The well-known travel website Conde Nast Traveler (CNTraveler) has included the Philippines in its list of the “40 Most Beautiful Countries in the World”.
El Nido, Philippines | Photo from Unsplash
The 7,641-island nation of Southeast Asia was specially cited by the travel website as “having it all” in terms of natural resources, citing the rice terraces of Banaue and the Philippine Cordilleras as well as Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan.
The 40 Most Beautiful Countries in the World featuring the Philippines | Photo from CNTraveler Official WebsitePuerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park | Photo from Unsplash
The Philippines, which have more than 7,000 islands, are unquestionably among the most beautiful places on earth, according to author Caitlin Morton. In Palawan, the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park has mangrove swamps, one of the largest cave systems in the world, and an underground river. The remarkably uniformly shaped 1,776 grass-covered domes that make up the Chocolate Hills on the island of Bohol. Both Banaue’s and the Philippine Cordilleras’ rice terraces provide expansive views of every shade of green conceivable.
The Natural Resources part of the World Economic Forum Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report and the editors’ personal choices of CNTraveler served as the foundation for The 40 Most Beautiful Countries in the World, which was published in June 2022.
Coron, Philippines | Photo from Unsplash
The Philippines and its tourist destinations Siargao, Palawan, Boracay, and Cebu are among the top island destinations recommended by CNTraveler Awards.
This is our chance to meet face-to-face our favorite artist once again since 2016 as a GOT7 member as he is coming back to Cebu, but this time, as a soloist.
The Thai member of popular K-pop boy group GOT7, BamBam will be holding two fan sign events in the Philippines, one of which is in Cebu.
CDM Entertainment recently announced that the GOT7 member will have his fansign event in Cebu scheduled this July 26, 2022, at The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu. More details will be announced on their Facebook or Twitter handles soon.
You guessed it right! BamBam Fansign in the Philippines is happening & it'll be in TWO cities!🎉 Save the dates:
📆 7/26 | 6 PM | The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu 📆 7/28 | 6 PM | Activity Center, Ayala Malls Manila Bay
Debuted on January 16, 2014, Kunpimook Bhuwakul, commonly known as BamBam, is a Thai rapper and singer based in South Korea, and a member of the boy band Got7 under JYP Entertainment.
In January 2021, the members of the group decided not to renew their contract with JYP Ent. following their contract expiration but they swore to keep their group as GOT7.
After parting with JYPE BamBam released his ever solo EP, riBBon, which debuted at No. 2 on Gaon Weekly Albums Chart and also ranked No.17 on Billboard’s World Digital Songs chart.
Check out BamBam’s latest MV ‘Slow Mo’
Cebu Aghases, it may be the perfect time to ‘Skrrt! skrrt!’ your wallets because Manila is just 1 hour away from Cebu!!
Our teachers in our formative years are probably our heroes and the people who have greatly contributed on shaping who we are today.
Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, CESE of Cebu Normal University | Photo from Cebu Normal University Facebook Page
This is why it is so important that you have a good one.
Well, it seems like the young Cebuanos are in the right hands as 5 Cebuano educators have been named by the Saceda Youth Lead (SYL) School as one of the 2022 Most Inspiring Teachers (MITs) of the Philippines.
Educator awardees from Cebu are:
Filomena Dayagbil of Cebu Normal University (CNU)
Jaypee Del Rosario of Mobile Emergency-Cebu
Imelda Gealon of DepEd-Argao Cebu Province
Fay Luarez of DepEd Cebu Province
Chaney Gulfan of DepEd Cebu Province
Photo from Saceda Youth Lead School Blog/Facebook Page
Being a good educator is admirable enough but to be an inspiring one, now that is next level power for a teacher as they get to plant dreams and convince the future generation on their paths to take.
If you are unfamiliar with SYL, it is a non-governmental youth organization that aims to empower students and professionals in the ASEAN region to become effective citizens.
SYL functions
assists MITs to participate in conferences in Asia
co-lead SYL’s programs in the ASEAN
spearhead projects for teachers, the youth, and local government units in PH
Photo from Saceda Youth Lead School Facebook Page
There were 28 awardees from all over the Philippines announced through Facebook from over a hundred nominees screened.
The national search that took over six months will have a Formal Awarding Ceremony and Formation Training on August 4-6, 2022 in Dumaguete City, where SYL is based.
These teachers will certainly set a good example for all aspiring educators out there.
The path to zero waste is long and slow but we are slowly getting there.
Photo from Watsons Malaysia
Watsons, one of the most visited stores in the Philippines, is known for their many self-care products among others. As they offer a wide of variety of consumer products, they also produce a large number of containers for them.
Thankfully, the company recognizes this problem as well and now has plans on launching refilling stations in selected stores in Metro Manila this 2022.
These refilling stations hope to lower product cost while helping the environment as well. Containers can be reused over and over again so it really is a win-win situation and should be practiced by everyone.
Hopefully, Manila will just be the start for the refilling so that we can just carry our empty containers and bottles in our hand bags or totes and walk-in any Watsons store in the Philippines and then refill to our hearts content. This way we can save up on our money and minimize our waste especially plastics.
Photo from Watsons MalaysiaPhoto from Watsons Malaysia
“Watsons recognizes its customers to choose more sustainable products and a greener lifestyle. We are continuing this sustainability journey and we are making it personal by talking about how we can reduce our own individual carbon footprint,”
– VIKI ENCARNACION, WATSONS PUBLIC RELATIONS AND SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR
As part of the Watsons sustainability program, they hope to encourage customers to do good for the planet with these product refills along with picking products that has better packaging so they can be reused.
Simple and Easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint
We should always be mindful of what we consume and contribute to the world in terms of carbon footprint so here are some simple ways to help out.
eating more greens instead of meat
swapping, borrowing, renting or buying second-hand clothes
Gun shooting is becoming popular as a hobby here in Cebu. Whether you’re a gun enthusiast or just someone who wants to try something new, it is a hobby that should be taken with extreme precaution. If you have those aspirations of being like your favorite action movie star, then make sure to check these popular shooting ranges here in the city.
1. Hotshot Shooting Range
Photo from Mactan Sports Club Hotshot Shooting Range Inc. Facebook Page
Photo from Mactan Sports Club Hotshot Shooting Range Inc. Facebook Page
Photo from Mactan Sports Club Hotshot Shooting Range Inc. Facebook Page
Photo from Mactan Sports Club Hotshot Shooting Range Inc. Facebook Page
Photo from Mactan Sports Club Hotshot Shooting Range Inc. Facebook Page
Photo from Mactan Sports Club Hotshot Shooting Range Inc. Facebook Page
Photo from Mactan Sports Club Hotshot Shooting Range Inc. Facebook Page
Photo from Mactan Sports Club Hotshot Shooting Range Inc. Facebook Page
Photo from Mactan Sports Club Hotshot Shooting Range Inc. Facebook Page
Probably the most popular shooting range in the Lapu-Lapu area, this shooting range is preferred both by those who are officially training and even with occasional gun enthusiasts. Their affordable and reasonable pricing is also great, particularly to beginners especially the Sergeant’s Package.
Rates:
Location: Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines
2. Ammo Nation
Photo from Ammo-nation phil Facebook Page
Photo from Ammo-nation phil Facebook Page
Photo from Ammo-nation phil Facebook Page
Photo from Ammo-nation phil Facebook Page
Photo from Ammo-nation phil Facebook Page
Photo from Ammo-nation phil Facebook Page
Ammo Nation is conveniently located beside APM Centrale Mall, and what’s great about them is that they also offer Gun Safety Seminar. Their inhouse shooting range is great for those who want a quick gun-shooting session while in the city.
Rates:
Location: Yu Sing Building, 103 F. Ramos Street, Cebu City, Cebu, 6000, Philippines
3. Ultima Sharp Shooters Club
Photo from Ultima Sharp Shooter Club Facebook Page
Photo from Ultima Sharp Shooter Club Facebook Page
Photo from Ultima Sharp Shooter Club Facebook Page
Photo from Ultima Sharp Shooter Club Facebook Page
Photo from Ultima Sharp Shooter Club Facebook Page
One of the oldest and pioneering shooting ranges in Cebu, Ultima Sharp Shooters Club or simply Sharp Shooters in Cebu is a trusted shooting range in the city. Their location which is in Crown Regency Hotel and Suites is great and they both have an indoor and outdoor firing ranges.
Rates:
Location: Basement 2 Club Ultima Tower II, Fuente Towers,, Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City, Philippines
4. Armscor Shooting Range
Photo from Armscor Shooting Range Website
Photo from Armscor Shooting Range Website
Photo from Armscor Shooting Range Website
Photo from Armscor Shooting Range Website
You’ve probably already heard its name in radio advertisements. Armscor is popular as a gun store, with different variations of pieces, accessories and ammunition available yet they also have a dedicated shooting range in most of their shops. Buying a gun and trying it out immediately in their ranges, that’s definitely a “two birds with one stone” experience.
Located in Mactan, CPRA Firing Range’s dedicated shooting range is an outdoor range with a wide and open area. Securely secluded from the city proper, gun enthusiasts can surely experience a safe and secure shooting sessions.
Location: New Lipata, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu, Philippines
6. NS Shooting Range
Photo from NS Shooting Range Facebook Page
Photo from NS Shooting Range Facebook Page
Photo from NS Shooting Range Facebook Page
Photo from NS Shooting Range Facebook PagePhoto from NS Shooting Range Facebook Page
Photo from NS Shooting Range Facebook Page
Photo from NS Shooting Range Facebook Page
Photo from NS Shooting Range Facebook Page
NS Shooting Range is popular because it is the preferred go-to shooting venue for competitions and governors’ cup, such as the recently held Invitational Shootfest NS Shooting Range First Governor’s Cup last July 2-3, 2022. They also hold shooting events for a cause or for charity.
Location: Barangay Danglag, Consolacion, Cebu
Handling guns is no joke. So, before you think of trying out gun shooting as a hobby, do think twice about the responsibilities it entails.
Starting May 23, 2022, Landbank and BDO account holders can now withdraw and check their account balance at 7-Eleven ATMs for free.
Photo from 7-Eleven Facebook Page
The following types of Landbank cards are the valid cards for the free 7/11 ATM cash withdrawal and inquiry:
LANDBANK Cash Card
LANDBANK regular ATM Card
LANDBANK Visa Debit Card
With currently more than 1,700 ATMs operating in various 7/11 branches nationwide, Landbank hopes to help the Filipino people by easing their ATM transactions, with hashtags #ServingTheNation and #BankingOnFilipinoSpirit being used when they launched advertisements on social media regarding the news.
Photo form LJay Manayon
Last June 8, Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo demonstrated withdrawing cash from an automated teller machine (ATM) at a 7-Eleven store in Seascape Village, Pasay City to inaugurate the state-run Bank’s partnership with Pito Axm Platform, Inc. (PAPI) and Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC). During the inauguration, PAPI President Masanori Sakaguchi, PSC Finance Head Lawrence M. De Leon, and LANDBANK Senior Vice President Randolph L. Montesa were also present.
Although the service is only available in selected areas as of this writing, 7/11, Landbank and BDO will soon make the service available to up to 3,000 branches nationwide.
Additionally, BDO account holders are also included with 7/11’s initiative to place ATMs on their branches. BDO account holders share the same free cash withdrawal and inquiry benefit with Landbank account holders.
Non-Landbank and non-BDO accounts can also withdraw and check their account balance from the 7/11 ATMs for a fee of Php 10.00. This is by far the cheapest transaction fee compared to other existing banks.
With most 7/11 stores open 24/7, this makes the banking experience for Landbank and BDO account holders more convenient, easier and safer. Deposits are insured by PDIC up to P500,000 per depositor.
If there is one street food that’s very popular in Pardo, it surely is the distinct Ginabot. There’s just something in their ginabot that people from the city – or even from northern or southern parts of Cebu – would intentionally stopover to fix their cravings. Ginabot sa Pardo is crispy, flavorful and perfectly seasoned — once tasted, always wanted.
This crispy dish is Cebu’s take on chicharon bulaklak or pork crackling. Most of the time best paired with puso (hanging rice) and cold Sparkle or Mountain Dew. However, it is a street food that should be taken in moderation. Ginabot is made of pork intestines that are dried and salted before being deep-fried until they are golden brown.
Photo by Kristel Mae Taburnal
Photo by Kristel Mae Taburnal
Photo by Jay-r de la Calzada
Photo by Jay-r de la Calzada
Photo by Jay-r de la Calzada
Photo by Jay-r de la Calzada
Things you need to know
• Price: ₱20 per ginabot (chicharon bulaklak)
• Operating hours: There’s no exact time but they usually cook at 9AM for brunch and 4PM for late snacks daily (including Sundays). And most of the time, they run out of ginabot in 30 minutes to an hour after cooking, since they only cook 100pcs in a day. They also have other food like adobo.
• NOTE: The schedule for cooking ginabot is sometimes unpredictable, which makes it exciting in a way. There are days they cook ginabot earlier or later or even not at all. Don’t fret, as there’s a lot of food stations in the area. Just ask around.
How to get there?
Exact location: Behind Pardo Public Market, beside Three Sixty Pharmacy. Just right across Pardo Church.
Ride any jeepney going to Pardo/Bulacao. Either ride (1) a 10H jeepney from the SM City Cebu PUJ Terminal, or (2) a 12L jeepney from the Ayala PUJ Terminal, then another jeepney going to Tabunok or Minglanilla. Inform the driver to drop you off at Pardo Church. Cross the street via the sky walk, and you will immediately find the public market. Walk for another 1-2 minutes going a little further, at the back of the market where you can see Three Sixty Pharmacy.
Parking: If you’re driving your own car, you can park at Pardo Church and walk from there. Cross the street via the sky walk.
After recently completing the P115-million socialized housing in Cebu City, Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI) broke ground on the Tower 4 of the Mandaue City government’s Tipolo Residences as part of the listed company’s commitment to provide quality and sustainable in-city vertical socialized housing.
Photo from Cebu Landmasters, Inc.
This project is intended for the victims of the 2019 fire in Tipolo who are temporarily residing inside the Cebu International Convention Center and for informal settlers living dangerously along the city’s rivers and creeks. Each unit in Tipolo Residences Building 4 will have a gross floor area of 24.79 sqm. It is expected to be completed in 18 months.
CLI applies active and passive green design features to both projects in the cities of Cebu and Mandaue. All units are situated to receive a sufficient amount of daylight, reducing energy use. In addition, the ground floor units and common area spaces are lifted to allow cross ventilation. A large self-watering green wall is also integrated to provide cooling.
Photo from Cebu Landmasters, Inc.Photo from Cebu Landmasters, Inc.
The CLI and Cebu Landmasters Foundation teams work closely with the local governments of Cebu City and Mandaue City in the social preparation process and give recommendations on the rental rate, tenure, house rules, guidelines, and property management.
Before the airfares skyrocket later this year, it’s the perfect time to book ahead your travels.
Photo from AirAsia Facebook Page
From now until July 10, AirAsia is offering one-way base prices for as low as P77. With the promotion, you may travel from Manila to several locations for a cheap fare, including Roxas (P77) and Davao (P277).
The airline provider is also lowering the cost of foreign flights as part of its mid-year sale by allowing you to fly from Manila to other magnificent nations like Bangkok for P1,777 and Bali for P4,077.
For a P179 premium, you can also choose a window seat with a view.
Photo from AirAsia Facebook Page
Photo from AirAsia Facebook PagePhoto from AirAsia Facebook Page
Photo from AirAsia Facebook Page
Photo from AirAsia Facebook Page
Photo from AirAsia Facebook Page
Photo from AirAsia Facebook Page
The promotion’s travel window runs from September 1 through March 25, 2023.
Until July 6, Cebu Pacific has also introduced a travel promotion. It allows you to book overseas travel for as little as P499. The travel window is from February 1 to June 30, 2023. Enjoy!
Are you ready for CEBU City being the next “Singapore”?
Cebu City | Photo from Unsplash
Well, hold onto your seats and look to the future as Mayor Michael “Mike” Rama has called for unity even from those of his political opponents just to achieve his dream for the city.
“Journey with me (as we) transform Cebu City into a Singapore-like (city). Clean, green, orderly, and disciplined,”
– MAYOR RAMA
Above are his exact words for his dream and goal for the Rama administration during the inaugural speech at the Plaza Sugbo on Thursday, June 30, 2022.
Photo from Mayor Mike Rama’s Official Facebook Page
Rama further said that the people need their unity as LGU and that the general welfare is the supreme law.
Archival, who is also the council’s minority floor leader, indirectly answered in a different interview saying that they will be supporting whatever programs are good but will still check if these have disadvantages to the city.
Singapore-like
Singapore is known variously as the “Lion City” or “Garden City. ” Its reputation as one of the cleanest city and having many parks and trees all while being a hectic and booming city is admirable indeed.
Singapore | Photo from Unsplash
Now, if this is the “Cebu” that we want, we do not only need the LGU but every Cebuano to help achieve this especially for the cleanliness part.
Making Cebu City second to none in the country “is not impossible” according to Mayor Rama as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte, incoming House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and incoming Senate President Mark Villar will offer support.
Sinulog 2023
As much as we want to be liken to Singapore, we should still keep the best of Cebu like the epic Sinulog celebration which had its activities cancelled due to the pandemic and then odette.
Sinulog in Cebu | Photo from Unsplash
Mayor Rama also stated that Sinulog 2023 is set to be held in the South Road Properties and that the upgrade of SRP is eyed to be the future of growth and development in Cebu.
