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For The Girly Pop: Simple Gift Ideas Worth 100-Pesos

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For The Girly Pop: Simple Gift Ideas Worth 100-Pesos

“It’s not how expensive or cheap it is, it’s what the thought counts”

Photo from Canva

What’s up, mga Sugbuanons! Hapit najud ang Pasko and you know what that means? It’s finally that time of the year where we need our Christmas budgeting tips to buy presents for our loved ones. Everyone wants their fair share of gifts and treats, so much that all are also digging in their wallets and estimating the right amount that will fit with their shopping lists. With many stores and countless discounts, it would be safe to say that a critical part of managing one’s budget isn’t just the price, but rather the amount of items to be given.

So, without further ado, here are five unique gift ideas with 100 pesos:

Cellphone Holders

These things are among the cheapest. They cost nineteen pesos each and come in a range of sizes (fitting every type of cell phone) and colors, making them the ideal preppy gift for your buddies.

Cutesy Nail Files

These nail files are a great gift for stylish friends who are always on the road for grooming. They are small enough to fit in their purses and colorful enough to stand out. They are also reasonably priced, at sixty-six pesos for four files per package.

Bookmarks 

Colorful bookmarks, which are commonly available in bookstores, are the ideal present for bookworms, and they come in different colors too. How cool is that? There are even magnetic options for you to choose from, or you can also make your own to have with a dash of sentimental value.

Lip Gloss

This item can be found in your local drugstores. If you have a friend who is fond of makeup? A single lip gloss is priced at eighty-nine pesos, they come in a variety of colors and scents.

Foldable Bags

Remember the movie Inception? These types of bags can be found in the stalls as a small bag. Unzip the bag and take the folded extra bag out of the bag. A perfect gift for a friend who is always on the go and this is only priced at eight-five pesos.

And that’s it mga Sugbuanon! I hope your Christmas is filled with so much joy and happiness in this season of giving. I hope these unique gift ideas will make your Christmas gift shopping less heavy on the wallet and give you many more blessings on Christmas day with family and friends.

Oakridge Business Park Honored with Bakawan Award: First Gen Customer of the Year

Lenie Lañojan
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Oakridge Business Park Honored with Bakawan Award: First Gen Customer of the Year

Oakridge Business Park has been awarded the 2024 Bakawan Award, the highest recognition given by First Gen to its partners, for its commitment to environmental stewardship, decarbonization, and regeneration.

Photo from Oakridge Business Park

Presented during the Customer Appreciation Night on December 4, 2024, the award reflects Oakridge’s dedication to sustainability and its efforts in advancing renewable energy and green innovation. Oakridge was also named Customer of the Year, further highlighting its role in promoting environmental care and energy efficiency.

Photo from Oakridge Business Park
Photo from Oakridge Business Park

“At Oakridge, sustainability is at the heart of what we do, and this recognition drives us to further build a greener, more resilient future,” said Anne Liu, President of Oakridge Business Park. “This award affirms our commitment to setting a standard for responsible energy use and environmental stewardship. We don’t just build for today, we build for tomorrow.”

The Bakawan Award, inspired by the resilience of mangroves, celebrates efforts that protect ecosystems, mitigate climate change, and foster biodiversity—principles that align closely with Oakridge’s sustainability practices.

Photo from Oakridge Business Park
Photo from Oakridge Business Park
Photo from Oakridge Business Park
Photo from Oakridge Business Park

More than 50% of the business park’s development is dedicated to open spaces, underscoring Oakridge’s focus on environmental preservation. These areas are designed to create green landscapes that enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and foster a healthier environment for both tenants and the community. Oakridge Business Park’s key sustainability initiatives include bike stations that promote eco-friendly commuting, rainwater harvesting systems to conserve water, and energy-efficient LED lighting that reduces energy consumption while maintaining high-quality lighting. Oakridge has also incorporated energy-regulated ventilation systems to ensure efficient airflow and minimize energy usage, further advancing its green infrastructure. Additionally, Oakridge has invested in solar-powered charging stations for gadgets, electric vehicle charging stations to support renewable energy use, and a waste-to-fuel program that converts waste into energy, reducing its environmental footprint.

Photo from Oakridge Business Park
Photo from Oakridge Business Park
Photo from Oakridge Business Park

“Sustainability is not just a goal—it’s ingrained in every aspect of our operations,” Liu added. “These initiatives aim to foster a sustainable environment for both our tenants and the wider community.”

This recognition underscores Oakridge’s leadership in sustainable practices and its role as a pioneer in advancing a decarbonized future. By integrating environmental care into its development and operations, Oakridge demonstrates how innovation and environmental responsibility can drive meaningful and lasting change.

Photo from Oakridge Business Park
Photo from Oakridge Business Park
Photo from Oakridge Business Park
Photo from Oakridge Business Park
Photo from Oakridge Business Park

About Oakridge Business Park

Nestled in the heart of Mandaue City, Oakridge Business Park is a masterfully planned development designed for progressive businesses and professionals. It features open spaces, diverse dining and lifestyle destinations, and versatile event venues such as Oakridge Pavilion, Oakridge Horizons, and Oakridge Executive Club.

With sustainability at its core, Oakridge integrates green infrastructure and eco-friendly initiatives, creating a resilient and thriving community. Its expansive open areas foster creativity, collaboration, and a unique sense of place, setting it apart as a vibrant hub for business, leisure, and events in Cebu.

An Honest Review on the New Samsung Galaxy A16

Lenie Lañojan
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An Honest Review on the New Samsung Galaxy A16

Samsung is one of the top brands of smartphones who just never fails to amaze us in terms of its durability; but, the question is: Will the new Samsung Galaxy A16 live up to the hype established by its predecessors?

We’ve been using the Samsung Galaxy A16 for a few weeks now, and I have to say, I’m seriously impressed! As someone who’s always on the go, this phone has quickly become one of my daily companions, and here’s why I think it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the market for a new device:

Great Display, Amazing Graphics

To begin with, the Super AMOLED display is a huge step forward. Every time I use my phone, be it scrolling through my social media, watching videos or playing games, the vibrant colors and sharpness are incomparable. The FHD+ resolution is a true game changer as it enhances the richness of the colors which are so real that they leap out of the screen. It’s the perfect screen for anyone who loves high-quality visuals, and I honestly can’t imagine going back to a regular screen after this.

Capturing Every Moment in Detail

When it comes to cameras, the Galaxy A16 definitely delivers. The 50MP main camera captures sharp, detailed photos that I’m proud to share on my socials. Plus, the 5MP ultra-wide camera is fantastic for group shots or wide landscapes, especially when I’m out enjoying the Christmas festivities here in Cebu. The 2MP macro camera is a fun touch for getting those super close-up shots, like the intricate details of a beautiful flower or a holiday treat. And for selfies, the 13MP front camera always gets me looking my best, no matter the lighting.

Performance That Keeps Up With You

We haven’t had an issue with lag or any form of slowdown with gaming or while streaming/multitasking due to the strength of the 2.4GHz processor. And while at it, the battery goes up to 5,000mAh: it lasts so long, giving us so many hours without needing to be recharged; and then when a recharge is necessary, Super Fast Charging does the whole task super quick, to take me straight back up to 100%.

The IP54 rating is a huge plus as well. When you’re someone who is always out and about, whether it’s exploring the streets of Cebu or caught in the occasional rain shower, and knowing that your phone is water and dust-resistant, is such a relief. Plus, with up to 6 generations of OS upgrades and 6 years of security maintenance, you’ll get the sense of safety that your device will stay fresh and secure for years to come.

Among all the phones with great performance, quality graphics, awesome photo taking ability, dependable operational performances factor, and all-day-long operation, Galaxy A16 by Samsung can be regarded as something close to a full-of-tech phone, be it for gaming, for content creation, or even for someone who just wants a trusty phone for regular use. It does tick all the boxes. Just trust me; you’ll always be happy with that and you can even choose one in Gold or Blue Black from the 5G variant, while LTE, on the other hand, is available in Black, Gray, and an online-exclusive Light green! Go for it and see how it fits into your routines!

The New BSP Banknotes Has Been Unveiled & Presented to Marcos

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The New BSP Banknotes Has Been Unveiled & Presented to Marcos

“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people,” – Mahatma Gandhi

Photo from BSP

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has just revealed the designs for the new polymer or plastic banknotes featuring animals indigenous to the Philippines instead of national heroes. On Thursday, the BSP presented the new designs for the 500, 100, and 50 peso bill to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. They also included in “First Philippine Polymer Banknotes Series” is the 1000-peso bill which was introduced in April 2022.

Photo from BSP

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas stated that the new bills showcase the Philippines’ rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, as they feature images of native and protected animals and plants alongside traditional local weave designs. BSP Governor Remolona said that the polymer series raises awareness of the country’s threatened species, serves as the symbol of Filipino identity, and fosters animal pride.

Photo from BSP
Photo from BSP

The 1000 pesos bill features the Philippine eagle and sampaguita flower. The 500 peso bill has the Visayan spotted deer and Acanthephippium mantinianum. The 100 peso bill showcases the Palawan peacock-pheasant and Ceratocentron feselii, while the 50 peso banknote shows the Visayan leopard cat and Vidal’s lanutan. The series preserves notable elements that highlight the Philippines’ natural beauty and artisanal crafts.

Photo from BSP
Photo from BSP

The polymer banknotes can co-circulate alongside paper banknotes and they can be both used as payments, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. “Despite the rise of cashless transactions, there will still be a need for banknotes,” said Remolona. Remolona also added that there will still be a need for cash especially for people and businesses that have the least access to technology, it is especially for them that we are adding these polymer notes to our currency. In his speech, Marcos highlighted that the polymer banknotes are designed to keep up with the demands of everyday life.

Introducing Gabbi Carballo: Meet the Newest Miss Universe Philippines-Cebu

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Introducing Gabbi Carballo: Meet the Newest Miss Universe Philippines-Cebu

Basta Cebuana, Gwapa!

I want you to meet a true “jack of all trades!”

Gabriella Mai Carballo, the newest titleholder of the Miss Universe Philippines Cebu, hailing from Cebu City, North, she is more than just a pretty face.

From excelling in a variety of extracurricular activities like soccer, basketball, and track and field to showcasing her talent in many more disciplines. Her journey is about purpose and more than just versatility alone. Carballo was born in Miami, Florida to first generation Bisaya immigrants—her mother is from Cebu while her father is from Dumaguete—growing up in a blend of cultures that converged together.

Gabbi’s parents encourage to explore everything, creating a safe space to thrive and personal freedom when trying something new. However, it also came with challenges during her teenage years on how she could grapple to align all her passions. She discovered pageantry as a way to let her multifaceted self shine using the platform.

Our new queen started her pageantry days in 2017 when she won Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU) — College of Nursing Miss Valentine. A year later, she won the title Miss Mandaue and garnered many special awards and was also crowned in 2022 for the Miss Cebu pageant. As her journey continues to unfold, her academic pursuit for medicine continues to thrive. She earned her nursing degree and it is now on the path of becoming a doctor. To her, pageantry and medicine are both grounded in the act of service.

Gabbi’s heart for service started in 2018 when she launched The Green Wave Cebu, a sustainability initiative aimed at addressing environmental sanitation and improving health outcomes for underserved communities. Her advocacy grew from her realization of the deep connection between a clean environment and better health, a lesson that she learned when given the chance to speak with one of the less fortunate families.

Ava, the Golden Tiger Joins The Rank of Animals Gaining Viral Fame

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Ava, the Golden Tiger Joins The Rank of Animals Gaining Viral Fame

First, Moo Deng the hippo, then Pesto the Penguin, now a golden tabby tiger just join the conversation!

Photo from Chiang Mai Night Safari Official Facebook Page

Ava is a three year old golden tabby tiger that became a viral sensation and gave tough competition to Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo. On November 18, the Chiang Mai Night Safari in Thailand shared her photos on Facebook which sparked her popularity. Within just two days, the post had amassed 38,000 likes and nearly 30,000 shares.

Photo from Chiang Mai Night Safari Official Facebook Page
Photo from Chiang Mai Night Safari Official Facebook Page
Photo from Chiang Mai Night Safari Official Facebook Page

The zoo has emphasized this unique tiger lineage that traced back to her parents, who were brought back to the safari park from the Czech Republic and South Africa in 2015. Her lineage has a strong genetic heritage that contributed to her rare golden coat, setting her apart from the traditional orange and black-striped bengal tigers.

Photo from Chiang Mai Night Safari Official Facebook Page

So, what’s alluring about Ava? Ava, who was born on February 16, 2021, together with her sister Luna, has green eyes. Ava and Luna belong to a rare breed of tigers known as golden or strawberry, also as popular as Bengal tiger as it has a color variation due to the recessive gene. As per the report doing the rounds, not more than 100 such tigers are existing in the world.

Photo from Chiang Mai Night Safari Official Facebook Page
Photo from Chiang Mai Night Safari Official Facebook Page

Her cute and adorable features garnered the interests of social media who went crazy over her. Making Ava, truly unique, golden tigers are even rarer than white tigers, another genetic variant of Bengal or Siberian tiger of which around 200 exist globally. 

Ava’s online popularity has led to an outpouring of adoration from fans around the world. Comments on her social page range from calling her a “cute little kitten” to an “orange cat.”

The Last Mercury Retrograde Ended—Bringing A Positive Shift To These Zodiac Signs. Here’s how?

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The Last Mercury Retrograde Ended—Bringing A Positive Shift To These Zodiac Signs. Here’s how?

At last, the retrogade is over, for now…

Every zodiac sign has experienced a paradigm shift when Mercury went direct, but these three zodiacs had been given a great cosmic blessing.

The last mercury retrograde for this year bid its farewell last December 15, 2024! The planet of communication has been throwing a ton of curveballs—messing with our timelines, decision-making, and even our critical thinking skills. The retrograde blues are finally over and it is time to embrace fresh positive energy and clarity.

Here are the three zodiacs who will receive cosmic blessings as Mercury Retrograde will end today: 

Gemini: Relationship Revelations

The Mercury Retrograde is finally ending at this time of the month, Gemini feels a sense of relief since the retrograde shook up their relationships, teaching them important lessons about reliability, boundaries, and how they connect with others, whether romantically or socially. 

The Mercury Retrograde is over, Gemini is ready to explore the new ideas and desires in their relationships, love, romance, friendships or family. The social butterfly energy that they have is being renewed and they’re stepping into a new chapter with better decisions about who they spend time with and how they relate to others.

Sagittarius: Self-Acceptance

With Mercury retrograde ending, Sagittarius gains clarity about their life path. The retrograde period stirred up challenges, but now the fog has lifted, and they’re ready to focus on self-acceptance. This signs looks at their future with a clearer perspective, ready to heal old patterns and make decisions that align with their higher self’s potential.

Capricorn: Trusting Yourself

Photos from Canva

Mercury retrograde may have brought many repressed emotions for this zodiac sign, leaving them feeling isolated, confused, or lost at times. With its ending, this sign can finally breathe easier. It’s time to release self-sabotage, stop ignoring their institution, and focus on internal fulfillment instead of seeking external validation.

Horray for Toledo, San Francisco, Carmen & to all Sugboanong Kabatan-onan Winners!

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Horray for Toledo, San Francisco, Carmen & to all Sugboanong Kabatan-onan Winners!

“Winners never quit and quitters never win.” – Vince Lombardi

The Cebu Provincial Government has announced the winners of the recently concluded “Sugbo Vlog Challenge” participated by the 51 Sangguniang Kabataan Federations in the entire Cebu Province.

These are the tip 10 winners in no particular order:

  1. Toledo City
  2. Carcar City
  3. San Francisco
  4. City of Naga
  5. Pinamungajan
  6. Borbon
  7. Oslob
  8. Consolacion 
  9. Ginatilan 
  10.  San Fernando

San Francisco won the People’s Choice Award and the province of Carmen won the award for Best Video. Each of these winning SK Federations will receive 1 million pesos worth of infrastructure projects and 100,000 in cash prizes, except Carmen which won the 250,000 pesos for the best video.

The Sugbo Vlog Challenge is aimed at showcasing youth-driven initiatives that promote sustainable development. It encourages the participants to produce creative and impactful content of their own LGUs inspired by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Entries were judged based on four criteria such as focus on sustainability (30%). Creativity and originality (30%), youth participation (25%), and engagement (15%).

Strict contest rules were implemented to ensure fairness, prohibiting plagiarism, boosting posts, or any inappropriate content. The winning entries of the competition were the product of deliberations of twenty Cebuano vloggers whose votes comprising the 50% came from the deliberation of the Department of Interior and Local Government Cebu Province.

The Capitol has committed at least 12.1 million pesos in prizes for the winners and special awardees. This event, led by Board Member Loren Singco, marks the first time all SK officials are actively and collectively working together to promote the province’s projects and programs. You can watch the video of the awarding here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1477209326329296

The results were out during the Capitol Christmas Tree Light Up Ceremony on December 16, 2024. Cebu’s holiday season has officially kicked off with a spectacular display of lights.

Domex Cleans What Others Can’t: The Best Tool for Stubborn Limescale

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Domex Cleans What Others Can’t: The Best Tool for Stubborn Limescale
A toilet and cleaning supplies on shelves Description automatically generated

Help keep your bathroom sparkly clean by using this specialized solution against pesky stains 

From taking care of family members to making sure every inch of living space is sparkling clean, homemakers are truly today’s modern heroes. However, germ accumulations and stain buildups that require potent cleaning solutions present a challenge to moms and homemakers.  

These problems become more apparent when cleaning the dirtiest part of Filipino homes—the toilet, which is very vulnerable to develop yellowish stains over time. 

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These yellow circles inside toilets are called limescales. These often appear in toilets and are commonly caused by hard water sources, which are rich in calcium, magnesium, and other minerals.  

Once hard water enters the toilet, it leaves deposits of limescale in the toilet and other places. The discoloration worsens when waste dirt and germs build up. 

They are common in communities across the Visayas and Mindanao, because most Philippine provinces source their water supplies from the ground that accumulates mineral deposits causing limescale. 

A bottle of toilet cleaner on a toilet Description automatically generated

To help Filipino homemakers manage limescale, Unilever developed a specialized solution, the Domex Stain and Limescale Toilet Bowl Cleaner. It is formulated with hydrochloric acid to help deal with limescale. 

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The product was highlighted at an exclusive media event organized by Unilever Domex in Mactan, Cebu. While demonstrating the power of the product on a stained tile, Unilever Homecare Research and Development CTI Assistant Manager Lorena Miranda shared, “Much like the other products in the Domex line, the Stain and Limescale can fight against limescale and kills 99.9% of germs based on lab test on representative bacteria and help make it sparkling clean.” 

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During the event, Domex also celebrated the dedication of homemakers who go the extra mile for their families in all aspects. This was highlighted in a forum segment featuring Cebuano mommy influencers who shared their concerns when it comes to limescale and their tips in dealing with it. Popular Content Creators like Pamilya Abilla and Team Uyseco also graced the event.  

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During the forum, Mompreneur Malaya Macaraeg-Delantar shared that being married made her start using cleaning alternatives because it seemed more practical. “I thought those alternatives I was using helped me save time, money, and energy but it turns out to be the opposite. I realized from the presentation earlier that I need to switch back to using Domex!” 

Danieca Goc-ong (aka content creator, DanVibes) also shared how she first tried Domex because her mom recommended it. “She always loved cleaning that’s why she advised me not to settle for general solutions when it comes to cleaning. I remember being surprised when I first tried Domex because it made my cleaning quick and easy!” 

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Unilever Domex Brand Manager and Homecare Digital Lead, Nicole Villavicencio, raised a toast, thanking homemakers for their dedication to maintaining safe, nurturing, and clean homes for their loved ones. “We appreciate and recognize all of our homemakers for the unstoppable efforts to make their house a home. With Domex, trust that in the years to come, we are with you in keeping your homes safe and clean.” 

Everything that you do to make our lives sparkle is truly a labor of love. Your ability to effortlessly carry on with your countless errands while keeping the family comfortable and healthy is nothing short of remarkable.” 

Fights limescale build-up and keep bathrooms and homes sparkling clean with Domex Stain and Limescale Toilet Bowl Cleaner. Domex is also available in Ultra Thick Bleach and All-Purpose Cleaner variants that are available in all leading supermarkets. 

A 9-Day Feast for Simbang Gabi at Harold’s Hotel

Lenie Lañojan
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A 9-Day Feast for Simbang Gabi at Harold’s Hotel

“Simbang gabi, simbang gabi, mag-sisimbang gabi kami!”

It’s that special time of year again when families rise early to celebrate the 9-day novena of Misa de Gallo. And what would Simbang Gabi be without the delicious Filipino delicacies that have become part of our tradition? Indulge in your favorite treats, from the soft, warm puto to the rich, comforting sikwate — all served fresh and festive at one of the finest hotels in the Queen City of the South, Harold’s Hotel.

Celebrating a Festive December at Harolds

This year, let’s make every moment of simbang gabi even more special with a festive buffet at Harold’s Hotel, featuring all your favorite holiday flavors! From December 16 to 24, enjoy a delicious spread of Filipino dishes every morning from 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM. After your simbang gabi, you can head straight to Harold’s for a hearty breakfast that will make your day brighter and tastier!

Aside from the 9-day feast, if you’re planning to gather with friends and family to welcome the “Year of the Wood Snake,” make sure to book your spot at Harolds. They will be serving a delightful spread of dishes while giving away tons of prizes during their grand raffle draw. You can also enjoy the backdrop of live band music and cap off the evening with a stunning fireworks display that will light up the Cebuano sky; it’s a festive experience you won’t want to miss this New Year!

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

  • Unlimited Breakfast Buffet: Guests can enjoy Filipino breakfast favorites and Simbang Gabi delicacies for 9 mornings, running until December 24. Rate: Php 698 available at Hcafe from 5:30AM-10:00AM (December 16-24)
  • Festive December at Harolds Hotel:
    • Festive Flavors Dinner Buffet every night – 6PM – 10PM – php 858net (December 1-23, December 26, 30)
    • Christmas Special Dinner Buffet – 6PM – 10PM – php 1,288net (December 24-25)
    • Highlights Roofdeck Bar Christmas Eve Event – Free Admission

Euphoria: New Year Dinner and Grand Countdown to welcome 2025

Early Bird Deals (Book before December 21)

  • Php 1,590 – Dinner Buffet
  • Php 2,025 – Grand Countdown
  • Php 3,325 – Dinner + Countdown Package
  • Php 10,550 – Room + Breakfast + Dinner Buffet + Countdown Access for 2

Dinner Buffet at H Café (6 PM – 10 PM)

  • Buffet with Lechon
  • Wine
  • Live Band Performance
  • DJ Performance
  • Raffle Entry
  • Host-Led Entertainment

New Year Countdown at Highlights Lounge (Bar opens at 5 PM)

  • 2-Hour Open Bar (10:30 PM – 12:30 AM)
  • Pass-Around Canapés
  • Live Band Performance
  • DJ Performance
  • Raffle Draw with Exciting Prizes
  • Host-Led Entertainment
  • Spectacular Views of the City’s Fireworks Display

OTHER INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: 146 Gorordo Avenue, Corner Rosal Street Kamputhaw , Cebu City, Philippines

  • By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin “Harolds Hotel Cebu” as your destination.
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