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Most Unique, Unusual Prisons in the World You Probably Didn’t Know

Prisons are like that topic we really try to avoid as if talking about it would have us magically transported in one of those prison cells.

We see them as scary and lonely places but are also very alien since only a handful gets to experience it. But we really should not be too quick to judge for we might be shocked at how certain prisons run or live their lives.

Let us peek into this other brand of uniqueness and see the unusual prisons all over the world.

Dancing Inmates

Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center, Philippines

Photo from cnnphilippines.com website
Photo from statesboroherald.com website


Of course, we’ll start with our very own world-famous “Dancing Inmates”. Dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, their YouTube video was seen in all corners of the world. The dancing in sync of the inmates is a part of their exercise program for a healthy and fit inmate. They even got their own Netflix Special documentary titled “Happy Jail” released last 2019.

Lawless Prison

San Pedro Prison, Bolivia

Photo from architectural-review.com website
Photo from theculturetrip.com website


How can a prison be lawless? The San Pedro inmates run the prison themselves. Yes, they function as an independent community where they have developed rules, a political system, punishments, and a highly sophisticated economy. It looks more like a village with children playing, market stalls, and even restaurants. There are no officers and even no bars. Money talks here as “posh” accommodations can be bought by the rich while poorer inmates share cells.

Boxing Inmates

Cereso Chetumal, Mexico

Photo from palcoquintanarroense.com.mx website
Photo from wowtravel.me website


Having an argument? No problem, put them in a boxing match. This is how inmates at this facility settle their issues and maybe this is why the prison hasn’t seen violence in ten years. The inmates here are also reluctant to leave due to the easy life they have behind bars. They even have an arts and crafts program which allows prisoners to sell their crafts to tourists. Given great food, cultural activity, and long uninterrupted naps? I wouldn’t be too happy leaving too.  

The Office Prison

Justizzentrum Leoben, Austria

Photo from richinfact.com website
Photo from world-architects.com website


At first glance, you wouldn’t even believe it’s a prison for it resembles an office building instead. It was built to hold minimum-security prisoners. They wear their own clothes, cook their own food and have communal areas. They are trying to stage a prison with socialization. According to them, “the more normal a life you give them here, the less necessary it is to resocialize them when they leave.”

Eco- Friendly Prison

Bastoey Island low security prison, Norway

Photo from travelbook.de website
Photo from thinkglobalhealth.org website


Environment-friendly you say? This prison uses solar panels for energy, produces most of its own food, recycles everything and tries to reduce its carbon footprint. It is not just doing good inside but to the world itself. Aside from being eco-friendly the prison is also inmate-friendly seeing how it treats its prisoners. They have tennis, horseback riding and swimming which makes it more like a summer camp than a prison really.

Cebu logs 417 new cases on September 15

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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 September 15, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 417 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 535 new recoveries, and 28 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 98,234, while the active cases increased to 8,521 (from 8,667).

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 39,624 (154 new)
– Total recoveries: 35,434 (+153 new)
– Total deaths: 1,253 (+4 new)
– Active cases: 2,937

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 12,902 (+61 new)
– Total recoveries: 11,308 (+61 new)
– Total deaths: 329 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 1,265

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 11,560 (+46 new)
– Total recoveries: 10,215 (+97 new)
– Total deaths: 349 (+2 new)
– Active cases: 996

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 34,148 (+156 new)
– Total recoveries: 28,876 (+224 new)
– Total deaths: 1,949 (+22 new)
– Active cases: 3,323

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 8,521 (from 8,667)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 98,234 (+417 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 85,833 (+535 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 3,880 (+28 new*)

A total of 5,275 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):

Photo from DOH Facebook Page
Photo from DOH Facebook Page
Photo from DOH Facebook Page
Photo from DOH Facebook Page

Most Controversial Breakups of 2021

With the pandemic comes the interest of the people on social media information and any interesting topic they come across, they get hooked, especially breakups.

At the start of 2021, it was predicted that this year would be the year for breakups and didn’t 2021 just deliver that not only to us common people but to the celebrities too.

Here is our list of the most controversial ones that had the netizens buzzing for days.

1. Many Issues – Paolo Contis & LJ Reyes

Photo from dailyhotspot.net website

LJ Reyes and Paolo Contis started dating in 2015. They worked together in ‘Sugo’ in 2005, became friends and then lovers after a while. This breakup is the most talked about lately as various information, statements and issues pops up every day.

LJ Reyes in an interview described their separation as painful and difficult and furtherly said “I asked him if he wanted to take us back, pero hindi na daw.”. Paolo have also released a statement defending Yen Santos as people are blaming her for the breakup. Paolo’s words “She went there as a friend” talking about their time in Baguio had the netizens buzzing again. LJ and Paolo have a daughter named Summer Ayana.

2. Fiancé was not the BrideScottie Thompson & Pau Fajardo

Photo from bgsm.hoops.ph website

This is the time where screenshots were overly used. The story of the basketball player Scottie Thompson and his then fiancé Pau Fajardo exploded in social media with its massive twist. They got engaged on New Year’s Day of 2021. However, many were shocked when Scottie got married not to Pau but to a different woman in June, Jinky Serrano, a flight attendant. Scottie and Pau have been a couple for eight years and broke up in April. Scottie released a statement that the breakup was all his fault. Speculations then spread that the wedding was rushed due to pregnancy.

3. Breakup that broke our HeartsKylie Padilla and Aljur Abrenica

Photo from mb.com.ph website

Kylie and Aljur’s separation broke our hearts as they were a beautiful couple with beautiful kids and seems to have a beautiful life. Though, it was later revealed that Kylie initiated the breakup and that a third party was the cause. Kylie and Aljur is now currently working in a co-parental setup for their two sons Alas Joaquin and Axl Romeo.

4. For the crown- Rabiya Mateo and Niel Salvacion

Photo from gmanetwork.com website

Niel Salvacion confirmed his breakup with Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo last June on his Instagram story also stating that they had started to move forward. They were in a relationship for seven years and though the breakup was months ago the topic is now stirring again. Neil in his audition video to be a new housemates of Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) said that ‘Mas nakakalungkot pala maiwan ka ng taong minahal mo dahil sa pangarap nitong korona,’ clearly referring to his ex-girlfriend, Rabiya.

5. In a SnapDevon Seron-Kiko Estrada- Heaven Paralejo

Photo from mb.com.ph website

In April Kiko Estrada that he and actress girlfriend Devon Seron have split up. The issue circulating the ex-couple are third party allegations with his current girlfriend Heaven Peralejo. Kiko have then cleared this up in an interview saying he and Heaven only started getting to know each other a month after his break-up with Devon.

But just weeks after posting sweet pictures of each other, the actor appeared to have unfollowed Heaven on Instagram, which sparked another break-up rumor. Kiko wiped his Instagram account entirely leaving not a single photo on his page and following none.

Heaven on the other hand, still follows Estrada, and still have their photos together on her page. Although there is still no confirmation for their breakup. Ogie Diaz stated in his vlog that the couple have most probably ended their relationship already.

Though it is interesting to see situations unfold, we must all keep in mind that celebrities are humans too and their privacy should be respected.

A stunning sea view at ALOHA Beach Resort in Oslob

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The beach is always the place to be. The salty sea breeze, the warm kiss of the sun, and the soothing song of the waves always make it a pleasurable experience.

One beach resort in Oslob readily provides all of the above, plus a generous helping of space! Meet ALOHA Beach Resort, a spacious property with a breathtaking view of the sea as it stretches to meet the horizon.

Photo from Aloha Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Aloha Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Aloha Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Google Maps

It truly isn’t often that you get plenty of room in resorts. With ALOHA, you’ll get treated to a clean and wide white sand beach that slopes gently into the sparkling blue waters. This beach is right next to an expansive patch of grass that rolls from the beachfront right up to the rooms.

If you ask me, this is the perfect place to just laze away and walk around barefoot enjoying the breeze and the sound of the waves. Couple that with a stunning view of the sunrise and it’s the perfect vacation!

Photo from Aloha Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Aloha Beach Resort Facebook Page

ALOHA Beach Resort also has plenty of available rooms for guests and visitors, providing you with comfortable shelter after a day lounging by the beach.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Photo from booking.com website
Photo from booking.com website

Day Use:

  • Open hours: 8AM to 5PM
  • Entrance fee: ₱150 per person

Room Rates:

All rooms are air-conditioned and have bathrooms.

  • Room for 2: ₱1,600 
  • Room for 2: ₱2,000
    • With hot shower.
  • Room for 2 to 3: ₱2,700

Inclusions:

  • Cable TV
  • Hot shower
  • Room for 3: ₱2,500

Inclusions:

  • 1 Single bed
  • 1 Double sofa bed 
  • Hot shower
  • Room for 4 to 7: ₱3,700

Inclusions:

  • Cable TV
  • Hot shower
  • Dormitory type/Fun room: ₱6,000, good for up to 12
  • All rooms except Dormitory type have breakfast included.
  • Check-in time is 2PM and check-out time is 12NN.
  • Extensions will incur a charge of ₱100 per hour.
  • Additional persons will cost ₱500 per person.
  • Kids ages 1 to 3 can check in for free. 

Other information

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Barangay Tan-awan, Oslob, Natalio Bacalso Avenue, Oslob, Cebu – 2.5 to 3 hours from Cebu City

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “ALOHA” in Oslob, Cebu 

Cebu logs 366 new cases on September 14

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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 September 14, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 366 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 503 new recoveries, and 25 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 97,817, while the active cases increased to 8,667 (from 8,823).

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 39,470 (+94 new)
– Total recoveries: 35,282 (+149 new)
– Total deaths: 1,247 (+9 new)
– Active cases: 2,941

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 12,841 (+46 new)
– Total recoveries: 11,247 (+93 new)
– Total deaths: 329 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 1,265

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 11,514 (+37 new)
– Total recoveries: 10,118 (+53 new)
– Total deaths: 346 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 1,050

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 33,992 (+189 new)
– Total recoveries: 28,657 (+208 new)
– Total deaths: 1,924 (+14 new)
– Active cases: 3,411

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 8,667 (from 8,823)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 97,817 (+366 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 85,304 (+503 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 3,846 (+25 new*)

A total of 3,734 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):

Photo from DOH Facebook Page
Photo from DOH Facebook Page
Photo from DOH Facebook Page
Photo from DOH Facebook Page

Cebu Eats: Lato and Guso

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The soft and succulent lato, fondly known as sea grapes and sometimes green caviar, is a common delicacy eaten in many parts of the Philippines. In Cebu, Lato is commonly eaten raw, as a salad, or prepared with vinegar and spices (kinilaw).

Another delicious bounty from the coasts of Cebu is the locally famous guso. Known internationally as Eucheuma, it comes in red, brown or green. In the island of Cebu, guso is a green treat that’s also commonly enjoyed on its own or with other seafood.

For most of us, we know these seaweeds as side dishes and sometimes viands that go great with a steamy hot cup of rice. Usually, lato and guso go raw as garnish alongside soupy fish recipes and grilled seafood. Many other times, they shine on their own in salads and as kinilaw.

Photo from blauearth.com website
Photo from pidoksrestaurant.com website
Photo from notjustfoodph.com website

Their pleasant textures also undoubtedly add to why they’re both so famous among Cebuanos. The signature popping of lato is many people’s favorite, same with the characteristic crunchiness of guso. Eaten raw, they are watery and mildly salty and people often refer to them as “tasting like the ocean”. 

Kinilaw, however, is a different story. The distinct saltiness of the seaweeds, along with its unique constitution, is combined with the slight sweetness of tomatoes, the tang of onions, the kick and earthiness of garlic, and the spice of chilis to create a wonderfully exciting palette of flavors. These are all harmoniously united by the sourness of vinegar, and there you have it – delicious dish with depth and flavor!

Lato and guso are pretty light, so they are usually enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish. While both lato and guso are sumptuous seaweeds that are enjoyably palatable, another great thing about them is that they come packed with nutrients! 

The two are high in dietary fibers, potassium, calcium, iodine, magnesium, and vitamins B and K. It’s also less dense with calories, making it a diet-friendly food. Furthermore, it has shown to have potential as an anti-diabetic agent.

Photo from pidoksrestaurant.com website
Photo from pursuitoffunctionalhome.com website
Photo from restaurantguru.com website

Lato and Guso are not internationally available, since they wither in cold temperatures, and thrive in warm regions near the equator. Interestingly, cultivation of lato actually started in Cebu in the 1950s, only to be followed by Japan in 1986.

Both of these seaweeds are also sensitive to pollution. Community sensitivity and government regulation are required because Ammonia and nitrate pollution from the waste of urban neighborhoods and pesticides used in fishponds is the biggest reason for the dwindling supply of lato.

Eucheuma are naturally found in regions close to the equator and are most concentrated in Southeast Asia. They are typically found below the low tide mark to the upper subtidal zone of a reef, growing on sand to rocky seafloor areas along a coral reef, where water movement is slow to moderate.

Netflix special ‘Happy Jail’ features Cebu Dancing Inmates & Origins

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Few years back, Cebu became the most talked about topic because of a certain video circulating around social media. The reason? Cebu Provincial and Rehabilitation Center or CPDRC’s Dancing Inmates. 

The dancing inmates was so popular and unique that it now has its own Netflix special titled “Happy Jail”. A documentary by Filipino American filmmaker Michele Josue where it explores life inside and what goes beyond the song and dance.  It digs deeper into the lives of those jailed in the maximum-security prison and an in-depth look at the criminal justice system.

“Happy Jail” is a limited series with 5 episodes:

  1. A Happy Jail for Happy Inmates
  2. Everybody Needs a Second Chance
  3. I Dream
  4. A Free Man
  5. No Dance Killing, Man
Photo from cnnphilippines.com website

The dancing inmates’ popularity have also reached Michael Jackson’s long-time choreographer, Travis Payne, who flew to the Philippines and witnessed them dancing to MJ’s songs. He even taught them dance moves to the song, “This Is It”.

Dancing Inmates Origins

Photo from Netflix

Back when Gwen Garcia was the city Governor, she appointed his brother, Byron Garcia as the head prison director. The latter then started a program wherein inmates are to perform exercise routines that later turned into flash mobs. 

Garcia started recording the dances and uploaded it on Youtube. The first video only garnered less than a thousand views and not until 2007 when they unexpectedly hit million views and started to gain worldwide recognition because of the “Thriller”, by Michael Jackson, dance. 

Healthy and Fit Inmates

Photo from cbc.ca website
Photo from GMA News website

Garcia’s main reason why he started this daily exercise program is to help the inmates become healthy and fit despite being in the rehabilitation center. For him, the center should find ways on how to restore or rehabilitate the prisoners instead of constantly looking for ways to punish them. Hence, the exercise program.

Head prison director Garcia just wanted to document the dances and did not expect for the videos to get a lot of attention and garnered recognition globally. Because of this, Garcia hoped to promote “music and dance therapy” to every jail and rehabilitation center, not just in the Philippines but in the whole world.

However, the dancing program stopped when Hilario Davide III became city governor in 2013. But, now that Gwen Garcia was re-elected, people are hoping for the program to continue.  

Cebu logs 209 new cases on September 13

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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 September 13, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 209 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 749 new recoveries, and 48 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 97,452, while the active cases increased to 8,823 (from 9,407).

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 39,377 (+60 new)
– Total recoveries: 35,138 (+234 new)
– Total deaths: 1,238 (+13 new)
– Active cases: 3,001

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 12,795 (+42 new)
– Total recoveries: 11,155 (+29 new)
– Total deaths: 328 (+4 new)
– Active cases: 1,312

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 11,477 (+28 new)
– Total recoveries: 10,065 (+57 new)
– Total deaths: 345 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 1,067

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 33,803 (+79 new)
– Total recoveries: 28,450 (+429 new)
– Total deaths: 1,910 (+30 new)
– Active cases: 3,443

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 8,823 (from 9,407)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 97,452 (+209 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 84,808 (+749 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 3,821 (+48 new*)

A total of 1,670 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):

Photo from DOH Facebook Page
Photo from DOH Facebook Page
Photo from DOH Facebook Page
Photo from DOH Facebook Page

Experience the #WorldsSuperSmooth Vape

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Are you tired of that lingering cigarette smell on your breath and fingers and how it can stick to your clothes? And not to mention your loved ones complaining about you smelling like an ashtray. If you’ve had enough of the smelly smoking experience and ready for a new super smooth journey, then it’s time you were introduced to a better alternative to cigarettes.

Introducing RELX’s newest colorways: RELX Infinity Deep Blue and RELX Essential Blue Glow.

Designed with SuperSmooth, the new RELX can provide you with a better alternative to traditional cigarette smoking and vaping, unlike other vapes, which tend to leak or have poor battery life. With the RELX Infinity and RELX Essentials, there won’t be any cigarette smells, no messy ash, and no harsh hits, just full-flavored, velvety smooth vape from start to finish.

The devices use the same groundbreaking vaping technology, the Active-Steam Pro and Air Boost design, to provide consistent vapor volume and quality by actively balancing and controlling both atomizing power and temperature. As well as providing sufficient pressure to enable the vapor to travel upwards the maze leak-resistant design from the atomizer.

Both RELX Infinity Deep Blue and RELX Essential Blue Glow have a leak-resistant maze, ergonomic mouthpiece design, and symmetrical pods. But what sets each unit apart?

As the Red Dot winner of 2020, RELX Infinity is perfect for those who like great design. With dual charging options
available, the unit can be charged using its built-in Pogo pin or USB-C charging port. The device also has a SmartPace Vibrate Alert to prevent nicotine over-consumption by vibrating when the user takes over 15 puffs within 15 minutes.

As for the RELX Essential, it’s the brand’s entry-point device that provides all you need in a vape pen at an affordable price. If you’re fine without the added features of extra battery life or a SmartPace Alert system, the Essential is the perfect option. Its high-quality design, small and manageable size, and fast charging make it the perfect entry point for smokers looking to switch to super smooth.

Last September 11, RELX hosted a virtual VIP Night exclusively for Cebu partners. A lot of prizes and surprises were given away as everyone took their first step to their #NoSmoke journey.

May be an image of ‎1 person, screen and ‎text that says '‎REC WARNING: wwi.Nicoinel Nicotine product nicotine را addictive chemica‎'‎‎

If you’re ready to say goodbye to strong smokey smells and messy ash, log on over to relxnow.ph or visit our local stores to purchase one for yourself.

CEBU CITY

  • Cebu Vape Pod
  • Den’s Corner Vape Pod
  • Stay RELX
  • Southside Chicken Wing
  • Drip and Draft
  • JV Shop
  • JV Shop Maze
  • Eurohub
  • RELX Store SM Seaside City Cebu
  • RELX Store SM City Cebu
  • RELX Store Streetscapes Mall Cebu
  • RELX Store Bonifacio District Cebu
  • CV Cebu SM Vape Shop
  • CV Cebu Ayala
  • Chiefvapers Cebu
  • Fuma SM Cebu
  • Fuma Robinsons Fuente
  • Fuma Ayala Center
  • Fuma The Terraces
  • Lighters Galore Ayala Cebu
  • Lighters Galore SM City Cebu

MANDAUE CITY

  • Fuma J Centre Mall

BANTAYAN ISLAND

  • Boo-Kid Restobar

Park Seo Joon stars in a new Marvel Cinematic Movie

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Before anything, let us keep our fingers crossed!

Rumor has it that Park Seo Joon (PSJ) will be joining The Marvels, a sequel of Captain Marvel.

Industry representatives by Soompi said that he PSJ will he flying to the United States in the second half of 2021 for his shooting. This will be done after his filming of Concrete Utopia.

Though this announcement was done on PSJ’s official Facebook page, no statement as to what movie he is to be shooting.

The statement reads, “Park Seo Joon confirmed his appearance in The Marvel Studios movie and left the country this afternoon.”

“First of all, I would like to thank the many people who have shown interest and support for Park Seo Joon’s new challenge. I am well aware that many people are curious about the name of the work, the character, the filming location, and the filming period. More information about the movie will be announced at a later date,” it added.

Photo from thestreamable.com website
Photo from hancinema.com website
Photo from koreaboo.com website
Photo from koreaboo.com website
Photo from metro.style website

“Please support Park Seo Joon so that he can return home after filming well.”

True or not, we can only pray to see our Oppa in a new Hollywood movie.