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ÊTRE: Cebu’s very own Highly Innovative Skincare Line to help you Look Younger

Have you ever wanted that cheat sheet that everyone else must-have for looking years younger than their age?

Well, the age cheat that you’re looking for is skincare, and not just any skincare but the right ones that are safe and highly effective.. 

Lucky for you, we have discovered this highly innovative skincare and Cebu’s very own, ÊTRE

ÊTRE is a Cebu homegrown skincare line that promises to repair and regenerate skin cells with their own highly innovative formulations that were researched and developed  for years and even registered under the intellectual property of the Philippines. 

The formulation of ÊTRE aims to Repair and Regenerate damaged skin cells. Some of the active ingredients are; Perfection Peptide P3, Botanical extracts, Uttwiler Spatlauber stemcells, other Premium ingredients plus ÊTRE Exclusive CellRebirth, Exfolite, CellRenu and Miracle8 formulation.

ÊTRE products can help fix the skin damage caused by harsh rejuvenating sets and it can also help delay skin aging on a cellular level.

ÊTRE is highly Innovative with proven safe and effective products. It has Luxurious formulations but  Affordable and worth purchasing now. 

All ÊTRE products are with FDA CPNs and the Wellness line also has  Halal Certification.

Free Digital Skin Assessment

Unlike other brands, ÊTRE can personalize the product recommendation even just by visiting their website.  

They have a very interesting Digital Skin Assessment  tool that can help recommend to you the best product suited for your specific skin type. it also comes with personalized instructions. 

Click here:

4 Exclusive Formulations of ÊTRE

ÊTRE researched and developed  its own formulations making sure that only the best will be delivered to us Cebuanos and the world. Most of the active ingredients are imported all the way from Europe and manufactured in Sta. Rosa Laguna, Philippines.

  • CellRebirth – Repair, Regenerate and Protect skin cells (Uttwiler Spatlauber stemcells)
  • Miracle8 – compliments the best benefit of botanical extracts from 8 Superfoods when applied to face body and hair
  • CellRenu– visibly reduces fine lines, and wrinkles and restores skin’s moisture balance, boosting hydration and radiance using Liposome technology.
  • Exfolite – incorporates Micro-exfoliation technology while Cleansing and Revitalizing the deeper skin layer 

ÊTRE Wellness Line

ÊTRE is not only a skincare line, they have also ventured into innovative products that cater to your overall wellness. 

Their wellness  line promises to promote overall mind and body relaxation for all ages.They have essential oils and beauty oils. The main luxurious ingredient in the wellness line is Saffron- the most expensive spice in the world.

ÊTRE products

For easy reference, the products of ÊTRE are segmented into:

  • Pimple and oil control formulation:
    • CellRenu System (set)
    • Exfolite soap
    • ÊTRE TRIO
  • Anti-Aging formulation:
    • Miracle8 (Halal Certified)
    • EGF serum
    • Collagen Boost
    • AgeBloc
    • ÊTRE TRIO
  • Anti-Stress formulation:
  • Saffron Magnificent oil (Halal Certified)

Visit ÊTRE website and know more about the Brand. 

Aside from the Philippines,  they have many users in other countries such as ; Hongkong, Singapore, USA, Canada, UK, Japan, Australia, The Mediterranean, Papua New Guinea and The Cayman Islands.

Personally I had the opportunity  to chat with  the founder of ÊTRE, and it is  surprising that the company is founded by a gentleman who doesn’t look his age. He seemed to be in his early 30’s but he was  honest enough to admit that he is almost 50 years old.

ÊTRE is a Beauty and Youth  elixir loaded with antioxidants, vitamins,  nutrients and Premium ingredients  made for you.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Best sellers: 

  • ÊTRE MIRACLE8
  • ÊTRE TRIO
  • ÊTRE EGF serum 
  • ÊTRE Exfolite soap
  • ÊTRE Collagen boost
  • ÊTRE CellRenu system  
  • ÊTRE AgeBloc system  
  • Saffron Magnificent oil

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Branch location: 

  • Mactan Shop- Osmeña St. Lapu-Lapu City (near Hoops Dome & TAMIYA)

Etre Global Essentials Inc.

BY BUS: 

  • SM Seaside: You can take a FREE MyBus ride from/to BDO Fuente Osmena from 8:20 am to 10:00pm. You can also ride any MyBus from SM City Cebu, Talisay, Mandaue City, Parkmall, and any Cibus to get to and from SM Seaside City Cebu Drop-off point is at the City Wing Entrance.
  • Mactan Store: Ride any beep or PUJ going to Tamiya. Then from there ride a tricycle going to Osmeña St. Lapu-Lapu City.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “ETRE Global ” in Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City. Parking space is available.

Nuclear Reactor operational after 34 years, start of Nuclear-powered PH

The Philippines now has a working nuclear reactor after 34 years. This nuclear reactor though is a research reactor made possible by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI).

It will serve as a base for research and training of nuclear engineers and scientists as well as potential nuclear power plant operators in the Philippines.

Photo from Gino Aliperio

Located in Quezon City, Philippine Research Reactor 1 – SATER (Subcritical Assembly for Training, Education, and Research) or just SATER is targeted to be fully operational by 2023.

It is truly a big step towards a nuclear-powered Philippines especially with the issuance of Executive Order 164 last Feb. 28. The EO made by the Duterte administration states the addition of nuclear energy as an energy supply source in the Philippines to address the nation’s problem of inadequate electricity supply.

Now, you might be wondering what and who is PNRI if you’ve just heard about them through this article, well quick trivia, under Executive Order 128, the PNRI is mandated to perform the following functions:

  • Conduct research and development on the application of radiation and nuclear techniques, materials and processes.
  • Undertake the transfer of research results to end-users, including technical extension and training services.
  • Operate and maintain nuclear research reactors and other radiation facilities.
  • License and regulate activities relative to production, transfer and utilization of nuclear radioactive substances.

According to the viral post in the PNRI, as of June 23, 2022, all of the 44 fuel rods have been successfully loaded to the TRIGA (Training, Research, Isotopes, General Atomics) subcritical reactor.

“SATER will support the country’s capacity building in nuclear and reactor science and technology, provide a research facility for academic and research institutions, demonstrate research reactor operation and utilization and provide support for nuclear manpower development for the nuclear power program of the country,”

 – ROWENA CRISTINA GUEVARA, DOST UNDERSECRETARY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Photo from Unsplash

A little bit history, SATER was shut down in 1988, 34 years ago, as repercussion on the controversial cancellation of operating Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) in 1986.

The cancellation has brought fear and anxiety to people, as all the nuclear disasters that happened in the world did but with its subcritical and zero-power configuration, PRR-1 SATER is inherently safe as a facility for nuclear education and research according to DOST.

Aside from the country re-establishing its nuclear capability, the research reactor will also support nuclear education programs that are being offered in UP Diliman and Mapua University.

Full Face-to-Face Classes now allowed in Cebu City

On June 29, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama signed a new executive order (EO) that allows all government-run schools and private educational institutions in Cebu City to fully conduct face-to-face lessons amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new EO 164 will fully allow in-person classes at all levels with the condition that a minimum standard of public health procedure must be followed in schools. These include:

  • Using of face masks
  • Keeping a physical distance
  • Taking students’ temperatures as they enter the building
  • Often washing hands or using disinfectants
  • Immediate reporting flu-like symptoms as soon as they appear

According to the city mayor, schools and universities should create their own policies to guarantee that lessons would be held in a safe and adequate accommodation capacity.

There are around 140 elementary and high school public schools in Cebu City.

Ten universities are expected to open their doors to students again anytime soon. These include the University of San Carlos, University of Cebu, Cebu Institute of Medicine, Velez College, University of Southern Philippines Foundation, Don Bosco Technical College-Cebu, and Southwestern University.

Affordable Rest House by the Beach in Alcoy

If you are looking for a lowkey and affordable venue for that upcoming reunion with your family, friends, and even high school buddies, this place might just be the one for you. Located in Pasol, Alcoy, this rest house by the beach with an overlooking mountain view.

Photo from Milafe Tayona

Though actually a residential house, this rest house is offered by the owners for groups who are temporarily looking for a place to stay while in Alcoy. The house has four rooms in total, with two rooms fully air-conditioned including the living room. Complete with basic amenities such as kitchen, bathroom, living room and air-conditioned sleeping rooms, the rest house is simply a comfortable stay while you are in vacation. Additionally, they also have a karaoke machine available for use and of course, for free.

Guests are more than free to bring their own meals and cook as their kitchen is complete with basic equipment. They also have a functioning fridge that you can use to store your food for tomorrow, depending on the number of days one would stay there.

Photo from Milafe Tayona

Properly guarded and all complete with a gate and fence, safety is ensured while you are staying here. The neighborhood is also reportedly friendly and safe so guests don’t need to worry about anything else other than having a good time. The place is also nearby the barangay hall of Pasol so in case of emergency, help is easily available.

Photo from Milafe Tayona
Photo from Milafe Tayona
Photo from Milafe Tayona
Photo from Milafe Tayona
Photo from Milafe Tayona
Photo from Milafe Tayona

Its vicinity to the beach is definitely a plus for the guests, not to mention the mountain view offered by the place. An overlooking view of Brgy. Pasol is also a bonus, allowing you to have that tranquil and mesmerizing experience.

The rest house is also near Tingko Beach Resort and Obong Spring, giving guests more options to venture out while in the area. Via commute, these Alcoy hot spots can be located as cheap as P10 per head. Local fisher folk even sell fresh catch to guests if you are lucky enough to spot them after a day’s worth of fishing.

The rest house is also available for other intimate occasions such as birthdays, company outings, family outings and even team buildings.

Photo from Milafe Tayona
Photo from Milafe Tayona
Photo from Milafe Tayona
Photo from Milafe Tayona

RATES

  • Whole House Rate: P7,500 per night, good for 14 persons (Friday to Sunday bookings)
  • Whole House Rate: P6,500 per night, good for 14 persons (Monday to Thursday bookings)

OTHER INFORMATION:

  • Operating Hours: Always Open
  • Contact Number: 0995-756-0520
  • Facebook Page: N/A

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Brgy. Pasol, Alcoy, Cebu

BY BUS: Go to Cebu City South Bus Terminal and ride on a bus bound for Alcoy. After arriving in the town proper, ride a motorcycle going to the rest house located in Brgy. Pasol.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to Brgy. Pasol, Alcoy. Parking space is available.

Quick Beach Getaway at Casay Beach Huts in Dalaguete

Located in Casay, Dalaguete, Casay Beach Huts is the newest beach destination down south. Recently opened just this year, the beach resort boasts their iconic “huts” as their main type of accommodation for guests who want to enjoy the waters of Dalaguete’s beaches.

Photo from Mich Rosales

Resembling the traditional Filipino nipa hut, the beach huts here are truly aesthetic as incorporated traditional and modern designs were definitely in mind when the huts were made. Truly stylish and at the same time relaxing, the beach huts here are a refreshing take from the usual villas and cottages most beach resorts offer.

With most beach huts offering an overlooking view of the sea, guests are surely treated with a tranquil and stress-reducing experience. Merely taking a breath of fresh air while in the premises are guaranteed to make anyone’s stress disappear. Surrounded by lush trees and other plants, the natural elements provided by the resort is truly therapeutic.

Photo from Casay Beach Huts Facebook Page
Photo from Casay Beach Huts Facebook Page
Photo from Casay Beach Huts Facebook Page

Speaking of activities that can be done here, swimming Dalaguete’s beaches is definitely number one but the place is also wide enough to allow guests have intimate events such as birthdays, debuts, and even team building activities possible here. If the place is beautiful by day, Casay Beach Huts is actually more mesmerizing by night as they also have balconies and wide space to allow sunset watching and even star gazing.

Their amenities include free use of their barbeque grill station, kayak, paddle boards, snorkel and life vests. While the resort is near the beach, upcoming amenities will come such as swimming pools, picnic tables and many more as they are still under construction. The resort also allows bringing of pets within the premises.

Photo from Casay Beach Huts Facebook Page
Photo from Mich Rosales
Photo from Mich Rosales
Photo from Mich Rosales
Photo from Mich Rosales
Photo from Mich Rosales

RATES

Casay Beach Huts is currently having a soft opening promo (as of this writing) with the following rates:

Overnight Stay

  • Cottage with AC – P2,800.00 (good for 2-3 pax)
  • Beach Huts with AC – P1,800.00 (good for 2 pax)
  • Beach Huts with Electric Fan – P1,400.00 (good for 2 pax)
  • Additional Single Bed – P300.00
  • Pop-up Tent with Single Bed – P500.00

Day Use

  • Cottage with AC – P1,600.00 (good for 2-3 pax)
  • Beach Huts with AC  – P900.00 (good for 2 pax)
  • Beach Huts with Electric Fan  – P700.00 (good for 2 pax)
  • Cliff Open Cottage – P1,500.00 (good for 10-15 pax)
  • Cliffside Cabana – P900.00 (good for 5-6 pax)

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Sitio Angas, Casay, Dalaguete, Cebu

BY BUS: Head to South Bus Terminal. You can take any bus that will pass by Dalaguete. Since Casay Beach Huts is a famous destination, you can ask the conductor to drop you off in the resort. Travel time is around 2 hours from the city proper with fare amounting to 120-150 pesos.

From Dalaguete junction, you can ride a tricycle to Casay Beach Huts, fare is around 20-30 pesos.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Casay Beach huts” in Casay, Dalaguete. Parking space is available.

GCash now offers Pet Insurance; here’s everything you need to know

On Monday, GCash disclosed that it was developing additional services, including crypto goods, travel insurance, and even cat-specific pet insurance.

two long coated brown and black dogs
Photo by Helena Lopes

The pet insurance service, which was previously only offered to dog owners by the Ayala-led fintech, will soon be extended to cats.

According to GCash Head of New Business Neil Trinidad, pets can get up to P100,000 in medical reimbursement, burial help, owner’s liability coverage, or owner’s protection when legal obligations are incurred as a result of a pet’s behavior, through Pet Insure through the GInsure marketplace.

Users may access the app’s GInsure marketplace to acquire pet insurance, which costs as little as P650.

Photo from Unsplash

FAST FACTS OF GCASH PET INSURANCE COVERAGE

  • Monthly Rate: ₱650
  • Annual Rate: ₱3,200
  • Coverage: Up to ₱30,000
  • Insurer: Malayan Insurance via GCash

Coverage:

  • Medical reimbursement (your pet requires consultation, tests, scans, surgery, hospitalization, and medication)
  • Cruciate ligament injuries
  • Burial assistance (your pet has been put down due to euthanasia)
  • Owner’s Liability (Legal liabilities to 3rd party due to your pet’s actions)
  • Personal accident cover (covers you – the pet owner, in the accidental event)
adult brown and white pembroke welsh corgi near the body of water
Photo by muhannad alatawi on Pexels.com

Requirements:

  • For home pets only. Meaning, dogs used for services like police, military are not qualified.
  • Dog must be six months old up to 8 years old.
  • Dog must have extensive vaccination (e.g. 5-in-1), anti-rabies, and deworming shots.

How to apply?

How to claim?

To claim your Pet Insurance, follow these steps: 

  • STEP 1: Tap on GInsure
  • STEP 2: Tap on My Insurance 
  • STEP 3: Tap on Pet Insure (dog)
  • STEP 4: Tap on your policy and it will direct you to the policy page where you can submit your claims

MORE INSURANCE OPTIONS COMING SOON

The availability of the insurance policy for other pets was also confirmed by GCash, who added that the pet insurance was “very powerful.”

assorted color kittens

Aside from the pet insurance, GCash will soon offer vacation insurance and house fire insurance.

Spotify launches Karaoke Mode with scoreboard

It’s undeniable that Filipinos love to sing their hearts out whether or not there’s an occasion. And oh, we love a little competition (even against ourselves) with that scoreboard.

Photo from Unsplash

Top music app Spotify recently launched its newest feature – the Karaoke mode that allows you to sing along and gives you a score at the end. This can be enjoyed on both Android and Apple devices.

How to get the new Karaoke feature?

Photo from Unsplash

It’s very simple to use Spotify’s karaoke feature. All you have to do is update the app to ensure you have the most recent version.

Once the app has been updated, scroll down and pick the song you want to sing. On the top right of it, there is a “sing” option and the lyrics.

Spotify lets you sing along with the music when you select the karaoke option. You even receive a score card at the conclusion that grades your singing.

Unfortunately, the update is not yet available for everyone as the new feature is still continuously being rolled out. So keep an eye on the app so you don’t miss out.

Ice Skating Rink at SM Seaside City Cebu reopens

The only ice skating rink in the Visayas & Mindanao found in SM Seaside City Cebu is set to reopen on June 30.

Get ready to slide and glide to experience the magic of ice with the promise of unlimited fun all day.

One can avail of a 2-hour pass admission for only P300, or a Day Pass Admission for P450. To those skating for the first time, you may rent out a Polar Bear that you can push around with rental fee at P100 per hour. An ice-skating assist coach is also available for P150 for 30 minutes. Those who need to leave their belongings may avail of a locker for only P50.

For your convenience, one may purchase tickets in advance over-the-counter, or through Metrodeal.

On top of these exciting leisure services, SM Skating also offers learning programs such as basic skating lessons and ice hockey.

SM Skating, with an Olympic size rink and upscale facilities, has proven its value to the market by hosting exciting activities, providing a venue for all types of events to promote not only family bonding but foster camaraderie among friends and colleagues.

SM Skating is located at the 3rd level of SM Seaside City Cebu, and is open daily from 10AM to 9PM.

Checkout SM Skating in Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or at SM Seaside City Cebu (Official) for daily updates and promos.

Must-Have Vintage Aesthetic Record Player for Music enthusiasts

Vinyl records are making a comeback.

There is just nothing quite like the sound of vinyl when playing music which is why it has stayed even in this digital age. Music enthusiasts just love them and people of this generation are slowly discovering their magic as well.

Photo from Ben and Bart

Collecting vinyl records though require first and foremost, a good turntable.

Now, turntables are a bit pricey so this hobby isn’t that good for the budget but no worries as we have here a turntable that is not only affordable but has the vintage aesthetic that we see in every trend these days.

Vinyl newbies rejoice as a local brand known for their vintage-inspired finds, Ben and Bart, gives you the ‘Sunny Chicago Turntable’.

Bring on the nostalgia through this record player’s retro look complete with its leather casing resembling a suitcase when sealed.  It’s A for aesthetic indeed when displayed in your bedroom or living room. It is also an A in its being handy when traveling or moving, you just pack it up like a common briefcase, and voila it’s ready.

Photo from Ben and Bart
Photo from Ben and Bart

The new Ben and Bart Sunny Chicago Turntable have various knobs and components as all turntables do but it is user-friendly and a little scan through the instructions and a youtube tutorial and you are good to go.  

First, you plug the player in, then place the record that you want to listen to on the slip mat, position the needle as instructed, and then wait for the magic of music that can only be made by vinyl.

Sunny Chicago Turntable features

  • Built-in stereo speakers
  • you can also opt to connect your own personal sound system
  • Has three different speed settings
  • Has a pitch adjuster (however you prefer)
  • Can be a Bluetooth speaker
  • Connect your smartphone when you don’t own them on vinyl yet
Photo from Ben and Bart

Color plays a big part in choosing your aesthetic vinyl as it should complement your interiors or whatever space you want to place it in.

At a price of P5,250 each Ben and Bart Sunny Chicago Turntable is available in four chic colors: 

  • Sky
  • Cream
  • Olive
  • Black

Now, if you want to start your vinyl record journey, the Ben and Bart Sunny Chicago Turntable is available on Shopee.

‘Flexi-Work’ arrangements in Government Agencies approved

The Civil Service Commission or CSC has approved a memorandum allowing all government agencies to have flexible work arrangements anytime. With the pandemic still looming in, calls from government employees has pushed the commission to have flexible work modes be implemented.

Photo from Philippine News Agency

Promulgated on May 18, the commission has approved such work arrangements with the discretion of the head of any agencies who wish to adapt with the flexi-work setup. Taking effect on June 15, the commission also setup rules and regulations regarding the implementation of the flexi-work arrangements for government entities, including stakeholders should be assured of continuous delivery of services from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the standard office hours for government offices.

The CSC Memorandum Circular No. 2022-6 will cover around 1.7 million government employees regardless of the status of appointment. This means that both regular and contractual (Job Order) employees can be included in the flexi-work arrangement an agency would like to adapt.

“As a parallel policy to the Telecommuting Law of the private sector, the flexible work arrangement guidelines covering 1.7 million government employees regardless of the status of appointment, will certainly change the landscape of work in the country,”

THE CSC SAID IN A RELEASE.

The commission mentioned that the adoption of flexi-work arrangements is part of the anticipated “new normal” in the job industry, not just for private sectors but for those who work in the government as well.

“It serves as a preventive measure to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of government officials and employees while ensuring the government’s continued operations and efficient delivery of public services,”

IT ADDED.
Photo from Unsplash

Flexible Work Arrangements

As per CSC’s resolution, the following are the flexible work arrangements government entities (GEs) can adapt:

  • Flexiplace – Officials and employees may be authorized to render services away from their office
  • Compressed work week – The 40-hour work week could be compressed into four (4) days or less, instead of five (5)
  • Skeleton workforce – A minimum number of workers will be required to report to the office when full staffing is not possible
  • Work shifting – For agencies required by law to operate 24/7 or agencies required to observe workplace health and safety protocols
  • Flexitime – Employees are allowed to report between 7 am to 7 pm provided they complete the required 40-hour workweek
  • Combination of flexible work arrangements – This can be adopted by an agency according to what is appropriate or applicable to its mandate and functions

CSC Commissioner Aileen Lizada mentioned that the commission was just presenting several options, stating that no singular fixed arrangement could work for all agencies, thus the proposed options.

The commission also pointed out that agencies who wish to adopt such arrangements must be aligned with their internal guidelines.

“For example, there are certain administrative tasks that [do not require one to] report [to the] office anymore like accounting, research and policy formulation…, it depends on the tasks that the agencies will consider appropriate for these schemes,”

CSC COMMISSIONER AILEEN LIZADA SAID.
Photo from Unsplash

Flexi-work Requirements

The following are the CSC’s requirements before an agency can adopt the proposed flexi-work arrangements:

  • Agencies must be able to formulate internal guidelines that must be submitted to CSC for record-keeping and reference purposes
  • Agencies should ensure that public services, programs, and projects will not be ‘negatively affected, delayed, or hampered.’
  • Agencies must be able to adopt performance standards, timelines, and submissions of accomplishment reports in line with Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business Act.

Additionally, employees under the flexi-work arrangements are not entitled to overtime pay unless they physically report for work and render services beyond the normal eight-hour workdays or 40 hours a week.

“Government agencies shall ensure that support mechanisms are in place in the implementation of flexible work arrangements, such as appropriate personal protective equipment to frontline service providers and transportation facilities for physically reporting employees,”

THE CSC SAID.