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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? 

Treat Yourself to an Unli-Seafood Buffet at 5 Cien in Sheraton Cebu Mactan

Seafood aficionados rejoice!

Eating seafood is a pleasurable experience. Munching on juicy crab legs and plump oysters is just what you need right now, well, for those who aren’t allergic to seafood, at least. If you want to treat yourself properly to a great meal, then a seafood buffet is perfect for you.

Get ready to indulge in fresh oceanic delights at the newly opened 5 Cien at Sheraton Cebu Mactan during their Seafood Saturday Nights. Pro tip? You better have an empty stomach so you can eat until your heart’s content.

The Seafood Saturday Nights is available every Saturday until April 30, 2023.

Variety of Fresh Seafood and International Cuisine

Guests are welcomed with an array of seafood their eyes can land on. The buffet offers fresh crabs, lobsters, prawns, scallops, fish, and more. There are so many things going on that you won’t even know where to start.

Craving for tuna? The buffet has it too. Aside from that, diners can also choose from an array of fish options such as danggit, tangigue, asohos, and many more. And if you are craving sushi rolls, there are different kinds waiting for you, even fresh fish sashimi.

Aside from seafood, they have international dishes available. And if you want something refreshing, there is a Salad station complete with all the ingredients you need for that perfect salad bite.

Sophisticated and Luxurious Ambiance

And on top of all that, guests will get to dine at a sophisticated and luxurious dining hall. There are beautiful lights hanging from the ceiling and a tree centerpiece in the middle. 5 Cien is also incredibly spacious, allowing diners to roam around as they choose their meal for the night.

What are you waiting for? Seize the irresistible opportunity and experience the ultimate seafood feast at 5 Cien at Sheraton Cebu Mactan.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Punta Engaño Road, Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

BY COMMUTE: Ride any bus/jeep going to Punta Engano/Mactan. Ask the driver to drop you off at The Residences at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “The Residences at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort” in Mactan. Parking space is available.

Michelin to roll out Airless Tires for Passenger Vehicles in 2024

Soon, we will kiss air tires goodbye.

Michelin sure is changing the game with its first airless tires designed for passenger vehicles, UPTIS. The famous tire company is partnering with General Motors to develop UPTIS or the Unique Puncture-Proof Tire System. It aims to solve the tire problems that passenger vehicles usually have.

Photo from Michelin

Michelin Tires already developed airless Tweel tires, primarily used for construction and agricultural equipment. Developers then adapted the Tweel to create an airless tire designed for passenger vehicles, hence, UPTIS.

With UPTIS, car owners won’t have to do pressure checks. What’s even better is that UPTIS will be completely sustainable. This way, scrap tires will be a thing of the past, and there will be a reduction of raw materials and energy used in producing tires.

Photo from Michelin
Photo from Michelin

Airless, connected, 3D-printed, and 100% sustainable are the four pillars Michelin puts into mind as they produce UPTIS.

What are the benefits of UPTIS? Well, for starters, drivers will feel safe on the road. In addition, airless tires will reduce the risk of air loss. This way, you won’t have to worry about changing your tires during a road trip. 

With UPTIS, fleet owners and professional drivers can have better business productivity, and fewer raw materials will be used.

Photo from Michelin
Photo from Michelin
Photo from Michelin
Photo from Michelin

As of date, the UPTIS available is still a prototype as Michelin and General Motors continue to develop it until it is ready for release. The new airless tires are expected to roll out in 2024.

What do you think of this new airless tire development? Will you also switch to airless tires? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.

Plunge Into Clear Water Springs at Banyan Springs Resort in Tabogon

Can you feel the summer heat already? Because we sure can. Because of the heat, a cool spring resort would sound so good right now. 

Photo from Banyan Springs Resort Facebook Page

Lucky for Cebuanos, Cebu has tons of beautiful spring resorts to beat the harsh and fiery season. There is a resort in Tabogon that’s just within our grasp, the Banyan Springs Resort in Tabogon.

Experience Clear Water Springs 

Banyan Springs Resort is a sight to behold. Visitors are greeted with wonderfully clear spring waters. The springs are clear and enticing, making the whole resort look like it came from a fairytale land. 

Photo from Banyan Springs Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Banyan Springs Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Banyan Springs Resort Facebook Page

The springs resort is surrounded by abundant greens such as plants and trees that provide shade. Not only that, the greens add such a beautiful and magical effect to the location. Enchanted lagoon feels, anyone? 

Aside from the spring pools and nature, there are also miniature waterfalls. 

Instagrammable Vibe

If you want to change your profile photos for the summer, Banyan Springs Resort is the perfect place. The magical and beautiful place will take your Insta-photo game to the next level with its picturesque location. You can sit by the rocks and miniature falls, and even float around the spring pools as you take that perfect shot.

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

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

  • Entrance fee: ₱150 per adult; ₱100 per child
  • Opening hours: N/A

ROOM RATES: N/A

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Brgy. Maslog, Tabogon, Cebu, Philippines.

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, ride a bus going 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.

Mega Lotto Jackpot to reach a whopping ₱102 Million

Lock in your bets and win a whopping ₱102 million.

You might want to stick with your lucky Lotto numbers. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) just announced that the Mega Lotto 6/45 jackpot prize is set to hit ₱102 million tonight. 

Photo from Unsplash

According to PCSO general manager and vice chairman of the board of directors, Melquiades Robles, no one has yet to win the jackpot of ₱96,996,141 during last Monday night’s draw. The winning combination for that night was 42-17-05-41-10-15. But, 63 bettors each won an amount of ₱32,000 for guessing five of the six-digit combination.

Moreover, the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law inflicts a tax on lotto winnings above ₱10,000 of 20%.

Last March, a bettor from Bayugan, Agusan del Sur, won the jackpot of ₱12.1 million.

Photo from Unsplash

Try your luck, or use your intuition and plays your bets. Who knows, you might be the new instant millionaire. The Mega Lotto 6/45 draw happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Real-time Lyrics is Now Available on Youtube Music

Karaoke? No, it’s Youtube Music!

Youtube Music is taking it up a notch with its new feature. Just like Spotify, Youtube Music now offers Real-time lyrics. That’s right, you can now jam to your favorite songs without messing up the lyrics.

Photo from Unsplash

Reddit users reported that the feature is available for both Android and IOS. The songs and lyrics are now in sync in real time. Youtube Music users have been requesting the feature. This ultimately led Google to establish a partnership with the lyric provider, MusixMatch.

Google and MusixMatch’s partnership was announced last year in August. According to Google, they have witnessed how positive lyrics consumption is since their launch. The real-time lyrics will serve as an avenue for the company to create even more lyric features. 

Moreover, the real-time will be rolled out in the next few weeks. This means that it could take a long time before the lyrics menu will be used by almost all of Youtube Music’s users.

Photo from Unsplash

We can finally sing and dance to our beloved songs without feeling embarrassed about not knowing the lyrics to a song.

Employee in China wins 365 Days of Leave With Pay

It has become a custom for company parties to do raffle draws. And if you are lucky enough, you might take home a microwave oven. But this employee in China won something even better than a microwave.

A company manager in Shenzhen, China, was in a surprise of a lifetime when he won 365 days of paid leave during the company’s yearly party. In a video posted, the employee can be seen holding a giant cheque concretizing his paid leave.

In the video posted, another employee mentions that the management will discuss with the winner. According to a report, the winner can encash his cheque or acquire his paid leave.

Moreover, it is said that it is the company’s first time offering that big of a prize. The firm’s annual party was shelved and pushed back because of the pandemic. 

However, this isn’t the first time a company in China has offered a full year of paid leave. According to reports, an employee in Shenzhen also won the same prize. The employee encashed half of his award and donated the other half to charity. 

Thinking of a company raffle prize? You might want to show this article to your boss. Who knows, you might get a full year of paid leave of your own.