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#SMCyberMonth: How Smart is Your Home?

In recent months, our homes have become a multifunctional space that allow us to rest, do our work, exercise, and bond with our family. So who can blame us if we’re constantly looking for ways to transform it into a smart home? These days, you can just say “Alexa, turn on the TV” and voila, your TV comes to life! Thanks to smart gadgets, our home life can become so much easier and more convenient! 

This Cyber Month, SM Supermalls is offering great deals on a dizzying array of handy gadgets, appliances and nifty tools at SM Cyberzone and leading tech stores to make our homes safer and smarter, and consequently, our downtime or work hours more enjoyable and productive. 

James Deakin checks out (above left) Mi LED smart bulbs at the Mi Store,
(above right) LG Twin Load Washer and (above center) LG Instaview Door in Door Ref at SM Appliance Center.

Just say it! 

Amazon’s Alexa, Siri, or iOT voice assistants have various functions such as setting time and alarms, play media, and even smart home controls. You can connect your phone, smart home lights, air conditioners, and door locks to these voice assistants, and they will all work upon your command. For example, if you have Philips Hue LED Lights or Xiaomi Wi-Fi enabled LED Smart Bulb for smart lights, just say the word and your smart voice assistant can turn on the lights for you! Air feels too hot or too cold? Connect your Mitsubishi in Electric air conditioners with Mitsubishi Electric Wi-Fi Control and you can adjust the room temperature with a voice command! Forgot to lock up just when you’re about to sleep, smart door locks from Samsung, Yale, and Xiaomi can lock your doors remotely so keeping your home secure is easy!

For an enjoyable cooking experience 

Cooking can be stressful especially if you’re either pressed for time or you’re in charge of preparing dishes for a special occasion. LG’s 24 cu. ft. Instaview Door-in-Door™ with Smart Wi-Fi, can make life easier because it comes with a sleek mirrored glass panel that illuminates with two quick knocks so you can easily view the ingredients that are available or missing, even without opening the doors. This also saves you from the time-consuming effort of searching through your fridge to create your grocery list. With the LG Smart ThinQä, you can also control your refrigerator even when you’re not at home.

Aside from the smart refrigerator, cooking can also be faster, easy-to-clean, and safer with less chance of getting burned or scalded with induction stoves like the Electrolux Induction Hob Electric Oven Free Standing Cooker. Once done with cooking, you can simply rinse your tools and utensils and pop them in the Whirlpool 60m Free-Standing Dishwasher, and leave them to dry. 

For easy house chores 

Even if we’re all staying at home, it’s important that our clothes are always clean. The LG Studio Styler can do just that, as it refreshes and sanitizes garments by reducing allergens for clothes, pillows, and more in minutes. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to save laundry time, the LG Twin Load is the way to go as it not only washes more laundry faster, but also has built-in dryer to dry clothes quickly. 

Too tired to clean the house at the end of an exhausting day of zoom meetings? Get a robot vacuum cleaner that sweeps, has a mop function and vacuums the floor. You can connect it to your voice assistant device or set cleaning schedules directly on the robot vacuum. Talk about self-sufficiency – most robot vacuum cleaners are programmed to dock to the charging station when they’re about to run out of power! 

LG BTU Dual Inverter Smart Air Conditioner, LG G1 Smart OLED TV, Kohler Digital Shower Control.
All available at SM Appliance Center.

For maximizing your “me time” 

Our bedroom is that one area in the house where we can truly relax, be ourselves, and de-stress from work. To make your room your own safe space, personalize it with smart devices. You can hook up your room appliances with your own voice assistant device, ask it to dim the lights, turn on the music and the smart air conditioner like the with Wi-Fi. Now, it’s really time to lie down and finally relax after a hard day’s work. 

For bonding with family 

Families who share everyday activities together form stronger emotional bonds. The perfect area to spend time together is the living area or the family room. Because we can’t go to the movie houses yet, why not set up a movie theatre at home? Get the best viewing experience with the LG G1 65-inch 4k Smart OLED TV, and complement it with the LG LHD657 Home Theater, 1,000 watts RMS, 5.1 Channel for the surround sound effect. 

For a safer bathroom experience 

Now more than ever, it’s practical and safe to “smartify” the bathroom. To lessen contact with surfaces and handles, you can start using smart water closets like Kohler intelligent toilet and cleansing seats with functions like flushing, cleansing, auto opening of cover that can be controlled using your smartphone. You can also opt to install smart shower systems like Kohler with Digital Shower Interface. Users can set their ideal water temperature, flow rate, shower duration, and so many more with the smart shower’s control display, smartphone app or voice command. 

Thanks to the wide array of authentic tech options at SM, buying gadgets to make your life easier and stay wired should be a breeze. The best part? There are tons of great tech deals at SM this Cyber Month to help you get #InTheZone but gentle reminder to please follow the safety protocols to have a #SafeMallingAtSM experience.

If you are looking for #TechAssured gadgets to help, get you #InTheZone for this year’s Cyber Month, just head over to your nearest and trusted SM Mall and #CheckCyberzone or go to www.smcyberzone.com. For more information on guidelines and other activities, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts.

Cebu City to strictly impose ‘Stay at home’ policy starting August 16

With daily new COVID-19 cases reaching an all-time high in the Philippines including the island of Cebu, and the worsening situations of our hospitals here, the Cebu City Government will re-impose once again stay-at-home policy with stricter implementation starting on August 16, 2021.

Cebu City Acting Mayor Mike Rama issued Executive Order No. 137, named as “Oplan Puyo 8-15-31″, to enforce a “heightened state” of Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ). This is effective from August 16 to August 31, 2021.

With the new Executive Order, everyone in the city is required to stay at home at all times and cannot go out for for non-essential activities. except for essential services, transactions, and authorized persons outside their residences.

Only the following are allowed to go out until August 31, 2021:

  • Healthcare workers
  • Emergency, security, and force personnel
  • Authorized national and local government officials
  • Drivers and personnel or delivery vehicles carrying of all types of cargoes
  • Accredited media personnel
  • Farmees, fishermen, and agri-business personnel
  • Persons who seek medical attention
  • Employees of establishments and offices permitted to operate

Executive Order No. 137 Highlights

  • Liquor ban in public areas.
  • Curfew is 10PM to 4AM, except for essential workers and employees.
  • Non-essential movements. You may need to present a valid ID or proof of employment or other necessary permits.
  • Only essential gatherings are allowed by the city government such as government and health-related services.
  • Religious activities are allowed up to 10% of the venue capacity only.
  • Necrological services, wakes, and interments in sitios, chapels or the like that are not related to COVID-19 will be limited to immediate family members only.
  • Public and private transportation and other alternative modes are allowed to operate but should have permits from the DOTr. Open-window policy will also be implemented for public transportation.
  • All persons entering Cebu City through any port of entry are required to present a negative RT-PCR test result within the last 72 hours or a negative antigen test result within 48 hours.

Businesses allowed to operate (at half capacity)

  • Media establishments
  • Dental, rehabilitation, optometry and other medical clinics
  • Veterinary clinics
  • Banks, pawnshops, money transfer services & capital markets
  • Water supply, janitorial/sanitation services & energy sector
  • Telecommunication companies, internet service provider & cable television provider
  • Airline and aircraft maintenance & aviation schools
  • Shipyard operations
  • Lotteries will be open with limited capacity
  • Hotels or accommodation establishments are allowed to have guests and clients for legitimate purposes under a state of public health emergency.

Prohibited from operating

  • Entertainment venues such as theaters;
  • Recreational activities such as internet cafes and arcades
  • Amusement parks & indoor and outdoor sports courts
  • Gyms, spas, and swimming pools;
  • Outdoor tourist attractions
  • Indoor tourist attractions such as libraries and museums

As concerned citizens, let’s do our part and follow these new policies, observe minimum health standards, and get vaccinated. We highly urge citizens to register through PaBakunaTa.com that connects to http://vims.cebucity.gov.ph/page/register. For non-Cebu City residents, you can check the complete list here: https://sugbo.ph/2021/free-vaccine-in-cebu/.

Cebu logs 868 new cases on August 15

On Sunday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of August 15, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 868 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 449 new recoveries, and 10 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 80,192, while the active cases increased to 12,619 (from 12,205).

Breakdown of cases:

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 34,069 (+319 new)
– Total recoveries: 28,947 (+178 new)
– Total deaths: 1,032 (+3 new)
– Active cases: 4,090

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 10,435 (+108 new)
– Total recoveries: 8,454 (+67 new)
– Total deaths: 245 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 1,736

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 9,591 (+71 new)
– Total recoveries: 7,564 (+60 new)
– Total deaths: 274 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 1,753

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 26,097 (+370 new)
– Total recoveries: 19,865 (+144 new)
– Total deaths: 1,192 (+6 new)
– Active cases: 5,040

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 12,619 (from 12,205)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 80,192 (+868 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 64,830 (+449 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,743 (+10 new*)

A total of 3,351 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.

DOH-7 Full Report (Central Visayas):

Cebu’s Steffi Aberasturi tops Miss Universe PH Runway Challenge

The trending “Expressway Walk” captured the Filipinos’ hearts online.

Steffi Rose Aberasturi, representing the Cebu Province, topped the Runway Challenge of Miss Universe Philippines 2021 as announced by the organization on August 15, 2021. Steffi wowed her fans with her now viral runway video taken at the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, soon to be the Philippines’ biggest and longest toll bridge. 

Photo from Empire Philippines
Photo from Empire Philippines
Photo from Empire Philippines

Meanwhile, strong contender Maureen Christa Wroblewitz of Pangasinan, who won Asia’s Next Top Model Season 5, placed second while Kisses Delavin of Masbate, who won the two previous virtual challenges on MUP, slipped to number 3.

Here are the top 15 candidates in the MUP Runway Challenge:

  1. Steffi Rose Aberasturi
  2. Maureen Christa Wroblewitz
  3. Kirsten Danielle Delavin
  4. Rousanne Marie Bernos
  5. Leren Mae Bautista
  6. Katrina Dimaranan
  7. Maria Corazon Abalos
  8. Noelyn Rose Campos
  9. Cheri Angel Anne Flejoles
  10. Kamille Alyssa Quiñola
  11. Gianne Kryssee Asuncion
  12. Janela Joy Cuaton
  13. Maica Cabling Martinez
  14. Angela Nikki de Grano
  15. Christelle Abello

Fun fact: Steffi, 26, has never tasted defeat in all her pageant competitions which speaks of her determination to always make sure to come prepared in every single one of them. And when asked what her secret was to being undefeated, she answered “Faith”.

This Cebuana beauty is a 5-foot-7 stunner who chose “Compassion” when asked what was the most important quality of a Cebuana.

Photo from Miss Universe Philippines Facebook Page

The Miss Universe Philippines 2021 first announced the top 100 delegates on July 19. The list will then be trimmed down to Top 50, who will need to be in Metro Manila for in-person interviews with the organization.

Only 30 women will be selected to compete in-person during the live pageant finals on September 25.

There are four (4) Cebuana candidates in the MUP 2021 competition, aside from Steffi, we also have Beatrice Luigi Gomez (Cebu City), Jane Darren Genobisa (Carcar City), and Chiara Alix Lim (Mandaue City). We have to vote and cheer for them as their fellow Cebuanos and prove that “lahi rajud ang ka gwapa sa Cebuana.

Photo from Miss Universe Philippines Facebook Page
Photo from Miss Universe Philippines Facebook Page
Photo from Miss Universe Philippines Facebook Page

Chic and Aesthetic SugarSea Inn Dive Resort in Lapu-Lapu City

Don’t you just want to stay at a place where the ocean is your neighbor in every sense of that word?

Well, lucky for you there is such a resort in Lapu-Lapu City, Sugarsea Inn Dive Resort. A technical dive resort that offers you to actually snoop into the ocean and discover its mysteries and magic underwater. So if you are looking for an adventure, better join their water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling and surfing.

Photo from SugarSea Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from SugarSea Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from SugarSea Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from SugarSea Cebu Facebook Page

Being the ocean’s neighbor have never been so comfortable as the resort has this beautiful structure that seems to open up to the sea with its glass walls, warm nude colors and modern style.

Modern and Aesthetic

The aesthetically pleasing view outside mirrors that of the inside as well as their rooms have unique pieces and modern designs that are perfect for the gram. They even have rooms that has a seaview as its whole wall where you can soak in the bathtub facing the sea or sip your morning coffee with that view and even go to bed with the sea beside you.

Photo from SugarSea Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from SugarSea Cebu Facebook Page
Photo by Tara Fontanosa
Photo by Kim Navarro
Photo by Izza Marie Supapo
Photo by Izza Marie Supapo
Photo by Izza Marie Supapo
Photo by Tara Fontanosa

Amenities

  • Swimming pool
  • Roof bar
  • Restaurant
  • Scuba diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Surfing board

As it is near the ocean, the sea breeze you’ll get in Sugarsea Inn is in abundance especially during windy days so have a rest beside the pool, walk along the sand, or just chill at their bar and you’re all set.

Photo by Kim Navarro
Photo by Kim Navarro
Photo by 陈戈
Photo by Izza Marie Supapo
Photo from SugarSea Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from SugarSea Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from SugarSea Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from SugarSea Cebu Facebook Page

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

ROOM RATES:

  • Standard Queen Bed Room: P2,890 per night w/ breakfast, good for 2 persons
  • Standard Twin Bed Room: P2,975 per night w/ breakfast, good for 2 persons
  • Seaview Twin Bed Room: P3,570 per night w/ breakfast, good for 2 persons
  • Deluxe Seaview Room: P3,952 per night w/ breakfast, good for 2 persons
  • Additional person: P1200 per person
  • Below 4 yrs old: Free; Under 10 yrs old: Half -P600

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: near Vaño beach, Brgy Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu – approx. 1 hour away from the city.

BY BUS: Ride any bus/PUJ going to Tamiya, Lapu-Lapu City. From there ride a tricycle to SugarSea Inn Diving Shop.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “SugarSea Inn Diving Shop” in Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City. Parking space is available.

Why Cebuanos love the nostalgic Mom’s Pizza

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Ah, the old reliable and original pizza of Cebu. If you’ve lived in Cebu for a while, chances are you’ve enjoyed a box (or a few) of Mom’s Pizza. The signature pizza used to be sold in canteens, snack bars, and inside malls. Standalone booths would even sell slices on the street!

Mom’s Pizza used to be everywhere before other restaurants and joints came over. Honestly, there’s no wondering why it became a hit and still serves pizza today.

Photo from Mom’s Pizza-Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Mom’s Pizza-Cebu Facebook Page
Photo by Ramil Ruedas

Their pies were simple but had all the basic flavors – sweet, savory, and a bit of sour. They served warm slices in just seconds, and above all, they were super affordable. For a time, you could get a slice of pizza for below 10 pesos!

Mom’s Pizza came in small signature green boxes. The pie always came with a layer of tomato sauce and melted cheese with ham toppings. Sometimes you’d find pizzas with green pepper and black olives.

Sure, their pizza wasn’t fancy or the most flavorful, but Mom’s Pizza sold comfort. The comfort of simple flavors, of warm dough, of having a quick bite to eat on your snack break or on your way home.

Photo from Mom’s Pizza-Cebu Facebook Page
Photo by Ramil Ruedas
Photo from Mom’s Pizza-Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from Mom’s Pizza-Cebu Facebook Page

They sold the comfort of being always readily available for you. That was mom’s magic.

Mom’s Pizza started as a home-based venture in Bulacao. The business began as pizza peddling that sold homemade pizza within the neighborhood. This was in 1988, 29 years ago. Later, the business grew and the comforting pizza reached all corners of Cebu City.

Nowadays, there are countless pizza places in Cebu. There’s now almost one pizzeria in every neighborhood in the city, and non-pizzeria cafés and restaurants seem to all have their own twists to the dish. Big names have also arrived and planted their roots in malls, but Mom’s Pizza will always be in Cebuanos’ hearts.

There’s simply nothing to not love about it. It’s tasty, it’s highly affordable, and it’s comforting. Mom’s Pizza is the true pizza of the masses.

Cebu logs 1,223 new cases on August 14

On Saturday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of August 14, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 1,223 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 1,002 new recoveries, and 58 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 79,324, while the active cases increased to 12,205 (from 12,039).

Breakdown of cases:

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 33,750 (+349 new)
– Total recoveries: 28,770 (+307 new)
– Total deaths: 1,029 (+4 new)
– Active cases: 3,951

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 10,327 (+152 new)
– Total recoveries: 8,387 (+185 new)
– Total deaths: 245 (+10 new)
– Active cases: 1,695

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 9,520 (+164 new)
– Total recoveries: 7,505 (+73 new)
– Total deaths: 274 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 1,741

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 25,727 (+558 new)
– Total recoveries: 19,723 (+437 new)
– Total deaths: 1,186 (+43 new)
– Active cases: 4,818

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 12,205 (from 12,039)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 79,324 (+1,223 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 64,385 (+1,002 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,734 (+58 new*)

A total of 4,943 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.

DOH-7 Full Report (Central Visayas):

2021 Travel Guide to Dumaguete: The Famous City of Gentle People

We all know how Dumaguete City is known to be the city of gentle people, as its laidback vibes and ambience really reminds outsiders that everything in here seems so gentle. The Mount Talinis, or known as the Cuernos del Negros, at its foot lays the beautiful city of Dumaguete.

Although most of the area in Negros Oriental speak Hiligaynon, which is its native local language, Dumaguete City’s close proximity to Cebu City seems to have an influence as people here generally speak in Cebuano. Like a real ‘bisaya’, where most of us are really fond of cutting words short, Dumaguete City is locally called “Duma” for short, but despite this short nickname, the city has a really long list of magnificent tourist spots to boast.

How to Get There:


Exact Location: Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

Starting from Cebu City, there are two ways you can get to Dumaguete City. From the Cebu South Bus Terminal, you can take buses bound to Dumaguete City where buses start taking off from 5AM with last trips at 6PM daily. The bus will go straight to Bato in Santander, southern part of Cebu, where afterwards the bus will be transported to a ferry (RORO) going to Tampi Port in Amlan, Negros. The total travel time is around six hours, with Php 250.00 as the bus fare and additional Php 70.00 for the ferry ride.

Alternatively, you can take another bus bound to southern Cebu in Liloan and afterwards, transfer to a fast craft bound to Sibulan. Stopping at Bato where the average fare is Php 250.00 and travel time of at least four hours, you can go to Bato Port where fast crafts are available for boarding. These are bound to Sibulan Port of Negros Oriental, with trips starting from 5AM to 6PM. Average fast craft fare including terminal and boarding fees are Php 65.00 and once you’re in Sibulan Port, multicabs are readily available that can take you to Dumaguete, with fare of Php 15.00.

Where to Stay in Dumaguete:

Dumaguete City is one of the best places to relax or just backpack, as the city has numerous hostels, lodges and even resorts to stay in. If you are in a tight budget, some of the recommended budget accommodations include the Flying Fish Hostel where rates start at Php 350.00 and the Zen Rooms Basic White Knights where rates start at Php 600.00.

If you wish to stay for a more relaxed and luxurious stay in Dumaguete, luxury resorts such as the Atmosphere Resort & Spa is recommended with room rates starting at Php 9,000.00. The Villa Pedro Boutique Hotel is also recommended with room rates starting at Php 3,000.00.

Photo from Star View – Villa Pedro Boutique Wellness Resort

What to Do in Dumaguete:

Being a magnificent city itself, there are numerous things while you’re in Dumaguete such as:

  • Visit the campus of Siliman University – one of the oldest universities in the Philippines.
  • Stroll the street, boulevard, night markets and experience the Dumaguete culture
  • Visit the famous Dumaguete Cathedral and its Bell Tower
  • Visit and take a dip at Balanan, Balinsasayao and Danao Twin Lakes in Sibulan
  • Go dolphin watching in Manjuyod Sandbar in Bais
  • Food trip in its famous food market places in Sans Rival, Casa Balance, Hayahay Tree House, Panda Ice Cream and many more local delicacies
  • Check out and stop by at the attractions in Valencia such as the Tierra Alta Resort, Red Rock Hot Spring, Pulangbato or Malabo Falls, Casaroro Falls
  • Visit and dive in Apo Island in Dauin
Photo by Kevin
Photo by Alreena Levy
Photo by Alreena Levy
Photo by John G
Photo by Juls Aprl
Photo from Manjuyod White Sand Bar And Bais City Dolphin Watching Facebook Page
Photo by DexterGrace Travelventures
Photo by JOVEN GOCHOCO
Photo by Thomas O
Photo by ken diment
Photo by @carson.moody
Photo by HIROKI S
Photo from Tierra Alta Residential Resort Facebook Page
Photo by Rénat VAGNOTTI
Photo by Андрей Медведев

Also read:

Rest and Relaxation at Pine Tree Mountain Resort

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We all have different ways to relax and cope with the stresses of daily life. It’s a great thing that in Cebu, we have access to all sorts of destinations offering opportunities for quality rest and relaxation.

If you belong to the mountain view chasers, nature lovers, or resort enthusiasts, then we just the place for you: Pine Tree Mountain Resort!

Photo by Calvin Ybañez
Photo by Louie Abecia
Photo by Louie Abecia
Photo by Julie Mae Lubrido
Photo by Louie Abecia

The Resort Grounds

The resort sits on the mountain ranges of Balamban. From here, you get to witness a view of the jagged mountain line of central Cebu, accompanied by the rich and forest patches among the mountains.

The mountain contours of Cebu are always a sight to behold. With our locations and busy schedules, we don’t usually get to appreciate them from the city. Here in Pine Tree, you can admire the slopes and jags with a 360-degree view from the property!

Pine Tree Mountain Resort is also a great place to get your fill of fresh air. Their 6-hectare property is surrounded by trees and bushes that supplies the area with an abundance of crisp and clean air. Their facilities are also lined with pine and palm trees, giving you that perfect amount of shade while keeping the atmosphere cool and refreshing.

Photo by Louie Abecia
Photo from Pine Tree Mountain Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Pine Tree Mountain Resort Facebook Page
Photo by Julie Mae Lubrido
Photo by Julie Mae Lubrido
Photo by Rj Gegawin
Photo by Rj Gegawin
Photo by Julie Mae Lubrido
Photo by Louie Abecia

Resort Amenities

The main attraction of the resort is their swimming pool with a stunning view. The pool is part of their viewing deck and overlooks a majestic panorama of the Balamban mountain range. Seriously, what better way is there to relax than taking a cool dip with a gorgeous view?

If you’re looking for some warmth to melt your worries away, try out their sauna and jacuzzi. The contrast between the cool mountain air and the warm steam and bubbling water will make the experience even better!

pinetree
Photo by Rj Egon Mallonga
pinetree
Photo by Rj Egon Mallonga
Photo from Pine Tree Mountain Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Pine Tree Mountain Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Pine Tree Mountain Resort Facebook Page
Photo by Julie Mae Lubrido

Once you’re all washed up and relaxed, you can then get your refreshment drinks and meals from their kitchen and continue your day of absolute rest and relaxation.

Pine Tree Mountain Resort also offers accommodation in their luxury rooms with elegant designs and rustic elements. If you ask me, it’s hard not to stay in these rooms because of how comfortable and luxurious it is to stay in them.

The resort accepts overnight stays and day use with advanced booking and reservation, so make sure to arrange everything beforehand.

Photo by Louie Abecia
Photo from Pine Tree Mountain Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Pine Tree Mountain Resort Facebook Page

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Day Use:

  • Day use package: ₱1,500 per person
    • Inclusions:
      • Plated lunch
      • Use of infinity pool
      • Day use hours: 8AM to 5PM
  • Weekend day trip package (AM): ₱400 per person
    • Inclusions:
      • Entrance fee
      • Plated breakfast
      • Use hours: 6AM to 10AM
  • Weekend day trip package (PM): ₱600 per person
    • Inclusions:
      • Entrance fee
      • Plated lunch or plater dinner
      • Use hours: 10AM to 6PM
      • Note: driver available only on Saturdays

Rooms:

  • Weekend Overnight Stay: ₱5,000 per room per night
    • Inclusions:
      • Room good for 2 persons
      • Complimentary breakfast
      • Check-in is at 3PM and check-out is at 1PM
      • Extra charge: ₱2,000 per extra person

Other information

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Gaas, Balamban, Cebu (Before Adventure Café) – 30 to 45 minutes from JY Square.

BY COMMUTE: From Ayala Center Cebu Terminal, take v-hire bound to Balamban. Ask to be dropped at PineTree Resort. The resort entrance is along Transcentral Highway and is about 1 kilometer past Gaas Barangay Hall. Travel time is around 1 hour.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “PineTree Mountain Resort” in Balamban, Cebu. Parking space is available.

Cebu logs 897 new cases on August 13

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 August 13, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 897 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 822 new recoveries, and 49 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 78,101, while the active cases increased to 12,039 (from 12,009).

Breakdown of cases:

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 33,401 (+308 new)
– Total recoveries: 28,463 (+193 new)
– Total deaths: 1,025 (+10 new)
– Active cases: 3,913

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 10,175 (+127 new)
– Total recoveries: 8,205 (+131 new)
– Total deaths: 235 (+3 new)
– Active cases: 1,735

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 9,356 (+79 new)
– Total recoveries: 7,432 (+65 new)
– Total deaths: 273 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 1,651

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 25,169 (+383 new)
– Total recoveries: 19,287 (+433 new)
– Total deaths: 1,142 (+35 new)
– Active cases: 4,740

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 12,039 (from 12,009)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 78,101 (+897 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 63,387 (+822 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,675 (+49 new*)

A total of 4,354 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.

DOH-7 Full Report (Central Visayas):