Have you ever been to San Remegio before? Maybe even looking to visit the port on your next Bantayan Island adventure? If so, then you’ve got to check out these sneak peeks of the newly renovated Hagnaya Port!
This is a complete renovation of the structure, with overhauled functions and facilities. It’s a brand-new look and experience the next time you use their service.
Do you remember the last time the waiting area looked in Port Hagnaya? Well, now it looks more spacious and accommodating to every passenger, and even the back offices for the personnel.
Photo from Aldo Nelbert Banaynal Facebook Post
Photo from Aldo Nelbert Banaynal Facebook Post
Photo from Aldo Nelbert Banaynal Facebook Post
Photo from Aldo Nelbert Banaynal Facebook Post
Photo from Aldo Nelbert Banaynal Facebook Post
Photo from Aldo Nelbert Banaynal Facebook Post
The restrooms functions also get their renovation too, it is made to cater for more people to use – and even more sanitize.
The terminal also opened its own Mart, where you can buy your snacks, water, and other traveling necessities.
If that excites you, don’t worry – there are more updates to follow!
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: San Remigio, Northern Cebu — approx. 4 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: From Cebu North Bus Terminal – Take a Ceres bus to Hagnaya Port, the trips approx. take about 4 hours, and the fare costs around ₱180 – ₱200BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Port of Hagnaya” in San Remegio. Overnight parking in Hagnaya Port for cars is ₱100 per night (this is if you opt to leave your cars in the mainland).
Hey! I have another getaway weekend spot for you, this time, it’s a private resort. That’s right! private! Like the whole place is entirely for you and your family/friends only, spend quality time with your loved ones here in Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa in Toledo City, Cebu.
The villa is nestled in a beautiful seaside view, facing towards the horizon where the sunrise greets you in the morning and the ocean breeze that gently blows through the window sills in the evening.
Out on the front porch, is an alfresco patio for outdoor dining and picnics, the freshly mowed lawn is great for all the outdoor activities for all the kids to play with enough space to move around, and even during the evening where you can gather around a bonfire.
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
The outdoor area has well-maintained foliage to shrubs to plants; the palm trees that almost tower over the villa brings out the character to the overall atmospheric nature of the resort.
And beneath the palm trees is a lovely cabana where you can enjoy a nice view of the ocean while relaxing in their freshly cleaned sheets and cushion.
Though this resort doesn’t have a shore where you can walk on sand, it does have a pretty surreal diving spot where you can enjoy diving into the sea floor and seeing its natural underwater corals.
The staffs were accommodating and attentive to your concerns, they talk with you and guests to make you feel like home and it’s nice that it makes everyone feel comfortable with each other.
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
Photo from Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa Facebook Page
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
BOOKING RATES: ₱7000 for exclusive use, good for 10 persons (with 4 bedrooms)
Exact location: Bato, Toledo City, Cebu. The villa is placed only 0.8 miles from Bato Cemetery and around 2.2 miles away from Lebumfacil. This property is 21 miles from the center of Cebu.
BY BUS: From South Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Toledo City – approx. 2 hours from Cebu City, and ask a habal-habal driver to take you to Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa” in Toledo. Parking space is available.
Complementing the big hit, Blue Space Resort, in Barili is another rising attraction in Barili.
If you’re feeling blue and down in today’s current situation, go on a quick trip to revitalize yourself at the mountain resort counterpart of the seaside resort: Blue Space Mountain.
Shake off your stresses and soak in the healing properties of nature in this absolutely cozy retreat in the mountains.
Ambiance, Sounds, and Sights
Blue Space Mountain welcomes guests to a stay filled with silent serenity in the mountain. Immerse in a peaceful atmosphere of Zen amidst the forest where nature sings you a healing melody all day long.
A stark contrast from the horns and engines of the city, here you’ll be serenaded by the slow swaying of trees, the trickling of the waterfall, and the river’s steady current. It’s nature’s own hum of peace and gentle lullaby.
Rich, green vistas await you as the forest encroaches on the resort. Tall trees sit idly beneath the mountain contours, emulating an image of the welcoming embrace of mother earth. Cleanse your eyes of the dull colors of concrete and rejuvenate with the natural palette of the forest!
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Accommodation and amenities
Blue Space Mountain offers modest stays in the mountain setting. These huts and cabins are constructed with bamboo and wood, making them cozy in a totally exotic and natural way.
The resort has rooms with private pools as well, so you can get your private personal, undisturbed quality relaxation. You may also use a sauna to sweat out your toxins along with your worries.
If you prefer to take your healing and relaxation to the natural waterforms, a waterfall cascades down into a natural pool, and a river cuts through the resort as well.
Blue Space Mountain offers a refreshing healing experience amidst the lush, verdant vegetation and alongside the soothing freshwater.
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
Photo from Marvin Leyson ANG Lakwatsero Facebook Page
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Room rates:
Small Hut: ₱1,000
Good for 2 to 3 persons
Private room with treehouse view
Common comfort room
Hut with pool: ₱2,000
Good for 2 to 3 persons
Treehouse view
Private comfort room
Exclusive pool
Toiletries
Cooking equipment
Cabin 1: ₱4,000
Good for 2 to 4 persons
River, falls, and forest views
Private comfort room
Exclusive swimming pool
Cooking equipment
Fridge and Rice cooker
Free Wi-Fi
Cabin 2: ₱7,000
Good for 2 to 6 persons
River, falls, and forest views
Private comfort room
Exclusive freshwater pool
Cooking equipment
Fridge and Rice cooker
Free Wi-Fi
Other Information:
Bluespace Mountain Resort is on their soft opening with promo rates.
In case you missed it, face shields are no longer mandatory in Cebu City. Right after Metro Manila, Iloilo, and Davao – it’s about time for Cebu to also lift its face shield policy.
On Wednesday, in a press conference, acting mayor Mike Rama announced that residents of Cebu City are no longer required to wear face shields, according to the new directive, with the exception of wearing them in medical facilities and public transportations.
You no longer have to wear face shields when commuting in public transportation such as the jeepney as it is well-ventilated and in the open air.
Establishments are required to look into vaccine cards for customers/guests. In regards to the ones who haven’t been vaccinated yet, you may still walk into stores or restaurants, though it depends on the establishment if they require it.
Oh, and children may now go enter malls to spend the weekends’ mall activities with their family. How fun! As long as there are supervised by a full vaccinated adult – but please do look out for them as we’re still trying to keep them safe.
Mayor Rama also shared his thoughts that the mask didn’t serve much of a purpose, but rather, it is only a mere “compliance purpose.”
Although the Department of Health (DOH) has yet to confer with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for further statement towards the lifting of face shield policy among local governments.
On Friday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of November 12, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 34 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 121 new recoveries, and 1 new death. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 103,943, while the active cases dropped to 759 (from 844).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 41,177 (+15 new) – Total recoveries: 39,443 (+20 new) – Total deaths: 1,491 (+0 new) – Active cases: 243
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 13,644 (+4 new) – Total recoveries: 13,097 (+1 new) – Total deaths: 467 (+0 new) – Active cases: 80
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 12,108 (+3 new) – Total recoveries: 11,615 (+3 new) – Total deaths: 440 (+0 new) – Active cases: 53
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 37,014 (+12 new) – Total recoveries: 34,141 (+97 new) – Total deaths: 2,490 (+1 new) – Active cases: 383
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 759 (from 844)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 103,943 (+34 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 98,296 (+121 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 4,888 (+1 new*)
A total of 2,329 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.
I’m sure you’ve already caught wind of this, but famous Filipino actor James Reid was spotted visiting Cebu with his friends during the holidays.
Sources and photos say he was out with friends at a few Halloween parties during the 31st of October and dined restaurants in Cebu. I don’t know, but I can only assume he’s here on his dime, visiting friends and places like any folks outside Cebu would do!
Though he hasn’t discussed his experiences publicly, he must’ve had a blast, and I sure would be glad if he did.
Photos from vismin.ph Facebook Page
Photos from vismin.ph Facebook Page
Photos from vismin.ph Facebook Page
Photos from vismin.ph Facebook Page
Cebu is a beautiful place to visit, despite the unforgiving heat that’s constantly beating down on us, it has its charm that captures like no other! In James’ case – I often think: was it the friends he made? Or the delicious food he ate? Or was it the beaches he got to visit? Or maybe all three. I can’t say.
Whatever the case – I am glad to know folks from around the world can share their Cebu experiences online to remind us of the beautiful moments that we create.
I guess I really don’t have a point to prove in this article, aside from stating the obvious. But rather, we can try and learn something from our friend, Mr. Reid; that our time here is precious, mga Sugboanons, so let’s spend the rest of it with the people that matter to us.
Check out some of the best places to visit in Cebu:
The kids are back in the malls, just in time for the holidays. Finally, you can now take a break from finding and creating another indoor game or activity for the little ones.
SM Seaside City Cebu is the first mall in Cebu that was granted with a Safety Seal Certification issued by the Emergency Operations Center and Department of Interior & Local Government after a thorough assessment on the strict compliance with its health & safety guidelines.
On top of always adhering to safety protocols, planning is also part of being safe which is why we have here a list of safe spaces and activities for you to take note of to make your #SMFam feel safe and secure while shopping and dining at SM Seaside.
Strike a Pose at The Noel Jardin
The happiest time of the year is here. Celebrate and spread the joy in advance by bringing the whole fam and striking a pose at SM Seaside’s Christmas Park, Noël Jardin.
Sporting a 35-foot Christmas tree, this year’s inspiration is from the renowned Gardens of Versailles in France complete with the water fountain and maze.
The Noël Jardin also houses exhibitors from the Christmas market where you can shop and eat freshly baked pastries for the kids and even bottles of wine for the adults.
Location: LOWER GROUND FLOOR, MOUNTAIN WING ATRIUM | SM SEASIDE CITY CEBU
Photo from sugbo.ph file
Playgrounds at The Sky Park
Energy-filled kids will surely love the playgrounds at the Sky Park.
With it having a ‘wonderland’ theme complete with fountains and manicured gardens, big outdoor spaces, and all kinds of slides, it’s the perfect spot for some playtime with the family.
Location: Third Floor, The Sky Park | SM Seaside City Cebu
Photo from sugbo.ph file
Shop Toys for the Little Kiddos
Refresh your kid’s toy collection with a visit to Toy Kingdom. The kids have been locked down for so long, they surely deserve a treat!
Location: SECOND FLOOR, CITY WING | SM SEASIDE CITY CEBU
Photo from sugbo.ph file
The Paw Park
Who let the dogs out?!
Head up to the Paw Park and have a fun time with your fur babies! They can even play games and train, among other activities.
Location: Third Floor, The Sky Park | SM Seaside City Cebu
Photo from sugbo.ph file
Grab a Snack at the Convenience Hub
Grab a quick bite to fuel up your full day shopping with the #SMFam with a variety of snack options found at the Convenience Hub.
They have here a collection of the cutest stalls with a selection of the tastiest snacks for you and the fam. The tables and chairs are all socially distanced so you will surely feel safe. Literally a convenient place to munch in!
Location: Lower Ground Floor, City Wing | SM Seaside City Cebu
Photo from sugbo.ph file
Stroll or scoot your way around the mall
Always remember to follow the floor markers to stroll around safely or rent out scooters for a fun malling experience around SM Seaside!
Location: RENT-A-RIDE | LOWER GROUND FLOOR, SM SEASIDE CITY CEBU
Photo from sugbo.ph file
Photo from sugbo.ph file
End the Day with a Hearty Meal at the Sunset Lane
A safe dining outdoor experience after a stroll in the mall and all the activities is the perfect end to the day. Either having a bite of your favorite meals and snacks or sipping your favorite coffee or milk tea, the lush greens, and open air gives you that relaxing atmosphere of the outdoors.
Location: SUNSET LANE | THIRD FLOOR, THE SKY PARK | SM SEASIDE CITY CEBU
Photo from sugbo.ph file
With the easing of restrictions and more freedom given, we should all take note that safety is the priority so don’t forget to always mask up and follow protocols.
Shop til you drop at SM Seaside City Cebu’s The Great Seaside Sale this November 19, 20 & 21, 2021 with up to 70% off from participating stores mall wide!
Get P70 off on your GrabCar ride to and from SM Seaside, use the promo code SMSEASIDE70 on your GrabCar booking from November 19 – 21.
Get an extra 10% off on November 19 for all SMAC Prestige and another 10% off on November 20-21 for SMAC holders.
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.
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 November 11, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 39 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 99 new recoveries, and 0 new death. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 103,909, while the active cases increased to 844 (from 904).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 41,162 (+8 new) – Total recoveries: 39,424 (+22 new) – Total deaths: 1,491 (+0 new) – Active cases: 247
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 13,6340 (+7 new) – Total recoveries: 13,096 (+5 new) – Total deaths: 467 (+0 new) – Active cases: 77
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 12,105 (+3 new) – Total recoveries: 11,612 (+8 new) – Total deaths: 440 (+0 new) – Active cases: 53
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 37,002 (+21 new) – Total recoveries: 34,046 (+64 new) – Total deaths: 2,489 (+0 new) – Active cases: 467
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 844 (from 904)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 103,909 (+39 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 98,178 (+99 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 4,887 (+0 new*)
A total of 2,505 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.
Do you enjoy sitting out on the shorelines as I do? Gazing far past the vast ocean and the stretch of the horizon, and just sitting there in complete silence. It’s an indescribable feeling of awe and tranquility between you and the world. That said, I can’t help but to imagine myself at this beachfront that perfectly encapsulates those sentiment.
Somewhere nestled in Barangay Ponong, Samboan Cebu – lies a peaceful beachfront that outlooks the beautiful waters of the south: FrontispieceBeach House, is a destination spot to add to your bucket list and enjoy a day in the sun, or relax in their atmospheric and open-sided veranda.
Photo from Frontispiece Beach Facebook Page
Photo from Frontispiece Beach Facebook Page
Photo from Frontispiece Beach Facebook Page
Photo from Frontispiece Beach Facebook Page
Photo from Frontispiece Beach Facebook Page
Photo from Frontispiece Beach Facebook Page
Photo from Frontispiece Beach Facebook Page
Photo from Frontispiece Beach Facebook Page
The common room is a wonderful place to sit and gather with your friends and families, it has wooden benches and antique carved chairs along with a coffee table, some indoor plants, and a wall-mounted flatscreen TV. Overall, I think the common room is an ideal place to hang out with company or use your gadgets.
And in the common room, there is a door that leads to the kitchen in the back where you are allowed to use their stove/grill and even borrow kitchen utensils! Do take note, that because of safety protocols, you are required to bring your paper plates, plastics spoons & forks, as well as paper cups.
Are you looking to get away from the city for a while? Do visit Frontispiece Resort and contact them through their Facebook page, email, and contact number.
Photo from Frontispiece Beach Facebook Page
Photo from Frontispiece Beach Facebook Page
Photo from Frontispiece Beach Facebook Page
Photo from Frontispiece Beach Facebook Page
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Guest Rooms: ₱1,800 per room, good for 2 persons only (with air conditioner, fan, and bathroom)
Note: ₱300 charge per day for kitchen/grill use (no charges applied for Exclusive Use)
EXCLUSIVE USE:
Entire Beach: ₱8,500 per day, good for 9 persons (with air conditioner, fan, and toilet bathroom)
OTHER INFORMATION:
₱300 for extra person
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Barangay Ponong, Samboan, South of Cebu – approx. 3 to 4 hours from Cebu City.
BY BUS: Barangay Ponong, Samboan, Cebu (3 to 4 hours trip from the city). Travel on a Ceres liner bound to Bato via Barili, your drop-off point is Samboan Medical Clinic and Laboratory, and then travel by foot or ride a pedicab towards the Sari-Sari called: ‘Sitsit Store’, and when you do arrive the sari-sari be sure to ask the locals.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Frontispiece Beach Samboan” in Samboan, Cebu. The resort’s parking space is only available for 1 vehicle only. (Neighbors near the Frontispiece resort charges ₱200 per car for overnight parking fee)
On November 3, 2021 – Bogo City’s official Facebook page posted a photo collection of their Alert Level 2 policies on localized protocols, standards, and guidelines.
For entering establishments/venues in Bogo: unvaccinated individuals under 18 years of age are allowed to enter, but under the circumstance that they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult.
Face shields are no longer required – though keep in mind that public health standard protocols are still being imposed for continued safety for the community, such as: wearing a face mask at all times, and observing physical distances.
Photo from unsplash.com by Jeshoots.com
On a side note, there is a research study that dates back to 2014 about the “Efficacy of face shields against cough aerosol droplets from a cough simulator”. During the simulation, the simulated cough from a distance of 18 inches away from the face shield, proves it reduces the exposure by 96%. In other words, it plays its part in protecting you from exposure.
But most of Bogo City has been able to cater their citizen vaccinations jabs, and their continued wearing of masks and social distance policy, you are most likely better off not wearing a face shield most of the time. It should be a personal option to wear if you think you know you’re near the vicinity of a coughing person.
What do guys make of all this? Do you think it’s a good or bad idea?
INFORMATION:
Government hours: Mondays to Fridays (8:00AM – 5:00PM)
