Nothing beats baked goods made with passion and love, and Sylvia’s Bakeshop and Cafe is doing just that.
Photo from Sylvia’s Bakeshop and Cafe Facebook Page
Established in 1992 and named after the owner, Sylvia’s Bakeshop and Cafe has been blessing people’s homes with meals and delicacies made in their own family kitchen! What makes the bakeshop special is that the owner has been baking ever since she was young and shares a great passion for baking.
The baked goods and meals are not only delicious, but they are also of great quality. Sylvia’s Bakeshop and Cafe takes quality control seriously to produce fresh, healthy, and amazing food made with high-quality ingredients for everyone!
Photo from Sylvia’s Bakeshop and Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Sylvia’s Bakeshop and Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Sylvia’s Bakeshop and Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Sylvia’s Bakeshop and Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Sylvia’s Bakeshop and Cafe Facebook Page
Sylvia’s Bakeshop and Cafe also recently introduced its extensive plant-based menu from plant-based restaurants in New York City!
They have a home kitchen found in Gorordo Cebu where customers can pick up their orders. Talk about fresh right off the bat! If you wish to visit and dine in their cafe, they are also located in Escario.
And this Christmas season, you are in for a treat as Sylvia’s seasonal fruitcakes and desserts are now available to order! They even have Christmas gift ideas in the form of Sylvia’s delicacies!
What are you waiting for? Visit and order from Sylvia’s Bakeshop and Cafe today!
Every December, working adults anticipate their 13th-month pay and Christmas bonus. However, some people do not know the difference between the two. Both words are often used interchangeably, which is why workers can get confused.
Photo from Unsplash
The 13th-month pay and Christmas bonus are both monetary benefits given to employees by their employers, but they are not the same. Let us break down the differences.
The 13th-month pay is a monetary benefit that employers are mandated to give their employees. According to DOLE, its equivalent is the basic monthly compensation received by an employee.
Photo from Unsplash
If you want to know more about the 13th-month pay and how it is computed, click here.
Unlike the 13th-month pay, Christmas bonuses are non-taxable benefits that employers may or may not give to employees. In other words, Christmas bonuses are optional and are out of the employers’ generosity.
It is also different from the 13th-month pay since Christmas bonuses are usually given before, on December 24th, or even after. The term “Christmas Bonus” came to be since employers usually give them out in December.
One of the prides of the Cebu province, the Naga Boardwalk and Park recently re-opened its doors for visitors after the onslaught of Odette last December 16, 2021.
Photo from Diego Sebastian
Naga City recently launched its Christmas Tree Lighting at the Naga Boardwalk and Park last December 8, 2022. People have been raving about their excitement as the boardwalk is back to its former glory.
Before Typhoon Odette, the famous Naga Boardwalk and Park, was a stunning and photo-worthy location that Cebuanos and tourists alike loved to visit. However, its light had gone dark because of the aftermath left by the Typhoon.
Visitors and tourists are now seen enjoying the said boardwalk and are taking Insta-worthy photos. The boardwalk is now equipped with Christmas decorations, such as a giant Christmas tree! One of its newly added attractions is the Pasilong sa Naga.
Get your cameras ready, and do not forget to visit and have fun at the Naga Boardwalk and Park with your family, friends, and even your significant other this holiday season!
Photo from Kleinberg Fletcher TabelPhoto from LJay ManayonPhoto from Anna Marie Marayan
OTHER INFORMATION:
Operating Hours:Naga Boardwalk: 24 hours
Pasilong sa Naga: Tuesday – Sunday 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Closed every Monday.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: 6Q56+CC5, Cebu S Rd, City of Naga, southern Cebu
Naga City is 1.5 hours away down south from Cebu City. But it may take up to 2 to 2.5 hours trip during rush hours. So if you plan to get there at night, you might as well bring with you your extra patience and some food.
BY JEEPNEY: From Colon Street, ride a jeepney with routes 09C/F, or 10F/H and drop off at Jollibee Bulacao or Pardo Church (P8 fare). From there, take another jeepney with route 44 to reach to Naga Plaza (P15 fare). There are also some 44 jeepneys from/near CIT University in N. Bacalso.
BY BUS: From South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Bato-Oslob or Carcar. Tell the conductor that you will be hopping off at the Naga Church, which is right along the National Highway.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Naga Boardwalk” in Naga City.
Ready to feel kilig again in the air while watching the Philippines’ most iconic love team? Hold on to your seats, as it has already been announced that Actress Bea Alonzo and actor John Lloyd Cruz will work together once more for an upcoming Star Cinema movie!
Photo from Jollibee Studios
The director of the pair’s most well-liked movies, 2007’s One More Chance and 2010’s Miss You Like Crazy, Cathy Garcia-Molina, will helm the new movie, Alonzo revealed at a recent media conference. Moreover, the movie will also be handled by the same team that produced One More Chance, which will be written by Carmi Raymundo and concept by Enrico Santos.
“It’s going to be very exciting,”
SHE SAID, DECLINING TO REVEAL ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE UPCOMING MOVIE.
In a recent interview, Cruz even revealed his desire to partner with Alonzo once more.
“Ang tagal niya na nga eh. Ang tagal na po akong naka-standby Miss Bea…Waiting lang po, any time po on your cue,”
Their forthcoming feature will be made with Star Cinema, the production company of their previous home network, ABS-CBN.
It can be remembered that John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo’s on-screen romance has created several movie masterpieces such as Close to You and The Mistress. Both Alonzo and Cruz transferred to GMA in 2021, and last featured together in the Jollibee short film, One True Pair, of the same year.
Their final full-length picture together was A Second Chance in 2015, which served as a sequel to the 2007 blockbuster One More Chance. It was also directed by Garcia-Molina.
The past few months have been hard on many people, with prices soaring and inflation taking its toll on the masses. People try their best to make it through the day, even working day and night, just to keep both ends meet.
Photo from Philippine Social Security System – SSS
Unfortunately, a new expense will be added to the list of Filipinos, especially those who run companies or have employees. In recent news, the contribution for SSS will be increased from 13% to 14% this coming 2023. Meanwhile, PhilHealth’s contribution will increase from 4% to 4.5%.
Most of these hikes will be shouldered by employers. For instance, the employer would be responsible for paying ₱2,850 from a ₱2,550 SSS contribution, or an additional ₱300, for a salary of ₱30,000 per month. The employee’s contribution will remain at ₱1,300, however.
In the case of the PhilHealth contribution, the contribution will increase to ₱450 from ₱400 if you earn ₱10,000 per month. Both the employer and the employee will split the fee.
Photo from Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
Under Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018 signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte approved, the SSS contribution will gradually rise to 15% by 2025. The universal healthcare law, which aspires to expand it until it reaches 5% by 2024, is the basis for the increase in the PhilHealth contribution, on the other hand.
But given that businesses are only now beginning to recover from the consequences of the epidemic, employers are asking to delay the anticipated rise in contributions to the Social Security System (SSS) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in 2023.
“Ninety percent of our enterprises are micro. But 50% of these shut down during the pandemic, and a lot have not reopened. Others are discouraged to reopen (because of the planned rate hikes),”
SAID SERGIO ORTIZ-LUIS, ECOP PRESIDENT.
Photo from Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
However, in the case of the PhilHealth contribution hike, the increase is supposed to “help fund additional benefits that PhilHealth is crafting now,” said PhilHealth spokesperson Dr. Shirley Domingo.
This forest resembles that of Kyoto Japan’s bamboo forest. It also gives us a solid Korean drama atmosphere. This place is truly serving everyone a different feel in town.
With an entrance fee of only 20 Pesos, you can spend the whole day taking pictures of this marvelous bamboo scenery. It won’t also be difficult to locate the spot since it’s just a few minutes tricycle ride from the town proper and it is beside a famous sugarcane plantation.
Anytime is the perfect time to visit the forest for a photo though different times of the day offers a different lighting.
Photo from The Grey Studios
Photo by Jayr Cuario
The area is still raw and undeveloped. People just go there to take pictures of the beautiful pathway lined with bamboo trees. Just recently, there have been news about some guests who vandalized the place, carving their names and confessions of love on the bamboo trees.
As a reminder, everyone is advised to always be mindful and maintain the cleanliness to help preserve the charm of this place. Leave no trace.
Photo by Jayr Cuario
Photo by Jayr Cuario
Photo from The Grey Studios
Photo from The Grey Studios
Photo by Fritche Durano Garcia
Photo by Fritche Durano Garcia
Bamboo Forest can be a fun side trip if you’re visiting Medellin. Medellin is considered as Cebu province’s sugarcane bowl but it is more than just that. It also showcases white-sand beaches, coral reefs, rivers, a man-made canal and adventure rides for tourists to enjoy – all at budget-friendly prices.
Quick trivia about bamboos: Bamboo is a crucial element in the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. A grove of bamboo release 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees. Because of this, planting bamboo is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help fight global warming.
Also, it can tolerate extreme conditions that most plants cannot. It was actually the first plant to ‘re-green’ after the atomic blast in Hiroshima in 1945.
With responsible tourism practices, Bamboo Forest is surely going to take Medellin’s tourism to a whole new level.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Fees:
EntranceFee: P20 per head
Costume rental: P100 per outfit for one-time use (this will then be washed after use)
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Brgy. Luy-a, Medellin, Northern Cebu – just beside a famous sugarcane plantation in Medellin, approx. 2.5 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, ride any bus or v-hire going to Kawit, Medellin. Bus fare is P180 per person, v-hire is P170 per person. Land travel is 3-4 hours. Ask to be dropped off at the town proper. Once in town, you may hail a tricycle on your way to the Bamboo Farm.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Bamboo Forest” in Luy-a, Medellin.
It is almost time for the holidays, but you have no idea where to spend your vacation. Lucky for you, there is a new vacation spot in Olango that will surely be on top of your holiday vacation list!
Photo from Airpaqs Cottages Grill & Restaurant Facebook Page
Lapu-Lapu city is full of magnificent beaches and vacation spaces, and Airpaqs Cottages Grill & Restaurant is one of them! Get an amazing out-of-the-country experience in the comforts of Sugbo!
Here’s what Airpaqs Cottages Grill & Restaurant offers:
Exceptional Accommodations and Amenities
Airpaqs Cottages Grill & Restaurant has amazing accommodations and great amenities.
Beat the heat by taking a refreshing dip in their pool!
Do not forget to order good food from their restaurant to complete your pool day! They serve different food variations like snacks (sandwiches and pasta), drinks (fruit shakes, coffee, and more), and even their house specialties (Crispy Pata, Calamares, and more).
That’s not all, you can even enjoy a scenic view of nature as you enjoy a good swim with your friends and family!
If you are looking for something new to try, experience their relaxing Kawa hot bath (additional charge).
Photo from Airpaqs Cottages Grill & Restaurant Facebook PagePhoto from Airpaqs Cottages Grill & Restaurant Facebook PagePhoto from Airpaqs Cottages Grill & Restaurant Facebook Page
Cozy Bali-inspired Cottages
The best things about Airpaqs Cottages Grill & Restaurants are not only limited to their pool and food but also their Cozy cottages which give you the ultimate Bali vibes!
They offer both air-conditioned and non-airconditioned cottages. Here are the cottage variations to choose from such as the Nipa Hut Villa (Airconditioned) which fits six (6) people, Bahay Kubo (Non-Airconditioned) which also fits six (6) people, and the Small Nippa Hut (Non-Airconditioned) which fits two (2) people.
Both Nipa Hut Villa and Bahay Kubo packages include the following:
Free Breakfast
Restaurant
Swimming Pool use
Relaxing Kawa hot bath
Free Wi-Fi
Shared shower, toilet, and bath
Small Nippa Hut Package Inclusions:
Free Breakfast
Swimming Pool
Shared Shower
Photo from Airpaqs Cottages Grill & Restaurant Facebook PagePhoto from Airpaqs Cottages Grill & Restaurant Facebook PagePhoto from Airpaqs Cottages Grill & Restaurant Facebook Page
If you are aiming for just a quick one-day getaway, they also have day tour promos available!
Be sure to visit their Facebook page for more information. Make sure to book your reservations early and avail of their Holiday Promos!
What are you waiting for? Get your swimsuit on and enjoy the awesomeness of Aipraqs Cottages Grill & Restaurant!
Photo from Airpaqs Cottages Grill & Restaurant Facebook PagePhoto from Airpaqs Cottages Grill & Restaurant Facebook PagePhoto from Airpaqs Cottages Grill & Restaurant Facebook PagePhoto from Airpaqs Cottages Grill & Restaurant Facebook Page
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Entrance fee/Pool Use Rate: P150 per Adult; P75 per Child
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm daily
Inclusions:
FREE use of swimming pool
Use of Balinese Hammock
Discount on food and drink
COTTAGE FEES
Nipa Hut Villa (Air-conditioned Room): P600/Person with free breakfast
Small Nipa Hut (Non-Aircon Room): P500/Person with free breakfast
Bahay Kubo (Non-Aircon Room): P500/Person with free breakfast
Note: Rates may be subject to change. Visit Airpaqs Cottages Grill & Restaurants for more information.
Exact Location: Tinggo Libertad, Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
As this is situated on a different island, it’s best to book a stay on Olago Island to save time and explore other destinations on the island.
From Mactan Newtown, ride a motorcycle going to Angasil Port. From there, ride a boat going to Olago Island. Then get a motorcycle going to Airpaqs Cottages Grill & Restaurant.
Motorcycle Fare (Mactan Newtown to Angasil Port): P40
Ferry Fare (Angasil Port to Olanggo Island Port): P28 (Senior Citizen); P40 (Adult/Regular); P32 (Student)
Motorcycle Fare (Olanggo Island Port to Aipraqs Cottages): P40
Looking to add more destinations to your travel itinerary? Might as well add Cotabato to that, which is also regarded as the fruit basket of Mindanao! You’ll appreciate the province’s expansive plains and undulating landscape, as it’s conveniently placed in the central region of Mindanao’s SOCCSKSARGEN Region.
South Cotabato | Photo from Unsplash
However, it hasn’t been easy to travel to the place, as there were no direct flights from Cebu to Cotabato in the past. But now, with the Philippine Airlines (PAL) new Cebu-Cotabato service, getting to Cotabato has never been easier than before!
In an official statement from the airline’s website, it has broken the news that they have already started offering services between Cebu and the Bangsamoro region. These flights are currently departing from Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
The company started operating twice-weekly flights between Cebu and Cotabato on December 1. Every Monday and Thursday, the 05:20 AM departure and 06:35 AM arrival of PR 2223 Cebu-Cotabato takes place. But on alternate Mondays and Thursdays, PR 2224 Cotabato-Cebu takes off at 11:00 AM and lands at Mactan-Cebu International Airport at 12:15 PM.
Photo from Philippine Airlines
PAL Vice President for Sales Bud Britanico expressed his high hopes for this development, saying,
“We hope to connect families, spur holiday travel and stimulate business in the BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao). We look forward to serving them well in the months ahead.”
The flights will be operated onboard with De Havilland Dash 8 Series 400 Next Generation aircraft, an 86-seater high-performance turboprop combining faster speed and jet-like comfort in a quieter cabin for an exquisite flight experience.
Photo from Philippine Airlines
Interested travelers may book their flights via the PAL mobile app, the PAL hotline at (02) 8855 8888, www.philippineairlines.com, or authorized travel agents.
Christmas is just right around the corner, and what better way to surprise your loved ones than a brand-new phone? realme launched its realme C33 in color Aqua Blue last September 2022, and people have been raving about the new smartphone.
Unsure whether you should get this phone for Christmas? Don’t worry, we got you!
Phone Review
What excitement! For this review, I got to test the realme C33 in the color Aqua Blue. How was my experience? Let me break it down for you!
Back
Design-wise, realme C33 released three available colors: Night-Sea and Sandy Gold color. For this particular review, the phone sports a beautiful Aqua Blue color. The phone has a glossy back panel which also has glitters made more visible when exposed to light.
Now that we covered the phone’s design, let’s proceed to the specifications.
Body
Dimensions
164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 . 0.33 in)
Weight
187 g (6.60 oz)
Build
Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
SIM
Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type
IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)
Size
6.5 inches, 102.0 cm (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio)
In terms of display, the realme C33 display gives off vibrant colors and the images are quite sharp. The display provides the user pleasant viewing experience. The speaker’s sound quality is fairly good as well.
Camera
The realme C33 is equipped with both front and rear cameras. The 5MP front camera is good for taking selfies and even has a beauty filter and other filters you can choose from. Its features include HDR.
The 50MP rear camera houses two (2) camera modules and has a dual-camera set-up that allows users to take wide-angle photos. It also has a single LED flash which makes it possible to take both photos and videos in the dark. The rear camera also features HDR and Panorama.
I brought the realme C33 with me out of town which gave me the opportunity to test out its camera features and photo quality.
Shot on realme C33Exif_JPEG_420Exif_JPEG_420
The phone is also equipped with a 1080p@30fps video recording for the rear camera while it offers 720p@30fps for the front camera.
For the front/selfie camera, the photo quality could be better but it is fairly good. Meanwhile, for the rear camera, photo qualities are also good, especially if taken in bright environments and spaces. Video-wise, it provides quality shot outcomes but could be sharper and clearer.
Performance and Charging
When it comes to its performance, the realme C33 runs smoothly while apps run in the background. This is because of the Unisoc Tiger T612 processor. It is good for light tasks and for general usage.
The phone’s battery generally lasts a day when used moderately because of its 5,000mAh and 10W battery. However, the battery is built inside the phone which requires a professional if it needs a fix. It is better to contact the realme Authorized Service Center.
Verdict
If you are on the hunt for the perfect Christmas gift that’s both functional and fun, then the realme C33 is the perfect one for you. Get a quality and reliable smartphone without making your wallets cry! What are you waiting for? Purchase now!
While kids look forward to opening Christmas presents this Holiday season, working adults can also feel the holiday excitement not just because of gifts and holiday feasts but also because of the 13th-month pay!
Photo from Unsplash
What exactly is the 13th-month pay?
Some might think that Christmas bonuses and the 13th-month pay are the same. However, that is not the case. As per DOLE, 13th-month pay is a monetary benefit given by employers to employees. The decree was passed by the late Ferdinand E. Marcos and signed in the year 1976.
According to the decree, employers must give their employees a 13th Month Pay before December 24 of every year. Those who will receive the 13th-month pay are rank-and-filed employees regardless of their position, provided that they have worked for a month during the year.
Photo from Unsplash
How is the 13th-Month pay computed?
According to DOLE Labor Advisory No. 23, the 13th-month pay should not be less than 1/12 of the basic salary total earned by the employee within the year. To compute the 13th-month pay, get the sum of your earned salary for the whole calendar year and divide it by 12 months.
Talk about a real holiday treat! Be sure to visit DOLE’s website if you want to know more information about the 13th-month pay.
