AI voice cloning apps sure are fun! You get to play around with different voice effects, recreate your family and friends’ voices, and get used for scams— what?
Photo from Unsplash
Getting scammed is already bad enough, but being used for one? Now that’s worse. Due to the rise of AI-powered applications, scammers have found another way to trick people. Fraudsters now use AI voice cloning apps to bait unsuspecting civilians.
People have come forward to report their experiences. A woman in Arizona almost got scammed when a caller told her they had her daughter. You might ask, how could she fall for that? Well, the caller used her daughter’s voice. The voice used, even the way “it” cried, was hauntingly similar to that of her daughter’s.
Photo from Unsplash
During a local news interview, Tech Editor Art Samaniego said that it would only take three seconds for fraudsters to clone your voice. However, the more voice material they have that they can feed to the app, the more they can copy your voice.
According to DICT Secretary, Ivan John Uy, people who commit scams are not individuals, but an organization who “have the best technology that money can buy.”
As of the moment, the DICT still has yet to receive any complaints regarding voice scams. However, they are working on ways to conquer them. DICT also reminds the public to never give private information to unknown numbers.
Photo from Unsplash
AI voice apps are all fun and games until you become the next victim. It’s wise to keep safe and be responsible.
A focused mind is a magnetic force that attracts success.
Having a space for concentration is a must when it comes to those who strive to succeed. There are plenty of places you can go to in order to hyperfocus, such as libraries, coffee shops, and even coworking spaces. Speaking of a coworking space, there is one in Cebu that does not only help you be productive but will also help you grow and become empowered to take on challenges — enspace Cebu.
enspace Cebu: Creating a GLOCAL world where various “fate” intersect
GLOCALization is a portmanteau of the words “globalization” and “localization.” It refers to the process of adapting global products, services, ideas, and technologies to local markets and cultures. Glocalization is a way of balancing the need for global uniformity with the need for local diversity.
Nestled in the heart of Cebu’s information technology industry jungle, enspace Cebu is a company that offers coworking spaces, private offices, meeting rooms, virtual office address, and business support services.
According to enspace’s Community Manager and the COO of Enrise Global Inc., Ryota Yamada, enspace aims to “create a glocal (global and local) world where various ‘fate’ intersect.” The company strives to support students, start-up business owners, freelancers, and more by providing a safe space for them to focus and also collaborate.
enspace Services
As mentioned above, enspace provides services such as Coworking spaces, Private offices, Meeting rooms, and Virtual office address. Not only that, but they also have Business support Services where businesses can ask for Corporate Business Registration, Accounting & Bookkeeping, Payroll & HR Management, and Legal Services assistance that they need.
Apart from the services, at enspace Cebu, guests and members can expect the following facilities:
Dedicated High-speed Fiber Internet up to 100 Mbps with backup
Unlimited Brewed Premium Coffee & FREE Water
Meeting Rooms & Offices with a view
Ergonomic workstation with own outlet
FREE Use of Projector, Whiteboard, LED Monitor, Camera & Logicool Speaker
Student & Community Partnership Discounts
1-minute walk to Ayala Malls, Coffee Shops, and convenience stores
CCTV and Backup Power & Generator
Office Lockers & Drawers for rent (optional)
High-quality printing & scanning services
24/7 Access for Office & Coworking Members
Accepts GCASH, Cash, or Fund Transfer payments (credit cards soon)
Premium Access to Community Events (FREE)
Japanese & Local Operation Staff
The History of enspace
enspace started in Japan, specifically in Sendai City. Ryota Yamada recounted that their CEO, Katsuhiro Ago, went to Sendai and saw many promising people, especially those with small businesses, that inspired him to establish Enspace.
“To provide coworking space for startups and the local community,”
YAMADA STATED.
enspace in Cebu
So, how did enspace get to Cebu?
Because of enspace’ success in Japan, clients wanted to try marketing the company abroad. and because ASEAN countries were closer to Japan, the CEO decided to expand to the Philippines. Moreover, the decision was also influenced by the fact that many people speak fluent English in the Philippines, especially Cebu. Aside from that, there are many foreigners, especially Japanese, that need a place to work or help kick start their business.
The “en” in enspace
The “en” in enspace means different things in English.
First is “Enjoy”; as stated by Yamada, when people work, it is best to enjoy the process. Next is “English”; Enspace believes learning English is essential when starting a business. Third is “Engineers”; the company brings importance to tech engineers as they play a vital part in our lives, especially now that technology is around us. This is why they also want to provide a space where people in the tech industry can work on their careers.
If you want to partner with enspace Cebu, kindly complete this form: bit.ly/enspacePartnerships
But there’s a Japanese meaning of “en” that fully describes what enspace is all about— en meaning “Fate.”
Students, freelancers, business owners, and people of different backgrounds come together to share one space that intertwines their fate and helps them grow, succeed, and be the empowered version of themselves.
Get Keen for enspace Cebu at Business Park
enspace expands yet again as it will soon open its new branch at Cebu Business Park.
Ryota Yamada teased that the next branch would have a more Japanese feel to it. enspace’s goal is to create another space where people can feel a mother’s love. But what does it mean with “a mother’s love”? enspace wants to give people a place to nurture and grow themselves and their businesses by providing more functional services.
A space to work, collaborate, and even start your own business all in one place — Only at enspace.
enspace Cebu will continue to support the initiatives for emerging Tech Communities such Web3, AI, Metaverse, AR/VR and beyond together with our existing and future partners. Our future event space can hold up to a hundred of audience/attendees.
As well as Local businesses, Developer’s Communities and Startups in the Philippines. We have a vision to be the Glocal Tech Hub in the city, where both Japanese and the locals can connect, collaborate and cultivate new ideas and events.
RATES & MEMBERSHIPS:
Coworking
Per Hour: ₱50 (min. 2hrs)
Early Bird: ₱300/day (start use from 8 AM to 10 AM)
Regular Drop-in: ₱400/day (Mon-Fri, 10 AM – 9 PM)
Overnight Pass: ₱500/pass (Mon-Fri 9 PM to 7 AM)
Monthly Coworking
Hybrid Pass – 3,500 php/pass (10 days consumable Coworking Pass valid for 2 months)
Just last week, a woman from Ecuador made noise on social media after she woke up during her funeral.
Photo form Unsplash
In a trending video posted on Twitter, netizens can see 76-year-old Bella Montoya breathing heavily while being inside a casket. According to Bella’s Son, Gilbert Barbera, his mother hit the box with her left hand after her wake, lasting 5 hours.
Barbera swore that the hospital even gave them an official death certificate to prove that his mother was officially pronounced dead. According to a newspaper report, Bella’s heart was stable, and she was reactive.
Photo form Unsplash
However, Bella Montoya officially died, yet again, but this time, she’s gone for real. Last Friday, Montoya succumbed to a stroke while being admitted to the hospital.
“This time, my mother really did die,” Gilbert Barbera told the El Universo newspaper. “My life will not be the same,” he continued.
But how did Bella Montoya “rise from the dead”?
Photo form Unsplash
According to local Ecuadoran news reports, she suffered from Catalepsy, wherein a person loses body sensation and consciousness. Catalepsy also causes stiffness in the body.
Maybe AI Chat buddies aren’t much of a “buddy” after all.
Photo from Unsplash
Alphabet, Google’s parent company, warned its employees not to input any confidential information to Google’s own AI chatbot, Bard, or any other AI chatbot for that matter. Why? It’s because AI companies store everything we submit in AI chatbots.
There are human employees who can access the messages we send to AI chatbots. If you have tried using AI chatbots like ChatGPT, you might see message prompts saying, “may use the data you provide us to improve our models.” this is because there are studies that show how AI uses the data given by the users.
Photo from Unsplash
Not only does Google warn its employees, but it also warns users. They have now updated Bard’s privacy notice page with the following prompt: “Please do not include information that can be used to identify you or others in your Bard conversations.”
This serves as a reminder that we should all be responsible for using AI chatbots and other AI-powered applications. Submitting private information could be harmful to users. Now that Google and OpenAI themselves have warned users, you should probably listen to them.
Everyone wants to be on time for a flight, to get on time and follow their day-to-day schedule of events.
Each and every single person has a reason to go to the airport, whether it may be for business or pleasure.
Photo from Unsplash
Regardless, being precisely on time is something which is expected of airline passengers, and being even slightly late will not be tolerated, with no warnings and exceptions.
Occasionally however, there are instances in which arriving earlier than the destined time is not enough, and complications involving the air flight occur.
This is where your rights come in. Believe it or not, passengers have a set of various rights that they are entitled to enforce whenever an inconvenience takes place. An important thing to note is that specific rights hold no value if and only if the reason for a delay or cancellation is out of the airline’s control, such as severe weather and safety reasons.
What are some options to consider when your flight gets canceled?
If a flight is called off less than 24 hours before the designated time due to the airline’s fault, some actions you could take are:
Demand a refund for the purchased tickets if you change your mind about going through with it.
Inquire for another available flight on another airline, fully paid.
Choose another date to reschedule for with no extra expense.
Early birds who arrive on time and got their flights suspended may indulge in numerous amenities such as:
Food and drinks
Hotel accommodations
Transportation to hotel
Communication services (Calls, Texts, E-mails)
Remember to keep an important note that these services are not accessible to patrons if the cause for cancellation isn’t accountable to the airline.
Photo from Unsplash
What are some options to consider when your flight gets delayed?
For passengers whose flights have been delayed for a minimum of 3 hours, they are entitled to complimentary meals, drinks, communication services, and the options to refund, reschedule, or ask to be put in a different carrier.
A delay of more than 6 hours can be regarded as a cancellation, whereas the passenger may also ask for cash and vouchers to compensate, as well as the right to board the flight.
If a passenger experiences a 2 hour flight delay however, they are entitled to food and beverages.
Photo from Unsplash
While flight delays can be frustrating, understanding your rights empowers you to navigate such situations with confidence and seek appropriate recourse when necessary.
The next time you find yourself facing a flight delay, remember that your rights as a passenger are there to protect you and ensure a smoother journey.
Summer vacation is fast approaching, and you still have not filled up your summer bucket list yet. There are many vacation spots in Cebu that you don’t even know where to start. But don’t worry; we got you!
If you are tired of going to the beach every summer, then you might want to maneuver to another watery approach— Spring Resorts. We have compiled the top 6 amazing springs in Cebu for your next summer getaway.
1. Mantawihan Spring, Tuburan
Mantawihan Springs is one of the natural gems of Tuburan, Cebu. It is thriving with plant life and wildlife. If magical were to describe a place, it would definitely be Mantawihan Spring. Of course, the highlight is the water. The spring boasts cold waters where visitors can jump in and cool down.
BY COMMUTE: There are three ways you can get to Tuburan. The first way is to ride a V-hire in IT Park; the second is via Ceres Bus at SM City Cebu or a Corominas Bus at South Bus Terminal. The estimated fare is ₱180 one way. From there, you can walk towards the place with the help of the locals along the way. BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Mantawihan Spring” in Tuburan.
2. Banyan Springs Resort, Tabogon
Next on this list is Banyan Springs Resort. It is a sight to behold. The springs are clear; you can see the rocks at the bottom. It is also surrounded by trees and lush greens, which give the place a fairytale-like appearance. There are also miniature waterfalls in the area.
Photo from Banyan Springs Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Banyan Springs Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Banyan Springs Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Banyan Springs Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Banyan Springs Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Banyan Springs Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Banyan Springs Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Banyan Springs Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Banyan Springs Resort Facebook Page
Banyan Springs Resorts look like something straight out of a magical film. Because of its emerald waters, it resembles an enchanted lagoon.
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, ride a bus to Tabogon. Ask the driver to drop you off at Maslog. Ask around where to find Banyan Springs Resort, or you can ride a habal-habal and tell the driver you are heading to Banyan Springs Resort. BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Banyan Springs Resort” in Tabogon. Parking space is available.
3. Durano Eco Farm, Carmen
This magnificent spring is found in Durano Eco Farm, Carmen. The spring is as mystical as its flowing green waters. You will be greeted by many multi-level pools amidst the mountains when you visit. The springs are also surrounded by abundant plant life.
Photo from Durano Eco Farm Facebook Page
Photo from Durano Eco Farm Facebook Page
Photo from Durano Eco Farm Facebook Page
Photo from Durano Eco Farm Facebook Page
Photo from Durano Eco Farm Facebook Page
Photo from Durano Eco Farm Facebook Page
Photo from Durano Eco Farm Facebook Page
Photo from Durano Eco Farm Facebook Page
If guests wish to eat outdoors, they also have picnic tables available. Not only that, but there is also a 3-level mango treehouse where you can stay overnight.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Entrance fee: ₱100 per adult; ₱50 per kid below 10 years old
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, ride any bus bound for Carmen or Sogod. Inform the driver to drop you off at Carmen Public Market. Bus fare is ₱40 per person. From there, ride a habal-habal and tell the driver to bring you to Durano Eco Farm. Fare is ₱35. Travel time is around 15 minutes.
BY JEEP / MINIBUS: You can also ride a jeepney or mini-bus going to Carmen from Sun Gold near the crossing in SM City Cebu. Inform the driver to drop you off at Carmen Public Market. Bus fare is ₱40 per person. From there, ride a habal-habal and tell the driver to bring you to Durano Eco Farm. Fare is ₱35. Travel time is around 15 minutes.
BY VAN: You can ride a v-hire from SM City Van Terminal. Inform the driver to drop you off at Carmen Public Market. Bus fare is ₱40 per person. From there, ride a habal-habal and tell the driver to bring you to Durano Eco Farm. Fare is ₱35. Travel time is around 15 minutes.
4. Obong Spring Resort, Dalaguete
Photo from Obong Spring, Dalaguete Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Obong Spring, Dalaguete Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Obong Spring, Dalaguete Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Obong Spring, Dalaguete Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Obong Spring, Dalaguete Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Obong Spring, Dalaguete Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Obong Spring, Dalaguete Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Obong Spring, Dalaguete Cebu Facebook Page
Obong Spring Resort is a gigantic basin of aqua-green waters. It is also a place where freshwater meets saltwater. What’s great about the spring is that it is not that deep, which is perfect for both kids and adults. There are tables and chairs situated near the springs where guests can set up a picnic by the spring pools. The resort also values safety which is why there are lifeguards stationed.
Exact location: Obong, Dalaguete, Southern Cebu, Philippines — approx. 2-3 hours away from the city.
BY BUS/VAN/JEEP (COMMUTERS): Head to South Bus Terminal. You can take any bus that will pass by Dalaguete. Since Obong Spring Resort is a famous destination, you can ask the conductor to drop you off in the resort. Travel time is around 2 hours from the city proper, with fares amounting to 120-150 pesos.
From Dalaguete junction, you can ride a tricycle to Obong Spring Resort for 10 pesos only.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Obong Spring Resort” in Dalaguete. Parking fee applies from 5-20 pesos only. All kinds of vehicles are allowed except for six-wheelers and bigger ones.
5. Mt. Uragay Spring Resort, Carmen
Mt. Uragay Spring Resort used to be where Nature Spring sourced water for their bottled water. However, Nature Spring found another source and left the spring untouched. Some people took the initiative to turn it into a resort. The pools are cool and perfect for the summer. There are also cottages and kiosks where guests can stay during their visit.
Photo from Rider’s TV Facebook Page
Photo from carmencebu.gov.ph
Photo from carmencebu.gov.ph
Photo from carmencebu.gov.ph
Photo by Strikerz Yong
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
FEES:
Entrance fee: P75 per adult; P50 per child
OTHER INFORMATION:
Corkage fee: None
Contact numbers: 0915-625-7773
RENTALS:
Table w/ 4 chairs: P300 per set
Table: P200 per table
Family Cottage: P800 per day
Single Cottage: P500 per day
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Corte, Carmen, Northern Cebu – just an hour away from Carmen Public Market
BY BUS: Find your way to the Cebu North Bus Terminal. Once there, look for a bus that’s bound for Carmen and ride it. Ask the bus driver or the konduktor to drop you off at Carmen Public Market. From there, you can hire a motorcycle or habal-habal to take you to the resort.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Mt. Uruguay Spring Resort” in Corte, Carmen. Parking space is available upon arrival.
6. Bolocboloc Spring, Barili
Last but not least, Bolocboloc Spring, Barili. Now here’s something to relax our muscles.
The Bolocboloc Spring is a hot spring that’s secluded from the outside world. It is one of the hidden gems of Barili, Cebu.
Photo by Mai Chimi
Photo from Barutong Papel Facebook Page
Photo from Barutong Papel Facebook Page
Photo from Barutong Papel Facebook Page
Photo by Albert Jay Lambo
Photo by Ranilyn Son Pepito
The spring is made up of sulfuric water, which is said to have healing effects. The spring water is just the right temperature for those who want to enjoy the perfect dip to warm their bodies.
Guests are provided with comfortable amenities such as picnic tables and family cottages.
The exact location on Google maps: Barangay Bolocbloc, Barili, Southern Cebu – 1 hour and 40 minutes from Cebu City
BY BUS/COMMUTE: From Cebu South Bus Terminal, get on a bus to Barili and get off at Barangay Bolocboloc. From there, hire a motorcycle to take you to the spring.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Bolocboloc Spring (Swimming Pool)” in Barili, Cebu. Parking space is available.
If you are a fan of the beach, then spring resorts will definitely be your cup of tea. Are you ready to kickstart your summer in Cebu? Then head to these amazing springs for a magical summer experience.
Traveling to Japan is THE dream, but the least exciting part about it is the expenses, especially the plane tickets.
Photo from ZipAir Tokyo Website
But worry not! The low-cost airline ZipAir Tokyo will soon offer flights from Manila to Tokyo at a rough price of P6,400.
What is ZipAir Tokyo?
ZipAir Tokyo is a low-cost Japanese airline, meaning the tickets are fairly cheaper. It is a subsidiary of Japan Airlines. Moreover, the airline only started offering passenger flights in 2020.
Photo from ZipAir Tokyo Website
ZipAir Tokyo has announced they will offer flights from Manila, Philippines, to Tokyo, Japan starting July 1. The flight will last for four hours and 30 minutes. In addition, flights will depart at 2:35 PM and arrive at 8:05 PM.
For the return flights, the price is capped at roughly P6,044.40. There will only be one Tokyo-to-Manila flight daily. It departs at 9:25 AM and arrives at 1:10 PM.
Photo from ZipAir Tokyo WebsitePhoto from ZipAir Tokyo Website
Flight Packages
ZipAir Tokyo has 3 flight packages:
Value
Includes Seat Selection
In-flight meal
Baggage Allowance
Biz
Includes Seat Selection
In-flight meal
Baggage allowance of 12 kilograms
Premium
Includes Seat Selection
In-flight meal
Baggage allowance of 23 kilograms
Two carry-on baggage (12 kg total)
Amenity Set
Photo from ZipAir Tokyo Website
Be ready to live out your cherry blossom dreams with ZipAir Tokyo this July.
They say artworks are windows to the artist’s soul.
For renowned Filipino artist Juan Luna, a new one has been opened — uncovered, rather.
‘Hymen, oh Hyménée!’, Juan Luna’s magnum opus, was discovered after 132 long years of being hidden in private property.
Photo from leongallerymakati on Instagram
After a collaboration with both the Ayala Museum and León Gallery, Juan Luna’s long lost masterpiece is now available to be seen and viewed by the people, with the timing being just right for the celebration of the Philippines’ 125th year of independence.
Hailed as “The grail of Philippine Art”, the treasured artifact was last seen by the public eye 132 years ago at the prominent Universal Exposition in Paris, thus vanishing from the world right after. This is also where the one and only Eiffel tower also made its prestigious first appearance.
In his honor, the Ayala Museum presented a mesmerizing art exhibit known as “Splendor: Juan Luna, Painter as Hero”.
Its doors opened on June 12 for everyone to visit, displaying the amount of sheer mastery and prowess the Filipino painter held during his career as an artist.
Photo from leongallerymakati on Instagram
Regardless of all the xenophobia and racial discrimination in the past, this artwork made his name known all throughout the world of art, solidifying his position as a “master painter” among other prominent artists.
Jaime Ponce de Leon, a visionary art collector and the founder and director of León Gallery, spent over ten years searching for “Hymen, oh Hyménée!”.
He searched for leads and hints all throughout Europe, driven by an unyielding devotion until 2017 when he finally found this renowned piece of art.
However, it remained tucked away in a carton; waiting for the ideal opportunity to show off its brilliance.
Due to a great turn of unexpected events, the artwork was loaned to the Ayala Museum for a long period of time and has aligned itself perfectly for the 125th year of the Philippines’ freedom.
The exhibition will stay up until the 31st of December, presented by Ayala Corporation, Ayala Land Inc., and Insular Life with support from BPI and SMEG.
Some people have kids or pets to pamper. However, others have cars. Cars need pampering too. And just like our bodies, for a vehicle to function at its best performance, it needs quality maintenance.
Of course, when it comes to pampering our cars, we want to avail the best services possible, and there’s a place in Cebu where you can avail of top-of-the-line car cleaning and detailing services in the City— Nice Day! Carwash.
Nice Day! Carwash: Providing professional carwash service since 2002
At Nice Day! Carwash, you are assured that your cars will be in good hands. Their initial goal was to level up the carwash experience in Cebu back in 2002. They have professionally-trained teams, the best chemicals such as imported waxes, and state-of-the-art equipment to provide customers with excellent service.
Of course, you’ll know that a service or brand is trusted by many when it is quite recognizable.
Nice Day! Carwash prides itself on how its patrons know their brand by heart and are loyal to it. And do you know what’s even more amazing? Their customers have been with them since 2002.
Even their customer’s sons are their patrons too. Now that’s what you call generations of loyalty. Also, Nice Day! Carwash has a variety of services you can choose from. Their best services include a value wash, supreme buff, Platinum & complete auto Detailing.
Start Your Own Carwash Business with a Nice Day! Carwash Franchise
Aside from its amazing carwash services, Nice Day! Carwash also has a franchising system. Their branding and service received great feedback from customers and business people, so many people inquired whether the carwash service was open for franchise. And finally, in 2009, they started franchising. The first people to ever franchise Nice Day! Carwash were their devoted customers. They wanted to bring the brand to their respective cities and provinces, which why they became franchisees. If you want to start your own carwash business, give Nice Day! Carwash a try! Who knows, you might be just be awarded a franchise to operate in your own city or province.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Best services
VALUE WASH
SUPREME BUFF
PLATINUM & DETAILING
Other Information:
Standard Opening hours: 6 AM to 8 PM; some branches open until 11 PM
Shocking news for both Marvel and K-pop fans alike!
An exciting new series is currently in the works as BLACKPINK’s Jennie is announced to be seen acting in their newest show ‘Team Agents of Atlas’.
Photo from YG Entertainment
Rumors about this collaboration date all the way back to January of 2023, but has now officially been confirmed by Korea’s media outlet Dispatch due to enormous speculation by twitter fans.
Jennie’s role in the series revolves around a South Korean K-pop singer, Seol Hee.
Photo from Marvel
The idol lives life with a secret alter ego — Luna Snow — which she embodies to protect the people from danger using her icy cold powers to freeze anyone who threatens the safety of the public.
Marvel remains silent and has yet to provide a formal statement regarding the topic.
The Korean superstar has lately been exploring various options regarding her acting career, ensuing after her debut as ‘Dyanna’ in HBO’s ‘The Idol’, working alongside numerous celebrities and singer/songwriters, such as Lily Rose-Depp, Troye Sivan, and The Weeknd.
Photo from Jennie on Instagram
‘The Idol’ is available to stream via HBO Max, premiering since last June 4.
