With the rise of mobile Internet usage via technology provided by broadband cellular networks, its stead improvement all over the years is quite noticeable. 5G is the standard technology for data Internet these days, but what to do with the outdated technologies such as 3G?
Photo form Unsplash
The country’s largest telecommunications operator, PLDT, Inc., said during a press conference that it will stop providing third-generation (3G) network services by 2023.
“We want to maximize our frequencies with other technologies that we use,”
SAID PLDT NETWORK HEAD MARIO TAMAYO.
According to PLDT Chief Financial Officer Annabelle Chua, who cited data showing that less than 5% of devices are currently using 3G network, the closure of 3G is seen as a chance “to optimize our network.”
President and CEO of PLDT-Smart Alfredo Panlilio further noted that the market is “ready” for the 3G network’s shutdown and that only 4% of their subscribers were using it.
Photo form Unsplash
In order to free up wireless airwaves, network providers “would prefer to get rid of obsolete legacy tech,” according to Ian Fogg, vice president of analysis at mobile analytics company Opensignal.
In most countries, turning off older masts makes more room for newer networks like 4G and 5G, and some 3G spectrum can also be used for 4G traffic.
Older devices that rely on 3G service, such as feature phones or “dumbphones,” as well as older smartphones, may lose network access, making it unable to make calls, send texts, or use a mobile data connection (through HSPA or HSPA+).
These phones might still be able to perform the aforementioned functions using a 2G network, but they might do so more slowly (mobile date via GPRS or EDGE).
Photo form Unsplash
Once the 3G shutdown is implemented, devices older than the iPhone 5 or Samsung Galaxy S5 will be less capable.
Major telco players in the United States have already shut down their 3G networks as of January 1st of this year, and Philippine telco companies are expected to follow suit.
Switch to Watsons brand and Save big on your everyday essentials!
Living well doesn’t mean having to spend big, and that’s exactly what customers can enjoy with Watsons own brand essentials!
The brand’s biggest and longest-running campaign, Switch and Save, encourages everyone to make the switch to Watsons brand essentials and enjoy up to 80% savings on top quality products. Watsons brand offers thousands of products covering all categories—from health essentials, personal care, skin care, baby care, paper goods and cotton, hair care, and more. Customers can be assured that all Watsons brand products are guaranteed to provide outstanding quality and effectiveness. Watsons is committed to providing only the best to their consumers because they know how customers depend on their products day in and day out, so all Watsons products are created with customer care and satisfaction at heart.
Did you know? Before a Watsons brand product makes it to store shelves, it goes through an extensive process to assure that it is top quality—from supplier selection, research and development, manufacturing, and post-market surveillance.
Last June 20, 2022, Watsons Philippines held the first Switch and Savers’ Shopping Spree in SM Megamall—the brand’s first in-person event in almost 3 years. In attendance were various KOLs and media personalities who all enjoyed a day of in-store shopping. Guests restocked their Watsons brand favorites—like the famous hand soaps and wet wipes—and discovered exciting new Watsons brand products that
they just had to add to their carts to check out!
Following the success of this event, Watsons Philippines has taken the Switch and Save shopping experience to Cebu! On August 26, the Watsons store in the UGL Seaview Wing of SM Seaside was decorated in red and white and Watsons Brand products were the highlight. Customers enjoyed shopping from a wide assortment of health and wellness essentials, baby products, personal care-must-haves, and more. Unique to the Cebu experience is the Swatch and Save booth, where shoppers can try various Watsons Brand products, take photos of their favorites at the Switch and Save photo booth, and post their picks in exchange for freebies and vouchers.
Another highlight of this event was that the first 500 Watsons Club members that shopped for the day were treated to a P500 gift voucher that they could use for a minimum spend of P800 worth of Watsons Brand products.
Here are just some best-loved products that shoppers added to their carts:
1. Watsons Vitamin E 6PLUS1 400IU CAP Watsons
₱70.5 SRP (PROMO: special offer of 6 capsules with 1 capsule for free)
With “HAIR RENEWAL COMPLEX” bringing together powerful botanical extracts, Aloe and Lilac variant is your daily companion to soothe and hydrate normal to oily hair.
Another amazing perk of switching to Watsons brand? Watsons club members can enjoy 2x more points with every purchase of Watsons brand products, while elite members enjoy 5x more points.
Aside from shopping in Watsons’ over 900+ stores nationwide, customers can also shop via the Watsons app and enjoy an even wider selection of Watsons brand products!
Cebu has become global in the tourism department and of course it is only right that the taste of Cebu goes the same path.
Photo from Mott 32 Cebu Facebook Page
International tastes are coming to Cebu, and not just any food but the best and most elevated ones. One of t is already creating excitement among food enthusiasts as it is not only the first in Cebu but the first in the Philippines, Mott 32.
Mott 32 is a globally-renowned Hong Kong modern Chinese restaurant. And when we say globally renowned, we mean it has a long list of awards that further solidifies its reputation of being one of the best restaurants in the world.
Photo from Mott 32 Cebu Facebook Page
Mott 32 restaurant awards
Asia’s Top 100 Restaurants in 2019 and 2020
Readers’ Choice Award for Best New Restaurant
Readers’ Choice Award Best Interior Design
Best Restaurant by Hong Kong’s Tatler
South China Morning Post’s 100 Top Tables list from 2014 to 2020
World Interior of the Year in 2014 (winner)
The name Mott 32’s comes from 32 Mott Street in New York, the street where the first Chinese convenience store opened in 1891.
The chef behind Mott 32’s signature Cantonese cuisine—Executive Chef Lee Man Sing | Photo from Mott 32 Cebu Facebook Page
This world-known restaurant takes pride in unique tastes that were discovered globally. Flavors that are ethically sourced, organic, and have sustainable ingredients.
Being a modern Chinese restaurant, the chefs innovate dishes that are principally Cantonese, with some Beijing and Szechuan influences. It’s a bow down to culture and culinary tradition while embracing of the new cooking techniques.
On August 27, Mott 32 officially opened at the upcoming premier 5-star integrated resort in Cebu City, NUSTAR Casino and Resort.
Their most popular dish is Apple Wood Roasted 42 Days Peking Duck and their array of dim sum options that are classic yet elevated in taste.
Photo from Mott 32 Cebu Facebook PagePhoto from Mott 32 Cebu Facebook PagePhoto from Mott 32 Cebu Facebook PagePhoto from Mott 32 Cebu Facebook PagePhoto from Mott 32 Cebu Facebook PagePhoto from Mott 32 Cebu Facebook Page
Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), chaired by Manuel V. Pangilinan, is currently looking at the possibility of building a bridge that will connect Cordova, Cebu to Bohol.
This is after Gov. Gwen Garcia reportedly asked Pangilinan to consider the idea of building a bridge from Cordova to Bohol.
Cebu-Cordova Express Link Render
BREAKING THE NEWS
The development was announced by Allan Alfon, president of Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Corp. (CCLEC), a subsidiary of MPTC.
In a webinar hosted by Cebu-based newspaper The Freeman entitled “Building Back Better,” Alfon said that the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) is now examining the probability of the project.
“Feasibility study is ongoing,”
HE REITERATED.
The company is considering to bid for the Cebu-Bohol bridge, which will link the two islands via Cordova or Olango Island and Getafe, a municipality in northern part of Bohol.
Photo from Bohol Chronicle Website
STILL IN ANALYSIS
However, according to Pangilinan, they still have to ensure that the project is a practical decision, considering that the project could cost around ₱90 billion.
“That’s a ₱90-billion project. The key there is really financing of it because it’s a very big project for us,” Pangilinan said. “I think we have to find out first how we’re going to finance it. There is some chance that financing could be raised for the feasibility study.”
Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) President Rodrigo E. Franco mentioned that his office will look into the project and see how it can be commercially feasible for the group.
“Viability is the issue because the project cost is high. We’re looking for ways to make that viable. If there are ways in the financing side to make it viable, we will look at it,”
FRANCO SAID.
Both Pangilinan and Franco did not provide more details after.
Cebu-Cordova Express Link Render
In 2019, the project was dubbed as one of the “impossible” projects by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), through its director-general Ernesto Pernia. He pointed out that such project is going to be “costly” because of technological limitations.
The project was estimated to cost ₱52.62 billion back then, and will be supposedly funded by an overseas development assistance (ODA) loan.
Elegant, historic, and sophisticated. Paris sounds very exquisite to the ears, with all the allure and glamour that the city has. But the longer you think of it, it also becomes an expensive idea, especially when you plan to travel there.
Paris, France | Photo from Unsplash
Fortunately, things have changed and more opportunities have opened for tourists. If you want to travel to Paris but afraid of breaking the bank, there is a way to visit the city on a budget.
Before going to Paris, you have to know that:
1. You need to have a Schengen visa.
This is the most common visa for Europe. It allows its holder to enter, travel within, and leave countries within the European Union.
2. Living in Paris is indeed expensive.
When people say that Paris is expensive, they’re being serious with it, no kidding at all. From food to accommodation, everything in Paris can be very expensive, especially if you don’t manage your budget wisely!
Photo from Unsplash
GETTING TO PARIS, FRANCE
To get to Paris, you’ll definitely need to book a flight bound for the place. Many airlines now offer flights from different airports in the Philippines to Paris, but will normally include a stopover, which means that there is no direct flight to the place.
It may also seem simple, as you can do it online, but there are things you need to consider when booking a flight to Paris.
Paris, France | Photo from Unsplash
One of those considerations is knowing when is the best time to travel. It is advisable to travel during fall season (October to early December) or late winter (late January). These months belong to the off-peak season, when there aren’t that much tourists.
It is also advised to skip the months of May to August, since the place is filled with tourists during that time, and locals will be on their vacation as well.
Another factor that must be considered is the pricing of the tickets, as prices will indefinitely vary depending on the airlines. To save big, give yourself some time to compare prices and check the prices regularly. Who knows, you may be able to get yourself a roundtrip flight for only ₱21,000!
STAY AND ACCOMMODATION
There are many options you can choose from when picking the perfect room for accommodation in Paris. You may want to look for a place with the view of Eiffel Tower, but that may leave you short on budget afterwards.
Luckily, there are other options you can choose while still being able to get the most out of your stay. You can choose from a variety of single rooms, apartments, or hostels all over Paris.
Paris, France | Photo from Unsplash
To look for a potential place to stay in, you may try renting out a room or apartment using Airbnb. Airbnb is an online marketplace that lets people rent their rooms or properties out, which you can avail for accommodation.
You may also opt for local hostels, although they may be a little pricier than the rooms you’ll find on Airbnb.
TAKING A TOUR AROUND THE CITY
Paris has so much to offer in many aspects: aesthetically, gastronomically, and even historically. If you’re looking to make the most out of your trip while staying within budget, here are some activities you should not miss!
Paris, France | Photo from Unsplash
riding a Europe Intercity Bus
touring museums using by purchasing a Paris Museum Pass
hopping on the Versailles Guided Tour
exploring other French cities by purchasing a France Eurail Pass
As for the places, here are some that you should definitely include in your itinerary:
Eiffel Tower
Jardin du Luxembourg
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Jardin des Tuileries
Le Marais
Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre
Champs Elysses
Arc de Triomphe
Seine River
To complete your travel experience in Paris, you should try some of these foods and indulge yourself in a gastronomic adventure:
freshly baked bread, such as baguettes and croissants
On-demand delivery platform Lalamove, the trusted delivery partner of businesses, continues to empower Cebuano entrepreneurs on the move toward success with its B2B delivery services and business solutions.
Here’s what Cebuano businesses can enjoy with Lalamove.
Expanded coverage area in Southern Cebu
Lalamove recently expanded its Cebu island-wide coverage with its small and medium delivery trucks to the southern municipalities of Argao, Boljoon, Oslob, and Santander in addition to Balamban, Carcar, Cebu City, Consolacion, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, Compostela, Liloan, Mandaue, Minglanilla, Naga, Pinamujangan, San Fernando, Talisay, Toledo, and Cordova, bringing to a total of 20 serviceable areas in Cebu.
Widest Vehicle Fleet in Cebu
Lalamove’s fleet of motorcycles, sedans, MPVs, and trucks can accommodate deliveries weighing up to 20kg, 200kg, 300kg, and 600kg, respectively. Deliveries can range from small parcels like documents and food to large-scale items such as furniture and commercial goods.
Prohibited Items | Photo from Lalamove Website
API Integration Feature and Dedicated Account Manager
Scale up your business with the API integration feature, which allows one to schedule and track deliveries easily. Get your own dedicated account manager that provides support with logistical needs.
Photo from Lalamove Website
Web Analytics Dashboard, Centralized Business Wallet, and Exclusive Rebates and Promos
Get full control and monitor spending with access to downloadable reports and monthly corporate statements with the web analytics dashboard and group finances together with a centralized business wallet that can be shared across multiple team members. Business account holders can also save as they get monthly rebates of up to 8.5%.
Other exclusive features and benefits that businesses can also take advantage of to keep up with demands include on-demand, same-day, and advance delivery schedules, as well as a Multi-stop Feature that allows up to 20 bookings at a time.
Lalamove offers Individual accounts for basic personal and small business use, and business accounts for corporate clients. To inquire and apply for a Lalamove business account, email [email protected] or go to lalamove.com/en-ph/business.
Photo from Lalamove
Move your business towards success with Lalamove. Download the Lalamove app available on Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or go to web.lalamove.com. For more information, visit www.lalamove.com and like @LalamovePH on Facebook.
With all the hustling and bustling in the metropolis, it can be hard to find time to appreciate some good art around the corner. Lucky for you, there is a place in northern Cebu for art enthusiasts or anyone who wants to see paintings and art.
Photo from Florentino’s Art Space Facebook Page
Feast your eyes upon the masterpieces of both nature and man in Florentino’s Art Space, established by Florentino “Jun” Impas, where art exists in every angle you’ll see. From the paintings hung inside to the mesmerizing view outside, this place will surely satisfy your craving for the aesthetic!
NATURE AND MAN, ONE IN ART
“Instragrammable” is the best word to describe the insides and out of Florentino’s Art Space, as the place is filled with artistic paintings and surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Balamban hilltops.
Photo from Lorenzo DacuyanPhoto from Lorenzo DacuyanPhoto from Lorenzo Dacuyan
Its main feature is an art gallery and Jun’s art studio, where walls and countertops serve as platforms for paintings and sculptures. It also has The Paint Bar, where people can buy art materials and even make art themselves.
Outside the hilltop art place, you can find the grandeur of nature in the mountains and hills, along with Jun’s hillside garden, mini-playground, and orchard.
Photo from Florentino’s Art Space Facebook PagePhoto from Florentino’s Art Space Facebook Page
SATISFYING BOTH SIGHTS AND APPETITES
While the art space may prove to captivate one’s eyes and satisfy cravings for art, guests may get carried away by the experience and find themselves still craving, but for food this time.
Fortunately, Florentino’s Art Space also has a café to indulge the guests in gastronomically delightful meals while they enjoy the sights. The café, called Sunset Café, offers light snacks and meals, ranging from salads to meat dishes.
Photo from Florentino’s Art Space Facebook PagePhoto from Florentino’s Art Space Facebook Page
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Menu:
Other Information:
Opening hours: 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM on Fridays to Sundays, and holidays only (as of Feb. 2022)
Age limit: No age limit. Kids and senior citizens are allowed.
Corkage fee: Applies to all outside food and drinks brought.
Reminders:
No face mask, no entry policy. Physical distancing must be observed with other guests when visiting.
Pets are only allowed if guests are responsible enough to look after them.
Exact location: Km 33, Transcentral Highway, Gaas, Balamban 6000 Balamban, Philippines, approximately an hour away from the city.
BY CAR: You may navigate with the help of Waze or Google Maps. To get exact directions from your app, set your destination to “10.660, 123.770” in Tuburan, Cebu. When you’re already in the area, you may ask locals for directions to “Florentino’s Art Space.”
Here’s a tip if you want to put a twist on when bonding with your friend and family: take them to a challenge! And what’s the best way to unleash everyone’s competitive side other than a game that dares both physical and mental aptitude?
Photo from Wild Bow Archery Facebook Page
There’s a place like that in Cebu City and near SM Seaside — Wild Bow Archery. Not only does it offer both indoor and outdoor ranges, but this archery spot has extended its unlimited shooting promo for its outdoor ranges until August 31.
Wild Bow Archery has two ranges for all groups of people. Their indoor range is nestled on the second floor of Cube Wing of SM Seaside Cebu. It is open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM.
Its outdoor range is located along Church Avenue in SM Seaside Complex SRP just beside San Pedro Calungsod Church. It opens daily from 12 noon to 8 PM.
Photo from Wild Bow Archery Facebook PagePhoto from Wild Bow Archery Facebook PagePhoto from Wild Bow Archery Facebook PagePhoto from Wild Bow Archery Facebook PagePhoto from Wild Bow Archery Facebook Page
How much?
Packages in Wild Bow Archery differ depending on whether you’re playing at indoor or outdoor ranges. Players in the indoor range may enjoy packages as low as P200 while those at the outdoor range may play as low as P150 per hour.
For indoor package:
Single player — 18 arrow package (P200)
2 players — 36 arrow package (P360)
3 players — 54 arrow package (P540)
4 players — 90 arrow package (P900)
5 players — 150 arrow package (P1,375)
5 players — 200 arrow package (P1,710)
6 players — 240 arrow package (P1,920)
6 players — 300 arrow package (P2,220)
(Each player is required to have individual target players amounting to P40.)
Indoor players may also avail of hourly rates but they are required to have their equipment and safety gear for it.
Single player — P250 per hour
2 players — P400 per hour
(Each player is required to have individual target players amounting to P40.)
Photo from Wild Bow Archery Facebook PagePhoto from Wild Bow Archery Facebook PagePhoto from Wild Bow Archery Facebook PagePhoto from Wild Bow Archery Facebook Page
For outdoor package:
Outdoor players with their own equipment and safety gear may avail of hourly rates: P150 per hour, P200 for two hours, and P300 for three hours. Wild Bow Archery is also having a limited offer for unlimited shooting for as low as P3,000 per month.
Photo from Wild Bow Archery Facebook Page
Other information: For inquiries and reservations, you may visit Wild Bow Archery on Facebook or reach out through their contact details: 09662805519.
HOW TO GET TO SM SEASIDE?
Exact Location: SM Seaside City Cebu in South Road Properties (SRP), Cebu City.
BY MYBUS: You can take a FREE MyBus ride from/to BDO Fuente Osmena from 8:20 am to 10:00pm. You can also ride any MyBus from SM City Cebu, Talisay, Mandaue City, Parkmall, and any Cibus to get to and from SM Seaside Drop-off point is at the City Wing Entrance.
BY GrabCar: Get P50 OFF on your GrabCar protect ride to and from SM Seaside by using the promo code: SMSEASIDE50.
Our favorite bee just got another recognition and it is International.
The Filipino’s very own Jollibee or “Jobee” as we call it has been named “Best fried chicken chain in America” by Eater, a United States (US) -based food website.
Photo from Eater Official Website
The win wasn’t an easy feat as they tested a total of 16 food brands. That is 16 mouth-watering servings of fried chicken in the US.
To give you an idea of what Jobee was up against here is the full list of that 16 fried chicken restaurants.
McDonald’s
Popeyes
KFC
Burger King
Church’s
Wendy’s
Shake Shack
White Castle
Chick-Fil-A
Fuku
Bojangles
Wingstop
Jollibee
Panda Express
Del Taco
Bonchon
Surely, choosing only one from this list is a headache, as we kind of like one or the other depending on our mood and craving for that day, which must be why the winners were declared in four categories.
Photo from Jollibee US on Instagram
Best Fried Chicken in US with their categories
Jollibee (Bones)
McDonald’s (No Bones)
Shake Shack (Sandwiched)
Bonchon (Sauced)
Photo from jollibeeus on Instagram
Photo from mcdo_ph on Instagram
Photo from shakeshackkr on Iinstagram
Photo from bonchon_ph on Instagram
And though there were categories, Jollibee’s Chickenjoy had a contest with South Korea’s Bonchon fried chicken on the title of “Best Fried Chicken”.
The power of Jollibee couldn’t be denied as described by the Eater’s deputy editor “satisfyingly light, flavorful in a ‘tastes like chicken’ sort of way, and supremely moist”. She even added that Jollibee’s signature gravy proudly shows its Filipino colors.
Photo from Jollibee US on Instagram
This is what every Filipino childhood tastes like and now it can be tasted all over the world. Jollibee will also soon be seen at Times Square in New York City as it is set to open its branch on August 18.
A trip to an oceanarium is always a classic date. But imagine sharing a delectable meal with your loved ones while your eyes feast on the majestic and mysterious wonders of the ocean — that’s precisely the concept behind Aquadining by Cebu Ocean Park in Cebu City.
Photo from Cebu Ocean Park Official WebsitePhoto from Cebu Ocean Park Official Website
The first underwater dining restaurant in the Philippines, Aquadining combines the beauty of gourmet food and Cebu Ocean Park to offer a unique gastronomical adventure for everyone.
For as low as P1,200, customers will experience a three-course meal from a chef’s sustainable set menu and exclusive after-hours access to an oceanarium.
Photo from Cebu Ocean Park Official WebsitePhoto from Cebu Ocean Park Official WebsitePhoto from Cebu Ocean Park Official WebsitePhoto from Cebu Ocean Park Facebook Page
The main tank gallery is transformed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday nights and serves as a stunning backdrop for your dinner. Diners can expect to partake a multi coursed extravaganza featuring the best ingredients Cebu has to offer. If you are a seafood and meat lover, and experience with COP Aqua Dining has to be on your bucket list.
Rates & Other Information
Rates:
₱1,200/person for a 3-Course Gourmet Menu
₱1,500/person for a 4-Course Gourmet Menu
₱1,700/person for a 5-Course Gourmet Menu
Kid’s special menu (for kids below 12 years old & above 2ft) is available on-site upon request.
Located in Cebu Ocean Park in SM Seaside Complex, travelers coming from Mactan International Airport may ride SM MyBus to be dropped off at SM City Cebu. After that, transfer to another SM MyBus and go to SM Seaside. Walk to Cebu Ocean Park.
Aquadining by Cebu Ocean Park opens Fridays to Sundays from 6 PM to 9 PM.
