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 July 30, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 629 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 498 new recoveries, and 20 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 66,473, while the active cases increased to 7,184 (from 7,078).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 29,452 (+186 new) – Total recoveries: 26,041 (+149 new) – Total deaths: 915 (+10 new) – Active cases: 2,496
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 8,493 (+70 new) – Total recoveries: 7,142 (+144 new) – Total deaths: 187 (+1 new) – Active cases: 1,164
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 8,096 (+81 new) – Total recoveries: 6,943 (+46 new) – Total deaths: 243 (+0 new) – Active cases: 910
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 20,432 (+292 new) – Total recoveries: 16,952 (+159 new) – Total deaths: 866 (+9 new) – Active cases: 2,614
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 7,184 (from 7,078)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 66,473 (+629 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 57,078 (+498 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,211 (+20 new*)
A total of 3,544 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.
Craving some solace or some quality quiet time by the beach? How about a whole tropical island all to yourself?
Get to know Sulpa, a hectare-wide islet that is untouched, all-natural, and covered in tropical trees!
Sulpa Island is one of the six satellite islands of Olango. It’s a tiny strip of forest and beach beside the Olango Reef Flat. It’s a small island retreat entirely surrounded by seawater. If you chance a stay that’s just you and your friends or family, the place can be your very own exclusive tropical paradise!
Photo by Aligato John Ray of The Island Nomad
Photo by Aligato John Ray of The Island Nomad
Photo by こげぱん
Photo by VR360 CebuTrip
Photo by なみへい
Located about 4 km from Mactan, and under 1.5 km from Olango, this uninhabited islet is a tropical escape ready to welcome you to a relaxing time in isolation.
Sulpa island is a sleeping island in the morning. There isn’t any activity here, save for the birds fluttering and chirping about, the lazy lapping of the waves, and the relaxed rustling of the leaves on the trees. This is the best time to go if you’d like to experience having the islet all to yourself – something we definitely recommend!
Later in the day, however, the island wakes up and life arrives at the island. Locals and visitors usually come by at noon or the afternoon to lounge and enjoy a picnic. A few vendors even swing by on their motorboats to sell basic goods and some food. It’s assuring to know that even if you’re in isolation, the comforts of modern civilization will still be available to you.
Photo from Babse Babsi Studios Facebook Page
Photo by Martin Nilsson
Photo by Simply Boholana
Photo by こげぱん
There aren’t any facilities on the islet, just a few cottages and barbecue areas for cooking a quick lunch. The lack of human intrusion really adds to its rawness, and that makes it all the more exotic!
The island terrain is rocky, and there’s only one beachfront to enjoy the sand. From here, you can swim and snorkel and simply marvel at the untouched beauty of the sea. There is also a diving jump off point west of the island. The depth is about 50 meters, perfect for beginner divers.
Sulpa Island is a great destination to soak in nature and bask in the sun. It’s quiet and peaceful, just perfect to unwind and get away from the city for a bit!
Photo by Misaki Fukuda
Photo by なみへい
Photo by Simply Boholana
Photo by Kaoru Shiramomo
Photo by Simply Boholana
Photo by Franco Silingardi
Photo by Simply Boholana
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Day Use:
Entrance Fee: ₱100 per person
Other information
There is no electricity on the island.
Cottages and picnic areas are available.
Camping is allowed.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Sulpa Islet, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu – 25 minutes from Mactan Island
BY BOAT: If you’re hopping to Sulpan from Olango, you can hire any boat from the Island shores to bring you to and from Sulpa. Rates will vary and will depend on your haggling skills. For reference, an island-hopping trip to three islands in a day usually costs ₱3,000.
Alternatively, if you’re starting in Cebu or Mactan, you can head over to Parola area in Cordova and hire a boat to take you directly to Sulpa Island. The trip will cost around ₱3,000 as well and takes 25 minutes one way.
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 July 29, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 831 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 168 new recoveries, and 13 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 65,901, while the active cases increased to 7,078 (from 6,421).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 29,428 (+286 new) – Total recoveries: 25,990 (+114 new) – Total deaths: 911 (+1 new) – Active cases: 2,527
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 8,027 (+159 new) – Total recoveries: 7,008 (+3 new) – Total deaths: 183 (+0 new) – Active cases: 1,239
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 8,430 (+96 new) – Total recoveries: 6,896 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 243 (+1 new) – Active cases: 888
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 20,016 (+290 new) – Total recoveries: 16,741 (+51 new) – Total deaths: 851 (+11 new) – Active cases: 2,424
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 7,078 (from 6,421)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 65,901 (+831 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 56,635 (+168 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,188 (+13 new*)
A total of 5,112 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.
Imagine a long stretch of white beach where everywhere you step, your feet sink into soft white sand. The water is clear and sky-blue, sparkling in the daylight. Your options of drinks and snacks are endless, and you get to enjoy your refreshments beachside.
Stop imagining, because you can live this for real at Bounty Beach!
Located in Malapascua, Bounty Beach is the main beach of the island, boasting pristine and powdery white sand alongside glittering waters stretching out into the horizon. This about 800-meter stretch of pale pretty sand is where most of the bars and restaurants are located in the island, making it the best destination for a relaxing time by the beach.
Photo from We Wander Facebook Page
Photo from We Wander Facebook Page
If you’re up for a bit more adventure, there are also a couple of dive shops awaiting guests, where you can snorkel or even deep dive into the magical waters of Malapascua!
The Beach
Bounty Beach runs along the southern edge through the southeastern end of Malapascua, measuring around 860 meters long and about 30 meters wide at its widest. The whole stretch of beach is covered with a thick layer of powdery white sand and finely-crushed sea shells. If you ask me, spending an hour or two to walk down Bounty Beach is one of the best ways to spend your time!
The beach has multiple access points, with roads connecting the beach to the main roads and paths to the island. If you ever find the sea calling you while you’re in Malapascua, just head south! All the locals are also familiar with the locations of the all the beaches on the island, most especially Bounty Beach.
Along the coastline you can find dozens of bars, resorts, restaurants, and dive shops.
Beachside Lounging
Bounty Beach houses a lot, if not most, of the island’s bars and restaurants. Every day, the bars host Happy Hour – first every sunset, and second every evening around 7PM to 9PM. The bars serve cocktails and snacks, best enjoyed by the beach in their many lounging areas and chairs.
Locals in Malapascua fish for their livelihood. You can find fishermen casting their nets from their boats early in the morning and even late at night. Their catch, if not shipped or sold in the mainland, is immediately cooked at the nearby market and establishments. That’s a guaranteed fresh catch-of-the-day meal!
When not in use, the parked boats also add character to the beach. Malapascua Island is already a peaceful tropical island with a completely laidback feel. The boats parked on the sand remind us of the simple joys and add to the idyllic environment in Malapascua.
Malapascua is also known to be one of the best sunset spots in Cebu. As the day lazily passes (and boy does time flow slowly in the island!), make sure you get a comfortable spot in Bounty Beach to enjoy a vivid and colorful sunset over the island.
The beach is also lined with dive shops offering lessons and tours. From island hopping to deep dives, there’s something for everyone with every level of experience.
All around the islands of Malapascua, the sky-blue seawater glitters and sparkles in the sun. Bounty Beach is not exempt from having such magical waters! Boating, snorkeling, and diving all are highly enjoyable because the waters get so clear up close, it’s almost like looking through liquid glass!
Photo from We Wander Facebook Page
Photo by @bryanchu
Photo from We Wander Facebook Page
The quality and clarity of the water really shines the most when you go diving. You’ll get clear views of thresher sharks, manta rays, and all kinds of fish. The Monad Shoal is one of the most famed dive spots, accessible by a 25-minute ride from Bounty Beach. The shoal is an underwater island 20 to 30 meters deep that is a treasure trove for marine life sightings, including hammerhead sharks and eagle rays.
OTHER INFORMATION
Day Use:
Entrance Fee:none
Open hours: The beach is 24 hours open, but the bars and restaurants will close late at night.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Bounty Beachfront, Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Northern Cebu — approx. 4-5 hours away from the city (with boat/ferry ride).
BY COMMUTE: From the North Bus Terminal, take a bus bound to Maya. The trip costs ₱230 and should take 3.5 to 4 hours. Alight at Maya Port then ride an outrigger boat to Malapascua.
A one-way boat trip costs ₱1,500 split between 15 passengers, making it ₱100 per person at full capacity. If the boat isn’t full, you can opt to pay the boat fee, albeit being more costly per passenger. Boat trips are scheduled hourly between 6:30AM and 4:30PM, 7 days a week.
Upon arrival at Malapascua, you can then hire motorcycles to take you to Bounty Beach, or book one to be your ride for the day for ₱300 per day. Alternatively, walking can take you anywhere in the island. The island is about 2.5 km long and 1 km wide, small enough that you can walk from one end to the other in an hour.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Maya New Roro Port” in Maya, Daanbantayan, Cebu.
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 July 28, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 585 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 296 new recoveries, and 13 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 65,070, while the active cases increased to 6,421 (from 6,138).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 29,142 (+177 new) – Total recoveries: 25,876 (+110 new) – Total deaths: 911 (+3 new) – Active cases: 2,355
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 8,271 (+105 new) – Total recoveries: 7,005 (+44 new) – Total deaths: 183 (+0 new) – Active cases: 1,083
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 7,931 (+81 new) – Total recoveries: 6,896 (+36 new) – Total deaths: 242 (+1 new) – Active cases: 793
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 19,726 (+222 new) – Total recoveries: 16,692 (+106 new) – Total deaths: 844 (+9 new) – Active cases: 2,190
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 6,421 (from 6,138)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 65,070 (+585 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 56,469 (+296 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,180 (+13 new*)
A total of 4,130 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.
The wait is over for the Philippines. We have a living and legit weightlifting fairy everyone.
On Monday, July 26, at the Tokyo International Forum, Hidilyn Diaz dubbed as the queen in Philippine weightlifting have made history for the first ever Gold Olympic medal of the Philippines. The first ever gold in 97 years, since we started competing in the Olympic Games in 1924.
Photo by Arius Raposas
Looking strong and powering through, she literally lifted the Philippines for the win in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics weightlifting competition having a total lift of 224kg which set an Olympic record.
Diaz started strong with lifting 97kg on her 2nd snatch attempt. But it wasn’t until the 30-year-old Filipina went head-to-head with China’s Liao Qiuyun in the clean and jerk that the heat of the competition rose.
Clean and Jerk
2nd attempt by Qiuyun: 123kg
2nd attempt by Diaz: 124kg
3rd attempt by Qiuyun: 126kg
3rd attempt by Diaz: 127kg (New Olympic Record)
On her last lift, she struggled and was a bit shaky but powered through heaving her chest out, raising both arms and letting out an internal shout/grunt. The moment she lifted the 127kg above her head everyone watching got goosebumps.
Repetition creates results and no dream is impossible as we show Diaz’s records here:
2008- Beijing China (1st Olympics)
2012- London
2016- Rio de Janeiro Brazil (Silver medal)
2021- Tokyo, Japan (Gold medal)
For the first time in the history of Olympics, the Philippine anthem was heard and Diaz paid respect to the flag with a salute and tears in her eyes as I imagine every proud Filipino watching there was having goosebumps and crying too.
Diaz Awards & Wins
Awards left and right are now being given to the Philippine pride, Hidilyn Diaz for the honor she has given to our country.
P35.5 MILLION
P10 million (from the government as mandated by law)
P10 million (from Manny V. Pangilinan)
P10 million (from Ramon S. Ang)
P3 million (from Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero)
P2.5 million (from the local government of her hometown Zamboanga City)
Named the “Island Born of Fire” because of its astounding 7 volcanoes, Camiguin is an amazing island to visit in Mindanao. It has a lot of interesting locations that will leave you in awe as well as scrumptious food that its taste will remain in your brain for years. If you are planning to visit Camiguin but do not know what to do, here is an ultimate travel guide from Cebu to Camiguin.
How to go from Cebu to Camiguin
As of writing, Camiguin is currently not allowing tourists in at the moment due to the pandemic. However, once it opens its arms for tourists to come in, remember to always wear your face mask and face shield, wash your hands with alcohol regularly, and avoid touching unfamiliar objects as well as your face.
Of course, Cebu has a direct flight to Camiguin. In fact, only Cebu had a direct flight back then but now there are other airports that offer direct flights to the island as well. Cebu Pacific Airlines, Air Asia, and Philippine Airlines are possible airline services that offer these flights.
It is also possible to ride a ferry from Cagayan de Oro to Camiguin if you want to stop by Cagayan de Oro. From there, go to either the Macabalan Pier which is within the city or the Balingoan Pier which is an hour and a half away from the city.
Best destinations in Camiguin
White Island
White Island is the crown jewel of Camiguin; you can probably even see it from the air. It has a beautiful white sandbar with peaceful turquoise waters clashing towards it. You can hire small boats by the municipality itself to get there, just ask around.
As an island with 7 volcanoes, at least one of them is bound to have erupted and indeed, Mt. Vulcan did so in the 1870s and sunk the capital city and the old town of Catarman. Now, a giant concrete cross stands above the waters to where the old cemetery is now. There is something mysteriously cool about nature overtaking old ruins as fish have decided to occupy, making it a delight to dive in.
For the people who want a good hike uphill or a relaxing view from above, the Walkway to the Old Volcano is a good place to start. It is a concrete stairway with 15 Stations of the Cross leading to Mt. Vulcan. Once at the top, you can have a good scenery stretching far towards the cross of the Sunken Cemetery.
When the weather is cold, a perfect way to stay toasty is to visit the Ardent Hot Spring in Camiguin. With 7 volcanoes within the island, of course there would be a hot springs in the area. The water can go up to 40 degrees Celsius.
On the other hand, if you want to stay chill amidst the summer heat, the Santo Nino Cold Spring will surely make your hairs stand up. It clocks in at about 20 degrees Celsius.
Waterfalls are also a delight in Camiguin as Tuasan Falls attract many to its charms. The atmosphere seems mystical making it a beautiful spot for taking pictures. The water is cold and chilly and you can take a dip into its lagoon.
Photo by Mike Cabahug
Photo by Win Concha
Photo by Mike Cabahug
Photo by Irene Quijano Ungria
Old Guiob Church Ruins
For history and antique nerds, the Old Guiob Church Ruins will make keep you happy with its scenery. This church has been a standing relic amidst the town that has been buried by Mt. Vulcan in the 1870s. Now, its tall pillars and stone walls are covered in greenery as what time always does.
Planning a long trip down south? Going to witness the Tostado Festival in Santander? Drop by the quaint and cozy sunset spot in quiet Talisay: Pada Beach Resort & Restaurant!
Located in along the coast in Talisay, Pada Beach Resort offers guests the treats of vivid sunsets, relaxing accommodation, and satisfying food with affordable rates.
Photo by Carmel Lebios Lariego
Photo by Carmel Lebios Lariego
Photo by Carmel Lebios Lariego
Photo by Chrestie Tiu
First treat up: by-the-beach dining! Pada’s restaurant features a charming dining area overlooking the sea. You can gaze at the captivatingly calm waters of Tañon Strait with breathtaking backdrop of Negros Island while enjoying your meal al-fresco. Their restaurant’s (menu included below) food includes all the Pinoy favorites that are just made way better by the ambiance.
Second treat: atmospheric accommodation. Pada Beach Resort offers guests rooms with an impressive sea view. The rooms are so close to the coast that the waters fill almost the full view of the window. Just imagine falling asleep to a lullaby of waves, and then waking up to the greetings of the sea. Their rooms are simple, yet elegant and spotless!
Photo by Carmel Lebios Lariego
Photo from Pada Beach Resort & Restaurant Facebook Page
Pada also has a beach access to a modest yard of sand right on top of the coast. The shore along this area isn’t as wide and sandy as in other parts of Cebu, so their yard makes for a good spot to enjoy sand beside the sea. Additionally, thanks to Santander’s location at the southernmost tip of Cebu, its coast have relatively calm waters and has an almost unobstructed view of the sea.
Last, but the most unique treat: right from their pool and in direct line of sight from their rooms is a mesmerizing view of the sea with Negros Island in the background. At sunset, you get to watch the sky erupt with vivid hues as the sun sets behind the contours of Negros as you relax in either swimming pool or beachfront. It’s a lovely way to end your day and welcome the night if you ask me!
Photo by Carmel Lebios Lariego
Photo by Carmel Lebios Lariego
Photo by Carmel Lebios Lariego
Photo by Carmel Lebios Lariego
Photo by Carmel Lebios Lariego
Photo by Carmel Lebios Lariego
Photo by Carmel Lebios Lariego
Pada Beach Resort & Restaurant offers guests and visitors a seaside experience that may be difficult to find anywhere else. Treat yourself with their amazing and affordable amenities!
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
ROOMS:
Room with Queen Size Bed: ₱1,800 per night
Good for 2 persons
Add an extra ₱300 for additional person
No extra charge for children under 12 years
Additional ₱600 for an extra bed
Inclusions:
Free breakfast good for 2 persons and persons who availed of extra (₱600) bed,
Air-conditioning,
Hot and cold shower,
32-inch cable TV; and
Free pool swimming.
Restaurant Menu:
Photo from Pada Beach Resort & Restaurant Facebook Page
Photo from Pada Beach Resort & Restaurant Facebook Page
Photo from Pada Beach Resort & Restaurant Facebook Page
Photo from Pada Beach Resort & Restaurant Facebook Page
Exact location: Santander – Barili – Toledo Road, Talisay, Santander, Southern Cebu – 3 to 3.5 hours from Cebu City
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Pada Beach Resort & Restaurant” in Santander, Cebu. Spacious parking is available.
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 July 27, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 513 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 176 new recoveries, and 14 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 64,484, while the active cases increased to 6,138 (from 5,810).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 28,968 (+187 new) – Total recoveries: 25,769 (+67 new) – Total deaths: 909 (+2 new) – Active cases: 2,290
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 8,164 (+53 new) – Total recoveries: 6,961 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 182 (+1 new) – Active cases: 1,021
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 7,850 (+38 new) – Total recoveries: 6,860 (+20 new) – Total deaths: 241 (+1 new) – Active cases: 749
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 19,502 (+235 new) – Total recoveries: 16,586 (+89 new) – Total deaths: 838 (+10 new) – Active cases: 2,078
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 6,138 (from 5,810)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 64,484 (+513 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 56,176 (+176 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,170 (+14 new*)
A total of 3,859 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.
Even with the pandemic at hand, sneakers are still at trend and it doesn’t look like it’s taking a toll anytime soon.
Sneakers can even fetch a hefty price, but not with Novo in Metro Colon, Cebu.
If you are someone who has been collecting sneakers for quite some time now and you are not very particular with bran, we have good news for you. For as low as P100, you will be able to score a pair of sneakers.
When practicality meets style, it could never go wrong.
From P200 per pair, they are now priced at P100. Whether you are the high-cut type of sneakhead or a low-cut one, they have your preference. From white to the most colorful pair, anything could really be to your liking.
So while we are still facing this crisis, we might as well consider these. Trust me, it is not bad, they look good and will surely look good on you too.
