We got some news for y’all! Hong Kong Microbiologist has a new warning
Photo from Canva
According to microbiologist, Yuen Kwok-yung said that another pandemic could exact far worse damage than Covid-19. This soft-spoken scientist is sometimes thought of as Hong Kong’s answer to top US health expert, Dr Fauci.
He told AFP at the city’s Queen Mary hospital, where he works and teaches, that both the public and world leaders must admit that another pandemic will come, and probably sooner than you anticipate.
Kwok-yung told AFP that the reason why he makes such a horrifying prediction is because you can see clearly the geopolitical, economic, and climatic changes are changing so rapidly. He warns in his new autobiography, “My Life in Medicine: A Hong Kong Journey,” that politicians must come to their senses and solve global existential threats.
Photo from Canva
While world leaders are more in “national and regional interests”, Yuen said that a rapidly changing climate coupled with emerging infectious diseases should be a top priority. “This is something we shouldn’t ignore,” he added.
Yuen Kwok-yung is a globally recognised authority on coronavirus and other infectious diseases, but he also came from humble beginnings. Born in Hong Kong in the late 1950s, Kwok-yung grew up in a subdivided flat with his parents and three brothers. In 1981, he graduated from medical school and worked in the city’s public hospital, where doctors are paid less than in the public sector.
Yuen rose into popularity in 2003 after he and his team successfully isolated and identified acute respiratory syndrome, also known as SARS. Which was a vital step towards testing, diagnosing, and treating the disease, which emerged in Southern China and Hong Kong before spreading globally.
Photo from Canva
The virus nearly killed three hundred people in the city for two months, a toll second to Mainland China. That soon formed Yuen’s approach in handling the pandemic, which ripped through laxed vaccination, particularly among the elderly.
Every year, people talk about the fun tradition of eating grapes under the table at midnight for good luck and to maybe find love. So, after being single for four years, I decided to give it a try!
Photo from Canva
When the clock hit midnight, I chomped down 13 grapes, but I didn’t finish until about 2 or 3 minutes later. My heart was racing as I stood up, smiling, thinking I had done it right and set myself up for a lucky 2024. But guess what? Nothing happened! I realized I might have missed the point.
Photo from Canva
To help you avoid my grape mishap and maybe help me find my future partner by 2025, here’s what everyone online is saying about this fun tradition:
You should only eat 12, no more, no less. Each grape represents one month of luck.
All grapes must be consumed between 12:00:00 AM to 12:00:59 AM. I went beyond, it did not work for me, so, set a timer beforehand.
Your whole body should be under the table, not just your head.
You should wear red underwear if you want to find love, while green if you want wealth.
The color of the grapes won’t matter. You can choose whether it’s red or green, for as long as they’re seedless to avoid accidental choking.
Size doesn’t matter. It doesn’t mean that you’re eating tiny grapes, that you’ll be paired with someone tinier than you, or the opposite if you opt to eat moondrop grapes for a tall partner.
Photo from Canva
So here’s the catch: while you’re under the table munching on grapes when the clock strikes 12, you’ll miss out on other fun traditions that happen right at midnight, like jumping high to grow taller or shaking your wallet filled with coins for more prosperity. Therefore, as we get ready for 2025, think about what’s most important to you! Choose which tradition you want to prioritize—because in the end, it’s your choice that will shape what the new year brings.
Calling all wizards from different worlds, our time has come!
KBeam Events just shared on social media the greatest news that wizards and fantasy lovers have been waiting for in the Philippine archipelago—a two-day concert featuring the enchanting music of Harry Potter, the Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbit!
A Magical Two-Day Rendezvous
For July 7, 2025, wizards from Hogwarts and muggles alike can expect the bewitching music from Harry Potter on stage. And the best part is, WE’VE GOT A WEASLEY! One of the Weasleys will be joining as a special guest for the concert to be held at 5PM at the Manila Metropolitan Theater.
On the next day, July 8, 2025, Sir Christopher Lee’s voice will be the special feature for The Music of The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit concert; still the same theater and the same show time. Talk about taking an auditory trip with Saruman the White!
The Magical Music of Harry Potter Live in Concert
Photo from KBeam Events Official Facebook Page
Date: July 7, 2025
Gates Open: 3:30 PM
Show Time: 5:00 PM
Venue: Manila Metropolitan Theater
Tickets will be available on January 3rd, 12PM at Ticketmelon.com
Photo from KBeam Events Official Facebook Page
The Music of The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit
Photo from KBeam Events Official Facebook Page
Date: July 8, 2025
Gates Open: 3:30 PM
Show Time: 5:00 PM
Venue: Manila Metropolitan Theater
Tickets will be available on January 3rd, 12PM at Ticketmelon.com
Photo from KBeam Events Official Facebook Page
So, Sugboanons, stay tuned for when the tickets are available, and get ready to ACCIO your slot—because it takes only ONE ticket TO RULE your concert experience!
It feels like a bittersweet blend of nostalgia and sadness…
Morisette Amon is back with her latest single, “Ihilak Lang Na,” a beautiful collaboration with the talented Cebuano musician and playwright, Jude Gitamondoc, who composed the song, with lyrics by Therese Villarante.
A Song Born from the Pandemic
Jude Gitamondoc shared that the song was written during the pandemic, a time when many felt isolated and lonely. Therese Villarante crafted the lyrics with Morisette’s unique and melancholic voice in mind, but Jude initially doubted that the label would consider the song—it seemed like a distant dream especially considering the current trend in P-Pop. However, fate has a way of rewarding those who patiently waited. So, in a surprising twist, Therese submitted a demo of the song without Jude knowing, and soon after, he received the thrilling news that Morisette’s label had chosen his work; marking it as one of the year-end blessings that highlighted his talent and his team’s dedication.
The Lyrics
FIRST STANZA Human na pud imung salida Hurot na pud ang imung katawa Walay naghuwat sa balay Unsa man diay? Di na ka batang gamay
Hiposa na ang imong kinan-an Ug pil-a na ang imong linabhan Layo imung ginikanan Ug bug-at ang imong dughan
CHORUS Ihilak lang na Kon banha ang hunahuna Ihilak lang na Huwata and adlawn luyo sa imohang bintana Ihilak lang na
SECOND STANZA Buhii nang mga nibiya Kalimti nang mga damgong guba Tambali ang mga samad Panalipdi ng kasingkasing mong bukad
CHORUS Ihilak lang na Kon banha ang hunahuna Ihilak lang na Huwata and adlawn luyo sa imohang bintana Ihilak lang na
Ihilak lang na (3x)
Trapohi na imong mga luha Barug diha nga murag wala Ikaw ra usa sa balay Unsa man diay? Di na ka batang gamay.
Honest Review
Morisette Amon’s song “Ihilak Lang Na” is a powerful song about pain and vulnerability. From the very first note, I felt the depth of emotion in her voice. Even though the pandemic may be behind us, the song’s message remains relevant—especially for those going through the complexities of adulthood, where solitude can feel like an overwhelming and never-ending challenge.
The lyrics captured the necessity of expressing our emotions, reminding us that it’s okay to cry and seek help. The song has a haunting tune that gives a deep sense of longing and resilience, reflecting the struggle to breathe and find meaning in the middle of life’s problems. “Ihilak Lang Na” is not just a song; it’s an anthem for anyone facing their battles, urging us all to embrace our feelings and keep moving forward, just as what the last stanza said, “Trapohi na imong mga luha, barug diha nga murag wala.”
As the clock strikes twelve and bid farewell to 2024, a few hotels in Cebu are planning to host a New Year’s eve party. Enjoy the New year with enchanting party favors and awe-provoking moments at these hotels and celebrate the New Year with newfound joy and hopeful prosperity. Here are the hotels in Cebu who are offering New Year’s eve parties:
Bai Hotel Cebu
Photo from Bai Hotel Cebu
The Bai Hotel in Cebu is set to host a New Year’s eve celebration that will have their guests spellbound. Aptly titled “Magic Moment,” this enchanting event promises a night of captivating entertainment, tantalizing canapès, and a firework display that will leave on-lookers starry-eyed. Match up with the party’s mystical ambiance by wearing your favorite fairy costume and sprinkling some pixie dust as they welcome 2025.
Twilight Rooftop Lounge and Bar will transform into a veritable wonderland. Guests will be greeted with an open bar serving a mystical selection of cocktails, local beers, iced tea, and chilled juices—the perfect way to set the mood for a magical evening.
Exact Location: Ouano Avenue, corner C.D.Seno, Mandaue City, 6014 Cebu
By Car: You can ride your car heading to Robinsons Galleria, and then going straight to Parkmall, Bai Hotel is just a 2 minute walk.
Shangri-la Mactan, Cebu
Photo from Shang-ri La Mactan Cebu
Who wants to go to a luau and wear their best tropical theme costume? Shangri-la hotel is celebrating the New Year with a Toasts and Tropics Gala Dinner. You get access to an elegant gala dinner with a tropical theme, live entertainment, and access to a countdown party. The countdown party will have a beach party atmosphere that consists of live DJ performances, and countdown festivities by the beach creating a memorable experience with your friends and family.
By Car: You can drive to Shangri-la hotel in 19 mins by car
Savoy Hotel, Mactan Newtown
Photo from Savoy Mactan
Enjoy the New Year’s eve countdown with a dinner buffet at the Savoy Hotel in Lapu-lapu city and have an immersive experience in celebrating the arrival of the new year, with live entertainment, a vibrant countdown, and stunning visual displays together with a lavish buffet and an amazing array of delicious dishes to enjoy as you celebrate the New Year’s eve festivities.
The set also includes a 2025 New Year Spectacle Room Package that consists of an overnight stay at a classic superior room, breakfast buffet for two, and a dinner buffet for two. The general access has passes for two people and a free calendar.
Exact Location: The Mactan Newtown, Newtown Blvd, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
By Car: ride a car going to Mactan Newtown, and then straight to Savoy Hotel
Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort
Photo from Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort
Celebrate the New Year’s eve with a dinner buffet at the 5 Cien restaurant, with free flowing sparkling wine or draft beer, live entertainment, and 5 course set meñu at DIP Nikkei Restaurant: free access to a four course set meñu, free-flowing sparkling wine, and live entertainment. You can also get access to the countdown party that consist of free-flowing non-alcoholic beverages (soda, chilled juice), alcoholic beverages (red and white wines, cocktails, and local beer) with a live performance of a band, dance performances, and DJ entertainment with a firework display to ring in the New Year.
Photo from Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES
New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet at 5 Cien Restaurant:
Php 7,900 net per adult
Date: December 31, 2024| 6:00-10:00 PM
New Year’s Eve 5-Course Dinner at DIP Nikkei Restaurant
Exact Location: Punta Engaño Rd, Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu
By Car: a town car from the airport to the resort takes about 11 minutes and costs between Php 1,000-1,200.
Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark
Photo from JPark Official Facebook Page
We have a New Year’s eve gala and countdown at Jpark Island Resort and Water complete with a lavish dinner buffet, unlimited beer, wine, and selected cocktails, and live entertainment with the FOJ band. The countdown party is at 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM with unlimited drinks, beats by DJ Sugar, and an electrifying party atmosphere.
Photo from JPark Official Facebook Page
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES
The New Year’s Eve party rates is depending on the package you chose
What’s up mga Sugbuanon! Just a few more days, it’s finally New Year. Excited na ba mo para sa Bag ong Tuig? And you know what, what’s New Year without some fun and quirky Filipino traditions. And just like everyone else, Filipinos around the world mark the event as one of the year’s most special events.
In the Philippines, New Year celebrations are fun and exciting. Turning the entire country into a war zone, with fireworks set off with great abandon all over the place. There are some interesting traditions—some are also superstitious or associated with folk beliefs for the New Year.
For centuries, Filipinos have practiced various customs to greet the incoming year. Many do it with an expectant heart, cultivating optimism and looking forward to hopes for prosperity. The traditions have been passed down for generations and have Spanish and Chinese influences.
With Sugbo.ph, we would like to share with you the five quirky Filipino New Year traditions and practices that welcome the New Year:
Polka Dot Magic
For Filipinos, wearing anything round signifies prosperity. The polka dots epitomise money and fortune.
Jumping High When The Clock Strikes 12
Children are encouraged to jump as high as they can when the clock strikes twelve because old folks believe that it will help them grow taller.
Media Noche
New Year’s celebration for Filipinos isn’t complete without the old Filipino custom, Media Noche. During new year’s eve, Filipino families, relatives, and friends gather for a lavish midnight feast that symbolises their hopes for prosperity and an abundant year ahead. This tradition is most likely inherited from the Spaniards, who colonised the country for more than three hundred years.
A Variety of Round Shaped Fruits
For some it’s 12, 13, or 14—it doesn’t matter as long as you have round fruits on the table. Filipinos believe that round fruits are a symbol for prosperity and fortune. This tradition was inherited by the Chinese. The round fruits are often the centerpiece of the Media Noche. Fruits with thorns like pineapple, jackfruit, and durian are also avoided as thorns symbolize problems or obstacles.
Eat Sticky Rice To Strengthen Family Bond
Filipinos are known to be family oriented with very close family ties. They believe that eating food made from sticky rice like bibingka (a type of baked rice cake), biko (sweet rice cake), and tikoy (also known as nian gao, which is translated to Chinese New Year’s cake) will bind families together stronger and it is also believed to deliver prosperity.
That’s it!
That’s it mga Sugbuanon! As New Year is just right around the corner. May you continue to have a prosperous New Year celebration with your families as you celebrate with these fun and quirky practices and traditions.
We want to protect freedom of speech, but not an unlimited speech
That’s right, folks, the recent viral drama has turned legal.
Denise became a trending topic before the holidays when BJ Pascual related a stressful experience he had while working with her team. BJ mentioned that Denise’s team canceled the day before their scheduled shoot. After the viral video went viral, Denise announced that she would be taking a social media break.
OPM singer Denise Julia has spoken once again after fashion photographer BJ Pascual posted multiple screenshots to share his side of the story. This stemmed from a revelation made by BJ in a video podcast naming Denise as the “worst celebrity” he has worked with.
On X, Denise quoted BJ’s screenshots with a full screen recording of the messages between her manager, John Vincent Salcedo, and the fashion photographer’s manager, Pearl Acuesta. The OPM singer shared the whole conversation for “full transparency as we have nothing to hide.”
“We went into this wanting to work with you—we were genuine fans and we’re so excited about this collaboration,” Denise began.
Denise also explained that they have been upfront with their budget for the music video, the photoshoot, the album art, the trailer, and the press photos from the beginning. Furthermore, she said that she had also rescheduled the entire release date so that she could work with BJ and respect his time.
Denise Julia said that her manager suggested solutions and new dates to push through with the shoot so that “no one’s effort goes to waste.”
“What hurts the most is seeing my character publicly attacked over something that’s not out of my control but is a business negotiation between our managers and conversations that should’ve stayed private. You targeted me to bring me down,” she said.
She also added, “I thought this was something we had agreed on to talk about in person. We are now in contact with our legal team about a defamation suit. I hate that this had to go this way when it didn’t have to.”
Recently, vlogger Killa Kush deleted BJ’s video guesting on the Bad B*tch Podcast. This episode contained BJ’s revelation about Denise. “Killa Kush deleted her BJ Pascual vid? Oop,” one user said on X. Denise quoted the tweet and said, “Damn at least delete mine and my best friend’s too.
As of this writing, Killa just deleted Denise and her best friend and creative director Carissa King’s guesting on the podcast.
The Cebuano business scene has so much potential. All it needs is to meet their market where they are.
Today’s consumer is all about convenience and being digital-first, from immersing themselves in promotional content to purchasing their needs and wants, which is why businesses need to step up their game. They need to be present in all aspects necessary, and that includes an ecommerce platform.
This inspired the partnership of TikTok, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), and the Department of Trade and Industry – Central Visayas (DTI Region 7) with the Republiq Group of Companies (RGC) to bring the Cebuano business world “RGC Brings TikTok to Cebu!”
Entrepreneurs, members of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and creators graced the Grand Ballroom of NUSTAR Resort and Casino on December 9, 2024 for a learning session about creating and sustaining a TikTok Shop, market trends and insights, sales strategies and more to future-proof their businesses.
Among the speakers for the event were Anj Mendoza and Niks Fojas from TikTok who introduced the crowd to TikTok Shop and its features to help them get started. Believing in the possibilities that await Cebuano business ventures, the introduction to the basics of the ecommerce platform was just a start to what more TikTok can offer to help grow them.
The event was also supported and attended by the CCCI President Jay Yuvallos, MCCI President Mark Anthony Ynoc, and DTI Region 7 Regional Director Maria Elena Arbon as they held talks with the audience about the plans and programs of each institution to advocate in nurturing businesses in Cebu together with partners.
Dimples Romana, entrepreneur and digital creator, was also one of the speakers for the event who shared to the crowd her experience being on both sides of the coin. She gave emphasis on doing things with passion and innovation, and the significance of businesses adapting to the digital space.
RGC Brings TikTok to Cebu marks the first step for upgrading businesses for this generation and along with its success, it also hopes to be one of many more to come because learning never stops.
Prititit! The Sinulog festival is right around the corner! Excitement is in the air because it is finally that time of the year where we Sugbuanons are united by our faith and love for God. Aside from the extravagant parades and festivities, may we always be reminded of God’s love and our faith for Him. Here is the official schedule of events and activities:
Day One: January 9, 2025
Walk with Jesus ℅ Augustinian Missionaries – 4:00 am
(Route: Osmeña Blvd to Basilica)
Opening Salvo Mass – 5:00 am at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
Day Two: January 10, 2025
Sinulog 2025: Opening Declaration Ceremonial Mass at 2:30 pm at the Basilica Pilgrim Center
Sinulog Launching Parade at 3:00 pm (Venue to be Announced)
Ceremonial Opening at 6:00 pm in Cebu City Sports Complex
KZ & Company Concert at 7:00 pm (Venue to be Announced)
Opening Ceremony at 7:00 pm in Fuente Osmeña
Sinulog Idol at 7:30 pm in Fuente Osmeña
Day Three: January 10-20, 2025
Sinulog Festival Nightly Shows at 6:00 pm in SRP, Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia
Day Four: January 10-21, 2025
OSANino at 40 Exhibit by Order of Saint Augustine at SM Seaside (Mall Hours)
Day Five: January 10-28, 2025
Sto. Nino Exhibit at the Gallery, Ayala Center Cebu (Mall Hours)
Day Six: January 11, 2025
BRASS BAND PARADE with Majorettes – Same route as Sinulog sa Lalawigan at 2:00 pm
BRASS BAND Competition at 6:00 pm in Cebu City Sports Complex
Cultural Show – DEPED Cebu Province at 6:00 pm in Fuente Osmeña
Cultural Show – University of Cebu Dance Troupe at 8:00 pm in Plaza Independencia
Sinulog Idol at 7:30 pm in the Fuente Osmeña
Day Seven: January 12, 2025
Cebu Marathon at 12:00 MN in SM Seaside Cebu
Sinulog Sa Dakbayan at 2:00 pm in Cebu City Sports Complex
Cultural Show – MCSHS, MCSFA & UV at 6:00 pm in Fuente Osmeña
Cultural Show – TBA at 8:00 pm in Plaza Independencia
It’s finally that time of the year where we celebrate our faith and show our love to the Señor Santo Niño (The Child Jesus) as Cebu’s grandest festival is fast approaching. We are very excited to announce the official novena mass schedule for 2025:
