The world has evolved, and so did the preferences of people when it comes to architecture and design. Often, we see buildings incorporate modern concepts into their designs, with some even pushing themselves to the limits with eccentricity.
Photo from Starbucks Korea on Instagram
But who says traditional design can’t be as aesthetic as the new ones? Starbucks proves such with one of its newest branches in Daegu, South Korea, where it has turned a century-old “Hanok” house into its coffee shop.
ORIGINS OF THE DESIGN
The design of the new Starbucks branch in Daegu comes from a traditional “Hanok” house, a Korean housing style that was popular back in the 14th century. These houses were built in the traditional Korean style, where some of them were tile-roofed for noblemen’s residences while thatch-roofed for commoners.
Photo from Starbucks Korea on InstagramPhoto from Starbucks Korea on Instagram
These houses have been also currently popularized in the mainstream media, thanks to Korean dramas such as Jewel in the Palace, Reply 1988, and True Beauty.
The concept of adapting the designs also harmoniously coincides with Daegu’s image as an artistic and cultural hub of the region. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) also recognizes the place as the City of Music, a testament to the city’s focus on the artistry.
CULTURE, MUSIC, AND COFFEE – ALL IN ONE
The idea attracted a lot of attention because of its perfect blend of traditional and modern coffee experiences. Featured inside the Daegu branch are the exposed wooden framework, tiled gable roof, and ornamental detailing, which is sure to satisfy the sight of the shop’s patrons.
Photo from Starbucks Korea on InstagramPhoto from Starbucks Korea on InstagramPhoto from Starbucks Korea on InstagramPhoto from Starbucks Korea on Instagram
Starbucks, along with its partner company Bang & Olufsen, aims to mix both past and present cultures with the help of music and architecture.
Bang & Olufsen helps Starbucks achieve its aim with its state-of-the-art sound technology, which it has personally designed just for the coffee shop.
No secrets are safe, especially in the world of the Internet. No matter how much you try to hide your information, people will always be able to access it one way or another, even if you’re browsing in Incognito.
Photo from Unsplash
Just recently, news broke that Google is facing a lawsuit, as documents show Google employees jokingly talking about how misleading the feature is. The news brought up concerns among users, where even one of the company’s former employees asked Google CEO Sundar Pichai to “make Incognito Mode truly private” already.
THE REALITY OF INCOGNITO
The word “incognito” originally came from the Latin word incognitus, which means “unknown.” In the present time, it means to have one’s true identity concealed or hidden. But in Google’s case, the Incognito Mode doesn’t live up to the word’s meaning that much.
Most people would believe that just because they’re browsing in Incognito Mode means that their online activity and searches remain untracked. Turns out, it still extracts the user’s data and even shares some of it with Google’s advertising partners.
Your IP address isn’t safe either, which means that you still run the same risk for your identity as if you were normally surfing the web. Only your history and cookies are hidden, nothing more.
WHAT NOW?
This just means that while your history and online activity may be hidden from other potential users of your device, there are still a few people that can see it. To be specific, some employees in Google and their advertising partners may see your online activity, even if you’re in Incognito Mode.
Photo from Unsplash
Google is not entirely in the wrong part of the story though, as they have included the mode’s conditions in its terms and conditions, which users agree to it. That also means that your visits to R-18 pages are not entirely a secret anymore, at least to a few people.
If you want a browse the Internet privately, where you entirely hide your activity, you could go with Brave or Tor. These browsers block trackers and even advertisements while you’re browsing while encrypting your activity. These should give you the complacency you need while searching the web, leaving some room for dignity.
Halloween is just around the corner, and creepy, yet fun-filled adventures await you. The question is, are you ready to be spooked and jump out of your skin?
If you are, head on to Subangdaku for a truly spooky experience! Be prepared to feel the chills and thrills as you walk through their newest and upcoming Halloween gimmick: a horror booth in a bus terminal!
Photo from Unsplash
TAKING THE RIDE OF FRIGHT
The said gimmick is in celebration of the upcoming Halloween season, where Subangdaku, Mandaue City has launched it going with the trend. The once defunct and old North Bus Terminal is now being turned into a horror booth, just in time for Halloween.
The initiative was led by the Sangguniang Kabataan-Subangdaku, Mandaue City. They announced the news on their Facebook page last October 26, 2022.
As shown in their announcement poster, it will be called “The Old North Bus Terminal: The Last Stop to Hell.” The entrance fee is only ₱20 per head.
The horror booth will officially open on October 1 and will end on November 1, 2022. Everyone is invited and encouraged to come, and be sure to bring your friends with you for a more fun experience!
Pin location: “Old North Bus Terminal” or “North Bus Terminal Subangdaku”
The proliferation of Siargao’s famous smoothie bowls continues as Shaka opens its second branch in Cebu.
Plant-based meals have been around for more than 2,000 years, but they have become prevalent as the world is embracing sustainability, and people are turning towards much healthier lifestyles. With this increasing demand, a plant-based gourmet meal restaurant opened its first branch in Siargao.
Shaka established their name and began expanding their branches across the country. They opened their first branch in Cebu in Moalboal, and now they finally entered Cebu City, at Streetscape Mall in Banilad.
Shaka at Streetscape looks picturesque and refreshing, especially with its al fresco setup. They brought the “Siargao island” feels to Cebu, which will lure both loyal and new customers.
Shaka also has its distinct brand that lets the guests witness the creative process of creating their gourmet meals. No wonder people get more inspired to try their healthy and organic food selections.
Known as the birthplace of smoothie bowls in the Philippines, Shaka serves organic drinks and plant-based meals. Their food is incredibly delicious. Everything is a best-seller, but my personal favorite was the Bom Dia. A smoothie bowl consisting of banana, acai, mango, pineapple, and mixed berries. There are so many healthy foods to choose from, and all you got to do is to explore the flavors one at a time.
Recently, Shaka introduced their meal plans with busy people in mind – this meal plan is a curated plant-based plan. You can order a day or a weekly meal plan. This is the perfect option if you need to get your vegetables and fruits in, but don’t have time to cook them all week.
Although we recommend experiencing Shaka in their actual store at Streetscape, you may order your Shaka favorites from your office or home as they are on shakacafes.com/pickup.ph, GrabFood, and foodpanda.
Whether for entertainment, inspiration, tips, or just pure curiosity, we all have an influencer we look up to or a creator we follow and await their every content.
Photo from BaiCon Facebook Page
Think about it, won’t it be so fun to gather all of them and put them in one festival? The amount of energy and digital empowerment for that one would be to the roof.
Well, you might not have known this. BaiCon InFest, the country’s biggest gathering of creators and influencers in the Philippines, has been doing it for four years and will be hosting another one on November 5, 2022, at the IEC Pavilion in Cebu City.
It is time for you to get that chance to meet your favorite creators while learning about the responsible use of social media. They have a bunch of segments and fundraising CSR initiatives that will not only be a learning ground but a training ground for aspiring creators and influencers.
Events to look forward to:
Fan meet-and-greet
Creator performances
Mobile Legends show match
K-pop dance rave and random dance play
Musical performances
CICP Spotlight Awards
“The last two years of online events have been amazing but now that pandemic protocols have allowed more physical interactions, we don’t want to miss the opportunity to reunite creators with their audiences physically again,”
-BEA ALFAR EVARDONE, BAICON INFEST’S CREATIVE AND PRODUCTION LEAD.
BaiCon InFest 2021 Lineup
This year’s lineup is one for the books with 100 creators from all over the Philippines and some parts of the world joining the event this year. Scan through the list of famous names here to look for your favorite content creators.
Nana Silayro, Charuth, Jiconyo, Merry, Aro John Muñoz, Renz David, Kit Digno, Ady Cotoco
Ezzy Algabre, Ian Mauricio, Dex Mallari, Medyo Maldito, Snake Princess, Papa Vince
Chardie B, Christy Tabañag, Warren Osinaga, Glester Capuno, Japhet Capuno, James Uca
Dan Colanse, Pats Pinote, Kobe Go, Katik, Alem Garcia
Photo from BaiCon Facebook Page
Note: Creators and influencers are subject to change without prior notice.
CICP Spotlight Awards
Making history again, BaiCon Infest will have the first-ever award-giving body for creators and influencers, with a prom-inspired party. The CICP Spotlight Awards will recognize who made the best efforts toward creating a healthy ecosystem for the content creation industry in the country.
Here are the three major categories and the nominees for 2022:
Platform Superstars
Facebook Superstars – Darbs Kim / Real Talk Darbs vs. BGYO
Instagram Superstars – Ben Cua vs. Jazmin Reyes
Tiktok Superstars – Niana Guerrero vs. Esnyr
Youtube Superstars – Karen Davila vs. Small Laude
Twitter Superstars – Kerwin King vs. Jai Cabajar
Category Champions
Beauty Champs – Marj Javier vs. Kai Javier
Fashion Champs – Ida Anduyan vs. Laureen Uy
Food Champs – Ninong Ry vs. Chef Hazel
Life Champs – Lynell Lopez vs. David Guison
Parenting Champs – Ong Fam vs. The Kramers
Travel Champs – Wil Dasovich vs. Jen Barangan
Gaming Champs – Blink Gaming vs. Bulldog
Education Champs – Arshie Larga vs. Dr. Krizelle Luna
Entertainment Champs – Ranz, Kyle, Niana, Natalia vs. Pipay
Tech Champs – Ivan de Guzman vs. Kevi Charles Dela Cerna
Premium Awards
Creator of the Year – Skyfam vs. Cong TV
Innovator of the Year – Mighty Magulang vs. Davao Conyo
Rising Creator of the Year – Papa Vince Davao vs. Forda Ferson
This gathering of the wittiest minds and the most influential voices of the digital age today will be interesting and worth the hype.
For more information, follow BaiCon Infest on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @baicon.ph, and visit the official website www.baicon.ph for more content and updates.
Photo from BaiCon Facebook Page
Ticket Prices
General Admission: ₱1,000 per ticket
BaiCon Barkada Promo: ₱900 per ticket (minimum of 5 tickets)
Common concepts when dressing up for Halloween are the keywords: “scary” and “monstrous”. However, you can make this season fun by thinking out of the box and going beyond the standardized norm of Halloween costumes.
Let’s get creative with these Halloween costume ideas:
1. Wednesday Addams
We can’t miss this Halloween staple. Let’s channel our inner Wednesday on us with these costumes along with dark humor and morbid interest.
2. Christine Ricci Reimagined as Morticia Addams
Another thing that went viral lately is a picture of Christine Ricc reimagined as Morticia Addams since the new series of Addams Family came. Not disappointing the fans ever since she became known as Wednesday of the Addams Family.
3. “Ghosted” Costume
In today’s era, Ghost does not only refer to the soul of dead people. Nowadays, Ghosts can now be applied to living people. It is a kind of person wherein you spend all night talking. Everything went well, but suddenly that person went MIA or Missing in Action. Ghosting is becoming real and is much scarier than the real ghosts we usually know.
4. Barbie-Inspired Outfits
When wearing Halloween costumes, you don’t have to scare someone with your get-up. This is a fun way to dress up with your bae. You can get this inspiration from an upcoming movie in 2023. This has become a trend lately, especially when the movie star, Ryan Gosling, who plays Ken, surprised fans with his unusual character. It is also famous among Pinay celebrities such as Kylie Versoza.
5. Ice, Ice Baby
Ever heard of the famous Ice, Ice Baby Song? If you are looking for a last-minute Halloween Costume Idea, then this is for you. You can immediately dress your whole family with these and cool down. It is a fun way to include your baby, too.
6. Blackpink’s Pink Venom
Photo from YG Entertainment
For KPop fans, you can get your Halloween inspiration from the famous Blackpink. With their most recent album, Born Pink. You can get the most inspo from Blackpink’s Rose.
Photo from Inkistyle
7. “Mama, you know that I love chicken nuggets!!!”
A recent trend from Melai Hontiveros’ viral video hooked the netizens. We can’t stop hearing “Mama, you know that I love chicken nuggets” in our heads.
8. Marilyn Monroe
In one of the most recent movies released, you can go classic and sophisticated with the get-up inspired by the icon of femininity in Blonde. One of the famous celebrities who recently wore this is the famous socialite, Kylie Jenner.
With the easing of pandemic restrictions and people’s attempt to recover from the draining pandemic, new business owners are emerging. Opening a new business can be tough since there are too many things to do. This guide will make life easier with these step-by-step guides for BIR Tin Registration of Businesses.
Note, the referred guide depends on different types of businesses.
Photo from Emmanuel Antonio Jr. Paderanga
Walk-in
1. Before going to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), prepare the following requirements:
For Corporations/Partnerships
BIR Form 1903 – Application for Registration for Corporations/ Partnerships (Taxable/Non-Taxable) version 2018
Photocopy of SEC Certificate of Incorporation; or Photocopy Certificate of Recording (in case of a partnership); or Photocopy of License to Do Business in the Philippines (foreign corporation);
Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Partnerships;
Payment of P500.00 for the Registration Fee and P30.00 for loose DST or Proof of Payment of the Annual Registration Fee (not applicable to those exempt from the imposition of ARF);
BIR Printed Receipts/Invoices or Final & clear sample of Principal Receipts/ Invoices; Book of Financial Statement or Account Verified by BIR with Stamp
Photo from Bureau of Internal Revenue
OTHER BUSINESSES
BIR Form No. 1901 version 2018;
Any identification issued by an authorized government body (e.g., Birth Certificate, passport, driver’s license, Community Tax Certificate) that shows the name, address, and, birthdate of the applicant
Payment of P500.00 for the Registration Fee and P30.00 for loose DST or Proof of Payment of Annual Registration Fee (if with existing TIN or applicable after TIN issuance)
BIR Printed Receipts/Invoices or Final & clear sample of Principal Receipts/ Invoices; Book of Financial Statement or Account Verified by BIR with Stamp
2. Place requirements inside a long envelope and write the following on the front or back of the envelope: Company Name, Name of the Owner and Contact Number, and Authorized Filer’s Contact Number (if applicable).
3. Go to Nearest BIR.
4. Pay the following at the New Business Registrant Counter in the BIR Office.
Annual Registration Fee (P500.00);
Documentary Stamp Tax (P30.00) (if applicable)
BIR Printed Receipt/Invoice (if opted to buy for use)
5. Drop requirements inside a drop box. BIR will contact you via phone call as soon as your requirements are verified. If all requirements have passed, they will set an official appointment for your official registration.
6. You will be asked to go back to BIR on the day of your appointment, they will escort you to a place where you will fill up another set of forms.
7. An office assistant will guide you to the counter to pay for the forms. They will ask you to come back tomorrow, it is just a one-day process.
8. As soon as your business is already registered in BIR, you will receive the following:
Certificate of Registration (Form 2303)
Authority to Print Receipts & Invoices
“Ask for Receipt” Notice
9. To complete the process, you will be attending a free seminar on tax compliance as a business owner.
Photo from Unsplash
Online
1. Prepare all the required documents, and scan them into a PDF file. All files shall not exceed 4MB in total file size.
3. Determine filing and payment obligations by downloading and answering the tax-type questionnaire via the link above.
4. Scan the accomplished tax-type questionnaire and include it as an attachment to your email application.
5. Pay the P500.00 Registration Fee and P30.00 loose Documentary Stamp Tax (DST). You can pay it via the payment channels of BIR.
6. Taxpayer-applicant without existing TIN shall wait for an email instruction on when to pay or may pay the P500.00 Registration Fee and P30.00 loose DST at the New Business Registrant Counter at the Revenue District Office (RDO) upon pick-up of Certificate of Registration.
7. Fill up the necessary fields in step 4 of the website then enter the correct information. Click email your application which will launch an email program. This is where you will send the email and attach the required documents.
8. You will receive an email acknowledgment of the receipt of your application from the official email address of the concerned Revenue District Office. Your application shall be processed manually within three (3) working days from the date of email acknowledging receipt of complete documentary requirements.
9. Receive an email for the scheduled pick-up of the Certificate of Registration and buying of BIR Printed Receipts/Invoices or Authority to Print, if applicable.
Photo form Unsplash
For those already registered in BIR, upon closure of business, you are required to renounce your TIN Number and submit all receipts issued by BIR. Failure to renounce will be subject to a penalty, and you are required to pay accordingly.
The surge of the pandemic drained a lot of people financially. This is why many people are starting to open their own businesses to recover since we Filipinos are known for our resiliency. May we continue to be resilient in these challenging times.
When tourists come to Cebu, waterparks are one of their favorite destinations. It serves a recreative and unique way while enjoying the pool.
Here is a list of waterparks that you can’t miss #whenincebu:
1. WaterWorld Cebu
The biggest waterpark in Central Visayas, WaterWorld Cebu reopened this year and welcomed back guests. They highlight their main attraction, the 10 extreme slides with different types. It houses a humongous giant wave pool and Waterhouse with a long lazy river – the river rapids.
Photo from Ram Mancelita
Photo from Ram Mancelita
Photo from Ram Mancelita
Photo from Ram Mancelita
RATES:
Entrance fee:
₱350 per head (weekdays) for both kids & adults
₱400 per head (weekends & holidays) for both kids & adults
Kids 3 feet below are FREE OF CHARGE.
Table rentals: ₱400 per day, good for 8pax
Locker rentals: ₱100 per locker (the same group may share one locker)
Aqua Suites: ₱2,500 (Day Use only)
Air-condition function rooms are also available for rent.
Exact Location: It is located at Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City, Cebu — near the tip of Marcelo Fernan Bridge on the Mandaue City side.
2. JPark Island Resort
A 5-start Resort in Mactan, home to the first Pororo theme park in Cebu. They have room accommodation and a private beach that stands out from the rest of the waterparks in Cebu.
Photo from Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark. Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark. Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark. Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark. Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark. Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark. Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark. Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark. Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark. Cebu Facebook Page
EXACT LOCATION: Inside JPark Island Resort Cebu at M.L Quezon Highway, Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
3. Cebu Westown Lagoon
A themed waterpark that is located in the middle of bustling Mandaue City, Cebu Westown Lagoon features a kiddie, jacuzzi, and main pool that offers two curvy slides. They also offer room accommodations.
EXACT LOCATION: FF. Cruz St., Subangdaku, North Reclamation Area, Mandaue City
4. Bluepool Waterpark Naga
The only waterpark that can be found in Southern Cebu, Bluepool Waterpark offers several slides. They also have room accommodations; the highlight is their Beach House that faces the sea.
Bluepool Waterpark Naga Facebook Page
Bluepool Waterpark Naga Facebook Page
Bluepool Waterpark Naga Facebook Page
Bluepool Waterpark Naga Facebook Page
Bluepool Waterpark Naga Facebook Page
Bluepool Waterpark Naga Facebook Page
Bluepool Waterpark Naga Facebook Page
Bluepool Waterpark Naga Facebook Page
Bluepool Waterpark Naga Facebook Page
Bluepool Waterpark Naga Facebook Page
RATES:
Family Room: P1,500
Beach House: P4,000
EXACT LOCATION: Langtad Bridge, City of Naga, Cebu — 1.5-2 hours away from the city.
Cebu is home to various tourist spots, including the best-themed waterparks in the Visayas. No wonder tourists don’t fail to include this from their itinerary when visiting Cebu.
Imagine waking up to a 360-degree view from the mountainside. This is the perfect vacation treat we daydream of.
This newly opened resort in the uphill mountains of Brgy. Mabini in Cebu City faces a gorgeous view of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu City.
Mabini Skyview Resort faces the mountains while you enjoy taking a plunge in its infinity pool and jacuzzi with the best viewing experience.
Photo from Mabini Sky View Facebook PagePhoto from Mabini Sky View Facebook PagePhoto from Mabini Sky View Facebook PagePhoto from Mabini Sky View Facebook Page
They also accommodate a place to stay for guests. They have a log cabin where you can book the whole place.
They have a living room with a refrigerator to make your drinks cold. They also have rooms with comfy beds and huge glass windows. The other room has double-decked beds for non-couples. All are airconditioned. It also has a restroom.
Cebu City doesn’t only have beautiful mountains in the renowned Balamban, you can also take a side trip to this mountain barangay near Talamban. If you are looking for a place to rest in Cebu City, then this place is for you.
Photo from Mabini Sky View Facebook PagePhoto from Mabini Sky View Facebook PagePhoto from Mabini Sky View Facebook PagePhoto from Mabini Sky View Facebook PagePhoto from Mabini Sky View Facebook PagePhoto from Mabini Sky View Facebook PagePhoto from Mabini Sky View Facebook PagePhoto from Mabini Sky View Facebook PagePhoto from Mabini Sky View Facebook Page
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Entrance fee: Access to the Picnic Area and a Full View of the Resort Grounds
Adults – P100
Children, 10 years old and below – P50
Infant, 2 years old and below – Free
Full Access with Pool Use (Infinity Pool, Kiddie Pool, and Jacuzzi)
Mon – Thu
Adult – P250
Children – P150
Infants – Free
Fri – Sun and Holidays
Adult – P350
Children – P250
Infants – Free
Pool hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
COTTAGE FEES:
Table & chairs: P500/set
Cottage: P1,500, 10 pax capacity
Pergola (rates are exclusive of entrance fee)
20 pax capacity – P2,000
25 pax capacity – P2,500
30 pax capacity – P3,000
OTHER INFORMATION:
You may bring food and drinks. No corkage fee, just practice claygo.
Corkage only applies to the following: Alcoholic drinks – P500; Lechon – P500/piece
A Singapore-like city vision means better public transportation.
Cebu City Public Information Office recently announced that the long-overdue Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project will finally begin in January 2023.
Photo from Unsplash
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is said to hasten the project implementation further as he visited Engr. Benedicto Guia Jr., manager of DOTr’s National BRT Program Management Office, for status updates.
DOTr revealed in a courtesy call that the winning bidder is already selected for the civil works of the project’s package 1. Phase 1 will start after the release of the Notice of Award, which is set to be given this week. The contractor must comply with all requirements to “perfect” the contract.
Package 1 will cover the following routes: Cebu South Bus Terminal on N. Bacalso Ave. going to the Cebu Provincial Capitol via Osmena Blvd.
Over the past few years, there has been a further delay of Cebu’s BRT due to multiple factors, such as changes in its design, routes, and road right-of-way (RROW). However, it will immediately proceed since there will no longer be any road widening or property acquisition in this portion of the 2.3-kilometer project.
The mayor instructed his executive secretary, Atty. Collin Rosell, to coordinate with the BRT Project Implementation Office in order to provide support during the eventual rollout.
Photo from Cebu BRT Facebook PagePhoto from Cebu BRT Facebook PagePhoto from Cebu BRT Facebook PagePhoto from Cebu BRT Facebook PagePhoto from Cebu BRT Facebook PagePhoto from Cebu BRT Facebook Page
