We’ve seen a lot of posts saying there’s not much coverage from the national news about Cebu and other VisMin areas after the ravaging of Typhoon Odette. Well, this is what’s happening in Cebu right now since Thursday night, December 16, 2021.
Happening in Cebu to date:
No electricity
No water
Limited cellular signal
People are lining up for hours for groceries
Vehicles are lining up for hours for gasoline/fuel
Limited ATMs / Banks are available for cash dispensing
Most Cebu tourist attractions are not the same as before. Most are heavily destroyed and seem to take time to recover.
Most roads, especially in Cebu south, are still not passable.
Ports have yet to announce definite travel schedules.
Cebuanos are still trying to survive while waiting for further assistance.
On the brighter note,
Companies with generators are opening their doors for charging, free wifi.
Small businesses with sufficient water supply are offering water refilling.
Several supermarkets have already reopened to accommodate shopping for essentials.
LGUs and other workers are already working on road clearing.
Filipino boy group SB19 climbs another milestone in their career after topping the Billboard Hot Trending Songs with their song Bazinga, overtaking famous Korean boy group BTS for their song Butter.
Photo from SB19 Facebook Page
On Wednesday, December 8, 2021, Billboard released an updated list of their hit songs showing Bazinga as number one. SB19’s song climbed eight steps this week after placing 8th last week.
The #HotTrendingSongs, Powered by Twitter top 10 (chart dated Dec. 11, 2021)
SB19 is a five-member Filipino boiy group that made a debut in 2018. The group consists of Josh, Pablo, Stell, Ken, and Justin. The group was another the management of ShowBT Philippines, which they had their training for three years.
SB19 is the first P-Pop group to make a noise in the Billboard charts.
A new Ayala Land project is about to spice things up in Mandaue City. Ayala Land and the Aboitiz Group plans to develop a joint project that will stand as the city’s dynamic center, the Ayala Gatewalk Central.
Ayala Gatewalk Central is a 17.5-hectare estate that will stand in Subangdaku, Mandaue City. It is a project that does not only show progress but also highlights the development of sustainable and environment-friendly spaces especially in a city with only a few distinct attractions.
According to Bobby Dy, Ayala Land President and CEO, this multi-billion peso investment is a display of his confidence in Mandaue City as one of the emerging cities in the region. The hub will include a network of wide pedestrian streets and vibrant streetscapes that will be a center for gathering and other events occurring within the city.
“We are very excited about this development. Once completed, its character and features is something that the local market has never seen before,”
MAIN FEATURES
30-meter wide pedestrian-only street
The main feature will be a 30-meter wide pedestrian-only street that will link together office buildings, residential areas, family parks, retail selections and the Ayala Mall. The residential areas are targeted to provide shelter to young professionals and families.
Gatewalk Avenue
The Gatewalk Avenue will be the dining and retail area equipped with repurposed shipping containers. These will be boutique spaces that will cater to the retail and startup businesses in Mandaue to advertise local brands in the area.
Garden District
It will also have a Garden District that will serve as a transition to the indoors and outdoors. It will contain a seating area, lawn, and a street space with continuous shade on both sides provided by tree canopies. Twenty-percent of the development will comprise of green and open spaces that feature interactive works, recreational spaces, and socio-cultural areas, all complete with outdoor seating.
ACCESSIBLE TO ALL
Ayala Gatewalk Central will be big enough to include a full-service transportation hub that would be convenient for traveling inside with stops that will be placed in the most strategic points in the estate. This makes the entire hub accessible to all even to those without private vehicles.
At the onset of the construction, the project is estimated to generate about 1,300 jobs in Mandaue. Upon completion of the mall and offices, the number may rise to about 9,000 jobs in total.
The Ayala Gatewalk Central is just one of Ayala Land’s progressive projects. It will become a significant catalyst to the growth of Mandaue City with its carefully planned and multi-use community abundant with topnotch commercial and residential buildings that converge with green and open spaces.
The project will merge business and lifestyle in an eco-friendly setting. It will be a first-class facility that will put Mandaue on the map as one of the growing cities in the region and in the country.
Ayala Gatewalk Central was initially targeted to complete by 2019. However, its target completion has been moved to the second half of 2021.
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 December 15, 2021.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 3 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 7 new recoveries, and 1 new death. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 104,258 while the active cases slightly decreased to 279 (from 284).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 41,259 (+1 new) – Total recoveries: 39,654 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 1,525 (+0 new) – Active cases: 80
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 13,673 (+0 new) – Total recoveries: 13,190 (+1 new) – Total deaths: 472 (+0 new) – Active cases: 11
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 12,140 (+0 new) – Total recoveries: 11,684 (+1 new) – Total deaths: 442 (+0 new) – Active cases: 14
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 37,186 (+2 new) – Total recoveries: 34,443 (+5 new) – Total deaths: 2,569 (+1 new) – Active cases: 174
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 279 (from 284)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 104,258 (+3 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 98,971 (+7 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,008 (+1 new)
A total of 1,798 laboratory results were released 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.
When we talk about lechon, we can’t deny that Cebu Province has always been known to offer the best lechon in the entire Philippines.
Grilled to perfection, mouth watering flavor from the pigs meat, and a perfect crunch to every bite. It is a taste and experience that no person will ever forget.
Photo from Ruthy’s Lechon Facebook Page
The lechon is also a dish that we Filipinos never forget to serve on our tables no matter what the occasion may be.
Brief history of lechon
Lechon is derived from the Spanish word leche, meaning milk. Before, people used to grill young pigs that were still nursing milk from their mothers, however the popularity of using bigger pigs rose during the Spanish era.
In Cebu, the Garces family, owner of Ruthy’s lechon, were believed to have the first lechon recipe in Cebu. However, it is not yet proven as the popularity of lechon rapidly rose in Cebu.
Photo from Ruthy’s Lechon Facebook Page
But where exactly in Cebu do we taste the best lechon?
One of Cebu’s cities is Talisay City. A city that’s making a buzz in the Philippines to offer the best lechon you could ever taste. In fact the city celebrates their lechon festival in the month of October.
One of the popularly known lechon restaurants in Talisay are the following:
1. Leslie’s Lechon
Featured in Netflix’s documentary series “Street Food ” Leslie’s lechon is just one of Talisay’s pride when it comes to lechon.
Photo from Leslie’s Lechon Facebook Page
Lesliie’s lechon has been providing the best lechon in Talisay since the 1040’s originated by Susana Enjambre, the grandmother of Leslie Enjambre.
Photo from Leslie’s Lechon Facebook Page
Prices of their lechon ranges from 5,500-7,000
MENU:
Whole Lechon
8 Kilos – P4,500
9 Kilos – P5,000
10 Kilos – P5,500
12 Kilos – P5,500
15 kilos – P6,500
17 kilos – P7,000
Photo from Leslie’s Lechon Facebook Page
Kinilo Lechon:
P600 per kilo on Saturday and Sundays only lunch time
Leslie’s lechon does not have a physical store and only offers pre-order at the meantime.
2. 3P’s Lechon
Another popular lechon in Talisay city is the 3P’s Lechon. Holding on to their theme: Crispylicious! Juicylicious! Tastylicious! A lechon you would want more.
Photo from 3P’s Lechon Facebook Page
They offer lechon with the best quality and at a bigger size too.
Also featured in one of Cebu’s media outlets is AKD Lechon. This signifies that indeed, AKD Lechon is making a name in Talisay city out of the many lechon sellers the city has.
Photo from AKD Lechon Facebook Page
Holding on to their goal to be a world class known lechon, AKD has proven that they can be one. Maintaining a crispy, delicious lechon in Talisay city AKD is one of the people’s favorite.
They say art is a reflection of an artist’s feelings.
With a passion for art, Bethram Dacuma, an artist-teacher from Toledo City, Cebu shared on her social media account her interpretation of trauma, struggle, and pain through her art in oil painting.
Photo from Bethram Dacuma’s Instagram Account
Dacuma shared in her social media account her art named “Honey Series” which she posted last July.
According to Dacuma in an Inquirer article that her painting portrays the “struggle of people suffering from mental health problems and as a result of their sorrowful face with pouring honey, their mind eats them apart.”
Photo from Bethram Dacuma’s Instagram Account
Photo from Bethram Dacuma’s Instagram Account
Photo from Bethram Dacuma’s Instagram Account
Photo from Bethram Dacuma’s Instagram Account
The inspiration behind her art is her traumatic experience when she had a motorcycle accident last year. The tragic event made her work on her art, however instead of painting blood, she decided to paint something different.
She said that she used honey as a reminder for people that love isn’t always easy. That the flow of life is unpredictable.
She also inspires people, especially those suffering from mental health to not give up.
Photo from Bethram Dacuma’s Instagram Account
Photo from Bethram Dacuma’s Instagram Account
Dacuma’s art was recognized internationally in other countries such as the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the US.
On Tuesday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of December 14, 2021.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 10 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 8 new recoveries, and 2 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 104,255 while the active cases remained to 284 (from 284).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 41,258 (+3 new) – Total recoveries: 39,654 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 1,525 (+0 new) – Active cases: 79
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 13,673 (+0 new) – Total recoveries: 13,189 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 472 (+0 new) – Active cases: 12
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 12,140 (+3 new) – Total recoveries: 11,683 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 442 (+0 new) – Active cases: 15
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 37,184 (+4 new) – Total recoveries: 34,438 (+8 new) – Total deaths: 2,568 (+2 new) – Active cases: 178
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 284 (from 284)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 104,255 (+10 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 98,964 (+8 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,007 (+2 new)
A total of 2,052 laboratory results were released 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.
It’s again the most wonderful time of the year. Ever since the ber months started, we’ve been seeing Christmas decorations in every street and home of the Filipino households. Despite the current pandemic, we Filipinos never took it as a hindrance to continue spending and share the spirit of Christmas.
One of the noticeable Christmas decorations we often see on Christmas is the ‘parol.’ The parol is the perfect definition of hope, that is why most of us hang it in our households during the holidays.
The parol history goes way back to 1908, it began with Francisco Estanislao who is believed to have crafted the first giant. He made a classic five-point star parol out of bamboo strips that he coated with Japanese paper and lit with a kalburo (lamp).
But, did you know that in the northern part of Cebu, there is a unique kind of parol made out of Abaca?
Photo by Aldo Banaynal of The Freeman
One of Sogod, Cebu’s pride is their native Abaca parols. Not only do they sell parol made out of abaca, but they also sell furniture made out of the same materials.
Their handicrafts are not only limited to parols and furniture, they also offer different Christmas decorations, such as huge Christmas trees and reindeers. It is not only unique but is a perfect design for our homes during the Holidays.
Photo by Aldo Banaynal of The Freeman Photo by Aldo Banaynal of The Freeman
In fact, the abaca material is so popular in Sogod, that this material was worn by one of the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 candidates Steffi Aberasturi during her national costume round competition.
Photo from Malayka Yamas’ Facebook Page
According to one of the native abaca Parol makers, Renan, they don’t exactly know when the abaca making business in Sogod started, however, he said that ever since he was a kid, his mother already taught him how to make one.
Their parols may vary depending on the design and size. They also offer customized sizes and designs of the parol. Prices may start from P50-P1000. If you find some of the items expensive, you don’t have to worry as most of the parol makers can be negotiated.
Photo by Aldo Banaynal of The Freeman
There is a large community of native abaca parol and furniture makers in Sogod, Cebu that was passed down from generation to generation. So if you are planning to visit there, most of them can be found passing the Sogod municipal hall. You can also stop by the municipal hall and ask for instructions.
Do you ever just feel like you need a breather from the busy streets of the city, from the unending meetings and tasks? From all your school assignments and online classes? To run away from all the toxic environment you’re in? A place where you can be alone or spend time with the people closest to you?
You don’t have to look far because in the northern part of Cebu a resort awaits you to give you the break you deserve. Located in Carmen, Cebu is Junbel Mountain Resort.
Photo from Rice Dayalin of Carmen Maniniyot
Photo from Rice Dayalin of Carmen Maniniyot
Photo from Rice Dayalin of Carmen Maniniyot
Junbel Mountain Resort offers you a perfect mountain view. Instead of seeing the busy pollution from the city, you can definitely enjoy the sunrise and sunset, plus fresh air.
You can also enjoy the resort’s pools with an amazing view of the mountain. It is also a perfect place to spend quality time with your family or if you are a couple. If you’ve been planning with your barakda a getaway place this is the perfect place.
Photo from Rice Dayalin of Carmen Maniniyot
The place is also perfect for prenup photoshoots and other occasional events, you just have to book before the said event.
If your company is looking for a perfect venue to hold your Christmas party, Junbel Mountain Resort can also accommodate your request.
The resort officially opened on December 8, 2021.
Photo from Rice Dayalin of Carmen Maniniyot
Photo from Rice Dayalin of Carmen Maniniyot
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
ROOM RATES:
Exclusive booking for P5,000 per night, good for 10-15 pax
On Monday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of December 13, 2021.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 3 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 18 new recoveries, and 2 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 104,245 while the active cases dropped to 284 (from 301).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 41,255 (+0 new) – Total recoveries: 39,654 (+2 new) – Total deaths: 1,525 (+0 new) – Active cases: 76
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 13,673 (+0 new) – Total recoveries: 13,189 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 472 (+0 new) – Active cases: 12
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 12,137 (+0 new) – Total recoveries: 11,683 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 442 (+0 new) – Active cases: 12
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 37,180 (+3 new) – Total recoveries: 34,430 (+16 new) – Total deaths: 2,566 (+2 new) – Active cases: 184
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 284 (from 301)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 104,245 (+3 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 98,956 (+18 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,005 (+2 new)
A total of 802 laboratory results were released 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.
