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PrimaryHomes breaks ground on Mactan Project’s Final Tower

Award-winning developer Primary Homes Inc. (PHI) marked another significant milestone for Royal Oceancrest Mactan as the company officials broke ground its Tower D on June 15, 2022.

Tower D will have finished condo units; it will also have commercial spaces that will be available for rent. This building will complete the company’s first Royal Oceancrest development.

Located along Sudtunggan Road in Barangay Basak, Lapu-lapu City, the company’s P2B mixed-used resort condominium in Mactan Island will ultimately be completed by 2024. In spite the lockdowns brought by the covid-19 pandemic, PrimaryHomes was able to make sure that the project is being constructed on-time.

1 Royal Oceancrest Mactan Cebu

Royal Oceancrest Mactan will feature resort-style dwelling perfect for young professionals and starting families either looking for a perfect living space, or for properties to be rented out.

With billions worth of new industrial and world-class developments, Lapu Lapu City would be a perfect choice to settle or invest in Cebu. The project’s close proximity to the Mactan International Airport, the newly opened Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, export zones, first-class resorts and hotels, export-oriented manufacturing companies, and BPOs make Royal Oceancrest Mactan a desirable address for working professionals and those eyeing to do business in the city, thus, making it an attractive location for property purchases.

“Now that we are recovering as a community, we look forward to continue to contribute to the growth and vibrancy of Lapu-lapu City through Royal Oceancrest Mactan,”

SAID RAMERO ESPINA, VICE-PRESIDENT FOR SALES AND MARKETING OF PHI.

Since the company started selling last 2019, and even with the pandemic that started the year after, the project has been consistent with its remarkable sales performance.

“The younger generation is becoming more financial literate. The market’s priorities have shifted due to the crisis, and we’ve seen an increase of first-time real-estate investors more specifically for our Royal Oceancrest Mactan project,”

RAMERO ESPINA SAID.

“As a reliable developer, we are supporting them fully in their investment journey with our all-in pricing, seamless sales process, flexible financing, and on-time delivery,”

ESPINA ADDED.

Royal Oceancrest Mactan’s resort amenities are designed for wellness and leisure with 60% of the total development dedicated to open spaces and natural features like its gardens, bamboo tunnels, and pocket yoga spaces.  Its amenities also include a swimming pool, clubhouse, fitness gym, play areas, jogging paths, edible gardens, grilling station, and commercial spaces.

Royal Oceancrest Towers A, B, and C are now 80% to 90% sold and Tower D will soon be available for sale.

Start your investment journey now! Know more about the resort-style living at Royal Oceancrest Mactan by checking out www.primaryhomes.com. You can also have a preview of your living space in the project by visiting its showroom at the project site itself which is open daily from 9AM to 5PM.

Now Open: Ice Monkees, Cebu’s very own Italian icy treats

It is hot, hot, hot in Cebu.

No worries though as we have found you the greatest and tastiest cure to the paralyzing heat — the Italian ice at Ice Monkees.

Yes, you’ve read it right, Italian ice treats here in Cebu. Ice Monkees is Cebu’s very own Italian ice which are sweet- and semi-frozen treats made with fruit juices or other food flavorings.

Italian ice may be compared to sorbet and snow cones but the only difference is that it does not contain dairy or egg. Named after the immigrants from Italy that started it, it is said to have originated in Philadelphia and the South Jersey area.

Similar to its origin story, Ice Monkees was born out of inspiration and on the streets of New York which the owners then decided to bring home to Cebu.

Ice Monkees Flavors

Named after the popular animal in the Philippines, the “Monkees” as they call it have a mouth-watering fruity collection that already sounds refreshing. They also have unique flavors like cotton candy and sour apple that only add to the excitement, fun, and literal chilling experience of eating these icy treats.

Meet the Monkees:

  • Orange
  • Cotton candy
  • Strawberry
  • Lemon
  • Blue raspberry
  • Cherry
  • Sour apple
  • Pineapple
  • Mango

You’ll get them in three cup sizes from Mini Tarsier, Medium Chimp and Monster Gorilla. You can even make your own Ice Monkees just follow the few simple steps below.

  1. Choose your cup size
  2. Stick your chosen 1-5 Monkee flavors into the cup with the sticker sheet provided
  3. Stick monkee flavor stickers far from each other- different flavor per scoop
    • Stick monkee flavor stickers beside one another- multi colored scoops
  4. your icy treats!

Ice Monkees had its share of struggle just to bring these delicious icy treats to Cebu with the pandemic and typhoon Odette. But alas, they are finally here and ready to serve all the Cebuanos as kiosks and pop-up stores will open in exciting locations while they rebuild their flagship store.

Promo Alert!

BUY 1 TAKE 1 Happy Hour is now from 6PM to 7PM daily.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Menu:

  • Mini Tarsier- P99 (2 scoops)
  • Medium Chimp- P149 (3 scoops)
  • Monster Gorilla- P199 (5 scoops)

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Escario Central Mall, N. Escario Street, Cebu City – same location with SMR Chocolates and Politics Café, beside McDo Escario.

BY BUS: You can ride any jeepney going to Escario Central Mall or passing through N. Escario (Axis). Or, ride 12L and 14D jeepney from Ayala and drop off at Escario Central Mall. From Colon/Fuente – Maxwell Hotel: 17D, 17B,17C 14D, and 04H.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Escario Central Mall” in Cebu City. Parking space is available.

Planets Alignment to be seen in the morning of June 24

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.

Lapu-Lapu City signs deal for P25-B CCLEX-MCIA Expressway Project

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 Facebook
Photo 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.

Cebu Simala Shrine – Lindogon: The Miraculous Castle Church

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.

Simala Shrine Castle Church Cebu (1)
Simala Shrine Castle Church Cebu (2)
Simala Shrine Castle Church Cebu (3)

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.)

• Gold: Healing (Good health, Recovery, Spiritual, Family Tree)
• Green: Prosperity/Success (Exams, Study, Financial, Business)
• Blue: Perseverance (Employment, Career, Assignment, Promotions)
• Violet: Achievement (Plans in life, Struggles, Endeavors, Journeys, Voyage)
• Red: Love (Utility, Friendship, Engagement, Family)
• Yellow: Peace (Courage, Strength, Hope)
• White: Purity (Enlightenment, Guidance, Right Path)
• Orange: Reconciliation (Sweetheart, Wife, Husband, Enemy, Family)
• Pink: Thanksgiving/Happiness/Joy (Spiritual, Physical)
• Black: Souls (Forgiveness, Pardon)
• Brown: Vocation (Marriage Bond, God’s Servant, Single life)
• Gray: Deliverance (Bad ways, Things, Spirits)
• Cream: Conversion/Faith (Children, Household, Couples)

Details:

  • Opening hours: 6AM to 6PM daily
  • Mass schedule:
    • 12PM to 1PM daily;
    • 12PM to 1PM & 3:30PM to 4:30PM on Sundays

How to get there?

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.

Bellshayce: Your One-Stop Shop for all your meat needs in Cebu

1

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:

HOW TO GET THERE?

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.

Cebuano is Silliman’s 1st Summa Cum Laude after 11 years

“Lahi rajud ning mga taga Cebu.”

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.

True Love exists in a ‘Rags to Riches’ Love Story as a couple

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 Oya
Photo from Namieh Oya
Photo 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 Oya
Photo from Namieh Oya
Photo from Namieh Oya

Basdaku Beach: A Little Paradise in the South

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.

moalboal basdaku white beach 2
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.

Basdaku Beach Moalboal (1)
Photo by Jepoi Lazaro
Basdaku Beach Moalboal (3)
Photo by Jepoi Lazaro

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).

moalboal basdaku white beach 1
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.

0916-920-5618
Starts at 500 PHP
CHECK RATES
HK Beach Resort



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.

Starts at 500 PHP
CHECK RATES
Turtle Bay Dive Resort



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

Experience this Giant Floating Cottage in Cordova, Cebu

Passing through beautiful and pristine waters, we often thought of taking a dip or staying and just hang out right at the center of it.

Photo from Super Hiyong Floating Cottages in Cordova Facebook Page

Well, now you can do that and more conveniently, you won’t have to go far as it just here in Cebu.

Super Hiyong Floating Cottages in Cordova is as its name states is in Cordova, they can easily be found as they are found right at the Cordova port.

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 Page
Photo 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 Cuyos
Photo from Mark Cuyos
Photo from Mark Cuyos
Photo 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 Cuyos
Photo from Mark Cuyos
Photo from Mark Cuyos
Photo from Mark Cuyos
Photo from Mark Cuyos

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES:

  • EXCLUSIVE USE: P3,500 (30 pax capacity), WHOLE DAY
  • Down payment: P1,000
  • ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
    • Check-In: 7:30AM/ Check-Out: 5:00PM

OTHER INFORMATION:

  • Corkage fee: None
  • Contact numbers: 
    • 09556231734 (Vilma Degamo)
    • 09776128171 (Jeffrey Tajanlangit)

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Cordova Roro Port, Cordova, Cebu

BY BUS: Ride any bus/beep/jeep bound for Cordova. Tell the driver to drop you off at Cordova Port.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Cordova Roro Port” in Cordova. Parking space is available.