A trip to Cebu wouldn’t be complete without visiting the famous Daanbatanyan Islands.
Malapascua island, daanbantayan, philippines | Photo from Unsplash
Tucked in the northern part of the province, its pristine white beaches are always a go-to for travelers who want to bask under the sun for their much-need vitamin sea.
But what if I tell you that you can enjoy one of its islands for less than P500?
Here’s your budget-friendly guide to Malapascua Island:
Malapascua Island is synonymous with Thresher Sharks. With its clean and deep waters, the friendly giants are known to frequent visitors of the area where they also dive and swim with tourists.
Photo from DIVE7 DOTCentralVisayas Facebook Page
The pelagic thresher sharks can be spotted in Malapascua all year-round so you don’t need to worry about not seeing them during your visit.
Apart from ThresherShack Beach, other destinations on the island are Hippocampus Beach, Ocean Vida Beach, Devocean Dive Shop, Japanese Ship Wreck, and the North Beach Langub.
Also must-sees are Bantigue Cove, The Ruins, Dakit Dakit Island, Corals Garden, and Bounty Beach, which is considered the liveliest part of the quaint Island.
Malapascua island, daanbantayan, philippines | Photo form UnsplashMalapascua island, daanbantayan, philippines | Photo from Unsplash
Where to stay?
Malapascua Exotic Island Dive Resort | Photo form Jed Manayon
There are plenty of hotels and resorts on the island but if you don’t want to break the bank, Malapascua Budget Inn is a good option.
For as low as P499, you can rent their air-conditioned rooms for 24 hours. They also have complete amenities including a bar and a restaurant where they serve mouth-watering dishes such as seafood bila-o and Mango Daiquiri.
Photo from Malapascua Budget Inn Facebook PagePhoto from Malapascua Budget Inn Facebook Page
Room Rates
Bunk Bed (Shared): P399 per person per night with common toilet and bath
Private Aircon Room for 2: P1,200 per night with own toilet & bath, good for 2 persons
Private Aircon Room for 4: P1,600 per night with common toilet & bath, good for 4 persons
Private Aircon Room for 4: P1,800 per night with own toilet & bath, good for 4 persons
Barkada Aircon Room: P3,500 per night with common toilet & bath, good for 10 persons
Barkada Aircon Room: P4,900 per night with common toilet & bath, good for 14 persons
Exact location: Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Cebu — 4 hours away from Cebu City, and 30 minutes away from Maya Port.
From the North Bus Terminal at SM City Cebu, ride any bus going to New Maya port in Daanbantayan. Fare is approximately P220 per person. From the port, you can ride a ferry going to Malapascua Island for only P200.
Typhoon Odette may have wreaked havoc on the entire City of Cebu, but with the resilience of Cebuanos, any challenge can be conquered. That’s why one of Cebu’s favorite tourist spots, 10,000 Roses Café is back in business!
It’s expected to gain more popularity among locals as the cafe is now more accessible to the people in the south with the newly opened third bridge connecting SRP and Cordova island, CCLEX.
The 10,000 Roses Café is a Korean-owned café inspired by South Korea’s well-known Dongdaemun Design Plaza. The café has indoor and outdoor dining areas with modern chairs and tables, LED-powdered roses, and a viewing deck surrounded by glass walls, making it an Instagram-worthy location.
Photo from 10000 Roses Cafe & More Facebook PagePhoto from 10000 Roses Cafe & More Facebook PagePhoto from Junn Luistro
This café is famous for being the first in the Philippines to feature thousands of LED-powered roses. The best time to go is before sunset until closing time, when the roses are illuminated. From here, you can see the skyline of Cebu City and its neighboring cities and municipalities. 10,000 Roses Cafe is located in Day-as Barangay Rd, Cordova, 6017 Cebu, alongside Lantaw Floating Restaurant.
From Mactan-Cebu International Airport – Hop into a taxi or make use of Grab; fare is ₱175-200.
From SM City Cebu Terminal – Take a v-hire to Cordova and proceed to Cordova Grandmall. From there, take a tricycle to Lantaw; rate is ₱10/person.
Using a private vehicle – Simply enter “10,000 Roses Cafe Cordova” into Waze or Google Maps. If you’re coming from the south, it’s best to drive through SRP then take the CCLEX bridge.
Brown-Forman, the alcohol business behind Jack Daniel’s, and the highly popular Coca-Cola Company have finally teamed up to offer the iconic Jack & Coke cocktail as a branded, ready-to-drink (RTD) pre-mixed cocktail option.
Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola, inspired by the classic bar cocktail, will be made with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and Coca-Cola. The beverage will be available in markets around the world, with an initial launch planned for Mexico in late 2022.
This relationship brings together two classic American icons to deliver consumers a taste experience they love in a way that is consistent, convenient, and portable,
Lawson Whiting, CEO and President of Brown‑Forman Corporation, the largest American-owned spirit and wine company
We keep consumers at the center of everything we do as we continue to develop our portfolio as a total beverage company, and that includes new products with our iconic Coca-Cola brand,
James Quincey, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company
The can and packaging, which will carry obvious responsibility symbols declaring that it is solely for people of legal drinking age, will include two of the world’s most known and valuable brands in Coca-Cola and Jack Daniel’s. Brown Forman and The Coca-Cola Company’s ethical marketing policies will be followed by Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola RTDs.
The worldwide alcohol beverage volume (ABV) standard is 5%, however, this will vary depending on the market. The beverage will also be offered in a sugar-free variant.
As it expands its operations in Cebu and continues to deliver possibilities to local businesses, on-demand delivery platform, Lalamove has partnered with Agrilife to bring livestock feeds and products to the homes of Cebuano livestock farmers.
With this partnership, Cebuanos can easily order quality and affordable livestock supplies online and have them delivered home through Lalamove’s fast and seamless delivery service across Cebu, as far as Danao in the North, Carcar in the South and Pinamujangan in the West, and soon across the whole island of Cebu.
“We thank Agrilife for choosing Lalamove as their third-party logistics partner. Their trust in us and our partner drivers motivates us to move what matters, especially in Cebu, where we now have more serviceable areas. Along with our variety of fleet and wider reach, we hope to empower Agrilife as they continue to expand”,
SAID CITY HEAD OF LALAMOVE CEBU, NELSON JUDAYA..
With more than 20 branches in Visayas and Mindanao, Agrilife aims to be a one-stop shop for agrivet and pet needs including veterinary medicines, accessories, and quality feeds for all types of livestock from hogs to poultry animals.
Agrilife sells a variety of top brand animal feeds, but they also offer feeds under their house brand, SureGrow, SureLay, and SureWin. Products under their house brand are produced in partnership with a European manufacturer and are made with high quality ingredients.
Agrilife Marketing Officer, Angelica Cosico said their partnership with Lalamove stemmed from Filipinos’ changing marketing preferences brought by the pandemic. As more and more customers prefer convenience and efficiency, they also had to find a platform to help streamline their service and make it easier to fulfill customers’ needs.
“With this partnership with Lalamove, our customers and stores can now be connected with a touch of a button and orders can be conveniently arranged within the day, reducing delays and addressing needs instantaneously,”
SAID COSICO.
Now with a fast and efficient delivery service partner, livestock farmers can save time and energy by ordering from Agrilife using their mobile phones and having products delivered home. Deliveries will be arranged from the nearest Agrilife branch. Same day deliveries are accepted for orders made before 6 pm.
Lalamove delivers to 15 towns and cities in Cebu: Cebu City, Lapu-lapu, Mandaue, Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela, Danao, Talisay, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar, Balamban, Toledo, and Pinamujangan.
To order from Agrilife, visit their website at agrilife.ph, their Facebook page at @AgrilifePH or through their Lazada shop. Customers can also purchase products by visiting or contacting any of their branches listed at agrilife.ph/store-locator/.
Strategic partnerships with local businesses
Since its launch in Cebu in 2018, Lalamove has partnered with Cebu businesses, ranging from independent brick and mortar stores to e-commerce businesses and retail chains like Agrilife. Strategic partnerships with Lalamove have given entrepreneurs an edge in business and have allowed them to expand their services to deliver more possibilities to Cebuanos.
A Lalamove business account provides on-demand, same-day, and advance delivery schedules, a dedicated account manager for support on scaling the business, and the Lalamove API Integration feature that schedules deliveries. On top of these exclusive features, corporate clients get to enjoy exclusive rebates & promos up to 8.5%. To inquire and apply, email [email protected] or go to lalamove.com/en-ph/business.
Established in Hong Kong in December 2013, Lalamove was created to make on-demand and same-day delivery possible for everyone at the touch of a button. It provides delivery services to independent brick and mortar stores, large restaurants, retail chains, and e-commerce businesses.
Today, it operates in 21 cities across Asia and Latin America, including Cebu, Pampanga, Manila and the island of Luzon in the Philippines. It provides different vehicle options according to needs, easy customer transactions, allows flexible schedules, and multiple bookings to help businesses of all sizes grow their reach.
#LalamoveTheDistance to avail of affordable, fast, and reliable delivery service for your livestock needs from Agrilife. Download the Lalamove app available on Google Play Store, Apple App Store or go to web.lalamove.com. For more information, visit www.lalamove.com and like @LalamovePH on Facebook.
Cancer is like the unseen common enemy of everyone around the world and we are still in constant battle with it up to this day.
Some good news though for the colon cancer patients as there seems to be a massive breakthrough in its treatment after this new drug has reportedly returned a 100% success rate in clinical trials.
Photo from Unsplash
Colorectal cancer or more commonly known as colon cancer is a disease in which there is abnormal growths called “polyps” in the colon or rectum. This type of cancer just like every other cancer is unfortunate to experience. Some of its mild symptoms includes creating persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain and weakness or fatigue.
According to the paper published on June 5 in the New England Journal of Medicine titled “PD-1 Blockade in Mismatch Repair–Deficient, Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer”, the clinical trial results has left the doctors and researchers positively stunned as all 12 rectal cancer patients were considered in remission.
The paper was published by Dr. Luis A. Diaz Jr. of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and a team of researchers with the drug called Dostarlimab. It is sold under the brand name Jemperli.
PHuman Colon Cancer Cells | Photo from Unsplash
Dostarlimab Information
Immunotherapy drug
Contains laboratory-produced molecules acting as substitute antibodies in the body
Used in the treatment of endometrial cancer (a type of cancer that begins in the uterus)
Considered to be a first-time occurrence in the history of cancer study, physical exams, endoscopies, PET scans, and MRI scans have revealed no trace of cancer found in the bodies of the patients in the clinical trial and there were no cases of progression or recurrence that has been reported.
It is also worth to be noted that none of them had received chemoradiotherapy or undergone surgery from the start of the study up to the time of their report.
“It completely eliminated the cancer. The tumors just vanished in all 14 consecutive patients”
– Dr. Andrea Cercek, an oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
It was reported that all of the 19 participants including the ones earlier this week, are in complete remission, cancer-free with minimal side effects.
This kind of study and reports are what we long for and pray for after such drastic problems in the world today.
The Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) will start the registration and installation of RFID stickers for motorcycles with engine displacements from 125cc to 399cc on July 1, 2022. These motorcycles can also pass Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) starting on the said date.
Photo from The Island Nomad / John Ray Aligato
CCLEX will start its transition to a cashless system for toll payments next month as it prepares the roll out of the mobile app for RFID load and reloading. With the transition, CCLEC is asking people to register their vehicles for RFID installation.
RFID registration for Class 1 to Class 3 vehicles is ongoing through the Online Registration and Appointment System (ORRAS) at cclex.com.ph. By July 1, motorcycles with 125cc to 399cc displacements will be added in ORRAS and motorcycle owners can already sign up for their RFID under Class 1M.
CCLEX RFID registration and installation for Class 1M effective July 1 will be for FREE. To register, please follow these four easy steps:
Go to our website at cclex.com.ph and click on REGISTER.
Pick a date and installation site.
In choosing a vehicle class, select Class 1M.
Show your QR code to our installers during your appointment together with your OR/CR.
The RFID sticker for motorcycles will be installed on the motorcycles’ plastic headlamp. If the headlamp is made of glass, the RFID sticker will be placed on the visor or mudguard.
Photo from Slater Young
Partial Cashless System
CCLEC will have a gradual transition from pure cash transactions at its toll plaza to a mix of cashless before the implementation of the full electronic toll collection (ETC) system. Starting July 1, some toll booths will have cash payment lanes while others will already be converted to RFID-enabled lanes.
The launching of the app for the CCLEX RFID load and reloading will be done prior to the toll lane conversions.
At present, CCLEX has continuously installed RFID stickers to Class 1 to 3 vehicles all in readiness for the activation of the electronic payment scheme.
As for bikers and pedestrians, they will be allowed to pass CCLEX starting next month through the dedicated sidewalk lane located on either side of the expressway for free. For more details, be updated by following CCLEX’s official Facebook page @CCLEXexpressway.
Photo from The Island Nomad / John Ray Aligato
Safety Reminders
When using the expressway, CCLEC is reminding motorists to drive at a maximum speed of 60 kph. While CCLEX is designed for a maximum speed of 80 kph, CCLEC is implementing a 60kph limit during initial operations as part of its safety measures.
Motorists are also asked not to stop at any area in the entire stretch of the facility.
For those who are paying toll in cash, they are advised to prepare the exact toll amount.
It will be recalled that no less than President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, joined by Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, inaugurated the multi-billion-peso modern toll expressway that crosses the Mactan Channel, connecting Cebu City with the town of Cordova in Mactan Island, on April 27, 2022. CCLEX was then opened to the public on April 30, 2022, after four years of non-stop work.
CCLEX, an engineering feat and Cebu’s newest iconic landmark, is seen to not only ease traffic congestion in the metro but also spark socio-economic development in the province, according to a study by the University of San Carlos.
CCLEX, now considered the tallest and highest bridgeway structure in the country, is a project of CCLEC, in partnership with the local government units of Cebu City and Municipality of Cordova.
CCLEC is a wholly owned subsidiary of MPTC, the toll road arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC). MPTC is a publicly-listed infrastructure holding company and a member of the MVP Group of Companies.
Photo from Slater Young
MPTC is the largest toll road concessionaire and operator in the Philippines. The company’s expansion goals include establishing toll operations in the Visayas, other parts of the Philippines, and in neighboring countries, notably Vietnam, and Indonesia.
If that aesthetic space is what you’re looking for the most for a getaway weekend or vacation then this resort in Northern Cebu might just be it.
Photo from Akropora Resorts Facebook Page
Akropora Resorts, is a new mediterrean luxury resort located in Kawit Medellin Cebu. It is aesthetic at its finest with its magnificent use of the color brown in its most beautiful shades all over the resort.
It has intricately designed architecture, a modern design with a touch of the old as it boasts its antique furnishings like the old mirror designs, old wooden doors, mirrors, and wooden sinks.
Their spaces look like modern medieval with its high-ceiling and wide rooms. Its upscale exclusive villas have their individual jacuzzi / dipping pool, and even the showers are a modern tropical paradise complete with a bath tub shaped like a deep well.
Photo from Akropora Resorts Facebook PagePhoto from Akropora Resorts Facebook PagePhoto from Akropora Resorts Facebook PagePhoto from Akropora Resorts Facebook Page
Exclusive Villas
VILLA 1
2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms (each room has 2 queen beds)
2 Jacuzzis (one per room)
Personal Butler
Beach Access
VILLA 2
Loft Type Villa with 2 Bathrooms (5 queen beds)
Private Dipping Pool
Personal Butler
Beach Access
Photo from Akropora Resorts Facebook PagePhoto from Akropora Resorts Facebook PagePhoto from Akropora Resorts Facebook PagePhoto from Akropora Resorts Facebook PagePhoto from Akropora Resorts Facebook PagePhoto from Akropora Resorts Facebook PagePhoto from Akropora Resorts Facebook PagePhoto from Akropora Resorts Facebook PagePhoto from Akropora Resorts Facebook PagePhoto from Akropora Resorts Facebook Page
You can admire flowers from their well-maintained floral landscaping, see the unique walkway aviary, and of course enjoy their well curated gourmet restaurant food selections worthy of a luxury resort.
You’ll experience tranquility at its finest with majestic sunset views over the vast white sand shore. This sunset view and ambience certainly call for romantic nights and even a wedding.
You can also choose to have a full active day with its turquoise waters. You can have an early morning swim, or get your kayaks out and paddle to the serene paradise that is Kinatarkan Island.
Fresh flowers, salty waters and sunny days, get ready for the memorable stories, laughter and experience you’ll have in Akropora Resorts.
Photo from Akropora Resorts Facebook PagePhoto from Akropora Resorts Facebook PagePhoto from Akropora Resorts Facebook PagePhoto from Akropora Resorts Facebook Page
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
ROOM RATES:
VILLA 1(12pax): P30,000/night w/ breakfast
P15,000 per room, rented separately (max of 6, w/ breakfast)
VILLA 2 (12pax): P35,000/night w/ breakfast
Excess person fee: P2,000(11yo and up); P1,000(10yo below) w/ max of 15pax
Exact location: Kawit, Medellin, Northern Cebu — 3 hrs travel from Cebu City
BY BUS: Go to Cebu City North Bus Terminal and ride on a bus bound for Kawit. Estimated travel time is 3-3.5 hours. Just tell the driver to drop you off at Akropora Resorts.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Akropora resort” in Medellin. Parking space is available.
The Philippines is known to be a melting pot of beauty. More than its scenic views, the country also boasts its rich culture — making it an appealing choice for travelers seeking all kinds of adventure.
Spolarium in National Museum of Fine Arts | Photo from Hiroshi SHIBATA
Whether it is exploring the mountains, conquering waves, or celebrating lively fiestas, the Philippines never seems to run out of options.
This includes places where you can take a peek at its tragic yet captivating history through the artworks that reflect it.
Want to dive deep into the Philippines’ art scene? Here are ten of the most famous Filipino paintings and where you can visit them:
1. Spoliarium
Spolarium by Juan Luna
Considered the largest painting in the Philippines, “Spoliarium” is among the notable art pieces of Filipino painter Juan Luna. It features the bloody gladiator matches of Romans but is also an allegory to the despair and abuses Filipinos suffered from during the Spanish reign in the country.
The artwork currently stands tall at the center of the main gallery of the National Museum of Fine Arts at 4.22 meters x 7.675 meters in dimensions.
Where to see it: National Museum of Fine Arts (Manila, Philippines)
Entrance fee: Free
2. Planting Rice
Planting Rice by Fernando Amorsolo
An artist known for his distinctive art style and realistic paintings, Filipino painter Fernando Amorsolo is best known for his depiction of the country’s culture, its picturesque sceneries, portraits of women, and scenes from World War II.
One of his most popular paintings is “Planting Rice”, where he depicted a group of farmers — both men and women — toiling under the sun.
Like “Spoliarium”, it can also be visited at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila along with his other pieces.
Where to see it: National Museum of Fine Arts (Manila)
Entrance fee: Free
3. Sabel
Sabel by Benedicto Cabrera
The Philippine art scene would not be complete without the mention of National Artist Benedicto Cabrera. His artworks are currently on display inside his museum in Baguio City including his famous painting “Sabel”.
Cabrera previously said “Sabel” is a homeless Filipino woman whom he photographed and first sketched in 1965. Her disposition became a symbol of dislocation, despair, and isolation for the painter — making her a recurring subject in his figurative paintings.
Where to see it: BenCab Museum (Baguio City)
Entrance fee:
Regular Fee: PHP 150
Students: PHP 120
Senior Citizens/ PWDs: PHP 100
4. Madonna of the Slums
Madonna of the Slums by Vicente Manansala
A key modernist painting in the 1950s, Vicente Manansala’s “Madonna of the Slums” pictures a mother and child who are said to become shanties in the city after leaving their provincial life.
Many interpretations of the artwork have been made but a notable one said it reflects the anxiety and insecurity of Filipinos post-war.
Where to see it: National Museum of Fine Arts (Manila)
Entrance fee: Free
5. The Parisian Life
Parisian Life by Juan Luna
Also known as Interior d’un Cafi (or Inside a Café), the impressionist painting is another masterpiece of Juan Luna. Unlike his earlier works, the “Parisian Life” shy away from his usual intense and dramatic subjects and instead portrayed a “fleeting moment of ordinary life” during his stay in Paris in the 1890s.
Featured at the center of the artwork is a young woman sitting uncomfortably on a sofa while behind her are three Filipino patriots who would eventually change the country’s history — Luna himself, Jose Rizal, and Ariston Bautista Lin.
Where to see it: National Museum of Fine Arts (Manila)
Entrance fee: Free
6. The Happiest Place on Earth
The Happiest Place on Earth by Elmer Borlongan
Another Filipino gem is contemporary painter Elmer Borlongan. Having been born in the urban, Borlongan strived to depict the everyday life in the city.
His famous work “The Happiest Place on Earth”, is currently stored in Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo City, Rizal.
Where to see it: Pinto Art Museum (Antipolo, Rizal)
Entrance fee: P250
7. Yellow Confetti
Yellow Confetti by Benedicto Cabrera
The rise of the people and fall of the dictatorship through the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution are among the major events that changed the course of Philippine history.
Amid the chaos was Benedicto Cabrera, who encapsulated the civil resistance of Filipinos at the time through his controversial art piece “Yellow Confetti”.
Where to see it: BenCab Museum (Baguio City)
Entrance fee:
Regular Fee: PHP 150
Students: PHP 120
Senior Citizens/ PWDs: PHP 100
8. First Mass at Limasawa
First Mass by Carlos Modesto Francisco
An interpretation of the first documented Christian mass in the Philippines in 1521, “First Mass at Limasawa” is one of Carlos Modesto “Botong” Villaluz Francisco’s most important paintings.
The national government commissioned Francisco to create the artwork for the commemoration of 400 years of Philippine Christianization.
Where to see it: National Museum of Fine Arts (Manila)
Entrance fee: Free
9. Three Women with Baskets
Three Women with Baskets by Anita Magsaysay-Ho
The only female member of “13 moderns”, Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s artworks show her high regard for women in Filipino culture. This is true in all of her paintings including “Three Women with Baskets” where she pictured female basket weavers enamored with their daily lives.
Other members of “13 moderns” are: Botong Francisco, Galo Ocampo, Lorenzo, Vicente Manansala, HR Ocampo, Anita Magasaysay-Ho, Cesar Legaspi, Demetrio Diego, Ricarte Purugganan, Jose Pardo, Bonifacio Cristobal and Arsenio Capili
Where to see it: Yuchengco Museum (Makati City)
Entrance fee:
Regular Fee: PHP 100
Students/Senior Citizens/ PWDs: PHP 50
10. Hills of Nikko
Hills of Nikko by Jose Joya
No Filipino artist does abstract painting like National Artist for Visual Arts Jose Joya. With his masterful technique called “gestural painting” or “action painting,” he
While it is his interpretation of the hills in Nikko, Japan, critics say Joya’s painting is an allegory of human imperfections.
Where to see it: National Museum of Fine Arts (Manila)
Good news, wanderers! This June 12, celebrate freedom and fly high (no pun intended) with your favorite airline!
To commemorate the country’s Independence Day, three of the biggest local airlines — Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia — are offering compelling promo seat sales that start today, June 10 until Sunday, June 12.
Cebu Pacific
Cebu Pacific offers one-way base tickets as low as P12 on all of their destinations on sale from June 10 to 12, 2022.
From Cebu, you can travel to local destinations such as Boracay, Clark, Davao, Bacolod, and Manila. Meanwhile, Seoul, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Tokyo are among the foreign destinations you can book.
Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines is also offering one-way base rates as low as P188 for local destinations and foreign round-trip base fares as low as $89 for one-way flights (over P4,709).
Hailing from Davao City, 22-year-old Paul Pablo is one of the leading artists in the region with hits like “Bangin”, “Bai”, “Kalawakan”.
Signed under top music label Warner Music Philippines (WMP) and managed by Bigseed X Music, Paul Pablo describes his music as a combination of hugot lyrics in the rhythm of electro-pop music, coining the term “hugot-tronic”.
With his latest single “Di Inakala”, Paul Pablo explores a story about love. To cap his time off here in Cebu, Paul Pablos had a FABLOS night last June 3, 2022 at Asmara with fellow artists, creators and friends from the media. When asked about his source of motivation, Paul answered:
“My family. They’ve become a big part of my music journey as my father is also a music lover. My mother is also a singer, she was the one who taught me how to sing and my brother listens to all types of genres. My brother is actually the one who taught me to explore different genres of music.”
Seemingly evident in his music videos and musical style, Adam Lambert and Lady Gaga are just some of Paul’s early musical influences. But as a kid, Paul’s family’s good taste in music is one big attributing factor to how he writes his own music now.
“My family always taught and influenced me when it comes to their taste in music until I discovered my own taste in music.”
This brilliant young artist is a full-time musician and a degree holder in AB Communications from Ateneo de Davao University.
He also reminisced about moments during his earlier school days, where one particular event sparked his desire to pursue his passion for music and fashion.
“I joined songwriting competitions at school. The first band that said my songwriting skills were good was Hale. They were one of the judges during that competition. I took it as a sign that “I’ve got it” in me to pursue my passion in music”
Love, societal issues, and identity are just some of the topics found in Paul Pablo’s work as a musician. With an emphasis on the latter, which is identity, Paul Pablo is an openly proud gay artist. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Paul Pablo wants to raise more awareness with regards to the community’s rights and to never stop pursuing their dreams.
With the emergence of a new generation of artists like Paul Pablo and in celebration with Pride month this June, I got to ask him one question that would resonate for today’s members of the LGBTQIA community:
Q: “In celebration with Pride month this June, what is your message to those aspiring musicians who are also members of the LGBTQIA+ community?”
Paul:“Never be afraid to start your journey. Be brave enough to just do your own thing. It’s very important that you get to enjoy who you are, regardless of your gender preferences, while you’re working to achieve your dreams. You only live once so you better live it right.”
TV appearances of Paul Pablo include guestings in Eat Bulaga, It’s Showtime and iWant ASAP Live. Paul Pablo has also appeared in online shows including in Yes the Best Manila, Retriever Tambayan, Paraisla, Mellow 94.7, CHUO 89.1 and several Kumu guestings.
Paul Pablo has also guested on the popular Wish 107.5 Bus, where he performed his song “Kaya”. As of this writing, the video has 26k views. Additionally, Paul has appeared in MYX Global’s guestings including the Myx Awards Performance, Myx Spotlight, Myx Global Live and Myxclusive.
During the discussion with other media people, Paul Pablo noted that the advent of the internet helped him jumpstart his career. Paul Pablo’s socials include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Kumu and Tiktok. His music can be streamed via YouTube and Spotify, with the latter having 99k monthly listeners.
Paul Pablo plans to release a full-length album soon, but for now, YouTube and Spotify are just some of the venues where you can catch glimpses of his musical brilliance.
