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Pining Garden Resorts: A dreamlike botanical escape in Danao

Find beaches to be too rowdy this summertime? Touch grass (Literally)!

Who says you have to be by the sea to make the most of the season? At Pining Garden Resorts in the city of Danao, you can bask in the sunlight and still immerse yourself in the cooling breeze that comes with being surrounded by flora and fauna without having to be swallowed by a crowd.

Photo from Pining Garden Resorts Facebook Page

Cozy outdoor arrangement

Pining Garden Resorts provides you with scenic views of healthy vegetation as the plants are well taken care of. The place is blooming with life in a colorful dreamlike fashion.

To make your sightseeing more comfortable, camping is allowed and even encouraged. Their campsites face the best landscapes possible so you can both close your eyes and open them to the wonders that surround you. 

Photo from Pining Garden Resorts Facebook Page
Photo from Pining Garden Resorts Facebook Page
Photo from Pining Garden Resorts Facebook Page
Photo from Pining Garden Resorts Facebook Page

Should you not want to stay for too long to camp, cottages are available wherein you can still enjoy while being comfortable. But if you do and want to be more settled, there are bahay kubos that are accessible for overnight stay. Shower rooms are available, should you feel the need to clean yourself up.

No experience is complete without dining, of course. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks are available for guests to fuel their energy.

No matter how far you wander off, for as long as you are in the vicinity, it serves as a reminder how relaxing it is to be surrounded by nature — homey, as though you are in your province.

Want to take a dip? They got you

If you are chasing after the complete summer getaway experience, you have to take a plunge into their pool. 

Photo from Pining Garden Resorts Facebook Page
Photo from Pining Garden Resorts Facebook Page
Photo from Pining Garden Resorts Facebook Page

Yes, they have one! Not only can you enjoy the lush green view, you can also submerge yourself in their aqua blue pool. Being far from the beach does not mean you cannot get your portion of H2O. Sure pools may not be as fulfilling for some, but Pining Garden Resorts’ pool still gives you that authentic outdoor experience. Nothing beats the energy of nature for those who are gripped by wanderlust.

Full of life at nightfall

Peace and serenity at last. When the night comes, it is when everything is at rest. It is quiet, but it is not a deafening kind of quiet.

Every weekend, an acoustic live band plays at the resort’s restaurant at night. Still life, good food, cold beer, and chill music? It could not get any better than this!

Should you prefer to stay in the comfort of your own tent or bahay kubo, then you can look up and see the pitch black sky dusted with hundreds of stars that are not so visible in the metropolitan area. 

Everything seems to be motionless when the moon is out when you are outdoors in the woods, but you are very much surrounded by the life that is nature! 

Photo from Pining Garden Resorts Facebook Page
Photo from Pining Garden Resorts Facebook Page
Photo from Pining Garden Resorts Facebook Page
Photo from Pining Garden Resorts Facebook Page
Photo from Pining Garden Resorts Facebook Page
Photo from Pining Garden Resorts Facebook Page
Photo from Pining Garden Resorts Facebook Page

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

  • Entrance fee is ₱50 for adults; ₱30 for kids
  • ₱300 for a small cottage; ₱500 for a regular cottage

OVERNIGHT RATES:

  • Bahay kubo with air-condition is ₱1500 per night, good for 2-3 pax
  • Without air-condition is ₱1000 per night, good for 2 pax
  • Barkada kubo is ₱5000 per night, good for 5-6 pax
  • Check-in time is 3:00 PM, check-out time is 11:00 AM

CAMPING:

  • ₱100 to rent a space
  • ₱150 to rent a tent

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Pining Garden Resorts, Purok 2, Centro Barangay Dungga, Danao City, Cebu

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Pining Garden Resorts” in Danao. Parking space is available.

BY BUS: Find your way to the Cebu North Bus Terminal or SM Van Terminal. Take any shuttle that’s bound for Danao. Upon arriving at the town proper, hire a habal-habal driver to take you to the Pining Garden Resort.

BY VAN: Pining Garden Resorts offers their own transportation service to and from your pick-up and drop-off location, ₱200 per person.

Safety First: Here are Fire Prevention Tips Everyone Should Know

March marked National Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines. However, now that it is April, Cebu has been plagued by multiple fire incidents. Recently, fires were reported at Sitio Tugas and Sitio Mangga in Mambaling, and other incidents were reported in Pit-os, Kasambagan, and Kinasang-an.

A lot of things can cause a fire. It starts small, and without action being taken, its size can grow big enough to engulf a whole area in flames. And you know what they say, prevention is always better. 

Here are different Fire Prevention tips everyone should know

Flammable Items Must Be out of Children’s Reach

Photo from Unsplash

Parents should remember to keep flammable items away from children. Children are always curious, and if they find a flammable item, it’s likely that disasters will follow. So keep lighters, candles, matches, and other flammable items in high places when children cannot see or get them. 

After using a candle or fire grill, properly put out the fire.

Never leave the kitchen while cooking.

Photo from Unsplash

House fires usually start in the kitchen, so it is important never to leave the kitchen while cooking. Moreover, always make sure that there are no combustible materials close to the stove or any other heat source. 

Check electrical installation

Photo from Unsplash

Faulty electrical outlets also cause fires, so it is safe to check electrical installations regularly. You’ll never know when you have faulty wirings. In addition, hire a professional electrician to check your electrical installations, do not do it on your own if you do not have enough knowledge about it. 

If you smell something burning and see unusual flickering, those are signs of damaged wiring. Get the wires fixed or replaced immediately.

Unplug unused appliances

Photo from Unsplash

Forgetting to unplug unused appliances is something we are all guilty of. Make it a habit to check everything before leaving the house or office. If you see something still plugged even when unused, you should unplug it. 

Switch off LPG when unused.

Photo from Unsplash

Let’s go back to kitchen fires. People who use gas stoves should always switch off LPG when unused. Also, always check your LPG tanks for gas leaks to prevent the kitchen from filling up with flammable gas.

Fire is powerful, and the results of one can be devastating. So let us be responsible in using flammable materials and remember these fire prevention tips. As the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said, “Take fire prevention as a way of life.” 

Why F45 Training is Popular Among Millenials and Gen Zs in Cebu

Let F45 be your new partner in achieving your 2023 health goals.

Working out may seem challenging, but it helps individuals gain benefits. Exercising brings a healthier side to people. However, committing to a specific routine is the hardest thing about working out—some of us don’t like doing the same exercise over and over again.

Worrying about sticking to a routine is now a thing of the past with F45. F45 has been one of the most popular training programs here in Cebu. Millennials and Gen Zs alike cannot stop raving about it and for a good reason. 

Innovative, unique, fun, and highly addictive — that’s what F45 training is all about, and their clients are living proof of that. People are coming out to express how their F45 experience in Cebu elevates their ideal workout. Not only that but the training program is also praised because of its amazing coaches.

What Makes F45 Highly Addicting?

People say that if you feel your core burning because of a workout, it’s more likely that you will crave more, and F45 is doing exactly just that. In addition, there are many reasons why F45 is highly addicting and why people love the training so much. 

With F45, every class is different. This means the training program eliminates repetition, so people anticipate the training they will do. In addition, F45 elevates community relationships and spirit. During an F45 class, you will be training with different people; most likely, these people have the same goals as you. Therefore, you can expect that they have your back and you have theirs.

F45 brings the FUN in functional training. You will be moving your whole body, which helps with gaining muscles and burning calories.  In addition, every piece of equipment is provided in front of you. And on top of all that, you can get a killer workout within 45 minutes only. Quick but yields impressive results; no wonder it is loved by many.

The F45 facility at the Cebu Business Park is spacious, clean, sanitary, and safe. The brighter and cleaner the facility is, the more you will have a good time working out.

Quick but yields impressive results; no wonder it is loved by many.

Working out alone isn’t a problem, but working out with a community that supports you, is a game changer. If you want to kickstart your F45 training journey, then sign up for F45 Training at Cebu Business Park.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

  • Opening hours: 6AM TO 9PM on Mondays to Fridays; 9AM to 6PM on Saturdays; 8AM to 12PM on Sundays

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Ground Floor Tech Tower Bldg. Cebu Business Park, Cebu City.

BY COMMUTE: From Colon, ride 13C going to Cebu Business Park. Ask the driver to drop you off at Tech Tower. The fare is a minimum of 12 Pesos.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Cebu Business Park” in Cebu. Parking space is available.

UB Law graduate becomes first blind bar passer

Disability is there for only limbs and senses but not for the spirit.

Following his successful completion of the 2022 Bar Examination, Anthony Mark Dulawan Emocling of the University of Baguio Law School is the country’s first blind attorney. 

Photo from Anthony Mark Dulawan Emocling

The Supreme Court provided him with an encoder during the examinations in order to make things less difficult for him. He stated that it is crucial for him to always be ready to double the effort because there are not a lot of materials that are readily accessible to people that are visually-impaired. 

Karl Alangui, another law student at UB, claims that Emocling is a Baguio native and the son of a local taxi driver. He also earned a cum laude degree in political science at the university.

When asked what encouraged him to go after a career in law, Emocling recalls the time of the impeachment of former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada when, despite only recently being blind, he started listening to the radio.

Photo from Anthony Mark Dulawan Emocling

Despite all odds, of all the 3,992 people that passed the 2022 Bar, Emocling reportedly placed 1,407. The Baguio native believes that in order to accomplish the goals you have set for yourself, you must have faith in your talents.

The mind is indeed the greatest asset that cannot be disabled and Emocling serves as proof. Congratulations Anthony Mark Emocling and to all 2023 bar passers!

Campalabo Sandbar: The Hidden Gem in Pinamungajan

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A strip of white sand 20 minutes away from the mainland, Pinamungajan is proud of this marine resource. The islet or sandbar spans one hectare during low tide and is smaller during high tide.

It sits in the middle of a municipal sea rich in marine life, and holds a spectacular view of the beauty of the town’s coastline and the Mt. Kanlaon in neighboring Negros province.

The islet is near the marine sanctuary so the area is best for snorkeling.

A few meters away from the Campalabo islet is a two-kilometer long rock formation protruding from under the sea locally called “paril”, which was formed in 1951 after typhoon Amy, one of the worst typhoons on record to hit the Philippines before supertyphoon Yolanda.

Campalaboisletcebu1
Photo by Genara Cano
Campalaboisletcebu4
Photo by Genara Cano
Campalaboisletcebu3
Photo by Genara Cano
pinamungajansandbar1
Photo by Reynaldo Aleria
pinamungajansandbar2
Photo by Reynaldo Aleria

Fees

  • Environmental/Entrance Fee: FREE ₱50 per head
  • Bus fare: ₱80 per person (one-way) / ₱100 for v-hire
  • Boat fare: ₱150 per person (roundtrip). Minimum of 6pax, or you pay at least ₱200.

Tips

  • Best time to go there is 4-5PM. You can then eat dinner at Bugsay Resto Grill in the mainland.
  • Buy your food and drinks ahead before jumping into the boat.
  • No cottage. You may bring your own tables and chairs.
  • You can’t put tents in there.
  • STRICTLY LEAVE NO TRACE!

How to get there?

Exact location: Brgy. Tajao, Pinamungajan, Cebu – 2-3 hours away from the city.

From the South Bus Terminal, ride a bus going to Pinamungajan. Tell the driver to drop you off at Brgy. Tajao or at Bugsay Resto Grill. Bus fare is ₱80 per person (one-way).

There’s a lot of sari-sari stores in the area. You can ask them where you can rent a boat going to Campalabo Sandbar and they will assist you – be friendly and negotiate the price with the boat owners. Boat ride will take 20-30mins going to the sandbar.

Cebu napud! Map out your Cebu travels on this website

“Basta Cebuano, laagan kaayo!”,

HOW TRUE IS THIS?

Seeking out a new adventure is a core to Pinoy culture, especially when it is spent with loved ones. Many of us seek the natural wonders all the country has to offer in order to celebrate life. 

Photo from Jezreel Magallon

It is very common for one to have gone to multiple places, beginning from early childhood to the years that follow. In some cases, even traveling far and away from home is a must for certain traditions; going back to one’s remote province for a solemn Holy Week, and visiting Cebu to celebrate the Sinulog Festival is not a foreign concept for many.

Our collective love for travel has always been a curious case. We know it would not harm us not to and just stay at home, but we feel the need to and even complain about our feet itching for a new ground to walk on — but just how far do we take it? 

Weeks ago, a website wherein you can plot the places you have been in the country became the talk on social media. You can check your Philippine travel level here: https://my-philippines-travel-level.com/

Cebu City | Photo from Unsplash

Netizens found it interesting to see just how much they have of the nation they have explored, taking their stories to social media. It is just like recalling where you have made memories and left footprints! We Filipinos love to take pride in the places we have visited as though it is a healthy competition. 

Cebuanos can further enjoy the trend with the same concept applied to just the map of Cebu. The island might be long but narrow, however, it still boasts 6 cities, 47 municipalities, and 1,202 barangays — all in what is considered to be a relatively small part of the entire archipelago!

Mga Sugboanon, where have you been to? How far have you gone? Laagan ba jud ta? Let us know by marking your excursions on this website: https://darklight721.github.io/cebu-level

Capitancillo Islet: Miniature paradise in Bogo City

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Beauty comes in all sizes — that’s why islands vary in forms!

Just a boat ride away from Bogo City, you can find yourself isolated in serenity at the small but majestic coral islet of Capitancillo. The mini wonder is a protected marine sanctuary thriving with aquatic life. There are three dive sites around the 600-hectare area with a lighthouse in the middle. 

With clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand, you might just catch yourself thinking this is paradise, but fun-sized.

Let us see what makes something so scaled-down a big deal and why you should see it for yourself. Be sure to bring your own food and drinks as there are no stores and no electricity available in the place.

The lore behind the islet

Capitancillo Island, according to the locals, was formerly a commerce ship captained by Captain Basilio, a Spaniard. People who love to retell this tale claim that Captain Basilio insulted datu Bugtopasan, the village leader. The captain ridiculed the chieftain, making fun of his name. The enraged chieftain was so furious that he cursed Captain Basilio’s ship and transformed it into a rock floating in the water.

Aside from the hearsays, historically, the islet actually took its name from a notable American Navy captain, Captain Cillo. During the second world war, beached his vessel heading to this isolated yet refreshing islet away from everything else.

The lighthouse

Located in the middle of the small uninhabited island is a lighthouse. A lighthouse is designed to be a beacon to aid in the navigation of pilots at sea.

Standing at 25-meters (80-feet) high, Capitancillo Islet’s lighthouse uses solar energy for power. It is among the oldest in the province of Cebu, being one of the main lighthouses in the country. 

Historical and mystical, the white steel lighthouse is surely a striking sight to see.

The rich and thriving marine life

If you are looking for an adventure and not just to bask underneath the sunlight while splashing water, then this is the place for you. 

With a shallow edge that leads to a drop-off of 25-40 meters, the islet offers to the public its astounding gifts of nature. Being a marine sanctuary, people are given the chance to snorkel and dive in order to see where the true beauty of the island lies. 

If diving is not for you, you can choose to go kayaking instead. You can still witness the reefs from a safe distance. Because the waters are clear, as above, so it is below! 

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

  • ₱50 per head
  • Boat transportation (Round-trip) – ₱5,000 per group, maximum of 15 persons
  • Cottage – ₱200
  • Kayak – ₱150
  • Diving – ₱150
  • Basic diving class – ₱3,000

OTHER INFORMATION:

  • Corkage fee: None
  • Contact numbers: (211) 260-5183 / (211) 260-5310
  • Email address: N/A
  • Facebook page: N/A

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Capitancillo Islet, Bogo City, North Cebu

Capitancillo Islet is located at the northeastern coast of Cebu province just about 116 kilometers from Cebu City.

You may just ride a bus or vhire going to Bogo City at the North Bus Terminal.The trip takes approximately 3 hours. Drop-off at Bogo Proper. Bus fare is ₱160 per head (one-way). Upon reaching the place, you have to ride a pedicab going to Brgy. Siocon Bantay Dagat outpost which takes less than 30 mins. Tricycle fare is ₱25 per head. Then, from this drop-off point, your journey to Capitancillo starts and will last for more or less 45 mins. by boat.

Try Jollibee’s Mix and Match for Only ₱75

Who knew ₱75 could go a long way?

Finding good, filling, and affordable food is hard nowadays, especially with inflation. Also, eating on a budget won’t allow us to eat dishes we crave all at once. But lucky for us, Jollibee now has a new and affordable meal option for patrons. 

Photo from Jollibee

Jollibee finally introduces their mix & Match combos, where people can choose their own Jollibee meal combination for an affordable price. The promo is only available for dine-in, take-out, and drive-thru. To Mix & Match your meals, just follow these steps:

  1. Choose 1 Main
    • 1-pc. Burger Steak
    • Jolly Spaghetti
    • Yumburger
    • Tuna Pie
  2. Choose 1 side
    • Jolly Crispy Fries
    • Peach Mango Pie
    • Choco Sundae
    • Coke Float
    • Pineapple Juice Regular
  3. Pay ₱75

According to the Assitant Vice President of Jollibee, Jollibee’s Mix & Match offers both good taste and value. “You can be flexible with the combination you want and get the bang for your buck because it’s guaranteed to be delicious,” she also added. 

Sulit na Masarap pa! The Mix & Match combination is perfect for those who are on a tight budget. Now, because of the sulit-sarap promo, people won’t have to feel guilty when they treat themselves to the food that they love.

What are you waiting for? Visit the Jollibee branch near you.

Tulang Diot Island: White sand beach in Camotes, Cebu

Summer is the perfect time for beach hopping and dipping in the blue waters, that is why a lot of beach bums are looking for beaches most especially here in the Queen City of the South, the home of white sand beaches.

It’s no debate, there are many public beaches in Cebu that are easily accessible and equally beautiful but most of the time, they get a bit crowded. If you’re one of the people who are not big fans of huge crowds and busy islands, then the Tulang Diot Island in Camotes – Northern Cebu is the perfect getaway for you. For only ₱10 per head as an environmental fee, you will get to enjoy its pristine white sand and crystal clear water.

Tulang Diot Island White Beach Camotes (7)
Photo by J-Co Samz
Tulang Diot Island White Beach Camotes (2)
Photo by J-Co Samz
Tulang Diot Island White Beach Camotes (4)
Photo by J-Co Samz
Tulang Diot Island White Beach Camotes (3)
Photo by J-Co Samz

Fees

  • Environmental/Entrance Fee: ₱10 per head only
  • Boat rental: ₱40 per head (roundtrip), only 5-10 minutes travel time going to Tulang Diot islet
  • Cottage Rental: ₱500 per day
  • Tables with 4 chairs: ₱150 day
  • Tent space: ₱150 per tent (overnight, bring your own tent)

How to get there?

If you’re booking a Grab ride or hailing a taxi, drop off at either “Danao Port” or “Mactan Wharf” (recommended route).

For commuters, ride a jeepney from any of the following points:

  • SM City to Danao – ₱50
  • Consolacion to Danao Port – ₱25
  • Mandaue Hiway across Jollibee – ₱35

#1: Danao City Port to Consuelo Port in Camotes

Travel time: 2 hours

Fares:

  • ₱170 – Students Rate (economy)
  • ₱200 – Regular Rate (economy)
  • ₱190 – Students Rate (tourist)
  • ₱220 – Regular Rate (tourist)

TRIP SCHEDULE: Danao Port (Cebu) to Consuelo Port (Camotes) – 5:30AM, 8:30AM, 11:00AM, 2PM, 5:30PM, 9:00PM

#2: Consuelo Port to Tulang Daku

Motorbike(Habal-Habal) to Tulang Daku – ₱100

#3: Tulang Daku to Tulang Diot

Once you reach Tulang Daku, ride a boat to Tulang Diot – ₱40 per head only (roundtrip, 5-10 minutes to the island).

 Where to stay in Camotes Island?

Sunset Vista Sea Front Guest House

Sunset Vista Sea Front Guest House
San Francisco, Camotes
Starts at 2,000 PHP

CHECK RATES

Camotes Flying Fish Resort

Camotes Flying Fish Resort
Poro, Camotes
Starts at 1,500 PHP

CHECK RATES

Mangodlong Rock Resort

Mangodlong Rock Resort
San Francisco, Camotes
Starts at 1,700 PHP

CHECK RATES

Coco Grove Nature Resort and Spa

Coco Grove Nature Resort and Spa
San Francisco, Camotes
Starts at 1,500 PHP

CHECK RATES

Things to do in Camotes

  • Scuba diving, free-diving or snorkeling
  • Beach bumming in Santiago Bay, Mangongodlong and other white sand beaches in the islands of Pacijan, Tulang, Poro and Ponson
  • Island tour: Lake Danao, Timabu Cave, Baywalk, Buho Rock, Bukilat Cave in Tudela, St. Joseph Parish, Kalbaryo, Alta Vista, Guadalupe
  • Cave and Busay Waterfalls
  • Beach sports: volleyball, frisbee

Samsung contemplates dropping Google to switch to Bing

Could this be the fall of the King of all search engines? 

Google employees scramble as there have been recent reports that Samsung contemplates replacing them with the ChatGPT-powered Bing by Microsoft. The search engine giant’s contract with Samsung is hanging by a thread since the popular tech company considers using Bing as the default search engine for their devices.

Photo from Unsplash

If it so happens, then Google will be losing $3 billion. However, employees only assumed and it is still being determined why Samsung is considering switching to Bing. Reports say that the contract is under negotiation. There is still a possibility that Samsung will hold on to Google.

Moreover, because of the recent panic over its replacement with Bing, Google’s stocks plummet by 4%.

Photo from Unsplash

Microsoft’s Bing recently gained transactions once again after it added AI, such as ChatGPT, into the mix. Because of this, Google is currently developing a new AI-powered search engine. Moreover, the giant search engine company is also looking into expanding its existing AI features.

Google’s new AI venture is called “Project Magi.” Project Magi will allow its users to have a more tailored experience.

Photo from Unsplash

Can Google keep up with the fast-paced AI developments? Or will Google eventually pass the crown to new AI-powered search engines?