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.
In today’s fast-paced world and work, each of us has different coping mechanisms for the stresses of daily life. It’s wonderful that we can access so many places in Cebu that provide chances for high-quality rest and escape.
Photo from Ohana Garden and Pool Facebook Page
Take a simple road journey to Catarman, Liloan to escape your everyday routine and relax at the Ohana Garden and Pool resort. Here, enjoying and unwinding in complete privacy and tranquility is made possible and accessible for you and your loved ones.
The Ohana Garden and Pool is the ideal resort to accommodate you on your journey to wellness and relaxation, regardless of whether you’re traveling with a significant other, friends, family, coworkers, or even if you’re traveling alone. With their amenities and facilities, you’ll surely find the peace of mind that you’ve been looking for.
Photo from Ohana Garden and Pool Facebook PagePhoto from Ohana Garden and Pool Facebook PagePhoto from Ohana Garden and Pool Facebook Page
They are fully equipped with exquisite features, such as swimming pools, comfortable bedrooms, and other necessary facilities. More than that, they also have a garden for those who find solace in greenery and a playground for the kids and kids at heart.
You can also hold important events in the resort, such as birthdays, family reunions, and team-building activities. They have a covered event hall for a more secure venue, should you choose to do your events indoors. You can breathe in the fresh air, take in the stunning scenery, and have a truly relaxing experience at Ohana Garden and Pool.
Photo from Ohana Garden and Pool Facebook PagePhoto from Ohana Garden and Pool Facebook PagePhoto from Ohana Garden and Pool Facebook PagePhoto from Ohana Garden and Pool Facebook PagePhoto from Ohana Garden and Pool Facebook PagePhoto from Ohana Garden and Pool Facebook PagePhoto from Ohana Garden and Pool Facebook Page
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
BOOKING RATES:
Special Day Use (check-in: 8:00 AM, check-out: 5:00 PM):
Package 1 (Day Use): ₱5,000, good for 10 persons
Package 2 (Day Use): ₱7,000, good for 20 persons
Package 4 (Day Use): ₱8,000, good for 25 persons
Package 5 (Day Use): ₱10,000, good for 35 persons
Package 6 (Day Use): ₱12,000, good for 50 persons
Package 7 (Day Use): ₱20,000, good for 100 persons
Overnight Use (check-in: 2:00 PM, check-out: 10:00 AM):
Package 1 (Overnight Use): ₱16,000, good for 25 persons
With prices of basic necessities at an all-time high, Lalamove continues to bridge the logistical gap between businesses and consumers at the same affordable rates. The 24/7 same day, on-demand delivery platform remains Cebuanos’ go-to because it stays dedicated to being the Expert in Affordelivery.
The Good Cup Coffee Company has been serving brews since 2018. During the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, they launched their online store and teamed up with Lalamove to continue their day-to-day operations amid lockdowns and border restrictions and bring their coffee products to Cebuanos.
After almost five years in the business, the homegrown coffee brand has expanded its market across Cebu, the country, and the world, and continues to provide door-to-door delivery services with the help of Lalamove.
“Lalamove’s ‘rate-friendly’ Affordelivery and strategic logistics service have pushed us to thrive at the height of the pandemic and they continue to assist us with our operations up to this day,” said Gio Visitacion, president of Good Cup Coffee Company.
Here are three reasons why Lalamove remains to be Good Cup Coffee Company’s trusted delivery partner:
Photo from Good Cup Coffee Co. Instagram Page.
Competitively Priced Services
Lalamove understands cost-saving is the priority of small business owners. To help them fulfill consumers’ need while maintaining a manageable cost level, Lalamove offers reasonable rates while still putting a premium on service and customer convenience reflected in its convenient delivery features and hassle-free in-app user experience.
“[Lalamove] is very reliable in terms of tracking at the same time, the delivery lead time is very fast, it has a very user-friendly interface, it also extends a very friendly rate for businesses,” said Visitacion.
With a fixed price of P48 for the first 5KMs for motorcycles, moving in increments of P7 per KM after the first 5KMs, consumers are already able to enjoy Lalamove’s different delivery features, reliable customer service and hassle-free delivery across the island.
Extensive Logistical Scope
The heart of Lalamove is its trustworthy delivery service – this encompasses more than just partner drivers and vehicles customers can count on, as their reliability also extends to a vast logistical coverage made available to all Cebuanos.
Its island-wide delivery service makes it possible for Good Cup Coffee Company to send brews to customers swiftly and safely across the province at an affordable rate. Plus, its multi-stop feature can make same-day deliveries to up to 20 customers – an added convenience for any business owner.
Lalamove’s long-distance routes have economically fair costs, with a fixed price for the first 40KMs starting at P310 for Small Trucks and P1,450 for Big Trucks.
Multiple Vehicle Options
Lalamove has a fleet of motorcycles, sedans, MPVs, vans, 4-wheelers, 6-wheelers, and even 10-wheeler trucks that can accommodate a wide array of requests such as delivering small food packs to huge boxes.
For the team behind Good Cup Coffee Company, Lalamove’s fleet of vehicles makes it easy to arrange deliveries of coffee products and store essentials, may it be heavy duty machines, large boxes and sacks of coffee beans or daily orders of cold brew bottles and espresso bundles.
Lalamove’s large and spacious vehicle options make certain that deliveries come intact. They come with budget-friendly rates starting with 4-wheelers like the Sedan, at P102, and the MPV, at P120.
“If you’ve got a business that values delivery efficiency and customer experience as much as we do, then Lalamove is the next best thing for you,”
SAID VISITACION.
Photo from Good Cup Coffee Co. Instagram Page.
Because of value for money delivery service for consumers, monthly rebates for business owners, and efficient in-app features, Lalamove remains a top choice for delivery platform apps in today’s competitive market.
Learn more about Lalamove’s consumer-friendly app features or explore more business solutions and the many possibilities it can do to your business flow by opening a Lalamove Corporate Account at www.lalamove.com/en-ph/ or through the Lalamove app. For more information and updates, follow Lalamove on Facebook, Instagram, and on TikTok.
Cebu’s biggest festival is right around the corner, and everyone is feeling the Sinulog Festival 2023 excitement.
Aside from the street parties and extravagant parades, Sugbuanons also make sure to strengthen their faith and show their love for Cebu’s patron, Senior Sto. Nino.
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
SCHEDULE FOR CEBU SINULOG NOVENA MASS 2020
DAY 1: JANUARY 5, 2023 (THURSDAY) – OPENING SALVO
3:30 AM – Assembly Time at Fuente Osmena
(Route: Osmeña Blvd. to Basilica)
4:00 AM – Penitential Walk with Jesus
5:00 AM – Solemn Mass for the Opening Salvo (Cebuano)
5:00 AM – Installation of Hermano Mayor and Hermana Mayores 2020
7:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
8:30 AM – Holy Mass (English)
10:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
11:30 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
1:00 PM – Holy Mass (English)
2:30 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
4:00 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
5:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)
7:00 PM – Holy Mass (English)
DAY 2: JANUARY 6, 2023 (FRIDAY) – 2ND NOVENA
4:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
5:30 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
7:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
8:30 AM – Holy Mass (English)
10:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
11:30 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
1:00 PM – Holy Mass (English)
2:30 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
2:30 PM – Opening Slavo of Sinulog Festival
4:00 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
5:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)
7:00 PM – Holy Mass (English)
DAY 3-8: JANUARY 7 (SATURDAY) to JANUARY 12 (THURSDAY) – NOVENA MASS
4:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
5:30 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
7:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
8:30 AM – Holy Mass (English)
10:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
11:30 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
1:00 PM – Holy Mass (English)
2:30 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
4:00 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
5:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)
7:00 PM – Holy Mass (English)
DAY 9: JANUARY 13, 2023 (FRIDAY)
3:00 AM – Procession from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church to Fuente Circle
(Route: Our Lady of Guadalupe Church – V Rama Ave. – left to B Rodriguez St. – Fuente Circle)
3:30 AM – Assembly at Fuente Osmena
4:00 AM – Penitential Walk with Mary (Route: Osmena Blvd. to Basilica
5:30 AM – Misa de Traslacion Mass (Cebuano)
TRASLACION – CEBU CITY TO MANDAUE CITY
(Route: Basilica – Osmena Blvd – MJ Cuenco Avenue – (Central Nautical Highway) Lopez Jaena St. – A. Del Rosario St – S.B. Cabahug St. – National Shrine of St. Joseph)
7:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
8:30 AM – Holy Mass (English)
10:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
11:30 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
1:00 PM – Holy Mass (English)
2:30 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
4:00 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
5:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)
7:00 PM – Holy Mass (English)
DAY 10: JANUARY 14, 2023 (SATURDAY) – VISPERAS DAY
MASSES AT THE BASILICA
5:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
6:30 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
8:00 AM – Holy Mass (English)
9:30 AM – Holy Mass (English)
11:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
12:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)
2:00 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
3:30 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
VISPERAS
5:00 PM – Solemn Visperas Mass (Cebuano) Traditional Religious Sinulog
6:30 PM – Grand Mobile Procession (Cebuano)
DAY 11: JANUARY 15, 2023 (SUNDAY) – FIESTA SENOR DAY
5:00 AM – Mañanita Mass (Cebuano)
6:30 AM – Misa Pontifical de la “Fiesta Señor”
8:00 AM – Holy Mass (English)
9:30 AM – Holy Mass (English)
11:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
12:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)
2:00 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
3:30 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
5:00 PM – Holy Mass (English)
6:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)
Note:All Masses of the Fiesta Señor will be concluded with the Traditional Sinulog Dance
DAY 12: JANUARY 16, 2023 (MONDAY) – THANKSGIVING DAY
6:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
7:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
8:30 AM – Holy Mass (English)
10:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
12:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)
2:00 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
4:00 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
5:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)
7:00 PM – Holy Mass (English)
DAY 13: JANUARY 20, 2023 (FRIDAY) – ADLAW SA HUBO
4:00 AM – Misa Solemne sa “HUBO” (Venue: Santo Niño Pilgrim Center)
Ever dreamt of waking up to a horizon filled with lush trees and a clear sky, then spending the rest of the day gazing out at the city lights? Now that Mist Mountain Resort is available to the public, you can stop dreaming and turn it into a reality!
Drone shot by Hoven Andre Encontro
Enjoy the beauty of nature on a day off from the busy metropolis and never-ending paperwork. Get cozy in the crisp, cool air, relax in the Mist Mountain Resort’s infinity pool while admiring the lush, green scenery. The resort is only 45 minutes away from the metropolis, a quick drive to a beautiful destination.
GREAT ACCOMODATION AND AMENITIES
Refresh your body and soul by diving into the infinity pool while taking in the breathtaking scenery of lush green trees and vivid blue skies.
Photo from Elein DalaPhoto from Elein Dala
For kids, they can spend the day swimming in the kiddie pool just next to the main pool, where parents can watch them while they are having fun. At Mat’s Playground, kids can also jump, slide, and ride with their friends.
You can also eat delicious foods from their al fresco restaurant after a long day of swimming and fun, open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The “Grilled Tuna Belly” is one of the restaurant’s many excellent Filipino dishes; thus, highly recommended! Everyone will undoubtedly enjoy this food because it has the ideal tenderness and seasoning balance.
COMFY ROOMS
The earthy brown tone of the guest bedrooms contrasted with the bright white color makes them visually appealing. Up to 6 people can stay in its roomy, high-ceilinged spaces, which are also furnished with two beds and a sofa.
Additionally, every room has a balcony with a breathtaking view that is a wonderful place to enjoy your morning coffee or perhaps a romantic dinner with a loved one while admiring the wonders of nature.
Photo from Jed Manayon Photo from Jed Manayon Photo from Jed Manayon Photo from Jed Manayon Photo from Jed ManayonPhoto from Elein DalaPhoto from Elein DalaPhoto from Elein DalaPhoto from Jed Manayon
December 8 is not just a holiday for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, but it is also the day to look up to the sky and catch the last full moon of the year.
The Full Cold Moon will rise above the horizon for a longer period of time than most full Moons because of its high trajectory in the sky. It reaches peak illumination on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at 11:09 AM (Philippine time) and may last during the night.
The Cold Moon Meets Mars
The planet Mars and the full Moon will collide on December 8 in the morning. The Moon will move very, very close to Mars in most of North America before completely obscuring it. It is known as a “lunar occultation” in astronomy.
As the spectacle begins in broad daylight, it may not be visibly bright in the Philippines. If it does, look to the left or lower left of the Moon for an extremely bright “star” with a reddish hue.
A sizable portion of North America, Europe, and North Africa will be able to see this occultation. The whole occultation will NOT be seen from the Eastern Seaboard, Gulf Coast, Appalachia, or western Alaska, but Mars will still be very close to the Moon.
Why Is It Called the Cold Moon?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac uses names for the Moon that are derived from Native American, Colonial American, or other folkloric sources that have been passed down through the decades. Historically, many Native American tribes used the monthly Moons and the related signs in nature as a calendar to keep track of the seasons.
Today, the full moon in December is most frequently referred to as the Frost Moon, a Mohawk term that expresses the icy conditions of this season, when the cold fully starts to grasp us.
Struggling with your Internet connection? That is also the problem of many Filipinos across the country, with some not getting the most of their data plans or promos. It can be frustrating, especially when you’re doing school work or in the middle of your Netflix binging session.
Photo from Forbes
Different telecommunication companies in the country are taking action to address this, but sometimes, it can still never be enough. Consumers still experience lag and suffer from latency in their connection.
However, the country is in hopes of getting better internet service and connection, after billionaire Henry Sy Jr. develops a countrywide satellite broadband service through a ground-breaking partnership with American tech tycoon Elon Musk.
This has been ensured after Data Lake Inc., led by Sy and company chair Anthony Almeda, recently sealed an agreement with Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX), owner of Starlink broadband satellite. The partnership will make the company the first in the Philippines and Southeast Asia to team up with Starlink.
“The Philippines is an archipelago, and connecting our country to the wider world often requires extensive infrastructure. With the largest constellation of satellites in orbit, Starlink is a flexible service uniquely capable of providing high-bandwidth, reliable internet to the Philippines, even in times of natural disaster,”
Almeda shared.
SpaceX will use Starlink to launch thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit, creating a constellation of spacecraft that can beam high-speed internet to remote regions of the world. According to the company, monthly fees for commercial coverage start at $99 or around ₱5,500.
Photo from Nurphoto via Getty Images
Jonathan Hoefeller, SpaceX vice president of Starlink sales, said that they are looking forward to “making the service available in the Philippines in the following months.” They are also grateful to everyone who helped them do their job in connecting people around the world, which will include the Philippines.
GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), together with the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), recently announced and welcomed the inaugural flight of China Airlines from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport. The flight arrived on Thursday morning with around 120 passengers.
China Airlines sets to push for more leisure travel demand and grow the Taipei Taoyuan hub as it adds more Southeast Asia destinations to its network.
Beginning December 1, 2022, China Airlines commences its direct service to Taipei from MCIA with four (4) flights weekly Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday using its Airbus A321neo aircraft with a 180-seat capacity and a two-class configuration.
“We are very much looking forward to the China Airlines’ Cebu to Taipei service. Through this, we hope to strengthen leisure travel demand during this recovery period, and we are proud to partner with China Airlines in pushing for the growth in traffic that we are working on,”
GMCAC PRESIDENT LOUIE FERRER SAID.
A departure ceremony was also given to passengers departing for Taipei on the same day with a cake-cutting ceremony and a water cannon salute. Flights from MCIA to Taipei also operate four (4) times weekly and depart around 11:35 a.m.
“As China Airlines joins our network with its Cebu to Taipei service and vice versa, we are hopeful in the strong, positive growth at MCIA, most notably in recovery of passenger traffic. We are grateful for the strong support of our airline partners and the entire airport community,”
MCIAA GENERAL MANAGER AND CEO JULIUS NERI, JR. SAID.
With the addition of this new carrier, MCIA now has 13 foreign and 4 Philippine-based airline partners and connects to 27 domestic destinations and 10 international destinations.
