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 January 15, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 898 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 55 new recoveries, and 1 new death. Cebu’s total active cases jumped to 4,084 (from 3,206).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 43,288 (+438 new) – Total recoveries: 39,665 (+16 new) – Total deaths: 1,527 (+0 new) – Active cases: 2,096
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 14,103 (+102 new) – Total recoveries: 13,188 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 472 (+0 new) – Active cases: 443
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 12,608 (+135 new) – Total recoveries: 11,728 (+31 new) – Total deaths: 443 (+0 new) – Active cases: 437
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 38,158 (+223 new) – Total recoveries: 34,511 (+8 new) – Total deaths: 2,575 (+1 new) – Active cases: 1,072
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 4,084 (from 3,206)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 108,157 (+898 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 99,082 (+55 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,017 (+1 new)
A total of 3,126 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.
Forbes recently revealed its list of the Top 10 Highest-Paid YouTube Creators for 2021, and for the third year in a row, the only woman on the list is a 7-year-old who earned a whopping $28 million or ₱1.43 Billion. She ranked 6th highest earner for 2021.
Anastasia Rajinskaya, popularly known as Nastya, has over 100 million YouTube subscribers and earned an estimated $28 million (₱1.43 Billion) in advertising revenue and brand deals in 2021 across her 11 YouTube channels, according to Forbes.
Nastya’s viewers follow her as she learns basic skills like telling time and making a to-do list in front of a heavily saturated background of her large mansion. Millions of kids and families from all over the world join Nastya every day to explore the world and learn about songs, numbers, nature, colors, shapes, animals, and the importance of eating healthy food, washing hands, being a good friend, and much more.
The videos below are just two of her most popular videos last year that got more than 500 million views each.
Top Earner Mr. Beast with $54 Million (₱2.77 Billion)
Jimmy ‘Mr Beast’ Donaldson is the richest YouTuber in the world this year, according to Forbes. Mr Beast made a whopping $54 million (₱2.77 Billion) in 2021 with his Mr Beast burger company listed as a major factor.
His Netflie movie spin-off “$456,000 Squid Game In Real Life!” has garnered 202 million views and reportedly earned $875,000 to $1.25 million.
10-Year-Old also earned $27 Million (₱1.38 Billion)
Ryan Kaji, a 10-year-old toy king, also made it to the top 10 at #7 with an earnings of $27 Million (₱1.38 Billion) in 2021. His channel features demos, unboxings, and reviews of toys. His popularity grew after his unwrapping videos went viral on social media.
Ryan’s most watched YouTube video that was released 5 years ago already has over 5 Billion views to date.
With the rise of the Omicron cases, it’s important to get tested for you and your loved ones.
Moreover, some areas in the country now require a negative RT-PCR test result from travelers.
To make the research light for you, we’ve rounded up the testing centers in Cebu that offer RT-PCR tests and are accredited by the Department of Health.
It’s that time of the year again where mosquitos are everywhere.
We can more or less handle mosquitos with electric fans and mosquito nets but mosquito bites during their season can cause more than skin irritation and result in serious illnesses like dengue, malaria and more.
Photo from Unsplash
We have of course the tried and tested Katol (mosquito coils) and to the more high-end homes, UV lights, but did you know that there are other easy and natural ways to get rid of them?
We have listed here 7 ways to get rid of mosquitos in your own homes.
1. Use your plants plantitas
Small pots of basil, marigolds, tulsi, mint, lemongrass and citronella can naturally repel mosquitos. So, if you have these useful plants just lying around and place them at the entry points of your home. In particular, basil leaves that are more commonly known for cooking can kill mosquito larvae. Get those plants to work plantitas.
Photo from Unsplash
2. Crush some garlic
Garlic can repel not just some humans but has natural properties to repel mosquitoes too. Get those extra garlic in your kitchen and crush a few cloves like when you’re cooking and soak them in water. Place it into a spray bottle and spray the solution all-around your home.
Photo from Unsplash
3. Use Eucalyptus Oil as furniture
Lemon eucalyptus oil is an essential oil available in drug stores so they are very easy to acquire. Eucalyptus is known for its refreshing scent and is used as a natural, mosquito-repelling perfume. You just have to take a cotton ball and soak it with the essential oil and swipe it onto your soft furnishings.
Photo from Unsplash
4. Spray some Tea Tree Oil/Lavender Oil
Essential oils are the mortal enemy of mosquitos it seems as tree tea oil and lavender oil can be used to keep mosquitos away too. First, the tea tree oil contains anti-bacterial properties that repel mosquitos away while lavender oil with all its lovely scent to us, it has an opposite effect on mosquitos. So just add a few drops of these oils into a spray bottle of water and spray it around your home.
Photo from Unsplash
5. Placing some Dry Ice
Dry ice is not just for show or magic. It also makes for an effective mosquito repellent by placing it in an inexpensive mosquito trap. There is this carbon dioxide gas from dry ice that attracts mosquitos luring them into the trap.
Photo from Pinterest
6. Spread some Beer scent
Okay this one may be fun especially for those who loves beer. Get a beer can from your stash in the fridge already, and keep it open in your room. They hate the smell of beer so it will drive the mosquitos out.
Photo from Unsplash
7. Vinegar
Probably the easiest but not the most fragrant. Get about one cup of vinegar the mix it three cups of water and place it in a spray bottle then spray it around the home. If you really can’t take the smell, alternative is apple cider vinegar.
Photo from Unsplash
These are all just to repel but also try to look around your home to get to where they are nesting. Get rid of small bodies of water where mosquitos could lay eggs. Be vigilant and be safe.
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 January 14, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 630 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 20 new recoveries, and no new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases jumped to 3,206 (from 2,550).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 42,850 (+301 new) – Total recoveries: 39,649 (+14 new) – Total deaths: 1,527 (+0 new) – Active cases: 1,674
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 14,001 (+69 new) – Total recoveries: 13,188 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 472 (+0 new) – Active cases: 341
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 12,473 (+83 new) – Total recoveries: 11,697 (+5 new) – Total deaths: 443 (+0 new) – Active cases: 333
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 37,935 (+177 new) – Total recoveries: 34,503 (+1 new) – Total deaths: 2,574 (+0 new) – Active cases: 858
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 3,206 (from 2,550)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 107,259 (+650 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 99,037 (+20 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,016 (+0 new)
A total of 2,290 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.
In case you still don’t know, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu City opened its Drive-Thru & Walk-Thru swabbing test center for SARS CoV2 (COVID-19) since July 2020.
This is a program of their Subnational Laboratory (SNL) in line with the expanded testing guidelines per DOH Memorandum 2020-0258-A.
Although they have temporarily closed when Typhoon Odette hit the island, VSMMC re-opened their free RT-PCR Testing service on January 14, 2022. Yes, you read it right — the testing is FREE and is open to the public for drive-thru or walk-thru but online booking is required.
Be festival-ready and come prepared for a safe malling experience this Sinulog 2022 at SM Seaside City Cebu!
Sinulog is more than just a festival – it is a tradition and a whole cultural celebration for the Cebuanos since the 1980s. Before the pandemic, it usually attracted millions of visitors from around the world. Now, the celebration is much more personal and spread out, giving way to creative and secure ways to celebrate it.
This year, one way to celebrate Sinulog is to head out to SM Seaside City Cebu and experience AweSM like no other. Huge discounts await at the AweSM Cebu Sale and to complete your Sinulog experience, join exciting challenges and witness #AweSM exhibits. You also don’t want to miss a gastronomic feast at Cebu’s 1st roof deck food park – Sugbo Mercado at the SM Seaside Sky Park!
Kickstart your new year by visiting SM Seaside City Cebu and indulging in the safe AweSM Cebu celebration with deals and discounts while still prioritizing your safety.
1. EXPERIENCE AWESM
Enjoy your favorite Lechon from different municipalities, shop for local products, groove to the upbeat rhythm of the drums and take photos at the Glowing Music Box for an all-in-one stop at the Mountain Wing Atrium from January 13 – 16.
Sugbo Mercado is a known name if you want a gastronomic feast. Taste the local flavors of Cebu in the 1st roof deck food park in the South at the 3rd Floor, The Sky Park!
Photo from SM Seaside City Cebu (Official) | Facebook Page
Photo from SM Seaside City Cebu (Official) | Facebook Page
Photo from SM Seaside City Cebu (Official) | Facebook Page
3. AWESM TIKTOK CHALLENGE
If you want to dance your way into the festivities then duet to the AweSM Tiktok Dance at the Glowing Music Box located at the Mountain Wing Atrium. Not only do you get to enjoy dancing your heart out but you also have a chance to win SM Shopping Money and a doughnut voucher from Krispy Kreme. Promo runs from January 13 – 16.
See and be amazed as this Art Exhibition features the works of 24 of the most brilliant visual artists from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao for the benefit of the Typhoon Odette victims. The exhibit runs from January 15 – 31 located at the Lower Ground Floor, Mountain Wing Atrium
6. SANTO NINO: GASA SA KATAWHANG PILIPINHON
Sinulog is first and foremost a celebration of the Holy Child, Sto. Nino. Every Sinulog before the pandemic happened, devotees bring a variety of images and statues of Santo Nino at the Basilica del Santo Nino dancing and chanting “Pit Senyor” .
Witness the exhibit of various images of the Holy Child Jesus that are all owned by Cebuano devotees from January 13 – 31 at the Upper Ground Floor, Cube Wing.
After viewing the different images of the Holy Child Jesus, head on over to the Lower Ground Floor, Seaview Wing and hear the Novena Mass.
Live streaming of the Sinulog Novena Mass is being broadcasted from the Basilica Sto. Nino de Cebu to ensure a safe and secure Fiesta celebration.
Novena Mass schedules:
11:00AM – 12:30PM
12:30PM – 2:00PM
2:00PM – 3:30PM
3:30PM – 5:00PM
5:00PM – 6:30PM
6:30PM – 8:00PM
Don’t forget to also #DiscoverAweSM activities this January at SM City Cebu, head over to their page to learn more!
Happiness should be our priority this year along with being healthy and safe. Celebrate Sinulog in the safest way you can and visit the AWESM festivities in SM Seaside City Cebu and SM City Cebu now.
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 8:20am 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 city Cebu Drop-off point is at the City Wing Entrance.
BY CAR/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “SM Seaside City Cebu”. Parking space is free.
BY GRAB: Get P70 OFF on your Grabcar rides to SM Seaside and use the promo code SMSEASIDE70 on your booking.
With the devastation brought by super typhoon Odette and the threat of the Omicron variant in Cebu, it’s a virtual celebration of Sinulog yet again.
But do you remember all the fun and memorable things that happens only during Sinulog before covid-19 happened?
Stay with me as we reminisce all the most epic and nostalgic things we missed during the Sinulog.
1. Human Barricade (NSTP students)
Whoever it is that didn’t get to experience this, have missed out on all the pushing and pulling, the never-ending complaints, the hunger, the too much sun exposure, and yet the most fun thing a student gets to experience during Sinulog. With Cebu being a center for learning and home to big universities, there is no shortage of students to become human barricade in the procession.
Photo from Sinulog | Facebook Page
Photo from Sinulog | Facebook Page
Photo from Sinulog | Facebook Page
Photo from Sinulog | Facebook Page
2. Street Parties
Colors, costumes, music, dancing, and all the smiling faces are what make a street party. The people celebrate Sinulog like they celebrate being alive which is one scene to see in your life. Remember what it felt like to feel happy just by watching people just enjoy themselves?
3. Music Festivals
The crowd and the hype of music festivals were unmatched as everyone just chant to the music and of course to “Pit Senor” and “Sinulog”. It was loud, energy-filled, chaotic and the most exhilarating thing to be a part of.
Sinulog Idol (Sinulog Foundation, Inc.)
4. Fluvial Procession
This is a sight to behold indeed. A painting perfect scene as a variety of boat sails through the sea. Like the voyagers in the past, the travel of baby Jesus is accompanied by thousands of people. The morning sea breeze, the rising of the sun, and the festive yet solemn atmosphere are what we missed the most.
Sinulog Fluvial 2020
Sinulog Fluvial 2020
5. Grandest Fireworks “Showdown” from different major malls in Cebu
Remember the perfect end to everyone’s Sinulog? The direction that everyone seems to go to the moment it gets dark bringing cars, tents, food, and music. The picnic of all picnics gazing to the sky awaiting the most amazing fireworks, every year grander than the last.
Sinulog Fireworks at SM Seaside | Photo by Marc Go
Photo by Magik Moments
6. Joyously “Pit Senyor” whoever we bump into
During Sinulog everyone is your friend. Yes, there were no introverts during the festival. You can never take 10 steps without someone shouting Pit Senyor! even strangers. And if you bump into a friend? It’s whole (beautiful) chaos right there with all the hugging, jumping, and joyously shouting Pit Senyor!
7. Chanting “Pit Senyor sa mga ____ kini” every after the Novena Mass
Shouting, chanting to almost everything that we can add to that phrase was the highlight of every mass. It was a joyous praying which is what makes Sinulog very unique indeed. We dance and sing and laugh and pray at the same time.
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño (Photo by Migs Rizarri)
8. Long walks for the Procession, rain or shine
Millions of people on a solemn walk may it rain or shine. It’s not even a joke. It was millions of people praying. Devotees of Sto. Nino from all over the country come together all at once to give praise and gratitude. It’s the number of people together we will never see again if the pandemic won’t end.
Photo from Sinulog | Facebook Page
Photo from Sinulog | Facebook Page
9. Sinulog Grand Parade with Creative floats and their accompanying Celebrities
Sinulog had the grandest parade broadcasted nationwide. The colorful costumes of the Sinulog dancers, festival queens, amazing street dance choreographies and gigantic creative floats were there all day long. And let’s not forget part of why you were standing and waiting all day in those barricades is for the celebrities.
Photo from Sinulog | Facebook Page
Photo from Sinulog | Facebook Page
10. Simply enjoying the festival
Sinulog was an event that entails walking several kilometers with no transportation, planning ahead for all the meetups because there will be no signal, and dancing and chanting our hearts out. The festival was always fun however we celebrated it.
You do realize the value of things when they are gone. Like how epic, fun and awesome Sinulog was. We wish for this pandemic to end as soon as possible to get the grandest festival back in Cebu again.
Typhoon Odette has shakened the lives and destroyed the houses of our brothers and sisters in Visayas and Mindanao. Houses were torn down hence, re-building is what is necessary.
If you are afraid to break your bank or does not have enough to restart, take a cue from this couple who only spent P280,000 to build their own home – AB Magtulis and Hazel Garcia.
Photo from Hazel Renneth Villanueva Garcia | Facebook Page
AB and Hazel, who have been working from home, both wanted to have their own personal space. Practically speaking, they did not want to splurge on a condominium unit. Hence, they have decided to build their own tiny home.
Photo from Hazel Renneth Villanueva Garcia | Facebook Page
Photo from Team ABH | Youtube
Photo from Team ABH | Youtube
Their humble abode is situated across Hazel’s family home. With only P280,000, they were already able to build their two-storey home. Their abode nestles AB and Hazel’s workspaces, a living room, bathroom, and a bed that’s accessible through the staircase.
Photo from Team ABH | Youtube
Photo from Team ABH | Youtube
Photo from Team ABH | Youtube
Photo from Team ABH | Youtube
Though it only expands to a tiny 6-square meter floor area, mind you, it has a 15-feet tall foundation securing the rooftop. If the couple needs a downtime, up they go.
So, if you’re on a tight budget and is looking to rebuild or build your own home, take this as a cue and score a tip or two.
Meet the trending taxi driver that has been offering free rides on his birthday for the third time now. The driver is Abdon Verdida from Barangay Labangon, Cebu.
Photo from Lu DCruzPhoto from Lu DCruz
According to Ms. Lu DCruz, who encountered his service, Kuya Abdon has been doing this for the past three years every December 23 just as a way of sharing his blessings. But due to Typhoon Odette that hit Cebu last December 16, he rescheduled it to January 12 this year.
Not only that, but Kuya Abdon also gives away 200 Pesos to the first 25 passengers during his special day.
“While we were talking, he handed me an ampao with P200 inside as his gift. He said mag save siya P20 everyday a year which he will give to his passengers during the free ride. I was so touched that at this very difficult time I’ve met a kind-hearted ordinary person who is generous enough to share a little of what he has. Sige lng jud ko ug Thank you niya kay of all people ako jud naka timing niya.”
– Ms. Lu DCruz
Kuya Abdon rents his taxi cab for 900 Pesos a day. He allocates a major portion of his sales for the day for his family while he also saves 20 Pesos a day for a year for the cash gifts he joyously gives away to the passengers during his birthday.
