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SKAI360°: The Ultimate Viewpoint in Cebu

Welcome to SKAI360°– the newest gem in Cebu!

You can finally experience the breathtaking beauty of the city from an unparalleled vantage point. 

Photo from https://www.topscebu.ph/

This is Cebu’s first viewing deck offering a true 360-degree view, ready to welcome guests to this full-circle experience.

A Brand-New Perspective

At SKAI360°, you can immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Cebu, from the vibrant colors of sunrise to the enchanting hues of sunset. 

Photo from https://www.topscebu.ph/

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this is the perfect spot to witness the beauty of the city unfold before your eyes.

A Sky-High Experience

Experience the epic sky-high reveal of Cebu’s most iconic landmark! 

This newly opened viewing terrace is not just a place to visit… It’s an experience that will leave you in awe. Its expansive area is open for guests to enjoy the stunning views.

Now enhanced by five stories of Cebu’s newest dining and lifestyle offerings, you can enjoy the remarkable architectural design that harmonizes with the surroundings.

So, what are you waiting for, visit and create unforgettable memories at Cebu’s first true 360-degree viewing deck now!

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

  • Regular Adult & Children above 2 yrs old: Php 100
  • Senior / PWD (must present ID): Php 70
  • Children below 2 years old: FREE

OTHER INFORMATION

  • Operating hours: 24 Hours

HOW TO GET THERE?

SKAI360° is located on the 4th and 5th floors of the Circle at TOPS, nestled atop the scenic mountains of Busay.

Exact Location: Cebu Tops Road, Busay, Cebu City, Cebu

  • By Commute: You can ride any jeepney to IT Park and get off near the IT Park Terminal. From there, find the lane for the Tops Bus, which costs Php 200 (including the entrance fee). The Tops Bus will also bring you back to IT Park after your visit.
  • By Car: If you’re using your own car, simply use Waze or Google Maps to set your destination to “Tops Lookout,” or check the map below. Parking is available on-site.

#RedFlags: Five Signs He’s Just Not That Into You

Are you tired of  mixed signals?

Reading someone’s behavior isn’t always easy but knowing the signs of disinterest can help you understand your relationship even better. It also makes you think about your feelings and also think about the choices you’ll make in the future. 

He’s there and you are falling head over heels for him. However, you are unsure with his feelings, he gives off a lot of mixed signals but sometimes he makes you believe that you are the only important thing in his life and at other times, he is treating you as if it is a casual friendship. So what is the exact scenario? Well then, let’s check out the telltale signs on whether he is into you or not. 

He Never Initiates Contact

When a guy is interested in a woman, he always makes an effort to reach out. You’ll receive random messages or calls from him because he misses you and wants you to know that. He enjoys chatting with you and hearing about your day. If he doesn’t initiate any contact but only replies when you reach out, it’s a clear sign that he’s not into you at all.

He Takes a Long Time to Respond to Your Messages

You text him because you miss him, but he takes ages to reply. He might say he was caught up with something, but this pattern continues. His excuses often seem flimsy. Is this happening to you? If so, it’s time to move on. Don’t waste your time on someone who makes excuses not to communicate. A guy who is genuinely interested will enjoy your conversations and respond promptly.

He Doesn’t Pay Attention When You Speak

Does he keep staring at his screen and seem distracted? That’s rude. A man who truly values you will listen and give you his full attention when you talk. If you feel like his mind is elsewhere while you’re together, he’s likely not into you.

He Is Interested in Other Women

Photo from Canva

If you see him pursuing or flirting with other women, it’s a major red flag. Don’t stress your friends with your attraction to red flags. A real man shows commitment and makes you feel valued and happy; he would never hurt you by paying attention to someone else. If he’s interested in other women, it’s time to say goodbye.

He Cancels Plans with You

It’s a significant red flag when a guy doesn’t value spending time with you. A man who is into you will prioritize you over others. He’ll make an effort to hang out, and while emergencies may arise, they should be rare because he will do everything possible to see you. If a guy cancels plans and shows little enthusiasm about making new ones, he’s simply not into you.

So, paminaw nimo, love jud kaha ka niya?

How Do Players Over 40 Never Cease to Wow the World?

LeBron James

LeBron James, one of the best basketball players of all time, is marking his 40th birthday. He keeps rewriting NBA history and playing at the top level. Apart from being a record-setting story, millions of fans worldwide have found inspiration in his work. 

LeBron broke a record never seen by any NBA player by keeping up a high degree of performance across his adolescent, young, adult, and beyond years. He won four titles and four times in the regular season and playoffs was the most valuable player.

LeBron is making improvement this season with 23.5 points, 9.0 assists, and 7.5% rebounds per game. Apart from being the all-time top scorer for the league and always aiming for records, he has most game experience.

Still, he is not the only athlete who has constantly shown outstanding performance throughout the years. 

Tom Brady

The quarterback had broken the record for most Super Bowl victories when he retired in 2023 at 45. Coming with the New England Patriots were the first six. The last, at 43, is the oldest player to have won the Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. For fair measure, he was also chosen as the MVP of the game.

Mijain Lopez

Cuban wrestler Mihayn Lopez in 2024 became the first athlete to ever win five consecutive Olympic gold medals in the same event. To signal the end of his career, the 41-year-old Lopez placed his shoes in the center of the mat during the Paris tournament. Olympic annals will always bear him in memory.

George Foreman

At 45, famous boxer George Foreman reclaimed the heavyweight title and became the world’s oldest champion. His career shows persistence and will. Foreman boasts 76 wins after his career, including 68 by knockout.

Stanley Matthews

English soccer star Stanley Matthews became the oldest Ballon d’Or winner at 41. For his long career and exceptional play, which he stopped at the age of 50, he is still a soccer hero.

Lindsey Vonn

Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn returns to the professional sports world after a six-year sabbatical. Her words, “Life is short,” have become a motivational slogan for everyone who still fights for their aspirations regardless of age.

Dame Diana Tauris

Diana Taurisi, a 42-year-old Olympic gold medalist, broke a record with her sixth medal. Though she is getting on in years, she still inspires new athletes and is vital in women’s basketball.

Merlin Otti 

After winning her eighth and ninth Olympic gold, forty-year-old Jamaican sprinter Merlin Otti gained a reputation as the “Sprint Queen”. She showed by racing till the age of 44 that speed and age are not mutually incompatible.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic helped Milan win the Italian league at 40. His charm and ability did not fade with age; he remained a key component of the team’s success even with injuries.

Formiga

Formiga, forty-three, left professional soccer after an outstanding career in which she participated in 234 Brazil games. She participated in seven Olympics and seven World Cups, therefore displaying her relentless quest for excellence.

Sports fans can not only follow players who are 40+ years old. You can also bet on sports, including LeBron James and other notable athletes.

Top sports betting website GGBET allows every sports lover to gamble on NBA games, soccer matches, and other major events. Betting on LeBron, Zlatan or Diana Taurasi to win will help you make watching basketball games even more exciting.

Driving force for individuals of all ages

Like previous players, LeBron James has proven that growing up does not define a person’s abilities, but instead opens the door to further success. Only one aspect of his story is basketball; the important themes are endurance, self-control, and realizing one’s full potential.

Not only in sports, but in other endeavors as well, these illustrious athletes are an inspiration to all who hope to succeed in any endeavor.

The Search for Love: Power Couples of the Animal Kingdom

Tinuod jud ang forever!

Photo from Canva

Love is a universal language for many, including animals. Although the idea of having a long-lasting relationship is appealing and sweet, it is quite rare in the natural world for most species to be monogamous and having one mate for life. 

So, let’s explore the power couples in the animal kingdom who are a tad unhinged and unconventional with their mates:

Angler Fish

Photo from Canva

These species of fish are known to be well-adapted in the dark depths of the ocean but when it comes to mating, it’s bizarre and unconventional.

A male angler fish doesn’t have the same head growth or the ability to attract prey as compared to the females. They simply lack luminosity, but still makes up for his impeccable sense of smell that he then uses to sniff out his future mate.

On the other hand, a female angler spends her life hunting while the male is there to leisurely hitchhike, acting as a passenger princess for the rest of his life. Some male species become a permanent parasite on the female, his small body is simply trailing in the water and he becomes an irremovable appendage. 

Gibbons

Photo from Canva

Male and female gibbons sing duets that are synchronised and occur at regular intervals. These qualities are similar and can be found in human songs, which could hint at the evolutionary basis for the origin of music. 

These species regularly sing duets to form territory and social bonds. Researchers have also found a link between the two rhythmic qualities, with females singing less regularly when their calls overlapped more with those males.  The gibbon rhythm may vary based on social context. Findings have suggested that evolution may have selected for such rhythmic capacities in primates as a way to coordinate vocal displays. 

Shingleback Lizards

Photo from Canva

Shingleback lizards have many common names: bobtails, skinks, and sleepy lizards are among the appropriate names for these slow-moving reptiles. As a unique species of skinks, they share many similar traits with their blue-tongue cousins. However, they have very complex courtship routines with their mates.

These lizards are lovestruck. Shingleback skinks are monogamous, meaning they mate with only one partner for life. They can live up to fifty years and acquire long-term partners, maintaining close proximity by following scent trails.

Black Vultures

Photo from Canva

Black vultures form relationships during their daily routines. These birds are gregarious and perform all their activities in flocks. Unlike other birds, vultures do not need to build nests, claim territory, or offer food to attract females; instead, a bond is formed through behavior.

Courtship displays are performed by both males and females, both on the ground and in the air, indicating pair formation. Despite being a common species, these courtship displays are rarely observed.

Northern Quoll

Photo from https://www.australianwildlife.org/wildlife/northern-quoll/

These species meet their ultimate demise after mating. The life of a male northern quoll is short and almost entirely dedicated to the pursuit of sex. These marsupials are known as suicidal reproducers, which means they die after one mating season, or about one year.

The cause of their demise has been unclear, but scientists now believe they have found the answer: sleep deprivation. The males seek mates at the expense of everything, including food, hygiene, and rest, leading them to an early grave.

From Boyzone to Solo: Ronan Keating Brought “Kilig” to Cebu

The former Boyzone member serenaded Cebu just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Ronan Keating admitted it was his first time performing on the Sugboanon stage as a solo artist. He recalled his early performances across Asia, noting that he first set foot in Cebu on August 29, 1997, when Boyzone performed at the New Cebu Coliseum. Now, returning to the Queen City of the South, Ronan was beyond excited to sing the songs he has written and evoke nostalgic memories with Boyzone hits.

No Matter What

With the new “Boyzone: No Matter What” documentary now out, Ronan shared his excitement for fans to know more about the band in their peak years, which includes their ups and downs, the estrangement of their former talent manager, Louis Walsh, and the death of Stephen Gately.

Photo from Tim Roney | Getty Images

According to his press interview, the band aims to have their story out of their hearts and thoughts, and for fans to know the truth. In the trailer, one member stated that amidst being in an audience of thousands, there were times when they felt more alone than ever—the cost of fame and fortune hitting them early on in their lives.

Life Is A Rollercoaster, Just Gotta Ride It

All the remaining former members of Boyzone are now leading individual lives. Keith Duffy has embraced the role of a philanthropist as he supports any cause related to autism awareness, Mikey Graham is enjoying life as a grandfather and family man, and Shane Lynch is active in various entertainment programs and reality shows. Meanwhile, Ronan Keating continues to stay in the spotlight of the stage, continuing his own path alone while still holding on to the dear old tunes of the band that sparked his beginnings.

Ronan’s enthusiasm was evident on stage as he performed songs he once sang with his bandmates, from the hit “When You Say Nothing at All” to the heart-wrenching “If Tomorrow Never Comes.” His steady journey on the rollercoaster of stardom and life proves that with resilience and passion, one can remain in the spotlight with pure intentions while continuing to grow alongside his fanbase over decades of performances.

A Timeless Valentine’s Day Gift from Ronan

“It’s like being thrown back in time, when I was in high school…” shared one Sugboanon who went to the Ronan Keating: A Valentine’s Special concert at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino last February 12, 2025.

The evening began with the romantic ballad “Baby Can I Hold You,” followed by a series of chart-topping hits and beloved covers, including the Bee Gees’ “Words,” “You Needed Me,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” and Cat Stevens’ classic “Father and Son.”

Ronan brought kilig to his Sugboanon audience not only with his romantic voice but also with his skillful acoustic guitar playing, adding an even more magical and heartfelt moment perfect for Valentine’s Day.

We, Sugboanons, Want More!

One Ronan Keating concert is NEVER enough for the Sugboanon audience, and what’s even better if he comes back with the Boyzone with him, singing their tunes of nostalgia and 90’s covers. But, for now, guess we’ll just be hitting the loop button on our concert videos to reminisce and get a daily dose for our post-concert blues.

#LSquaredProductionsPH

More Philippine Islands Discovered: From 7,107 to 7,641

Naa diay mga bag-ong isla sa atong nasud?

Photo from Canva

The national mapping agency shared that the Philippines has over 500 new islands, making the total number of islands in the archipelago to over 7, 600 from the outdated 7,107 islands. 

The Philippine Geomatics Symposium and the National Mapping and Resource Information confirmed that there are 500 new islands in the Philippines through a Facebook post.

Photo from Canva

Using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (IFSAR) technology that NAMRIA obtained in 2013, the government agency found land features that may be considered islands. 

Within three to five months of using IFSAR topographic maps and other data sources, Namria found that the original count of 7,107 islands were no longer accurate.

Photo from Canva

It took Namria more than two years to validate because some land features may just be rocks, islets, reefs, mangroves or sandbars.

Namria administrator Peter Tiangco said that the agency was exercising caution due to the implications of the new discovery. 

The Dynamic Nature of Island Formation

Photo from Canva

An interesting aspect of the Philippines ever-changing landscape is the formation of new natural islands. Volcanic activity, tectonic movements, and sediment deposition are primary forces behind the creation of new landmasses. The Philippines is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to volcanic eruptions and seismic activities that can lead to the birth of new islands.

#Bantayan: Enjoy the Peace at Omagieca Mangrove Garden

Manuroy ta sa Bantayan, Cebu!

Contributed by: 램보월

The Omagieca Mangrove Garden, located in Brgy. Oboob in Bantayan, Cebu, is a refreshing escape, a welcome change from the skyscrapers and pollution of the usual city life.

Photo from Minerva Benoit
Photo from Minerva Benoit

Mangroves At Every Side

Photo from @dnceballos via Instagram

As you enter this paradise, you’ll be greeted by the beauty of bright green mangrove trees and the feel of fresh air. You can then go on a walk, taking in the scenery and capturing memories with photos alongside the famous signs, “Camp Sawi” and “Camp Wagi.”

The experience becomes even more breathtaking as you continue to stroll to the end of the garden where you can find the exact spot in the film “Camp Sawi,” a movie about navigating the ups and downs of relationships.

Contributed by: 램보월

For adventure enthusiasts, you can also enjoy kayaking and boating, and when hunger strikes, you can dine at their onsite restaurant that serves delicious local Bantayan dishes.

Photo from Minerva Benoit
Photo from Minerva Benoit
Photo from Minerva Benoit

Beyond being a top tourist destination or an iconic film location, this mangrove garden is also a community project managed by barangay residents. It is operated by Omagieca, which stands for Ob-Ob Mangrove Garden Integrated Ecotourism Conservation Association, ensuring the sustainability and preservation of this beautiful natural environment.

Photo from Minerva Benoit
Photo by Bryan Kerk Rura
Photo from Minerva Benoit

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

  • Regular Adult Entrance Fee: Php 75.00
  • Senior Citizen Entrance Fee: Php 60.00
  • PWD: Php 60.00
  • Child (4-12 yrs): Php 20.00
  • Kayaking: Php 170.00

OTHER INFORMATION

  • Best Months to Visit: January to April
  • Opening Hours: 8AM to 5PM
  • Contact Number: 09460069566/ 09072387668
  • Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/dtgomagieca

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Omagieca, Oboob Mangrove Garden, Bantayan Island, Northern Cebu – approx. 30 mins away from the port.

  • By Car: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Omagieca” in Bantayan Island. Parking space is available.
  • By Bus: Go to Cebu City North Bus Terminal and ride on a bus bound for Hagnaya. Estimated travel time is 3.5-4 hours. Once in Hagnaya Port, you will ride on a barge bound for Santa Fe port (travel time is approximately 1 hr). The Tourism Office in Santa Fe port will collect P30/person for all incoming guests to the Island as per ordinance approved by local and provincial councilors as Environmental or Ecological Fee. After that, ride a motorcycle or tricycle to Omagieca.

In Loving Memory of A Former Planet: Pluto Day Remembrance

0

Hey, are you still there? Good.

Photo from Space.com

The solar system’s resident backburner, Pluto, is remembered today.

Pluto Day, celebrated on February 18th, marks the anniversary of the discovery of Pluto in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh. 

Once considered the ninth planet of our solar system, Pluto was reclassified as a “dwarf planet” in 2006. 

Despite this controversial demotion, Pluto continues to capture the imagination of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. 

The Discovery of Pluto

The search for Pluto began in the 1840s when astronomers noticed unexplained irregularities in Uranus’ orbit. 

Photo from the International Astronomical Union

Percival Lowell, an astronomer who believed another planet was influencing Uranus, initiated a search for “Planet X.” Unfortunately, he did not live to see its discovery. 

In 1930, Clyde Tombaugh, working at the Lowell Observatory in Arizona, identified Pluto as the celestial body Lowell had been searching for.

Pluto was named by an 11-year-old English girl, Venetia Burney, who suggested the name after the Roman god of the underworld. 

The name was fitting, as Pluto resides in the cold and dark outer regions of our solar system.

Why Was Pluto Demoted?

For over 75 years, Pluto enjoyed its status as the ninth planet of the solar system. 

However, in 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined the criteria for what constitutes a planet. According to these new guidelines, a celestial body must:

  1. Orbit the Sun
  2. Be spherical in shape due to its own gravity
  3. Clear its orbit of other debris

Pluto failed the third criterion, as its orbit overlaps with other objects in the Kuiper Belt. 

As a result, Pluto was reclassified as a “dwarf planet,” much to the dismay of many Pluto fans.

Is Pluto Still There?

Despite its change in status, Pluto remains an essential part of our solar system. 

It is located in the Kuiper Belt, about 3.67 billion miles from the Sun. Pluto has five known moons, including Charon, which is so large compared to Pluto that they are often considered a double dwarf planet system. 

The New Horizons spacecraft provided stunning images of Pluto in 2015, revealing icy mountains, frozen plains, and a dynamic atmosphere.

Why Pluto Still Matters

Pluto Day is a reminder of human curiosity, scientific progress, and our ongoing quest to explore the universe. 

So, on February 18th, take a moment to appreciate this distant world and all it represents!

Whether you believe Pluto should still be a planet or not, there’s no denying that it holds a special place in our cosmic history.

Blue Zones Around the World and How Their Population Get to Live Up to 100

What’s the secret to longevity in these blue zones?

Dan Buettner

Blue Zone is a nonscientific word coined by Dan Buettner, an author who was studying areas of the world where people live exceptionally longer. It refers to the geographic regions that are home to the world’s oldest people. 

As chronic diseases are becoming more common as we grow older, it is our lifestyle that plays a great impact. In this article, we will explore the common lifestyle features of the Blue Zones and why they are able to live longer. 

The Five Known “Blue Zones”

They are called Blue Zones because when Buettner and his colleagues were searching these areas on the map, they drew blue circles on the map. In his book, Buettner described the Blue Zones: 

  • Icaria (Greece): Icaria is an island in Greece where people eat a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, red wine, and homegrown vegetables. 
  • Ogliastra, Sardinia (Italy): The Ogliastra region of Sardinia is home to some of the oldest men in the world. They live in mountainous regions where they typically farm and drink lots of red wine. 
  • Okinawa (Japan): Home to the world’s oldest women, who eat a variety of soy sauce based foods and practice tai chi, a meditative form of exercise.
  • Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica): The diet is composed of beans and corn tortillas. The people of this area regularly perform physical jobs at their old age and have a sense of purpose known as plan de vida. 
  • The Seventh-day Adventists in Loma, Linda, California (USA): The Seventh-day Adventist are a very religious group of people. They are vegetarians and live in tight-knit communities. 

Buettner may only discuss these places, but they are maybe unidentified areas in the world that can be considered as blue zones. Studies have found that these places contain high rates of nonagenarians and centenarians, who live up to 90 and 100 respectively. 

Genetics can only account to 20% or 30% of longevity. Our environmental influences, including diet and lifestyle play a huge impact in determining our lifespan. Below are some diet and lifestyle factors that are common to people who live in these Blue Zones.

Diet and Lifestyle Factors 

People who are living in the Blue Zones have one thing in common, they primarily eat a 95% plant-based diet and although they aren’t strict vegetarians, they only tend to eat meat around five times a month. 

A myriad of studies have shown that avoiding processed meat and red meat can significantly reduce the risk of death from heart disease, cancer, and a number of causes. Instead, their diets are typically rich in the following: 

  • Vegetables: A great source of fiber and many different vitamins and minerals. Eating more than five servings of fruits and vegetables a day can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, and death. 
  • Legumes: Legumes include beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas, which are rich in fiber and protein. A number of studies have shown that eating legumes is associated with lower mortality. 
  • Whole grains: Rich in fiber and a high intake of whole grains can reduce blood pressure and is associated with reduced colorectal cancer and death from heart disease. 
  • Nuts: Nuts are a great source of protein, fiber, and polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Complete with a healthy diet, they’re associated with reduced mortality and help reverse metabolic syndromes. 

They are also some other dietary factors that define each of the blue zones. People in Icaria and Sardinia often eat fish, which is rich in omega-3 fats and important for heart and brain health. 

80% Rule 

Long-term calorie restrictions can also help with longevity. Eating fewer calories may be contributing to the longer lives in some of the Blue Zones. Before the 1960s, Okinawans were on a calorie deficit, meaning they ate less calories than they required. This eating habit contributed to living a long and healthy life. 

Okinawans tend to follow the 80% rule, which they call “hara hachi bu” which means that they stop eating when they are 80% full, rather than 100%. This prevents them from overeating and increases feelings of fullness, compared to eating rapidly. 

This is because hormones that make you feel full only reach their maximum blood levels twenty minutes after eating. Therefore, by eating slowly, you may feel full longer. They also eat the smallest meal in the afternoon and evening, not eating for the rest of the day. 

Alcohol Consume in Moderation 

Alcohol is consumed moderately. There’s mixed evidence on whether drinking alcohol in moderation reduces the risk of death. The beneficial effect of moderate alcohol consumption is depending on the type of alcohol. Red wine may be the best type of alcohol, given that there are many antioxidants in grapes. It’s very common in Icaria and Sardinia to consume two glasses of red wine per day.

Antioxidants help prevent damage to DNA that can contribute to aging. Therefore, antioxidants are very important when it comes to longevity. Wine drinkers have a healthier lifestyle, with lower blood cholesterol and sleep quality.

Exercise Regularly 

Exercise is another factor when it comes to aging. It doesn’t necessarily mean going to the gym, instead it is built in their lives. Gardening, walking, cooking, and other daily chores. A study on men from Sardinia found that their longer lives were associated with raising animals, living on steeper slopes, and walking longer distances. 

Exercise can reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and death. A large study including over 600,000 people found that those doing exercise had a 20% lower mortality rate than those who did no physical activity. 

Good Sleep 

Adequate rest and a goodnight sleep also seem to be very important for living a long and healthy life. A number of studies have found that not getting enough sleep or too much sleep can significantly increase the risk of death, including from heart disease or stroke. 

Seven hours is the optimal duration. Sleeping is a lot less or a lot more than that was associated with the increased risk of death. In the blue zones, people tend to not go to work at a set time. They sleep as much as their bodies tell them too. 

It’s very common to have siesta time, it can reduce the risk of heart diseases and death may even reduce these risks. The length of the nap is also important. You can nap for thirty minutes or less. More than can increase risk of heart disease and death.

What Else?

Apart from a healthy lifestyle, they also have good social support, family, and being spiritual. By incorporating these lifestyle factors into your life, it may be a chance for you to live a full and happy life. 

The Enchanted Balete Tree: A Symbol of Filipino Folklore and Supernatural Beliefs

The Philippines is land to rich natural resources and superstitious practices. From folktales to legends, Filipinos associate nature with haunted myths–especially the Balete tree.

As a member of the Ficus family and a relative of the Banyan tree, the Balete provides shade to those who seek shelter under its huge branches. 

This tree is also allegedly home to supernatural guardians, but where did this belief come from?

Here is the rich history and persisting practices relating to the Balete tree!

Supernatural History

The grandeur and the tales surrounding the tree make it an iconic element of the country’s mystical heritage.

Filipino folktales suggest that the tree has a deep-rooted connection to supernatural beings such as the kapre, a mythical tree demon, tikbalang, creatures that are half human and half horse, and the white lady–all of whom are thought to reside within it.

Many people caution against bringing Balete parts into their homes, fearing they could attract spirits. 

In certain areas, sorcery rituals are performed around the tree’s roots.

Mystical Practices

With the spiritual beliefs associated with Balete, people conduct special ceremonies around this tree.

Its origins trace back to the Taal Lake region, where it thrived and grew rapidly. Positioned by Taal Lake, it overlooks the renowned Taal Volcano, enhancing its cultural significance as a natural wonder and reflecting the area’s historical context.

A particularly notable Balete tree can be found at the OISCA Farm in Lumapao, Canlaon, Negros Oriental. 

Estimated to be around 1,328 years old, it embodies a profound connection to indigenous cultures. The tree has almost transformed into a cave, providing shelter for various animals, symbolizing its role as a sacred guardian and its link between the earth and spiritual realms.

Indigenous Roots

The fall of its sacred lore goes all the way back to Spanish colonization with priests and friars preaching against superstitions.

According to Francisco Demetrio in his essay “The Engkanto Belief,” the phenomenon in the Philippines can be linked to the decline of the Babaylan following the arrival of Christianity. 

It is believed that when candidates are discovered in this state, they are already possessed by spirits, marking the beginning of their journey as mediators between humans and the spirit world.

In Francisco Ignacio Alcina’s “History of the Bisayan Islands,” the Babaylans are portrayed as if they are in a trance-like state. Adorned with self-made ornaments and gold jewelry, they remain by the Balete tree, where the spirits that have summoned them bestow gifts such as healing and clairvoyance.

Local Lore

In Central Visayas, an impressive 400-year-old tree has withstood the test of time and has become a symbol of Siquijor province.

The Balete tree holds significant historical importance for Siquijor. During the Spanish colonial era, it served as a gathering spot for locals to voice their grievances against the colonizers. Additionally, the tree provided refuge for Filipino revolutionaries during the Philippine Revolution.

At present, the Century-Old Balete Tree on Siquijor Island is a popular destination for tourists. Its impressive age and enchanting ambiance draw numerous visitors.

The Balete tree is more than just a natural wonder–it is a site of reflection and a sacred space shared by generations of Filipinos.