Cebu is still on its Build Build Build path and we are all here for it.
As much as we hate the inconvenience it costs for us whenever there is some road or infrastructure being build or reconstruct, we still need them to better our cities and province.
Photo from Unsplash
With this, the Capitol just inaugurated several road and other infrastructure projects that if combined has a total worth of over P140 million in the fourth district alone.
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, together with key Capitol officials and Board Members, have marked the completion of the following road projects and inaugurated a project too.
Completed Road and Infrastructure projects
Reconstruction of a three-barrel reinforced concrete box culvert in Tominjao measuring 12 meters wide and 7.32 meters thick for a bridge in Alinsuob-Bagay areas
Project cost: P8.6 million
Road projects in the town of Daanbantayan, and towns of Bantayan Island which is Santa Fe, and Bantayan last July 19, 2022
One of which is the Oboob-Maricaban Road- it serves as an alternative road that will connect the towns of Santa Fe and Bantayan
Tapilon Causeway and flood-control projects in Tominjao, both in Daanbantayan
Bridge prroject in Tominjao | Photo from Sugbo News
Inaugurated Project
Phase II of the 3.9-kilometer Poblacion-Tominjao-Maya Road Section in Daanbantayan
traverses five barangays – Talisay, Tominjao, Maya, Bagay, and Lanao
approximate cost: P55 million
“Infrastructure development and expansion”
With these two being the priority of the provincial government under Gov. Gwen Garcia’s administration, we can only expect that the fourth district projects are only the beginning for the province of Cebu.
“I want to work from home (WFH), but I want to change my ‘home.’”
This thought might be a mess to those who can’t relate, but you will be living a dreamlike life to work anywhere and in any corner of the world.
The Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand | Photo from Unsplash
So, in your search for the perfect work environment, may we suggest working in Thailand?
The country known for its array of beautiful temples is offering a chance for those who want to live and work remotely under their new long-term resident (LTR) 10-year visa.
A foreigner eligible for LTR visa should be:
WFH workers for well-established overseas companies
Highly-skilled professionals (experts working in Thai government agencies or Thailand-based research centers, higher education institutions, business entities, etc.)
Spouses or children of LTR visa holders
Rich individuals holding at least USD 1 million (P55 million) in assets
Retirees aged 50 years and older who have an annual pension
Now, if you qualify for one of those categories then you can apply for the LTR visa and be granted privileges such as but not limited to the discounted personal income tax rate and one year reporting to Immigration instead of the usual 90 days.
Bangkok, Thailand | Photo form Unsplash
LTRvisa requirements
For remote workers who wish to apply for the visa, there are other criteria to follow like having a minimum personal income of USD 80,000 (around P4.4 million) per year in the past two years.
Should your personal income be around P2.2 million to P4.4 million, you must have a Master’s degree, your own intellectual property, or a Series A funding.
In addition, the company you’re working for should be on a stock exchange or in operation for at least three years with combined revenue of at least USD 150 million (P8.3 billion). You must also have at least five years of work experience in the field of your employment.
Lastly, you must have health insurance with at least USD 50,000 (P2.8 million) coverage.
Bangkok, Thailand | Photo form Unsplash
LTR visa application online takes about 20 working days with a processing fee that costs about P79,000 per person.
So if you are getting tired of your environment, maybe it’s time for you to move to a whole new country.
International malls may be closing all over the world but the malls in Cebu are just starting.
SM City Cebu just revealed another peculiar and unique addition as they will have an actual university above a multi-level parking building.
Photo from SM Offices Official Website
National University will occupy the 6th to 9th floor of the 9-story new multi-level parking building beside the North Wing expansion.
SM masterplan of the expansion
Expand mall
This mall expansion is set to be finished before the end of 2023 and is targeted to begin in August after all necessary permits are approved.
Build 9-story National University (NU) Cebu campus
This new parking area located in the establishment’s north wing will have a campus of the Manila-based school National University (NU). The school will open its doors to its first students by the start of the school year in 2025.
Build 2 BPO towers
These two towers will be used as workplaces for the BPO industry. It will have offices from levels six to 20, while the lower levels are meant for parking.
Photo from SM Prime Official Website
Malls in Cebu are a different breed in coming up with new and useful ideas. But maybe it is also because of the culture of Cebuanos socially that makes the malls a success.
With this, we can expect more employment and educational opportunities as to the rise of this new project.
The Liloan scholarship program for School Year 2022 – 2023 have been launched and is planned to have a well-organized process through distribution by clusters.
Photo from Municipality of Liloan Facebook Page
To qualify for the scholarship, a student should possess a set of qualifications and then provide the needed requirements and then finally submit said application.
Here is the complete list of things that you should be aware of before and during application.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
General Weighted Average (GWA) grade of 85 or higher (Grade 10, 11, and 12 students)
Final Grade of the last sem must be 2.0 or higher (college and post-graduate students)
Applicants is a bona fide resident of Liloan, Cebu.
Applicants is currently enrolled for the School Year 2022 – 2023
Photo from Unsplash
REQUIREMENTS
Letter of Intent addressed to Mayor Aljew Frasco
Barangay Certification (Proof of Residence)
Present one that applies to you
Present report card with GWA of 85 or higher (GRADES 10, 11, and 12)
Present a transcript of record with a GWA of 2.0 or Higher and a study load for the SY 2022 – 2023 (college students)
Present proof of membership of the varsity team in your school. (athletes)
Present a Transcript of Record, Diploma, and a 2×2 picture (post graduates)
HOW TO APPLY
During the distribution of forms, get an application form at the venue at your scheduled time.
Fill out the application form.
Attach the documentary requirements.
Submit to the processing staff within September 13 to 30, 2022 from 9am-5pm.
Schedule of distribution of application forms allotted for your barangay
Dates: August 16-18 (9am-5pm)
Note: Check specific time of distribution of forms allotted for your barangay.
Deadline for submission
Dates: September 13-16, 20-23, 26-28 and 29-30 (9am-5pm)
Note: Check specific time of submission of forms allotted for your barangay.
Complete schedule per barangay
Liloan’s admirable support for the education of our youth should be an inspiration for other municipalities in Cebu as well.
It really is a struggle for international fans whenever Kpop idols have a comeback as we don’t have the same accessibility as the Korean stans on their albums. We cannot just walk to any music store and immediately find them displayed there.
Photo from N.Cat Philippines Facebook Page
For Filipino stans, especially Cebuanos, it is especially difficult. Now that many of our Kpop idols like the confident queens ITZY, the hot vocals SEVENTEEN, and even the OG’s Super Junior and Girl’s Generation had their comeback, it is a must that we know where to find their albums.
Ncat Philippines
You might have already gone in on this pretty store. N.Cat is Korea’s #1 accessory store, so Filipinos do love to come here for accessory fashion trends like jewelry, bags and novelty items, but did you know that they also sell Kpop albums here?
Photo from SM SM Seaside City Cebu (Official) Facebook Page
At the top of the Korean wave, Kpop idols often top the music charts in the Philippines. Their albums though are hard to find which is why N. Cat is a stan’s paradise for they have K-Pop merch, official K-Pop albums and even BT21 merch.
SM Seaside- Lower Ground Level, City Wing, SM Seaside City Cebu in South Road Properties (SRP), Cebu City
Ayala Center- Cardinal Rosales Ave, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City
BY MYBUS:
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 Drop-off point is at the City Wing Entrance.
Ayala Center- Take any beep/jeep that will ply through Ayala Center Cebu. PUJ’s like 12L, 04L, 13C.
BY Car: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Ayala Center Cebu” or “SM Seaside” in Cebu City. Parking space is available.
Fan Base Café & Store
Now, this one is a much more relaxed setting of purchase. A mix of both worlds this cafe is also a store. It celebrates the variety of characters or hobbies of fans and any group through food, beverage, anime, music, figures, games and more.
Photo from Fan Base Cafe & Store Facebook Page
So, if you are a fangirl/fanboy or a part of a fandom then this café will be a great meeting place. They have official and unofficial merchandise in store so you can purchase while drinking a cup of coffee or milk tea.
Avida Land Corp., a subsidiary of Ayala Land, Inc., marked another milestone with the unveiling of Avida Towers Riala’s 1-hectare lifestyle amenities last July 28, 2022, as it prepares to welcome more homeowners into its growing community in Cebu I.T. Park.
Riala’s amenities go beyond the basics and provide residents with an opportunity to get a quick break right outside their doorsteps. It offers a laid-back environment with expansive greeneries and open spaces as a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Stay Active at the Grand Lawn
The 4,900 sqm Grand Lawn located at the Upper Ground Floor is a wide, open space where one can lead an active and healthy lifestyle. It has green spaces and a family-friendly fitness zone with a Basketball Half-Court, Circular Jogging Path, and a Children’s Playground. Aside from the Fitness Zone, the Grand Lawn also features an adult pool and a kiddie pool.
Community events and special gatherings are held at the Multipurpose Hall which residents can also book for private meetings, parties and other functions. It can house up to 160 pax and is easily accessible to homeowners and guests from the adjacent Grand Lawn.
Lounge at the Amenity Deck
Located at the first Residential Level and overlooking the Grand Lawn, the Amenity Deck is where homeowners can relax and enjoy leisurely gatherings. It boasts an expansive 20 meter lap pool, pool deck, and kiddie pool.
Pocket parks and open areas provide residents with smaller, intimate spaces where they can meditate and take strolls. Homeowners can use any of the four Private Gardens or the two Courtyards all located at the Amenity Deck.
Life Essentials Within Reach
Located inside Cebu I.T. Park, every convenience is within reach as the property is just within walking distance from Ayala Malls Central Bloc and dining destinations like Sugbo Mercado. A retail strip is also located at the Upper Ground Floor with current merchants including MerryMart Grocery, Chill Laundry Lounge, and Donjjang Samgyupsal, with more to come.
The amenity launch was led by Avida Land’s Chief Operating Officer Raquel S. Cruz, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Marketing Tess A. Tatco, Project Development Division Manager for VisMin Rica S. Donato, and Sales Business Area Head for VisMin Hazelle E. Garcia.
“The completion of the amenity areas represents a new and exciting opportunity for our residents to enjoy more of the outdoors in the comforts of their community. These amenities are designed to adapt to the changing needs of Avida’s discerning market and that is why we are also excited for future and potential homeowners to experience what Avida Towers Riala has to offer, whether they’re buying for a permanent home or for investment,”
SAID AVIDA LAND’S CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, RAQUEL S. CRUZ DURING THE LAUNCH.
Launched in 2012, Avida Towers Riala is strategically located at the city’s most dynamic district, Cebu I.T. Park. It offers thoughtfully designed condominium units where lifestyle essentials are within reach, along with a safe and secure community for Cebuanos.
It is just 10 minutes away from Cebu Business Park, the city’s central business district, 20 minutes away from the city’s main seaport, and 40 minutes away from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
The five-tower residential condominium has a total of 3,394 studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units. Towers 1 to 3 are now ready for occupancy, while the pre-selling units in the ongoing Towers 4 and 5 are expected to be completed by March 2023 and June 2025, respectively.
Aspiring homeowners can check out model units every Monday to Sunday, 8am to 7pm at Avida Towers Riala, Jose Maria del Mar Street, Apas, Cebu City.
Photo from Jed Man Ayon
Avida Land Corp. is the mid-income market residential brand of Ayala Land, the Philippines’ leading developer of sustainable estates offering a diverse mix of properties such as residential, retail, office, hotels, and leisure developments, that support local economic growth and nation-building
CebuDoc, the most trusted lifelong partner in healthcare, kicks off its month-long 50th Anniversary Celebration of serving compassionate and innovative services with the theme, “50 years of Improving Lives”.
It has been five decades now that a state-of-the-art healthcare facility is providing quality services in the heart of Cebu City, the CebuDoc. This year’s anniversary theme, “50 years of Improving Lives”, has been emanating in the veins of every employee of the hospital, embodied it as values, and eventually made CebuDoc what it is now, the most outstanding hospital in the country in the private sector.
To Doctor Potenciano S.D Larrazabal III, the President, and Chairman of CebuDoc Group, the Golden Jubilee celebration is not an end of a long-time vision but a continuing legacy that will live onwards.
“This celebration means that I have an additional 50 years to improve life to even further,”
THE CHAIRMAN SAID, EMPHASIZING THE IMPACT OF THE MILESTONE ON HIS LEADERSHIP.
As the month-long anniversary celebration formally opens, an exhibit is being put up at CebuDoc Medical Arts Building 2 to show how CebuDoc has enlivened its mission with a deep commitment to compassionate service to the community through its timeline display. These will also reflect how CebuDoc has been consistent since the beginning.
Employee History Poster Contest
The history display will showcase each milestone CebuDoc reached since its inauguration in 1972.
Further, the highlight of this event is the exhibit of the entries each hospital department has submitted that translate the commitment each staff has put out in the last 50 years. The exhibit will also present how this strong workforce has maintained the consistency of the hospital’s reputation all throughout.
The hospital’s core will judge these entries according to the significance it represents – whoever could capture the most authentic representation will bring home cash prizes. The parade of entries will be available to the public for the rest of the month-long anniversary celebration.
Remembering Dr. PVL
As the exhibit also reflects a fruitful 50 years of CebuDoc, Doctor Yong Larrazabal III also revisits the leadership of his father, the late Doctor Potenciano Larrazabal Jr., who founded and started the footing of this innovative healthcare facility.
To Doctor Yong, he vowed to continue his father’s legacy that has touched the lives of thousands from the beginning of his medical practice until the present date.
According to him, Doctor PVL’s captaincy has been a key player in his decision-making and his inspiration since his installation as president last 2017.
“I didn’t pressure myself, I saw my dad always as an inspiration, so whenever I get confused, or when I stressed about things, I just think about how we will do it, or how I will just think of how he’d do it and how he would deal with it. He serves as my inspiration,”
HE SUBSTANTIATED.
“With that behind me, or my dad behind me, I’m very confident that whatever I do would be the right decision based on what I observed from him, and learned from him for the past several years,”
HE ADDED.
Now that CebuDoc has established to be a leading brand among other hospitals in Visayas and Mindanao, Doctor Yong further remembers the long-time vision of his father which is to reach out and serve the Cebuano.
“I want CebuDoc to be known as a hospital that has a heart, a hospital that has compassion, at the same time, a hospital that is very innovative,”
SAID DOCTOR YONG.
As the country is also recovering from the pandemic, it has been an honor for CebuDoc to commemorate with the public, the decades of hard work, not just with the pillars but also with the people behind.
It’s no debate, infinity pools have become a trend nowadays. The Queen City of the South is truly rich in scenic nature views; hence, most mountain resorts now – whether situated in north or south – have an infinity pool flaunting the mesmerizing natural beauty of Cebu.
Busay’s most popular resort, the Mountain View Nature’s Park has finally heard the clamor of the people — to experience the beauty of infinity pools that will fit into their budget. The resort renovated its pool just last July 2017.
Photo by Matt Matthew Tuñacao
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Entrance Fee
• Park entrance: P50 per head; FREE for 3 y/o & below • Pool entrance: P100 per head (3ft & above); P75 per head (3ft below) • Rope course: P150 per head
Swimming pool operating hours: 9AM to 6PM (Weekdays); 8AM to 9PM (Weekends/Holidays)
Exact location: Roosevelt Drive, Sitio Garahe, Busay, Cebu City (few meters away from Temple of Leah, the famous historical attraction – TOPS)
To get to Mountain View Nature’s Park, you can get their easily since there are various choices of vehicles you can use, and the road is concrete and well-maintained.
MOUNTAIN VIEW’S TRANSPO: For only P400 good for 10 people per way (minimum of 10pax, additional P40 per extra person per way). Make sure to call the resort and book ahead. If you’re less than 10 people, try to arrange it with the resort so they can mix you with other guests.
BY JEEPNEY: The cheapest option, would only cost P15 per person. Ride a 04H jeepney from USC-Main, Capitol, Escario or Gorordo. Ask the driver to drop you off near Lantaw. Then walk for about 1-2 kilometers going to Mountain View. Navigate through Google Maps/Waze, or ask around for directions. The road is steep, but a little bit of hiking can be fun and healthy.
BY HABAL-HABAL: Ride a motorbike (max of 2 persons per bike), near or surrounding from JY Square Mall in Lahug. It would cost only P100 per head per way – 150 for 2 people. You may need to pay more and schedule ahead if you want a ride back from the city.
BYTAXI/GRAB: Max of 4 persons only per car. Some drivers might be okay with it, some are not. Some might ask for more, so be understanding and negotiate well since the road is a bit steep. Estimated cost is P150 per way from the city (Ayala Center).
BYPRIVATE CAR: This is the best option, if you want to have peace of mind and not worry about your way back home. The resort is only 15-20 minutes away from JY Square Mall. The road is concrete and well-maintained, but a bit steep so it’s safe to bring your own car. Wide parking space is also available in the resort.
These are words and phrases that we can now often hear and didn’t even believe at first when all the stores were saying them. Like how? There have always been sodas everywhere and anywhere available for us.
Photo from Unsplash
But the shortage has been felt in the Philippines most especially in the VisMin areas.
Now, there are a lot of speculations out there like the companies withholding the supplies and pricing might go up and many more.
So, we think it’s time to have an explanation about it and we asked the people from the manufacturing industry and industrial consumers themselves.
Here are the two main reasons for the lack of soda products in VisMin.
Photo from Unsplash
Lack of Sugar Supply
Sugar syrup is a main ingredient to our favorite soda drinks so for this to be absent is a big no. The lack of sugar supply applies for the whole country. The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said the shortage is due to several factors such as:
ongoing Russia-Ukraine war
effects of Typhoon Odette on local sugarcane plantations
delayed arrival of imported sugar (sugar importations are not yet approved by the PH government as of this writing)
Photo from Unsplash
The SRA now stresses that sugar supply will last only until August this year if a concrete solution is not made.
Lack of CO2 Supply
Carbon Dioxide gas or CO2, if you are not aware, is the one that gives that kick that you want in your soda drinks. It’s what make them a soda.
Photo from Unsplash
The production of sodas did stop for a while in VisMin and maybe some manufacturing plants are still not operating due to some problems being fixed in their usual suppliers. Some have found other suppliers so this shortage problem might be more manageable than sugar.
Speaking of carbonated drinks. Luckily for beer lovers, beers will not be in shortage in Vismin as they have their own CO2 production.
Photo from Unsplash
Anyhow, ingredient shortages are increasing in the Philippines which threaten our food security and we can all agree to have seen and felt it in our everyday life, recently.
Have you ever been in awe of all those stunning traditional local wear you see on Instagram and elsewhere?
Well, you can now also have your very own modern Filipino-designed pieces! Check out this special boutique can be found just along the highway of Liloan, Cebu – BALIK BATIK.
Photo from Balik Batik Facebook Page
BALIK BATIK Boutique offers you a variety of magnificent pieces that feature local traditional Filipino artistry and fabrics. They have wears for both males and females like Filipinianas, barongs, sablay, handwoven and hand embroidered blazers, skirts, coverups, polo shirts, t-shirts, and scarves.
Indigenous Groups Weavers
The beauty and diversity of their weaves and designs are from the works of many different indigenous groups in the Philippines and weaving communities.
Photo from Balik Batik Facebook PagePhoto from Balik Batik Facebook Page
These weavers and artisans are considered partners of BALIK BATIK as they always consult them for their planned designs to ensure that they are fully respecting their culture, beliefs and traditions.
A Balik Batik piece only for you
Their pieces are often one of a kind as they are made in agreement with our local artisans so for some of their designs, they only have just that one, making the piece truly unique and just yours.
Photo from Balik Batik Facebook PagePhoto from Balik Batik Facebook Page
A special piece that is unlike any other with your exact measurements or if you want more of other pieces they can make them but only up to a certain number.
Sample pieces that they have made are:
· Hablon de argao coverups,
· ILUSYON Binakul pieces
· Polo Shirt featuring Pinilian Abel de Yloco with “bodong pattern”
· Seputangan Skirt featuring patterns of Yakan Ethnic group of Basilan
· Sablay pieces handwoven in Kalinga
· Blazer with Inalaman weaves of the Yakan
Photo from Balik Batik Facebook PagePhoto from Balik Batik Facebook PagePhoto from Balik Batik Facebook Page
How can I order a Balik Batik piece?
You can check out their available pieces on their social media pages on Instagram and Facebook (links are provided below) or if you want that exclusive design you may message them as they can accept custom orders depending on the design.
· Shipping: They ship nationwide with LBC and internationally with a minimum number of purchases.
· Payment: They accept payments through BDO, Gcash, and PayMaya and PayPal for international orders.
Photo from Balik Batik Facebook PagePhoto from Balik Batik Facebook PagePhoto from Balik Batik Facebook PagePhoto from Balik Batik Facebook Page
What are you waiting for? Add locally made pieces to your wardrobe and promote local Filipino designs now!
OTHER INFORMATION
Store Hours: 10AM-4PM, Wednesday-Sunday
We accommodate on Monday and Tuesday, just let us know ahead.
Exact location: Balik Batik Boutique, White Rose, Yati, Liloan, Cebu
BY BUS/BEEP/PUJ: Ride any PUV bound for Liloan and ask the driver to drop you off at Balik Batik Boutique or in the Britech College Campus across John Silogan, near Liloan Lumber with a pedestrian lane near the entrance.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Balik Batik” in Liloan, Cebu.
