Is your license expired, and you still can’t find the time to renew it? Then here’s some good news for you.
Photo from Land Transportation Office – Philippines Facebook Page
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced the automatic extension for driver’s licenses that expired from April 3, 2023, until April 1, 2023. According to LTO Chairman Vigor Mendoza, the expired licenses will be valid for a year until April 2, 2023, or until such time that the shortage in plastic cards has been resolved.
Photo from Land Transportation Office – Philippines Facebook Page
For drivers who have expired licenses from April 3, 2023, onwards, no penalties will be given. There is no need to head to the LTO office or pay for anything since the validity of the expired licenses is “automatically” extended.
Photo from Unsplash
Moreover, the official receipt of the driver’s license can also be used as a temporary paper license, as it is stamped with “Valid as Temporary Driver’s License Until Plastic Cars are Released. The receipt should also include:
Name of the issuing office and contact personnel
Name and signature of releasing officer
Screenshot of driver’s license card (front and back) printed at the back of the OR.
If you already have your electronic driver’s license, you can access it through the LTMS portal.
You’ve probably read about the upcoming Disney Cruise in Southeast Asia. But D23 just released new details about the cruise ship that will make you say, “Oh Gee!”
Photo from Disney Cruise Line
The Disney Southeast Asia Cruise Ship is dubbed the “Adventure.” The ship will sail from Singapore and Southeast Asia, the first for the Disney Cruise Line Fleet. According to Thomas Mazloum, President of Disney Signature Experiences, the ship is being worked on at the MV Werften shipyard in Germany. The Disney Adventure is about 208,000 tons.
What to Expect Aboard the Disney Cruise Ship
Mazloum teased Disney fans on what to expect during the cruise. According to him, the cruise ship will feature Disney services, storytelling, and entertainment that Disney fans “know and love.” Storytelling includes Disney, Pixar, and Marvel stories.
Photo from Disney Cruise LinePhoto from Disney Cruise LinePhoto from Disney Cruise Line
Disney Adventure will port in the Marina Bay area for five years in 2025. Families and visitors can expect an array of gastronomical cruise activities.
However, there has yet to be an announcement about the pricing and tour packages.
Disney Treasure to Set Sail in 2024
Another Disney Cruise ship is on the way and is setting sail in 2024. Disney Treasure gives off an adventure-like vibe and will feature Grand Halls that are inspired by the fictional Agrabah in Disney’s Aladdin.
The cruise ship has 1,256 cabins and suites with interiors inspired by Aladdin, Pocahontas, Finding Nemo, Up, Luca, and Encanto. Visitors can also expect different cruise activities such as Broadway-style shows, AquaMouse, and Sarabi.
Photo from Disney Cruise LinePhoto from Disney Cruise LinePhoto from Disney Cruise LinePhoto from Disney Cruise LinePhoto from Disney Cruise Line
Disney Treasure’s voyage will be on December 21, 2024. It will sail for seven nights from Port Canaveral, Florida.
Are you excited for the first-ever Disney Cruise in Southeast Asia? I know I am!
Most of us have imagined what it’s like to have one of those road trips that end with us falling asleep in the car. This is pictured somewhere that either has a lot of greens or a body of water nearby like in coming-of-age films. We can stop imagining it now and actually do it with Punta Anchora in Badian.
Photo from Punta Anchora Badian Facebook Page
The Punta Anchora Campsite
Punta Anchora’s edge over the other beautiful existing resorts in Cebu is a campground that allows campers to park their vehicles and set up camp onsite. Cars and motorcycles alike are allowed in for people to spend the night over; visitors can explore the beach and the compelling paradise of Punta Anchora, and camp outside or in their car to rest.
Photo from Punta Anchora Badian Facebook PagePhoto from Punta Anchora Badian Facebook PagePhoto from Punta Anchora Badian Facebook PagePhoto from Punta Anchora Badian Facebook Page
Some amenities offered by Punta Anchora are the following:
Tents and mattresses are available for rent
6 available common bathrooms for the campers to use
Kitchen Utensils
Paddle Board
Kayak
Another feature that is highly notable about Punta Anchora other than its campground is their far from ordinary set of cottages and villas. Their A-Frame Cottage looks straight out of a children’s fantasy story book, and it has such a cozy aura with its warm light, low ceiling, and small but sufficient space. Their villas, on the other hand, have impeccable interiors that are not to be forgotten – marbled tiles, well-placed plants that give the place more life, and furniture that resemble mid-century modern styles – and further provide a feeling of comfort and luxury after a long day of travel and beach activities.
Photo from Punta Anchora Badian Facebook PagePhoto from Punta Anchora Badian Facebook PagePhoto from Punta Anchora Badian Facebook PagePhoto from Punta Anchora Badian Facebook PagePhoto from Punta Anchora Badian Facebook PagePhoto from Punta Anchora Badian Facebook PagePhoto from Punta Anchora Badian Facebook PagePhoto from Punta Anchora Badian Facebook PagePhoto from Punta Anchora Badian Facebook Page
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Car Entrance: ₱500 for 2 pax, additional ₱100 per extra pax
Opening hours: N/A
CAMPING RATES:
Car Camping: ₱900 for 2 pax, additional ₱250 per extra pax
Motorcycle Camping: ₱600 for 2 pax, additional ₱250 per extra pax
ROOM RATES: (or COTTAGE FEES)
A-Frame Cottage: ₱1,800 per night, good for 2 persons. 2 additional pax allowed for ₱250 per head.
Barracuda Villa: ₱4,500 per night, good for 2 persons. 4 additional pax allowed for ₱1,000 per head.
Malasugi Villa: ₱6,000 per night, good for 2-4 persons
Pawikan Villa: ₱16,500 per night, good for 4-8 persons
BY BUS: If you’re in Cebu City, you may board a bus at the South Bus Terminal that is headed to Lambug, Badian. It will take approximately 3 hours to get there for Php 120 to Php 140 depending on the bus of your choice. Once you get to Lambug, you may take a motorcycle or a tricycle to Punta Anchora. Be sure to ask the driver first if they know where the location is since it is a relatively new site.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Punta Anchora” in Badian.
The much-awaited unveiling of the new iPhone 15 Pro finally happened! Is it worth buying? Let’s find out.
Photo from Apple
Heads up, tech fans; you better start filling up your piggy banks because the new iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will soon be in your hands. Last September 13, 2023 (Manila time), Apple showed us the new iPhone 15 Pro line. Here’s what we can expect from Apple’s latest product.
Titanium Case, New Action Button, and USB-C Charging
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max might just be Apple’s lightest Pro handsets, all thanks to the phone’s new grade 5 titanium case rather than stainless steel.
Moreover, the phone also houses a new Action button instead of the old-fashioned Mute toggle. The Action button allows users to access:
Camera
Flashlight
Voice Memos, and many more.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max now have USB-C charger ports instead of Lightning ports.
Photo from ApplePhoto from Apple
5x Telephoto Camera for iPhone 15 Pro Max
If you are the type to use your phone for photography, then the iPhone 15 Pro Max is for you. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is equipped with a 5x telephoto camera that will help with more distant photos. It could be great for wildlife photography.
Photo from Apple
Resident Evil Village and Assassin’s Creed Mirage on iPhone 15 Pro
Let’s be honest; our iPhones aren’t really ideal for gaming. But worry not because the new iPhone 15 Pro is equipped with an A17 Pro chip for better graphics and smoother playing experiences.
The games Resident Evil Village, the RE4 Remake, and Assassin’s Creed Mirage will be available on the iPhone 15 Pro.
One thing that hinders people from traveling or going on holiday are the expenses. A lot of us tend to compromise enjoyment in pursuit of catering to our basic needs.
Uluru & Kata Tjura National Park, Australia | Photo from Unsplash
However, the new Memorandum of Understanding between the Philippines and Australia may be a great opportunity for you to find work and travel at the same time for a maximum of 12 months.
This is also known as the ‘Work and Holiday Visa’ which has been signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary, Enrique Manalo, and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Hae Kyong Ku. The said purpose of this MOU is to provide employment both for Filipinos and Australians while they are staying on vacation in the host country in order for them to fund their stay.
Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia | Photo from Unsplash
Such works through a multiple-entry visa, which is a visa that allows people to leave and return to a certain country multiple times without having to register for travel again or apply for a new visa.
Work and Holiday Visa Eligibility and Regulations
Filipinos and Australians in the ages 18-31 are eligible for this as long as they have finished at least 2 years of undergraduate school. Those who wish to avail the visa are to shoulder the fees to be paid for the processing, and must meet the requirements of the host state regarding health and character to ensure national security. Medical and health insurance are a must for those who successfully get to stay in the host country.
Sydney, Australia | Photo from Unsplash
As per the memorandum, the visa holders “will be covered by the same diplomatic labor laws of the host government as local workers, subject to the employment conditions.”
Working on a budget, work and holidays have always been an either-or. With this diplomatic agreement, we can finally have the option to choose both.
You’ve probably seen the advertisements; The advantages of collagen drinks and supplements are being lauded by celebrities and influencers everywhere on the internet and in television ads.
Photo from Unsplash
Whether you admit it or not, we always wanted limitless beauty and younger skin look.
They proclaim that collagen can strengthen your nails, make your hair brighter, and make your skin appear younger. But is there any truth to these claims? Let’s find out!
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein found in every cell in our bodies. It’s the principal component of connective tissue, which gives our skin, bones, muscles, and other tissues structure and support. Collagen also contributes to the youthful and firm appearance of our skin.
Photo from Unsplash
Naturally, our bodies produce collagen from protein- or collagen-rich meals using amino acids. However, on the contrary, our bodies also manufacture less collagen as we age. As a result, some will have drooping skin, wrinkles, and other aging symptoms.
Do Collagen Products Really Work?
According to some evidence, collagen drinks and supplements may improve skin health. For example, a study published in the journal Skin Pharmacology and Physiology discovered that patients who took collagen supplements for eight weeks had better skin moisture and elasticity.
Additional studies, however, have found no benefits of collagen supplements for skin health. More research is needed to discover whether collagen supplements are helpful in improving skin health.
Photo from Unsplash
Even little proof exists that collagen drinks and supplements can improve hair and nail health. According to one small study, collagen supplements may help to mend brittle nails, but again, further research is needed.
Collagen drinks and supplements are typically regarded as risk-free. Some people, however, may encounter side effects such as stomach upset or diarrhea. If you are considering using collagen supplements, you should consult your doctor for safety.
So there you have it! The real deal about collagen drinks and supplements. While some data suggests that they may be beneficial to skin health, further research is required because marketing claims that collagen supplements or drinks can enhance hair growth, luster, volume, and thickness are currently unsupported by scientific data.
Our bodies naturally change as we get older. Our muscles may sag, our skin may crease, and our hair may become gray. Yet, the changes do not make us any less beautiful.
At any age, we can still be beautiful. We can still possess confidence and beauty. We still have reason to be proud of ourselves.
Photo from Unsplash
So don’t stress about getting older! Accept it. Celebrate it. And always remember that despite everything, you are still a beautiful and amazing person.
What if a human kidney could be grown inside an animal? Is this a viable answer to the organ donor shortage?
With over 25,000 transplants performed yearly, kidneys are the most often transplanted organ in the United States.
Photo from Unsplash
Over 100,000 people were in need of kidney donations in 2020, and 5,000 of them sadly passed away before finding a donor. Regrettably, there is a lengthy waiting list for kidney transplants.
Why wait much longer? A kidney transplant is required for the great majority of those persons. Moreover, scientists have been working on novel approaches to grow organs and tissues in animals to meet the demand for life-saving organ transplants. Thanks to Science!
Growing human organs in animals is one method of addressing the organ donor shortage. However, this has proved difficult because the human immune system frequently rejects non-human organs.
Photo from Unsplash
Beyond this procedure, in a recent study published in the Cell Stem Cell, researchers created chimeras—human-pig embryos made of a mix of pig and human cells—which were subsequently implanted into surrogate pig moms. It was later determined that the kidneys of the chimeras were largely composed of human cells, marking the first instance in which a complete human organ had been created inside of an animal.
“Rat organs have been produced in mice, and mouse organs have been produced in rats, but previous attempts to grow human organs in pigs have not succeeded,”
said Liangxue Lai from the Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
In the past, attempts to develop human organs in pigs have failed, according to the senior author Liangxue Lai of the Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Wuyi University. “Rat organs have been produced in mice, and mouse organs have been produced in rats, but previous attempts to grow human organs in pigs have not succeeded,” she added. The ability to develop human organs in pigs is made possible by our method, which enhances the incorporation of human cells into recipient tissues.
According to the researchers, their findings mark a promising first step in creating an alternative kidney donation method. However, they cautioned that many hurdles still need to be cleared before this technology may be applied in clinical settings.
Photo from Unsplash
“We are optimistic that with time and effort, we may be able to overcome these challenges too,”
Lai says.
Organ transplantation might one day be an accepted procedure that can save the lives of millions of people with more research and development.
What do you think of this new research? Comment down your thoughts below.
BER-months are here, and there are only 107 days until Christmas Eve. Still don’t know what gift to give your loved ones? Worry no more because Rulls Cellphone and Accessories – Cebu has your back. Are you ready for this?
Grab your wallets and head to SM Seaside City, Cebu, for Rulls Cellphone and Accessories – Cebu’s 7th Festival of Gadgets. With Massive discounts, more freebies, and 0% installment up to 18 months, the 7th Festival of Gadgets is kicking off the BER months with a bang.
The Gadget Festival will begin on September 15, 2023, and end on September 17, 2023. Make your way to the Lower Ground Floor, Mountain Wing Atrium, at SM Seaside City, Cebu.
See you there, Sugboanons!
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Lower Ground Level, Mountain Wing Atrium. SM Seaside City Cebu.
BY BUS: You can take a MyBus ride from/to BDO Fuente Osmena. You can also ride any MyBus from SM City Cebu, Talisay, Mandaue City, Parkmall, and any Cibus to and from SM Seaside City Cebu. The Drop-off point is at the City Wing Entrance.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “SM Seaside City Cebu” in Cebu. Parking space is available.
2023 is ending, and you still haven’t crossed out a thrilling activity on your bucket list— Canyoneering.
Canyoneering is a fun outdoor sports activity that involves trekking a canyon. It also includes swimming and climbing. If you have quite the knack for adventure, canyoneering is an intense activity that will get your adrenaline going.
Photo from gooreumseng on Instagram
However, how’s the canyoneering scene in Cebu after the onslaught of Odette? Is it safe to go canyoneering now? In this write-up, we will guide you through canyoneering in 2023.
Canyoneering Situation in Badian
Badian Canyoneering is under rehabilitation and cleanup. However, the canyoneering activity is being held in Sangi Alegria, Cebu.
Photo from 보드레TV
How much does Canyoneering Cost?
For Canyoneering, you can join in canyoneering or invite your friends to a group tour.
How much does canyoneering cost? It is usually around ₱1,500 to ₱1,900 per person. The package comes with a meal and a tour around Kawasan Falls.
When to go Canyoneering?
The best time to go canyoneering is during the months that have little to no rainfall. The best months for this activity are between December and May.
Photo from gooreumseng on Instagram
What to Expect When Canyoneering
Before the official tour begins, the visitors are made to wear safety gear, which includes a life vest, helmet, and water shoes. There will be a 20-minute orientation to brief the visitors on what they should and should not do.
Visitors are then transferred to the Kanlaob River, where they will begin canyoneering. Here are other things you should expect when canyoneering:
Swimming
Hiking
Rappelling
Crawling
Sliding
Jumping off cliffs.
Photo from 박준영Photo from gooreumseng on InstagramPhoto from gooreumseng on Instagram
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Washing Street, Sitio Tumoy, Purok Kamunggay, Brgy. Alegria, Cordova, Cebu – approx. 1 hour away from the city.
TRAVEL FROM CEBU CITY: Head to Cebu South Bus Terminal and ride a Ceres liner to Bato via Barili. Tell the driver to drop you off at the Kawasan Falls Bus stop.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Kawasan Falls Bus Stop” in Sogod.
Traveling to Seoul soon? Here’s an awesome way to cut transportation costs: Seoul Metro will offer travelers unlimited subway passes.
This can save you a lot of money!
Seoul Metro | Photo from Unsplash
As reported by Korea Joong Daily,
“the service comes with over 12,000 foreign tourists a day visiting the city as of this June, a nine-fold increase compared to the same period last year.”
To accommodate the growing number of international tourists, Seoul Metro, the capital’s metro operator, will begin offering unlimited subway passes soon this year.
Seoul Metro | Photo from Unsplash
Now for the exciting part: These new passes will grant users the privilege of unlimited subway travel for a set amount of time. You have a choice between two attractive options: the one-day pass, which should cost about 5,600 KRW (about P237), and the three-day pass, which should cost 11,800 KRW (about P501).
Although the rates are not yet final, a Seoul Metro spokesperson said it is smart to consider this option now. Soon, further information about the service will be released.
But what if you don’t have an existing visa? Don’t worry! As of August 29, the Korea Visa Application Center gladly opened its doors to walk-in applicants, expediting the visa application procedure for Filipino visitors. Obviously, you don’t need to book an online appointment anymore.
The KVAC is ready to accept all forms of visa applications for a minimal service cost of P900. Typically, processing takes a mere seven to eight days for your visa to be processed and ready for your grand Korean adventure.
Seoul Metro | Photo from Unsplash
So, if you’re planning a vacation to Seoul, make the most of the limitless subway passes. They’re a great way to save money and explore the city without breaking the bank.
