Pepito Albert, the renowned Filipino designer known for his signature silhouette styles, has passed away at the age of 63.
His death on May 28, 2023 came as a shock to many, with the news spreading through heartfelt tribute posts on social media from those who held him dear. The cause of death was not publicized.
Photo from Korina Sanchez – Roxas
Throughout his illustrious career, Pepito Albert has gained recognition for his ability to create stunning long gowns and exquisite Filipiana wear.
His exceptional talent attracted a loyal following, primarily composed of socialites with notable names such as Irene Marcos Araneta, Kaye Tinga, and Rica Lorenzo who admired his work.
As his skill and artistry grew, his work caught the attention of renowned publications including Harpers Bazaar, Vogue, and Elle. His designs graced the pages of these influential magazines, solidifying his reputation as a promising designer.
With a keen eye for innovation and a quiet sense of sophistication, Pepito left an indelible mark on the fashion industry, one that continues to shape and inspire designers today.
The passing of Pepito Albert is a tremendous loss for the fashion world and the Philippines.
Photo from Rajo Laurel on InstagramPhoto from Rajo Laurel on Instagram
His dedication to his craft, his unwavering pursuit of excellence, and his distinctive style will be greatly missed.
As we mourn the loss of a truly talented individual, we extend our deepest condolences to Pepito’s family and friends. May he find eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to shine brightly in the fashion industry he loved so dearly.
It’s a Friday night, a new movie is showing in Cinemas, and you are definitely going. But, of course, one does not go to battle unprepared, and by that, we mean HACKS. Did you know there are hacks you can do to elevate your Cinema experience? Who wouldn’t want a no-hassle movie night?
Lucky for you, SM Cinema Seaside City Cebu has four different hacks to ensure a smooth sailing film experience. So grab your pens and take note of these great hacks that lead to a multisensory experience as low as ₱370 each.
1. The Large Screen Format Cinema Experience
A screen almost 30% larger than the regular cinema screen size? Now that’s an upgrade!
Let’s face it; as moviegoers, what we look for in a fantastic cinema is a great sound system and a clear picture. Personally, we prefer a more surreal viewing experience where the colors are vibrant, and we can clearly see what we are watching.
This is why SM Cinema brings you the “Large Screen Format.” It features a super-sized screen that uses the Christie 6P laser projection system, reproducing the colors of the actual movie set. In addition, the Large Screen Format also uses the Dolby Atmos Sound System and Christie Vive Speakers.
What’s great about this sound system is that it allows a riveting and immersive surround-sound movie experience.
2. Advance Ticket Selling
We’ve all tried being late to the movies, and the consequences were awful seats. But worry not; here’s a hack to help you with that.
If you are planning a date with your significant other or even a date with yourself, you must book a ticket in advance. You can avail of a ticket at SM Seaside Cinemas during the advance ticket selling. This hack will get you the best seats in the house.
You can get all the snacks you want at Snack Time and choose the perfect complement to your aweSM movie experience. Snack Time offers a variety of snacks, such as sandwiches, burgers, different flavors of popcorn, sodas, fries, and more. They even have burger combos complete with burgers of your choice, a choice of drink, and freshly popped popcorn.
4. Book a Cinema
Looking for an exclusive place to watch movies for your family and friends?
Book a Cinema and enjoy an exclusive screening at Director’s Club with your family, friends or corporate bonding event show!
Cheer on your favorite bias, cry, laugh, and be scared in your favorite movie in a tow with booking your Cinema. For rates and inclusions, email: [email protected] or call (032) 340-8735 local 77.
And there you have it, the great hacks for a surreal and fantastic movie experience. What are you waiting for? Book in advance and choose the large screen format to kickstart your movie night. Oh, don’t forget to buy snacks too!
Cinema Locations:
Large Screen Format & Centerstage: Second Level, Mountain Wing (infront of H&M)
Regular Cinemas: Second Level, Mountain Wing (beside So Fab!)
Director’s Club: Second Level, Seaview Wing (beside The Spud Diner)
All prices are subject to change without notice and are not guaranteed.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: SM Seaside City Cebu in South Road Properties (SRP), Cebu City.
BY MYBUS: You can take a FREE MyBus ride from/to BDO Fuente Osmena from 8:20am to 10:00pm. You can also ride any MyBus from SM City Cebu, Talisay, Mandaue City, Parkmall and any Cibus to get to and from SM Seaside city Cebu Drop-off point is at the City Wing Entrance.
BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “SM Seaside City Cebu”. Parking space is free.
You might be one of those Filipinos who have plans going abroad either for work or for leisure. Or simply, one of those Filipinos who just want a valid ID. Whatever your purpose is, here is a guide on how to apply for a Philippine passport for 2023. This guide is for those who have never tried applying (new applicants), both for adults and minors.
Step 1:
First thing you need to do is get an appointment via DFA’s website: https://www.passport.gov.ph/. Next, select “Schedule An Appointment” (Note: Individual for one (1) applicant, Group for two (2) or more applicants).
You will need to select the site of appointment (example: DFA Cebu, DFA Dumaguete) and the date and time of the appointment. Next, input all the details of the applicant(s) to proceed.
From here, you need to pay first before the appointment can be finalized. The following are the payment details depending on your application:
Processing Type:
Passport Fee – Php 950
PRF Fee – Php 250
Special Processing – Php 1,200
For the payment method, here are your options:
* Over the counter – Php 1,200)
-Passport Fee – Php 950
-PRF Fee – Php 250
* Debit/Credit Card/GCash – Php 1,250 (no delivery)
-Passport Fee – Php 950
-PRF Fee – Php 250
-Convenience Fee – Php 50
* Debit/Credit Card (GCASH) (PHP 1400) with delivery
-Passport Fee – Php 950
-PRF Fee – Php 250
-Convenience Fee – Php 50
-Delivery Fee – Php 150
After successfully paying, you will then receive a confirmation to the email address you used during the application process. You need to print the files consisting the confirmation/instructions, the passport application form and the two electronic receipts.
Photo from SM Seaside City Cebu (Official) Facebook Page
STEP 2:
On the date of your appointment, go to the selected DFA site. Bring the following on that date:
Original Copy of the PSA Live Birth Certificate
Original Copy of the PSA Marriage Contract (for married women)
Valid ID (for minors, valid ID of parents)
Printed files of confirmation/instructions, the passport application form and the two electronic receipts.
Photo from SM Seaside City Cebu (Official) Facebook Page
STEP 3:
Present all the documents to the DFA staff when it is your turn on the queue. Once the documents are checked and deemed complete, you will be then asked to input your data, take profile picture and biometrics. Once this process is done, you are technically registered with a valid Philippine passport.
Note: if on the day you show up with lacking documents, you are given thirty (30) days to complete your requirements from the date of the scheduled appointment. You still have to go back to the DFA to submit the lacking documents, or else, you will be tagged as a “no-show”; this means that you need to go over the online application and also, your payment will be forfeited.
DFA Cebu Sites
There are two (2) DFA sites in Cebu where you can process your passports:
Pacific Mall in Mandaue City
SM Seaside City Cebu in SRP, Cebu City
Note: Walk-ins are not allowed. You need to secure an online appointment first.
Traveling from Cebu to Laoag, Ilocos Norte has just gotten easier.
Ilocos Norte | Photo from Unsplash
Laoag, Ilocos Norte, is a fantastic destination for those who love the sea and historical heritage sites. However, the travel is quite taxing. If you want to go from Cebu to Ilocos Norte, you have to fly to Manila and catch a flight to Laoag. You can also fly from Cebu to Clark and ride a bus to Laoag for 8 hours.
Last March, Provincial tourism officer Aianree Raquel announced they are collaborating with PAL for the Laoag to Cebu direct flights this May. The announcement of the new direct flight also connects Luzon and Central Visayas regarding tourism and business.
Ilocos Norte | Photo from Unsplash
According to the Provincial Tourism Office, people have been inquiring about any flights from Laoag directly to Cebu.
Be sure to follow Philippine Airlines’ official Facebook page for more information and updates.
The beautiful moments are found in the spaces between destinations; that’s the beauty of Island Hopping.
Photo from Cebu Finest Island Hopping Tours Facebook Page
Hopping from one island to another should definitely be on your bucket list. Imagine seeing different shapes of beauty in one boat ride one day. You don’t have to travel far here in Cebu just to experience island hopping because the Cebu Finest Island Hopping Tours is here to help you.
The Finest Tour in Cebu
Cebu Finest Island Hopping Tours offers fantastic tours on the different Islands of Cebu.
They have a deluxe boat package with island tours to Olanggo Island Fish Sanctuary, Caohagan Island, Hilutungan Island, and Sulpa Island. The Olanggo Island Hopping in Mactan is their most popular tour. The Island is known for the migrating birds that pass by it.
Photo from Cebu Finest Island Hopping Tours Facebook PagePhoto from Cebu Finest Island Hopping Tours Facebook PagePhoto from Cebu Finest Island Hopping Tours Facebook PagePhoto from Cebu Finest Island Hopping Tours Facebook PagePhoto from Cebu Finest Island Hopping Tours Facebook Page
The package includes a boat transfer from Mactan to Olanggo Island. Lunch is also included, which is a Pinoy Style Boodle-boodle. The Boodle-boodle includes Grilled Shrimp, Grilled Pork, Grilled Chicken, Seaweed Salad, Fresh Fruits, Rice or Puso, Sodas, and Water.
The package also has an itinerary ready. Check out the itinerary below:
9:00 AM – Call time at the Punta Engano Port beside Movenpick Hotel
10:00 AM – Olanggo Island (Fish Sanctuary)
Fish feeding
Snorkeling
Swimming
11:30 AM – Hilutungan Island
12 NN – Lunch
2 PM – Sulpa Island
3 PM – Back to Port
3:30 PM – End of Tour
The Deluxe Boat Package is good for a minimum of 15 pax and a maximum of 24 pax.
A Boodle fight, fish feeding, and snorkeling? Count me in! Another great thing about getting this tour is that they prepare everything for you. So you won’t have to worry about where you’ll be in a day.
So, what are you waiting for? Book a tour now.
Photo from Cebu Finest Island Hopping Tours Facebook PagePhoto from Cebu Finest Island Hopping Tours Facebook PagePhoto from Cebu Finest Island Hopping Tours Facebook PagePhoto from Cebu Finest Island Hopping Tours Facebook PagePhoto from Cebu Finest Island Hopping Tours Facebook Page
Those are the words of Miss Universe PH Michelle Dee during an interview with MEGA Magazine.
Photo from Michelle Dee on Instagram
This month, photos of a younger Michelle Dee, who sported a boyish look, circulated online. Because of this, people speculated that she was part of the LGBTQIA Community. According to Michelle Dee, she identified herself as bisexual ever since she can remember.
“I am attracted to all forms of beauty, all shapes and sizes”, Dee also expressed. Michelle Dee’s Mom, Melanie Marquez, would often tease her because of her boying demeanor.
Photo from Michelle Dee on Instagram
Along with the allegations about Michelle’s orientation were rumors about her dating Kapuso Actress Mikee Quintos. However during an interview, Michelle revealed that they were good friends since high school and that they did not have any romantic relationship.
Michelle Dee is the second openly bisuexual Miss Universe Philippines winner. The first to come out was Beatrice Luigi Gomez, Miss Univerise Philippines 2021.
Let Catriona Gray tell you a thing or two about shape-shifting. The elasticity of her career is the ultimate framework: from being a Filipino-Scottish model hailing from Australia, to Miss World Philippines 2016, to singer with a degree in Music Theory, to a black-belted Choi Kwang Do martial artist, to Miss Universe 2018, it’s clear that the world-renowned beauty has the innate ability to change the trajectory of her life at will.
This trajectory has led the beauty queen to where she is now: post-Miss Universe reign, a professional host, culture and youth advocate, and most recently, the face of Belo Medical Group’s Thermage FLX, one of Belo’s most cutting-edge treatments to lift and contour the skin. And as the universe continues to witness her timeless beauty, Catriona has been a long-time client of Thermage FLX, one of the most-trusted skin-tightening treatments that provides lifted and contoured skin without surgery and downtime.
Before and beyond her reign, Catriona’s always been an advocate for authentic and imperfect beauty, which makes her Thermage FLX ambassadorship an ideal match to her approach to staying beautiful—one that sees nothing wrong with improvement in pursuit of beauty that’s timless. And compared to other non-invasive lift and contouring procedures, an improved face or body shape is something Thermage FLX is famously known to deliver. Using a non-invasive, cutting-edge Radiofrequency (RF) technology, Thermage FLX penetrates deep into the innermost layers of the skin, stimulating the formation of new collagen that makes skin look tighter and more glowing.
This is why aside from Catriona Gray, other celebrities have been going to Belo to get their Thermage FLX treatment for years: Anne Curtis, Alden Richards, Korina Sanchez, and Kryz Uy are some of them, and from the younger set, Bella Racelis, Claudia Barretto, Ivana Alawi, and Iñigo Pascual have been going regularly for Thermage FLX treatments to get a headstart on skin tightening before aging happens.
Thermage FLX may be a well-known machine available to many clinics locally and internationally, but know that this process of lifting and contouring is best left in the hands of experts who deliver quality treatment. This is the key difference of Belo Thermage FLX: with Belo, years of training and experience precede its expert medical staff, and the addition of Belo Exosomes as a top-up treatment to Thermage FLX (also known as Belo Zoom Lift™) ensures maximum results that add to already excellent skin service.
Let Belo Thermage FLX be another reason to look up to Catriona as a beauty and life icon: a progressive outlook on beauty and the boldness to shape her life, career and skin—in any way she wants to.
For a consultation, visit the Belo Cebu Clinic at Taft East Gate across Landers or check
Tied to simple joys and innocent pleasures, our childhood memories define our younger years. For many Cebuanos who grew up in the 90s or earlier,nostalgia is – well, literally sweet.
The memories we hold close to our hearts that we now often laugh at would have been incomplete without the delightful candies that filled our pockets and satisfied our sweet cravings.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane as we explore five of these beloved candies that continue to evoke a sense of homesickness and fondness even to this day!
1. Mik-Mik
Starting off with a classic. Who remembers getting messy with these?
Mik-Mik, the powdered candy in bright red or brown sachets, was a staple for kids in the past.
Photo from Maricris Marande
This delightful treat allowed you to pour the flavored powder directly into your mouth, creating a burst of sweetness that we all loved from powdered milk.
I’m sure we can all agree that we’ve stained our shirts every time we had these, even if we used the tiny straw that came with it.
The small size and vibrant packaging made it a popular choice for sharing and trading with friends during recess or after school.
2. Bobot
An old-fashioned favorite! I asked people what candy they miss most, and they often answered with this pack of candy-coated peanuts – Bobot.
The flavor is not actually different depending on what color you choose to eat first, but when I had these back then I would have sworn it was and that the yellow one tasted best. I’m sure I’m not alone.
Made by Highland Confectionery Mfg. Inc. in Mandaue City, this was all over Cebu. Sometimes when stores did not have coins for change, a small pack of Bobot with four nuts inside made it on our hands instead, but we didn’t complain.
Bobot candies were a hit among Cebuano kids, with its unique blend of tangy sweetness and a pleasant surprise inside.
3. Tootsie Roll
This list would not be complete without mentioning the sweet and indulgent Tootsie Roll!
With its iconic cylindrical shape and faded brown wrapper despite its compact size, it was easily recognizable. A chocolatey goodness that we loved to share after recess.
Photo from Tootsie Roll Facebook Page
This is a classic American candy that found its way into the hearts of Cebuanos. We just somehow knew it was American – Tootsie Roll to a lot of us as kids was an experience in and of itself.
With its chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor, Tootsie Roll was a favorite delight that brought joy to many children.
4. Tira-Tira
Oh we are going way back in time.
An archetypal candy – the crumpled colored wax paper inside bags meant you had a delicious
treat before you got home. Who also had a classmate that sold these during recess?
Tira-Tira is a buttercrunch toffee that came wrapped in the aforementioned in the shape of a thin, long tube.
Did you know that its name was actually taken from a Spanish word for ‘pulling’? Because after the sugarcane juice is boiled, it goes through a process of pulling which is how the candy is formed.
5. Orange Swits
Orange Swits, another favorite! A tangy and zesty candy that is a burst of orange was beloved by Cebuano kids.
Photo from Lazada
Different from the candies mentioned above, this one is a chewy one! Straight to the point. These small sugar-coated jellies offered a strong citrus flavor that kept us coming back for more.
Up to this day, people still really search for it. Where can you get Orange Swits now in Cebu?
“Vintage” candies from Mik-Mik to Orange Swits hold a special place in the hearts of Cebuanos. If you find yourself yearning for a taste of the past, it’s worth exploring whether these beloved treats are still available. While time may have moved on, these candies can transport you back to your childhood, allowing you to relive the sweetness of those cherished moments. So, go ahead, search for these candies, and indulge in the sweet nostalgia that they bring!
The Maldives is one of the ultimate vacation destinations globally. And many of us dream of waking up to the beautiful aquamarine waters. This dream of ours might soon become a reality, thanks to AirAsia.
Maldives | Photo from Unsplash
AirAsia Philippines will soon offer fly-thru flights to the Maldives via Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The travel period will be from June 6 to December 14, 2023. However, as of date, AirAsia still has not released any updates on the prices and schedules.
The Beauty of the Maldives
When people ask, “What’s one of the most famous destination spots in the world?”, best believe many will say, “The Maldives.”
Maldives | Photo from Unsplash
The Maldives boasts its pristine beaches and its beautiful azure waters. From food to its unique and vibrant culture, the Maldives has a lot of great things to offer. It is also home to many resorts and islands where tourists can enjoy a tropical island getaway.
In the Maldives, happiness knows no bounds. It is a place of bliss and the ultimate escape to where the sun sets beautifully with the sea.
Keep your eyes peeled for AirAsia’s updates regarding the AirAsia Fly-thru flights to the Maldives, and turn your dreams into reality.
Do you have a bucket list yet? You know, that short – or maybe a lengthy yet epic – list of experiences you want to tick off before you “kick the bucket”. And one of the most common items found in anyone’s bucket list, especially the millennials, is skydiving — probably next to “traveling the world”.
For adrenaline junkies, there is no greater feeling than jumping out of a soaring plane at least 10,000 feet up in the sky, wind gushing through your face and the earth below rushing up to meet you. Exciting, eh? The best part is, you don’t need to fly to another country to experience skydiving — it’s here in the Queen City of the South, in the beautiful Bantayan Island to be exact.
Ready to check off the classic Bucket List Item Number One? Scroll down ’til the end to know the important details.
Skydive Greater Cebu, the only USPA (United States Parachute Association) Member dropzone in the Philippines, offers a personalized experience in a relaxed environment with the best Tandem Instructors in the industry.
A Tandem Skydive involves a student harnessed to a Tandem Instructor. Their team is not only dedicated to giving you the thrill of a lifetime, but strive to teach you the basic fundamentals of skydiving (exiting the plane, free fall, piloting the canopy, and landing).
How much does it really cost?
Let’s cut the chase. Just keep on reading if you want to know more about the details.
RATE: ₱21,500 per person.
INCLUSIONS:
A brief instructional class – A single Tandem Skydive harnessed to one of their professional Tandem Instructors
Hand cam captured photos and videos (raw copies), please bring at-least 4GB of storage device (USB)
Enjoy a beautiful canopy descent overlooking the breath taking view of Bantayan Island.
Optional:
Outside video / 3rd person P8,000
Beach landing upon availability
Things to know for your first Tandem Skydive:
Your first Tandem Skydive will be a breeze! -Skydive Greater Cebu will supply the most up-to-date Tandem Equipment
You will receive personal instruction using the most modern training techniques available
All of our Tandem Instructors are certified by the United States Parachute Association (USPA).
There is a 250lb weight limit -Please wear comfortable clothing and a good pair of shoes here.
Divers must be above 18 years of age.
All divers are required to sign a liability waiver form that informs them of the risks of the dive.
People with neck, shoulder and back problems are advised against sky diving.
– You can take a Ceres bus from Cebu North Bus Terminal (Near SM City Cebu) going to Hagnaya (San Remigio). Travel time is 3-4 hours, fare is around ₱200 for air-conditioned. The bus will direct you to HAGNAYA port where you will ride a Ferry going to Santa Fe (Bantayan Island). Travel time is another 1 hour, fare is ₱170. Then contact Skydive Greater Cebu so they can fetch you at Santa Fe Port going to the drop zone.
Ferry Schedule is from 3am – 5pm only with every hour interval. You must leave Cebu City 1PM the latest to catch the last trip of Ferry in Hagnaya Port.
2. By Van/Taxi and Ferry:
– For hassle free, convenient and faster trip, you can arrange a pick up with Skydive Greater Cebu in Mactan International Airport or within Metro Cebu going to HAGNAYA PORT. Travel time is 2-3 hours plus 1 hour for the ferry. For 1-3 person = ₱2,500 (Vios Taxi), one-way not including ferry fare (₱170 /head). For 4-10 persons = ₱4,000 (Toyota Hi-Ace Van), one-way not including ferry fare.
If you wish to return to Cebu City the same day of your jump, the driver can wait for you at Hagnaya Port for a minimal waiting fee. Rate same as above.
Ferry Schedule is from 3am – 5pm only with every hour interval. You must leave Cebu City 1PM the latest to catch the last trip of Ferry in Hagnaya Port.
