Uttering these words maybe the best thing that will ever happen to you while playing the Pokemon video game.
Photo from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Promotional Video
This new character is a Hog Pokémon is already a fan favorite especially for Cebuanos. Its very name compels us to like, as it is wittingly derived from ‘lechon,’ or roasted pig which Cebu is known for.
The Pokémon Company introduced this new pokemon through a new trailer released last June 1, for the next set of mainline Pokémon games including a few new characters.
Published by Nintendo, Lechonk will be available in the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet video game by November 2022.
Get to know Lechonk
Lechonk Official Artwork | Photo from Nintendo
Lechonk is a very cute pokemon. It has a gray and round body with a curled tail, along with large floppy ears covering its eyes. Its face is brown that is highlighted by a pink large pig snout.
The adorable pint-sized pig character has its origin from Mediterranean Spain, but also happens to be a most beloved and delicious dish in the Philippines and the pride of Cebu.
Lechonk Character Information
Photo from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Promotional Video
Lechonk – “hog pokemon”
Habit – Uses its sense of smell to find and eat only the most fragrant wild grasses and the richest berries.
Strength – Appears fat but the Pokémon’s body is mostly muscle built by constantly walking around in search of food
Defense – Radiate an aroma resembling herbs that Bug-type Pokémon dislike
Attack – If attacked and startled, it will charge forward in a panic
Lechonk have already gone viral, with the Filipinos taking pride on it.
You may be one of the many Filipinos who intend to travel overseas for employment or pleasure. Or you may just be one of those who merely want a valid ID. But it has always been a frustration for many to secure an online appointment from the DFA website.
Good news! The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has opened new passport appointment slots for the month of June to September 2022.
This is according to the tweet of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Brigido Dulay on June 3.
Following the order of SFA @teddyboylocsin to ease the passport backlog, we’ve opened more appointment slots in all our 36 consular offices and 20 TOPS sites nationwide. There are now available slots this June all to way to Sept 2022. No need to wait! Apply now! pic.twitter.com/hekFDnPka0
Just like the usual, slots run out quickly. In fact, as of this writing, there are no longer dates available for June and July 2022. The earliest is in mid-August.
On a positive note, you may still try your luck and check the availability every day to secure an earlier appointment date.
It is also worth noting that once you have secured an appointment and accomplished all the requirements on-site, it will take at least four weeks for DFA to issue your passport. Others also said their passports arrived after two months. This means you have to plan your foreign trips well with a good contingency of at least three months.
A lot of you probably know by now already that famous celebrities Kim Chiu, Matteo Guidicelli, and Ellen Adarna have Cebuano blood running through their veins. But, do you know that many other TV, movie, music stars, and even international designers are also Cebuano descent?
If not, you just reached the right page – here are the 13 famous personalities that have the Cebuano blood.
Kimberly Sue Yap Chiu (born April 19, 1990), commonly known as Kim Chiu, is a Chinese Filipino actress, singer and television host in the Philippines. @chinitaprincess became famous after winning in the first edition of Pinoy Big Brother. She first starred in the television series, Sana Maulit Muli (2007) which won her the year’s Most Promising Female Star at GMMSF.
Gianmatteo Vittorio Fernan Guidicelli was born in Cebu City. Before entering the show business, Matteo was known as a racer. Matteo is also known for being a triathlete.
He is one of three children of Gianluca Guidicelli, an Italian, and Glenna Fernan, a Filipino. His grandfather is the late Senator and Chief Justice Marcelo Fernan.
Ellen Meriam Go Adarna (born April 2, 1988) is a Filipino actress. Ellen became famous because of her exercise videos but even before that, Adarna was already known in the online world through her photos share via the (then) social networking site, Friendster.
The only daughter of a Filipina-Chinese mother and Spanish father. Ellen is the eldest child. Her family owns various hotels, resorts, condominiums and Queensland, a chain of motels in Cebu, Manila and Davao.
Isabel Oli was born on October 20, 1981 in Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines as Maria Olivia S. Daytia. She is an actress, known for Maging akin ka lamang (2008), Kaya kong abutin ang langit (2009) and Gagambino (2008). She has been married to John Prats since May 16, 2015. They have one child.
Isabel is the youngest of seven children of Filipino father of Chinese descent and a Filipina mother of Spanish descent.
Paul Jake Castillo was born on December 22, 1984. He is an actor, known for Be Careful with My Heart (2012), No Other Woman (2011) and Maalaala mo kaya (1991). Paul Jake is the runner-up on the hit reality-serye, Pinoy Big Brother.
Paul Jake is now happily married to Kaye Abad with one handsome little boy.
Enrique was born on March 30, 1992 in Cebu City. He is the second son of Enrique Amadeo Gil III and Barbara Anne Bacay. … He has an elder brother named Enrique Javier (Javy) and a younger sister named Diandra Frances (Andie). His parents used to work as flight attendants for Philippine Airlines.
He appeared in various films and television shows such as Mula Sa Puso, Budoy, Muling Buksan Ang Puso and She’s the One, but he is best known for his role as Alexander “Xander” Grande III in the television series Forevermore in 2014–15, alongside Liza Soberano.
Richard Edison Uy Yap (born May 18, 1967) is a Chinese Filipino actor, model and businessman, best known for his role as “Papa Chen” in My Binondo Girl and in the television drama Be Careful With My Heart as Richard “Sir Chief” Lim.
Born and raised in Cebu, Richard used to be a full-time businessman before he entered show business. He also runs two restos – Wangfu and Luna J – with some business partners.
Monique Lhuillier (born September 15, 1971 in Cebu City, Philippines) is a Filipino-American fashion designer and creative director known for her bridal, ready-to-wear and lifestyle brand. Internationally recognized as one of America’s foremost designers, she launched her eponymous brand in 1996 and has since established fashion houses in Los Angeles, California, where she primarily works and lives.
Monique Lhuillier was born to Michel J. Lhuillier and Amparito Llamas and raised in Cebu City in a house with one sister and two brothers. Her father was born in Vietnam when the country was a French colony. He is a jeweler, estate buyer and a diplomat while her mother is a former model.
Shaina Garcia Magdayao (born November 6, 1989), is a Filipino actress, dancer, singer and model. She is currently under ABS-CBN Management and a member of Star Magic. Known as ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Gold Queen for her successful starring roles that have aired on Kapamilya Gold afternoon block.
Shaina, whose parents are from Cebu, started her career as a child actress. She was known for her roles as Rina in the drama Marinella and Alyna. She is the youngest sister of singer and actress Vina Morales.
Annabelle Rama. Annabelle Rosales Rama (born October 28, 1952) is the wife of 1960s Philippine cinema matinee idol Eddie Gutiérrez.
Known for being feisty and her thick Visayan accent, Annabelle Rama is the mother of celebrities Ruffa, Richard, and Raymond, and wife of former matinee idol Eddie Gutierrez. A member of the famous Rama clan of Cebu, Annabelle ran for Congress in the 2013 elections but lost.
She is among the top talent managers in the entertainment industry, and was recently seen in the reality show It Takes Gutz To Be A Gutierrez with her family.
Kenneth Cobonpue is a Filipino industrial designer known for his unique designs integrating natural materials through innovative handmade production processes. He began his design career after his studies in Industrial Design in New York, which led him to apprenticeships and further studies in Italy and Germany.
Kenneth Cobonpue’s works have been featured in design shows in Paris and New York. A graduate of Pratt Institute, Kenneth has received various awards, such as the grand prize at the Singapore International Design Competition and the Design for Asia Award of Hongkong. Kenneth’s pieces have also been bought by famous personalities, such as Hollywood actor Brad Pitt.
Patricia Janine Dusaran Berdin is not only a child actress but is also a singer. Janine, a Cebuana actress and singer who won as the season 2 champion at Tawag ng Tanghalan of the noon-time television show It’s Showtime. Prior to that, she joined Star Circle Quest Search for the Next Kiddie Superstars.
Janine began her career in December 2010 when she auditioned for ABS-CBN’s Star Circle Quest for the Next Kiddie Superstar, She was the lone Cebuana who made it to the top 10 semifinalists among more than 6,000 kids who auditioned.
After the contest Janine was handed to Star Magic, ABS-CBN’s talent pool. She first appeared in 3 episodes of the Mutya (TV series) where she played as School Bully. Then later in an episode of Maalaala mo kaya (TV series) – Tungkod (2011).
Johanne Morissette Daug Amon (born June 2, 1996), better known by her stage name, Morissette, is a Filipina singer and occasional actress. She first rose to prominence when she finished runner-up on TV5’s Star Factor at the age of 14. In 2012, Amon made her professional stage debut in the Repertory Philippines production of Disney’s Camp Rock. She competed in the first season of ABS-CBN’s The Voice of the Philippines in 2013, where she became part of Sarah Geronimo ‘s team.
Born and raised in Cebu City, Amon became a recording artist of Star Music in early 2014 and released her first album. A self-titled album called Morissette, in March 2015. She is now known as “Asia’s Phoenix”.
Morissette was awarded as the New Female Recording Artist of the Year by the 7th PMPC Star Awards for Music in November 2015 for her album, Morissette. She bagged the Female Artist of the Year on M.O.R. Pinoy Music Awards in August 2016. She had her first major solo concert, which sold out, at the Music Museum on 13 August 2016.
All photos were taken from the Instagram accounts of the personalities aforementioned.
A meaningful staycation is best enjoyed when we have the place all for ourselves.
Opposite the mountainside that the municipality is known for, Amaroo Beach House stands majestic on the shores of Brgy. Arpili, Balamban. It’s a good choice for everyone who wants to spend the weekend in an exclusive beach house, away from the busy vibes of the city.
A reservation entitles your group to the exclusive use of all amenities in the beach house. They do not accept two bookings at a time – so the place is all yours.
“Amaroo” is an Australian aboriginal dialect which means “a beautiful place.” True to its name, it is indeed one of Balamban’s hidden treasures. It is ornamented with a quiet beachfront where you can take a refreshing swimming experience. You’ll see ships floating from a distance, creating a lazy ripple of activity in a sleepy seaside.
The Amaroo Beach House is used to be a family weekend getaway spot. Over time, it slowly became a welcoming and comforting abode for everyone seeking a quick hiatus. This property has been made lovingly out of a family’s vision of togetherness in tranquility.
It is complete with a living area for recreational activities like television and videoke. It also has a brightly frescoed dining space and a kitchen that comes with basic appliances, cooking pots, utensils, and dinnerware.
Their pool is screaming with grandeur as its poolside is adorned with a sea-meets-the-sky backdrop. On top of that, you can fill yourself with a picturesque view of the sunset that bursts amazing hues to the distant Mt. Kanlaon.
One thing that makes your stay in Amaroo Beach House is its outdoor sunken lounge where you can enjoy sun-bathing, stargazing, or an outdoor movie night with your friends and family using their readily available projector.
With its laidback scenery, Amaroo Beach House serves photoshoot events. Whether for prenup, post or just any event, the place has a variety of picturesque sights perfect in every angle.
An important reminder: Make sure you book a reservation first before heading to the place.
AMENITIES
Adult Pool
Kiddie Pool with water jets
Outdoor Sunken Lounge
Living Room
Full Kitchen free of use
Bedroom 1 with 4 queen size beds (sleeps 8)
Bedroom 2 with 4 queen size beds (sleeps 8)
Bedroom 2 Mezzanine with 4 queen mattresses (sleeps 8)
Projector for outdoor movie watching
Videoke
Board Games
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATE:
Mondays to Thursdays: P19,900 per night, good for 16 persons
Fridays to Sundays& Holidays: P21,500 per night, good for 16 persons
Excess: P800 per head (maximum capacity of 24pax)
Children 0-10 years old are free of charge.
Reservation Fee: P4,000 (non-refundable, shall be offset to the total bill)
Exact location: Arpili, Balamban, Northwestern Cebu — approx. 2.5 hours away from the city proper.
BY V-HIRE: From Ayala Van Terminal, ride a van bound for Balamban via transcentral highway, P120/head. Alight at Jollibee Balamban branch and head to the public market. From there, you may take a pedicab or a habal-habal going to Amaroo Beach House in Brgy. Arpili.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Amaroo Beach House” in Balamban. Parking space is available.
One of the most affected (yet often least mentioned) by the COVID-19 pandemic are the board exam takers. Almost those who take the board exam experience anxiety, particularly the gap between when they graduate and up to the day, they enter the examination room. With their future at stake, preparing the board exam is not a joke. Now imagine if that waiting is prolonged for more than a year.
Photo from Kaizen Oriel
Such is the case for one Cebuano from Minglanilla, Kaizen Oriel, who took the board exam last May 2022 after graduating last May 2020. It took him two years to finally take the board exam, with great results as he managed to be the 8th placer of the Board Examination for Civil Engineers with a rating of 92.20%.
Now at 24 years old, Kaizen is a graduate of University of San Carlos. He finished the degree last May 2020 and admittedly, have been preparing for the board examinations as early as the start of 2020.
But like most reviewees, the struggle Kaizen experienced brought by the postponement of board exams because of the COVID-19 pandemic was taking a toll on his mental health.
“Because I graduated last 2020, I started reviewing early year 2020 pa. And then because the board exams kept on getting postponed due to the level of COVID-19 cases, I kept enrolling in the review center.”
KAIZEN NOTED IN AN INTERVIEW.
Kaizen recalls that for many times that he lost the motivation to review, especially every time he heard the news that the board exams will be postponed. A total of 3 postponements was the nightmarish experience for Kaizen.
“I was never able to get past the first subject because I couldn’t find the motivation to study because I wasn’t sure if the board exam would be held at that time.”
KAIZEN REMARKED.
With the uncertainty when the exams will be finally taking place, Kaizen decided to temporarily work for a real estate development company. This led him to skip the November 2021 board exams for Civil Engineers as he chose to focus on the work that he recently entered.
Photo from Kaizen Oriel
Kaizen also mentioned that the typhoon Odette in December 2021, which struck Cebu pretty hard, was also one of the reasons who further lost motivation to take the board exams.
But luckily, Kaizen was already good with math and engineering sciences. Although he didn’t graduate with Latin honors during college, he said that he was lucky to not have failed one single subject with the program.
Kaizen went on to take the May 2022 board exam for civil engineers and placed 8th among the topnotchers, a feat that he achieved with the help of family and friends as he says.
“I would like to thank my family, my mom, and my dad, for supporting me throughout my journey. And to my friends for helping me and answering my questions while I was reviewing for the board exam.”
If you’re a little confused, this generation is from the mid to late 1990s to the 2010s. They are known as the first social generation and digital natives as growing up, they have had access to the internet and modern technology.
Gen Zs are different as they have high awareness for social media, personal health, the society itself, and their future. And with all these awareness, they must be equipped with the tools that can meet their passion and life demands.
Worry not though as we have listed here the complete starter pack that you must certainly have to navigate the Gen Z life.
1. Right and Informed Skincare
Skincare is everything for this generation. Filipino Gen Z’s are the biggest consumers of beauty products and have even been considered to be ‘skintellectuals’. They don’t just purchase anything. They do a background check on the ingredients and science behind their skincare products.
Being socially conscious, they now express their passion for sustainability, clean beauty, and organic skin care products as the beauty trends that should be followed.
The phrase “less is more” is quite famous for this generation’s personal care which makes Nature Republic, SM Seaside’s newly opened store, one of the most visited shops for its high-quality natural products.
NATURE REPUBLIC | UPPER GROUND FLOOR, MOUNTAIN WING ATRIUM | SM SEASIDE CITY CEBU
2. Phones that are Social Media Conscious
Having been exposed to social media all their life, Filipino Gen Z just want their time online to be immediate, seamless and frictionless.
This is where phones that are social-media conscious or anti-social media become a trend. Aside from the aesthetics that the old phones before have, it also promises a controlled or lack thereof of online activity temptations.
TikTokers also encourages young people to ditch the life of wasting hours on social media and present these phones that seem to be making a comeback like flip phones which have the Y2K aesthetics and calling it “vintage tech nostalgia”. Available in Samsung, having one will definitely change the routine of a Gen Z in the Philippines.
SAMSUNG | THIRD FLOOR, CYBERZONE | SM SEASIDE CITY CEBU
3. Youthful Aesthetic Items
With one of the cores of the Gen Z being aesthetics, it is no wonder that visually attractive items dominate the Filipino market. Filipino Gen Z fashion is being influenced by the world of aesthetics and there is no way to ignore them as they are everywhere. They are very evident social media wise especially beautiful photos for Instagram or having the best arrangement and mood for a TikTok video. Taking a stand when it comes to style, you can never go wrong with Cotton On when it comes to aesthetics.
COTTON ON | UPPER GROUND FLOOR, SEAVIEW WING | SM SEASIDE CITY CEBU
4. K-pop Album and Merch
The Kpop invasion in the Filipino’s taste of music has been a big wave for Gen Z. Few are left who aren’t aware of the eye-catching visuals of Kpop idolsand the addictive hooks and melodies of all those Kpop songs.
They dominate social media and the leading K-pop groups these days are from Gen Z known as the fourth generation. Their audience and fandom spans not only in South Korea but internationally as well which is why Gen Z Filipino fandoms will not let any Kpop album or merch of their groups go unpurchased.
To add to your collection of your favorite Idols or Idol groups albums and merchandise, better head out to SM Seaside’s newly opened store, N.Cat as they will definitely have all of that in their shelves and you can be sure that it will be authentic as well.
N. CAT | LOWER GROUND FLOOR, CITY WING | SM SEASIDE CITY CEBU
These are the must-haves for a Gen Z of today but really whichever generation you are, you can still relate to all of these much-needed items and will definitely get one for yourself.
Scan through this album and start planning out your #AweSM Philippine Independence Day celebration!
HOW TO GET TO SM SEASIDE?
Exact Location: SM Seaside City Cebu in South Road Properties (SRP), Cebu City.
BY MYBUS: You can take a FREE MyBus ride from/to BDO Fuente Osmena from 8:20 am to 10:00pm. You can also ride any MyBus from SM City Cebu, Talisay, Mandaue City, Parkmall, and any Cibus to get to and from SM Seaside City Cebu Drop-off point is at the City Wing Entrance.
BY GrabCar: Get P50 OFF on your GrabCar protect ride to and from SM Seaside City Cebu by using the promo code: SMSEASIDE50
This 6.6, users in Visayas can look forward to up to ₱75 shipping discount vouchers, ₱6 Deals, and 10% off discount vouchers at the 6.6-7.7 Mid-Year Sale.
Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan, announced its launch of the 6.6-7.7 Mid-Year Sale with exclusive deals and special offers for Visayan Shoppers. With online shopping now becoming integral to the lives of Filipinos, Shopee has established an even stronger presence in Visayas in order to give more shoppers in the region access to convenient, rewarding, and seamless shopping experiences.
Shopee offers exclusive “Visayas Barato Deals” and promos on 6.6
With the platform’s bolstered presence in the region, users can expect faster and cheaper delivery, especially when they shop from local sellers. As a special treat for the mid-year sale celebration, shoppers in Visayas can also look forward to these exclusive Visayas Barato Deals when they download and use the Shopee app on June 6:
Save up to ₱75 on shipping on select shops
Score deals for as low as ₱6 from a wide range of product categories
10% off discount vouchers from participating shops
Score “mas mura sa Shopee”* deals as low as ₱66 at the 6.6 – 7.7 Mid-Year Sale
Users can look forward to a memorable mid-year shopping celebration at the 6.6 -7.7 Mid-Year Sale from May 27 to June 8. As shoppers fill up their Shopee carts with their favorite finds, they can also discover “Mas Mura Sa Shopee”*[It’s cheaper on Shopee] deals with low-priced items that are guaranteed to make their haul worth every peso.
With 6.6 just around the corner, take your pick from the following items at only ₱66 that fit your everyday lifestyle.
Say goodbye to wrinkled clothing with this handheld steam iron, which you can use either at home or on your next trip. Improve your gaming experience with these noise cancelling gaming headphones, giving you that high-quality sound without sacrificing comfort. Beat the heat when you buy this anti-heat portable clip electric fan, a compact, trendy item that lets you chill comfortably while being on-the-go. Be sure to check out these deals quickly as they’ll be on limited stocks on 6.6.
Shop with up to 66% cashback and send money for free using ShopeePay
This mid-year celebration is made even more special with ShopeePay, Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet that allows you to conveniently pay for your purchases and settle transactions with no hidden fees. With ShopeePay, you can send money to any bank, e-wallet or any Shopee user for free and save more with cashback promos for bills payment, as well as cheap mobile load and data offers.
To know more about the 6.6 – 7.7 Mid-Year Sale, visit the 6.6 Mid-Year Sale page on Shopee.
This is what we have been craving for the past years of pandemic and it has finally arrived. We can now see our favorite artists in person.
Ready your budgets as they are coming to the Philippines this 2022 starting July and we have here the list as your guide on the when and where of these live performances.
1. LOUIS TOMLINSON WORLD TOUR 2022
Tickets Range: P1,500-P4,100
From being a member of the boy band One Direction, Louis has since then carved his own path in the music industry. His famous songs include “Back To You” ft Bebe Rexha and “Just Hold On” with Steve Aoki. His Grand World tour is in support of his debut album “Walls”.
When: July 16
Where: New Frontier Theater, Manila
2. ALL TIME LOW
Tickets Range: P3,500-P9,500
One of the all-time favorite rock band, All Time Low will have the “Remembering Sunday” act in the Philippines as part of their Asia Pacific Tour. Millenials will never forget their iconic song “Dear Maria Count Me In”. They will be joined by local rock act Chicosci on their concert.
When: August 15
Where: Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City
3. THE MAINE
Tickets Range: P2,500-P4,500
The Maine is returning as part of PULP Live World’s first show since covid. This is following the release of their 8th album XOXO: From Love and Anxiety in Real Time. They have been in the Philippines in 2019 already for their “You Are OK” album.
When: August 27
Where: Sky Dome
4. THE SCRIPT GREATEST HITS TOUR 2022
Tickets Range: TBA
Our favorite Irish rock band who holds true to their names gives us the most beautiful lyrics and songs are coming. Their famous singles like “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” and “Breakeven” will be something to watch out for in their Greatest Hits Tour 2022 including their new album “Tales From The Script”.
When: September 23
Where: Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City
5. BOYS LIKE GIRLS
Tickets Range: P2,500-P4,500
Who could forget the high school anthem “Thunder”. Cebuanos will be rejoicing indeed as Boys Like Girls’ will have their concert in Sky Hall Seaside Cebu. They will be in Manila beforehand. Be ready to shout your hearts out.
When: Oct 10-11; Oct 12
Where: New Frontier Theater in Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City (Oct 10-11)
Sky Hall Seaside Cebu, SM Seaside City, Cebu (Oct 12)
6. JUSTIN BIEBER
Tickets Range: P2,500-P19,000
Believers are over the moon in joy as the Candian Pop star will be having his Justice World Tour. The tour will be in support of his fifth and sixth studio albums, Changes and Justice. He has countless hits but some of his recent ones are “Peaches” ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon and “Ghost”.
When: October 29
Where: CCP Open Grounds
7. LANY
Photo Screencap from LANY’s Twitter Account
Tickets Range: TBA
The anthem songs that are ILYSB and Malibu Nights will be heard again here in the Philippines. The pop rock band’s latest hits are “If this is the last time” and “Heart Won’t Let Me”. Their last album released is “gg bb xx”.
When: TBA
Where: TBA
8. AVRIL LAVIGNE Head Above Water World Tour
Tickets Range: P1,000-P9,000
After many postponements, finally Avril Lavigne’s world tour is happening. Considered to be a pop punk sensation, Avril is an icon to every music lover out there. Her world tour is for her sixth studio album, ‘Head Above Water,’ which was released in early 2019.
When: November 3
Where: Smart Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City
9. RUSS
When: November 5
Where: MOA Arena
10. ALANIS MORISETTE 2022 World Tour
Tickets Range: P2,500-P13,500
A seven-time Grammy winner, Alanis is already a legend. The ‘Ironic’ singer’s World Tour concert is long overdue because of the pandemic. Her new album of meditation music titled “The Storm Before the Calm” is set to be released on June 17, 2022
When: November 18-19
Where: Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City
What are you waiting for? Buy those tickets now to get the best seats.
Another dynamic and strong Cebuana being recognized have been spotted.
President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have appointed incumbent Liloan Mayor Christina Frasco to take the secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT) position last May 30.
Photo from Christina Garcia Frasco
Frasco is supposed to have her third term in office as Mayor of the town of Liloan in Cebu. Now, if she accepts the post, vice mayor-elect Aljew Frasco will assume the mayoralty.
Some of us may know Mayor Christina while some might not know her so here are some of the most interesting and amazing facts that might enlighten us on how this dynamic mayor was chosen to be the next DOT Secretary.
First is she is no stranger to politics as she is the daughter of incumbent Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and wife to the Cebu 5th District Representative Duke Frasco.
Photo from Christina Garcia Frasco
Personal Information:
Full Name: Maria Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco
Born: December 25, 1981
Educational background: Legal Management graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University /Completed Law Degree at Ateneo Law School
She is a powerhouse herself as she previously practiced international arbitration and commercial litigation as a lawyer in the Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc and Delos Angeles law firm. She was also a teacher for Law at the University of San Carlos in Cebu.
Photo from Christina Garcia Frasco
Mayor Christina Frasco Awards
Presidential Lingkod Bayan Regional Award by the Civil Service Commission – 2021 Search for Outstanding Government Workers.
She had proactive initiatives towards innovation in governance and sustainable and inclusive programs fostering excellence in government service.
Top Performing Mayor in Central Visayas (public satisfaction survey in August 2021)
Ranking number 1 among the 116 Mayors in the entire Region 7.
Ranking number 1 among all 44 Municipal Mayors in the Province of Cebu in a In 2019
Elected President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) – Cebu Chapter and as National Vice President of LMP
Liloan Awards Under Frasco’s administration
Top Philippine Model Municipality in 2019 by the Manila Times
Top Philippine Education Hub for its successful scholarship program that has supported over 10,000 scholars 2019
Top Philippine Retirement Haven for programs promoting meaningful and joyful ageing among senior citizens
Top Philippine Wealth Center for business friendliness and proactive programs on infrastructure and economic development.
“Unqualified Opinion” from the Commission on Audit (2017, 2019, 2020). It is the highest finding bestowed on a post-audit.
Most Resilient Municipality in the Philippines (2019 and 2020) by the Department of Trade and Industry
Photo from Christina Garcia Frasco
The DOT have already released a statement hoping that the “momentum toward revival, recovery, and resiliency of the tourism industry will be carried over to the new administration” also the former DOT secretary Bernadette Puyat, added she will bow out secure that tourism is back on its feet.
If a Cebuana will be on the helm of Tourism, we can hope that tourism in the Philippines will prosper as much as how tourism did in Cebu.
A Bahay Kubo sits prettily surrounded by the lush forest in Misamis Occidental.
Now, can you believe that this Bahay Kubo was built just by using the available wood lying around on that same forest?
Photo from OG YouTube Channel
The bahay kubo named Rad Farmstead was supposed to be a rest house for the couple, Red Jun Suminguit, 31, and Darleth Mae Suminguit, 32 but after seeing its beautiful surroundings, they later on decided for it to be their own home.
It was convenient for the couple too as they are both working from home with Red being a Programmer and Darleth, a virtual assistant.
Located at the center of a 6-hectare land owned by Red’s grandfather, the small bahay kubo is by all means true to its name with just an area of 12X12 feet, a patio of 6X12 feet, and a comfort room of 4X6 feet. The kitchen is detached as it was just added to make for a home.
Photo from OG YouTube ChannelPhoto from OG YouTube Channel
The inspiring and interesting part of this small haven though is that it only has a total expense of approximately P150,000. Quite a save right? This is because most of its materials used were found in its surroundings.
“We were able to save a lot for the materials because most of it sourced out lang dito sa farm. What [ever] is available,”
-DARLETH
They were able to save a lot in cost as logs from different trees were made for their posts and walls with Nipa for its roof. Even their window glasses and furniture were a hand-me-down from their parents.
Photo from OG YouTube Channel
The trees on the house were identified as:
Bagalnga or Neem tree- External walls
Amakan Tree- Inner walls Ang
Mahogany Tree- House posts
Coconut trees- floors
The couple sees living in their small bahay kubo as something “special” as they can relax with fresh air, far from the busy streets and other people just like taking a vacation.
Photo from OG YouTube ChannelPhoto from OG YouTube ChannelPhoto from OG YouTube ChannelPhoto from OG YouTube Channel
