A journey to a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Famous Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu
Photo from Namieh Oya
This is proven to be true, especially to some of the country’s multimillion-peso net profit. These tycoons are no strangers to early struggles in life. Their net worth didn’t happen overnight though. Others took years to become self-made millionaires.
However, there are others who had someone along their side when they were fulfilling their “rags to riches” stories. One good example is Winnie Matriz and Namieh Oya.
Photo from Namieh OyaPhoto from Namieh OyaPhoto from Namieh Oya
To a relationship that started with close to nothing, they have bloomed into almost everything. Namieh got pregnant while they were still in a relationship as girlfriend and boyfriend, but Winnie never left her. He has been with her since Day 1.
From a motorcycle to go from one place to the other, who would’ve thought that they will have 4 vehicles to choose from. From living in a simple home to living in a mansion. The fruits of their labor taste even much sweeter because they are still together.
This couple has proven that true love does exist. With all the break-ups, may this remind us that there is a rainbow always after the rain.
Photo from Namieh OyaPhoto from Namieh OyaPhoto from Namieh Oya
Whenever
we wish to take a break from our everyday lives, we are presented with a lot of
options to choose from — top on the list involves the sun, the sand, and the
beach.
A perfect example would be the Basdaku White Beach, nestled in Moalboal in southern Cebu. For only ₱10-20 (depending from where you enter), you can experience Basdaku Beach’s wide shoreline and its crystal clear waters and pure white sand.
Photo by Jubert Valmores
A little trivia, the term ‘Basdaku’ is derived from two Cebuano words “bas” and “daku” which means ‘sand’ and ‘big’, respectively. The name literally describes the kilometer-long coastline of the beach.
What
are you waiting for? Go and revel in one of Cebu’s finest beaches.
Photo by Jepoi LazaroPhoto by Jepoi Lazaro
Photo by Jepoi Lazaro
Photo by Jepoi Lazaro
Photo by Zeus Pencer
Photo by Zeus Pencer
Photo by Zeus Pencer
Photo by Zeus Pencer
Fees
Estimated Bus Fare: ₱150-180 per head (one-way)
Tricycle: ₱30 per head (one-way)
Entrance fee: ₱10-20 per head only
Tent: ₱100 per tent (bring your own tent)
Tent rental: ₱500 to 2,000 (depending on the size)
Cottage fee: ₱300 to 2,500 (rates vary from one resort to another)
Tent Rental: P500 – P2000 *Rates may vary depending on the size
When it comes to
looking for a place to stay, Basdaku absolutely got it all for you.
For
travellers who prefer to sleep on the sand, witness the gracing sunrise or
magnificent sunset and enjoy the chilling vibe — which is something every
backpacker dreams of, there are definitely areas for camping.
You need to take note that some areas allow you to camp for FREE, however, for some, they have a minimal fee of ₱100-200 (exclusive of tent rental).
Photo by Jubert Valmores
How to get there?
Exact location: Basdaku Beach, Moalboal, southern Cebu — approx. 3 hours away from the city.
From South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Moalboal via Barili or Badian. Then ask to be dropped off at Gaisano Grand Mall Moalboal or Moalboal town proper. Another option would be by van, which is also available at One Citilink Terminal. Travel time is 3 hours depending on traffic conditions.
Once
you’ve reached the town of Moalboal, you can hire a tricycle to take you to Basdaku
or White Beach.
Where to stay?
If beach camping is not your thing, you may choose from this list of low-priced accommodation options and cheap apartments:
Rositas Cottages
Rosita’s cottages is a great place to take a break for either short-term or long-term travelers. It offers a fully equipped kitchen and rooms that have their own porch area, making the guests live like home.
This place offers a wonderful beachfront view, basic amenities and rooms that would make every guest’s stay worth it. This beach resort also comes with a restaurant that serves delish food selections.
0919-476-6385 / (032) 511-2499 Starts at 700 PHP CHECK RATES
Susan’s Seaview Resort
This resort is nestled at a great location that is close to many restaurants. Also, it offers a restaurant that has a nice terrace where guests can sit and enjoy the sea view. Susan’s Resort’s area is also popular for cycling or even just a short walk along the beach.
Located in Tongo Point, Basdiot, this resort is best known for how it caters the needs of the guests and aiming to make them feel at home away from home. Definitely one of the hotel that stands out.
(032) 316-4133 / 0917-631-4261 Starts at 1,000 PHP CHECK RATES
This giant cottage can fit a whole lot of people so that everyone can have the time of their life swimming and playing in the water. Whether it’s a big family gathering, barkada reunion, team building, or even birthday parties, you will all sail out into the middle of the sea and have it as a neighbor for the whole day.
Photo from Super Hiyong Floating Cottages in Cordova Facebook PagePhoto from Super Hiyong Floating Cottages in Cordova Facebook Page
You can just roll over the side of the cottage when you feel like its getting hot and enjoy the wide view of the sea and its sparkling color while eating good food and drinks surrounded by the people that you love. You can even go kayaking as they have them for rent and of course the ever-present videoke set to every Filipino gathering is also available for rent.
The giant floating cottage will give you that privacy and exclusivity that you seek for these intimate celebrations without it lessening the fun.
Photo from Mark CuyosPhoto from Mark CuyosPhoto from Mark CuyosPhoto from Mark Cuyos
Service inclusions:
boat transfer from port to cottage (and vice-versa)
BBQ grill
CR / changing area
free use of life vests
mini pool with net (safe for kids!)
second floor with view deck & diving platform
hammock
table and chairs
rentals: kayak, videoke set
The cottage is an owner operated vacational rental guest accommodation so they are asking for consideration on following the terms & conditions set for the your safety and upkeep of the cottage.
Photo from Mark CuyosPhoto from Mark CuyosPhoto from Mark CuyosPhoto from Mark CuyosPhoto from Mark Cuyos
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES:
EXCLUSIVE USE: P3,500 (30 pax capacity), WHOLE DAY
They say that at this day and age, true love is hard to get by. In this fast-paced world, a lot has jumped from a relationship to another, as quickly as they change clothes. Some would say that the “hookup culture” is very prevalent for this generation, but that doesn’t seem the case for one 19 year-old teen from Italy.
Photo from Giuseppe D’Anna
Giuseppe D’Anna, a 19 year-old teen from Italy admitted that he is now engaged with his 76 year-old “soulmate”. Via the popular video-sharing app, Tiktok, D’Anna posted a video showing asking his partner her hand for marriage. The heartfelt proposal swept the Internet and as of this writing, the Tiktok video has now more than 75 million views.
Posted last May 23, a video montage was posted as a Tiktok by D’Anna showing him and his now-fiancée (who he chose not to reveal her name yet to the public) sweet moments they shared. The montage included a photo of D’Anna kneeling in front of his partner while both were kissing, indicating that it was the moment the latter said “yes”. The video also included pictures of lavish gifts, including the presumably wedding ring, with a large diamond on it.
D’Anna captioned the video “la nostra promessa” which translates to “our promise”. Along with the caption is a green heart and the infinity symbol.
However great the news was, netizens all over Tiktok had mixed reactions regarding the news. Some commended the 19 year-old teen with his bravery declaring his love for someone much older than him, others have mentioned that the young man may have not been thinking things clearly and just infatuated. Some even said that it was all just a publicity stunt, that the account used “shock value” to gain likes and increase their following.
Photo from Giuseppe D’Anna
Prior to the proposal, Giuseppe D’Anna uses his Tiktok account by posting videos of him and his partner sharing sweet moments, doing Tiktok trends, eating food together, sharing quality time, and news clips where they were featured in local Italian news. The account has now 390.1k followers and a total of 12.9 million likes.
This article was originally published on VisMin.ph.
Visiting New Zealand is every traveler’s dream. Imagine waking up to its fresh breeze, green mountains, and cold weather which makes you want to sip your cup of coffee while snuggling close to your loved ones.
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
What a way to relax, right? But while it remains a lifetime away, how about traveling to a version of it in the Philippines?
Yes, you read that right! Your Maori dreams can be fulfilled in Lopez Highlands in Davao City.
Lopez Highlands
Situated in Barangay Baganihan in Marilog, Davao City, Lopez Highlands is a stunning villa open to the public for staycations.
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Like New Zealand, it is surrounded by lush greens accentuated by the cloudy, blue skies — making it a picture-perfect addition to your Instagram feed.
The two-story house can accommodate up to 15 people and is packed with amenities including a jacuzzi and two swimming pools, a wide kitchen area, three bedrooms, and an outdoor swing.
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Guests may also request a one-time bonfire where they can share stories while disconnecting from their phones.
Note that there is no Wi-Fi connection in the villa. Cellular data is also limited.
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
ROOM RATES:
Whole House (Mondays to Thursdays) – P9,000
Whole House (Fridays to Sundays) – P9,000
1 Bedroom with Loft – P4,500
Second Floor of the House Only – P7,000
Note: all room rates are applicable for overnight use. No day tours allowed.
Exact Location: Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao City, Philippines
BY BUS: Take a bus bound to Baganihan Barangay Hall if you are from Downtown Area. Average bus trip time is one and a half hours. Ask the driver or conductor to be dropped off at Sitio Katandungan, Barangay Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao City. Once you are there, you can ask the locals where Lopez Highlands is as you need to trek the mountaintop rest house for a few meters.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Lopez Highlands” in Marilog District, Davao City. Parking space is available.
This article was originally published on VisMin.ph.
I think we’re all familiar with the word SPAM. It’s a Filipino favorite.
Spam to those who doesn’t know it, which I very much doubt, is a brand of canned cooked pork distributed by The Purefoods-Hormel Company Inc. in the Philippines. Its popularity transcends economic class as it is present in the homes of the poor, the rich and everyone in between.
Photo from Shopee
Now, it might level up its favorite status though as a token of love for Philippines, they have created a Filipino Flavor — SPAM Tocino.
SPAM making a whole new product with the much beloved Filipino tocino as well is just a chef’s kiss to the consumers. Tocino is a popular breakfast dish already and also means a little different in the Philippines, as it refers to sweetened and cured pork belly not just bacon.
This new SPAM Tocino has just the right mixture of sweet and meaty to satisfy our cravings for these flavors especially those living outside Philippines.
It comes in a 340G, 12Oz SPAM signature can and consumers have commented that it taste like SPAM light but the sweet version of it. They also recommended to fry fried it in very low heat.
Photo from Shopee
It is very in demand and quite difficult to come by in the shelves of groceries so better order them online either in Shopee or Lazada.
SPAM is used in a variety of Filipino dishes so we might expect this new product to come up in our future dishes as well.
Filipino fusion cuisine dishes using SPAM
Spam burgers
Spam spaghetti
Spam nuggets
Crispy Spam Steak
Spam Garlic Fried rice
Spam menudo
Photo from Shopee
There are at least ten different varieties of Spam currently available in the Philippines.
Everyone has heard of or encountered trending videos of celebrities, models, or insanely rich people, in general, doing a tour of their insanely huge mansions. YouTube pages like Architectural Digest even have these kinds of videos as their main content.
Photo from Sea Mansion
Have you ever seen these videos and thought to yourself how it would feel like to live in a mansion? Well, you do not have to wonder anymore, because you can stay and sleep at one by the shores of Carmen, Cebu for a very affordable price!
The Sea Mansion: Pool, Beach, and more
The Sea Mansion in Carmen is an enormous mansion located in Carmen that you can book in Airbnb. It can host up to 15 guests, or even more at an additional cost! The place has tons of features that one can dream of in their fantasies.
Photo from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea Mansion
If you like the salty waters of the sea kiss your skin, you can swim at the beach, but if you want to just chill around in calm waters while sipping a cold glass of iced tea, you can lounge around at the private pool. If the water is not your type, you can hang around with nature at the Sea Mansion’s Garden.
ROOMS AND SPACES
3 Air-conditioned bedrooms (5 pax per bedroom)
3 toilets and 2 baths inside the house
2 toilets and 1 bath near the pool
1 toilet and 1 bath close to the beach
Kitchen with refrigerator, 2 burners gas stove for cooking, drinking water with dispenser (cold), coffee maker (bring your own beans), microwave, pots, pans, and dining utensils
2 Garages
Living Room
Washing Machine
Photo from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea Mansion
RECREATIONAL FEATURES
Private Pool
Beach
Patio
Backyard
Outdoor Tree Swing
Indoor Video Karaoke (Unlimited)
Living Room Smart TV with Netflix and YouTube
WIFI Access (Globe 25 mbps)
Table Tennis
Photo from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea Mansion
Dining in spacious areas in the Sea Mansion
There are a ton of views which are good for collecting your thoughts or pictures for Instagram. Feeling hungry? The Sea Mansion boasts a glamorous kitchen complete with appliances like stoves, a fridge, and more. If you feel like grilling some barbeque, they also have a grill. If you are feeling lazy, the staff can do it for you! Be sure to tip them.
It is a perfect place for groups of people with the Cebuano souls that love beaches, pools, good food, and comfort. If you are planning a large event like family gatherings, barkada hangouts, alumni reunions, and more, look no further than the Sea Mansion. There are even garages where you can park your cars.
Photo from Sea MansionPhoto from Sea Mansion
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
ADDITIONAL FEES
P200 per head after 15 pax (note: no additional beds will be provided)
Living Room has 2 AC units exclusive of the booking package. Turning it on costs P100 per hour.
Charcoal for grilling: P15 per pack
Note: Inform the host if you have more than 15 pax for price adjustment.
Exact location: National Road, Carmen, Northern Cebu — approx. 1.5-2 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal. Most buses pass by Carmen, but make sure to ask the conductor or driver. Tell the driver to drop you off at the Sea Mansion in Barangay Puente, Carmen, Cebu. If it is unfamiliar to them, tell them that it is a few meters after Alegarbes Beach Resort.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Sea Mansion” in Carmen. Garage with parking space is available.
Carbon Market is an open-air night market offering a wide selection of locally produced goods, right in the heart of Cebu City. It provides numerous opportunities for market vendors to sell their products, including Cebu delicacies, Sutukil food, and a variety of food stalls.
This was made possible by Cebu2World, a subsidiary of Megawide Construction Corp., the company behind the Carbon Market Modernization Project. There are free eco-friendly e-trikes that will take you on a tour of the night market in various locations throughout downtown Cebu. To complete this colorful experience, acoustic bands are invited every Sunday night to serenade the crowd.
The Carbon Market is situated along M. C. Briones St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, specifically Quezon Boulevard, next to the Senior Citizen’s Park, which houses the new Sto. Niño Chapel.
Photo from Brandon Vallecera
Photo from Brandon Vallecera
Photo from Brandon Vallecera
Photo from Brandon ValleceraPhoto form Carlo Andrew OltianoPhoto from Jesson MorataPhoto from Jesson Morata
How to get there:
From Mactan-Cebu International Airport – You may hop into a taxi going to Carbon Market; fare is ₱180 (estimation from worldtaximeter, 2020)
Using a private vehicle – Waze or Google Maps can be utilized, just enter “Carbon Market Parking”
Walking distance from Magellan’s Park and Freedom Park
Opening Hours:
Saturday & Sunday – 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
However, tenants may close early or stay long depending on the place’s Foot Traffic.
Food stalls:
The classic stalls of Zagu, Santino’s and Fruitas are present in Carbon Market. Meanwhile, new stalls have been added. Here are a few examples:
The Coffee Mobile
Seaside scramble
Ate Silay’s Kandingan
Happy Sundae
Nine Tea Milktea
Momma shawarma
Sutukil stalls (Sugba, Tuwa, Kilaw)
Photo from Jesson MorataPhoto from Jesson MorataPhoto from Nona Rowena UbasPhoto from Jesson MorataPhoto from Jesson MorataPhoto form Jesson MorataPhoto from The Chocolate Chamber Facebook PagePhoto from Jesson MorataPhoto from Jesson MorataPhoto from Jesson Morata
Looking for food stalls and market options that will give you the full BisDak experience? Spend your Friday and Saturday nights at Carbon Market!
Food trends sure do come and go, but Jollibee is a staple in a Filipino’s diet. Although it’s not as healthy as our home-cooked meals, Filipinos, especially Cebuanos, still love their fries, burgers, and Chickenjoy!
Photo from Christine Monteclar
Just like other businesses, even the most popular fastfood chain could come to its end. However, eventhough some have closed its doors, people still manage to hang on the nostalgia attached to them.
Take for example one Christine Monteclar. A flower vendor outside P. Del Rosario.
Photo from Christine MonteclarPhoto from Christine Monteclar
On June 5, she posted her memories on Jollibee P. Del Rosario branch. This was the last day this famous fast-food chain is opening its doors to its patrons.
“Una mi sa linya sa imong opening day. Una sad mi ni linya sa imong closing day,”
SHE SHARED ON HER FB PAGE.
She added, “For 23 years first ever flower vendors with stall area has been approved by Jollibee management with electricity and water.”
Photo from Christine MonteclarPhoto from Christine Monteclar
However, to the customers of the flower shops along the area, their stores are still open even without the bida ng saya, Jollibee.
Panagsama beach is not your ordinary summer destination. Located in Moalboal, Cebu, this small strip of land differs from the powdery, white-sand beaches the coastal town boasts.
Photo from Arnico Lumangyao Cartalla
But never underestimate it — for the beauty of this quaint beach lies in the rich aquatic life beneath its waters.
A paradise for marine divers, Panagsama beach is best known for its stunning underwater world which includes its lively reefs, fishes, and the infamous sardine run.
Photo from Twin de los Reyes Facebook PagePhoto from Twin de los Reyes Facebook PagePhoto from Twin de los Reyes Facebook Page
Where to stay?
Among the popular rental places in Moalboal is FFG EDEN Beach Resort in Basidot. One quick search would yield hundreds of results — from photos, vlogs to videos showing the stunning resort located right next to the Pinagsama beach.
Photo form FFG Eden Resort MoalboalPhoto form FFG Eden Resort Moalboal
It is packed with amenities and is strategically located near the essential places in the area such as the town proper and the public market.
Not only is it accessible but the beach resort also offers affordable rates for solo tourists and groups of guests who want to relieve their stress through a beach break.
For as low as P500, FFG EDEN Beach Resort can accommodate up to two persons for 2 days and 1 night.
It also has discounted rates for friends and families who want to celebrate their special day together — making it an ideal place for relaxation, dates, wedding anniversaries, team building, Christmas parties, family getaways, Barkada adventure, reunions, and even company outings.
Rates & Other Information
Room Rates:
Sardines room: ₱500 per night, good for 2 persons
Kitong room: ₱1,200 per night, good for 2 persons
Barilis suite: ₱1,500 per night, good for 2 persons
Lumod suite: ₱2,000 per night, good for 2 persons
Butanding suite: ₱3,000 per night, good for 4 persons
Pawikan cove: ₱10,000.00 per night, good for 6 persons
Exact location: Sitio Talisay, Basdiot, Moalboal, southern Cebu — approx. 3.5 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: Take a direct flight to Cebu through the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. From there, take a bus going to Barili/Bato and get off at Moalboal. Tricycles going to Panagsama beach are available there for no more than P100.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “FFG Eden Resort” in Moalboal. Parking space is available.
