Filipinos will stand out wherever you put them. That is what is great on being a Filipino and what makes us all proud.
Our fellow Filipinos have been making waves in Hollywood as big celebrity names in the music, tv and film industry. They carry the Filipino blood in them and are proud to do so.
Here is a list of popular and rising celebrities you might not have known are of Filipino descent.
1. Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars or born as Peter Gene Hernandez is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, musician, and as we have seen a dancer. It doesn’t get bigger than this superstar. The Uptown funk and Just the way you are singer’s mother is Bernadette San Pedro Bayot Hernandez, a Filipina from Cebu. She passed away in 2013 because of a brain aneurysm.
2. Vanessa Hudgens
Vanessa is an actress and a singer. Our favorite Gabriela Montez of High School Musical and now our favorite trio in the Princess switch is half Filipina thanks to her mom Gina Guanco. Her mother Gina is from Manila while her father was of Irish, French and Native American descent. She has always been proud of her Filipino roots as well.
3. Olivia Rodrigo
This rising pop star is only 18, but is making waves in the music industry. Her songs “Driver’s License,” “Deja Vu,” have been trending everywhere. Olivia is of Filipino heritage as her father is Filipino-American. She has also stated that her great-grandfather moved from the Philippines to the US as a teenager and her family follows Filipino traditions and cuisine.
4. Nicole Scherzinger
Nicole is an American born Nicole Prascovia Elikolani Valiente is a singer, actress, and television personality raised in Hawaii. She was the lead singer of the sexy beautiful group of pussycat dolls who became one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. She was their lead vocalist and her father is Alfonso Valiente which is of Filipino descent. She takes pride in being Filipino and have even performed at the Global Filipino Music Festival.
5. Hailee Steinfeld
Hailee is an actress and a singer. Emily junk in Pitch perfect 2, Kate Bishop in the new marvel series, The Hawkeye and Emily Dickinson in the tb series Dickinson. Her maternal grandfather, Ricardo Domasin, was half Filipino who hails from Panglao, Bohol. She even said in an interview “I have Filipino blood in me and I’m so proud of that”.
6. Dave Bautista
Dave is an American actor and former professional wrestler. We know his as Drax of the Guardians of the Galaxy and six-time world champion WWE wrestler “Batista”. His father is Filipino, Michael Bautista. He is proud to be a Filipino and even brought Adobo on set of the Guardians which he recalls everyone wiped out.
7. Bella Poarch
Bella Poarch is pure Filipino indeed as she was born in the Philippines and adopted by an American family as a child. Interesting fact is she joined the U.S. Navy when she was 18 and served for four years, before becoming a social media star. Her edgy pop song “Build a Bitch” have made headlines and gone viral as well.
8. Enrique Iglesias
Enrique is a singer and a song writer. He has become one of the best-selling Latin music artists in history. Pure Hot Latino? No, this sexy pop star is half Filipino. His father is Julio Iglesias who married the beautiful Manila socialite and magazine journalist Isabel Preysler. She is a Filipina mestiza with Spanish ancestry.
9. Jacob Batalon
Born Jacob Batalon in Hawaii, to Filipino parents, Ned of Spiderman no way home is a pure Filipino. His Filipina mother, who has always supported his dreams, is Eva Andres who is originally from Pangasinan here in the Philippines.
10. Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson (H.E.R.)
H.E.R., whose real name is Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, is an R&B singer. She has become one of the most established and most awarded Filipino-American artists with four Grammys under her belt and top-charting songs like “Best Part” and “Damage.” She was born to a Filipino mother.
From our values and features to our personalities and talents. It is no contest that we have all that it takes to be successful.
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 February 4, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 542 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 372 new recoveries, and 21 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases declined to 12,336 (from 13,210).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 52,236 (+206 new) – Total recoveries: 44,299 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 1,621 (+15 new) – Active cases: 6,316
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 16,595 (+91 new) – Total recoveries: 14,641 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 482 (+0 new) – Active cases: 1,472
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 15,001 (+49 new) – Total recoveries: 13,630 (+92 new) – Total deaths: 467 (+3 new) – Active cases: 904
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 44,494 (+196 new) – Total recoveries: 38,180 (+280 new) – Total deaths: 2,650 (+3 new) – Active cases: 3,644
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 12,336 (from 13,210)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 128,306 (+542 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 110,750 (+372 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,220 (+21 new)
A total of 2,573 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.
This article was originally published on VisMin.ph.
It’s about time to support local and travel again. If you are fully vaccinated, traveling has become easier and more convenient now as the country is gearing us to revive the tourism sector.
For the past two years, traveling had always been quite a hassle with the ever-changing community quarantine policies, both national and local rules, and a long list of requirements from the arriving destination. It got more expensive and time-consuming.
Basilica Del Sto. Niño
On January 28, the Philippine government announced that it is finally resuming acceptance of visa-free travel for short visits from 157 countries starting on February 10, 2022. This move definitely gives high hopes for our tourism industry.
With several domestic destinations also dropping the RT-PCR or antigen test requirement, traveling seems to be fun and light again for as long as you are fully vaccinated. Not as easy as the pre-pandemic era, but we are getting there.
TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
Here are some of the beautiful travel destinations in the Philippines that accept vaccination cards in lieu of COVID-19 / RT-PCR tests for travelers:
1. BORACAY
A top destination in the country, Boracay has finally re-opened its borders to local and foreign tourists. Starting on February 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travelers are no longer required to present a negative RT-PCR test when heading to Boracay Island and mainland Aklan.
BORACAY TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
For fully vaccinated travelers: VaxCertPH COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate, Locally issued vaccination card, or WHO International Certificate of Vaccination
For unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers: Negative RT-PCR test result (swab or saliva) taken within 72 hours
Government-issued ID
Confirmed booking slip/form from accredited hotel/resort
Photo from The New Boracay Facebook PagePhoto from The New Boracay Facebook PagePhoto from The New Boracay Facebook Page
2. CEBU
Cebu is the home of white beaches, historical sites, world-class resorts, and natural attractions. The island can now share its beauty again with travelers around the world, starting with fully vaccinated individuals.
CEBU TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
For fully vaccinated travelers: VaxCertPH COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate, Locally issued vaccination card, or WHO International Certificate of Vaccination
For unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers: Negative Antigen test result taken within 24-48 hours and a medical certificate.
Government-issued ID
Confirmed booking slip/form from accredited hotel/resort
Fully vaccinated parents or guardians traveling to Bohol are no longer required to undergo RT-PCR testing. They can now enjoy Bohol’s top attractions and enjoy the beautiful beaches and resorts in Panglao.
BOHOL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
For fully vaccinated travelers: VaxCertPH COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate, Locally issued vaccination card, or WHO International Certificate of Vaccination
For unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers: Negative RT-PCR Test Result from any DOH-accredited labs taken within 72 hours.
Children aged 11 years old, accompanied by fully vaccinated parents/ guardians traveling to Bohol are no longer required to undergo RT-PCR testing.
Government-issued ID
Confirmed booking slip/form from accredited hotel/resort
Chocolate Hills | Photo from UnsplashBiilar Man-made Forest | Photo from Unsplash
4. CAMIGUIN
A fast-rising tourist destination in the Philippines, Camiguin Island is named as the “Island of Fire” because of the presence of seven volcanoes in the area. The province is the smallest in Mindanao and the second smallest in the country. What it lacks in size it makes up with beauty and spectacle for your perfect getaway.
CAMIGUIN TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Valid ID
All tourists, regardless of age, must have Clean Camiguin quick response (QR) code
Confirmed reservation with an accommodation establishment in the Province
For tourists who will stay in a private home must secure a clearance from the Municipal Government of the Municipality where they will be staying
If from NCR/Luzon: Negative RT-PCR Test Result from any DOH-accredited laboratories taken within 72 hours
If from Visayas/Mindanao: Negative RT-PCR Test Result from any DOH-accredited laboratories taken within 48 hours
Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination
Fully-vaccinated tourists may bring their unvaccinated minor children below twelve (12) years of age. Accompanying minor children who are twelve (12) to seventeen (17) years old must have at least received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose. Accompanying adult children must be fully-vaccinated
Photo from Bintana Sa Paraiso Facebook PagePhoto by Din TiuPhoto by John Ray Aligato / The Island NomadWhite Beach Camiguin | Photo by John Ray Aligato / The Island Nomad
5. DAVAO
Davao City recently issued an Executive Order extending the lifting of RT-PCR requirements for Davao City-bound land, sea, and air travelers until June 30, 2022.
As of January 15, 2022, Davao City has inoculated a total of 1,268,468 first anti-COVID-19 jabs or 97.58% of the target 1,299,894 target population protection while the second doses are currently at 92.9%.
Photo from Mindanao Waterfalls Rider’s Facebook PagePhoto from Instagram Account of ryangardePhoto from Instagram Account of lordraywie
6. DUMAGUETE
The natural wonders, warm hospitality of the locals, and the rich history and culture of Dumaguete and its nearby attractions make the visit to this city memorable. In fact, it was listed as one of the 7 Best Places to Retire Around the World by Forbes Magazine. Good thing more travelers can now experience Dumaguete’s amazing destinations.
DUMAGUETE TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
Full vaccinated travelers:
Valid ID
Vaccination Card/Certificate
A photocopy of both requirements with the traveler’s contact information number for contact tracing purposes
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers:
Valid ID
Negative Antigen Test Result from any DOH-accredited laboratories issued within forty-eight (48) hours
A photocopy of both requirements with the traveler’s contact information number for contact tracing purposes
Whether for business or leisure, many people still go to Metro Manila. Good news, as requirements have also been eased for travelers bound for Metro Manila and Clark.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
Vaccination Card or DOH-issued Vaccination Certificate
Passport or Valid government ID
Confirmed Airline Ticket
EXEMPTIONS:
Persons with medical conditions that prevent full COVID-19 vaccination as evidenced by:
Medical certificate (with name, signature and contact details of the physician)
Persons who will procure essential goods and services (such as but not limited to food, water, medicine, medical devices, public utilities, energy, work, medical and dental necessities) as evidenced by:
Barangay Health Pass or other proof to support and justify such travel
Passengers coming from (a) international flight, with an onward domestic flight after completion of the required facility-based quarantine, and (b) domestic flight with an immediate international connecting flight.
City of Makati | Photo from UnsplashMetro Manila | Phoro from UnsplashMetro Manila | Photo from Unsplash
FLIGHT AVAILABILITY AND SCHEDULE
You can find the available flights and schedule here as of February 2022:
As of February 2022, other popular destinations like Siargao and Palawan still require a negative RT-PCR and antigen test. But hey, I’m sure taking all the extra requirements will be surely worth it.
Got some travel plans this year? Where are you heading to?
This article was originally published on VisMin.ph.
Santorini is the supermodel among the islands in Greece. The island is iconic for its blue and white structures lined along the coast. It offers amazing panoramic views, pristine white sand beach, and romantic sunsets. No wonder it is in almost everyone’s travel bucket list.
The awesome thing is, even without flying to Greece, you can get a piece of it via this Santorini-inspired resort in Oslob, Southern Cebu — the ISSA’S HAVEN.
Photo by Ram MancelitaPhoto by Ram MancelitaPhoto by Ram MancelitaBeach is located just right across the resortBeach is located just right across the resort
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Issa’s Haven is only exclusive for checked-in guests. Meaning, they don’t allow day tours, day use or pool access to the public.
EXCLUSIVE USE:
Option 1: P20,000 per night for 15-25 pax with breakfast
Option 2: P25,000 per night for 26-35 pax with breakfast
OTHER INFORMATION
Walk-ins are discouraged. Make sure to book first before going to the resort.
Corkage: Only snacks / junkfood are allowed inside. Other food and drinks may be charged. Cooking is not allowed.
From the South Bus Terminal (near Emall), ride a Ceres bus going to Oslob. You may tell the bus to drop you off at Looc Elementary School. The resort is just located along the highway, around 2-3 minutes walk from Looc Elementary School. You may also navigate via Waze or Google Maps.
Being an employee is hard enough as it is, looking for employers who offer reasonable salaries is harder.
Now, if you’re looking for a job and don’t know what industry to go to. This information from Jobstreet itself might just help you decide.
Photo from Unsplash
Jobstreet has ranked the salaries in the Philippines by industry and job level according to their JobStreet Salary Report 2022.
The industries included are Communication Service, Consulting, Computer/IT, Insurance, Electrical/Electronics, Consumer Goods, Banking & Finance, Telecommunication, Hospitality and Manufacturing
Table from JobStreet
The table concludes that:
The top three industries that offers the highest entry-level pay are Telcos and IT industry with Telecommunication having the median entry-level salary at P20,000.
Lowest entry-level salary are on hospitality and manufacturing at P15,500; consumer goods at P15,000; and banking and finance at P14,600.
Consulting, Hospitality and Insurance overlap the industries list of top salary growth by industry and position level.
Communication service and Insurance topped the C level salary with P175,000.
This table was based on analyzing and comparing salaries between 2020 and 2021. All these salary data are extracted from salary requirements from JobStreet employer’s job advertisements.
Who says that lace is just for women? From what this new lace boxers can show, it fits men mighty good as well. Yes. Lace, those frilly, pretty things can be worn by your men on their boxer briefs just in time for the Valentines.
Photo from Wacoal Japan Store
A Japanese lingerie manufacturer, Wacoal, launches lace boxers for men after the initial product received stellar reviews and earned 3.27 million yen.
The lace underwear comes in seven different colors with the lace design having floral with a geometric motif and images of leaves.
Photo from Wacoal Japan Store
I know it may sound and look strange for men and women alike to see it at first but it’s a lot more comfortable than you think. Its molded front section is designed to hold you securely in place and makes the boxers comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The breathability of the lace also helps increase airflow.
Aside from its transparency and breathability, the material used in this undie is an original men’s lace which has more stretch and strength on the same level of strength as a pair of regular men’s boxer shorts.
Lace Boxer Information
Price: nearly $35 roughly P1,788 a pair on
Available in Amazon, Wacoal stockists, Wacoal online
Photo from Wacoal Japan Store
“The Lace Boxer enhances the beauty of the male body while its lightweight breathability provides the wearer with incredible comfort.”- Wacoal
It’s the modern age and everyone can wear whatever they want. The society isn’t that restricting anymore. The company Wacoal even further states the satin waistband on those lace boxers will turn heads when it peeks out from beneath men’s trousers.
Transformers? No, it’s Jollibee’s newest Toy Collection — the JolliBots!
Jollibee recently launched the JolliBots—a new collection of Jolly Kiddie Meal toys featuring Jollibee mascots in a robot-themed concept—in February, making playtime even more fun.
Photo by Khaila MariePhoto by Khaila Marie
Kids can now start collecting and playing with their favorite Jollibee mascots and have them transform into robots, for every purchase of a Kiddie Meal.
Here are the mascots with their transformations:
Jollibee as the Chicken Joy Bucket robot
Twirlie as the Chocolate Sundae Twirl robot cup
Yum as the Yumburger robot
Hetty as the Jolly Spaghetti robot box
Popo as the Jolly Crispy Fries box
Price List
The toys come with their own Jolly Joy Box and are available with every purchase of a:
Yumburger (₱82)
Yumburger Meal with Drink (₱102)
Jolly Spaghetti (₱97)
Jolly Spaghetti Meal with Drink (₱107)
1-pc. Burger Steak (₱97)
1-pc. Burger Steak Meal with Drink (₱114)
1-pc. Chickenjoy with Rice (₱129)
1-pc. Chickenjoy Meal with Drink (₱144)
Kids can also get their hands on the complete set by purchasing a 6-pc. Chickenjoy Bucket for only ₱624.
Enjoy everyday robot action with Jollibee’s newest JolliBots! Collect all five toys by visiting the Jollibee branch nearest you, or by having them delivered to your home through the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000 hotline, GrabFood, or foodpanda.
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 February 3, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 466 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 705 new recoveries, and 14 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases declined to 13,210 (from 13,409).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 52,048 (+186 new) – Total recoveries: 43,302 (+10 new) – Total deaths: 1,605 (+6 new) – Active cases: 7,141
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 16,504 (+69 new) – Total recoveries: 14,619 (+1 new) – Total deaths: 482 (+1 new) – Active cases: 1,403
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 14,957 (+57 new) – Total recoveries: 13,545 (+109 new) – Total deaths: 467 (+1 new) – Active cases: 945
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 44,278 (+154 new) – Total recoveries: 37,909 (+585 new) – Total deaths: 2,648 (+6 new) – Active cases: 3,721
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 13,210 (from 13,409)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 127,787 (+466 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 109,375 (+705 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,202 (+14 new)
A total of 2,407 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.
As we move forward and learn how to live with the virus, it is important to get fully vaccinated and take booster shots against the COVID-19 virus when able.
On February 2, 2022, the Department of Health Central Visayas in coordination with the Cebu City Government formally launched the “Resbakuna sa Botika” in Cebu City with two pharmacies in Cebu City starting the roll-out.
Priority groups A1, A4 and the rest of adult population (18-59 years old) can now register and avail COVID-19 booster shots.
Mercury Drug – Fuente Osmeña, Rotonda, Cebu City
Contact numbers: 0908 813 2912 / 032 255 4187
Rose Pharmacy – Square One Bldg., Gorordo Ave., cor Sanson Rd., Lahug, Cebu City
Contact numbers: 0908 898 0128 / 032 236 6200
NOTE: Please call the pharmacy first before heading to the pharmacies.
According to vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the national government aims to administer booster doses to at least 72 million Filipinos this year, as he gave the assurance that there are enough vaccine supplies in the country’s inventory.
The “Resbakuna sa Botika” Program was first rolled out in selected clinics and pharmacies in Metro Manila and later on included drugstores in Baguio City as part of the national government’s efforts to further expand the national vaccination program.
Other participating pharmacies also include Mercury Drug, The Generics Pharmacy, Generika Drugstore, and Southstar Drug, while participating private clinics include QualiMed and Healthway.
Meanwhile, the national government is scheduled to start the administration of COVID-19 vaccines to children aged 5 to 11 years on Friday, February 4. The vaccine czar stressed the urgent need to vaccinate children in order to protect the development of the future generation and secure their mental health.
Push that extra sweetness in your life as the sweetest combo is now here in Tisa, Cebu City.
Candies and Milktea are now being offered at the newly opened Lolli Milktea and Candy Store near the entrance to the South Hills of Tisa in Cebu City.
The term Lollies in Australia refers to sweets, candy, and confectionery which may be the inspiration behind its name.
Photo from LOLLI Milktea & Candy Facebook Page
This store is a perfect answer to those who are planning something special for the valentines. Giving something delicious and sweet as a valentine’s gift just got easier and accessible indeed.
Photo from LOLLI Milktea & Candy Facebook Page
In Lolli, you’ll find all sorts and types of candies. It’s a literal candy land for all those sweet-toothed friends. Colorful sweet and sour candies in jars and plastic tubs are all lined up for you to choose from.
Candy collection:
Gummy Sweet Banana, starfish, caterpillar, dolphin, etc.
Gummy bears
Candy beans
Photo from LOLLI Milktea & Candy Facebook Page
The fragrant Taiwan milk tea is also something that you cannot miss when visiting the store. With Taiwan having the best milk tea concoctions, it will definitely taste phenomenal.
Awaken your spirit and improve your day with this bit of sugar rush to your body.
Photo from LOLLI Milktea & Candy Facebook Page
Other Information:
Opening hours: 9AM to 7PM on Mondays to Saturdays; until 9pm on Sundays
