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Where to order Cebu’s First Affordable Assorted Cheesecakes

Sometimes, we love cheesecakes too much that it becomes hard to choose which one to eat. Who doesn’t love cheesecakes?

Photo from Cheezken Facebook Page

There are plenty to choose from, like New York Cheesecake, Blueberry, Red Velvet, and more. If your tooth is craving for a bite of cheesecake but it is unsure what to pick, head to Cheezken located at Cebu’s SM City!

Cheezken is the pioneer for affordable assorted cheesecakes in Cebu. They even got recognized by the watchful eyes of Rappler! Clearly, the chef behind the cheesecakes has a brilliant mind and vision, and he is no other than Kenosis Leo Gadapan.

According to his interview with Rappler, this booming business started as a hobby while prepping for school. It was supposedly his ex’s favorite dessert, but now that past sweet romance became a sweet surprise for the Cebuano cheesecake lovers.

Photo from Cheezken Facebook Page
Photo from Cheezken Facebook Page

He made it for her, but then started selling it to friends and family. Eventually, many people were offering him money just to get a taste from his creations.

Even amidst the struggles of the pandemic, his business kept going strong, proving that his cheesecakes can even make the tasteless taste some sweet goodness.

Cheezken offers delivery and if your cheesecake is for a special occasion like a birthday, they can accommodate your wishes. Indeed, Cheezken is one of Cebu’s finest gems in terms of pastries.

Photo from Cheezken Facebook Page

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Best Sellers and Recommendations:

  • Assorted Set A: Matcha, Mango, Blueberry, New York
  • Assorted Set D: Red Velvet, Mango, Blueberry, New York
  • Assorted Set G: Matcha, Ube, Blueberry, Mango, Red Velvet, Strawberry, Chocolate Truffle, Oreo
  • Brownie Cheesecake
  • Leche Flan Cheesecake

Menu:

Photo from Cheezken
Photo from Cheezken
Photo from Cheezken
Photo from Cheezken
Photo from Cheezken
Photo from Cheezken
Photo from Cheezken
Photo from Cheezken
Photo from Cheezken
Photo from Cheezken
Photo from Cheezken
Photo from Cheezken
Photo from Cheezken
Photo from Cheezken
Photo from Cheezken

Other Information:

Note: Their pinned post of their Facebook page has details on how to order if you want delivery or pick up. Also, their website is incredibly detailed so please check it out.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Upper Ground Floor, StartUp Market, SM City Cebu (in between SM Appliance and Ace Hardware)

By PUJ:  If you are in Colon, you can ride a 01K jeepney or bus and tell the driver to drop you off at SM. If you are in Carbon Alumnos, or C. Padilla, you can ride a 08F which goes straight to SM. As for Labangon, Tisa, and Tres de Abril people, you can ride a 12G jeepney or bus.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “SM City Cebu”. Parking space is available in the mall. Head up to the Upper Ground Floor and go to the StartUp Market, which is between the SM Appliance Store and Ace Hardware.

5 Wildest Pinoy Guinness World Records Ever to Exist

These days, one of everyone’s childhood favorite books, the Guiness World Records, have been making a buzz in social media, particularly when the prestigious organization debunked a claim made by simply commenting, “This information is incorrect.”, netizens have been going back and forth regarding the fiasco.

Photo from Guinness World Records Website

But did you know, that there are numerous times our country has managed to make it to the said list? Well, here are some of the actual Guinness World Records that Filipinos hold as of writing:

1. Largest Zumba class

Since it became a trend in the Philippines, Zumba has become a staple activity for many Filipinos, especially to women. With Zumba classes both being conducted indoors and outdoors, the dance exercise is a hit for many, and 2018, the local government gathered 13,350 people for a Zumba class as part of the Kaogma Festival in Camarines Sur. This officially became the largest Zumba class ever, where previous record holders Mandaluyong and Cebu, having 12,975 and 8,232 participants respectively, were beaten.

2. Longest barbeque

Filipinos and their affinity with barbeque is probably serious without a doubt. With barbeque junctions all over the streets, it only took some time for Filipinos to come up of setting the longest barbeque in the world. In 2014, the people of Bayambang, Pangasinan created the longest barbecue measuring 8,000 meters. By achieving this feat during the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the city during the Malangsi Fish-tival, around 50,000 kilograms of fish were grilled that day.

Photo from Guinness World Records

3. Longest commute for a city

The Philippines is probably one of the worst countries to commute in, and the record Manila made back in 2015 attests this. According to a 2015 study by traffic app Waze, commuters in Manila spent an average of 45.5 minutes on a one-way journey in the city. Even though the record was officially stamped in GWR in 2015, heavy traffic and the overall commute experience has already been a significant problem for Filipinos for many years now.

froFilipino Commuters in Manila | Photo from Unsplash

4. Largest Papal crowd

The Philippines is one of the largest Catholic countries in Asia. With more than 80% of its population being Roman Catholics, it is no surprise when the late Pope John Paul II visited in the country last 1995 that he was flocked by Filipino devotees. With an estimate of 4 to 5 million Filipinos attending the visit at the Luneta Park, it set the record for the largest papal crowd in the world ever.

5. Greatest robbery of a government

This is without a doubt one of the most infamous records that a Filipino has ever held. Back in 1986, the GWR named late dictator Ferdinand Marcos for the greatest robbery of a government, the same year he was ousted during the 1986 EDSA Revolution. “The total national loss from November 1965 was believed to be $5–$10 billion,” the website read. But as of March 2022, the page was taken down from the website with the reason of reviewing the title and re-examining records to ensure they are up to date and accurate. They further emphasized that the move was to verify the claim and, that they “do not dispute this record as a historical fact, nor are we disputing that we monitored the record title and published it in our books and online.”

Photo from Guinness World Records

So, there you have it. What do you know that are other feats of Filipinos that have actually made it to the Guiness World Records but not on this list?

Cebu logs 10 new cases on April 3

On Sunday 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 3, 2022.

The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 10 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 10 new recoveries, and 0 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases slightly increased to 791 (from 790).

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 53,839 (+4 new)
– Total recoveries: 51,672 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 1,691 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 476

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 17,066 (+2 new)
– Total recoveries: 16,530 (+6 new)
– Total deaths: 513 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 23

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 5,976 (+0 new)
– Total recoveries: 5,731 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 222 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 23

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 46,316 (+4 new)
– Total recoveries: 43,233 (+4 new)
– Total deaths: 2,814 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 269

SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 791 (from 790)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 123,197 (+10 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 117,166 (+10 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,240 (+0 new)

A total of 947 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.

DOH-7 FULL REPORT (CENTRAL VISAYAS):

6 Ancestral Homes Turned to Restaurants in Cebu

Philippine architecture is really something else, particularly the ancestral homes that have been built as early as the 1800s. Beautiful in their own right, such homes these days are quite limited, as some have been destroyed during the wars that passed, or simply because they were shabby that eventually they needed to be demolished. However, there are some few that have been preserved, and are now famous restaurants here in Cebu. Here are some ancestral homes that have been remodeled into a restaurant:

1. STK Ta Bay in Capitol

Famous for their tuna panga and other seafood specialties, STK or ‘sugba, tuwa, kilaw’ is a very famous restaurant in Cebu. They serve traditional Filipino comfort dishes that are sure to satisfy the satisfy the Cebuano palate. And what more could complete the Filipino experience than to eat such dishes at an iconic ancestral home? All that is possible here in STK Ta Bai.

Exact Location: #6 Orchid Street Capitol Site 6000 Cebu City, Philippines

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PaolitosSTK

Contact Number: (032) 256 2700

2. Circa 1900

Formerly a colonial house that has been  restored into a function venue and restaurant, Circa 1900 as an establishment has been around for a century already. With its name bearing the era it was built, it has luckily stood the test of time and found its way to become one of today’s Cebu’s famous function venue and restaurant.

Exact Location: Sanjercasvil Road, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug 6000 Cebu City, Philippines

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CircaCebu

Contact Number: 0917 655 5005

3. Casa Verde in Ramos

When one would say Casa Verde in Cebu, their baby back ribs will always be the first thing that would come in mind. But their branch in Ramos Street was widely popular because it used to be an ancestral home turned into a restaurant. This became the central theme when it comes to their other branches, and continuously serving their all-time faves such as their tasty ribs.

Exact Location: 69 Lim Tian Teng St 6000 Cebu City, Philippines

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CasaVerdePH

Contact Number: 0917 100 9990

4. Alex Kafe, Argao

Located in Argao, this café which was previously an ancestral home boasts their famous Ramen Humbatchoy – an interesting combination of ramen, humba, and batchoy. They also serve other delectable dishes such as burgers, fries and other traditional Filipino classics.

Exact Location: Rizal Street 6021 Argao, Philippines

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/alexkafe/

Contact Number: 0916 307 4191

5. Cardams

Quite famous for their more Western offerings, Cardams in Poblacion, Carcar has been attracting younger patrons. Still, patrons of all ages are satisfied with their delectable dishes. They also serve milk teas which is really quite their best-seller.

Exact Location: San Jose Street, Poblacion 1 6019 Carcar, Philippines

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CardamsEst2020

Contact Number: 0926 728 1960

6. La Casa Vieja by KKD STK+BBQ

More than just an al fresco dining, La Casa Vieja is also a buffet place serving authentic Filipino dishes. With the likes of crispy pata, baked scallops, tortang talong, sisig, puchero, calamari and many more, dining here is surely a treat and interesting, as the interiors of the ancestral home turned restaurant is a lovely sight.

Exact Location: J.Fortich St. Banawa, Cebu City

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lacasaviejacebu

Contact Number: (032) 233 1699

Payag sa Babag: The Perfect Barkada Chill in Cebu City

Exclusive to one group at a time, Payag sa Babag is Cebu’s newest chilling place for family and friends who just want their own space away from the city life. Its convenient location which is just 35 minutes away from the Capitol makes it easier if you want that quick break to reset.

Photo from Payag sa Babag Facebook Page

Primarily just a wooden cabin, Payag sa Babag’s exclusivity is really a treat, especially if you want to have a vacation/alone time.

The wooden cabin’s interior provides a homey vibe. The wide glass window of the cabin is also a nice touch, giving the semi-modern feels yet still a provincial vibe.

The lounge deck is also a chill place to relax, having an ample space enough for everyone to sit in and talk about life.

Photo from Payag sa Babag Facebook Page
Photo from Payag sa Babag Facebook Page
Photo from Payag sa Babag Facebook Page
Photo from Payag sa Babag Facebook Page

With an overlooking view of Cebu’s abundant trees, mountains and wide skies, imagine drinking coffee or beer here while appreciating that view.

The place’s interior design also complements that natural feel they are trying to achieve, with the usage of traditional materials such as wooden planks. An open porch, stone paths and a lovely terrace make a stroll here indeed a lovely affair.

Payag sa Babag also offers their place as venue for romantic photoshoots such as wedding prenuptials. The place’s intimate yet simple vibe, with that cool breeze and verdant trees, is a perfect backdrop for couples who want to have their photos taken there.

Photo from Payag sa Babag Facebook Page
Photo from Payag sa Babag Facebook Page
Photo from Payag sa Babag Facebook Page

The following are the complete offered amenities of the place:

AMENITIES:

  • payag & surrounding areas including back lot
  • kiddie pool
  • wifi (location has signal as well)
  • indoor toilet & bath
  • water dispenser
  • microwave & small refrigerator
  • outdoor toilet & prep/washing area
  • manual grill (charcoal available)
  • tables & chairs/benches

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

  • Exclusive rate: P4,100 max of 12 pax. Kids 8 years old and above will be counted.
  • Additional person: P400/head but only up to 20 pax.

Note: they do not offer OVERNIGHT bookings.

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Babag Uno, Cebu City

BY COMMUTE: Ride a motorbike (max of 2 persons per bike), near or surrounding from JY Square Mall in Lahug. It would cost only ₱100 per head per way – ₱150 for 2 people. You may need to pay more and schedule ahead if you want a ride back from the city.

BY CAR: Just navigate via Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Payag sa Babag” in Babag Uno, Cebu City.

Cebu logs 23 new cases on April 2

On Saturday 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 2, 2022.

The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 23 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 3 new recoveries, and 3 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases jumped to 790 (from 772).

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 53,835 (+7 new)
– Total recoveries: 51,673 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 1,691 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 471

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 17,064 (+3 new)
– Total recoveries: 16,524 (+3 new)
– Total deaths: 513 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 27

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 15,418 (+2 new)
– Total recoveries: 14,897 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 498 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 23

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 46,312 (+11 new)
– Total recoveries: 43,229 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 2,814 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 269

SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 790 (from 772)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 132,629 (+23 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 126,323 (+3 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,516 (+3 new)

A total of 1,535 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.

DOH-7 FULL REPORT (CENTRAL VISAYAS):

Blue Agave: Exclusive Beachfront House in San Remigio

A trip to the beach is surely one for the memories but an exclusive beachfront that you can just occupy by the whole family is something special indeed.

Photo from The Blue Agave San Remigio Facebook Page

Located along Cebu’s longest shoreline in San Remigio, this blissful and exciting beach front home will provide you with everything you need from entertainment to comfort and convenience.

Experience the white sands of the town in this home with 5 Large Bedrooms and wake up watching the sunrise before taking a troll along the beach.

Photo from The Blue Agave San Remigio Facebook Page
Photo from The Blue Agave San Remigio Facebook Page

You can even secure your food from the local fishermen themselves and dine in the Cabana, by the saltwater pond, or the main dining area.

Various activities can be done here in Blue Agave. They have two swimming pools, the Infinity Pool (4ft) and Saltwater Pool (12ft) so you can swim and do laps to your hearts content as well as the children.

Photo from The Blue Agave San Remigio Facebook Page
Photo from The Blue Agave San Remigio Facebook Page
Photo from The Blue Agave San Remigio Facebook Page
Photo from The Blue Agave San Remigio Facebook Page
Photo from The Blue Agave San Remigio Facebook Page

There is also the option of kayaking with the provided kayaks or go island hopping to Bantayan Island. You can also have a game of golf with the family or group of friends.

Now if you much prefer to be indoors or light activities only then the board games are there for you and of course the comfort of a Netflix marathon followed by a relaxing siesta.

Other Various Activities

  • Bon Fire (upon request)
  • Trekking- 60,000+sqm property
  • Kayaking- 2 Kayaks will be provided
  • Golf- Pitching Wedge golf clubs and golf balls are available
  • Football- Football with football net 
  • Board games 

Various lounge areas like the sun loungers in the beach area can be found if you can’t be parted from the beach.

Grilling or a backyard BBQ dinner is an option along with by arranging a bon-fire by the beach to fully take advantage of the privacy and bonding time with your loved ones.

Ready your flip-flops and ready your energy as Blue Agave and San Remigio’s public white sand beaches will surely amaze you.

Photo from The Blue Agave San Remigio Facebook Page
Photo from The Blue Agave San Remigio Facebook Page
Photo from The Blue Agave San Remigio Facebook Page
Photo from The Blue Agave San Remigio Facebook Page

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

NIGHTLY RATE: P50,000 minimum 2-night stay, good for 20 pax

                             P5,000 per additional guest

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Brgy. Anapog, San Remigio, Cebu (approx. 3 hours from the city)

BY BUS: Go to Cebu City North Bus Terminal and ride on a bus bound for San Remigio. Tell the driver to drop you off at the school in Brgy. Tambongon. From there, ride a motorbike (habal-habal) or tricycle going to The Blue Agave.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “The Blue Agave” in San Remigio. Parking space is available.

Relax by the Beach at El Nero Floating Cottage in Cordova

When one mentions Cordova, island-hopping is definitely one of the things that come into mind. However, staying in resorts and even floating cottages can be a fun activity as well while you’re in this lovely part of Cebu. One example is El Nero Floating Cottage.

Located in Bantayan Bay, Cordova, Cebu, this floating cottage is the newest and an amazing place to stay, refresh and unwind at reasonable prices. With each floating cottage intricately made with local and traditional materials such as bamboo wood, this type of design can surely give you that well-sought island vibes.

Each floating cottage can be booked exclusively and they have their own usual amenities such as tables, chairs, a dining area, a cooking area, own comfort rooms, and a wide-open space so that you can see the beauty of Cordova.

For the kids, an improvised “pool” with a net underneath is accessible and safe. This allows wary parents to look after their kids easier.

They also don’t charge corkage fees when you rent one of their own cottages. This gives visitors freedom to eat whatever they want while spending their day here. The pork “sinugba” is a must when it comes to beach trips, and grilling here is more than possible as they provide a grilling area.

The place is perfect for various team activities such as team buildings, family bondings, friends gathering, birthday celebrations and even reunions.

The intimate vibe offered by each cottage is really a plus for those who want to celebrate an occasion with their loved ones exclusively.

RATES:

  • Weekday day use: ₱2,500, good for 20 persons; 25 with kids
  • Weekend day use: ₱3,000, same inclusions
  • Opening hours: 8AM to 5PM

INCLUSIONS

  • Free use of Life Vests
  • Round the clock life guard on duty
  • Free griller use on cottage

OTHER INFORMATION:

  • Payment includes boat transfer from port to cottage and vice versa.
  • Capacity: 20-25 pax | 30-40 pax | 40-50 pax
  • Corkage fee: None
  • Contact number: 0922-312-5892 / 0977-062-3553
  • Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ElNeroFloatingCottage/

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Bantayan Bay, Cordova Cebu City, Philippines

BY COMMUTE:

From SM City Cebu Van Terminal, ride a van going to Cordova. The van will drop you off at Gaisano Grand Mall Cordova and from there, you may ride a tricycle or hail a taxi to El Nero Floating Cottage which is around 5 km from the Grand Mall. Motorcycle taxis are also available for hire that can take you directly to the resort. 

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “El Nero Floating Collage” in Bantayan Bay, Cordova. Parking space is available.

Cebu logs 19 new cases on April 1

On Friday 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 1, 2022.

The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 19 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 11 new recoveries, and 0 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases jumped to 772 (from 764).

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 53,828 (+8 new)
– Total recoveries: 51,673 (+8 new)
– Total deaths: 1,690 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 465

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 17,062 (+3 new)
– Total recoveries: 16,523 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 512 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 27

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 15,416 (+2 new)
– Total recoveries: 14,897 (+2 new)
– Total deaths: 497 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 22

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 46,302 (+6 new)
– Total recoveries: 43,229 (+1 new)
– Total deaths: 2,815 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 258

SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 772 (from 764)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 132,608 (+19 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 126,322 (+11 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,514 (+0 new)

A total of 1,309 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.

DOH-7 FULL REPORT (CENTRAL VISAYAS):

It may snow in PH this 2022 due to a Large Antarctic Ozone Hole

We only have two seasons in our entire history.

A tropical country like the Philippines would only experience snow in our dreams but apparently, it can be possible in the near future.

Snowy night in Crown Regency | Photo from Unsplash

Climate change is getting worse and worse and has now completely altered the weather system of this planet Earth where snow will fall in the Philippines due to two specific weather conditions (1) low temperatures and (2) moisture in the atmosphere.

This phenomenon will be made possible because of the 2021 Antarctic Ozone hole discovered which was described as relatively big and long-lasting. Its extent and longevity will cause very cold temperatures in the stratosphere and very stable polar vortex that would affect the world’s climate significantly.

This is not the first time that an unusual occurrence in the weather happened though as back in 2012, there were reports of hailstones or ice pieces of half an inch in size falling over parts of Quezon City and Alabang and ice pellets fell on the highland vegetables in Baguio.

Photo from Unsplash

Up to this day though, the Phillipine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has not recorded any incidence of snowfall in the country.

However, there is said to be a record of it in Baguio in the 1890s but the data was not clear if it was really snow or just frost.

To note though, this snow in the Philippines if it will come, would be a very fine snowfall that would quickly melt upon contact with the ground or any warm surface.

It will happen in locations of high altitude and high latitude, most likely over the mountainous areas of the country and possibly on December 32, 2022 to January 33, 2023.

Photo from Unsplash

Note: It should also be stressed that this article was made on the first of April.