“Lechon! Lechon! Lechon mo diha.” The magic words we all want to hear.
Let’s admit it, there’s definitely no contest about it that the lechon in Cebu is hands-down the best and most delicious. This is because Cebu lechon is best known for its crunchy golden red skin and tender, juicy, flavorsome meat.
“Lechon” has already been considered as a national dish and has become a huge hit that gatherings, feasts, parties – or even a plain visit to Cebu will not be complete without having a taste of the finger-licking roasted suckling pig.
And there is definitely no need to fret where to find one because lechon is available nearly in all corners of the island. But, if you want the best-tasting ones that will satisfy your gastronomic cravings, make sure to drop by any of these places:
Rico’s Lechon
Price range: P650 good for 2 people (approx)
Contact number: (032) 260 – 2443
Operating hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Take-out orders start as early as 6AM)
Location: – 3/F SM CITY CEBU -260-7438 – SM CITY CEBU SUPERMARKET – 0922-471-8604 – 3/F SKYPARK SM SEASIDE – 231-9781 – MACTAN AIRPORT DOMESTIC DEPARTURE – 233-5600 – G/F ELIZABETH MALL – 253-5553 – GAISANO CAPITAL SOUTH – 253-2116 – 2/F i2 BLGD. IT PARK – 0923-734-0022 – SKYRISE 1 BLDG. IT PARK – 238-1525 – THE MACTAN NEWTOWN (ALFRESCO – 232-1475 – MANGO AVENUE – 266-5705 – 3/F JCENTER MALL (FOOD COURT) – GATE 777 ACROSS CEBU COUNTRY CLUB, BANILAD ROAD CEBU CITY (MAIN OFFICE) – (032) 231-7615 / 0922-826-8133 / 0927-440-6891
Carcar Lechon
Carcar lechons are found inside the public market and are usually ready for take-out. You can, however, choose to dine in one of the carenderias nearby and pair it with puso (hanging rice).
Location: Carcar Public Market – 2-3 hours away from the city
Ave. price: P400 per kilo
The national dish “lechon” or roasted pig, regardless of how you want to enjoy it: whole, belly only or by kilo, you can be 100% sure that there are high-quality ones in Cebu that will surely satisfy your cravings.
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 March 12, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 35 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 55 new recoveries, and 0 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases declined to 1,154 (from 1,174).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 53,660 (+17 new) – Total recoveries: 51,339 (+25 new) – Total deaths: 1,676 (+0 new) – Active cases: 645
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 17,024 (+2 new) – Total recoveries: 16,460 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 506 (+0 new) – Active cases: 58
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 15,398 (+3 new) – Total recoveries: 14,853 (+2 new) – Total deaths: 493 (+0 new) – Active cases: 52
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 46,100 (+13 new) – Total recoveries: 42,912 (+28 new) – Total deaths: 2,789 (+0 new) – Active cases: 399
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,154 (from 1,174)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 132,182 (+35 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 125,564 (+55 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,464 (+0 new)
A total of 1,412 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.
A Filipino who doesn’t know Jollibee must be living under a rock at this point.
This fast-food chain has become a part of our lives so much, it’s practically part of Filipino culture. But do you know who owns it?
Photo from Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau/PNA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The man behind Jollibee is Tony Tan Caktiong. He is a Filipino billionaire businessman who is the founder and chairman of Jollibee Foods Corporation, and the co-chairman of DoubleDragon Properties.
Forbes Magazine have ranked Tony Tan Caktiong as the 9th richest man in the Philippines as of January 2021, with a net worth of $2.4 billion.
Personal Information
Born on January 5, 1953
3rd of seven siblings
Chiang Kai Shek Highschool
University of Santo Tomas- Chemical Engineering
Chinese parents are from Fuijan, China
Photo from Forbes
Their whole family migrated here in the Philippines. Unlike the wealth that he has today, he had a humbling beginning. Born from a cook who used to work at a Buddhist temple, he experienced hardships early in his life.
Their hardworking parents though introduced them to business young, letting them help out at their family’s restaurant business in Davao. A family restaurant indeed as him and his siblings did everything from washing dishes to bussing tables and serving customers.
From this, they were able to attend prestigious schools and later on Tony followed his family’s path in business by franchising the Magnolia Ice Cream House. At just 22 years old, he opened Cubao Ice Cream House and Quiapo Ice Cream House.
Photo from TeaHub
After his first venture in the food industry, he finally created Jollibee in 1978 after listening to the people who didn’t really want to eat ice cream all the time. So, they served fried chicken which we all know no as our most loved Jollibee Chicken Joy. Aside from that they also served hamburgers and pinoy-style spaghetti much like how it is now. There are over a thousand Jollibee outlets all over the Philippines with it popping everywhere and even in several countries around the world.
Imagine starting from that small to the giant that is now the Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC). JFC already owns Greenwich, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Manong Pepe’s, and Red Ribbon as well.
With most COVID-19 restrictions starting to ease up, more and more companies are mandating their employees to work back to office after almost two years of resorting to the work-from-home arrangement. With this change, some may find it difficult to commute again. Finding the best and affordable cars might be in your mind right now if you’re one of those having that dilemma. Here are some of the suggested auto mobiles that are under one million pesos.
1. Toyota Raize
Toyota Raize has been a recent hit among car enthusiasts because of its sleek design and spacious interior. It’s easy to drive platform has also been praised by car critics, noting its flexibility in urban and rural driving. With a powerful CVT engine, Raize is a serious contender for those who want a decent vehicle, either for work or leisure.
Photo from Toyota Official WebsiteToyota Raize Exterior Feature | Photo from Toyota Official WebsiteToyota Raize Interiro Feature | Photo from Toyota Official WebsiteToyota Raize Performance Feature | Photo from Toyota Official Website
Suggested Retail Price Range: P746,000 – P1.031 million
Available Variants: Toyota Raize 1.2 E MT, Toyota Raize 1.2 E CVT, Toyota Raize 1.2 G CVT
Toyota Raize Variants | Photo from Toyota Official Website
2. ToyotaVios
The Vios has been a staple in many Philippine roads, and you got to hand it to this model because of its reliability and durability. With many variants to choose from, the Vios is certainly a good car to choose if this is your starting car. Newer models are noted for being significant improvements over older models without compromising its overall quality.
Photo from Toyota Official WebsiteToyota Vios Exterior Feature | Photo from Toyota Official WebsiteToyota Vios Interior Feature | Photo from Toyota Official WebsiteToyota Vios Performance Feature | Photo from Toyota Official Website
Suggested Retail Price Range: P681,000 – P1.02 million
Available Variants: Toyota Vios 1.3 J MT, Toyota Vios 1.3 E MT, Toyota Vios 1.3 E CVT, Toyota Vios 1.5 G MT, Toyota Vios 1.5 G CVT
Toyota Vios Variants | Photo from Toyota Official WebsiteToyota Vios Variants | Photo from Toyota Official Website
3. Honda Brio
Known for its sleek and chic design, the Honda Brio is Honda’s entry-level offering, perfect for newbie drivers. The latest small hatchback features smaller exterior proportions. But make no mistake, the deceptively large cabin inside is a great surprise for those who have chosen it as their starting car.
Honda Brio | Photo from Honda Official WebsiteHonda Brio Exterior Feature | Photo from Honda Official WebsiteHonda Brio Exterior Feature | Photo from Honda Official WebsiteHonda Brio Exterior Feature | Photo from Honda Official Website
Suggested Retail Price Range: P601,000 – P735,000
Available Variants: Honda Brio RS CVT, Honda Brio RS Black Top CVT
Honda Brio Variants | Photo from Honda Official Website
4. Kia Stonic
With an exterior design that has bagged many awards, taking one look at Kia Stonic proves that it was worthy to win such awards. Its modern and sleek design is perfect for any city-body who choose to fit in, either in a corporate setup or just want to gallivant around the city. Stylish, elegant and classy, the Stonic has a competitive engine that would stand out among the listed here.
Kia Stonic | Photo from Kia Official WebsiteKia Stonic Features | Photo from Kia Official WebsiteKia Stonic Interior Feature | Photo from Kia Official WebsiteKia Stonic Safety Feature | Photo from Kia Official Website
Suggested Retail Price Range: P765,000 – P955,000
Available Variants: Kia Stonic LX MT, Kia Stonic LX AT, Kia Stonic EX AT
5. Honda City
The Honda City is a classic when it comes to subcompact cars, with production that began as early as 1981. Today, the city is still roving around the Philippine roads, with newer models managing to impress and stand out among the rest. The Japanese technology incorporated in modern Honda City models prove to be a good factor for newbies in buying this one.
Honda City | Photo from Honda Official WebsiteHonda City Exterior Features | Photo from Honda Official WebsiteHonda City Exterior Features | Photo from Honda Official WebsiteHonda City Exterior Features | Photo from Honda Official Website
Suggested Retail Price Range: P848,000 – P1.058 million
Available Variants: Honda City 1.5 S MT, Honda City 1.5 V CVT, Honda City 1.5 S CVT
Honda City Variants | Photo from Honda Official Website
6. Toyota Wigo
Known as the trusted and ultimate starting car for many Filipinos, settling for a Wigo never fails as it is budget-friendly yet with a very durable and reliable overall design. Known for its simplicity and convenience, the Toyota Wigo is a good purchase especially if this is your first car purchase.
Photo from Toyota Official WebsiteToyota Wigo Exterior Feature | Photo from Toyota Official WebsiteToyota Wigo Interior Feature | Photo from Toyota Official WebsiteToyota Wigo Comfort Feature | Photo from Toyota Official Website
Suggested Retail Price Range: P568,000 – P700,000
Available Variants: Toyota Wigo 1.0 TRD S AT
Toyota Wigo Available Variant | Photo from Toyota Official Website
7. Suzuki Ertiga
A seven-seater MPV with an affordable price, some say that settling for an Ertiga is definitely a steal especially for families with kids. Many consider Suzuki Ertiga as a decent choice for the modern Filipino family who can afford to buy a car – dropping the kids to school and going to work on one trip.
Suzuki Ertiga | Photo from Suzuki Official WebsiteSuzuki Ertiga Exterior Feature | Photo from Suzuki Official WebsiteSuzuki Ertiga Interior Feature | Photo from Suzuki Official WebsiteSuzuki Ertiga Interior Feature | Photo from Suzuki Official Website
Suggested Retail Price Range: P763,000 – P923,000
Available Variants: Suzuki Ertiga 1.5 GA MT, Suzuki Ertiga 1.5 GL MT, Suzuki Ertiga 1.5 GL AT
Suzuki Ertiga Color Variants | Photo from Suzuki Official Website
8. Geely Coolray
With a design that shouts confidence, intelligence and fashionable, the Geely Coolray is definitely here to bring back the fun in driving. Geely has employed over 500 people working on design from all over the world in five key studios: Shanghai, Coventry, Gothenburg, Barcelona and California, not to mention their technology matches this intricate design in terms of efficiency.
Geely Coolray | Photo from Geely Official WebsiteGeely Coolray Exterior Feature | Photo from Geely Official WebsiteGeely Coolray Exterior Feature | Photo from Geely Official WebsiteGeely Coolray Exterior Feature | Photo from Geely Official Website
Suggested Retail Price Range: P978,000 – P1.197 million
Available Variants: Geely Coolray Comfort, Geely Coolray Premium, Geely Coolray Sport
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 March 11, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 32 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 102 new recoveries, and 5 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases declined to 1,174 (from 1,244).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 53,643 (+13 new) – Total recoveries: 51,314 (+29 new) – Total deaths: 1,676 (+1 new) – Active cases: 653
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 17,023 (+4 new) – Total recoveries: 16,461 (+9 new) – Total deaths: 506 (+0 new) – Active cases: 56
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 15,395 (+2 new) – Total recoveries: 14,851 (+22 new) – Total deaths: 493 (+1 new) – Active cases: 51
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 46,087 (+13 new) – Total recoveries: 42,884 (+42 new) – Total deaths: 2,789 (+3 new) – Active cases: 414
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,174 (from 1,244)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 132,148 (+32 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 125,510 (+102 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,464 (+5 new)
A total of 1,332 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.
Mark Allen Armenion, 24-year-old who ranked 2nd in the recent Mechanical Engineering board exam, was in fact a market helper or kargador.
Hailing from Warwick Barracks, Carbon Market, Cebu City, Mark’s story is a true tale of perseverance as he faced a series of life’s hardships and emerged victorious.
Photo from The Professional Regulation Commission
He said he even thought that he won’t graduate because of all the hardships financially and in the family. He was constantly absent at school and got a failure in elementary and even high school.
He is the youngest of 4 children. His mother Marites Armenion, sells “uling” in Carbon while his father, Rene Armenion, works as a cook for lechon but his parents are separated.
Photo from Mark Allen Armenion
Education Background
Elementary: Mandaue City Central Elementary school (failed in 3rd grade)
High school: Mandaue City Comprehensive national Highschool (Failed in 3rd year)
: Tipolo National High School (Graduate)
Awards:
Best in math (Highschool)
National Quiz Champion in PSME Quiz Bowl 2018
Regional Quiz Champion in PSME Quiz Bowl 2018 & 2019
CESAFI math quiz bowl champion 2018 & 2019
While still a student in elementary and high school, he was also a market helper or kargador in Carbon so that he could earn a living.
He then attended the University of Cebu – Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UC-LM) and was a working student in his 2nd year.
But another trial came by as their house in Mandaue city was demolished which forced them to move back to Carbon. With the change in location, he changed schools as well and attended UC-main.
His family was very supportive no matter how much debt they have already.
And though he was very smart and has good grades, he didn’t get the title of Cum Laude as he was a transferee.
He admitted that he was aiming for the first place in the ME licensure exams and was a little bit disappointed as he prepared for almost 2 years for it.
Photo from Mark Allen Armenion
Armenion ranks 2nd with a score of 95.70 percent while the top 1 from VSU Baybay City had a score of 96.60, which is just a point away.
He was also honest enough to say that the cash incentives given to UC topnotchers were his driving force but his main inspiration was his parents.
“That was my mindset during my college days. Para if incase di nako ma beat, sure jud na mo land ko sa top list. Driving force to nakong premyo sa UC, and akong main inspiration is akoa jud parents,”
Yes, apparently it exists and for those who don’t know,Charlie “Atong” Ang owns one of the platforms legally allowed to operate online sabong or e-sabong.
Photo from CNN Philippines YouTube Channel
Sabong in real life already brings big bucks in so what more can an online betting have when there’s no limit to size and space and presence even.
It was Ang himself who disclosed that his e-sabong company earns around P3 Billion in commissions every month as his company, Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc., was one of the accused online sabong companies possibly behind the disappearances of the ‘sabungeros’.
He was called in the senate hearing regarding the controversy where he admitted that they’re receiving as much as P2 billion worth of bets per day, or a total of around P60 billion a month.
It is a whooping P60 billion per month coming in but the actual earnings he said is just 5%, which is still a very big one with P3 billion per month more or less.
Photo from Philippine News Agency
Ang states though that the P3 Billion doesn’t go to his pockets but about P2.5 billion of it goes to their agents and that other 1% of the commissions goes to the firm’s expenses.
With calculations minus all those expenses, around P900 million is left for him. P1 Million a month is already a dream of dreams for every employee, 900 times of that is out of this world.
And it seems like we are not the only one in shock as this information made Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon want to increase the taxes collected for these firms.
“Uulitin ko lang, P3 billion per month even assuming that you incur expenses on this, P640 million per month of revenue by PAGCOR is pittance, is very small compared to the gross income of Lucky 8.” – Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon
Atong Ang | Photo from Manila Bulletin
This financial revelation also made the attention of some senators as they called for the suspension of e-sabong firms licenses, but was countered by PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation).
According to PAGCOR, the government would lose millions in revenue from the online sabong taxes as each month, PAGCOR collects as much as P640 million from e-sabong firms in the Philippines.
Yup. Our bayongs are making it to the prestigious New York Fashion Week (NYFW).
Photo from Canada In Frame
Gone are the days where the bayong spends its life in the markets only as it is now making waves as elegant bags/accessory in the fashion world.
Bayong Canada, a modernized bayong business by April Cureg Moran, aimed to popularize the was New York Fashion Week last February 2022.
The classy bags from Bayong Canada in modern fashion ideas were featured in one of the events in NYFW. Although termed as “modern bayongs,” they are made the same as the materials of a traditional bayong. It only differs and size and design.
Photo from Canada in FramePhoto from William Orsua via Bayong Canada
It was also seen in the billboards of Times Square with models proudly carrying them. These modern bayongs will also make an appearance on the Vancouver International Film Fest fashion show 2022.
Our bayongs kasi nag-evolved na siya, e. It can be for millennials or let’s say for all ages. It is trendy and well-made.
April Cureg Moran
She also added that people in other countries are amazed by how pretty and high quality the bayongs are and its affordability as well.
Photo from Canada in Frame
Wanting to pass the legacy to every generation, and showing the world how amazing Filipino products are she started Bayong Canada last 2021. April was a medical office assistant for three years in Canada and started importing Bayong in December 2019.
She now has resellers all over Canada and other parts of USA, Norway, Australia, Italy and New Zealand in the future.
“I also want to support our weavers back home, to sustain their kabuhayans and to give them hope and pride.”
Photo from Willian Orsua via Bayong Canada
She has eight weaver communities being supported in the Philippines at Samar, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Bicol, Iloilo, Davao del Norte, Laguna, at Manila.
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 March 10, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 42 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 44 new recoveries, and 3 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases slightly increased to 1,244 (from 1,241).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 53,630 (+13 new) – Total recoveries: 51,285 (+35 new) – Total deaths: 1,675 (+0 new) – Active cases: 670
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 17,030 (+6 new) – Total recoveries: 16,463 (+2 new) – Total deaths: 506 (+0 new) – Active cases: 61
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 15,393 (+7 new) – Total recoveries: 14,830 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 492 (+0 new) – Active cases: 71
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 46,073 (+19 new) – Total recoveries: 42,845 (+7 new) – Total deaths: 2,786 (+3 new) – Active cases: 442
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,244 (from 1,241)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 132,126 (+42 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 125,423 (+44 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,459 (+3 new)
A total of 1,229 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.
Starting today, Petro Gazz is implementing price reductions at the pump until March 13, 2022.
Petro Gazz is offering a PHP5.85 per liter diesel rollback and PHP3.6 per liter gasoline rollback.
Diesel: -₱5.85/L
Gasoline: -₱3.60/L
These were the same increases that oil companies implemented during last Tuesday’s fuel price hikes.
[This is] to minimize the impact [of rising fuel prices] to motorists since we are expecting another round of oil price hike next week,
Petro Gazz
Petro Gazz branches in Cebu:
Brgy. Vito, Minglanilla
Catmon, Cebu
Consolacion, Cebu
Sibonga, Cebu
San Fernando, Cebu
For the ten weeks in a row, fuel prices have risen dramatically, prompting advocacy groups to push for higher fares and subsidies for affected industries.
