Cebu is truly living up to its name as the Queen City of the South, as another major infrastructure — one of the city’s biggest projects yet — is set to rise in the prime South Road Properties in Cebu City.
The highly anticipated Cebu Arena, which is officially named the Seaside Arena, will be finally realized after being presented by Mayor Edgar Labella during his 100 Days of Service speech on October 16, 2019.
The Seaside Arena will have a seating capacity of 16,000 (almost as large as Mall of Asia Arena in Manila). It is eyed to become the prime venue for large events such as major local & international concerts, sports events, international conventions, among others.
It will also feature a massive Convention Center, office towers, and condominiums.
The SM-Ayala Consortium will pour a total investment of P307.2 billion for the 26-hectare Seaside Arena, which will be constructed in SRP beside the SM Seaside Complex. It is expected to generate 2 million new jobs in years at full development, with target completion in 2025.
Official renderOfficial renderOfficial render from Cebu ni bai Official renderPhoto by Cedric MaquilanPhoto by Cedric Maquilan
Project Update
In June 2021, a new render of the Seaside Arena has popped out on social media. What do you think of the new design?
San Remigio is known for its heavenly beaches. It is one of the famous diving spots and sanctuaries here in Cebu, aside from Moalboal and Oslob in Southern Cebu.
If you are looking for decent and affordable accommodation in San Remigio, Leonora Beach Resort and Recreation is worth considering.
Photo from Leonora Beach Resort and Recreation
Leonora Beach Resort and Recreation, from its name, is further developing its resort into a fun and engaging resort realizing its full potential in the Tourism market and will soon flaunt San Remigio’s Diving Spots and Sanctuaries.
Home of Recreational Activities and Sanctuaries of San Remigio
After the onset of the pandemic, with the tourism’s back-to-back revival of our beautiful spots here in Cebu – Leonora Beach Resort and Recreation made a hot comeback with its large-scale development turning on the temperatures of the tourism community as they turned into a luxurious and upscale resort in the vibrant and brimming beaches of the municipality.
Photo from Leonora Beach Resort and RecreationPhoto from Leonora Beach Resort and RecreationPhoto from Leonora Beach Resort and RecreationPhoto from Leonora Beach Resort and RecreationPhoto from Leonora Beach Resort and Recreation
Making its name in Cebu, they named it Leonora Beach Resort Recreation since it boasts their recreational activities and their soon-to-open diving activities. It offers aqua sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and camping tents to make your stay much more affordable without breaking the bank.
San Remigio is making a name in the province of Cebu for its diving spot and beautiful sanctuaries that features rich ocean life — life beyond the seas that are yet to be completely fathomed by human knowledge. It is a large basin of life and a landscape of abyss yet to be discovered.
Photo from Leonora Beach Resort and RecreationPhoto from Leonora Beach Resort and RecreationPhoto from Leonora Beach Resort and RecreationPhoto from Leonora Beach Resort and RecreationPhoto from Leonora Beach Resort and RecreationPhoto from Leonora Beach Resort and Recreation
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Weekdays – Day use: ₱80; Night use: ₱100
Weekends – Day use: ₱100; Night use: ₱160
ROOM RATES:
Regular Room: ₱3,500 per night, good for 3 persons with free breakfast
Triangle Hut: ₱2,500 per night, good for 2 persons with free breakfast
Camping Tents: ₱1,200 with pillows, and blanket; good for 2-3 people with free breakfast
Kayaking – ₱600/hour, 50% discount for in-house guests
Paddleboarding – ₱400/hour, 50% discount for in-house guests
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Purok Gumamela, Anapog, San Remigio, Northern Cebu
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, ride any bus going to San Remigio. Tell the driver to drop you off at the school in Brgy. Tambongon. Bus fare is ₱155 (one-way). From there, ride a motorbike (habal-habal) going to the Orongan Beach Resort. Fare is ₱25 per person.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Leonora Beach Resort” in Anapog, San Remigio. Parking space is available.
According to the latest report from the Commission on Audit (COA), Cebu has maintained its title as the nation’s richest province for the past eight years.
Based on COA’s Annual Financial Report on Local Government Unit, Cebu has total assets worth P215.270 billion.
Rizal, which has assets of P30.637 billion, came far in second place behind Cebu.
Here is the ranking of the local government units (LGUs) in terms of assets as prepared by the COA:
All Interpreters, eyes here, your travel to Uganda might just be next month.
Miss Herlene Nicole Policarpio Budol is looking for an interpreter for her upcoming pageant in November.
Photo from Herlene Hipon Budol Facebook Page
We all knew her as “hipon girl” and as a tv personality that makes us laugh. She then shocked the country when she joined Binibining Pilipinas 2022 as a contender. She proved herself to be a formidable contender as she bagged seven special awards and was awarded 1st runner-up by the end of the show.
Now, she will again compete but this time, she is representing the Philippines. The pageant Miss Planet International 2022 as its name suggests focuses on preserving the planet, sustainable development and natural resources conservation.
Miss Planet International 2022 will be looking for someone that will be an ambassador for the planetary conservation efforts and will be held in Kampala, Uganda, the Ugandan capital, on November 19.
Photo from Miss Planet International Facebook Page
The need for an interpreter was announced by her manager, Wilbert Tolentino, on Facebook and goes as follows:
Interpreter Requirements
a professional translator from Filipino to English and vice versa
willing to fly to Kampala, Uganda for the upcoming Miss Planet International
able to “speak in front of a large audience and in front of the camera.”
How to apply?
Check if your schedule and availability to travel abroad days before and after November 19, 2022.
Curate your professional resume and cover letter. Make sure to include your contact info.
Once selected, you will be given good compensation, and all travel expenses will be shouldered by the team.
There was an ongoing debate on whether it is proper for a Filipina to have an interpreter considering that Philippines is considered as an English-speaking country. Lots of beauty queens supported the use of interpreters as according to most of them, it is not language but what is in your heart that matters to win in a pageant.
So, Herlene hiring an interpreter, should be respected as she knows what’s best for her which in return will be the best for our country. Her success is our success.
Send that email as soon as possible for there might be a lot of application for this one.
An emerging place of sprawling and large infrastructures in the city of Cebu is located the South Road Properties (SRP). It is home to world-class buildings and one of them is the famous SM Seaside.
Inside the wide mall is home to recreational centers that can’t be found in other shopping malls here in Cebu. They added another one to the list, the Jumpin Jacs – the first-ever Bungee Trampoline in the Visayas.
The ‘Jumpin Jacs’ name ultimately came from the name of a mechanical toy since it exhibits the locomotor motion our legs exhibit as we jump on the trampoline.
Trampoline with a Twist
This new recreational activity featured by SM Seaside is basically a trampoline but safer, especially for kids who would really be drawn and attracted to this. It lets you jump at heights, but it is much safer since there will be a harness that is similar to those that are used in Bungee Jumping.
A new recreational activity just added to SM Seaside gaining attraction — adding the bustling scene of this mall.
Check out the Jumpin Jacs at the Lower Ground Level, Seaview Wing Atrium, and enjoy this extraordinary activity.
HOW TO GET TO SM SEASIDE?
Exact Location: SM Seaside City Cebu in South Road Properties (SRP), Cebu City.
BY MYBUS: You can take a FREE MyBus ride from/to BDO Fuente Osmena from 8:20 am to 10:00pm. You can also ride any MyBus from SM City Cebu, Talisay, Mandaue City, Parkmall, and any Cibus to get to and from SM Seaside Drop-off point is at the City Wing Entrance.
BY GrabCar: Get P50 OFF on your GrabCar protect ride to and from SM Seaside by using the promo code: SMSEASIDE50
On the right of the long coastal line in Northern Cebu lies Tabogon, a small town with corked roads, situated in the middle of Sogod and Bogo City. It is home to the famous Guiwanon Cold Spring Resort, and nearby is Kabilin Cove of Maslog.
Photo from Kabilin Cove Facebook Page
Kabilin Cove of Maslog is named “Cove” since the rocks that wrap the cliff are similar to the cove – ceilings that can be found in caves where the glory of the sedimented rocks can be seen. Some have been formed for hundreds of years. This phenomenon made the landscape of the area rocky, making it perfect for a camping trip since rocks can be a source of heat.
Rock Formations and Ravenous Cliff: Perfect for Campers and Motorcycle Enthusiasts
Kabilin Cover is perfect for a camping trip, something campers shouldn’t miss because the ravenous cliff features the northern coastal line of Cebu. You can fully relax while sheltering tents during your camping trip and enjoy the sea breeze the coast blows.
Photo from Kabilin Cove Facebook PagePhoto from Kabilin Cove Facebook PagePhoto from Kabilin Cove Facebook Page
If you are looking for fun, recreative ways to enjoy this place more – you can bring your kayaks with you and take a paddle in the sea, witnessing the majestic rock formations that can be seen around the area.
Kabilin Cove is not only enjoyed by campers but also motorcyclists who are on a joyride. Along the trip, they often find spots to rest after a long ride. So, we recommend this place for them to rest and it can also be used as a training ground when you are trying to learn one.
Photo from Kabilin Cove Facebook PagePhoto from Kabilin Cove Facebook PagePhoto from Kabilin Cove Facebook PagePhoto from Kabilin Cove Facebook PagePhoto from Kabilin Cove Facebook Page
Cebu is known to be rich in tourist spots, but it is not only limited to what is known and discovered today. Cebu has a lot more potential to offer in the local tourism scene. Keep an eye out for this island’s constantly emerging beauty – it will continue to bring and offer new beautiful spots to enjoy. Some are still waiting to discover. Here in Sugbo.ph, we discover places to visit in Cebu every day. Keep an eye on this island’s beauty with us.
Filipinos recently suffered ongoing record-high inflation, leading people to rethink their financial choices, with some even resorting to downsizing their usual lifestyle. Still, you don’t have to resort to extreme measures and complete deprivation.
With proper management of finances, you can still enjoy some parts of your usual lifestyle without going berserk. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), with this advocacy, pushed forward PERA (Personal Equity and Retirement Account) to promote financial security.
Photo from Unsplash
What You Should Know About PERA?
It is a voluntary retirement saving account that lets you save additional funds which you may use upon retirement. Funds remaining inside your PERA will also be automatically paid out to your beneficiaries tax-free, in case of death.
Anyone who has the capacity and has a Tax Identification Number (TIN) can be a PERA contributor.
Benefits of a PERA Account
It provides a retirement plan, which is much more beneficial when you start at an early age. It helps you plan and manage your finances resulting in better decision-making in your career, family, and loved ones which in turn – provides financial security even as you retire.
It provides a 5% tax credit within a calendar year, a maximum of ₱100,000, and ₱200,000 for Overseas Filipinos (OFW) – you may use it against your income tax liabilities or any national internal revenue tax liability (excluding withholding tax liabilities as withholding agent).
Exemption on taxes in investment income earned from investment or reinvestments of PERA assets in the maximum amount.
Photo from Unsplash
How much can I contribute to PERA?
Maximum annual contribution is ₱100,000 except for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) who can contribute up to ₱200,000 annually.
For married individuals, each spouse can contribute up to ₱100,000 each.
How do I invest in PERA?
You need to open a PERA account through an administrator.
Here are the following accredited PERA administrators by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP):
ATRAM
BDO (Banco De Oro Unibank, Inc.)
BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands)
Photo from Unsplash
How to Open a PERA Account
Here are the procedures on how to open a PERA Account online:
Investment objectives and your risk tolerance through a Client Suitability Assessment (CSA) where you will be screened as a contributor if you are qualified.
A Pre-Acceptance and General Risk Disclosure Statement will be given that will contain provisions on the general risks that will come with each category of PERA Investment Products and a Cautionary Statement on the aforementioned risks.
You will be informed of the investment options/products according to their category and your risk profile classification.
What are the investment products for PERA?
Unit investment trust funds (UITFs)
Mutual Funds
Annuity Contracts
Insurance Pension Products
Pre-need Pension Plans
Shares of Stocks Listed and Traded in a Local Exchange
Government Securities
Exchange-traded Bonds
Any other category of investment products allowed for PERA purposes
Photo from Bangko SentralPhoto from Unsplash
When am I allowed to withdraw my PERA contributions?
PERA Contributions can only be withdrawn or distributed and be exempted from income or estate taxes, if applicable, under the following circumstances:
Upon reaching the age of 55 and having made qualified contributions for at least 5 years, the “55 and 5 rule” is in a form of a lump sum or monthly pension.
Upon death, irrespective of age or contributions made.
You can withdraw your PERA contribution earlier without following the “55 and 5 rule” but this is subject to withdrawal penalties. It shall be waived in the Contributor’s favor and shall be repaid to BIR, except under the following conditions:
Accident or illness-related hospitalization in excess of 30 days.
Permanent total disability
Immediate transfer of proceeds to another PERA investment product and/or another Administrator within 15 calendar days from withdrawal.
With the current global recession that we are experiencing comes record-high inflation, financial literacy will be one of the solutions to mitigate financial risks and potential problems in the future. Managing your finances and allotting savings is one of the recommended ways to ease up financial burden without either leaving too many holes in your pocket or extreme deprivation of your usual lifestyle.
Talisay City is taking it up a notch, as this year’s Fiesta will surely be unforgettable!
Public events had halted for the past two years due to the heavy restrictions brought by the pandemic. With Cebu reopening with the rest of the world, Talisay City makes up to its people as it holds a bigger, grander, fresher annual fiesta celebration.
Photo from Samsam Gullas Facebook Page
This October 15, 2022, Talisaynons are in for a superb musical treat as Mayor Samsam Gullas levels up the last day of the city’s two-week-long festivities with Nochella: Fiesta Concert sa Talisay at the Talisay City School Grounds.
“Talisaynons deserve something new as we step into the New Normal, but we also want to make sure that we honor what it means to be Talisaynon—and that is where our pride for our Lechon comes in,”
Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas
Nochella is Mayor Samsam’s fresh approach to Talisay fiesta tradition. The word Nochella is a wordplay of ‘Lechon,’ a truly Talisaynon icon highlighted in the Halad Inasal Festival; and “Coachella,” one of the USA’s most renowned music and arts festivals with attendees from across the globe.
The Nochella: Fiesta Concert sa Talisay — led by one of the country’s in-demand OPM bands, December Avenue — will be held at the Talisay City School Grounds. The event will also feature our very own Cebuano musicians on the opening with FREE admissions to all.
Event Details
What:Nochella: Fiesta Concert sa Talisay
When:
October 15, 2022 (Saturday)
Gates open at 5:30PM. Show starts at 7:00PM.
How: No tickets needed. Admission is FREE!
Where: Talisay City Central School Grounds
Venue:
Event Guidelines
Photo from Samsam Gullas Facebook PagePhoto from Samsam Gullas Facebook PagePhoto from Samsam Gullas Facebook PagePhoto from Samsam Gullas Facebook Page
“But this is just the beginning. As Cebu continues to emerge from the pandemic, so will Talisay City. Nochella is just the start of a new era of public events for our beloved Talisaynons.”
Mayor Samsam Gullas
The City Government of Talisay will also hold other activities such as LGBT, SK, and Teacher’s night which will make it not only open to Talisaynons but also to everyone in all binaries and sectors.
Aside from this year’s newly launched festivity that will continue for the coming years. Talisay City Government plans to also work on tourism and other projects, such as the building of a viewing deck with food stalls in the mountain areas of the city, also known as the “Sleeping Dinosaur of Talisay,” and a recreational park.
Follow Samsam Gullas on Facebook and subscribe to his and his wife, Cong. Rhea Gullas’ joint YouTube vlog Samsam and Rhea for more information on the upcoming fiesta and other happenings in Talisay City.
In the translucent skies of Northern Cebu lies a long stretch of mountains of Consolacion.
A place that is a haven for cafés and restaurants with a majestic view where you can witness how Cebu is called the “Queen of the South”. There is another place in Consolacion located in Tilhaong waiting to be discovered where you can do alfresco dining in the terrains of the north while admiring the overlooking view of Cebu surrounded by coastal lines of waters that are visited by tourists.
You can visit Discovery Parc, where you can also rest from the bustling soon-to-be-city Consolacion with its villas inspired by traditional Filipino homes.
Photo from Discovery Parc Facebook Page
Discovery Parc is formerly known as Discovery Hills. They developed this bare hill in Tilhaong and transformed it into a place that we know today. They feature Cesario Café and Dungaw Restaurant and offer a villa with an exclusive pool, a place where guests can rest.
Cesario Café: Serves Hot and Cold, Perfect for Morning and Afternoon
Coffee colors are used as an accent of this place, it will warmly welcome you after a long ride. They don’t only serve hot and warm drinks, but they also serve cold which can replenish your perspiring body after being exposed to the heat of the scorching sun or when you need a caffeine fix.
You can also pair it with some delicious snacks, perfect for a quick bite – not necessarily to satiate hunger but just to fill our mouths with food instead of just plain drinks. You can take your special morning coffee, specially brewed by qualified baristas, and pair it with your breakfast meal.
Photo from Discovery Parc Facebook PagePhoto from Discovery Parc Facebook PagePhoto from Discovery Parc Facebook Page
Dungaw Restaurant: Mountain-Cabin Restaurant Inspired by Traditional Filipino Homes and Cuisine
The architecture of the whole place of Discovery Parc is inspired by traditional Filipino homes. The accent that transcends the whole place can also be seen in their Dungaw Restaurant. It also features a mountain-cabin look where remnants of the past Discovery Parc can be felt when it first started as an adventure park.
They serve Filipino cuisine and comfort food such as Lechon Kawali, Cordon Bleu, Pochero, and Tinolang Manok.
Photo from Discovery Parc Facebook PagePhoto from Discovery Parc Facebook PagePhoto from Discovery Parc Facebook Page
Sprawling Filipino-Inspired Villas
Discovery Parc features villas that make the whole place a total package for giving all the relaxation their guests need, whereas it features a pool that is just exclusive to those who will avail book their place, giving all the privacy you need. They are still currently developing their villas; they are only available for day use only for now, but they will be offering overnight stay to their guests soon.
Discover Parc recently opened its doors to guests but is still currently developing. There will still be a lot of potential in-store waiting for this place just by looking at its current beauty and its offers. Stay tuned to this place’s updates and growth, it will still continue to provide relaxation and comfort to guests and natives alike.
Photo from Discovery Parc Facebook PagePhoto from Discovery Parc Facebook PagePhoto from Discovery Parc Facebook Page
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entrance Fees: None
ROOM RATES:
Villa Day-use (9 AM to 6 PM): ₱5,000 – Day use only, good for 15 – 30 pax
As soon as you step on Bantayan Island, you will step into the minefield of gems of beaches in the North.
Bantayan Island is a part of Northern Cebu with the most beautiful beaches in Northern Cebu, filling the coastal waters of the island with fine and powdered sand. Another beach resort that will sweep your feet away is Anaya Beach Resort in Bantayan Island, a few steps from Kota Beach.
Photo from Anaya Beach Resort Facebook Page
Couple’s Favorite Destination
It features white sand, the brand Bantayan island is known for, and its shimmering blue beaches with a tropical backdrop. It has palm trees not totally filled, just the right amount – just what exactly the beach needs to complete its beauty.
Photo from Anaya Beach Resort Facebook Page
From there you will find a square arch made of wood installed by the management to make it “Just Anaya” with their name adorned. They also have a bohemian swing to make it picture-perfect. Rattan tables and chairs with installed umbrellas are placed all over their white sands with beach bed chairs that will let you admire the view, somewhere you can also rest after a long stroll of the rolling sands.
Anaya Beach Resort also has an in-house restaurant that serves Silog meals. Just like its simple landscape featured all over, it can be seen in its room accommodations.
Photo from Anaya Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Anaya Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Anaya Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Anaya Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Anaya Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Anaya Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Anaya Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Anaya Beach Resort Facebook Page
Anaya Beach Resort is a favorite destination by couples for its cheap price, they are calling it dibs.
Exact location: Borraska St., Brgy. Talisay, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Northern Cebu
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, take a bus/van heading to Hagnaya. At the Hagnaya Port, take the Express Ferry Boat/ Ro-Ro vessel to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island. From the port, ride a motorcycle, or tricycle to Anaya Beach Resort in Borraska St., Brgy. Talisay. Here’s a complete guide on how to get to Bantayan Island: https://sugbo.ph/2021/how-to-get-to-bantayan/
