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Samsung’s new Projector-slash-Speaker could be your next Movie Buddy

A projector, smart TV, and speaker rolled into one.

The Freestyle, Samsung’s newest projector TV, has received a lot of attention throughout the world, with over 10,000 pre-orders in the first month of its global release. It’s already a hit in areas like North America, Latin America, and South Korea, and it will soon be available in the Philippines.

Photo from Samsung YouTube Channel

The Freestyle’s adaptable cradle, unlike traditional projectors, allows for 180-degree rotation, allowing users to project high-quality video anywhere – tables, floors, walls, and even ceilings – without the need for a separate screen.

Its outstanding auto keystone and auto-leveling features effortlessly adjust the screen to a variety of surfaces and angles. It also boasts a smart speaker with 360-degree radiation that delivers cinema-quality sound for a complete cinematic experience.

Photo from Samsung Official Website

The wait is almost over for Freestyle enthusiasts in the Philippines. From February 14 through March 13, 2022, Samsung encourages everyone to pre-register. Pre-registrants will be entered into a raffle to win one of five The Freestyle products that will be given away at the end of the pre-registration session.

To register, go to www.samsung.com/ph/signups/2022/the-freestyle-pre-registration.

Cebu logs 19 new cases on March 14

On Monday 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 14, 2022.

The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 19 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 49 new recoveries, and 0 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases declined to 1,131 (from 1,159).

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 53,692 (+10 new)
– Total recoveries: 51,361 (+8 new)
– Total deaths: 1,676 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 655

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 17,031 (+1 new)
– Total recoveries: 16,481 (+8 new)
– Total deaths: 506 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 44

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 15,404 (+2 new)
– Total recoveries: 14,857 (+2 new)
– Total deaths: 493 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 54

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 46,109 (+6 new)
– Total recoveries: 42,942 (+31 new)
– Total deaths: 2,789 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 378

SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,131 (from 1,159)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 132,236 (+19 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 125,641 (+49 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,464 (+0 new)

A total of 787 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):

‘Deltacron’ not yet a dominant variant of concern: DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) continues to improve its prevent-detect-isolate-treat-reintegrate (PDITR) efforts despite the warning about the likely spread of the recombinant virus of the Delta-Omicron (Deltacron) variations

Photo from Unsplash

Intensive genome sequencing is one of the measures being taken to see if the Deltacron version of the coronavirus illness 2019 (Covid-19) has already appeared in the country.

“Walang namang kaba sa ginagawa nating public minimum health standards. Ang importante, kaya humingi kami ng tulong ng lahat sa bakunahan. It’s really the game changer and will afford additional protection for our citizens,”

National Vaccination Operations Center chair and Health Undersecretary, Dr. Myna Cabotaje, said in an interview on Saturday.

She underlined that vaccination is critical in combating the variant since “immunity is waning after a long time of being vaccinated.”

Photo from Unsplash

Secretary Vince Dizon, the President’s Adviser on Covid-19 Response, had stated that the country will always be prepared for the introduction of new varieties.

In the Philippines, he noted, the Deltacron type is “not yet a dominant variant of concern.”

The Deltacron was initially discovered in France, according to the World Health Organization.

People who have not yet caught Covid are more attractive: Study

Have you ever had covid?

If the answer to that is no then you might have just the confirmation that you are truly attractive.

Photo from Unsplash

A theory by scientists that the more attractive you are, the stronger your immunity is which therefore makes you at lower risk of catching Covid have been tested.

The researchers took photos and blood tests of 79 women and 80 men at Texas Christian University and had 492 other volunteers rate the attractiveness of the faces of the participants.

Now you might say that they are clearly subjective since different people and places have different tastes but researchers’ take on that is there is a universal understanding of “good looks” that transcend time and even cultures. 

Features of Universal “good looks” according to the study are:

  • Clear skin
  • Prominent cheekbones
  • Bright eyes
  • Full red lips
  • Symmetrical face
Photo from Unsplash

These features have been deemed attractive throughout recorded human history according to the published study which was supported by the results that most attractive participants had clear makers of better immunity in their blood samples.

The science of it comes from their higher levels of phagocytosis, a critical part of the immune system. It is a process by which specific white blood cells ingest foreign particles, that is very useful in fighting illnesses.

In clarification, the researchers propose that it’s not a person’s beauty that makes them more immune but it is their highly functioning immune system. And that this highly functioning immune system is in turn what makes them appear more attractive, in the eyes of other people. 

Photo from sh_9513 on Instagram

They also proposed that these attractive facial features could actually be markers of good health and that our attraction may be rooted in our instinct to find a strong partner that will benefit the survival of our offspring which actually makes sense.

“The features that humans universally perceive as attractive may provide cues to unobservable qualities possessed by a target that impact fitness, including health and immune function,”

Immunologists on the other hand do think there could be a reason behind why some people appear super immune to Covid like because of their genes or prior immunity to other viruses but as of this writing no one knows and it remains a mystery.

Photo from Unsplash

Having this study published though will make for some bragging rights for those who haven’t had covid yet.

Meet: Filipino stunt coordinator who trained ‘The Batman’ lead stars for fight scenes

With nearly 30 years of experience, Filipino-American stunt coordinator Robert Alonzo is the man behind the thrilling fight scenes in Warner Bros.’ “The Batman” starring Robert Pattinson and Zoë Kravitz whom he personally trained.

Photo from Warner Bros

Under the helm of Alonzo, Robert Pattinson had to learn arnis, the national martial art of the Philippines, for the role of Batman in order to “eliminate anticipatory movement and heighten his close proximity reactivity.”

Robert Pattinson shared in an interview working with Alonzo: “Rob [Alonzo] has a great style. You learn certain signature moves, which you can build into different patterns really quickly.”

According to Alonzo, the design of the legendary DC Comics character’s outfit was also important in distinguishing Pattinson’s action style from that of past Batman performers. He points out that older costumes had a cowl and a cape that restricted movement.

Robert Alonzo was born in Manila, Philippines but moved to the United States with his family at the age of 10. His father Dionisio is from Cagayan, while his mother Julieta is from Tarlac.

The Filipino stuntman has worked over 200 projects in Hollywood for television, commercials, music videos, and film and his broad work in front of and behind the camera includes training the likes of Dwayne Johnson, Tom Cruise, Mark Walberg, Jeremy Renner, and Jake Gyllenhaal just to name a few. And with his stint in The Batman movie, Hollywood actors Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz add to his star-studded list.

Photo from Warner Bros

Cebu logs 35 new cases on March 13

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 March 13, 2022.

The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 35 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 31 new recoveries, and 0 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases slightly increased to 1,159 (from 1,154).

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 53,682 (+22 new)
– Total recoveries: 51,353 (+14 new)
– Total deaths: 1,676 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 653

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 17,030 (+6 new)
– Total recoveries: 16,474 (+14 new)
– Total deaths: 506 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 50

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 15,402 (+4 new)
– Total recoveries: 14,856 (+3 new)
– Total deaths: 493 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 53

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 46,103 (+3 new)
– Total recoveries: 42,911 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 2,789 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 403

SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,159 (from 1,154)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 132,217 (+35 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 125,594 (+31 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,464 (+0 new)

A total of 981 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):

LOOK! LeBron x Nike Dunk Low ‘Fruity Pebbles’

As LeBron James and Nike continue to push the design boundaries of the “Fruity Pebbles” line, the cereal fad appears to be here to stay.

A Nike Dunk Low iteration for 2022 has been added to the collaboration. The Swoosh is accentuated in blue beside the collars and is constructed with a crisp, white leather foundation with red overlays.

The same blue tint can be found on the heel, which also features LeBron James’ King James insignia in white. The shoe’s color scheme complements the brand’s primary color motifs, which can be found on the tongue tags, insoles, and laces. The sneaker will be packaged in its own unique co-branded packaging.

Photo from zsneakerheadz on Instagram

The LeBron x Nike Dunk Low “Fruity Pebbles” has yet to be announced, but it is scheduled to appear later this year. Keep an eye on Nike for additional information.

The retail price tag is set at USD 160 (~PHP 8,000) and is expected to be released globally including the Philippines not later than May 2022.

Reel to Real Cebuano Celebrities and their Partners

Yes, love teams could be fun, especially if these teams go from reel to real, real quick.

However, if you want #RelationshipGoals, a real-life couple who have spent years together while being in the spotlight is the ‘real’ thing. Breakups every now and then sure is what celebrities most-likely eat for breakfast. Because of them being public figures, not everyone gets to understand the situation.

So, when we see couples who have withstand the test of time and fame, we couldn’t help but be in awe. Cebuanos must be so proud because most of the couples who have succeeded hurdles are their fellow Cebuanos.

Here, we have rounded up Cebuano celebrity couples who have continued to inspire us even up to this day.

1. Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli

The couple who have proven how powerful love could be. Mr. & Mrs. Guidicelli just recently tied the know in a secret wedding.

Though the parents of Sarah were against Cebuano actor, racer, and entrepreneur, Matteo, both have finally decided to prove their love for each and amidst all the issues and hindrances. Congratulations, AshMatt! We’re so happy for you.

2. Annabelle Rama and Eddie Gutierrez

Married since 1980, this lovely couple have proven that not unless you’ll give up will you lose your one true love.

According to reports, being married to Eddie Gutierrez was the dream of Cebuana, Annabelle Rama. Well I guess dreaming isn’t really that bad after all because they now have 6 handsome and beautiful children.

3. Kim Chiu and Xian Lim

Looking at the roster of ABS-CBN loveteams today, one pair that stands out is Xian Lim and Cebuana Kim Chiu.

This reel to real couple has been dominating the net by storm with their showing of love and affection to the public. I guess we all deserve one who’d show the world what it feels like to love and be loved too, right?

4. Kryz Uy-Young and Slater Young

This SKY (Slater Kryz Young) couple has been known for their travels. Slater, a graduate of PBB and Kryz, a fashion blogger and online influencer are both from Cebu.

They now have their famous SKYPOD, as what they term their humble abode and is expecting their first baby boy. Congratulations, both!

5. Kaye Abad and Paul Jake Castillo

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Jake Castillo have proven that love is always worth taking the risk. Paul Jake, a Cebuano entrepreneur rose to fame after PBB while Kaye is known for her acting prowess.

Both started off as friends and they never thought they’d end up together. Now, they have a wonderful son and we couldn’t wait to be witnessing more of their fitness journey photos online.

6. Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano

Cebuano Enrique Gil has been in a long-term with his reel and real-life partner, Liza Soberano. Both have admitted their relationship during an episode in Gandang Gabi Vice.

Liza and Quen have been dominating the internet with their beautiful and handsome faces. According to many, they’re both perfect for each other. All that we could ever hope for is for them to grow old together.

7. Isabel Oli and John Prats

After two weddings, Mr. & Mrs. Prats bore their first daughter who has grown to be such a beautiful girl.

Isabel, a beauty queen from Cebu rose to fame with her acting skills while John has been in the showbiz industry since hid childhood. Both have been so consistent in sharing the photos of their beautiful family online and we can’t help but feel happy for our fellow Cebuana’s newly-built family.

8. JK Labajo and Maureen Wroblewitz

Probably the youngest among all the couples enlisted, but never too young for love. Maureen is the first Filipina to win Asia’s Next Top Model while JK Labajo, was one of the talented teens who joined The Voice and was with Camp Kawayan.

Though both kept mum about their relationship until recently, JK and Maureen post photos of each other from time to time and we’re even happier to know that they’re both German. At least, they share something in common. Well, I guess it’s true after all, we all need a Cebuano/a.

The BEST-TASTING Lechon in Cebu

“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)
  • Social: Facebook Page
  • Location: Mactan Promenade, Airport Road, Ibo, Lapu-Lapu City

CnT Lechon

  • Ave. Price: P450-500 good for 2 people
  • Operating hours: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Phone number: (032) 233 – 5339
  • Social:
  • BRANCHES:
    – North Reclamation Area (across SM): 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
    – 1377 Rama Ave., Guadalupe, Cebu City: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    – 4th floor, Food Choices, Ayala Center Cebu: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    – SM Seaside City Cebu: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Alejo’s Lechon

  • Ave. Price: P300-500 per kilo
  • Phone number: (032) 261 – 9162 / (032) 261 – 8575
  • Location: El Salvador, Labangon, Cebu City

House of Lechon

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houseoflechoncapitol-3
  • Ave. Price: P900 good for 2 people
  • Operating hours: 10:00AM – 10:00 PM
  • Phone number: (032) 231 – 0958
  • Social: Facebook Page
  • Branches:
    – Acacia Street, Kamputhaw, Cebu City: 9AM to 10PM
    – Verandah, Ground Floor, Robinsons Galleria: 10AM to 10PM
    – Lawaan, Talisay City (near MyBus Terminal): 9AM to 10PM

Cang’s Lechon

  • Ave. price: 300-500 per kilo (approx.)
  • Phone number: (032) 232 – 8899
  • Social: Facebook Page
  • Location: 6D Sanson Road, Lahug, Cebu City

Tatang’s Boneless Lechon

  • Ave. Price: P250 good for 2 people
  • Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Phone number: (032) 316 4719
  • Social: Facebook Page
  • Location: Wilson Street, Lahug, Cebu City

Ayer’s Lechon

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  • Ave. Price: P185-250 good for 2 people
  • Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Social: Facebook Page
  • 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.

Cebu logs 35 new cases on March 12

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.

DOH-7 FULL REPORT (CENTRAL VISAYAS):