Finally, Baguio City is now a flight closer to Cebu!
Baguio City, Philippines
The country’s flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to offer direct flights between Cebu and Baguio City starting on December 16, 2022.
This new route will allow hassle-free travel to the City of Pines from the Queen City of the South, and vice versa, in just two hours.
From December 16, PAL’s Cebu-Baguio-Cebu flights will operate four times weekly with convenient morning departures, as follows:
PR 2230 Cebu to Baguio
Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Departing Mactan Cebu at 08:50 AM, arriving at Baguio Loakan Airport at 10:50 AM
PR 2231 Baguio to Cebu
Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Departing at Baguio at 11:10 AM, arriving in Cebu at 01:00 PM
Known as the ‘Summer Capital of the Philippines’ for its year-round cool climate and breathtaking location 1,400 meters above sea level, Baguio is your destination for tourist holidays. The City of Pines is also a business hub that hosts the Baguio City Economic Zone.
Travelers are encouraged to check the website of their arrival point for the latest travel requirements and other important information. Additionally, you may also visit www.philippineairlines.com.
Baguio is the latest addition to PAL’s growing network of domestic flights from Cebu.
There’s a very popular spot in northern Cebu that is a proof that not all white sand beaches have to be an expensive experience. The northern town of San Remigio, Cebu is a third class municipality that is known to tourists as the jump-off point to Bantayan Island.
Though there is so much more to San Remigio than just being the gateway to Bantayan. This town boasts of having the longest shoreline in the whole province of Cebu.
Lapyahan sa San Remigio is located in the town proper so it is quite easy to find. The local term “lapyahan” simply translates to “shoreline”. Aside from being the longest shoreline in Cebu, Lapyahan also takes pride in the long stretches of powdery white sand with a perfect sunset view. On top of all these, entrance is free!
Their shoreline is the town’s main attraction and it is in fact the highlight of their annual town fiesta which the locals call “Lapyahan Festival” and is celebrated every 16th of May.
Lapyahan sa San Remigio is a public beach so you get to experience some sunset watching while sitting on white sands or dipping in Lapyahan’s crystal clear waters without draining your budget. The water level is also very shallow on the first few meters of the beach so it’s very safe for children.
There are cottages nearby which you can rent out, but you can also just bring your own mats and lay it down on the sand to save on cottage fees. There’s also no problem with food and beverages because they have the nearby Kan-anan sa Lapyahan where you can buy barbecue, snacks, and drinks. There are also a lot of resorts nearby if you want to stay overnight.
The best time to visit Lapyahan is on the afternoon so you can get to see the sunset. This is one of the best spots in Cebu for such an experience.
Photo by Maistrang LaaganPhoto by Maistrang Laagan
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Fees:
Entrance fee: FREE
Cottage fees: P200-P350 per day
Room rates:
There are many resorts and hotels that offer overnight accommodation around Lapyahan. Here are two which are located very close to the shoreline:
Exact location: Poblacion, San Remigio, northern Cebu — 3-4 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: Head on to Cebu North Bus Terminal and hop on a bus for San Remigio. Fare is around P150-P200 pesos and travel time is around 2.5-3 hours. Tell the driver that you’re going to get off at the poblacion or town proper. Upon arrival, you can ride a habal-habal to Lapyahan (fare around P10-P20).
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Lapyahan sa San Remigio” in northern Cebu. Parking space is available.
An idyllic family beach house recently opened on the roadside of Medellin.
Costa Medellin features a split-space level where there are an elevated platform and glass windows that provide panoramic views of the sea. It spans from the kitchen to the living space.
Photo from Costa Medellin on Instagram
To support the local community, the resort features furniture from a nearby town and woven materials such as rattan lamps and chairs. Their walls also have a pigmented skim coat that resembles the sand on the beach.
Wood accentuates the area; they decorated the doors using custom resin art. They also have retractable wooden screen doors when the sun is at its hottest during noon.
Photo from Costa Medellin on InstagramPhoto from Costa Medellin on InstagramPhoto from Costa Medellin on InstagramPhoto from Costa Medellin on InstagramPhoto from Costa Medellin on InstagramPhoto from Costa Medellin on InstagramPhoto from Costa Medellin on InstagramPhoto from Costa Medellin on InstagramPhoto from Costa Medellin on InstagramPhoto from Costa Medellin on InstagramPhoto from Costa Medellin on Instagram
Medellin is one of the front liners in the line-up of beautiful beaches that Northern Cebu boasts. Although the coast is mostly found on the roadside, it won’t disappoint you with the beauty you should notice.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES:(or COTTAGE FEES)
WHOLE BEACH HOUSE: Rates vary per season – minimum of 2 nights
BY BUS: Go to Cebu City North Bus Terminal and ride on a bus/V-hire/black taxi bound for Kawit. The estimated travel time is 3.5-4 hours. Once in Kawit, tell the driver to drop you off at Eskina Mahawak.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Costa Medellin” in Mahawak. Parking space is available.
During the pandemic, people were stuck indoors. We started to tune in to our hobbies, got glued to our screens, and listened to music more than ever. This is where people found solace during those somber days.
Photo from Mrld Facebook Page
Filipinos found more solace in our locally made songs since it uses our native language. As a result, more local talents surfaced. One of them is a Cebuana teenager but now based in Catbalogan, Samar.
Meriel de Jesus — more known by her stage name, mrld — has garnered almost 90 million streams on Spotify at the young age of 17. She scored viral with her first composition and release “An Art Gallery Could Never Be As Unique As You” in 2021, during the height of the pandemic.
Photo from Mrld Facebook Page
Ultimately, mrld became one of the featured artists on Spotify in May 2021 and was shown in the New York Times Square Billboard. She even finds it surreal that she was able to reach this milestone since she only started writing songs as a passion only when she was 14.
“Those numbers, they never went inside my head. All I really wanted was to release a song, kahit 10 people lang ang makikinig, it’s all good.”
mrld will have her first-ever live show at Social House in Makati City on October 28.
Showcasing your talents knows no limits, may it age and boundaries. This young Cebuana is living proof. However, you can only reach a breakthrough or milestone with hard work, not only sheer luck.
A teeming line-up of tourist spots queues in a coastal town of Northern Cebu, we warmly welcome the Municipality of Sogod.
Sogod is now making its way to the scenic scene of tourism in Cebu, home of esteemed tourist spots in the Visayas, where its cliffs meet the roaring seas, rock formations boldly create an impression on tourists.
Here are the Top 10 must-visit places that make Sogod shine:
1. Bagatayam Falls
Deep waterfalls that originated from Binaliw Spring is flowing in cascades right at Sogod – one of their unique tourist spots. It is currently a source of water for the people of Bagatayam and it formerly provided electricity to the citizens.
Photo from Sogod Cebu Government Website
Photo from Keja Sevilla
Photo from Reinsel Vercide
Photo from Keja Sevilla
Exact Location: Q253+679, Sogod, Cebu
2. Tinago Beach
Some say that the shoreline that stretches along the coastal town of Sogod is all made of pebbles but this resort proves otherwise. A beautiful white beach resort hidden can be found in this municipality, check Tinago Beach out.
Photo from Tinago Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Tinago Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Tinago Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from rona mae canete
Photo from Tinago Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Tinago Beach Resort Facebook Page
Exact Location: Q2RJ+4GG, Sogod, Cebu
3. Paseo de Porferio
A known campsite in Sogod that features triangular cabanas and native huts in the glory of the mountains of Sogod can be found. Right at Barangay Bagantayam, where Paseo de Porferio can be found: you can take your ultimate camping experience. You can also bring your own camping gear and food with no corkage fee plus you can also tag your fur babies with you.
Photo from PASEO de Porferio Facebook Page
Photo from PASEO de Porferio Facebook Page
Photo from PASEO de Porferio Facebook Page
Photo from PASEO de Porferio Facebook Page
Photo from PASEO de Porferio Facebook Page
Photo from PASEO de Porferio Facebook Page
Photo from PASEO de Porferio Facebook Page
Photo from PASEO de Porferio Facebook Page
Photo from PASEO de Porferio Facebook Page
Photo from PASEO de Porferio Facebook Page
Photo from PASEO de Porferio Facebook Page
Photo from PASEO de Porferio Facebook Page
Photo from PASEO de Porferio Facebook Page
Photo from PASEO de Porferio Facebook Page
Photo from PASEO de Porferio Facebook Page
Photo from PASEO de Porferio Facebook Page
RATES
Camping: ₱70/head (entrance and overnight stay, and guests are expected to bring their own camping gear)
Native House: ₱1,000/night
Native A-Frame Package B: ₱500 – ₱550/night
Exclusive Family Room: ₱3,000/night
OTHER INFORMATION
Reservation and prior booking are advised under the new normal. Please contact the place directly via the Official FB page, contact numbers are also provided.
In the middle of nowhere in Sogod sits a vacation house made of nipa. It gives modern and rustic vibes as they combine the native and industrial design in their nipa houses which are covered with a roof made of galvanized iron. They also have an infinity pool where you can take a quick dip.
You can take your sabbatical and recollection here at a panoramic valley in Sogod where you will get to discover a peaceful dip in a jacuzzi like no other. Here you can enjoy their triangular bohemian-like cabanas:
Photo from Antonio’s Cabin Retreat and Campsite Facebook Page
Photo from Antonio’s Cabin Retreat and Campsite Facebook Page
Photo from Antonio’s Cabin Retreat and Campsite Facebook Page
Photo from Antonio’s Cabin Retreat and Campsite Facebook Page
Photo from Antonio’s Cabin Retreat and Campsite Facebook Page
Photo from Antonio’s Cabin Retreat and Campsite Facebook Page
Photo from Antonio’s Cabin Retreat and Campsite Facebook Page
Photo from Antonio’s Cabin Retreat and Campsite Facebook Page
Photo from Antonio’s Cabin Retreat and Campsite Facebook Page
Photo from Antonio’s Cabin Retreat and Campsite Facebook Page
Photo from Antonio’s Cabin Retreat and Campsite Facebook Page
Photo from Antonio’s Cabin Retreat and Campsite Facebook Page
Photo from Antonio’s Cabin Retreat and Campsite Facebook Page
Photo from Antonio’s Cabin Retreat and Campsite Facebook Page
Photo from Antonio’s Cabin Retreat and Campsite Facebook Page
Photo from Antonio’s Cabin Retreat and Campsite Facebook Page
Photo from Antonio’s Cabin Retreat and Campsite Facebook Page
RATES
Available Rooms: P3,000/ night; P4,500/ night; P2,500 / night
Own Tents: P350/adult; P150/children (12 years old and below)
Every day is summer at this vacation house in Sogod here at Summer Beach House Resort. It is made for a group outing where you can have the entire house for yourself. It features cozy bedrooms, a cute cabin house, free Wi-Fi, and unlimited karaoke.
Photo from The Summer House Facebook Page
Photo from The Summer House Facebook Page
Photo from The Summer House Facebook Page
Photo from The Summer House Facebook Page
Photo from The Summer House Facebook Page
Photo from The Summer House Facebook Page
Photo from The Summer House Facebook Page
Photo from The Summer House Facebook Page
RATES:
Weekdays (Mondays to Thursdays): ₱10,000 per night,
₱12,000 during peak season (during the months of April, May, and December).
Weekends and Holidays: ₱12,000 per night
₱15,000 during peak seasons (months of April, May, and December).
Additional payment of ₱300/pax if the group exceeds 15, which is the maximum for the fixed rates
A resort of Sogod that provides ultimate secluded privacy with a panoramic view of the coast can be found in this quiet municipality right at Coastal View Resort.
Photo form Coastal View Resort Facebook Page
Photo form Coastal View Resort Facebook Page
Photo form Coastal View Resort Facebook Page
Photo form Coastal View Resort Facebook Page
Photo form Coastal View Resort Facebook Page
Photo form Coastal View Resort Facebook Page
Photo form Coastal View Resort Facebook Page
Photo form Coastal View Resort Facebook Page
Photo form Coastal View Resort Facebook Page
Photo form Coastal View Resort Facebook Page
Photo form Coastal View Resort Facebook Page
RATES
Beach Umbrella: ₱350
Kubo: ₱500
Gazebo: ₱1,000
Room 1: ₱2,000
Deluxe Room: ₱2,500 per night; ₱500 per extra person
Who says you need plane flight tickets to Bali? Says who, Bali is right at Cebu – here in Sogod. You can find it at Robin’s Nesto. One of the exclusive beach resorts in this municipality, it features romantic rooms with picturesque interiors. It features an infinity pool that is available for all guests with an outdoor shower and guest room.
Photo from Robin’s Nesto House Rental – Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Robin’s Nesto House Rental – Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Robin’s Nesto House Rental – Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Robin’s Nesto House Rental – Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Robin’s Nesto House Rental – Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Robin’s Nesto House Rental – Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Robin’s Nesto House Rental – Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Robin’s Nesto House Rental – Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Robin’s Nesto House Rental – Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Robin’s Nesto House Rental – Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Robin’s Nesto House Rental – Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Robin’s Nesto House Rental – Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Robin’s Nesto House Rental – Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Robin’s Nesto House Rental – Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Robin’s Nesto House Rental – Cebu Facebook Page
RATES
Standard Hut – P7,000/night with P300 per additional pax
Exact Location: Barangay Bawo, Sogod, Cebu — approx. 1.5 hours away from the city.
11. El Mar Resort & Spa
A place of luxury and beauty can be found in Sogod. It can be found at El Mar Resort & Spa where you can enjoy the turquoise waters of Sogod that feature water activities such as kayaking and jet skiing – heating the tourism scene of this municipality.
Exact Location: Calumboyan, Sogod, Northern Cebu — approx. 1.5 hours away from the city.
Cebu continues to reign among provinces in the Philippines. Aside from being the richest province, it is also home to beautiful places to visit. One of the reasons why people are lining up to migrate here in our province. No wonder this is home to #laagans.
Among the places listed, where do you first want to go?
Social media influencers are born through social media. Some became famous for odd reasons. With the mix of commercialization as marketing experts used this as a medium to reach larger audiences — this is where social media influencers came to play.
Famous brands are tapping influencers to reach their target audiences. This is when social media influencers started to earn huge bucks of money. Ultimately, some attained the peak of their prime and success using these platforms.
Photo from NetCredit Website
Influencers are all over the globe. Our country is not an exception in being home to famous Instagram influencers. They also made the most of this platform and used their fame to call out their audiences.
Attracting not only audiences but also famous brands are lining up for them to be featured. That’s how they started to earn money, and guess what it is real money. Some are earning money off the charts just by being famous on social media platforms – one of them is Instagram.
Photo from NetCredit Website
Financial services website NetCredit recently published a list of the top 10 Filipino celebrities who make the most money through sponsorships and postings on Instagram.
Topping the list is none other than, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, with a reported earning of $3,669,205. The beauty queen is followed by Kathryn Bernardo, Anne Curtis, Kim Chiu, and Andrea Brilliantes.
Here are the Top 10 Filipino Celebrities with Highest Earnings on Instagram:
From this list, it is evident how social media platforms can change someone’s life. On this platform, you won’t only earn fame but with hard work and talent – you can top-up your game and be one of these famous top Instagram earners.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama continues his ramification in achieving a Singapore-like Cebu City within his term. Among his plans to achieve such is the beautification of Cebu City, which includes the revival of the Cebu City Zoo.
Photo from Cebu Zoo on Blogspot
History of Cebu City Zoo
Cebu Zoo started from a perceived idea by Raymundo Crystal to open an official zoo in Cebu during the late 50s. It finally came to realization when Former Cebu Provincial Governor Francisco Remotigue donated lot 1298 of Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City to the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP). They set aside a portion of the land in 1969. An established concrete idea of the zoo began in 1973.
After the zoo was built, it was entrusted to Fr. Eleuterio Tropa who was known to be a long-haired priest who always carried a large python snake and walked barefooted. He has an innate passion for animals and is an expert zoo keeper. However, he died in 1993. The zoo was passed to Cebu City authorities which were later entrusted to the Philippine Wetlands and Wildlife Foundation Inc. (PWFC), which has no animal husbandry experience.
Photo from Cebu Zoo on BlogspotPhoto from Cebu Zoo on Blogspot
Following Fr. Tropa’s death, Cebu City Zoo started to go into shambles. Animal pens and cages started to deteriorate, which ultimately became inhabitable for the animals. An added financial challenge takes a toll as entrance fee income gradually declines and funding sources become scarce. Food sources and animal care were dependent on gate income. It was in 1997 that the zoo stabilized again. New cages were built, inspired by the conceived idea of William Oliver of Fauna and Flora International. Along with the help and support of city officials. However, it was closed after the zoo was left unattended by the previous administration in 2016 under Tomas Osmena.
Revival of Cebu City Zoo
Under the governance of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, he included the revival of the Cebu City Zoo, which he plans to rename to “Cebu City Wildlife Protection and Rescue Resources Facility”.
Lemuel Felisario, Operations Head of the Cebu City Hall Satellite Center, said that the entire restoration concept had not been finalized, yet. When they are done clearing, the facility will become an area for the rescue and treatment of sick animals.
“Wala pa ta kayo gyud naka-concept nga zoo ni. We might consider other places, ngadto sa mountain barangays, possible nga adto gyud didto (ang zoo),”
Photo from Cebu Zoo on BlogspotPhoto from Cebu Zoo on Blogspot
“Here, right now it becomes a nursery, or it could become a sanctuary para sa atong mga gi-rescue nato nga mga mananap,”
Cebu City Hall employees have already started a clean-up drive around Barangay Kalunasan to clear the main pathways. In addition, volunteers came streaming in coming from both the public and private sectors to help the revival of the zoo.
The revival of Cebu City Zoo into its former glory looks promising, watching how the government and volunteers go hand-in-hand for its revival. It might stabilize the former zoo once again, just like it used to be stable before under government care and in cooperation with the citizens. We might get to live and watch it realize its full potential once again.
Photo from Cebu Zoo on Blogspot
What are the memories of the Old Cebu City Zoo that you can remember, Sugboanons?
There is no denying that Cebu is home to Filipino talents. Some of them are famous athletes that are also recognized internationally.
Over the decades, our athletes have been facing hurdles in exploring their talents and honing their potential. In light of this issue in our country, a thriving City in the South graced athletes a haven for athletes, including sports enthusiasts. Carcar City recently opened a sports complex where our athletes can train properly.
Photo from Mary Kyle
Carcar City Sports Complex: Envisioned Home to Future Olympians
The Carcar City Sports Complex features an Olympic-standard rubberized track and field oval, and a swimming pool. It was inaugurated last December 15, 2021, in the midst of the ravening of COVID-19, with the help of a loan funded by the Development Bank of the Philippines. The construction of this new state-of-the-art facility first started in 2017, but there were a lot of delays and halting.
Photo from Mary KylePhoto from Mary Kyle
They built this sports complex in hopes that this would be a training ground for future Olympians. Also, this new development in the city opens doors to major sporting events like the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet, including Palarong Pambansa as soon as it resumes.
Carcar City: Thriving City of South
The developing city of Carcar has a lot of developments that are still ongoing. They are currently prioritizing the construction of a livestock auction market that will hopefully begin its construction by 2024. Among their plans is also the construction of a megadome that can be used for ceremonies, and activities. It will also serve as an evacuation site in times of calamities. A bright premise for Carcar.
Photo from Mary KylePhoto from Mary Kyle
The future looks sure bright for this city. It is evident, and it shone when they continue to accomplish their envisioned future plans even amid the raging war against COVID-19. The future developments that will rise – will give solace to the citizens and a break from endless news about COVID for the past few years.
Over two years after discontinuing flights on the route, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will start operating flights again between Bangkok, Thailand, and Cebu on December 9, 2022.
Bangkok, Thailand | Photo form Unsplash
According to the PAL advisory released last week, flights will be provided twice weekly (every Monday and Friday).
The flight from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport will depart at 1:30 p.m., while the trip from Mactan-Cebu International Airport is set to depart at 9:30 a.m.
PAL President and COO Stanley Ng is pleased to provide nonstop links to other important markets in Asia since passengers from Cebu won’t have to fly via Manila or other airports anymore.
Photo from Philippine Airlines Facebook Page
A 199-seater Airbus A321ceo aircraft will be used for the 3-hour travel from Cebu to Thailand.
Through its hub in Cebu, PAL also offers flights to Bangkok, Tokyo-Narita, and a number of destinations in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Beginning on October 1, 2022, South Korea will no longer need COVID-19 Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing for inbound travelers.
Seoul, South Korea | Photo form Unsplash
According to VisitKorea, Korea Tourism Organization’s official website, the percentage of confirmed cases among foreign tourists decreased from 1.3% in August to just 0.9% in September. With this, all COVID-19 limitations on incoming travelers will be lifted.
However, walk-ins are still not permitted in the South Korean embassy’s Taguig office. Applications submitted only through authorized travel agents will be taken into consideration.
Seoul, South Korea | Photo form Unsplash
The Korean Embassy accepts appointments for visa applications online, with fresh openings every two weeks.
