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Top 10 Filipino Celebrities with the most earnings on Instagram

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:

  1. Pia Wurtzbach: $3,669,205
  2. Kathryn Bernardo: $3,533,360
  3. Anne Curtis: $2,936,119
  4. Kim Chiu: $1,712,289
  5. Andrea Brillantes: $1,281,692
  6. Catriona Gray: $1,190,233
  7. Liza Soberano: $968,118
  8. Nadine Lustre: $354,294
  9. Alex Gonzaga: $349,580
  10. Marian Rivera: $75,709

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 Zoo eyed for reopening

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 Blogspot
Photo 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 Blogspot
Photo 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?

LOOK: New Carcar City Sports Complex with Training Ground for Athletes

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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 Kyle
Photo 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 Kyle
Photo 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.

PAL to relaunch Cebu-Bangkok direct flights in December

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.

South Korea no longer requires COVID-19 tests for travelers

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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.

IKEA plans to open a branch in Cebu

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IKEA, dubbed to be the ‘place of wonders’, is looking to open stores in Cebu, Baguio, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao.

The Philippines is yet to say ‘hello’ to this gargantuan store as it is set to open their first store in the country in 2021 at the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. IKEA is filled with all the cute, but affordable furniture you could ever dream of owning. It is also famous for their meatballs, which you are about to devour. ‘Christmas in your mouth,’ as they say it.

If you have not been loving under a rock, you’ll know how online shopping has trended ever since quarantine. Hence, IKEA’s online shop is opening prior to its physical store.

According to a video posted on Facebook by Bloomberg TV Philippines in 2018, “IKEA is looking to open four to six locations in the country in the next five to 10 years, ranging in size from the traditional big-box stores to small retail outlets.”

However, the final locations are yet to be formally announced. IKEA Philippines’ Market Development Manager Georg Platzer notes that finding the right spot to put up the outlet is critical as the store would need “a very well-developed infrastructure, roads, public transport, and electricity supply” because they expect a lot of visitors. They would also need “a good logistics network” due to the large amount of goods being transported from overseas to the Philippines.

Though no exact location yet is set for its second store, we still couldn’t wait to see all these IKEA stores open in the country in the coming years, especially in our humble home, Cebu City.

Watch the video here:

https://www.facebook.com/1664321827137907/videos/2147722262131192/

Update (February 2022)

On February 8, 2022, IKEA officially opened VisMin’s first collection hub at Robinsons Galleria Cebu for online orders.

Read the details here: https://sugbo.ph/2022/ikea-cebu/

GCash intros ‘KKB’ feature for bill splitting

Are you tired of the endless calculation when splitting bills among your friends?

GCash KKB Feature is here to the rescue. You can skip the math and automate your next bill with family or friends. It’s now easy to split the bills and never forget about collecting anymore.

Photo from Unsplash

GCash KKB (“Kanyang-kanyang Bayad”) Feature Explained

New in GCash: KKB (“Kanyang-kanyang Bayad”) Feature lets this application automatically calculate the amount that will be divided when splitting the total cost of bills among peers and friends.

This feature has the following categories where you can split a total amount of money, such as food, entertainment, family, friends, gifts, shopping, transportation, travel, utilities, and other activities. Amounts requested to be split among the group are deducted exactly. It provides a seamless digital payment method.

Photo from Gcash Facebook Page

Perks You Can Make Most Out of the Feature

First, it lets you easily track payment history during the splitting of the total cost, aside from avoiding endless huddles of math calculations. You don’t have to worry if your friend will ditch you when the group is paying. You don’t have to pay an additional, “abono” as we say when your friend runs away that usually ends badly among the group.

Lastly, it also allows you to individually pay for your additional orders, especially when ordering food. However, we would like to clarify that this only works for quick splits only. Meaning, for complex divisions, such as: paying individual meals and service charges, and pitching for a group order — you will still have to do either some math outside the app or several KKB requests within the app.

Here’s how to request their KKB Feature: 

  1. Open GCash. From the main page, tap the ‘Send’ icon.
  2. Tap ‘Send KKB’.
  3. Tap on ‘New KKB Request’.
  4. Input the category and due date of your amount that will be requested to be paid.
  5. For the due date, Today is the default. However, if you decide to pay on a specific date, you can set it accordingly.
    • Select how you wish to split the bill.
    • If you ordered your own meals individually, select ‘split by item’. If you ordered food as a group then you can select ‘split equally.
    • If you choose ‘Split by item’, the application will ask the initiator (who made the KKB request) to determine the amount to be paid per person. If the person ordered a meal and a drink, just tap the plus button to add. It will be added in the final breakdown. After finalizing the amount, a summary will be shown of how much each individual has to pay aside from the grand total.
    • If you choose ‘Split Equally’, the app will ask for the total cost then it will be automatically divided among the group.
  6. Input the GCash registered mobile numbers of those you will be splitting the bill with and tap Next.
    • The application can let you add those who are in your contacts but you can also manually add them yourself. Also, you can create and save groups on the app for easier division of payments in the future.
  7. Input the item names and their corresponding costs.
  8. Review the details and click Send.
  9. Once the requests have been successfully created, you will be able to see under the ‘Active Tab’ in the feature if it’s unpaid. If it’s taking them a while to pay, you can nudge them then GCash will send them a notification to pay.
    • In case your friends pay cash in person, you can manually mark the KKB request as paid. It will transfer to the ‘Completed’ tab.
  10. If paid, the initiator of the request will receive the fund and notification of payment.
Photo from Gcash Website

With the rapid digitalization of this age and the slow transition of society including our country to digital – digital platforms continue to develop and provide innovations for a seamless digital experience. Ultimately, this is the main purpose why technologies are made: to make people’s lives easier.

Senatore eyes Full Scholarship Grant for Nursing Students to help address mass migration 

Over the past few decades, there is an increasing exodus of professionals here in the Philippines – among them are nursing professionals.

Photo from Raffy Tulfo Facebook Page

Filipino nurses have long experienced harsh working conditions with an unprecedented nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:20. Instead of the 1:12 ratio that is originally set by the Department of Health (DOH). It resulted to further exhaustion while suffering from low salaries; aside from facing head-on their hazardous occupation. This led to their mass exodus in hopes of better living and working conditions, depleting the number of nurses present in our country. Given this long-standing issue, a lawmaker came to address this.

Last October 12, Lawmaker Sen. Raffy Tulfo proposed granting scholarships to qualified nursing students during the Senate Committee on Health and Demography Hearing. He proposed granting full scholarships in exchange for staying in the country after graduation. They are required to serve in government hospitals for up to five years.

Photo from Unsplash

Aside from that, he also asked representatives of the Department of Health (DOH) to address reports of discrimination faced by Filipino nurses in their workplaces. Including, the selective grant of benefits such as hazard pay. He learned that only nurses who were exposed to COVID-19 patients/those who were assigned to COVID-19 wards were eligible for hazard pay. He stressed the need for sensitivity to the needs of our nurses,

“We need to take care of them and treat them right. We should be fair. It’s important that we use common sense in addressing their needs.”

Lastly, the senator also asked DOH to submit records showing the list of individuals that were held accountable and are facing court charges for poor distribution of medicines that are left expired and undistributed in the previous years. Around 2 billion pesos in medicine were wasted between 2013 and 2021 because they were expired and near expiration. It was meant for impoverished citizens including, cancer patients, and senior citizens. He stressed the prosecution of accountable individuals for their negligence of duty.

Photo from Raffy Tulfo Facebook Page

One of the long-standing issues that we are facing in our country is the depletion of essential professionals. One of them is healthcare workers. They have been facing harsh working conditions with lesser compensation. This in turn sacrificed the quality of the existing healthcare systems we have in our country.

Netflix to launch Subscription with Ads in November

World’s leading streaming service Netflix recently announced the debut of subscriptions with ads in November in several countries.

Greg Peters, Netflix’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), said in a briefing that ‘Basic with Ads’ subscriptions will be priced at $6.99 (~P410) in the United States, which is $3 less than a basic option without ads.

Photo from Unsplash

The ad-supported subscription was first rolled out in Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. Video ads are 15-30 seconds long. This is offered to provide cheaper subscriptions in light of soaring inflation.

“We are looking at a very light ad load with no more than four to five minutes of ads per hour, and including some very tight frequency caps so that members don’t see the same ad repeatedly,”

PETERS SAID.
Photo from Unsplash

However, even though Netflix offers cheaper subscriptions after adding ads on the platform, soon, there might be a tax added on these digital streaming services with the ongoing National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 (House Bill of 4122).

It is stated under the proposed bill that foreign or non-resident digital service providers (DSP) such as Netflix shall collect and remit vat on the transactions that pass through their platform.

How about you? Wouldn’t you mind watching ads for a lesser subscription price?

SM Seaside unveils Giant 3D Whale Shark

The “Gentle Giants” are perhaps the fitting description of whale sharks or as Filipinos call it the Butanding. These massive creatures with different hues of gray, blue and white frequently visit Oslob waters.

Have an extraordinary experience and immerse yourself with the #AweSM 3D Butanding live as it splashes through SM Seaside’s Hanging LED starting October 12 from 10 am to 9 pm with 30-minute intervals at the Mountain Wing Atrium.

@smseasidecitycebu

Have you seen the first splash of the #3D Whale Shark at SM Seaside? 💦 Witness the gentle giant at the Hanging LED, Mountain Wing Atrium until December 31, 2022. Post a video and tag us if you have seen the Butanding 🧐 #fyp #animation

♬ original sound – Spider Man