Cebu is moving forward and is embracing the new normal.
Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia officially announced that the Province of Cebu will resume full seating capacity in public transportation beginning today, March 1.
Cebu IT Park | Photo from Unsplash
Gov. Garcia said that the continuous decline in COVID-19 cases prompted for looser rules. She also mentioned that now that the economy is progressively returning, more PUVs are needed on the road.
Apart from scrapping the seating capacity, the governor will now allow air-conditioned buses to return to the road. The use of air purifiers by drivers and conductors will be optional, but wearing of face masks would still continue.
Photo from Unsplash
Passengers with Covid-19 symptoms are still not permitted to board inside public transportation and are encouraged to just stay at home and self-isolate.
Read the full Executive Order here:
The entire island of Cebu shifted to a more relaxed Alert Level 2 last February 16, 2022 and remains under Alert Level 2 until March 15, 2022.
Kawasan Falls is not the only trekking hotspot in Cebu. Aguinid Falls in Samboan also offer 8 levels of various challenges to the waterfall-trekkers and adventure-seekers of Cebu.
Aguinid Falls is one of the more popular waterfalls in the island just a few ranks below the famous Kawasan Falls. For all those who fancy an exciting outdoor adventure in the midst of nature, they will fall in love with the pristine natural surroundings of Aguinid and its lovely rock formations. One of the most unique traits of Aguinid Falls is its light green color which is caused by the calcium-rich body of Tangbo River.
Photo by @wanderfulcebuana_
Photo by Jun Rey Alcala
Concealed in the thick of trees and other flora, Aguinid Falls surrounds itself with the peace and tranquility of nature which complement its breathtaking rock formation that creates levels of water cascading from the highest level into the water basin below.
The excitement and adventure that Aguinid Falls brings is perfectly balanced with the serene backgrounds which gives visitors to the falls two ways to experience nature in Samboan. Even before reaching the waterfalls, the trek going to it is already filled with a lot of adventure as it involves a lot of jumping, climbing ropes, and navigating through knee-deep waters.
Photo by Mika Caram / @mikheylafox
Photo by I Am Stanz
Photo by Ronex D Bonex
Photo by Maciej Dżendżera
It takes a couple of hours to fully enjoy and make the most out of your time in the waterfalls. Visitors will be excited to find out that all those hours will be spent getting wet by the streams of water falling from the higher levels.
Not all levels are open to everybody and most are only allowed up to the 5th or 6th levels, depending on the skill of the guides. The upper three levels are reserved for professional canyoneering teams but the experience in the other levels is already enough to make Aguinid Falls an unforgettable destination.
Photo by Kate Micah Solamo
Photo by Mika Caram / @mikheylafox
Photo by Julius Karlo Montesclaros
Photo by Mika Caram / @mikheylafox
Aguinid Falls is definitely a refreshing way to let some sweat out as well as enjoy a close-up tour of nature through the waterfalls.
RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION
FEES
Entrance Fee: P300 (Inclusive of safety equipment and 2 tour guides)
NOTE: The trek to the falls will get you wet. Remember to bring any waterproof bags if you’re not comfortable leaving your things at the entrance. You can also bring your own waterproof shoes.
Find your way to Cebu South Bus Terminal. From there, ride a bus bound for Samboan/Bato via Barili and remind the driver to drop you off at Aguinid Falls in Brgy. Tangbo. Look for a signage at a nearby basketball court or ask the locals for directions. From here, you can hire a habal-habal driver to take you to the registration area of Aguinid Falls. There is also a parking space for private vehicles at the registration area.
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 February 28, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 31 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 309 new recoveries, and 2 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases declined to 1,554 (from 1,831).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 53,426 (+10 new) – Total recoveries: 51,050 (+41 new) – Total deaths: 1,664 (+1 new) – Active cases: 712
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 16,971 (+3 new) – Total recoveries: 16,401 (+55 new) – Total deaths: 503 (+1 new) – Active cases: 67
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 15,340 (+3 new) – Total recoveries: 14,740 (+43 new) – Total deaths: 487 (+0 new) – Active cases: 113
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 45,913 (+15 new) – Total recoveries: 42,492 (+170 new) – Total deaths: 2,759 (+0 new) – Active cases: 662
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,554 (from 1,831)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 131,650 (+31 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 124,683 (+309 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,413 (+2 new)
A total of 754 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.
Cebu’s industry hub, Mandaue City, is getting a splash. Prepare yourself to get wet and get challenged. Every fun ride and extreme activity is being prepared for you as it re-opens on March 5, 2022.
The Waterworld Cebu with its 3-hectare complex puts the busy city at the center of tourism as it is the biggest water park in Central Visayas. It officially opened last December 14, 2019 but got temporarily closed due to COVID-19 restrictions and the recent typhoon that hit Cebu in December 2021.
This is the first and biggest venture outside of Iloilo of the Eon Group of Companies, an Iloilo-based real estate, hotel, and food manufacturing sector operator.
Resort Features & Amenities
1. 10 Amazing Extreme Slides
The water park’s main attractions are its extreme slides with 7 different types, including:
Tornado Water slide
(2) 15-meter high Mat Racer
(2) 18-meter high Speed Shooter
Space Hole
40-meter Loop Slide
Family Camel Slide
Family Rapid Slide
Dare Drop Vertical Slide
Actual photo of WaterWorld Cebu Actual photo of WaterWorld Cebu Actual photo of WaterWorld Cebu Actual photo of WaterWorld Cebu Actual photo of WaterWorld Cebu
2. Giant Wave Pool
There is no little or small about this place. An example of that is their 1,500-square-meter wave pool with 1.5-meter-high waves that can accommodate 1,000 people in one time.
3. Waterhouse
This is perfect for the kids, with 9 Kiddie Slides and Giant Buckets!
4. River Rapids
Swim all day with WaterWorld’s 400-meter long Lazy River.
5. Food Outlets
Food World
Barbecue Bay
Tiki Island Bar
Snack Shack
*All food outlets are on a “pay as you order basis” with your loaded wristband
Food Menu:
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PROPER SWIMMING ATTIRE
Wearing of proper swimwear is strictly imposed when engaging in all water rides and pool activities.
• ALLOWED:
1. Board Shorts 2. Swimsuits 3. Bikinis 4. Rash guards 5. Full body Swimsuits 6. Swimming Diapers 7. Goggles
• NOT ALLOWED:
1. Regular Diapers 2. Undergarments 3. Jeans 4. Jackets 5. Halter Dress 6. Denim Shorts and Boxer Shorts 7. Long Skirts 8. Garments with Sequins and Beads 9. Knitted, Lace and Cotton Fabrics 10. Jewelry
Rates & Other Information
Updated as of March 2022. WaterWorld Cebu officially reopens on March 5, 2022.
Operating hours:
Wednesdays to Sundays: 9AM to 5PM
Rates:
Entrance fee:
₱350 per head (weekdays) for both kids & adults
₱400 per head (weekends & holidays) for both kids & adults
Kids 3 feet below are FREE OF CHARGE.
Table rentals: ₱400 per day, good for 8pax
Locker rentals: ₱100 per locker (same group may share one locker)
Aqua Suites: ₱2,500 (Day Use only)
Air-condition function rooms are also available for rent.
Corkage fees
₱100 – minimum corkage fee for first 3kgs of food
₱50 – per kilo in excess of the 3kgs
₱500- whole lechon
Birthday cakes are FREE!
Where to buy the tickets?
You can only avail the tickets onsite or at the ticket counter of WaterWorld Cebu in Mandaue City.
When Cebu was placed under the more relaxed community quarantine, many tourist attractions have gradually re-opened. There were even a couple of new attractions that opened during this time. This includes a popular stopover in Cabadiangan, Liloan — the Purok Dragon Farm.
For only 20 Pesos as an entrance fee, you get an all-day access to the vast farm full of dragon fruits. And if you’re in luck, you can also witness the farmers harvesting this healthy fruit.
Photo by Maw MendozaPhoto by Maw MendozaPhoto by Maw MendozaPhoto by Maw Mendoza
Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit known for its vibrant red skin and sweet, seed-speckled pulp. It has several health benefits, including:
Low calorie, high in nutrients
Antioxidant, preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis
Boost immune system
Boost low iron levels
Mhy J’s Refreshment and Dragon Fruit Farm offers a wide variety of food and drinks selections to make your visit worthwhile.
For those who are interested to visit, make sure to observe social distancing and wear your masks at all times. If you’re not feeling well, it’s best to just stay at home.
Exact location: Purok Dragon Fruit, Barangay Cabadiangan, Liloan, Cebu — approx. 1 hour away from the city and 15 minutes away from the Liloan Public Market.
BY BUS: From Cebu City, ride a bus or any PUV going to Liloan Public Market. Drop off near Mercury Drug where you can get a habal-habal ride. Fare is ₱20 per head.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Purok Dragon Fruit Farm” in Liloan. Parking space is available.
With its massive success and growth, Riot Games will finally open new offices in Asia Pacific Region.
Photo from Riot Games
One of the world’s biggest developers, Riot Games announced on February 24 that it will expand its business to the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. With Riot already having offices in Singapore and Japan, the additional branches will complete their list in the Asia Pacific Region.
The newly appointed as their new managing director for APAC is Alex Kraynov, Riot Games’ former managing director of emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, India, Latin America, Brazil, Middle East, North Africa, and Japan.
The Name of the Blade | Photo from Riot Games
The reorganization will also see a diversification of Riot’s operating model alongside its other business pillars of games, entertainment, esports, and enterprises. Though with publishing is in the most important position. Along with these, Riot Games will increase its efforts in publishing in the region.
Riot Games is an American game developer, esports organizer, and publisher that is widely popular for its games such as League of Legends and VALORANT. They are also popular in terms of producing tons of music that topped the charts. Recently, Arcane, a film they produced, gained a huge amount of global attention to non-gamers.
After two years, the regional food terminal will finally come to fruition.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Central Visayas entered into an agreement in 2020 with the Cebu City Government to build a PHP14-million regional food terminal. On February 22, 2022, two days before Cebu City Charter Day, the city government finally broke ground on the project.
Not an actual photo | Photo from Unsplash
The proposed Central Visayas Regional Food Terminal located at South Road Properties (SRP) is a strategic location as the city currently has no landing area of fresh produce like the Carbon Market.
The food terminal will serve as a central storage and warehousing facility and as a trading center where small farmers and fishermen can directly sell their produce to food processors, institutional buyers, traders, and market vendors. This will basically cut the “middleman system” and will enable the farmers to earn more.
Photo by Mary Mayol
The DA will offer the PHP14 million grant, while the city government will provide the lot area. Two food terminals will be built in the north and the south.
According to the local government, the regional food terminal is the long-term solution to food security in the face of food disasters like the pandemic and Typhoon Odette.
The Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) made an order on February 22 with PZL Mielec, a Polish Lockheed Martin affiliate, for 32 more Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk multifunctional helicopters for use by the Philippine Air Force.
Photo from Philippine Air Force
The aircraft will be used by the Philippine Air Force’s 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing for a variety of missions, including search and rescue, disaster relief, and troop transportation. Some of these units have also been utilized to transport Covid-19 vaccines in geographically isolated areas.
This recent order is said to be the PZL Mielec’s largest single order of Black Hawk helicopters since the S-70i was introduced in 2009. In December 2021, the Philippines also ordered 16 Black Hawk helicopters to the Philippine Air Force.
Photo from Polish MoD
Black Hawk features:
Fully integrated digital cockpit with four-axis coupled flight director
Colour weather radar
Integrated vehicle health monitoring system (IVHMS)
Cabin troop seats
4,082kg cargo hook
Photo from Emerging Philippines
The delivery of all 32 aircraft is slated to be completed by 2026.
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 February 27, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 57 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 3 new recoveries, and 0 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases jumped to 1,831 (from 1,775).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 53,416 (+14 new) – Total recoveries: 51,010 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 1,663 (+0 new) – Active cases: 743
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 16,968 (+3 new) – Total recoveries: 16,347 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 502 (+0 new) – Active cases: 119
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 15,337 (+5 new) – Total recoveries: 14,697 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 487 (+0 new) – Active cases: 153
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 45,898 (+35 new) – Total recoveries: 42,323 (+3 new) – Total deaths: 2,759 (+0 new) – Active cases: 816
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,831 (from 1,775)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 131,619 (+57 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 124,377 (+3 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,411 (+0 new)
A total of 1,077 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.
The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) approved on Sunday the new community quarantine classifications of areas in the Philippines from March 1 to 15, 2022.
Areas under Alert Level 1
National Capital Region
Cordillera Administrative Region: Abra, Apayao, Baguio City and Kalinga
Region 1: Dagupan City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan
Region 2: Batanes, Cagayan, City of Santiago, Isabela, and Quirino
Region 3: Angeles City, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Olongapo City, Pampanga, and Tarla
Region 4-A: Cavite and Laguna
Region 4-B: Marinduque, Puerto Princesa City, and Romblon
Region 5: Naga City and Catanduanes
Region 6: Aklan, Bacolod City, Capiz, and Guimaras
Region 7: Siquijor
Region 8: Biliran
Region 9: Zamboanga City
Region 10: Cagayan de Oro City and Camiguin
Region 11: Davao City
Under Alert Level 1, most restrictions are lifted and the following are now allowed:
Movement of persons regardless of age (with restrictions on crowded and closed spaces and close contact settings)
Full capacity in private establishments and government agencies
Full capacity in public transportation
Moreover, the minimum health protocols such as wearing of face masks and observing social distancing shall still be strictly observed.
Areas under Alert Level 2
Luzon: Cordillera Administrative Region: Benguet, Ifugao, and Mountain Province
Region 2: Nueva Vizcaya
Region 3: Nueva Ecija and Zambales
Region 4-A: Batangas, Lucena City, Quezon, and Rizal
Region 4-B: Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, and Palawan
Region 5: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate, and Sorsogon
Region 6: Antique, Iloilo City, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental
Region 7: Bohol, Cebu Province, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Negros Oriental
Region 8: Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Ormoc City, Southern Leyte, Tacloban City, and Western Samar
Region 9: City of Isabela, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga Sibugay
Region 10: Bukidnon, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental
Region 11: Davao De Oro, Davao Del Sur, Davao Del Norte, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental
Region 12: General Santos City, North Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat
Region 13: (Caraga(sad) Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Butuan City, and Dinagat Islands
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao: Basilan, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato City, and Lanao Del Sur.
On February 24, Cebu City signed a new Executive Order ‘Oplan Kagawasan’ that eases almost all restrictions and just maintains the minimum public health standards like wearing of face masks and observing social distancing. This new order lifts the curfew (except for minors) and now allows kids and unvaccinated individuals in public and private establishments.
Mandaue City and Cebu Province also lifted the curfew hours city- and province-wide. Lapu-Lapu City is the lone city on the island of Cebu that has not yet lifted the curfew hours.
Starting on March 1, the Cebu Province will also allow public utility vehicles (PUVs) to operate at full capacity.
