Cebu surely is booming and, on its way, to be the most livable city as the proposed ordinance on free public internet access in all barangays of Cebu City have been passed.
Barangay Internet Access Points Ordinance
Free wifi for all of 80 Barangays here in the city will definitely change things around here. Cebu City Councilor Eduardo Rama Jr., the author of the ordinance, recently shared that the concept for the Community FREE WIFI (Libreng Barangay internet access points) is in section 3 of the ordinance stating to:
Promote easy access to information and services relevant to the delivery of public services through the use of wireless internet;
Facilitate for the mediums of learning and information technology through cost-efficient use of wireless internet;
Facilitates competitiveness through information and communication technology among Barangays;
Councilor Rama hopes that through this, effective public service will be improved and also as an education capital, help the student’s internet needs in the city.
The Management Information and Computer Services (MICS) Department will supervise its implementation while the barangay captain under the supervision of the Office of the Mayor have direct control over the barangay internet access.
The funding for the program should at least be P8 million per year as Maintaining and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), subject to the approval of the City Council.
Section 7 in the Ordinance:
“All constituents in the Barangay shall be allowed to access free wireless internet connection in the Barangay Internet Access Points which are subject to rules and regulations established by the said Barangay.”
Note: All barangays are prohibited from collecting fees directly or indirectly related to the access of wireless internet services in the barangay access points.
WIFI Map: Access Points per Barangays
As stated in the ordinance, these access points shall be near a barangay hall or public school whichever is deemed strategically located. Here are the confirmed access points in the 15 Barangays in Cebu.
Brgy. San Nicolas
Beside Junreb Store
Beside Mama Gonz Tindahan
BUP Covered Court
Brgy. Calamba
A. Lopez St. JBCarasco Pharmacy
Brgy. Cogon Pardo
Cogon Pardo Brgy. Hall
Brgy. Duljo Fatima
Spolarium St. Niño Chapel
Brgy. Inayawan
L. Gabuya St. beside Yan-Yan Agrivet
Brgy. Mambaling
Sitio Tinabangay
Brgy. Pasil
F. Flories St.- F. Rallos St.
L. Abellar St. beside Pasil Elementary School
Brgy. Punta Princesa
WY Enterprises
Brgy. Tisa
Way Tugpahay Siomai sa Tisa
Beside Farmacia Dozen & Gen. Merchandise
Brgy. San Nicolas Proper
Tres De Abril St.
Brgy. Sawang Calero
R. Magsaysay St. near Sawang Calero Elementary School
Play the Squid Game without actually Dying in New App.
The South Korean series from Netflix, Squid Game, has really been in everyone’s mind as of late, and it is no surprise. The series consists of nine episodes and all of them are riveting and exciting. The overall story is good, but the main attraction of this show is its premise.
Photo from Netflix Facebook Page
See, in the story, each character participates in a series of games of life and death to win a large jackpot prize. Of course, all of us would not want to join a game where life and death is involved, but we all can play the games right in our phone using an app called “Squid Game Challenge”.
The app is available for free in both Android and Apple through the Google Play Store and App Store respectively. Made and developed by Supercent, you can play all six levels shown in the series, namely: Red Light, Green Light; Sugar Honeycombs; Tug-of-War; Marbles; Glass Stepping Stones; and The Squid Game.
Red Light, Green Light
Those who do not move when the light becomes green and halt when the light becomes red are shot and murdered by the guards in charge of the area. Additionally, anyone who attempt to escape the game will be shot and killed.
Photo from apklust.com
Photo from netflix.com
Sugar Honeycombs
The players are challenged to remove the shape pressed into the candy without breaking it. If it breaks, the player is killed. This is incredibly difficult as the candy is very fragile and can be broken easily.
Photo from techbigs.com
Photo from netflix.com
Tug of War
The players are separated into two groups. Each group is given one end of a long piece of rope that they must not drop. If they succeed in overpowering their opponents and tug the rope to their side, their opponents fall and die.
Photo from techbigs.com
Photo from netflix.com
Marbles
Each player is given 10 marbles and is divided into two teams. You can play any game you like as long as it isn’t violent, but the player who has all 20 marbles at the conclusion of the game wins.
Photo from techbigs.com
Photo from amazfeed.com
Glass Stepping Stones
Players must make their way across a ‘bridge’ hung high in the area, which is held in a large space. The bridge is constructed up of two glass panels: one made of regular glass that can support the weight of two players, and one made of tempered glass that will shatter and break when jumped on, causing their player to fall to their death.
Photo from techbigs.com
Photo from netflix.com
Squid Game
A huge geometric structure is drawn on a vast open space (be it on a field or in sand) to divide the attacking and defensive teams. The attackers’ aim is to cross the field’s center before attempting to reach the “home” square, which is marked on the other side of the field. Attackers are supposed to do this by simply jumping to make things more difficult.
If you have not watched the series yet but you want to play this, don’t worry; there are instructions in the app. Just follow them and you are good to go. The goal is to stay alive until you finish all the games. Of course, you can expect ads populating your screen from time to time since it is a free game.
Villa Isabella Beach Resort, located in Samboan, offers a one-of-a-kind experience of seaside dining. Diners and guests are given a full view of the sleepy waters of Tañon Strait with warm sun and the pleasant salty sea breeze.
Located right by the water in the coast of Samboan, the resort is a perfect place to enjoy brunch or early dinner in the cozy beach atmosphere.
Photo from Villa Isabella Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Villa Isabella Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Villa Isabella Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Samboan Tourism Facebook Page
Photo from Samboan Tourism Facebook Page
Photo from Samboan Tourism Facebook Page
Photo from Samboan Tourism Facebook Page
Photo from Samboan Tourism Facebook Page
Imagine eating a hearty meal with steamy rice and your favorite side dishes, coupled with a fresh and fruity drink while being surrounded by the song of waves washing into the shore. At the same time a gentle breeze caresses you, carrying the sounds of the rustling leaves of the tropical forest. Now, that makes a meal to remember!
Villa Isabella comes ready to please the palate with a roster of Filipino favorites and an array of tasty refreshments. Their own brewery also serves up a variety of milkteas, fruity frappes, and juices.
Photo from Villa Isabella Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Villa Isabella Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Villa Isabella Beach Resort Facebook Page
Given that the resort is on the coast, it has a private stretch of beach. Granted, it’s not made of sparkling white sand, it’s still a scenic stony beach full of round pebbles polished and smoothened by the sea before ending up on land. What could be more poetic?
And should you wish to explore the waters, paddle and motor boat rentals are available. You’ll be surprised to find that the water is crystal-clear with plenty of aquatic life hiding beneath the waves.
Finally, if you plan on staying past dinner and you’d like to wake up to the waves – and trust us, you’d want to, Villa Isabella Beach Resort also offers private accommodation that’s cozy and affordable.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Menu:
Photo from Villa Isabella Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Villa Isabella Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Villa Isabella Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Villa Isabella Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Villa Isabella Beach Resort Facebook Page
Room rates:
Overnight rates start at ₱1,200 for single/double rooms and ₱1,500 for family rooms.
Exact location: Barangay Ponong, Samboan, Cebu – 3 to 4 hours from Cebu City.
BY BUS: Starting at Cebu South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Bato via Barili. Ask the driver to drop you off at Samboan Medical Clinic and Laboratory. From here it’s a short walk to the resort, and you can ask the locals for directions.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Villa Isabella Samboan” in Samboan, Cebu. Parking space is available.
On Thursday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of October 14, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 83 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 144 new recoveries, and 17 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 102,887, while the active cases increased to 2,616 (from 2,688).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 40,811 (+35 new) – Total recoveries: 38,484 (+45 new) – Total deaths: 1,442 (+2 new) – Active cases: 885
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 13,518 (+11 new) – Total recoveries: 12,812 (+7 new) – Total deaths: 428 (+0 new) – Active cases: 278
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 12,051 (+4 new) – Total recoveries: 11,392 (+15 new) – Total deaths: 412 (+1 new) – Active cases: 247
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 36,507 (+33 new) – Total recoveries: 32,959 (+77 new) – Total deaths: 2,342 (+14 new) – Active cases: 1,206
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 2,616 (from 3,580)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 102,887 (+83 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 95,647 (+144 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 4,624 (+17 new*)
A total of 2,976 laboratory results were released for today.
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.
Youtube, one of the biggest social media platforms and source of information in the world, have announced in a blog that all content that spreads misinformation about vaccine including false claims about Covid-19 shots will be removed from their platform.
“Today, we’re expanding our medical misinformation policies on YouTube with new guidelines on currently administered vaccines that are approved and confirmed to be safe and effective by local health authorities and the WHO.”– Youtube
During the pandemic, having no filters to the content being shared to the world, the spread of misinformation was largely caused by social media platforms. US President Joe Biden believing this appealed to them to address the issue.
Photo from unsplash.com
Content that will be removed:
Content that falsely alleges that approved vaccines are dangerous and cause chronic health effects
Videos claiming that vaccines do not reduce transmission or contraction of disease
Any content that includes misinformation on the chemical substances that makes up vaccines
All false claims saying approved vaccines cause autism, cancer or infertility, or that
Content claims that vaccines have/are trackers
Members of the “Disinformation Dozen” – influencers deemed responsible for propagating such misinformation (incl. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Sherri Tenpenny, and Joseph Mercola)
The update of these policies for vaccine misinformation were done with the help of local and international health organizations and experts.
Photo from unsplash.com
Policy Highlights:
The termination of accounts of anti-vaccine influencers.
Policies apply to specific routine immunizations (like for measles or Hepatitis B) and general statements about vaccines
Were they really banned?
YouTube, owned by Google, said 130,000 banned contents were removed from its platform but at least 50 videos from prominent anti-vaxxers remain on the site.
According to an investigation, these 50 videos is of those banned influencers and has already garnered 4.9 million views in total and even contains ads. Many are saying that the platform may be struggling to ban vaccine-related misinformation but if this were true, it is still profiting off such content.
Whatever it is, we can just hope that the spread of misinformation will be totally managed and eventually stopped.
Is it a Dalek from Doctor Who? Is it R2D2 from Star Wars? Is it an android version of RoboCop? Is it Wall-E itself? These are just the questions citizens of the southern part of Los Angeles, California in Huntington Park when an unusual device was seen patrolling in its neighborhood area recently.
Officially named as HP RoboCop, the patrolling robot was officially launched in June 2019 by the Huntington Park Police Force in California. The robot, which costs around $75,000 to make, is one of the prototypes in launching robots that can patrol area for any unusual activity.
Photo from businessinsider.com
Mini-rocket Robot
Resembling robots popularized in movies such as R2D2, HP RoboCop, is shaped like a mini-rocket, with wheels that allow it to hover in flat surfaces. The device is also marked with logos and the name of the Huntington Park Police Force.
Equipped with a 360-degree camera, the robot ensures that operators have a wide view of the area it is patrolling, which is transmitted real-time via satellite to the Huntington Police headquarters. HP RoboCop, though technically a part of the police force, does not have any weapons.
Photo from nbcnews.com
According to the inventors, they made sure that a “thick line” is drawn with regards to that issue as they had in mind that the robot will only be used for surveillance and emergency alert purposes only.
What it has though is that citizens can press a designated “button” located at the head of the robot, which signals the police headquarters of an emergency or a situation that requires an actual human police officer. The robot provides the coordinates of its location which is then used as a guide by the responding police officers.
Fewer crimes reported
Since the robot was launched, the police reports that 50% fewer crimes were reported in the area. This is a significant decrease in reports as the area was known for gang troubles and vandalization. More than that, the robot patrol was attributed to a 30% in arrests.
So far, reviews about the robot have been divided, with some praising the police force’s “omnipresence” as aided by the bot while some are worried that the robot might be used to survey and invade the citizens’ privacy. Some also went on to comment that it would’ve been better to allocate the budget used to build the robot to other governmental projects such as providing relief to the low-income.
The City of Naga is on its way to developing better and greener public spaces with the new Pasilong sa Naga public park. This park will be a city garden that will provide a place for people of all ages and status to gather, regardless of their ability to pay for access.
“This park shall be a place for health and well-being accessible by all. With this park, we want to erase the misconception of people that [the] government is not capable of providing a facility such as this, because through partnership, it can be done. I am so thankful [to] Mr. Kenneth Cobonpue for his dedication and commitment in crafting the park design,” Mayor Chiong said.
Photo from RicmerJ38 Photography Facebook Page
Photo from RicmerJ38 Photography Facebook Page
Photo from RicmerJ38 Photography Facebook Page
Photo from RicmerJ38 Photography Facebook Page
Photo from Justin Carl Cruz(JC) Facebook Post
Photo from Justin Carl Cruz(JC) Facebook Post
Photo from Justin Carl Cruz(JC) Facebook Post
Photo from Justin Carl Cruz(JC) Facebook Post
Photo from Instagram Account of maehanny
Photo from Instagram Account of fretzades
A NEED FOR OPEN SPACES
Pasilong sa Naga is a P10.5-million park development project that was conceptualized and initiated by the City Government to address the need for more open spaces in the city. According to the mayor, this park will be a tangible reflection of the quality of life that she aspires for the Cebuano people.
In her interview with SunStar Cebu, she mentioned that the project was conceptualized after the city applied for financial support from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the creation of new parks and open spaces.
Photo from Instagram account of France Ian Sinajon @frnsjn (Aerial Aesthetics FB Page)
Photo from Instagram account of France Ian Sinajon @frnsjn (Aerial Aesthetics FB Page)
Photo from Instagram Account of dawnieldiv
Photo from Instagram Account of dawnieldiv
Photo from Instagram Account of dawnieldiv
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who was a guest during the city’s 11th Charter, mentioned expectations of the park attracting local and foreign tourists to the southern parts of Cebu City. “It will be a model for sustainable tourism. I’m sure everybody would love to see the design of Kenneth Cobonpue,” exclaimed Puyat.
DESIGNED BY KENNETH COBONPUE
Pasilong sa Naga is a partnership project with world-renowned Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue. According to him, this is his first time to design a park for the local government.
Aside from Pasilong sa Naga, Cobonpue is also assisting the City of Naga in designing the second phase of the Naga Boardwalk.
Photo from Instagram Account of wynsterdedomo1
“Pasilong sa Naga, which literally means “to find shade in Naga”, is a park I designed for the city of Naga, south of Cebu. The design is made up of interlocking rings that represent circles of life, nature’s way of taking and giving back to the earth. The rings vary in scale and turn into winding paths, elevated walkways, fountains, benches and rest areas as they loop around the park,”
– Kenneth Cobonpue said on a Facebook post.
Photo from Instagram account of France Ian Sinajon @frnsjn (Aerial Aesthetics FB Page)
Photo from Instagram account of France Ian Sinajon @frnsjn (Aerial Aesthetics FB Page)
Photo from Instagram account of France Ian Sinajon @frnsjn (Aerial Aesthetics FB Page)
As mentioned, the park will have a design that will feature a series of interlocking rings that will function as walkways that spiral into trees all around the park.
Cobonpue said that the interlocking rings will also represent the unity of Cebu’s politics and culture. In between the rings will be a fountain that park goers will enjoy. The park will also be dotted with ring benches under the shade of trees that will provide respite from the heat of the sun.
Since the project is aiming for a green space, Cobonpue says that no existing trees will be sacrificed during the development. “In fact, we need to add more trees,” he even said.
Now open to the public
The development of Pasilong sa Naga will hopefully become a ripple and start a wave of development projects that focus on green and open spaces that can be accessed by Cebuanos and visitors of the City in the future.
Pasilong Sa Naga is now open to the public with no entrance fee.
Aside from Pasilong, the two other attractions unveiled by the City were Museo Naga and the newly-renovated St. Francis de Assisi Community Stage.
How to get there?
Exact location: Just along the main highway of Naga City across the century-old baroque church of St. Francis of Assisi.
Naga City is 1-1.5 hour away down south from Cebu City. But may take up to 1.5 to 2 hours trip during rush hours. So if you plan to get there at night, might as well bring with you your extra patience and some food.
For commuters, you have two options:
From Colon Street, ride a jeepney with routes 09C/F, or 10F/H and drop off at Jollibee Bulacao or Pardo Church (P8 fare). From there, take another jeepney with route 44 to reach to Naga Plaza (P15 fare). There are also some 44 jeepneys from/near CIT University in N. Bacalso.
From South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Bato-Oslob or Carcar. Tell the conductor that you will be hopping off at the Naga Church, which is right along the National Highway.
If you’re bring your own car, just navigate via Waze or Google Maps and search for “Naga Plaza”. Naga City is in between Minglanilla (from Cebu City) and San Fernando (from Southern Cebu).
The world is noisy enough as it is so there’s really no need for you to add more to it.
Luckily for Manila, vehicles and motorcycles with loud or modified exhausts beware are now illegal. Yes, an ‘Anti-Muffler’ ordinance was signed into Law banning noisy exhausts forever and can I just wish for this to happen in Cebu too?
There are just too many of these over-the-top noises we here in the roads of Cebu and this ordinance is giving us hope that this will be implemented nationwide.
Photo from unsplash.com by Iwona Castiello d’Antonio
Ordinance No. 8722: Motor Vehicles Modified Muffler Noise Regulation Ordinance
This ordinance seeks to regulate the use of modified muffler/exhaust pipes and similar devices on all types of vehicles.
It doesn’t matter if its public or private, all motor vehicles, are prohibited to have modified/loud exhausts that emit and produce noise levels beyond the national standard of 99 decibels (dB).
Just imagine that this sound is higher than a food blender at 88dB and lower than an auto horn at 1 meter with 110dB.
Photo from sandgateautoelectrics.com.au
In case of violation:
Violators driver’s licenses are confiscated by the deputized enforcement officers
You will be issued a five-day temporary permit
Settle the fines.
Penalties:
First offense – P1,000 (removal of vehicle’s modified muffler or exhaust pipe)
second offense – P3,000 (removal of vehicle’s modified muffler or exhaust pipe)
third offense – P5,000 (removal of vehicle’s modified muffler or exhaust pipe)
Pass a second noise-level test with the vehicle in question
License will be returned
In case of failure during second noise-level test, the vehicle will undergo necessary repairs overseen by the city government with repair costs shouldered by the violator.
Ordinance exemptions:
vehicles designed for car shows, use in racing/motorsport competitions, motor shows
motorcycles with engines over 400cc and above
Noise pollution is a serious problem here in the Philippines and a very neglected one too. Hopefully this will be the start of better awareness to this problem.
On Wednesday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of October 13, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 71 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 679 new recoveries, and 30 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 102,804, while the active cases increased to 2,688 (from 3,321).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 40,776 (+22 new) – Total recoveries: 38,440 (+35 new) – Total deaths: 1,441 (+2 new) – Active cases: 895
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 13,507 (+11 new) – Total recoveries: 12,805 (+517 new) – Total deaths: 428 (+17 new) – Active cases: 274
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 12,047 (+11 new) – Total recoveries: 11,378 (+46 new) – Total deaths: 411 (+9 new) – Active cases: 258
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 36,474 (+27 new) – Total recoveries: 32,884 (+81 new) – Total deaths: 2,329 (+2 new) – Active cases: 1,261
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 2,688 (from 3,580)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 102,804 (+71 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 95,507 (+679 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 4,609 (+30 new*)
A total of 2,773 laboratory results were released for today.
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.
On his 74th Marathon, renowned ophthalmologist, Dr. Potenciano “Yong” S.D. Larrazabal finishes on sub4 active time the biggest virtual marathon in the world as recorded by Guinness World Record with over 50,000 runners all over the world – the Virgin Money London Marathon 2021.
Photo from sugbo file
The New Marathon Landscape
When the pandemic hit the world in 2020, the marathon scene also adapted to the changes brought by the health safety risks and other limitations. However, like a marathon freak, this did not hinder Larrazabal finish the 42Kilometer race that made him accomplish 5 Virtual Marathons so far – on top of the 69 actual marathons he already completed before the pandemic.
“I have done 69 actual marathons and five virtual marathons already. And despite the limitations, this is so far the best way to keep me active and healthy. Although I am still hoping those actual races will return soon, these virtual marathons keep me on track of beating my records,” Larrazabal said.
Photo from sugbo file
In the recently concluded London Marathon 2021, where Larrazabal finished at 3 hours and 57 minutes, the race is in sync through a mobile app. When runners pressed start, the official time begins. Tracked by GPS, connectivity is critical in the duration of the race.
While on his earphones, Larrazabal describes that while running, he listened to 3 commentators, including the former marathon champion Paula Radcliffe. He further narrated that in the length of the marathon, he can also hear cheers from a virtual crowd, and commentators will mention the landmarks in London you may have passed by should it be held physically. There were also event trivia and feedback he can hear while running inside their subdivision starting at 5:30 PM last Sunday, October 3, 2021.
“Good thing I wrapped my phone with plastic case and wore my ASICS Meta Speed Sky that kept my legs fresh and comfortable even when wet because, in the middle of my run, the rain poured hard that night,” Larrazabal added.
Photo from sugbo file
Photo from sugbo file
Nation’s Pride
While many would remember 2020 as a year that COVID19 conquered the world, it is the same year when Larrazabal brought national pride when he conquered the World Marathon Challenge by finishing 7 Marathons in 7 Continents in 7 Days. It led him also to become the first Filipino to be a member of the elusive 8 Continents Marathon Club. Since then, he has already received numerous accolades and plaudits from different government and non-government organizations in the country. But the journey continues for Larrazabal as he will continue to race and promote the sports.
“For me, running every marathon I join is just the icing of the cake. The actual cake is my training – it keeps me fit and healthy. It is the safest sport anyone can start doing. So I hope that with everything I do, people, especially the youth and working professionals like me, will start running again and remain healthy,” Larrazabal added.
Photo from sugbo file
With this another feat of Larrazabal, he proved that he is his toughest competition. And by doing so, he hopes to inspire many to consider doing the sports he is passionate about, especially now when people need aid to keep themselves physically and mentally healthy.
“As I said before, running makes me focus. It did not just develop my stamina but also my courage – to face all the challenges thrown at me. Running changed my perspective in life; it might do the same to you too. So let us keep running,” Larrazabal concluded.
