A mother of three kids, a vegetable vendor during the day, and a college student — all at once. This is the inspiring story of a hardworking Cebuana.
Thirty-two-year-old Liezel Nudalo Formentera recently graduated Bachelor of Industrial Technology with a degree in Computer Technology at Cebu Technological University (CTU) last August 2022. While juggling her studies at night, she worked as a vegetable vendor during the day to support her studies and family.
Photo from Liezel Nudalo Formentera
Poverty in the Philippines has been prevalent, it produced a lot of unemployed masses. Aside from that, there is also a lot of out-of-school youth who didn’t have enough opportunities to finish their studies.
It is now common for students to juggle work and school at the same time to meet ends. However, some children who are still at a very young age have no other choice but to fend for themselves or their families and support their studies.
In extreme cases, some children are forced to stop their studies. This didn’t stop Formentera from reaching her dreams. As a mother of three children, she dreamed of providing better lives for her children, and the only way to do that was for her to pursue her education so she could find a better job and be alleviated from poverty.
This inspired her to reach for her dreams with the support of her husband, along with her classmates and teachers.
Photo from Liezel Nudalo FormenteraPhoto from Liezel Nudalo Formentera
She started pursuing her studies by enrolling in the ALS Program (Alternative Learning System) by the Department of Education (DepEd) last 2012. With the help of the program, she didn’t have to finish elementary and high school. She finished her secondary education in 2018.
She finally graduated from her course in August 2022. It was never an easy path; she doesn’t only sell vegetables she sells different products such as fish to meet ends and be a mother to three children, at the same time. Even so, she has plans to save more to continue her studies. She wanted to become a teacher, someday.
With the vibrant comeback of the opening of businesses and establishments also comes the opening of new places to visit here in Cebu, adding sultry to the city’s beauty.
If you are looking for new places and spots to visit here in Cebu, there is a new restaurant that offers a lovely ambiance, impeccable food selections, and excellent service. Check out Polita, offering modern Filipino cuisine infused with popular dishes from other countries.
Polita features pink and grey tones making it gender-neutral, a place that can be enjoyed by everyone. Its name is inspired by the character of El Filibusterismo, Polita Gomez, whose character — feminine but balanced — resonated in the restaurant’s ambiance. It is a well-lit space making the place vibrant.
Since their menu is infused with foreign cuisine, this also influenced the overall look of Polita, in retrograde but with a minimalistic and modern side. The arches made it European-like.
Menu Made from Premium and Fresh Ingredients
Polita is founded by Victoria Tancinco. She started it out of her passion for food as she continued pursuing the field of the Food and Beverage industry. Together with her partner who shares the same passion, they work hand-in-hand serving delectable food made with passion.
To ensure its premium quality and taste, Tancinco personally buys fresh ingredients at 4 AM. Some of the ingredients they use are from abroad — an example is their best-seller, the Truffle Spence (Pancetta Fusili & Cheese). They use real truffles from an Italian supplier.
My favorite is their Potato Chips with Aioli Sauce inspired by the Mediterranean seas. Its salty taste is a perfect appetizer especially when you order meat since its sauce consists of garlic, it uses olive oil making it not too greasy, light, and overall appetizing.
One of their must-haves is Grilled Pork Back-Ribs in BBQ Sauce. Their meat melts into your mouth, and it is glazed, it makes the meaty taste disappear.
Exact Location: The Gallery, Pope John Paul II Ave., Cebu City, Cebu 6000
BY JEEPNEY:
From the Gaisano, Country Mall – you can ride 62C/62B Jeepney. The drop-off point is San Carlos Seminary College on Pope John Paul II Ave. You can find Polita across the street in The Gallery, Mabolo.
You can also ride 04L Jeepney from SM City Cebu. You can drop right at The Gallery, Mabolo where Polita is located.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “The Gallery” in Mabolo. Parking space is available.
A famous UAE-based fashion designer born in Cebu has left the fashion world stunned as he bagged the Grand Champion title in the Fashion Factor Season 3, one of the biggest fashion competitions in the Middle East.
Photo from Harvey Cenit
Harvey Cenit said in an interview that while he is already living his dream, another goal has stemmed from it – to support Cebuano designers toward success in the international arena.
Who is Harvey Cenit?
Harvey Cenit, a Fine Arts Graduate from the University of the Philippines, jumpstarted his career when he showcased his collection alongside famous fashion icons, Michael Cinco, Ezra Santos, and Furne One.
He then set foot in the Emirates and made an impressive record of designing for women in the Emirates and the Gulf for 5 years, then he became the Head Designer of the fashion house Al Arousa Al Aniqah. He now left his benchmark in the international arena with his latest win.
Photo from Harvey CenitPhoto from Harvey Cenit
He recently shared that one of his goals is to support Cebuano talents, before finally entering the international arena – he first took his step by mentoring young talents in the fashion industry just like how famous fashion gurus greatly influenced his works.
Harvey Cenit and His Works
Aside from his innate taste for success and his eye for creating sharp choices towards success, Cenit has every characteristic of a fashion icon. He has an eye for aesthetics that doesn’t go over the top to reach the peak; he always ensures that his designs have his own recipe of balance.
A thin line between classic and contemporary, without having to create large and bold elements to scream aesthetic. His designs speak subtly aesthetically with sophistication while maintaining balance and class, and a little flair of femininity on the side.
Photo from Harvey CenitPhoto from Harvey CenitPhoto from Harvey Cenit
Most of us had to postpone our travel plans since the pandemic started, but now that things are slowly getting back to normal, with many countries opening up their borders and easing the travel restrictions, it’s safe to say it’s finally time to travel the world again.
To make our travel plans more realistic and affordable, local airline Cebu Pacific is again offering its highly anticipated promo called the CEB SUPER PASS, which is basically a blank ticket with your name on it but without a travel date and destination yet.
CEB Super Pass can be purchased for only P99 per ticket from October 10 to 13, 2022, with travel validity up to November 30, 2023. This is applicable for domestic destinations only but for frequent travelers, this is truly a good deal.
With the CEB Super Pass, you just have to pay for the one-way base fare plus the Web Admin Fee. The terminal fee and taxes must also be paid upon redeeming your flight.
You can purchase up to ten CEB Super Passes in a single transaction and pay using your existing travel funds or other online payment options.
BUY ALL YOU CAN, FLY WHEN YOU CAN WITH CEB SUPER PASS
Valid for flights within the Philippines only.
Sale Period: October 10-13, 2022
Travel Period: October 17, 2022 to November 30, 2023
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. WHAT IS THE CEB SUPER PASS?
CEB Super Pass is a single-use voucher that provides everyJuan added flexibility in planning their trips! Passengers have the option to choose and redeem flights without the pressure of planning too far ahead. For only PHP 99 base fare, these vouchers may be redeemed on any Cebu Pacific and Cebgo domestic destinations from thirty (30) to seven (7) days before the intended date of departure, subject to availability (see CEB Super Pass Terms and Conditions).
2. WHO MAY AVAIL OF THE CEB SUPER PASS?
The CEB Super Pass is available to everyJuan (excluding infants on lap) who wants to book a domestic flight with Cebu Pacific and Cebgo, subject to Conditions of Carriage.
3. WHEN CAN I PURCHASE CEB SUPER PASS?
The CEB Super Pass may be purchased from October 10 10:00 AM to October 13 11:59 PM, 2022 (GMT +8), or until supplies last.
5. HOW MUCH WILL I PAY FOR EVERY PURCHASE OF CEB SUPER PASS?
One (1) CEB Super Pass voucher will cover the base fare amount (PHP 99). Upon purchase, Administrative Fee (PHP 250) and Value Added Tax (PHP 41.88) will also be collected. All inclusive, the total amount to be paid for every purchase of one (1) CEB Super pass voucher is PHP 390.88. Other fees may apply depending on your chosen destination such as but not limited to, taxes, surcharges, and airport fees – all of which will be collected upon redemption.
Step 2: Click the ‘CEB Super Pass’ banner to be redirected to the purchase page.
Step 3: View the CEB Super Pass Terms and Conditions, FAQs, and steps how to redeem the pass before purchasing to make sure you’re all set!
Step 4: Enter the number of vouchers you want to purchase. You may purchase ten (10) CEB Super Pass vouchers per transaction, but there is no limit to how many you can avail! Buy all you can!
Step 5: On the guest details page, enter the passenger details of the actual guest/s who will use the voucher. Please make sure to enter the correct details, exactly as shown in a government-issued ID.
Step 6: On the payment page, you may settle payment for your CEB Super Pass via Credit/Debit card, PayPal, Alipay, or Travel Fund.
Step 7: Once your purchase of CEB Super Pass is successful, you will be notified of your booking reference number and all other purchase details via email.
7. CAN I USE MY CEB SUPER PASS ON ANY OF MY EXISTING CEBU PACIFIC BOOKINGS?
No, CEB Super Pass requires you to create new bookings.
8. HOW MANY CEB SUPER PASS CAN BE PURCHASED?
A qualified passenger may avail up to a maximum of ten (10) CEB Super Pass vouchers per transaction. If a passenger wants to avail more CEB Super Pass vouchers, the passenger has to make another CEB Super Pass purchase transaction. Buy all you can – there is no limit to how many vouchers can be availed by a passenger within the purchase period!
9. CAN I PURCHASE THE CEB SUPER PASS FOR OTHER PASSENGERS?
Yes! You may gift your loved ones with their own CEB Super Pass vouchers! During purchase, please indicate the complete passenger details of the person you are buying the travel voucher for. The CEB Super Pass is non-transferable and can only be used by the passenger whose details are specified.
10. CAN I USE MY OWN TRAVEL FUND TO PURCHASE CEB SUPER PASS FOR OTHER PASSENGERS?
Yes you may use your travel fund to purchase CEB Super Pass vouchers for other passengers for as long as you are included in the passenger list in the same transaction. Please ensure that your name in the voucher matches the name in your travel fund reference number. The use of travel fund as a form of payment requires that at least one passenger from the reference number of the travel fund is included in the transaction. Same shall apply for use of travel fund as payment for CEB Super Pass redemption.
Photo from Unsplash
11. WHICH DESTINATIONS CAN I REDEEM FLIGHTS FOR USING MY CEB SUPER PASS?
One (1) CEB Super Pass can be redeemed for any one-way, point-to-point, flight within the Cebu Pacific and Cebgo domestic network. The CEB Super Pass cannot be used for connecting flights. If you want to book a roundtrip flight, you can redeem two CEB Super Pass vouchers. For a complete list of all available destinations, please see the CEB Super Pass Terms and Conditions.
12. WHEN CAN I REDEEM MY CEB SUPER PASS?
The CEB Super Pass may be used to redeem flights as early as thirty (30) days before the intended flight departure. The latest that the CEB Super Pass can be redeemed is seven (7) days before the intended flight departure.
13. I STILL HAVE UNUSED CEB SUPER PASS I BOUGHT BACK IN MAY AND SEPTEMBER 2021, CAN I STILL REDEEM IT DURING THE NEW REDEMPTION AND TRAVEL DATES UNTIL APRIL 2023?
No. CEB Super Pass vouchers purchased on May 5-12, 2021 will only be valid for redemption until May 24, 2022, and travel until May 31, 2022. Vouchers bought last September 9-16, 2021 on the other hand can only be redeemed for travel until September 30, 2022. Please refer to item 11 for more information on the respective redemption and travel dates of your voucher.
14. HOW DO I REDEEM MY CEB SUPER PASS?
Step 1: Visit www.cebupacificair.com or the Cebu Pacific app and click on the CEB Super Pass homepage banner to be redirected to the redemption page.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Redeem CEB Super Pass’ Tab and enter the booking reference provided during purchase and the surname of any passenger in the booking reference.
Step 3: All purchased CEB Super Passes will be displayed. Select the voucher you want to use for redemption. If you’re planning to book a round-trip flight, make sure to select 2 vouchers for each guest.
Step 4: On the Search Flight page, search and select a flight marked with “CEB Super Pass” from the list of flights available.
Step 5: Complete the necessary details on the Guest Details Page.
Step 6: Add-ons are available if you wish to purchase, subject to additional fees and charges.
Step 7: Pay for the remaining amount due via Credit card, Alipay, PayPal, or Travel Fund.
Step 8: Once payment is successful, you will be redirected to a confirmation page where a new booking reference number will be provided for your selected destination and date.
15. CAN I REDEEM MY CEB SUPER PASS ON ALL AVAILABLE FLIGHTS OF CEBU PACIFIC AND CEBGO?
Flights on which you may use your CEB Super Pass is subject to availability during redemption. You may check for the actual availability at flight search and choose from the flights marked with “CEB Super Pass”. In case CEB Super Pass is unavailable on your intended date of departure, you may opt to avail of CEB’s year-round low fares instead and use your CEB Super Pass for other upcoming trips.
16. ARE THERE ANY FEES AND CHARGES THAT I WILL NEED TO PAY FOR FLIGHT REDEMPTIONS USING THE CEB PASS?
The CEB Super Pass only covers the base fare, web admin fee (WAF), and value added tax (VAT) while optional add-ons, government taxes, fuel surcharges, or other charges, if any, shall be shouldered by the passenger at the time of redemption and booking.
17. CAN I PURCHASE ANCILLARIES OR ANY OTHER ADD-ONS?
Yes, all add-ons are available for purchase during redemption of the CEB Super Pass. If you missed out on buying add-ons during the redemption, you may still do so via the Manage Booking portal on the CEB website.
18. IS MY CEB SUPER PASS REROUTABLE, REBOOKABLE, TRANSFERABLE, OR REFUNDABLE?
Flights redeemed using CEB Super Pass are non-reroutable, non-transferable, non-refundable and cannot be converted to a travel fund.
However once a CEB Super Pass is redeemed, the ticketed flight is rebookable. Flight changes can be made up to two (2) hours before the scheduled time of departure, subject to availability, and fare difference if any, and all other applicable fees.
19. WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS MY SCHEDULED FLIGHT?
Your CEB Super Pass will be forfeited. The bookings made utilizing the CEB Super Pass are considered flown when flight changes are not made within two (2) hours before the scheduled time of departure.
20. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY FLIGHT BOOKED USING MY CEB SUPER PASS GETS CANCELLED?
In the event of flight delays, schedule changes, or flight disruptions, you will be provided options based on the existing flight disruption policy of the airline.
Photo from Unsplash
21. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT USE MY CEB SUPER PASS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED REDEMPTION / TRAVEL PERIOD?
Your CEB Super Pass will be forfeited.
22. DO I GET GO REWARDS POINTS (FORMERLY GETGO) IF I BUY OR USE THE CEB SUPER PASS?
No, you will not earn points upon purchasing/redeeming of the CEB Super Pass.
23. CAN I AVAIL OF DISCOUNTS WHEN I PURCHASE THE CEB SUPER PASS?
No, all forms of discounts like the Senior Citizens’ Discount (CD) and Persons with Disability Discount (PWD) are not applicable.
24. CAN I STILL CORRECT OR CHANGE THE NAME OF THE GUEST AFTER PURCHASING THE CEB SUPER PASS?
No. Please make sure that the correct spelling of the names, as well as their order (last and first names) are properly indicated in your CEB Super Pass before you confirm your payment.
Now, face-to-face classes are back and Covid-19 restrictions are now lax. Do you remember those nostalgic times when after school, as soon as we get out from school – we set out to find something to eat late at night along with our friends, looking for food that would fit our budget.
Are you looking for a perfect spot to hang-out, and dine just within our budget together with our friends? Say no more, 8Flix & Chill has opened their 3rd branch in Lapu-Lapu City and is now closer to Oponganons. A perfect place to take a stroll down memory lane, dine and reunite with our friends.
STREET FOOD: FULFILLING FOOD WITHIN THE BUDGET THAT IS LOVED BY THE MASSES
Aside from Filipino’s innate sweet tooth, no one can deny Filipino’s love for Street food. It is a go-to food that is delicious, fulfilling, and within the budget. Just then, Tuslob Buwa entered the Cebuano local food scene and is now enjoyed by the masses.
Tuslob Buwa is a famous and hip Cebuano Hot Pot Street food that comes in a set with Pig Brain, Soy Sauce, Oil, and sliced vegetables. Customers then place them inside a boiling pan, boil, then they stir the freshly sliced ingredients. From there, you can enjoy the local Cebuano specialty.
8Flix & Chill is one of the pioneer restaurant of Tuslob Buwa that hailed from Talisay and further expanded in Zapatera, Cebu City. They have now opened their third branch in Lapu-Lapu City, in front of Tamiya Terminal. They are open daily!
Three Cebu-based hip-hop groups from Lapu-Lapu City, Toledo City, and Cebu City participated in the 2022 Wonju Dynamic Dancing Carnival held from October 1 to October 3, 2022.
Photo from Ricky Ballesteros
Two groups – Toledo City’s Joyful Tribe and Cebu City’s Don Juan x Angel Fire – entered the Top 15 Finalists. During the Grand Showdown on October 3, Cebu City’s Don Juan x Angel Fire emerged as chanpions in the 2022 Wonji Dynamic Dancing.
DON JUAN x Angel Fire danced to K-Pop Songs. The highlight of their performance that won the hearts of the audience was the surprise appearance of the famous Young-hee doll from Squid Game in the middle of their performance, as they also fused belly dancing with hip-hop.
Don Juan x Angel Fire dancers are originally belly dancers, but they were able to successfully break boundaries by merging belly and hip-hop into their dance. Their group was also impacted due to the delay in the opening of Face-to-Face Classes as their group downsized from the usual 20 members.
Photo from Ricky BallesterosPhoto from Ricky Ballesteros
They first started dancing in the yearly Wonju Dynamic Dancing Carnival by participating as a guest dancer from 2015 – 2017. Now, they have officially participated as competitors and won as champions soon as they joined. Aside from them, 3 of them brought Cebuano Pride and Filipino Hip-hop dancing to the international arena.
Stargazers Alert. Hunter’s Moon will be visible at 10:54 P.M. on Sunday according to the lunar calendar. It is called by its other names, “Sanguine Moon”, “Blood Moon”, “Dying Grass Moon”, and the “Travel Moon”.
Photo from Unsplash
Every three years, October’s full moon is also considered as Harvest Moon since it fell closest to the Autumnal Equinox that occurs during September. It is the first full moon that occurred after the first Harvest Moon last September 22.
Please be advised to be careful upon watching the moon on Sunday since there is a forecasted localized thunderstorm on that day. It is best to catch the Hunter’s Moon in an ideal place like rooftops since the weather on Sunday night is cloudy.
Cebu, the wealthiest province of Cebu, has now gone through rapid urbanization. With its rapid urbanization, a multi-billion tollway project was built – the Cebu-Cordova Expressway (CCLEX) that connects the islands of Mactan and Cebu City.
People enjoy watching this iconic bridge along South Road Properties (SRP), especially during sunset, while also enjoying the soft sea breeze. Now, you will be able to pass under the bridge without going through the Cebu City-Mandaue City traffic. In just 2 hours, you will get to enjoy a shorter trip while admiring Cebu’s iconic bridges.
Photo from Cebu City Tourism Office
To bring back the vibrancy of tourism in the country, one of the Cebu City Government’s projects is the Sunset Cruise Tour which features Cebu’s three famous bridges. They have partnered with Cebu Private Tours Association which will help ensure the best cruise experience for tourists.
Photo from Cebu City Tourism Office
The 2-3 hours tour starts in a small port near Malacañang sa Sugbo. It will first pass in the CCLEX, and from there, you will be able to view famous structures in South Road Properties (SRP) just like SM Seaside City Cebu, Nustar Resort, and Casino. It will take a detour to pass the Mactan Channel, which will include the 1st and 2nd bridges of the Mactan on its tour.
The package starts at P2,500 per person with unlimited wine and light food.
As of writing, there’s no information yet on how or where to book. We will update this article once we have the details.
Tourism is one of the main sources of income in the economy here in the Philippines. After the onset of the pandemic, the government and huge private companies are now in full cooperation in bringing back tourism alive in the country to revitalize the economy of the country.
Now, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has announced that they are eyeing the reopening of Loakan Airport as early as December 2022 after the airport has closed for decades.
Baguio, Benguet, Philippines | Photo from Unsplash
Aside from the City Government of Baguio, huge airline companies together with San Miguel Corporation (SMC) go hand-in-hand in reopening the decades-long closed airport to revive the tourism industry, one of the major catalysts in the Philippine Economy.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin said that PAL Express, more known as Philippine Airlines already purchased 5 aircraft. They are now conducting a safety audit for its upcoming full operation. Upon completion, the said aircraft will be ready to fly.
Baguio, Benguet, Philippines | Photo from Unsplash
Cebu Pacific expressed the intention to hasten the reopening of the airport as early as December 2022 to target the highest peak of tourism this year. Lastly, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) also signified its intention to aid the operations upon the reopening of Loakan Airport in an effort to help and bring back the vibrance of the tourism industry.
Good news, Sugbanons! “Ber Months” are peak season for local and international tourists alike. Now, Cebu Pacific is back with their “CEB Seat Sale” from October 1 to October 16, 2022 or until seats last.
Photo from Cebu Pacific Air Official Website
Sale Period: October 1-16, 2022 or until seats last
Travel Period(s):
International Flights – November 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023
Domestic Flights – October 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023, and October 1, 2022 – Jan 31, 2023
Note: Travel Period varies depending upon the route of the ticket
Please be guided that quoted one-way domestic base fares are exclusive of Web Admin Fee, 12% VAT, Terminal Fees, and Fuel Surcharge but are inclusive of 7 kg hand carry baggage allowance.
Photo from Cebu Pacific Air Facebook Page
For international flights, one way fares are exclusive of Web Admin Fees for short haul and long haul flights, P550.00 worth International Terminal Fee, and Fuel Surcharge but also includes 7 kg hand carry baggage allowance.
