There is something to look up to this June. And when I say look up, I mean literally look at the sky as five planets will have an alignment that will be visible to us early morning or dawn of June 24.
Art by LJay Manayon
This rare “planet parade” is Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn lining up in their proper orbital order from the sun.
The marvelous event is a month-long one however, the best day to see it with the naked eye is on June 24 when the lineup sight is more compelling.
Truly a sight to behold, what makes it more special is the fact that there hasn’t been seen this kind of planetary event since 2004, one that includes five separate planets.
Photo from Unsplash
When & Where to watch
Now, if you just want a glimpse of it then you can wake up early, get out of bed and look up but if you really want the best view and experience then get out very early in the morning, before the sun is too high in the sky as it will wash out the visibility of some planets.
You can decide to grab a pair of binoculars or not and look for higher ground or just a spot with a clear view of the southeastern predawn sky.
Photo from Unsplash
Sit back and relax, with your breakfast or snacks by your side and watch as the five planets make their way into the sky, starting with Mercury, then moving on to Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
Skywatchers and planet nerds should definitely take advantage of this rare planetary alignment as it is not certain when it will happen again and could take years.
During Lapu-Lapu City’s Charter Day last June 17 at the Session Hall, the Lapu-Lapu City Government, together with Lapu-Lapu Expressway (LLEX) Corporation signed a memorandum of agreement regarding the proposed P24.8 billion Lapu-Lapu expressway, also known as the skyway project.
Photo from Junard “Ahong” Chan on Facebook
With the approval of the City Council, where the majority signed a resolution last June 9, allowing Mayor Jun “Ahong” Chan to enter into a joint venture agreement (JVA) between the city government and LLEX Corp. composed of Premium Megastructures Inc., Ulticon Builders Inc. and MTD Philippines Inc.
Even though already proposed last year, the project was just recently signed after the City Council reviewed the amendments that came with JVA. One of the members of the City Council, lawyer Michael Dignos cited that the extension of the contract to 35 years with a possible extension of another 15 years was one of the amendments. Additionally, the City’s share in terms of toll revenues was increased from 1% to 2.5%.
“Proponent is not granted automatically exemption from taxes but (this) must be requested and left to the discretion of the SP (Sangguniang Panlungsod),”
HE SAID.
Photo from Junard “Ahong” Chan on FacebookPhoto from Junard “Ahong” Chan on Facebook
Apart from that, the road right of way (RROW) acquisition period was increased to 180 days instead of 90 days while the free service road must be constructed by the proponent once the general aviation road is closed and used for the expressway.
“Any and all roads directly affected by the LLEX must be provided with free service road,”
HE SAID.
Dignos also added that houses and other establishments affected during the construction of the project should be properly compensated.
With an aim of solving the traffic congestion Lapu-Lapu City is infamous for, the project targets serving 50,000 vehicles per day, effectively easing the traffic congestion. The expressway will be a four-lane, 12-kilometer toll road on Mactan Island.
Render by Premium Megastructures Inc.Render by Premium Megastructures Inc.Render by Premium Megastructures Inc.Render by Premium Megastructures Inc.
LLEX will connect the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway which ends in Gabi, Cordova to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City.
The project, which was in “development hell”, was turned down by the City Council a total of three times before finally being approved.
The City Council, whose majority was from the opposition bloc, cited issues why the project had to be turned down numerous times unless the amendments were met by both the government and LLEX Corp. The raising of the government’s share in the project’s proceeds to 2.5%, the compensation for the affected stakeholders, provision of alternative roads during the construction, and the questioning of the tax exemption for LLEX from paying both real and property taxes for 50 years were just some of the issues addressed.
Photo from Junard “Ahong” Chan on Facebook
The LLEX, which is expected to be operational by 2025, has an estimated economic return worth P66.5 billion over a 50-year period, or 40% of the joint venture’s commercial revenues will be going to the City’s treasury.
Nestled in the uphill area of upper Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, Cebu is the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, or popularly known as the Simala Shrine. She’s been adored and visited by both locals and tourists alike.
If you are a Marian devotee, the monastery is the best place for you to visit because she is considered to be the home of the “miraculous” Birhen sa Simala. Furthermore, the monastery is the best place for you to meditate and say your prayers.
It is believed that Virgin Mary cried blood on September 8, during her birthday – hence, the “miraculous” Virgin Mary. Being a devotee, you wouldn’t mind falling in line in order to meet and kiss the Virgin Mary as a sacrifice, even if it’ll take you an hour or so.
However, just a friendly reminder; you should be wearing formal dresses to enter the monastery and let us all e mindful of our words and actions.
Like any other church and monastery, Birhen sa Simala holds a Eucharistic celebration every day at 12:00 NN, except Saturdays and every 13th of the month for it starts at 10:30 AM.
Not allowed inside the church premises:
Wearing of shorts and mini skirts are not allowed.
Sleeveless dress, tube and short blouse are not allowed.
Men must wear pants/jeans and decent shirt.
Flying of drone is prohibited.
Candles are also available in the monastery for ₱35 each and you can use these to pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary. (Proceeds will serve as funding for the improvement and maintenance of the monastery.)
Exact location: Sibonga, Southern Cebu — 2-3 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal, ride a bus going to Oslob or Liloan/Santander. Tell the conductor you will get off at Simala to go to Simala Church. Fare is ₱85 (one-way). Alight at Simala near 7Eleven. Then ride a habal-habal (motorcycle) to take you to Simala Church. Fare is about ₱20 per person.
BY CAR: If you’re bringing your own car, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your destination to “Simala Church”. Very spacious parking space is available with a fee of ₱20 per vehicle.
We all know we Cebuanos love our meat, affordable, fresh, and tasty.
Now, we don’t have to go far and scour all the meat shops for all our meat needs especially those particular ones as this homegrown meat shop can now be found in Mandaue.
Located at Tipolo Square Building Mandaue City, Bellshayce is your dream one stop meat shop that provides quality products and services.
Bellshayce which got its named from the first-born daughter of the owner held their grand opening for their first branch in Cebu on June 18.
Though it’s their first branch, Bellshayce is no newbie to the market as they’ve been in the meat industry for a couple of years now and even have their own plant and direct supplier for the manufactured processed meat.
Good Quality Products & Impeccable Service
As promised, they will be providing the nearby communities good quality meat and impeccable service. Being a one stop shop, it does not only provide you all the meat variations there is that you can imagine with pork, chicken and beef but also have other grocery needs that you might want for your home.
PORK MEAT
Pork belly & Belly lean meat
Porkchop & Pork Ribs
Adobo/menudo/humba/ sugba cut
Hamstrips & Pork Ham
Pata Front & Back
Pork Jowl
Soup Bones & Pork Bones
Ground Pork (Regular & Special)
Samgyupsal
BEEF MEAT
Beef Shortplate
Beef forequarter
CHICKEN MEAT
Whole Dressed Chicken
Chicken Leg Quarter
Drumstick & Chicken Breast
Chicken Backbone
If processed goods are what you seek then Bellshayce has popular ones such as the Chorizo, tocino, ham, and longaniza.
Bellshayce operates and lives by their words “reaching their customers’ heart through their taste buds and be part of the people’s lives by offering tasty foods, with high quality, innovation and at affordable prices”.
Online Delivery and Supply
Cebuanos can order with just a click through their Facebook page and have it delivered in our own homes with a minimal delivery fee with no minimum order required. They are soon to be available on Grab, Foodpanda, and any logistics services.
If you’re interested in making your own business and reselling, they are open for resellers. Bellyshayce can also supply restaurants and hotels with a flexible rate depending on the volume of orders.
Promo Alert!
As an opening promo They are giving away FREE 1 Kilo of Rice and 3 packs of skinless chorizo for a minimum purchase of P500 valid from June 18-22.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Menu
Other Information:
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Exact location: Tipolo Square Mandaue City Cebu (beside Security Bank)
BY BUS: If you’re coming from northern area of Cebu, ride a bus or a jeep #24 or 25 going SM Cebu and vice versa if you’re from the city then drop at Tipolo Square Mandaue. Two minutes away from San Miguel Corporation building.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Bellshayce Meat shop” in Mandaue City. Parking space is available.
Yes. Another Cebu pride is added to the list as Silliman University’s Class of 2022 awarded its first summa cum laude graduate in 11 years to a Cebuano, Jose Paolo Mancao Echavez.
Photo from Jose Paolo via Silliman University College of Agriculture Facebook Page
With Silliman University being a private research university in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Echavez graduated with a degree on Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Major in Agronomy and had the highest Latin honors last Monday, June 13.
For a little bit of background, Agronomy is the application of science and technology to the improvement and management of the major food crops of the world. Fields of studied sciences includes biology, chemistry, economics, ecology, soil science, water science, pest management and genetics.
Echavez is 22 years old and hails from Cebu City. He has achieved an impressive cumulative quality point average (CQPA) of 3.85 to be noted that the highest grade in SU is 4.0.
In 2020, he was elected president of the Silliman University Student Government, leading the university’s student body through the height of the COVID19 pandemic.
Summa Cum Laude in the past years
Hector Bailey Calumpiano- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (2011)
Stacy Danika Alcantara- Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication (2009)
Marvin Flores- Bachelor of Science in Physics (2009)
Photo from Silliman University College of Agriculture Facebook Page
Echavez have also released a statement on his achievement saying that he was at his happiest after the official announcement was also saddened with what happened in Hacienda Tinang where farmers, peasants, and youth volunteers were harassed, red tagged, and illegally arrested.
He further states that he is an advocate for food secure Philippines, where farmers can till their own land, never knowing what hunger is and that he stands in solidarity with these people.
A journey to a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Famous Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu
Photo from Namieh Oya
This is proven to be true, especially to some of the country’s multimillion-peso net profit. These tycoons are no strangers to early struggles in life. Their net worth didn’t happen overnight though. Others took years to become self-made millionaires.
However, there are others who had someone along their side when they were fulfilling their “rags to riches” stories. One good example is Winnie Matriz and Namieh Oya.
Photo from Namieh OyaPhoto from Namieh OyaPhoto from Namieh Oya
To a relationship that started with close to nothing, they have bloomed into almost everything. Namieh got pregnant while they were still in a relationship as girlfriend and boyfriend, but Winnie never left her. He has been with her since Day 1.
From a motorcycle to go from one place to the other, who would’ve thought that they will have 4 vehicles to choose from. From living in a simple home to living in a mansion. The fruits of their labor taste even much sweeter because they are still together.
This couple has proven that true love does exist. With all the break-ups, may this remind us that there is a rainbow always after the rain.
Photo from Namieh OyaPhoto from Namieh OyaPhoto from Namieh Oya
Whenever
we wish to take a break from our everyday lives, we are presented with a lot of
options to choose from — top on the list involves the sun, the sand, and the
beach.
A perfect example would be the Basdaku White Beach, nestled in Moalboal in southern Cebu. For only ₱10-20 (depending from where you enter), you can experience Basdaku Beach’s wide shoreline and its crystal clear waters and pure white sand.
Photo by Jubert Valmores
A little trivia, the term ‘Basdaku’ is derived from two Cebuano words “bas” and “daku” which means ‘sand’ and ‘big’, respectively. The name literally describes the kilometer-long coastline of the beach.
What
are you waiting for? Go and revel in one of Cebu’s finest beaches.
Photo by Jepoi LazaroPhoto by Jepoi Lazaro
Photo by Jepoi Lazaro
Photo by Jepoi Lazaro
Photo by Zeus Pencer
Photo by Zeus Pencer
Photo by Zeus Pencer
Photo by Zeus Pencer
Fees
Estimated Bus Fare: ₱150-180 per head (one-way)
Tricycle: ₱30 per head (one-way)
Entrance fee: ₱10-20 per head only
Tent: ₱100 per tent (bring your own tent)
Tent rental: ₱500 to 2,000 (depending on the size)
Cottage fee: ₱300 to 2,500 (rates vary from one resort to another)
Tent Rental: P500 – P2000 *Rates may vary depending on the size
When it comes to
looking for a place to stay, Basdaku absolutely got it all for you.
For
travellers who prefer to sleep on the sand, witness the gracing sunrise or
magnificent sunset and enjoy the chilling vibe — which is something every
backpacker dreams of, there are definitely areas for camping.
You need to take note that some areas allow you to camp for FREE, however, for some, they have a minimal fee of ₱100-200 (exclusive of tent rental).
Photo by Jubert Valmores
How to get there?
Exact location: Basdaku Beach, Moalboal, southern Cebu — approx. 3 hours away from the city.
From South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Moalboal via Barili or Badian. Then ask to be dropped off at Gaisano Grand Mall Moalboal or Moalboal town proper. Another option would be by van, which is also available at One Citilink Terminal. Travel time is 3 hours depending on traffic conditions.
Once
you’ve reached the town of Moalboal, you can hire a tricycle to take you to Basdaku
or White Beach.
Where to stay?
If beach camping is not your thing, you may choose from this list of low-priced accommodation options and cheap apartments:
Rositas Cottages
Rosita’s cottages is a great place to take a break for either short-term or long-term travelers. It offers a fully equipped kitchen and rooms that have their own porch area, making the guests live like home.
This place offers a wonderful beachfront view, basic amenities and rooms that would make every guest’s stay worth it. This beach resort also comes with a restaurant that serves delish food selections.
0919-476-6385 / (032) 511-2499 Starts at 700 PHP CHECK RATES
Susan’s Seaview Resort
This resort is nestled at a great location that is close to many restaurants. Also, it offers a restaurant that has a nice terrace where guests can sit and enjoy the sea view. Susan’s Resort’s area is also popular for cycling or even just a short walk along the beach.
Located in Tongo Point, Basdiot, this resort is best known for how it caters the needs of the guests and aiming to make them feel at home away from home. Definitely one of the hotel that stands out.
(032) 316-4133 / 0917-631-4261 Starts at 1,000 PHP CHECK RATES
This giant cottage can fit a whole lot of people so that everyone can have the time of their life swimming and playing in the water. Whether it’s a big family gathering, barkada reunion, team building, or even birthday parties, you will all sail out into the middle of the sea and have it as a neighbor for the whole day.
Photo from Super Hiyong Floating Cottages in Cordova Facebook PagePhoto from Super Hiyong Floating Cottages in Cordova Facebook Page
You can just roll over the side of the cottage when you feel like its getting hot and enjoy the wide view of the sea and its sparkling color while eating good food and drinks surrounded by the people that you love. You can even go kayaking as they have them for rent and of course the ever-present videoke set to every Filipino gathering is also available for rent.
The giant floating cottage will give you that privacy and exclusivity that you seek for these intimate celebrations without it lessening the fun.
Photo from Mark CuyosPhoto from Mark CuyosPhoto from Mark CuyosPhoto from Mark Cuyos
Service inclusions:
boat transfer from port to cottage (and vice-versa)
BBQ grill
CR / changing area
free use of life vests
mini pool with net (safe for kids!)
second floor with view deck & diving platform
hammock
table and chairs
rentals: kayak, videoke set
The cottage is an owner operated vacational rental guest accommodation so they are asking for consideration on following the terms & conditions set for the your safety and upkeep of the cottage.
Photo from Mark CuyosPhoto from Mark CuyosPhoto from Mark CuyosPhoto from Mark CuyosPhoto from Mark Cuyos
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES:
EXCLUSIVE USE: P3,500 (30 pax capacity), WHOLE DAY
They say that at this day and age, true love is hard to get by. In this fast-paced world, a lot has jumped from a relationship to another, as quickly as they change clothes. Some would say that the “hookup culture” is very prevalent for this generation, but that doesn’t seem the case for one 19 year-old teen from Italy.
Photo from Giuseppe D’Anna
Giuseppe D’Anna, a 19 year-old teen from Italy admitted that he is now engaged with his 76 year-old “soulmate”. Via the popular video-sharing app, Tiktok, D’Anna posted a video showing asking his partner her hand for marriage. The heartfelt proposal swept the Internet and as of this writing, the Tiktok video has now more than 75 million views.
Posted last May 23, a video montage was posted as a Tiktok by D’Anna showing him and his now-fiancée (who he chose not to reveal her name yet to the public) sweet moments they shared. The montage included a photo of D’Anna kneeling in front of his partner while both were kissing, indicating that it was the moment the latter said “yes”. The video also included pictures of lavish gifts, including the presumably wedding ring, with a large diamond on it.
D’Anna captioned the video “la nostra promessa” which translates to “our promise”. Along with the caption is a green heart and the infinity symbol.
However great the news was, netizens all over Tiktok had mixed reactions regarding the news. Some commended the 19 year-old teen with his bravery declaring his love for someone much older than him, others have mentioned that the young man may have not been thinking things clearly and just infatuated. Some even said that it was all just a publicity stunt, that the account used “shock value” to gain likes and increase their following.
Photo from Giuseppe D’Anna
Prior to the proposal, Giuseppe D’Anna uses his Tiktok account by posting videos of him and his partner sharing sweet moments, doing Tiktok trends, eating food together, sharing quality time, and news clips where they were featured in local Italian news. The account has now 390.1k followers and a total of 12.9 million likes.
This article was originally published on VisMin.ph.
Visiting New Zealand is every traveler’s dream. Imagine waking up to its fresh breeze, green mountains, and cold weather which makes you want to sip your cup of coffee while snuggling close to your loved ones.
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
What a way to relax, right? But while it remains a lifetime away, how about traveling to a version of it in the Philippines?
Yes, you read that right! Your Maori dreams can be fulfilled in Lopez Highlands in Davao City.
Lopez Highlands
Situated in Barangay Baganihan in Marilog, Davao City, Lopez Highlands is a stunning villa open to the public for staycations.
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Like New Zealand, it is surrounded by lush greens accentuated by the cloudy, blue skies — making it a picture-perfect addition to your Instagram feed.
The two-story house can accommodate up to 15 people and is packed with amenities including a jacuzzi and two swimming pools, a wide kitchen area, three bedrooms, and an outdoor swing.
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Guests may also request a one-time bonfire where they can share stories while disconnecting from their phones.
Note that there is no Wi-Fi connection in the villa. Cellular data is also limited.
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
ROOM RATES:
Whole House (Mondays to Thursdays) – P9,000
Whole House (Fridays to Sundays) – P9,000
1 Bedroom with Loft – P4,500
Second Floor of the House Only – P7,000
Note: all room rates are applicable for overnight use. No day tours allowed.
Exact Location: Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao City, Philippines
BY BUS: Take a bus bound to Baganihan Barangay Hall if you are from Downtown Area. Average bus trip time is one and a half hours. Ask the driver or conductor to be dropped off at Sitio Katandungan, Barangay Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao City. Once you are there, you can ask the locals where Lopez Highlands is as you need to trek the mountaintop rest house for a few meters.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Lopez Highlands” in Marilog District, Davao City. Parking space is available.
This article was originally published on VisMin.ph.
