I think we’re all familiar with the word SPAM. It’s a Filipino favorite.
Spam to those who doesn’t know it, which I very much doubt, is a brand of canned cooked pork distributed by The Purefoods-Hormel Company Inc. in the Philippines. Its popularity transcends economic class as it is present in the homes of the poor, the rich and everyone in between.
Photo from Shopee
Now, it might level up its favorite status though as a token of love for Philippines, they have created a Filipino Flavor — SPAM Tocino.
SPAM making a whole new product with the much beloved Filipino tocino as well is just a chef’s kiss to the consumers. Tocino is a popular breakfast dish already and also means a little different in the Philippines, as it refers to sweetened and cured pork belly not just bacon.
This new SPAM Tocino has just the right mixture of sweet and meaty to satisfy our cravings for these flavors especially those living outside Philippines.
It comes in a 340G, 12Oz SPAM signature can and consumers have commented that it taste like SPAM light but the sweet version of it. They also recommended to fry fried it in very low heat.
Photo from Shopee
It is very in demand and quite difficult to come by in the shelves of groceries so better order them online either in Shopee or Lazada.
SPAM is used in a variety of Filipino dishes so we might expect this new product to come up in our future dishes as well.
Filipino fusion cuisine dishes using SPAM
Spam burgers
Spam spaghetti
Spam nuggets
Crispy Spam Steak
Spam Garlic Fried rice
Spam menudo
Photo from Shopee
There are at least ten different varieties of Spam currently available in the Philippines.
Everyone has heard of or encountered trending videos of celebrities, models, or insanely rich people, in general, doing a tour of their insanely huge mansions. YouTube pages like Architectural Digest even have these kinds of videos as their main content.
Photo from Sea Mansion
Have you ever seen these videos and thought to yourself how it would feel like to live in a mansion? Well, you do not have to wonder anymore, because you can stay and sleep at one by the shores of Carmen, Cebu for a very affordable price!
The Sea Mansion: Pool, Beach, and more
The Sea Mansion in Carmen is an enormous mansion located in Carmen that you can book in Airbnb. It can host up to 15 guests, or even more at an additional cost! The place has tons of features that one can dream of in their fantasies.
Photo from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea Mansion
If you like the salty waters of the sea kiss your skin, you can swim at the beach, but if you want to just chill around in calm waters while sipping a cold glass of iced tea, you can lounge around at the private pool. If the water is not your type, you can hang around with nature at the Sea Mansion’s Garden.
ROOMS AND SPACES
3 Air-conditioned bedrooms (5 pax per bedroom)
3 toilets and 2 baths inside the house
2 toilets and 1 bath near the pool
1 toilet and 1 bath close to the beach
Kitchen with refrigerator, 2 burners gas stove for cooking, drinking water with dispenser (cold), coffee maker (bring your own beans), microwave, pots, pans, and dining utensils
2 Garages
Living Room
Washing Machine
Photo from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea Mansion
RECREATIONAL FEATURES
Private Pool
Beach
Patio
Backyard
Outdoor Tree Swing
Indoor Video Karaoke (Unlimited)
Living Room Smart TV with Netflix and YouTube
WIFI Access (Globe 25 mbps)
Table Tennis
Photo from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea Mansion
Dining in spacious areas in the Sea Mansion
There are a ton of views which are good for collecting your thoughts or pictures for Instagram. Feeling hungry? The Sea Mansion boasts a glamorous kitchen complete with appliances like stoves, a fridge, and more. If you feel like grilling some barbeque, they also have a grill. If you are feeling lazy, the staff can do it for you! Be sure to tip them.
It is a perfect place for groups of people with the Cebuano souls that love beaches, pools, good food, and comfort. If you are planning a large event like family gatherings, barkada hangouts, alumni reunions, and more, look no further than the Sea Mansion. There are even garages where you can park your cars.
Photo from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea Mansion
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
ADDITIONAL FEES
P200 per head after 15 pax (note: no additional beds will be provided)
Living Room has 2 AC units exclusive of the booking package. Turning it on costs P100 per hour.
Charcoal for grilling: P15 per pack
Note: Inform the host if you have more than 15 pax for price adjustment.
Exact location: National Road, Carmen, Northern Cebu — approx. 1.5-2 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal. Most buses pass by Carmen, but make sure to ask the conductor or driver. Tell the driver to drop you off at the Sea Mansion in Barangay Puente, Carmen, Cebu. If it is unfamiliar to them, tell them that it is a few meters after Alegarbes Beach Resort.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Sea Mansion” in Carmen. Garage with parking space is available.
Carbon Market is an open-air night market offering a wide selection of locally produced goods, right in the heart of Cebu City. It provides numerous opportunities for market vendors to sell their products, including Cebu delicacies, Sutukil food, and a variety of food stalls.
This was made possible by Cebu2World, a subsidiary of Megawide Construction Corp., the company behind the Carbon Market Modernization Project. There are free eco-friendly e-trikes that will take you on a tour of the night market in various locations throughout downtown Cebu. To complete this colorful experience, acoustic bands are invited every Sunday night to serenade the crowd.
The Carbon Market is situated along M. C. Briones St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, specifically Quezon Boulevard, next to the Senior Citizen’s Park, which houses the new Sto. Niño Chapel.
Photo from Brandon Vallecera
Photo from Brandon Vallecera
Photo from Brandon Vallecera
Photo from Brandon ValleceraPhoto form Carlo Andrew OltianoPhoto from Jesson MorataPhoto from Jesson Morata
How to get there:
From Mactan-Cebu International Airport – You may hop into a taxi going to Carbon Market; fare is ₱180 (estimation from worldtaximeter, 2020)
Using a private vehicle – Waze or Google Maps can be utilized, just enter “Carbon Market Parking”
Walking distance from Magellan’s Park and Freedom Park
Opening Hours:
Saturday & Sunday – 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
However, tenants may close early or stay long depending on the place’s Foot Traffic.
Food stalls:
The classic stalls of Zagu, Santino’s and Fruitas are present in Carbon Market. Meanwhile, new stalls have been added. Here are a few examples:
The Coffee Mobile
Seaside scramble
Ate Silay’s Kandingan
Happy Sundae
Nine Tea Milktea
Momma shawarma
Sutukil stalls (Sugba, Tuwa, Kilaw)
Photo from Jesson MorataPhoto from Jesson MorataPhoto from Nona Rowena UbasPhoto from Jesson MorataPhoto from Jesson MorataPhoto form Jesson MorataPhoto from The Chocolate Chamber Facebook PagePhoto from Jesson MorataPhoto from Jesson MorataPhoto from Jesson Morata
Looking for food stalls and market options that will give you the full BisDak experience? Spend your Friday and Saturday nights at Carbon Market!
Food trends sure do come and go, but Jollibee is a staple in a Filipino’s diet. Although it’s not as healthy as our home-cooked meals, Filipinos, especially Cebuanos, still love their fries, burgers, and Chickenjoy!
Photo from Christine Monteclar
Just like other businesses, even the most popular fastfood chain could come to its end. However, eventhough some have closed its doors, people still manage to hang on the nostalgia attached to them.
Take for example one Christine Monteclar. A flower vendor outside P. Del Rosario.
Photo from Christine MonteclarPhoto from Christine Monteclar
On June 5, she posted her memories on Jollibee P. Del Rosario branch. This was the last day this famous fast-food chain is opening its doors to its patrons.
“Una mi sa linya sa imong opening day. Una sad mi ni linya sa imong closing day,”
SHE SHARED ON HER FB PAGE.
She added, “For 23 years first ever flower vendors with stall area has been approved by Jollibee management with electricity and water.”
Photo from Christine MonteclarPhoto from Christine Monteclar
However, to the customers of the flower shops along the area, their stores are still open even without the bida ng saya, Jollibee.
Panagsama beach is not your ordinary summer destination. Located in Moalboal, Cebu, this small strip of land differs from the powdery, white-sand beaches the coastal town boasts.
Photo from Arnico Lumangyao Cartalla
But never underestimate it — for the beauty of this quaint beach lies in the rich aquatic life beneath its waters.
A paradise for marine divers, Panagsama beach is best known for its stunning underwater world which includes its lively reefs, fishes, and the infamous sardine run.
Photo from Twin de los Reyes Facebook PagePhoto from Twin de los Reyes Facebook PagePhoto from Twin de los Reyes Facebook Page
Where to stay?
Among the popular rental places in Moalboal is FFG EDEN Beach Resort in Basidot. One quick search would yield hundreds of results — from photos, vlogs to videos showing the stunning resort located right next to the Pinagsama beach.
Photo form FFG Eden Resort MoalboalPhoto form FFG Eden Resort Moalboal
It is packed with amenities and is strategically located near the essential places in the area such as the town proper and the public market.
Not only is it accessible but the beach resort also offers affordable rates for solo tourists and groups of guests who want to relieve their stress through a beach break.
For as low as P500, FFG EDEN Beach Resort can accommodate up to two persons for 2 days and 1 night.
It also has discounted rates for friends and families who want to celebrate their special day together — making it an ideal place for relaxation, dates, wedding anniversaries, team building, Christmas parties, family getaways, Barkada adventure, reunions, and even company outings.
Rates & Other Information
Room Rates:
Sardines room: ₱500 per night, good for 2 persons
Kitong room: ₱1,200 per night, good for 2 persons
Barilis suite: ₱1,500 per night, good for 2 persons
Lumod suite: ₱2,000 per night, good for 2 persons
Butanding suite: ₱3,000 per night, good for 4 persons
Pawikan cove: ₱10,000.00 per night, good for 6 persons
Exact location: Sitio Talisay, Basdiot, Moalboal, southern Cebu — approx. 3.5 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: Take a direct flight to Cebu through the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. From there, take a bus going to Barili/Bato and get off at Moalboal. Tricycles going to Panagsama beach are available there for no more than P100.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “FFG Eden Resort” in Moalboal. Parking space is available.
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.
