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Get to know Liloan Mayor Christina Frasco, the new PH DOT Secretary

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.

This Modern Bahay Kubo was built just for P150,000

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 Channel
Photo 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 Channel
Photo from OG YouTube Channel
Photo from OG YouTube Channel
Photo from OG YouTube Channel

LOOK: Yeng Constantino gives a tour of her Quaint Farmhouse

Yeng Constantino and husband Yan Concepcion’s “dream tiny home” is now completely built.

Photo from Yeng Constantino’s Instagram Account

Nestled on the farm of Yeng’s family in the province, this quaint farmhouse has a living room, kitchen, loft bedroom, bathroom, and a wrap-around balcony with an overlooking view. These parts of the farmhouse were shown on Yeng’s vlog uploaded on Tuesday, May 3.

A tour delighted the viewers as Yeng excitedly showed the finished and features of the rest house. Yeng even said that their farmhouse has a “different vibe” as compared to their abode in Manila.

“Parangap ko talaga noon pa na magkaroon ng tiny homes na nakikita ko sa YouTube, kaya napakasaya ko na finally ito na meron na kaming ganito ni Yan!!!”

SHE WROTE IN THE VLOG DESCRIPTION.
Photo from Yeng Constantino’s YouTube Channel
Photo from Yeng Constantino’s YouTube Channel

Yeng also highlighted her favorite parts of the house. This includes “indoor but outdoor” bathroom, the sliding barn door, the huge windows, the high ceilings, the hanging shelves in the kitchen, and even the natural scent of Anahaw leaves on the roofing!

“Naisip ko na talaga na kapag ginawa nation itong tiny home natin, gusto ko ng Middle Eastern accent,”

YENG ADDED.
Photo from Yeng Constantino’s YouTube Channel
Photo from Yeng Constantino’s YouTube Channel
Photo from Yeng Constantino’s YouTube Channel
Photo from Yeng Constantino’s YouTube Channel

According to Yeng, their farmhouse is a mix of “industrial, tropical, and minimalist” home. Though the house is yet to be fully furnished, Yeng will surely feature that in the next episodes on her YouTube channel.

The Fog House: Scenic Hilltop Resort in Cebu City

Relax and rejuvenate your soul in one of the best mountain sceneries Cebu can offer. 

The Fog House, inspired literally by its natural scene, is perfectly located in the mountains of Cebu City. Your perfect getaway for relaxation or private group gatherings. 

The Fog House Cebu-10

Just a 25 minute drive from uptown Cebu City or I.T. Park, this exclusive house offers full amenities such as:

  • Infinity pool with pressure jets
  • Karaoke with great sound system
  • Cable TV
  • H/C shower
  • 2 huge living rooms
  • 2 kitchens each with electric stoves and refrigerators
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • H/C water dispenser
  • Spa bed with in-house massage therapist

Whether you want to escape from the pollution and pressures of the bustling city or have your own unique exclusive house party experience, The Fog House is definitely a place you will not forget.

Rates & Other Information

NOTE: Walk-ins are NOT allowed. Make sure to book a reservation first using the link provided below.

  • ₱25,000 per night, good for 20pax
  • Excess person is charged ₱800. Max of 35pax only. The place is Exclusive to 1 group only.
  • Kitchen, grill and utensils are available. Karaoke is free to use.
  • NO Corkage fee.
  • Check-in: 3PM / Check-out: 12NN the next day
  • Book now! Click this link first: https://www.airbnb.com/c/ramm357 and sign up. Then go to this link.

Other information

  • Contact number: 0917-321-4976
  • Social: Facebook Page
  • Email address: N/A

How to get there?

Exact location: Brgy. Taptap, Cebu City — few meters away from Sirao Garden, 30-45 minutes away from JY Square Mall.

There is no public vehicle that can take you directly to The Fog House. The trip could take approximately 30-45 minutes from JY Square Mall. You may need a private vehicle to get to the place, rent the van via SquadPH Tours and Travels, or rent your own vhire or jeepney (pakyawan).

Just navigate via Waze or Google Maps and search for “The Fog House” Cebu.

NOTE: Again, walk-ins are NOT allowed. Make sure to book a reservation first using the links provided above. You can also book online here.

NTC approves Starlink’s PH entry with promised speed of ‘up to 200mbps’

The National Telecommunications Commission authorized SpaceX’s Starlink Internet Services Philippines Inc’s registration on Friday, allowing it to begin offering internet services in the nation.

Photo from Unsplash

Starlink, a low-earth orbit satellite constructed by billionaire Elon Musk’s SpaceX, will offer broadband technology to even the most remote regions.

The NTC stated in a statement that it had accepted Starlink’s registration as a value-added service (VAS) provider, allowing the company to directly access satellite systems as well as develop and manage broadband infrastructure to deliver internet services.

“The NTC is steadfast in helping ensure that roll-out of Starlink’s internet access services will be done expeditiously and professionally,”

NTC COMMISSIONER GAMALIEL CORDOBA SAID.
Photo from Unsplash

“The NTC’s swift processing of Starlink’s VAS provider registration was meant to expedite the service’s immediate roll-out,”

THE NTC SAID.

Starlink will use modern low-orbit satellites to provide low-latency satellite internet service with download speeds ranging from 100 to 200 Mbps, according to the company.

President Rodrigo Duterte approved the modified Public Service Act (PSA), which allowed foreign investors to operate 100% of enterprises in specific sectors like as telecommunications. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez had stated that the government will support the company in the permission process.

The intention, according to Lopez, was for Starlink to begin operations before President Rodrigo Duterte’s tenure ends on June 30.

Photo from Unsplash

Meanwhile, SpaceX commended the regulator for moving quickly on the VAS license, which was issued once all conditions were met, according to the company’s legal counsel, Bien Marquez of Quisumbing Torres law firm.

The Philippines will become the first country in Southeast Asia to provide Starlink services when the VAS is approved, according to the NTC. Japan is also in talks with SpaceX about launching the service.

According to the NTC, Starlink will cover areas in urban and suburban regions, as well as rural towns that are now unserved or underserved.

Cebu Pacific offers international flights for just P498 until May 31

Your dream international destination is now within your reach.

Photo from Unsplash

There’s no better time to plan a trip to your favourite overseas location than now, because some nations have reopened their borders to travelers. It’s fortunate that airlines like Cebu Pacific are gracious enough to accommodate us when we’re all on vengeance travel mode.

Until May 31, CEB is making international airfares more inexpensive. Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, and Seoul are among the listed itineraries in the offer, with flights starting at P498.

Photo from Cebu Pacific Air
  • Sale Period: May 27-31, 2022
  • Travel Period: November 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023

“The listed one-way base tickets include a 7 kg hand carry luggage allowance, but exclude Web Admin Fees for short and long range flights, as well as the P550 International Terminal Fee and Fuel Surcharge,”

ACCORDING TO THE WEBSITE.

This offer is valid for travel from November 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023, and includes unlimited rebooking with no change costs.

Look! Filipino-Korean inspired Jollibee branch

It has been said that Koreans are the undisputed Asian masters of the good old-fashioned fried chicken.

Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong

As a result, third year students, Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate, from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) have created a Filipino-Korean themed Jollibee branch for South Korea. These architectural design is a project which were theb posted on Facebook.

Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong
Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong
Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong
Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong

This post has since then been garnering praises from netizens.

But, why South Korea?

“We decided to have South Korea as our theoretical branch because it somehow mimics the Filipino culture of dining together,”

YGIMA SAID.
Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong
Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong
Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong

“Koreans love fried chicken so we thought it would be interesting to introduce them to Jollibee,”

SHE ADDED.

With that being said, let us not be surprised if one of these days Jollibee would soon make waves in this famous country – inspired by these students.

Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong
Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong
Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong
Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong
Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong
Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong
Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong
Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong
Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong
Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong
Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong
Photo from Ygima Bay and Mikaela Kate Kong

Look! Childhood Fave Chupa-Chups, now in Sparkling Water form

If your childhood included the Spanish lollipop company, Chupa Chups, you’ll definitely be ecstatic about this news.

Photo from Chupa Chups Facebook Page

Chupa Chups has released, in the Philippines, their new line of drinks with three different flavors:

  • Strawberry and Cream
  • Orange
  • Grape

This new line, aside from being nostalgic, will also make the adults in us enjoy and savour our then childhood fave in a more-adult form too.  While we used to lick the pops, this venture will bring childhood memories in liquid form.

It’s summer time and living in a tropical country, refreshing drinks are surely a staple to quench our thirst. Hence, this thirst quencher is definitely a good way to enjoy our childgood favorite without being judged for sucking a lollipop at this age.

Photo from Roma’s

Let us all enjoy the taste of our childhood, but in a totally different form. Thank you Chupa Chups for letting our childhood fave grow with us.

P31 Wage Increase to minimum earners in Central Visayas

Great news for our minimum wage earners!

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Central Visayas approved on May 24, 2022 the P31 wage increase of minimum earners on both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors in Central Visayas.

Photo from Unsplash

Now, if you’re wondering if there is right representation, the wage board is composed of the Regional Directors of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-7, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-7 and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Also included are two employer sector representatives, and two labor sector representatives.

This P31 increase is considered to be the highest in Region 7 since 1989 where there was an increase of P25.

According to the press release by the DOLE, under the new order the following changes on minimum daily wage will apply on two industry classifications Non-Agriculture and Agriculture/Non-Agriculture with less than 10 workers combined.

Baguio, Philippines | Photo from Unsplash

Non-Agriculture Category

  • Class A cities and municipalities: P435
  • Class B cities and municipalities: P397
  • Class C municipalities: P387

Agriculture/Non-Agriculture with less than 10 workers combined

  • Class A cities and municipalities: P425
  • Class B cities and municipalities: P392
  • Class C municipalities: P382

With this, region 7 now has an overall minimum wage range of P382 to P435.

Central Visayas / Region 7

  • Provinces: Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor
  • Urbanized Cities: Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Mandaue City

There is also good news to our helpers at home as the RTWPB-Central Visayas also approved an increase of P500 for domestic workers or “Kasambahays” in Central Visayas.

Domestic Workers/ Kasambahays

  • Chartered Cities and First-Class Municipalities: P5,500 per month
  • Other Municipalities: P4,500 per month
Metro Manila | Photo from Unsplash

As stated by Undersecretary and DOLE-7 Concurrent Head, Victor A. Del Rosario, this new wage order will be submitted to the National Wage and Productivity Commission (NWPC) for review and shall take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Island and Sun Beach Resort: Cordova’s Pristine Beach Paradise

Proving that this resort is full of fun activities, Island and Sun Beach Resort offers activities like scuba diving, kayaking and island hopping. Guests who seek adventure are surely in for a treat who at the same time can enjoy the beauty of the Cordova Island.

Island and Sun Beach Resort is one of the popular beach resorts both locals and tourists frequent to once they are in the beautiful island of Cordova. Nestled on a white sandy stretch, this resort is a perfect place to get that “water therapy” under the sun. The white sands of the beach is so pristine that it matches with the quality of that in Boracay’s.

Photo from Island and Sun Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo by Jal Antioquia
Photo by Jal Antioquia
Photo by Jal Antioquia
Photo by Jal Antioquia
Photo by Jal Antioquia

The rooms verandah also provides a breathtaking view of the calm, open sea, where neighboring islets can also be visibly seen. Spending a lazy day here while waiting for both the sunrise and sunset is a magnificent experience, especially while you’re in one of the twenty-five deluxe suites this resort has.

Not only that, this resort is also a favorite spot for surfers with huge waves crashing all the time. Various water sports activities are also available as the resort is well-equipped with facilities like for scuba diving, snorkeling and even jet skiing.

Photo by Jal Antioquia
Photo by Jal Antioquia
Photo by MaryJoy Igot

Rates & Other Information

DAY USE RATES:

  • Entrance fee: P150 per head with free use of table and chairs
  • Boat fare: P40 per head (one-way)

Use of tents are allowed for overnight use. Overnight Rooms are not yet available until further notice.

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE

Exact Location: Gilutungan, Cordova, Mactan, 6017, Philippines

BY LOCAL COMMUTE: You can ride a V-Hire stationed at SM City Cebu bound for Cordova. Fare is P40-P50 and you can get off at the Cordova Grandmall. From there, you can ride a tricycle to Maribago, Mactan Island with fare around P10-P15 per person.

You can hire a boat from any tourism providers, especially those located on Maribago, Mactan Island. Or, you can also rent a ‘pumpboat’ that can drop you off to Gilutungan, Cordova.

Pump boats are available at Angasil port, beside Mactan New Town. Boat fee starts at ₱100 per head, but make sure to agree first on the fare before proceeding.

BY PLANE: If you’re outside Cebu, take a flight bound to Mactan-Cebu International Airport and from there, you can hire cars for rent than can take you to Cordove Reef Village Resort. Upon arrival, you can take a boat bound to Hilutungan Island which is around 15-20 minutes ride.