was a common toy that could be fashioned into various forms of entertainment.
Photo from steemit.com
Photo from steemit.com
Photo from steemit.com
Kids would create makeshift slingshots, shooting small stones or folded pieces of paper at targets.
The rubber band could also be transformed into a jumping toy by attaching it to the fingers and bouncing it up and down, providing endless amusement and challenges.
4. Paper Dolls
In a world before tablets and smartphones, paper dolls were a beloved source of imaginative play.
Photo from Anythingartsybygab on Shopee
Photo from SA_Online01 on Lazada
Photo from Jals printing 6 on Shopee
Filipino kids would cut out paper dolls and their accompanying clothes from magazines or coloring books.
With their creativity in full swing, they would create stories and scenarios, dressing up the paper dolls and acting out various scenes.
It was a chance to explore their imagination and engage in pretend play for hours on end.
5. Plastic Balloon
I could smell this one just by writing about it.
The process of playing with it was simple yet captivating.
To begin, one would squeeze the tube containing the resin-like substance, extracting a small portion that could be rolled into a ball.
Photo from MarysOnlineShop on Lazada
Photo from crimson.ph_ on Shopee
Photo from MKC Vintage Shop on Shopee
Placing the substance at the tip of a straw, the anticipation would build as air was blown slowly, transforming the small ball into a fascinating balloon.
This process of creation brought joy and excitement to children, who would marvel at the transformation before their eyes.
The plastic balloon was a testament to the resourcefulness and creativity of Filipino kids, who found delight in the simplest of toys.
These five nostalgic toys hold a special place in the hearts of many Filipino adults today, evoking fond memories of simpler times and carefree childhoods.
They represent a time when imagination reigned supreme, and playtime was filled with laughter, creativity, and endless possibilities.
These timeless toys serve as a reminder that happiness can be found in the simplest of things, and the memories we create during our childhood can stay with us for a lifetime.
Let’s celebrate the nostalgia and hold dear the cherished toys that shaped our younger selves, while creating new memories and experiences for the generations to come.
Are you one of those people who prefer to be cashless? And by cashless meaning, your money comes from and goes to your eWallets. If yes, then this guide is for you.
Many people nowadays would rather make transactions online than bring cash, and there are many reasons, one being theft. However, make no mistake – thieving can happen digitally, but not if you’re secured. So, how exactly do we protect our eWallets?
1. Put a lock on your device.
Since you have an eWallet installed, putting a lock on it is critical. It could be a passcode, PIN, or pattern lock. Whatever it may be, ensure it can’t be easily deciphered. That being said, do not use 0000 or 1234, or 1111. Come on; you’re better than that.
Photo from Pixabay.com
2. Keep track of your eWallet activity.
Always be on top of things concerning your online transactions to avoid any potential fraud. Contact your financial institution immediately if you see anything suspicious in your statement.
Photo from Unsplash.com
3. Install security apps.
Consider installing security apps to add more protection to your devices’ sensitive information. Some of these apps even provide location services that are proven helpful in the event that your devices get lost or stolen. Finding an app that remotely deletes everything on your device is also useful in case retrieval becomes impossible.
Photo from Pixabay.com
4. Beware of the sites you visit.
At this point, we should already have an idea of the lengths these “scammers” go to just to try and steal your data and everything that comes with it. With that said, remember to check the sites you use your eWallet on. Don’t let your excitement of getting that item/service get the best of you. And remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is – so stay vigilant.
Photo from Unsplash.com
While eWallets generally offer safety, they are not completely immune to threats. Implementing extra security measures to minimize risks and safeguard your financial information from unauthorized access is crucial. Protecting your financial data rests in your hands, and investing the time and effort into securing your eWallet is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it provides.
