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2024 Wrapped: Biggest Travel Trends, News, and Sugbo Happenings

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“A roller coaster of events, trends, and happenings”

2024 is a whirlwind of many affairs from the latest political affairs, headline-grabbing controversies, and environmental issues that surprised the nation and captured our attention. In this article, we will be focusing on the biggest travel trends, news, and Sugbo happenings that turn our world upside down. Let’s get started: 

Sinulog 2024: SRP Venue Debate

Cebuanos attending the Sinulog festival voiced their frustration over the venue at the South Road Properties (SRP) due to the heat. This was the second year it was held at SRP sparking debates on whether they should stay in SRP or go back to the original location which is the Cebu City Sports Club. 

Palarong Pambansa 2024 in Cebu City

Vice President Sara Duterte and Mayor Mike Rama signed the Memorandum of Agreement, officially naming Cebu city as the host of the Palarong Pambansa.

Kris Tiffany Janson as Miss Universe Philippines-Cebu 2024

Kris Tiffany Janson earned the title Miss Universe Philippines Cebu, another achievement that brought pride to the Cebuano community and also showed our prominence in the world of pageantry.

Cebu is Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination in 2024

Cebu has been honored at the World Travel Award as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination 2024, proving its worth as a growing appeal as a top destination for weddings. A recognition that serves to acknowledge reward and celebrate excellence in all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. 

MCWD Controversy: LWUA takeover sparks debate

The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) attempted to take over the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), leading to a legal battle and resistance from board chairman Jose Daluz III. With these issues, water management was put into the spotlight. 

Olympic Golden Boy

Carlos Yulo brought not one but two gold medals in the Paris Olympics after emotional performances. The 24 year old gymnast frazzled and dazzled in the floor exercise and bagged the gold medal with a score of 15.000. Yulo won another gold medal after showing his gymnastic prowess in the vault event. 

Hall of Pacman

The best athlete the Philippines has ever produced, Manny Pacquiao has been elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame set for next year. Pacquiao, an athlete turned senator, is the only boxer who won world titles in eight weight divisions. 

International Travel Festival In Cebu

The International Travel Festival was held in the Waterfront Hotel and Casino. Highlighting thrilling extravaganza, uniting travel enthusiasts, industry experts and adventure seekers for three days of excitement. 

The Mayor Declared Cebu City in “water crisis” 

Amid ongoing concerns on water supply, Mayor Mike Rama declared a water crisis in Cebu City. Residents grappled with shortages, prompting calls for immediate solutions to address the growing demands. 

El Niño Scorches the Heat with 44 degrees’ celsius

The Philippine Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Mactan reported a heat index of forty-four degrees in Cebu City. The intense heat caused by El Niño was projected with ease by the end of May. 

CCSC track oval controversy nullifies record

Eleven record-breaking events at the 2024 Palarong Pambansa were nullified due to discrepancies in the track oval’s measurement at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Anything else we missed, Sugboanons? Share it in the comments below!

Tips on How To Be Fashionably Comfy for Sinulog 2025

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Comfy and confident during prititit!

Photo from Canva

It’s finally the time of the year where we celebrate the Festival of the Child Jesus, our beloved Señor Santo Niño. The festival is held during the third Sunday of January. Lovely costumes, endless parties, and happy Cebuanos and tourists make the event more memorable. It is expected this year that there will be a myriad of activities for many people. However, do not forget these reminders during the event:

Photo from Canva

Yes To White Tops!

The weather is now predictable. Wear light-colored or loose fitting tops and pair it with your shorts. Sneakers, rubber shoes, or flat shoes should be worn. Wearing jeans and dark-colored clothes will make you sweat since it will make you sweat a lot and absorb heat. 

White is also a color of religious symbolism, people often wear white tops as a symbol of purity and renewed devotion to the Señor Santo Niño as white is traditionally associated with these concepts in Catholic culture; it signifies a clean slate and commitment to the religious festival.

Photo from Canva

Note: Don’t wear anything that shows too much skin. This is still a religious festival.

No White Shoes 

Always wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking around the city. Wearing high heels can lead to a sore foot ache since the activity involves a lot of walking. Avoid slippers since it will be easy for people to stomp on your feet. The Sinulog festival involves a lot of walking and dancing, breathable shirts and supportive footwear is key. 

Photo from Canva

Sunblock 

Yes, that’s right! Sunscreen because skin cancer doesn’t discriminate and you will be expected to walk in the day, experiencing humidity. Always apply your sunscreen every 1-2 hours everyday, if you are wearing makeup, you can powder your nose with a compact powder with SPF to avoid ruining your makeup.

Photo from Canva

The UV rays of the sun can make you age faster than before and you have to keep it protected as always from the heat. 

Waterproof It!

Look for makeup products that will last for a whole day and keep you fresh all day long. Stick with a tinted sunscreen and a swipe of waterproof mascara for the sake of dignity and a bold lip if you are feeling fancy. Take note that you will be under the sun for hours due to outdoor activity, please avoid wearing anything heavy. If you are oily, bring your own oil control sheet where you can pat the oily and sweaty parts of your face when freshening up. 

Photo from Canva

Stay fresh for the whole day by keeping everything light and bring your own small makeup pouch for freshening up at the restroom. 

Accessorize Mga Beshies!

Aside from wearing your Sinulog shirt, feel the festive energy by wearing vibrant accessories, just don’t over do it. There are many stalls outside that sell accessories that fit the vibe of the entire festival. Accessories like necklaces, earrings, and headdresses. Sinulog is never complete with accessories that fit the mood.

Photo from Canva

Note: Don’t wear any flashy jewelry to avoid getting pickpocketed. 

Bring the Essentials! 

The climate today is a lot different than now. It is hotter than the usual heat before. Rain or shine, it’s always important to bring the essentials. The essential things to bring can be an umbrella, hat, and a foldable chair in case you want to join the procession and mass. It’s always better to be prepared than find a cure to solve your problem.

Photo from Canva

Know Your Route and Plan Your Day

You want to meet your friends? Go meet up at a meeting place to avoid getting lost and make sure that you set your destination on Google Maps to know the exact location. Make sure that you and your friends go together in groups or do a buddy system. If you are a parent with a child, put an ID on them to avoid getting lost.

Photo from Canva

Leave unnecessary things at home including gadgets and bring only what you need: hand towels, small amounts of cash, phone, water, snacks, and an umbrella.

Adventure Time: An Ultimate Balamban Day Trip Guide

Bag ong tuig, bag ong laag

Do you have an insatiable appetite for adventure? A fearless person will surprise you. An adventurous friend is always for wanderlust and the intrepid one will add more color to your life. Just by exploring the entire city of Cebu and other international cities. The fruitless pursuit of adventure can be found in the one and only Balamban, Cebu.

Photo by RF Gallardo

Let that wanderlust keep you interested as we will list down six major attractions that you can do on a day trip. This is the ultimate Balamban day trip guide: 

St. Manunggal Eco-Adventure Park

Photo from Yen Malasaga

Introducing the Baguio de Cebu Eco Adventures, also known as Mt. Manunggal Eco-Adventure in Balamban—tagged as the little Baguio of Cebu. Things you can do at the place: Sky bike, Horseback Riding, Camping, Trekking or Mountain Climbing, Food trip and Zip Lining.

Photo from Yen Malasaga
Photo from Yen Malasaga

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

  • Entrance fee: 80 per head
  • Skybike: 150 per head, back and forth
  • Horseback Riding: 150 per head, 15 minutes only.
  • Camping: 50 per person, just bring a ten if you wish to stay overnight

OTHER INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Brgy. Sunog, Balamban Cebu 

  • By Car: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for Baguio de Cebu Eco Mountain Adventure Park. Hailing a taxi or grab isn’t possible. 
  • By Van: Take a v-hire from Ayala Center terminal. Ask the driver to drop you off at the alley of Mt. Manunggal or Cantipla.
  • Rent a Car/Van: For a hassle-free trip, rent a van. 

West 35 Eco Mountain Resort, Balamban

Photo by Melvin Rey Orofeo

Balamban is known to be a shipbuilding capital in the Philippines. And aside from the breathtaking 360-degree view of the mountains of Balamban, the eco mountain resort also overlooks the seaside of Tsuneishi where the shipbuilding happens.

Photo by Melvin Rey Orofeo

West 35 also embodies natural treasures in their area—lush tracts of greenery and vegetation, a wide variety of insects, birds, and foliage endemic to Gaas, Balamban.

Photo by Tam Mendoza
Photo by Tam Mendoza

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

  • Basil Room: ₱7, 200 per night
  • Dill Room: ₱6, 200 per night
  • Thyme Room: ₱6,200 per night
  • Mint Room: ₱5,200 per night
  • Cilantro Room: ₱7,200 per night
  • Celery Room: ₱7,600 per night
  • Ginger Room: ₱6,600 per night 
  • Sage Room: ₱6,600 per night

OTHER INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Brgy, Gaas, Balamban, Cebu

  • By Car or Taxi: Search for West 35 Eco Mountain in Gaas, Balamban, Transcentral Highway via Waze and Google Maps.
  • By Van: Entry Point is Ayala Center Mall Terminal. Take a V-hire from the Ayala Center Terminal to Balamban going to the Transcentral highway route. Fare is 120 PHP. Be sure to tell the driver to drop you off at the West 35 Eco Mountain Resort. 

Adventure Cafe, Balamban

The first adventure resto bar in the Philippines is at Gaas, Balamban, Cebu. Release your stress and enjoy the exhilarating adventures offered within the cafè. Go challenge yourself and see how far you can go. The Adventure Cafe also offers a variety of food and desserts that are affordable but also delicious. There are also exciting adventures—zip line, wall climbing, stress wall, and guided tours.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

  • Zip Line: 150 pesos per person
  • Plate smashing at the stress wall: 25 pesos per plate
  • Wall Climb/Rappel: 100 pesos per person
  • Caving: 250 per person (minimum of five person per group)
  • Waterfalls: 650 pesos per person (minimum of five person per group)

OTHER INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Brgy. Gaas, Balamban (30-45 minutes drive from JY Square or Marco Polo via Transcentral highway

  • By Car: Parking space available. Just search for “Adventure Cafe” in Gaas Balamban via Waze or Google Maps.
  • By Commute: Take a V-hire from the Ayala Center terminal going to Balamban via Transcentral highway. The fare is only 120 pesos per person. Inform the driver to drop you off at the Adventure Cafe.

JVR Island in the Sky, Balamban 

Photo from Joey Argawanon

JVR Island in the Sky is also known as the Sky Mountain resort that will give you a chill and relaxing experience with its cool climate and lush landscaping. Balamban has truly become the home of many exciting attractions that just proves that we don’t need to ride an airplane to go to another country when it can be found in the beautiful city of Cebu. 

Photo from Joey Argawanon
Photo from Joey Argawanon
Photo from Joey Argawanon

The resort also offers a variety of activities for their guests including the colorful hanging bridge, cable car, swimming pools and rooms if you want to stay overnight. 

Photo from Joey Argawanon

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

  • Entrance: ₱55 per adult; ₱30 per kid
  • Open Cottages: ₱350 per day
  • Cable Car: ₱150 per head
  • Swimming Pool: ₱50 per head

OTHER INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Brgy. Gaas, Balamban, Cebu – Across Adventure Cafe

  • Public: Take a V-hire from the Ayala Center Terminal going to the Transcentral highway route. Fare is P120 per person (one way). Inform the driver to drop you off at the JVR Island in the Sky resort. 
  • Private: Parking space available. Just search for JVR Island in the Sky in Gaas, Balamban, Transcentral highway via Waze or Google Maps. 

Florentino’s Eco Park, The Little Tagaytay of Cebu

Photo Contributed by Prey Gorre

Florentino’s Eco Park, also known as the Little Tagaytay of Cebu because of its chill and cool ambiance—with a breathtaking view and foggy weather. One of the best things about our beloved city is that we have everything in a few hours drive away from Cebu. Beautiful beaches? We have Alcoy and Badian in Southern Cebu. Island hopping or beach resorts? We got this in Northern Cebu. If you’re looking for a quick escape in a cold and outdoorsy experience, head West. The opportunities are everywhere, so relish them.

Photo Contributed by Prey Gorre
Photo Contributed by Prey Gorre
Photo Contributed by Sheillalingg Nazareno
Photo Contributed by Sheillalingg Nazareno

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

  • Entrance fee: ₱100 per person (₱50 is consumable)
  • Operating Hours: 7AM to 7PM, Tuesdays to Sundays
  • Corkage fee: Applies to all food and beverages

OTHER INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Brgy. Gaas, Balamban, Cebu – Across Adventure Cafe

  • Public: Take a V-hire from Ayala Center Terminal to Balamban via Transcentral highway route. The Fare is P120 per person (one-way). Inform the driver to drop you off at the Florentino’s Eco Park. 
  • Private: parking space is available. Just search for Florentino’s via Waze in Gaas, Balamban in Waze or Google Maps.

D’Antique Village House, Balamban | Balwarte ni Alfredo

Photo by Britney Tabanas

Are you looking for a new tambayan where you can chill or dine with your friends all day and all night? Introducing the D’Antique Village House and Diner, also known as Balwarte ni Alfredo. This antique house was built many years ago and it showcases various prehistoric artifacts that were bought and collected from different places outside the country.

Photo by Britney Tabanas

If you wish to stay overnight and sleep on a breezy night—you can set up your own tent free of charge and the best part of the whole experience is that they serve delicious street food and lutong bahay at an affordable range.

Photo by Britney Tabanas
Photo by Britney Tabanas
Photo by Britney Tabanas
Photo by Britney Tabanas

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

The food prices are prior to change without notice.

OTHER INFORMATION

  • Contact Number: 0906 299 0215
  • Location: Brgy. Gaas, Balamban
  • Operating Hours: 7AM to 10PM (LIGHTS OFF)

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Brgy. Gaas, Balamban – A few hours away from the Buwakan ni Alejandra

  • By Commute: Take a V-hire from the Ayala Center Terminal to Balamban via Transcentral highway route. The fare is P120 per person for a one way route. Please do not forget to tell the driver to drop you off at the Balwarte ni Alfredo. 
  • By Car: Parking spot is available. Please search “D’Village Antique House and Diner at Gaas, Balamban via Waze or Google Maps. It is just a few meters away from the Buwakan ni Alejandra. 

Oh My Genie! Crazy Fast, awarded First Prize at the ASEAN-India Startup Festival 2024

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Karl Kesner, CEO & Co-Founder of OMG! Crazy Fast  & Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, the Defence Secretary of India.

Philippine Start-Up Oh My Genie! Crazy Fast, bested 60 Indian startups and 40 ASEAN startups in the recently concluded ASEAN-India Startup Festival held at the Taj Vivanta, Dwarka, New Delhi, from November 28-30, 2024. 

The annual gathering celebrated outstanding minds and innovation in a grand valedictory ceremony that was attended by Prof. Braj Bhushan, Deputy Director of Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur; and Dr. Nagaboopathy Mohan, DST Coordinator for the ASEAN region.

Exceptional talent and innovation were recognized across four award categories, where Karl Kesner, CEO and Co-Founder of OMG! received the First Prize award for Problem Solving Excellence Focus on ASEAN Regional Challenges.  The award was presented by Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, the Defence Secretary of India.

OMG! Oh My Genie Crazy-Fast is transforming the fulfillment and delivery landscape in the Philippines by leveraging cutting-edge AI to automate processes and create a hyperconnected, hyperlocal,  & decentralized distribution ecosystem. Their mission is to build a future where distance is no longer a barrier to opportunity, turning fulfillment into a driver of economic and environmental progress in the country, and soon in the ASEAN region.

Upon his return to the Philippines, on December 2, 2024, Kesner was invited to the Embassy of India (Chancery) in Makati, Philippines, where facilitation of a collaboration in developing market opportunities in India was discussed with Counsellor Dr. Sadre Alam, Head of the Economic & Commerce Wing of the Embassy.

OMG!, a Cebu based startup is a DOST-PCIEERD funded startup under the Startup Grant Fund (SGF) was selected by the office of DOST Dr. Leah J. Buendia, Undersecretary for Research and Development, Romelen Tresvalles, Regional Director of DOST-NCR, and Edward Paul Apigo, Senior Science Research Specialist at DOST-PCIEERD. 

The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India and the department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT), organized the ASEAN-India Start-up Festival 2024. The event aims at bringing together entrepreneurs and innovators from India and the 10 ASEAN countries to strengthen cross-border collaborations and promote innovation. 

The festival highlighted deep-tech and sustainable innovations, featuring groundbreaking solutions during the three-day programme featuring a range of activities, including seminars, startup exhibitions, pitch competitions, and networking sessions. The event concluded with industry visits to prominent organisations in the Delhi-NCR region, offering participants a unique opportunity to explore India’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.


Sources:

Times of India

Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur

#SeatSale: 99-Peso Base Fare to Singapore & Bangkok

Heads up, mga laagan nga Sugboanon—this airline is offering affordable flights to must-visit travel destinations!

Photo from Pexels

Whether it’s local or international, Cebu Pacific got you covered with their 99-peso base fare for one-way travels! But, you must act now because this seat sale will only be available until January 15, 2025; that’s roughly 10 days from now!

Photo from Pexels

Here are the details:

  • Sale period: January 4 to 15, 2025
  • Allowable travel period: Jan 4, 2025 to Jun 30, 2025 only
  • Local destinations: Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga and Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake (via Clark)
  • International destinations: Singapore and Bangkok (via Don Mueang)
Photo from Cebu Pacific via X

So, what are you waiting for Sugboanons? Visit the airline’s website and book your dream vacation now!

Here’s All You Need to Know About CCLEX

The Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) is anticipated by locals and foreigners alike as it is now considered an alternate route from Cebu City to Mactan-Cebu International Airport and linking the city to Cordova, Cebu.

Photo from the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Official

So, let’s check out a few amazing facts about this iconic and literally life-changing bridge for the Sugboanons and Oponganons.

Fact #1: Saving the Environment 

Photo from Ram Mancelita

You’ll probably notice that the length of the bridge is longer than it actually looks. While CCLEX was being built, the MPTC aimed to prioritize the environment by protecting and preserving its nature as it was being constructed. That’s the reason why mangroves can be seen on the side of the bridge and trees were not taken down at all. 

Fact #2: Locals Built It 

Although the materials of building the bridge were imported, the bridge was mostly built by locals. The stay cables were imported from France and were sent during the pandemic, which benefited the locals in terms of learning a new skill from foreign advisers and consultants for its installation. This new skill can then be used as part of their experience for future jobs or in establishing their own business.

Fact #3: Time Saver

People who are living in Cebu South can now easily access Cordova and Mactan. Previously, two bridges linked Mactan Island and Cebu, however, it takes about 2 to 3 hours to travel heading to Mactan and back, largely due to the traffic. Now that CCLEX is there, travel times have decreased, and the traffic situation is also managed, even for a bit.

Photo from the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Official

Fact #4: Cross Lights

In the pylons of the bridge, the construction team has also shown us one great design: four lit crosses from each side, which can be beautifully viewed in the evening. When lit up, the cross lights contribute to the ambiance and gives everybody a beautiful light show from any angle of the bridge. Additionally, CCLEX also lights up during special occasions and holidays, such as the Philippine Independence Day wherein the colors blue and red were prominent, while for K-pop fans, the color purple lit up the bridge during a special BTS event.

Fact #5: A Billion Peso Bridge

The CCLEX was built in the middle of the pandemic with the cost thirty-three million pesos and it is foreseen to withstand more than a century of wear and tear.

Fact #6: Walkable and Bikeable Lanes

Photo from Aiah

Yes, you heard that right! The CCLEX is also walkable and bikeable at the same time. Apart from the road for cars and trucks, CCLEX has a sidewalk and bike lane which is why celebrities, such as Aiah of Bini, seemed to be adding the bridge as one of her go-to jogging spots when she’s in Cebu.

Know of any other facts about CCLEX? Share them in the comments below!

Surviving the Post-Party Hangover: Your Ultimate Guide!

Happy New Year, sober Sugboanons!

Photo from Pexels

New Year’s Eve has come and gone, but let’s face it: parties are still alive and kicking! Whether you’re recovering from a night of celebrations or just enjoying another weekend blowout, hangovers can be a tough one to handle—especially when you have work the next day.

Photo from Pexels

Don’t worry, though! Here are some easy tips to help you bounce back and tackle whatever life throws your way, according to my nurse friend, even if you’re feeling a little worse for wear.

1. Prep Like a Pro: Take Vitamin B!

Photo from Pexels

First things first: if you know a big night is coming, make sure to stock up on Vitamin B. Pop a B-complex vitamin about 30 minutes before you start drinking. This helps your body process alcohol more effectively and can even reduce the intensity of your hangover. It’s like giving your body a secret weapon for the night ahead! In specific, vitamin B makes sure that the food you ate, will be converted to the necessary nutrients for a better functioning nervous system.

2. Choose Your Chaser Wisely: Go for Electrolyte-Supporting Drinks!

Photo from Pexels

When it comes to mixers, we often reach for the usual suspects like soda or energy drinks. But if you’re looking for a hangover hack, consider swapping them out for non-carbonated options and electrolyte drinks! You can opt for Gatorade or Pocari Sweat, or any sports drink for that matter, as long as it is packed with electrolytes, which help keep you hydrated as you party. Using it as a chaser can help balance out the dehydration caused by alcohol.

3. Drink Water Throughout the Drinking Sesh or Suck on Ice

Photo from Pexels

We can’t stress enough the importance of drinking water for every glass of alcohol you’re enjoying. Aside from combating dehydration with your electrolyte drinks, water helps clear your thoughts, too, and aids in making you pee, which then makes you sober up quiker!

4. Rise and Shine: Vitamin C is Your Best Friend!

Photo from Pexels

You’ve made it through the night, but now you’re facing the morning after. As soon as you wake up, reach for some Vitamin C! Whether it’s a zesty orange, a refreshing smoothie, or a vitamin supplement, this helps boost your immune system and can speed up your recovery. Plus, it’s a great way to kickstart your day!

Photo from Pexels

So, there you have it; your ultimate guide to surviving the post-party hangover! With a little preparation and some smart choices, you can turn your hangover experience into a manageable (and maybe even fun!) adventure. Remember, every good party story deserves a solid recovery plan!

FIBA Signs Three-Year Agreement with New Global Partner 1xBet

MIES (Switzerland) – FIBA is excited to announce a new partnership with 1xBet, who has been appointed as the Federation’s exclusive Global Betting Partner through December 2027.

During the three-year partnership, 1xBet will leverage basketball’s global reach and growth to enhance its brand visibility worldwide by supporting all FIBA National Team Competitions, both Basketball and 3×3 Basketball. 

Photo by Pexels

1xBet, a leading player in the betting industry and an established sponsor for elite sports organizations globally, joins FIBA in a partnership that reflects both entities’ commitment to our sport.

The agreement covers all major senior FIBA National Team events, for both men and women, with 1xBet enjoying exclusivity in the Sports Betting and Online Betting categories.

Photo by Pexels

Beyond its core rights under the Global Partner package, 1xBet will also have a digital presence on FIBA’s platforms and will offer a Game Predictor, for global fan engagement.

Additionally, the objectives of both parties are to integrate digital advertising at key FIBA events, enabling 1xBet to explore extensive opportunities in dedicated markets worldwide. FIBA is testing several innovative solutions which will support 1xBet’s strategic plans and offer additional opportunities to 1xBet and its Global Partners.

Protecting the integrity of basketball is a top priority for FIBA, with strong efforts in educating basketball stakeholders and rigorously pursuing breaches to the game’s integrity. Thanks to this partnership, 1xBet’s joins FIBA’s efforts by way of financial contribution, directed to address match-manipulation and illegal betting in basketball, and aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the sport worldwide. Additionally, as part of the partnership, 1xBet will appoint a Single Point of Contact for integrity, who will collaborate closely with FIBA, assisting in integrity-related investigations and intelligence gathering efforts.

1xBet is well-known among sports fans, already sponsoring several global entities such as FC Barcelona, ​​Paris Saint-Germain, LOSC Lille, Italian Serie A, CAF, esports tournament operator ESL and has partnerships with other reputable sports and esports tournament organizations.

“We are on the threshold of a new stage in the history of 1xBet. Signing an agreement with FIBA is a strategic step that opens up very significant opportunities for promoting our brand. The partnership will increase fan engagement and help create exclusive content. We love this game and are ready to actively promote basketball on all continents,” said Valerii Kharitonov, 1xBet Chief Gaming Officer.

Frank Leenders, FIBA’s Director General of Media and Marketing Services, added: “We are thrilled to welcome 1xBet as our newest Global Partner and look forward to developing our collaboration over the next three years. It’s incredibly exciting to have a Partner supporting both basketball and 3×3.

Photo by Pexels

“With both organisations sharing a passion for innovation, technology, and the global growth of our sport, we are confident that this Partnership will be game-changing.” 

About FIBA

FIBA (fiba.basketball) – the world governing body for basketball, is an independent association formed by 212 National Basketball Federations throughout the world. It is recognized as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

For further information about FIBA, visit fiba.basketball and about.fiba.basketball or follow FIBA on Facebook, X,  Instagram, Linkedin and YouTube.

About 1xBet 

1xBet is a world-famous company with 17 years of experience in the betting and gambling industry. The brand’s clients place bets on thousands of sporting events and play popular games from the best providers in the online casino, while the company’s website and app are available in 70 languages. The 1xBet official partners’ list includes FC Barcelona, ​​Paris Saint-Germain, LOSC Lille, Italian Serie A, CAF, Volleyball World, esports tournament operator ESL  and other world-famous sports brands and organizations. The company has repeatedly become a nominee and winner of prestigious professional awards, and its platform is visited monthly by over 3 million players worldwide.

Pros and Cons of Playing Multiple Online Casino Slots Simultaneously 

Given that there are so many slot machines available at any online casino, it can be tempting to up the ante and play more than one at the same time. Perhaps the urge is to even play the slots while simultaneously playing hands of video poker.

Photo from Canva

The natural inclination is to think that doubling the amount of play in a gaming session could lead to more profit. But on the other side of the coin, if the bankroll isn’t planned out, then it can lead to a lot more financial risk as well.

As with any form of gambling from sports betting in the UK to using the best online casino sites Philippines allows to operate, to have a responsible and safe gambling session, it’s worth planning everything out if you are playing multiple slots simultaneously. The following is what to consider when doing so.

Photo from Canva

How to Play More Than One Game

The setup for playing more than one slot game at a time is relatively easy to do, as you will just need two screens. That could be two monitors connected to the same computer where you can have separate browser tabs open on each screen playing a different slot. Another set-up would be playing one game on a laptop and another on a phone or tablet. 

The Pros of Simultaneous Play

What are the pros of playing two slot games at once? Most people will look towards the potential for bigger wins because of more constant spins happening. It’s worth understanding that playing two machines doesn’t alter the probability of them paying out. But some potential benefits come with doubling up:

Excitement Doubled

It is only natural that excitement levels are going to go up because of increased play, even down to the anticipation of which slot machine will be the next one to hit a win or have a bonus game triggered. Doubling the gameplay can heighten the overall excitement of the playing session.

Speeding Up Gameplay

If you had budgeted a certain amount of stake for your gaming session, then splitting it across two machines at once could speed up gameplay. You are simply going to get more spins done in a shorter amount of time with two of them going simultaneously.

More Variety

With more variety, the type of games and strategies used could be advantageous as well. Setting up a low-volatility slot alongside a high-volatility one for a balance, for example, could see bets carefully spread across different games.

The Cons of Simultaneous Play

There are two sides to everything, and that means there are some potential downsides to playing multiple online casino slots at once. Here’s a look at what the three key ones are:

Increased Risk

A potential issue with playing more than one slot at once is greater risk. Splitting a bankroll in two means a shorter playing time, which could leave a player unfilled because the action is over more quickly. That could lead to players pushing beyond their budget. Because machines have bet minimums per spin, that could potentially mean that you need to risk more over a session than by just playing one slot. 

Lack of Focus

Multitasking isn’t particularly easy for a lot of people and because slot games are very stimulating, it can be hard to maintain focus on two screens. When a bonus feature drops on a game for example, it is going to draw greater focus, potentially leading to poor decision-making on the other game, like forgetting to switch the stake or payline amount.

Temptation to Chase Losses

Another factor could be an increased temptation to chase losses. If one machine feels a bit “cold” then it could subconsciously lead the player to fall into the trap of increasing the bet stake on the other one to try and compensate for the losses. That would be a slippery slope to problems due to a lack of control.

Photo from Canva

In Summary

Many people play a couple of slots simultaneously online, and you can walk into land-based casinos too and find examples of it happening. If you do enjoy slot gaming and want to try having more than one running at the same time, that will be down to personal preference.

It can be thrilling, but too much at once can lead to quicker game fatigue. Overall, it is a good idea to set a firm budget and strategy or a fun, safe session to prevent overspending, and always know your exit plan to stop gambling.

January Planetary Alignment: Venus, Saturn, Neptune,Uranus, Jupiter, & Mars in one Night

Hi, Mercury, okay pa ka?

Photo from PAGASA-DOST | Figure 4: The view of the night sky showing the planetary alignmentof six (6) planets – Venus, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars – on 01 January at 08:00 p.m. using Stellarium.

The New Year is kicking off with one of the most awaited cosmic events, including a multi-planetary alignment that we can actually see from Earth!

Photo from Canva

From January 1 to 31, the planets Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars will be gradually lining up in our night sky, looking like four bright stars in a row.

While the planets are usually in a sort of line, they don’t always appear that way. Sometimes, some are in the evening sky while others are visible in the morning. They might seem lined up with the help of a telescope, but January is special because all the planets (except Mercury, poor little Mercury) will be visible in the evening sky.

At the start of the month, keep an eye out for Venus and Saturn hanging out close together, and by January 17, they’ll be perfectly lined up! Mars and Jupiter will join in soon after. And, if you want to catch a glimpse of the more distant Uranus and Neptune, you’ll need a good pair of binoculars—or even a telescope as they can appear smaller than the other planets. Also, throughout the month, our Moon will be making its way past each planet!

Photo from Canva

Beliefs Surrounding Celestial Alignments

For those who get into the mysteries of the cosmos, they often say that periods of planetary alignment are filled with great potential. During these times, one can tap into a heightened sense of consciousness, allowing them to connect more deeply with themselves and their surroundings.

For some, this is a sacred opportunity for cleansing and release, while for others, it’s a call to take risks, stepping into the unknown and making that final decision. Whatever your path, these celestial alignments invite us to reflect, grow, and align our intentions with the universe; or maybe just merely a sight to witness once in our lives, depends on you.