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LOOK: 3D LED Billboard in Cebu City is the Philippines’ only ‘Jumbotron’

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NUSTAR Resort and Casino’s “Island of New Celebrations” is launching the country’s first “jumbotron”- currently the biggest 3D LED billboard and the only one in the Visayas and Mindanao.  

Measuring 620 square meters, NuSTAR’s 3D LED billboard is expected to be captivating, iconic, entertaining, and adventurous. To effectively deliver on its promise of being the ultimate leisure and entertainment destination in the region, NUSTAR is taking on another feat with the launching of its 3D LED billboard just in time for the grand return of the Sinulog.

The New Star of the Sinulog

As the “Island of New Celebrations” and the new star of the Sinulog festivities, NUSTAR Resort and Casino is adding another feather in its cap with the launch of its 3D LED billboard. With this technology being as iconic as the brand and the Sinulog, NUSTAR is all set to celebrate the grandest and most captivating festival in the Philippines.

After a three-year hiatus, the Sinulog marks its return this year with a full-scale celebration that is still anchored in faith and gratitude. With the events and activities leading up to Sinulog Sunday on January 15, 2023, Cebu’s rich and vibrant culture and heritage take center stage, and NUSTAR is proud to be one with the island province in commemorating this fete.

The Technology

Combining billboard advertising and 3D technology on massive LED screens, 3D billboards require precise calculations and creativity. They can produce a three-dimensional visual of just about anything, from a movie trailer to a sneaker ad.

This technology works on the principle of “forced perspective,” which is a technique that uses an object’s scale and the audience’s vantage point to make something appear larger, smaller, nearer, or far from the spectator.

Through 3D technology, two images taken from different angles are combined and put into a single clip. That is how the viewers’ left and right eyes see the subject from different points, and the brain recognizes the visuals in three-dimensional depth. In order to achieve this illusion, curved displays with two faces are usually employed.

NUSTAR’s promotional campaigns, both static and digital, are regularly flashed on the 3D LED billboard to include hotel and food and beverage promotions to casino jackpots, tournaments, and raffle draws.

The Proponent

NUSTAR Resort and Casino is the flagship project of Universal Hotels and Resorts, Inc. (UHRI), a privately owned corporation of the Gokongwei Group focused primarily on gaming and integrated resort developments across the Philippines.

For more information, visit the resort’s website at www.nustar.ph or email the property at [email protected].

Good Cup Coffee Co: Globally-renowned Cebuano coffee brand renovates its café to elevate customer experience

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Coffee enthusiasts are once again treated to a unique specialty coffee experience as local coffee roaster Good Cup Coffee Co renovates its café.  Perfectly nestled in the heart of Metro Cebu, this Cebuano brand works with coffee farmers from various parts of the country to showcase excellent Philippine coffee to the world. While Good Cup Coffee Co is internationally known as a coffee roastery, they recently reopened their cafe’s doors to the public last December 2022 after months of renovation.

WHAT’S NEW?

The fresh look of the Good Cup Coffee Co offers a minimalist and straightforward design to completely focus on elevating the coffee experience. From the outside perspective, the glass exterior invites onlookers for a peek into the quaint café. The door handle shaped like a coffee bean with a map of the Cebu province etched into it is also a subtle incorporation of their business’ identity as a local coffee brand.

Upon entering, the customers are immediately greeted by their friendly staff, ready to brew a worthwhile cup of coffee for anyone. It’s quite notable that the baristas ask the customers firsthand whether they like their espresso coffee with a chocolatey or fruity base, as they always have two options available for the beans which they also roast themselves.

Good Cup Coffee Co’s clear-cut menu presents their selection of signature drinks, with the addition of a soft serve coffee ice cream (which is an extremely delicious cup of frozen goodness) and pastries that go well with their beverages. When asked for recommendations, their cheerful staff go all out in assisting the customers to find the right coffee that suits their preferences. After all, Good Cup is known for its famous saying that goes, “The best coffee is the coffee that suits you.”

A closer look into the café gives a view of their bar, stairs leading to the second floor, and roastery.

A SPECIALTY-COFFEE EXPERIENCE

The bar is divided into two: a spacious area for the usual espresso-based drinks and a more intimate brewing nook for pour-over coffee. Seats are provided by the brew bar to give customers a view of their drinks being made, and the space is also conveniently designed so that the barista can converse with them about the coffee specifics. The brew bar is where the magic happens—a truly memorable experience where the baristas take the customers on a sensory journey through a cup. When visiting this specialty-coffee café, it’s recommended to try some of their pour-over selections to enjoy the best that Good Cup Coffee can offer in a brew.

Beside the bar stands a Probat roaster inside their glass-enclosed roastery, where they roast their in-house coffee beans including the ones they serve at the bar. They have a separate roastery in a Mandaue facility where they cook up bigger batches of beans for online and wholesale orders.

Since coffee beans are the bread and butter of this business, bags of their freshly roasted coffee are showcased around the counter. Customers can purchase a bag and get a free cup of coffee to enjoy on the side.

A more spacious dining area is also available on the second floor of the café, where the Good Cup Academy and office are also located.

A TOURIST ATTRACTION

With the pristine coffee and amazing customer service that they provide, it’s no wonder that this coffee brand has become quite a “tourist attraction”. Coffee enthusiasts all over the Philippines make it a part of their bucket list to visit Good Cup Coffee Co when they visit Cebu City. Gio Visitacion, the brand’s founder, is quite known in the coffee industry as he was the champion for the Philippine Brewers Cup Championship in 2020. His trophy is displayed by the bar’s counter.

Even celebrities like Shaina Magdayao, Megan Young, Mikhael Daez, Khalil Ramos, and many more known personalities are known supporters of the brand.

GOOD CUP ACADEMY

The Good Cup Academy is Good Cup Coffee Co’s introductory class to coffee brewing. They hold their classes on the second floor of their establishment, where a world-class coffee set-up is available for enrollees to use.

The Good Cup Academy has a wide range of courses to choose from: the basic Coffee 101 for starting homebrewers and intensive advanced brewing classes for baristas and future café owners. The latter is a part of their Coffee by Good Cup program where they partner with up-and-coming cafés and offer business branding services and barista training.

When not used for classes, their academy facility also doubles as their public cupping area where they invite people to taste new coffees that would soon grace their shelves. Good Cup Academy has trained more than 100 students and around 80% of them have opened and operated their own local coffee brands.

GOOD COFFEE, INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCES

Five years into the business, Good Cup Coffee Co remains consistent in delivering great coffee experiences to their customers with every bag of beans sold; every cup of coffee brewed.

Whether you’re looking for a quick caffeine fix or want to dive deep into the basics of brewing, Good Cup Coffee Co offers coffee beyond the cup and invites you on a sensory-filled journey that’ll elevate your morning brew.

Mandani Bay celebrates Sinulog with Balikbayan Night and Fluvial Parade Viewing

Pit Senyor at Mandani Bay!

Mandani Bay opened its doors again for Sinulog activities after a long time. Upon the return of Sinulog, Mandani Bay also geared up to host two amazing events for Sugboanons.

For Balikbayans: Sinulog sa Mandani 2023  Balikbayan Night

To officially open its doors to Cebuanos once again, Mandani Bay hosted the Sinulog sa Mandani 2023 Balikbayan Night. The event transpired last January 12, 2023.

It was a night full of giving importance to the Sinulog culture. There were different performers that graced the event with their traditional Cebuano dances. The balikbayan night also served as an avenue for OFWs to see what the Cebuano culture has to offer.

Being away from their home country and city, the Balikbayans deserved an amazing welcome through the Balikbayan Night. Not only do they get to celebrate Pit Senyor but they also get to witness the different Festivities during Sinulog.

Sinulog Fluvial Parade Viewing at Mandani Bay

One of the most anticipated Sinulog activities is the Sinulog Fluvial Parade. It is a parade done through boats where devotees can witness the image of Senyor Sto. Niño as the child Jesus parades in the waters of Cebu.

To elevate the devotees’ experience during the event, Mandani Bay hosted a Sinulog Fluvial Parade Viewing at the Mandani Bay Boardwalk on January 14, 2023.

Gates opened at 4:30 AM as devotees gathered around and brought their own statues of Sto. Niño. Before the Fluvial parade itself, Mandani Bay prepared a program for all the attendees.

The event officially started with a Grand Fireworks Display, brightening up the skies of Mandaue. After that, attendees witnessed a Sinulog Cultural show where different dance groups in Cebu showcased their skills and talents as they performed traditional and Modern Cebuano dances.

As the sun rose, the Fluvial Parade officially began. Waving their hands, people sang Bato Balani sa Gugma as the image of the Child Jesus paraded in the waters of the Mactan Channel. Spectators watch in awe as the boat carrying Sto. Niño was accompanied by other participating boats, tailing behind it during the procession.

Mandani Bay was able to provide the attendees with the best view of Senyor Sto. Niño cruising the waters of the Mactan Channel. The up-close experience is definitely one for the books.

Celebrate #EverydayMoments with Ipanema

Where style meets comfort- Ipanema always makes sure to complete your look no matter the occasion while being both stylish and comfortable. With their classic but beautiful slippers and flip-flops design, Ipanema takes on the world one foot at a time.

Photo from Ipanema Philippines on Instagram

Celebrate #EverydayMoments with Ipanema

Ipanema celebrates Everyday Moments this month and wants you to join in on the fun. Share your favorite moments with Ipanema on Facebook and Instagram with their #EverydayMoments and get a chance to win a free pair from their latest collection.

Photo from Ipanema Philippines on Instagram

Ipanema Takes a Stand with Sustainability

Ipanema is known as a sustainable sandal and flip-flop brand. Made from a non-toxic and recyclable material called “Flexpand”, Ipanema takes a stand with Sustainability. By buying a pair of Ipanema products you are one of the heroes of reducing waste products.

Photo from Ipanema Philippines on Instagram

That’s not all, Ipanema is also registered with the Vegan Society since 2017. The brand ensures that its products are not tested or used on animals upon manufacturing.

Stylish, timeless, and environmentally friendly, what more can you ask for?  Make your day a little brighter with Ipanema and celebrate #EverydayMoments.

El Chiringuito: Passionately bringing Spanish Cuisine to Cebuano patrons

Craving Spanish dishes? This Spanish restaurant in Cebu is your next go-to restaurant for authentic Spanish cuisine.

Locals and tourists alike are definitely loving El Chiringuito. The restaurant offers amazing and authentic Spanish dishes prepared by amazing cooks. To ensure authenticity in their dishes, the owners even hired a Chef from Spain to train their local chefs.

El Chiringuito allows its clientele to experience a taste of Spain with their dishes that truly remind patrons of the beautiful España.

Paella Negra and Paella Sisig

El Chiringuito’s signature dish is their Paella. Patrons from all over Cebu raid the restaurant to taste their flavorful and authentic Paella Dishes.

Sugbo PH was able to taste 2 of their amazing Paellas namely the Paella Negra and Paella Sisig.

Paella Negra
Paella Sisig

Here’s what we think.

Their Paella Negra was a dish new to us as it is different from traditional Paella. However, the flavors did not disappoint. The Paella was an explosion of flavor in our mouths and you can taste the freshness of the ingredients.

Another Paella dish that we tried is their Spanish-Filipino fusion which is the Paella Sisig. Despite being two completely different dishes, the flavors were able to complement each other very well. It was definitely a unique food experience.

Aside from their Paella dishes, we were also able to try their BBQ pork ribs. The sauce definitely elevated the flavor to a whole new level. Other than that, the meat was also incredibly tender and the flavors soaked into the meat as well.

Of course, we finished off with one of their desserts which was the Tarta de Galletas con Chocolate. It was a chocolate dessert infused with brandy. The touch of brandy’s bitterness and strong taste surprisingly compliments the smooth and sweet chocolate flavor. It was definitely one for the books.

El Chiringuito Turned into Reality

Before its success, El Chiringuito started with humble beginnings. The restaurant is a product of passion, hard work, and of course a husband and wife who both love to cook.

Sugbo PH was given the amazing opportunity to interview the co-founder of El Chiringuito, Jose Luis Gomez Fernandez. According to Mr. Fernandez, the story of El Chiringuito started during the lockdown.

“One of the things that my wife and I do together is cooking in our kitchen. We used to cook paella on Sundays for the family and sometimes with friends. During the lockdown, we came up with the idea to start selling authentic Spanish paella and we did home deliveries on the weekends. Back then, we named it “Paellas con Amor” which translates to Paellas with Love. However as the pandemic restrictions began to ease and we started going back to work, we had to close Paellas con Amor because of our busy schedules. I took it as a blessing in disguise because it gave us the idea to open up a physical establishment. We renamed it to El Chiringuito, as we were inspired by the chiringuitos of Málaga, Spain when my wife and I went there for the holidays.

Our restaurant is built from our love of cooking Spanish dishes and the desire to share it with the Cebuano people. Not only do we commit ourselves to provide our customers the opportunity to enjoy the flavors of Spain in the heart of the metro, but we also want to give it a Filipino twist to serve the Filipino palate. We love to offer our customers something they want, putting their desires first. So if anyone is looking for some authentic Spanish cuisine and the best paella in Cebu, this is the place to eat.” –Jose Luis Gomez Fernandez, co-founder

Gear up for Salsa Night

Aside from their food and services, El Chiringuito is also known for hosting their Afro Latin Social Dancing every Wednesday nights – featuring Bachata, Kizomba and Salsa dances. Customers can dance the night away to the beat of Spanish-Latino music and enjoy their Salsa-by-the-al-fresco promos on drinks and pica-pica!

¡Qué rico! Dine and experience passionate Spanish Cuisine at El Chiringuito and get a taste of Spain in every bite.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Best-sellers: 

  • Paella Sisig
  • Paella Negra
  • Paella de Langosta

Menu:

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: The Gallery, Mabolo, Cebu City, Philippines.

BY BUS: N/A

BY JEEPNEY: 

  • From the Gaisano, Country Mall – you can ride 62C/62B Jeepney. The drop-off point is San Carlos Seminary College on Pope John Paul II Ave.
  • You can also ride 04L Jeepney from Sm City Cebu. You can drop right at The Gallery, Mabolo.

IMPORTANT NOTICE / UPDATE as of 2024:

This establishment is already closed for business.

Bell+Amadeus: Elevating your Fine Dining experience in Cebu City

The best thing about fine dining is that all dishes are made with passion. Different fine-dining restaurants see to it that they have flavors fitting for every guest. And one restaurant successfully plays with flavors to fit their patrons’ palate, Bell+Amadeus.

Photo from Bell+Amadeus Facebook Page

The restaurant launched its soft opening last September and has been giving Cebuanos a modern fine dining experience. Bell+Amadeus sees to it that it puts focus on the food and services to give its patrons a good time.

A Visual Delight

Bell+Amadeus has an array of food choices. Not only are the restaurant’s dishes delicious, but they are also visually appealing.  

Aside from flavor, presentation is everything for fine-dining establishments. The more visually appealing the dishes are, the more they will catch people’s attention and will look good enough to eat.

Photo from Bell+Amadeus Facebook Page
Photo from Bell+Amadeus Facebook Page
Photo from Bell+Amadeus Facebook Page
Photo from Bell+Amadeus Facebook Page
Photo from Bell+Amadeus Facebook Page
Photo from Bell+Amadeus Facebook Page

The restaurant makes sure that the food comes out in the most presentable way possible to highlight the dishes. From garnish to plating, each of Bell+Amadeus’ dishes is a visual delight.

Playing with Flavors

Bell+Aamdeus serve quality dishes that patrons love. The restaurant produces food that people will enjoy. With a wide variety of dishes, Bell+Amadeus plays with flavors to ensure fresh and delicious meals.

If it is your first time in the restaurant, make sure to order their guest-favorites such as the Chicken Confit, Steak, and Wagyu Cubes.

Bell+Amadeus also has an impressive wine list and cocktails that go well with their steak and other dishes.

Treat your family and loved ones to a fine-dining experience they will never forget. Book a reservation at Bell+Amadeus today.

Photo from Bell+Amadeus Facebook Page
Photo from Bell+Amadeus Facebook Page
Photo from Bell+Amadeus Facebook Page
Photo from Bell+Amadeus Facebook Page

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Best-sellers: (if applicable)

  • Chicken Confit
  • Steak
  • Wagyu Cubes

Menu:

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location:  88th Avenue, Banilad Road, Cebu, Cebu City, Philippines.

BY BUS: Take any bus/PUJ to Banilad and tell the conductor or driver to drop you off at Banilad Road.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Bell+Amadeus” in Banilad.

Kiat Na! Be Festival-ready with Bioflu

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Fiesta Fever is Back!

Visayas is definitely gearing up for the biggest festival returns of the year. As Sinulog, Dinagyang, and Ati-Atihan are just right around the corner, so is the flu season. Each festival will definitely be packed with a lot of festival-goers. This means there will be interactions and contact which makes flu transmissions easier.

Photo from Geraldine Jane GE

Be Fiesta-ready with Bioflu

If you are feeling under the weather and experiencing headaches, fever, chills, body pain, cough from post-nasal drip, colds, or sore throat, you most likely have the flu right in time for the festivities.

Don’t let the flu ruin your festive experience and be Fiesta-ready with Bioflu. Get rid of multiple flu symptoms for only Php 8.00 SRP. Also, say goodbye to taking different medicines for each symptom and say hello to a quicker and more effective way of relief with Bioflu- your new go-to choice.

Nothing beats yelling Pit Senyor and Hala Bira with full confidence knowing you are protected. Conquer 2023 festivities with Bioflu- #KayaAll ang tanang symptoms sa flu!

Guide: Special Bus Routes to SRP for Sinulog 2023

Good news, Sugboanons! There will be available buses to help you get to the Sinulog 2023 Festival Venue at SRP.

Photo from Cebu City Government Information Website

Mayor Michael Rama, along with the other organizers for Sinulog 2023, made an announcement on January 11. 2023, that there will be private and public buses available going to South Road Properties on January 15. The routes will start at 6 AM this Sunday.

Fare will be collected as you ride the listed public and private buses.

See bus routes below:

  • Yellow Route – From Anjo World, Minglanilla to SRP
  • Black Route – From Talamban to SRP Viaduct
  • Blue Route – From Parkmall to SRP Viaduct
  • Red Route – From Gaisano Tabunok, Shopwise to SRP
  • Green Route – From Marigondon, Cordova to SRP.

There are also Green Buses that will be deployed by the City Government to offer free rides to SRP.

Photo from Cebu City Government Information Website

Aside from buses, Angkas motorcycles will also be available for free booking. The free ride will be available from 8 AM to 11 PM on January 15.

Routes:

  • SRP (Southbound) – PTT Gas Station beside Gaisano SRP
  • SM Seaside – Plaza Independencia
  • SM Seaside – Designer Square, N. Bacalso Avenue
Photo from Cebu City Government Information Website

2023 Sinulog Grand Parade: Where, When, Activities to Do

One of the most well-known events in the Philippines is the Sinulog Festival, which draws millions of tourists every year. It is composed of many activities, and one of its highlights is the Grand Parade, a full-day procession that attracts dancers from all across the nation who dress in vibrant costumes and plan dances for it.

Photo from Merx Mercado

The Grand Parade usually falls on the third Sunday of January, where different dancers showcase their colorful costumes and dance moves in the streets of Cebu. This year, the Grand Parade will happen at 9:00 AM on January 15, 2023, at the South Road Properties; this will be the first time that the parade will be held on these grounds.

Here is the list of the things that you can also do during the day of the parade:

Attend the Mañanita and Pontifical mass

The Mañanita Mass and the Pontificial Mass will be the first two services of the festival proper, which will begin on January 15.

Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Facebook Page

From four in the morning, these masses will be celebrated at the Minor Basilica of Santo Niño de Cebu. Another mass will be given at the South Road Properties at 8 am to mark the beginning of festivities after the two masses at the basilica.

Watch the street dance performances

What takes place during the big procession of this Sinulog Festival? Of course, street dancing!

It mainly comprises a long procession of multiple groups of gathered street dancers, all of whom are decked up in vibrant costumes and backed by platforms that have been exquisitely decorated.

Photo from Merx Mercado

In addition to performing their dance moves or the “Sinulog dance” as they move across the entire town, the dancers frequently depict how Santo Niño has benefited their local towns in their performances.

Witness the grand performance of the dancers

The grand parade usually ends at about 4 PM, and the street dancers perform their last show at the SRP Grounds in City de Mare. Here, the Sinulog festival’s competition portion with its many prize categories, including the Street Dancing Category, Free Interpretation, and others, will take place.

Photo from Merx Mercado

This event is frequently broadcast on television, which is good because the complex is frequently too crowded with attendees.

Join street parties and concerts

In practically every section of Cebu, there will be street parties and live concerts before and after the Sinulog Grand Parade (especially in the evenings). You can catch one of these street parties at 8:00 PM at the Plaza Independencia.

Photo from Careless Music Festival Facebook Page

Thus, you are advised to wear loose clothing, get some face paint, and get ready to down some beer. Most of the people just linger around on the streets while some would go to locations like Mango Square, Baseline, or Fuente Osmeña to have some fun till the wee hours of the next day.

Catch the fireworks display

The Sinulog Grand Parade in Cebu City is usually concluded with a stunning pyro extravaganza!

Photo from Unsplash

A vibrant fireworks display will be held at 9 PM, but the venue is yet to be announced. The better it will be if you can arrange to stay at a Cebuano or Cebuana friend’s condo with a fantastic view of this region! As an alternative, you can enjoy this amazing spectacle from the ground with terrific viewing.

The Grand Parade, in particular, will be the highlight of the Sinulog 2023 celebrations as it makes a complete return to in-person events. It will undoubtedly be one of the best Sinulog ever, so make sure to have fun!

World-famous ‘Foot Locker’ opens first store in Cebu City

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Foot Locker has finally set foot in Cebu City!

Foot Locker, the global athletic footwear and apparel retailer, has recently opened its doors in Cebu, at SM Seaside City Cebu. The grand opening of the new store has been highly anticipated by sports enthusiasts, sneakerheads, and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Located at the UG/F Sea View Wing in SM Seaside, the newly opened Foot Locker store covers a total floor area of 1,000 square meters, and features a wide selection of sneakers, athletic apparel, and accessories from various top brands such as Nike, Adidas, Puma, Converse, and more. The store’s design is modern and spacious, with sleek and stylish interiors that enhance the shopping experience.

Foot Locker Cebu is set to become a go-to destination for those who are looking for the latest trends and styles in sports footwear and apparel. The new store offers a fresh and exciting shopping experience.

Foot Locker is a global brand known for its wide selection of high-quality and stylish footwear and apparel. With its presence in Cebu, the brand is set to cater to the growing demand for athletic wear and trendy sneakers in the city.

The store’s commitment to providing exceptional customer service and high quality products will surely make a mark in Cebu’s retail landscape.

Other Information

  • Opening hours: 10AM to 10PM daily (mall hours)
  • Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/footlockerph
  • Exact location: UG/F Sea View Wing (beside Uniqlo), SM Seaside City Cebu, South Road Properties, Cebu City