The Department of Finance (DoF) said on Tuesday that the national government has acquired a 30-billion-yen (about P12.3-billion) loan from Japan to help the Philippines recover rapidly from the Covid-19 outbreak and fully return to a path of high and inclusive growth.
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and Akihiko Tanaka, the new president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), signed the agreement for the second phase of the Covid-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support Loan Phase-2 on behalf of the Philippine and Japanese governments, according to a statement (CCRESL2).
The Philippines’ achievements and plans in vaccinating its target population against Covid-19, as well as expanding the health care system’s capability to meet the challenges of future public health emergencies, were recognized in the second phase of the CCRESL, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
It stated the CCRESL2 package, valued around P12.3 billion or $234.36 million, has a fixed interest rate of 0.01 percent (one-hundredth of a percent) each year, a 15-year maturity period, and a four-year grace period, just like the original 50-billion-yen CRESL.
According to the Finance Department, Dominguez thanked the Japanese people and government for their sustained strong support for the Philippines’ development initiatives and pandemic response efforts.
He emphasized that Japan is the Philippines’ largest donor of official development assistance, with JICA — the country’s foreign assistance arm — being an extremely dependable partner in aiding the Philippine government in implementing its fundamental goals, according to the report.
The first phase, worth 50-billion yen (about P20 billion), was signed by the 2 countries in July 2021.
On Thursday evening, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of April 28, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 6 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 12 new recoveries, and 2 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases declined to 249 (from 257).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 53,907 (+3 new) – Total recoveries: 52,130 (+2 new) – Total deaths: 1,698 (+0 new) – Active cases: 79
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 17,058 (+0 new) – Total recoveries: 16,532 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 519 (+0 new) – Active cases: 7
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 15,434 (+0 new) – Total recoveries: 14,920 (+1 new) – Total deaths: 501 (+2 new) – Active cases: 13
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 46,372 (+3 new) – Total recoveries: 43,380 (+9 new) – Total deaths: 2,842 (+2 new) – Active cases: 150
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 249 (from 257)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 132,771 (+6 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 126,962 (+12 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,560 (+2 new)
A total of 1,230 laboratory results were released.
NOTES from DOH-7:
*As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.
For years now, Sunstar’s Best of Cebu has showcased a lot of things that Cebu has to offer and can be proud of. Their picks are trusted by the community, so being picked by them in a category is an absolute honor.
Photo from Chef’s Table Cafe Facebook Page
Enter Chef’s Table Café’s Green Tea Mango Avocado Cake, the Best Specialty Cake according to Best of Cebu 2021. Chef’s Table Café in A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City already has a history with Sunstar’s Best of Cebu about their cakes.
According to them, they won the award in the 2019 category, became a runner up in 2020, and won once more in 2021. Their past track record for good delicacies is something you can truly trust with your tongue.
Photo from Chef’s Table Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Chef’s Table Cafe Facebook Page
What is the secret behind their winning cake? Well, avocadoes and mangoes pair well with each other because they are both refreshing and healthy fruits. Many chefs have mixed both these fruits in their creations, and Chef’s Table Café certainly hit the mark on theirs.
If you really want to know why Sunstar picked this, why don’t you try one for yourself and your friends or family?
The best part is that it is not the only cake that the café has to offer! Craving for some sweet Ube? They have Ube Chiffon Cake ready to be served. Perhaps some blueberries are on your mind?
Luckily, they serve Blueberry Cheesecake Cups. They even make cakes for special occasions like Chinese Lunar New Year, Valentines, and more.
Photo from Chef’s Table Cafe Facebook Page
Other Information
Best sellers:
Green Tea Mango Avocado Cake
Mango Cake
Earl Grey Strawberry Lychee Cake
Blueberry Cheesecake Cups
Menu:
Photo from Chef’s Table Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Chef’s Table Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Chef’s Table Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Chef’s Table Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Chef’s Table Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Chef’s Table Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Chef’s Table Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Chef’s Table Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Chef’s Table Cafe Facebook PagePhoto from Chef’s Table Cafe Facebook Page
Exact location: Chef’s Table Café, A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City, Cebu – Google Maps Coordinates: 8WQH+C6H, Mandaue City, Cebu
BY PUJ: Starting from Colon, you can ride a 13C jeepney or bus and make your way to Country Mall. From there, ride any jeepney that will go through A.S. Fortuna St. Rely on Google Maps for accuracy as to where you should drop off.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Chef’s Table Café” in A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City.
If you are looking for a sign to start traveling the world (again), this is it!
Cebu Pacific has started offering one-way base tickets as low as P599 on some international flights, available for purchase until April 30, 2022. The travel period is set from May 15 to December 31, 2022.
With Cebu Pacific’s latest seat sale, you may fly from Manila, Philippines to a variety of foreign locations including Kota Kinabalu, Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, Bangkok, Bali, Dubai, Tokyo, and more.
Sale Period: April 25 – 30, 2022
Travel Period: May 15 – December 31, 2022
Promo fares offered are limited and are non-refundable but can be rebooked several times although fare difference may apply.
To avail, simply go to www.cebupacificair.com to select your travel dates and destination, and follow the steps from there. Hope to see you on board soon!
On Wednesday evening, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of April 27, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 7 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 184 new recoveries, and 2 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases declined to 257 (from 436).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 53,904 (+5 new) – Total recoveries: 52,128 (+183 new) – Total deaths: 1,698 (+0 new) – Active cases: 78
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 17,061 (+0 new) – Total recoveries: 16,535 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 519 (+0 new) – Active cases: 7
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 15,434 (+1 new) – Total recoveries: 14,919 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 499 (+0 new) – Active cases: 16
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 46,369 (+1 new) – Total recoveries: 43,371 (+1 new) – Total deaths: 2,842 (+2 new) – Active cases: 156
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 257 (from 436)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 132,768 (+7 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 126,953 (+184 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,558 (+2 new)
A total of 1,625 laboratory results were released.
NOTES from DOH-7:
*As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.
The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) is an engineering marvel that will improve mobility in Cebu and boost the economy of the province, officials said during today’s inauguration led by President Rodrigo Duterte.
The 8.9-kilometer CCLEX connects Cordova town in Mactan Island to the South Road Properties in Cebu City. It was built by The Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), in partnership with the Municipality of Cordova and the City of Cebu.
Photo by John Ray Aligato/The Island Nomad
President Duterte said the project underscores the importance of accelerating socio-economic development in the country, especially the Visayas, through sustained infrastructure building. He said this approach is the legacy of his administration.
“My presidential watch will be remembered, among other things, for the expansive network of roads and bridges around the country, which contributed to sustained socio-economic development of the Philippines.”
President Rodrigo Duterte
MPTC Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said Cebu has started to reap the benefits of the project, which was built at a cost of at least P33 billion.
“We are happy to have been involved in building this piece of magnificent infrastructure for our countrymen in Cebu. It will bring in more investments, stimulate trade and commerce, revitalize tourism, and give a collective sense of pride among its people.”
PTC Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan
The inauguration was attended by top government officials and executives from the private sector. Joining the President and Chairman Pangilinan are Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, Department of Public Works & Highways Secretary Roger Mercado, and various officials from the different government agencies.
Also joining the ceremony are Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn F. Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Michael L. Rama, Cordova Mayor Mary Therese P. Sitoy-Cho, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas C. Cortes, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony V. Gullas Jr., Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma among many other Cebu dignitaries.
Photo by John Ray Aligato/The Island Nomad
Also present were Korean Consul General Song Sewon, Denmark Ambassador Grete Sillasen, Philippine Ambassador to Denmark Leo Herrera-Lim, Ambassador of Spain Jorge Moragas Sanchez, and Honorary Consul of Spain Anton Perdices, among other diplomatic dignitaries.
CCLEC was built on the foundation of a strong partnership among MPTC and the local governments of Cebu City and Cordova town.
“Our company is pleased to complete this project and contribute to the economic development of the southern Philippines,” said MPTC President and CEO Rodrigo Franco. Franco noted that foreign direct investments have begun pouring into Cebu City and Cordova.
“The project is an important boost to trade and commerce and we have seen new dynamism in the local business community,” Franco said. He added that Cebu will soon experience an influx of visitors who will be able to enjoy the use of the CCLEX.
CCLEC President Allan G. Alfon encouraged motorists in Cebu to have their vehicles installed with the RFID stickers that are needed to use the expressway. To give time to people to have the RFID installed, toll operators will accept cash during the initial days of its operation.
“We are excited to open the CCLEX to the Cebuanos who have long been looking forward to its opening. The CCLEX, truly an engineering marvel, has become a new Cebu icon that will symbolize a dynamic and progressive province firmly in touch with its history and culture,”
Alfon said.
A study by the Center for Social Research and Education of the University of San Carlos found that the CCLEX “is expected to contribute to the socio-economic development not only of the municipality of Cordova and Cebu City, but also the adjacent cities of Lapu-lapu and Mandaue, as well as cities and municipalities in the southern part of the Province of Cebu.”
The study cited key benefits to include reduced travel time. “Even with a toll fee, motorists are seen to benefit in terms of time saved,” the study said.
The study also said that CCLEX will decongest Cebu City and Mandaue City and have “positive implications in the movement of products from the various factories in these cities.”
Photo by John Ray Aligato/The Island Nomad
It will also boost Cebu’s economic growth. “The CCLEX will be a catalyst to bring about socio-economic development in their municipality as they would already be accessible without having to pass through Lapu-lapu City and Mandaue City. In fact, land values in their municipality have already started to increase. An updated land use plan has already been approved,” the study said.
Another key benefit of the CCLEX, according to the study, is that it will be a direct link to southern Cebu and its many tourist destinations.
San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) power arm, SMC Global Power Holdings will invest in a 600-megawatt (MW) liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant on Mactan Island in Cebu to provide grid baseload power.
Photo by Romeo Ranoco/REUTERS
The project, which will be built in Lapu-Lapu City, will cost between $1.5 and $1.7 million per MW, totaling $900 million to $1.2 billion (Php47.2-Php63 billion). The power plant will be erected on a 26.16-hectare plot of land that has been leased from Keppel Cebu Shipyard Land, Inc. and the National Development Company.
The facility will be built over five years, starting in the third quarter of this year, and testing and commissioning will take place in the fourth quarter of 2023. The first commercial operations will begin in the second quarter of 2024.
According to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Power Development Plan, the country’s power demand would expand 5% per year by 2040, reaching 49,287MW.
SMC Global Power subsidiary Converge Power Generation Corporation (CPGC) said a 600 MW increased capacity would complement the DOE’s program of assuring the Philippines’ steady power supply,.
The project’s goal is to assist meet the growing need for dependable and inexpensive power.” It will contribute to national growth in addition to providing power to people and companies,
CPGC said in a filing with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
SMC Global Power is also working on a 300MW LNG combined cycle power plant in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, which is currently being criticized by local stakeholders and energy advocacy groups for its environmental and economic impacts. The multifaceted firm is also working on a Php41.5 billion 600MW LNG plant project in Tabango, Leyte.
Following the government’s embargo on the construction of new coal power stations, the business announced last year that it will focus more on LNG and renewable energy projects.
Good news for travelers! If you are a member of the AirAsia Super App, AirAsia is running a buy one, get one sale just in time for summer!
The offer is available for flights from Manila, Clark, or Cebu to any AirAsia domestic flights from April 25, 2022 to May 1, 2022.
Booking period: April 25 – May 1, 2022
Travel period: April 25 – Sept 30, 2022
One booking must be made for two people with distinct identities. Only AirAsia members are eligible for this offer. Take a look at the one-way basic fares shown below.
The AirAsia Super App, which is available for download on iOS and Android devices, was launched in the Philippines on April 8. The app allows you to book hotels, vacation packages, and even shop for discounted food, clothing, and other items.
On Tuesday evening, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of April 26, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 9 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 3 new recoveries, and 2 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases slightly increased to 436 (from 434).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 53,899 (+7 new) – Total recoveries: 51,945 (+1 new) – Total deaths: 1,698 (+0 new) – Active cases: 256
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 17,061 (+0 new) – Total recoveries: 16,535 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 519 (+0 new) – Active cases: 7
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 15,433 (+0 new) – Total recoveries: 14,919 (+1 new) – Total deaths: 499 (+1 new) – Active cases: 15
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 46,368 (+2 new) – Total recoveries: 43,370 (+1 new) – Total deaths: 2,840 (+1 new) – Active cases: 158
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 436 (from 434)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 132,761 (+9 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 126,769 (+3 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,556 (+2 new)
A total of 1,740 laboratory results were released.
NOTES from DOH-7:
*As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.
You’ve probably heard of crypto these days, and with that topic, you’ve also probably heard of NFTs. For those who don’t know, NFTs or non-fungible tokens are digital assets, either images, songs, or videos which can be sold online via cryptocurrency or digital tokens.
Photo from Bored Ape Yacht Club on Opensea.io
By producing anything including art, anyone can potentially earn by trading your work via NFTs. This became the case for Nyla Hayes, a 13-year-old artist who had already earned millions of dollars by selling her digital portraits as NFTs.
By producing a collection called “Long Neckies”, where she paints iconic and powerful women of history including Oprah, Michelle Obama and Serena Williams, Hayes portrays these icons with elongated necks which proved to be valuable.
Photo from Latoy Hayes, Nyla’s MotherPhoto from Long Neckie Ladies on Opensea.io
“Long Neckie Ladies is a fine art, hand drawn, computer generated collectible of 3,333 diverse and elegant females,” Nyla posted in her OpenSea page.
Hayes mentioned in an interview that as a child, she was always been fascinated with the Brontosaurus, a type of dinosaur known for having long necks. The creature’s prominent feature was incorporated to her paintings.
“At first I just wanted to put two things that I love together, and that was a Brontosaurus and women,” she said. “I wanted to show how beautiful and strong women were, and I thought of the brontosaurus as that as well.”
Photo from TheNylaHayesCollection on Opensea.io
Hayes’ parents have already noticed Nina’s affliction for art, specifically at the age of 9 where they gave her a smartphone to use for drawing. Eventually, together with Nina, they researched and learned more about NFTs through YouTube videos.
Since then, Hayes has managed to sell her artwork via NFTs where she reached the one million dollar mark way before she became 13 years old. Just in March this year, Hayes’ painting called “Long Neckie Lady” was sold for $6,621.70 or Php 343,401.36 on Instagram.
Photo from TheNylaHayesCollection on Opensea.io
Hayes has made headlines with her artwork and earnings that even TIME Magazine, the prestigious and globally recognized magazine has named Hayes as its first TIMEpiece artist in residence, where they select an Artist-in-Residence quarterly to develop an intimate, focused collection of art in addition to the larger initiatives featured in the Build a Better Future Genesis Collection.
