Home Blog Page 195

5 Fun-Filled Activities at Maayo San Remigio in northern Cebu

The holidays are done and everyone is almost back to reality with their work, but there’s still time for you to enjoy the rest of the season! Going out far may not be an option for most right now, but you can always opt for staycations for a relaxing experience.

Photo from Maayo San Remigio Facebook Page
Photo from Maayo San Remigio Facebook Page

Many resorts can give you this experience, but Maayo San Remigio can provide you with the staycation experience of your lifetime. More than that, they have these five activities to help you have fun and enjoy your staycation!

1. Crystal Kayak

Got any certain weekend plans already? If not, come paddle the crystal-clear waters with Maayo’s crystal kayak for ₱500 an hour. Crystal kayaks are transparent, which makes them different from normal kayaks and allows you to capture beautiful pictures of yourself surrounded by the natural beauty of the sea. You can also see the turquoise waters underneath the kayak.

Their crystal kayak amenity is available for day use from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Photo from Maayo San Remigio Facebook Page

2. Stand-up Paddle Boarding

Are you looking for something else to do on your weekend adventure? Don’t let the weekend get you down; instead, come to the seashore to enjoy standup paddleboarding for only ₱500 per hour! Guests will be provided with life jackets, and licensed lifeguards are also by the side to ensure the safety of everyone, should things go down south.

Photo from Maayo San Remigio Facebook Page
Photo from Maayo San Remigio Facebook Page

You can avail of their stand-up paddle boarding amenity for day use from 9 AM to 5 PM.

3. Laag-Laag sa Isla

Looking to make the most out of your staycation? Why not bring it a notch higher and take it outdoors? A tropical paradise awaits you in the different nearby islands, which you can experience with Maayo’s Laag-Laag sa Isla island cruise!

Photo from Maayo San Remigio Facebook Page
Photo from Maayo San Remigio Facebook Page

During the cruise, you get the chance to explore the beautiful islands of the Virgin Islands, Kinatarkan, and many more. Hop on an adventure of your lifetime and embrace the island vibe!

Rates

  • Bangka Uno (5 pax) – ₱2,500
  • Bangka Dos (5-10 pax) – ₱3,000
  • Bangka Tres (10-15 pax) – ₱3,500

4. Laroy-Laroy sa Norte

When you’re done exploring the islands, you can wrap the touring experience up with Maayo’s Laroy-Laroy sa Norte tours! Here, you get to explore the majestic and wondrous views of northern Cebu. These spots include the Replica of Capelinha de Fatima, the Bamboo Forest of Medellin, Marz Valley Nature Park, and more.

Photo from Maayo San Remigio Facebook Page
Photo from Maayo San Remigio Facebook Page

Rates

  • Package Uno (5 pax) – ₱9,000
  • Package Dos (5-10 pax) – ₱10,000
  • Package Tres (10-15 pax) – ₱12,000
  • Package Kwatro (5 pax) – ₱14,000
  • Package Cinco (5-10 pax) – ₱15,000

1. Masahe (Traditional Filipino Hilot)

After a long day of adventure with the aforementioned activities, you can relax, reflect, and recharge with their traditional Filipino massage or hilot services. Hilot frequently refers to the pressure or rubbing applied to the muscles and joints to aid in the body’s healing. But in contrast to spa treatments, a hilot massage is thought to bring balance and harmony back to a person’s body.

Photo from Maayo San Remigio Facebook Page

They offer indoor and outdoor massages, as well as extensions for people who like to add more time to their massage sessions. Their Masahe services are available from 9 AM to 9 PM.

Rates

  • Indoor Massage (1 hour) – ₱800
  • Outdoor Massage (1 hour) – ₱650
  • Extension (30 mins.) – ₱300

Aside from its fun activities and the surrounding lush vegetation, its accommodations frequently exude an air of grandeur. Indeed, Maayo San Remigio is your little piece of paradise, making it Cebu’s dazzling jewel in the north.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

  • Day use fee: ₱300 per head
  • Time: 9AM to 5PM only

REGULAR ROOM RATES:

  • Deluxe Room: ₱2,500 per night, good for 2 adults & 2 kids
  • Family Room: ₱4,000 per night, good for 4 adults & 2 kids
  • Deluxe Villa: ₱3,000 per night, good for 2 adults & 2 kids
  • Barkada Villa: ₱4,000 per night, good for 5 adults
  • Deluxe Plus Villa: ₱4,500 per night, good for 2 adults & 2 kids
  • Family Villa: ₱5,000 per night, good for 4 adults & 2 kids
    • Inclusive of plated breakfast
    • Extra person is charged ₱500 per person per night with extra bed and plated breakfast.
    • Check-in: 2PM / Check-out: 12NN the next day

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Victoria, San Remigio, Cebu — approx. 3 hours away from the city.

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, ride any bus going to San Remigio or Tabuelan. Tell the driver to drop you off at Iglesia ni Cristo – Victoria. Bus fare is ~₱155 (one-way). From there, ride a motorbike (habal-habal) going to the Maayo San Rem resort. Fare is ~₱25 per person.

BY CAR: If you’re driving your own car, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your location to “Maayo San Remigio” or refer to the map below. Parking space is available.

Gold value increased, significant quarterly rise is expected

Gold just got even more golden.

Spot gold increased 0.2 percent on the final trading day of 2022 to reach USD1,818.70 (~PHP101,711.71) per ounce at 2:17 PM. However, U.S. gold futures remained at USD 1,826.2 (~PHP102,131.15), according to Reuters.

Photo from Unsplash

Due to expectations of fewer interest rate increases by the U.S., gold prices increased on Friday. The non-yielding metal is on track to end its best quarter since June 2020, thanks to predictions of fewer interest hikes by the U.S. Fed after falling from all-time highs earlier this year.

Even though the U.S. central bank’s two rate increases in September drove gold to a more than two-year low, the price of the metal is only down around 0.5 percent in 2022. Since then, however, prices have reversed their declines.

Photo from Unsplash

Economists predict that market mood will be influenced by how central banks throughout the world respond to growing inflation through 2023.

How Bernard Arnault became the world’s richest, surpassing Elon Musk

Musk out, Arnault In- Bernard Arnault surpasses Elon Musk and is now the world’s richest person. The French tycoon has a net worth estimate of $170.8 billion which is more than Elon Musk’s net worth.

epa07509557 (FILE) CEO of French luxury goup LVMH, Bernard Arnault attends a new conference to present the group’s annual results, in Paris, France, 29 January 2019 (reissued 16 April 2019). According to reports, French luxury group LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault announced on 16 April 2019 donation of 200 mln euros for reconstruction of damaged Notre Dame Cathedral. A huge fire started in the late afternoon on 15 April in the historic monument of the French capital burning the roof and a spire. EPA/IAN LANGSDON Dostawca: PAP/EPA.

Arnault and his family own 48% of shares in the company LVMH. They have 64% of voting rights as well.

Bernard Arnault is the first person from France who claimed the top spot among the world’s richest people. He is even the first in all of Europe.

The brain behind Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

Who is Bernard Arnault and how did he become the world’s richest person?

Bernard Arnault is the brain behind the luxury brand LVMH or commonly known as Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy. He was born in 1949 in Roubaix, France.  He graduated from Polytechnique, an elite school for engineering.

Photo from Louis Vuitton

Arnault started out by working at Ferret Savinel which is a family business. Next, he ventured into property development before taking over Boussac-Saint-Freres. Boussac-Saint-Freres was a textile group that went bankrupt.

Bernard bought a controlling stake in LVMH and turned the brand into a luxury powerhouse that sells wines, fashion goods, jewelry, and more.

With his success in growing LVMH, it is no doubt that he successfully topped the list of the world’s richest people. Despite the pandemic affecting businesses and the economy, LVMH still generated big sales because the demand for luxury products was still at an all-time high.

Arnault Dynasty within LVMH

Photo from Louis Vuitton

Arnault is without a doubt one of the most successful people in the world of luxury brands and he is not stopping there. His five children currently work at the firm or for LVMHS’ brands.

Arnault’s son, Antoine, now holds a role at Christian Dior SE, which is one of the brands under LVMHS.

Brands under LVMHS

Did you know that some of your favorite luxury brands are under LVMHS? Since LVMHS is a luxury goods conglomerate, it is no surprise that popular luxury brands are under it.

Here is the list of Luxury brands under LVMHS:

  • Tiffany & Co.
  • Christian Dior
  • Fendi
  • Givenchy
  • Marc Jacobs
  • Stella McCartney
  • Loewe
  • Loro Piana
  • Kenzo
  • Celine
  • Sephora
  • Princess Yachts
  • TAG Heuer
  • Bulgari
  • Louis Vuitton
  • Dom Pérignon
  • Hennessy, and many more
Photo from Monochrome

With his success and his hunger to build the top luxury conglomerate in the world, Bernard Arnault is definitely dominating the world of business, one luxury brand at a time.

5 Must-Try Mexican Restaurants in Cebu

When people hear “Mexican food” they immediately think “Tacos!”. However, Mexican food is not only limited to cheese and meat inside corn shells. Mexican cuisine offers deep flavors filled with amazing spices which is why it quickly became a lot of people’s favorite.

Photo from La Lucha Tequeria Facebook Page

There are a lot of Mexican restaurants in Cebu but these are the top 5 must-try in the City

1. Pueblo Mexicano

Pueblo Mexicano is a restaurant specializing in Mexican and Latin-American Cuisine with a twist – a dash of California flair.

Pueblo Mexicano serves good food and a good ambiance as the restaurant is decorated with colorful paintings and candles to set the mood. One of the highlights of the restaurant’s interior is its painting of the famous Frida Kahlo.

Pueblo Mexicano serves a bunch of amazing Mexican and Latin-American favorites. The restaurant has Chimichangas, Warm Quinoa Salad, and tortillas among others.

You definitely have to try Pueblo Mexicano’s Adobo chops. Another best-seller is the Callos which is the ultimate Mexican comfort food. To top all that is Pueblo Mexicano’s House Blend Hot Sauce.

They also have Vegan options for those who do not eat any meat.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Best-sellers: 

  • Callos
  • Adobo Chops
  • Warm Quinoa Salad

Menu:

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Banilad Town Center, Gov. M. Cuenco Ave., Banilad, Cebut City, Philippines.

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Ride a public utility vehicle and ask them to bring you to Banilad

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Pueblo Mexicano” in Banilad.

2. Maya Mexican Restaurant

Maya Mexican Restaurant is another masterpiece by theAbacaGroup. The restaurant serves traditional So-Cal style Mexican dishes. From their Salsas to their Fajitas, Maya Mexican Restaurant is definitely one of the must-try Mexican restaurants in the city.

Another interesting thing about the Maya Mexican restaurant is its collection of fine tequila. The restaurant houses one of the country’s largest fine tequila collections. Not only that, but it is also the home of the 100% agave tequila bar.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Best-sellers: N/A

Menu:

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Crossroads Mall, Cebu City, Cebu.

BY BUS: Ride any jeepney passing through Banilad. Or:

  • 13C if from Colon/USC Main/Ayala (south) or Talamban/USC-TC (north)
  • 62B/C if from Carbon/Ayala (south) or Pit-os/Talamban (north)
  • 13B if from Carbon/UV/Ayala (south) or Tintay/Talamban (north)

then ask the driver to drop you off at Crossroads in Banilad.

BY CAR: Just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Crossroads” in Banilad. There’s ample parking space available if you’re bringing your own car.

3. Red Lizard

Yet another restaurant from theAbacaGroup that serve amazing Mexican dishes. Red Lizard is your next go-to restaurant when you crave cheesy and delicious nachos, Quesadillas, and many more.

Red Lizard serves an array of Mexican food aside from nachos such as burritos, Arroz a La Plancha, Hot Pop, and hard shell tacos. Red Lizard specializes in well-seasoned food. The spices are perfect but not overwhelming which children will love too.

All dishes are made fresh every day from high-quality ingredients. The tortillas used are even hand-rolled with no preservatives added.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Best-sellers: N/A

Menu:

Other Information:

Red Lizard Locations:

  • Filinvest Cyberzone I.T. Park, Cebu City
    • 0920-958-3129
  • Ayala Mall Level 4, Cebu City
  • SM City Cebu, Cebu City
    • 0932-238-3530

4. Mooon Cafe Mexican-Inspired Restaurant

Mooon Cafe is another Mexican-inspired restaurant that you have to try. Moon Cafe sees to it that the dishes served to customers are made with passion and bursting with flavor. From Nachos to fusion dishes like Taco Spaghetti, Mooon Cafe is dominating the world of Mexican-inspired flavors one taco at a time.

They also have Combo meals to share with your friends and family. Not only that, but they also have Mexican Baby Back Ribs that, according to Mooon Cafe, never fail.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Best-sellers:

  • Taco Spaghetti

Menu:

Other Information:

  • Location and Opening hours:
    • Luz – Level 2 The Terraces, Ayala Center, Business Park, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu- 11AM – 7PM
    • Robinsons Cybergate, Don Gil Garcia St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu – 10AM – 6PM
    • Robinsons Cybergate, Don Gil Garcia St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu- 10AM – 7PM
    • 78, SM City Cebu, Juan Luna Ave Cor Cabahug And Kaohsiung St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu – 10AM – 8PM
    • The Walk, Cebu Asiatown IT Park 6000 Apas Lahug, Cebu City

5. La Lucha Taqueria

Last but definitely not least, is the La Lucha Taqueria. The restaurant has been operating and serving great Mexcian food to patrons since December 2012.

La Lucha Taqueria has a variety of meat to choose from for your dishes.

  • Carne Asada
  • Pollo
  • Pollo Asado
  • Al Pastor
  • Chile Verde
  • Carnitas
  • Buche
  • Lengua
  • Chorizo

The restaurant goes all out and has generous portions of food that will surely keep you full. La Lucha Taqueria specializes in Tacos and you definitely have to try the Quesabirria which is a beef birria wrapped in a consomé-dipped flour tortilla.

Enjoy amazing and authentic Mexican food in an open space with a relaxing ambiance. And to complete the experience, do not forget to try out their drinks, especially the horchata and Margarita.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Best-sellers: 

  • Tacos
  • Burritos
  • Quesadillas

Menu:

Other Information:

  • Opening hours:
    • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday- 9AM – 8PM
    • Tuesday and Sunday – 9AM to 11PM
  • Contact number: 0927-616-9061
  • Email address: N/A
  • Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/laluchacebu

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: La Lucha Taqueria, Mango Square, Juana Osmena St., Cebu City.

BY BUS: Ride any bus/PUJ going that will pass by Mango Square and tell the driver to drop you off there.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Mango Square” in Cebu City. Parking space is available.

Every day is a good day to eat Mexican food, and be sure to try out these amazing restaurants for your daily dose of delicioso!

Travel Guide: Whale Shark Watching in Oslob

Undoubtedly, one of the most popular — talking about worldwide recognition — tourist attractions in Cebu is the Whale Shark Watching or Swimming with the Whale Sharks in Oslob, Southern Cebu. And here’s everything you need to know about this famous yet controversial spot in Cebu.

whale shark butanding oslob cebu (6)
Photo by @karanikolov via IG

[box type=”shadow” align=”” class=”” width=””]

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. Schedule and Fees
2. Rules and Regulations
3. Actual Photos
4. Quick Facts
5. How to get there?
6. Where to stay?
7. Frequently Asked Questions
[/box]

SCHEDULE & FEES

Schedule:

• Whale Shark Watching is available daily from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM only.

Fees:
TOURISTSINCLUSIONSPRICE
Filipino TouristsWhale watching (no swimming) + Life JacketNo longer available
Filipino TouristsSnorkeling with the Whale + Life Jacket₱1,000 or ~ USD 21
Foreign TouristsSnorkeling with the Whale + Life Jacket₱2,000 or ~ USD 42
NOTE:
  • The activity is good for 30 minutes only.
  • Diving and snorkeling are limited in time and people. The activity is by batch.
  • TIP: If you don’t want to wait in the line for too long and avoid the horrible traffic in the city and the southern parts, make sure to leave Cebu City or Mactan at around 2 or 3 AM.

THE RULES

  • All whale shark watchers must undergo orientation at the Briefing Center on the rules for interaction with whale sharks.
  • No feeding of whale sharks by unauthorized personnel.
  • Do not touch, ride, or chase a whale shark.
  • Do not restrict normal movement or behavior of the shark.
  • Do not use flash photography.
  • Do not create splash when entering the water.
  • Do not wear sunscreen if you are going to enter the water.
  • Motor boats are prohibited in the area. Only paddle boats are allowed.
  • Viewing is limited to 30 minutes.
  • Maintain a minimum distance of 5m from the head, 6m from the tail (this differs from the 2m from the head, and 5m from the tail stated in the ordinance).

Actual Photos

oslob whale shark cebu
oslob whale shark cebu
oslob whale shark cebu

QUICK FACTS:

[dropcap]1[/dropcap]

The activity site is situated in Brgy. Tan-awan in the town of Oslob, a remote part of Cebu that is 3-4 hours away from the city or 4-5 hours drive from Mactan Airport.

[dropcap]2[/dropcap]

Diving and snorkeling are limited in time and people, and done by batch. Each batch has 30 minutes to watch or swim with the whale sharks. Prior to that, there is an informative talk and presentation about the Whale Sharks and STRICT RULES to be observed during the activity.

[dropcap]3[/dropcap]

All the Whale Sharks at the Oslob Whale Shark Snorkel tour are wild animals and come and go as they please. The floats you see on the surface are merely marking the area for motorized boats to stay away.

[dropcap]4[/dropcap]

All the boats used in the activity, at the feeding area, are paddled using wooden oars — leaving no harmful chemicals unlike boat propellers.

[dropcap]5[/dropcap]

There are marine biologists in the area monitoring the water activity. Images are taken each day in water and using astrological mapping – map the whale shark spots.

[dropcap]6[/dropcap]

The Whale Shark Watching tour provides many benefits including, but not limited to, providing a larger source of income and employment to a town that historically has a high unemployment rate and also a knock-on effect for the entire economy of Cebu. It encourages the local and foreign visitors alike to advocate in the preservation of the Whale Sharks and minimizes the fishing of these gentle giants in many countries.

Online Booking

Pre-booking is required to experience this popular attraction in Cebu. But it’s easy to book online.

Just head to the official booking website of the Cebu Provincial Government here: https://discover.cebu.gov.ph/tour/oslob-whaleshark-interaction/

How to get there?

BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal (near Emall), ride a Ceres bus going to “Bato-Oslob”. All buses bound for Oslob operate 24/7. Bus fare is ~₱155 /head (one-way). Inform the driver to drop you off at the main Whale Shark activity site.

BY CAR: Road trips are fun, especially if you’re going south. Make sure to navigate via Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Oslob Whale Shark Watching”.

BY VAN RENTAL / TRAVEL AGENCY: If you want a hassle-free trip and want to make the most out of your vacation, it’s best to book a travel agency. You can check out our trusted travel partner: SquadPH Tours and Travels. They offer affordable tour packages with options for 1 Day up to 3D/2N tours.

Where to stay in Oslob?

Hotel Sebastian Oslob

Hotel Sebastian Oslob

Starts at 1,600 PHP

CHECK RATES

Issa's Haven Resort

 

Issa’s Haven Resort

Starts at 1,250 PHP

CHECK RATES

Seascape Beach Resort

Seascape Beach Resort

Starts at 3,000 PHP

CHECK RATES

Seafari Resort Oslob

 

Seafari Resort Oslob

Starts at 1,895 PHP

CHECK RATES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

1. What type of clothes do I need to wear?

There are no rules that specifies on what to wear, as long as you are comfortable with your outfit however swim wear is better especially if you go snorkeling.

2. What do I need to bring?

  • Extra Clothes
  • Rush guard or Swim Suit (but not mandatory)
  • Towel
  • Underwater Camera

3. Do I need to make a reservation?

No for walk in guest, first come first serve basis is followed. You only need to make a reservation from us if you avail our private tour package.

4. Are there any restaurants and room accommodations in the area?

Yes there are few restaurants that offers variety of Filipino dishes and some are foreign cuisine. For room accommodation reservation and rates please click here.

5. Are there other nearby tourist spots we can visit?

Yes, namely:

  • Tumalog Falls
  • Sumilon Island / Sandbar
  • Cuartel
  • Immaculate Concepcion Church
  • Baluarte

6. Do you have a package tour that includes the Whale Shark Watching?

Yes, you can book through our trusted travel partner – SquadPH Tours and Travels for an affordable and hassle-free trip.

oslob whale shark tour package cebu
oslob whale shark canyoneering tour package

[box type=”shadow” align=”” class=”” width=””]

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. Schedule and Fees
2. Rules and Regulations
3. Actual Photos
4. Quick Facts
5. How to get there?
6. Where to stay?
7. Frequently Asked Questions
[/box]

Cebu R Resort: Paradise on the sandy white shores of Tabuelan

An exclusive paradise is awaiting for your visit.

Stretching its white sand beach in the northern part of Cebu, Cebu R Resort is a must-visit for your next getaway. This place is definitely perfect for a hideout with friends or family post-quarantine.

Whether or not you’re in for a dip in the pool or a me-time in your own jacuzzi, or have fun under the sun at the beach, you can all do so here at Cebu R Resort.

Love the beach? Cebu R Resort also gives you convenient access to the beautiful white sand beach of Tabuelan, Cebu. It’s also perfect for sunset viewing.

If you’re up for a private, simple, and serene vacation with your loved ones, this is the perfect place for you! Not to mention their lovely, posh-looking rooms and other amenities. It’s a treat for everyone!

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

ROOM Rates

  • Deluxe R (Double Occupancy): ₱4,800 per night, good for 2pax
  • Seaview King R (Double Occupancy): ₱6,400 per night, good for 2pax
  • Seaview Triple R (Triple Occupancy): ₱7,500 per night, good for 3pax
  • Family R: ₱9,000 per night, good for 6pax
  • Ocean Villa (Double Occupancy): ₱9,900 per night, good for 2pax
  • Ocean Villa (with Jacuzzi): ₱12,000 per night, good for 2pax
    • Additional Pax: ₱1,000
    • Additional Pax in a Villa: ₱1,500

OTHER INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Brgy. Tabunok, Tabuelan, Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from the city.

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal at SM City Cebu, ride any bus going to Tabuelan – fare is ₱115-140 (one-way). Drop off at Tabuelan Public Market – where you can buy ahead your food. From the Public Market, ride a motorbike or habal2x going to the resort – fare is ₱40 per person.

BY CAR: If you’re bringing your own vehicle, just navigate via Waze or Google Maps and search for “Cebu R Resort” in Tabuelan, Cebu.

Expect to pay lower income tax this 2023 under the TRAIN Law

Prices have indeed got higher these past few months, affecting many Filipinos with tighter budgets and shallower pockets. Aside from that, there’s also the news about the pending increase for the SSS and PhilHealth contributions, adding more expenses for some low-earning Filipinos.

Photo form Unsplah

But behind all of those is good news for the taxpaying citizens. Individuals with Purely Compensation Income, including Single Proprietors and those with Non-Business/Non-Profession Related Income, can anticipate increased take-home pay in 2023. 

This tax update is per Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, also known as Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10963, which went into effect on January 1st, 2018.

Beginning January 1, 2023, under the TRAIN Law, individual taxpayers who make less than P250,000 a year are still not subject to income tax. 15% to 30% will now apply to anyone making between P250,000 and P8,000,000 (down from 20% to 32% before 2023).

Individuals with taxable income above P8,000,000.00, however, will continue to pay tax at the same rate of 35%.

From January 1, 2023, onward, the income tax on the person’s taxable income will be calculated using the following schedules:

The new annual income tax rates significantly decreased by 5% for those with taxable income of more than $250,000 up to $2,000,00, while a 2% decrease for those with taxable income of more than $2,000,00 up to $8,000,000. This compares to the income tax rates imposed during the initial implementation of the TRAIN Law in 2018.

This holds promise for many Filipinos, especially the taxpayers. Truly, there are things worth looking forward to this 2023.

Utopia Bar & Café: An elevated Al Fresco dining in Busay, Cebu

They say that the imagination has always been the limit. Whether it’s about dreams, plans, or achievements, people have always loved tapping into the imaginative part of their minds.

Photo from utopia.barcafe on Instagram

But amidst the chilly highlands of Busay, Cebu, lies a place where you can experience a sense of perfection that lies around your imagination. Enter Utopia Bar & Café, and you’ll find yourself in the mesmerizing atmosphere while comfortably sipping your cup of coffee and indulging in their good food.

Imagination turned into reality

The café’s name got its name from the word ‘utopia, which is an “imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect.” Sure enough, you’ll find the place holding to the word’s meaning with its beautiful aesthetics and calm atmosphere.

Photo from utopia.barcafe on Instagram
Photo from utopia.barcafe on Instagram
Photo from utopia.barcafe on Instagram
Photo from utopia.barcafe on Instagram

Utopia Bar & Cafe seeks to unite and bring people together in a more tranquil and natural state, providing a sense of escape from the busy city. It is a reflection of a worldview that values creativity and the natural world above everything else.

The experience is a novel way to enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail without having to cope with city noise—being surrounded and absorbed by nature. During the day, it is a tropical refuge, and at night, it is a magical haven.

Aesthetic and gastronomic perfection

Aside from the captivating aesthetics of the place, they also offer sumptuous food and delicious drinks on their menu; Utopia Bar & Café is a Filipino-inspired bar and café with an Eastern European theme. They provide a selection of specialty drinks, including both cocktails and coffees.

Indeed, while utopia may mean an imaginative state of perfection, it can now be reached by taking a 15 to 20-minute drive from Cebu City Center to the frigid hills of Barangay Busay, Cebu! As an added treat, on some days you might be lucky enough to see the relaxing curtains of fog!

Photo from utopia.barcafe on Instagram
Photo from utopia.barcafe on Instagram
Photo from utopia.barcafe on Instagram
Photo from utopia.barcafe on Instagram

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Menu:

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Busay, Cebu City, Cebu (after Mountain View and before Temple of Leah).

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Utopia Bar and Café” in Busay, Cebu.

HK Resort: Moalboal’s Budget Stay fronting Basdaku White Beach

2

Planning for a sojourn down south of Cebu to experience world-class diving in the town of Moalboal? We’ve got a travel tip for you. As much as you can, book your accommodations in resorts or hotels located near or at Basdaku beach.

This beach serves as the start-off point for most tourist activities in the said town, so having your rented room near or at Basdaku Beach makes everything convenient and accessible.

HK Beach Resort is at the center of all the action in Moalboal. Its location, right in front of the white sand beach of Basdaku, is one of its greatest features. It gives you easy access to most tour providers and start-off points for most tours. It’s also located quite near (6 km) from the highway and the town’s market.

Amenities

The resort has a hotel with 43 rooms. Each room has wireless internet access, cable TV, balcony, and shower. Other amenities in the resort include the following:

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Function room
  • Spacious parking area
  • Open cottages
  • Beach cabanas
  • 24/7 security guard

For your meals, their restaurant also specializes in Filipino cuisine, and also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But you can also opt to try out restaurants along the stretch of Basdaku beach.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Day use:

  • Entrance fee: P10 per person
  • Cottage: P1,000 (good for 10 persons)
  • Table and chairs: P500 (good for 8 persons)

Room rates:

  • Container Van Room: P1,500 (2 persons)
  • Standard Double Room: P2,500 (2 persons)
  • Deluxe Quadruple Room: P3,500 (4 persons)
  • Native Family Room: P4,000 (5 persons)
  • Family Room 1:P4,500 (6 persons)
  • Family Room 2: P6,000 (8 persons)
  • Family Room 3: P7,000 (10 persons)

Note:

  • ID and cash deposit required at check in.
  • Check in time: 2PM
  • Check out time: 12 NN
  • Additional person: P500 per head per night

Other information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Basdaku Saavedra, Moalboal, Southern Cebu — approx. 3 hours away from Cebu City.

By bus: Ride a bus bound for Moalboal via Barili or Badian at Cebu City’s South Bus Terminal. Fare is around P120 and takes around 2.5-3 hours. Once you get off at Moalboal, you can ride a tricycle to Basdaku Beach.

By private car: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “HK Beach Resort” in Moalboal.

LIST: Official Philippine Holidays for 2023

A new list of regular and unique non-working holidays was announced by Malacañang on Wednesday. Some dates had been changed to support the “holiday economics” that had previously been put into place under Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s presidency.

Photo from Unsplash

In President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Proclamation No. 90, some holidays were adjusted “under the principle of holiday economics,” where they aimed to boost domestic travel and tourism revenue in the country.

Some of these include April 10, 2023, a regular holiday to mark Araw ng Kagitingan, which falls on a Sunday. He also changed Bonifacio Day’s normal holiday to November 27. In addition, January 2, 2023, will be a special non-working day in honor of New Year’s Day, which occurs on a Sunday, and “in observance of the Filipino tradition of visiting relatives and spending time with their families.”

Moreover, he designated December 31, 2023, and November 2, 2023, as special non-working days, thereby reversing the position taken in the latter years of the previous administration of President Rodrigo Duterte in which All Souls’ Day and the final day of the year were not declared holidays.

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Philippines | Photo from Unsplash

With that, here is the list of the regular holidays for 2023:

  • New Year’s Day – January 1, 2023 (Sunday)
  • Araw ng Kagitingan – April 10, 2023 (Monday nearest April 9, 2023)
  • Maundy Thursday – April 6, 2023
  • Good Friday – April 7, 2023
  • Labor Day – May 1, 2023 (Monday)
  • Independence Day – June 12, 2023 (Monday)
  • National Heroes Day – August 28, 2023 (Last Monday of August)
  • Bonifacio Day – November 27, 2023 (Monday nearest November 30)
  • Christmas Day – December 25, 2023 (Monday)
  • Rizal Day – December 30, 2023 (Saturday)
Photo from Unsplash

For special non-working days:

  • EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary – February 25, 2023 (Saturday)
  • Black Saturday – April 8, 2023
  • Ninoy Aquino Day – August 21, 2023 (Monday)
  • All Saints’ Day – November 1, 2023 (Wednesday)
  • Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary – December 8, 2023 (Friday)
  • Last Day of the Year – December 31, 2023 (Sunday)

Finally, here are two additional special non-working days:

  • January 2, 2023 (Monday)
  • November 2, 2023 (Thursday)
Photo from Unsplash

For the declaration of holidays in observance of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the Malacañang will post two separate declarations after the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos makes a recommendation about the timing of these certain Islamic holidays.