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.
This has been the question of the netizens regarding the incident that has made rounds on social media. Others were brought to ire after watching the video.
Why not?
A certain Marjorie Alison posted a live video of her going to the home of her client. This certain client was said to have ordered her ‘lechon package’ amounting to P18,000. The client gave a deposit of P9,000 for the food. The package was delivered on the agreed date, but the client only paid the initial deposit, excluding the remaining balance.
When the live video was posted, netizens were quick to leave comments about their opinion on the incident. Others said the food package was too small for P18,000, while others say the food could have just been returned.
It was consumed. So, what is there to return?
May this serve as a reminder to everyone to never judge a book by its cover. That regardless of one’s social status, may we all learn to respect and uplift our fellows.
Where the sand resembles the finest refined sugar, that’s Sugar Beach! Sugar Beach is the widest white sand beach in the coasts of Sta Fe, Bantayan Island.
Sugar Beach is an expansive beachfront with plenty of space, over 90 meters wide at some areas! The beach stretches to over 1 km long with plenty of it passing through resorts and beachside restaurants. The beach is perfect for scenic strolls and water sports.
Photo by Blas De los Santos
Photo by Blas De los Santos
Photo by Blas De los Santos
Aside from the wide walking areas and the gentle slope of the beach towards the sea, Sugar Beach is special because of the quality of its sand. Not only is the sand soft and fine, but you also won’t find sharp corals or rocks lining the beach. That makes walking barefoot not only possible, but also highly enjoyable!
The long beach is located at the southeastern edge of Bantayan island, making it a prime spot for sunrises. Witness a grand display of vibrant sunrise colors above a vista of the sea with Daanbantayan in the backdrop. It might have something to do with the waters around or the location, but Bantayan Island is one of the best places to watch both sunrise and sunset. So set that alarm and get up early!
Sugar Beach is a great destination if you’re looking to enjoy the simple pleasures of the beach. Take a leisurely walk down the coastline, sip a beer or a cocktail under a palm tree, or just gaze into the horizon and let time pass like the countless waves. Any activity becomes a great use of time here at scenic Sugar Beach.
There is also a resort, aptly named Sugar Beach Resort, that offers simple accommodation and necessities for travelers and visitors. The beach resort offers accommodation only. There isn’t a restaurant, but there are plenty of beachside bars and restaurants serving food and refreshments.
Photo by Hazael Vegas
Photo by Dee Bee | @db312 via IG
Photo by Katarína Plačková
Photo by Maria Faizel Tan | @mariafaizel via IG
Photo by Ivory Jade Villarosa Trangia | boryangme via IG
Photo by Vin Brutas
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Day Use:
Entrance Fee: ₱30
Tent pitching is allowed, and is free if you bring your own.
Tent rental: ₱150 to ₱200
Open cottages are available.
Other information
A handful of accommodation options are available. Rates and availability vary. Contact Sugar Beach Resort should you want to avail of rooms.
Sugar Beach Resort contact numbers:
0921-775-5058
0918-371-0627
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: C. Batiancila Street, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Northern Cebu — approx. 4-5 hours away from Cebu City.
BY COMMUTE: From the North Bus Terminal, take a bus heading to Hagnaya. You may also opt to ride a van, but that will be pricier. Ask to be dropped off at Hagnaya Port. The bus trip will cost ₱175 and will take around 3-4 hours; less for vans.
Hagnaya Port charges all persons ₱10 for their terminal fee. From Hagnaya Port, take the Express Ferry Boat to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island. This costs ₱180 one way, and travel time is approximately an hour. A Ro-Ro vessel from Hagnaya to Santa Fe is also available.
BY CAR: Your private vehicle can be ferried over to Sta. Fe so you can use your vehicle in Bantayan Island. Alternatively, you can leave it in the parking area of Hagnaya Port and opt to commute in Bantayan.
Vehicle Ferry Prices (one way):
Motorbike: ₱500 to ₱700
Car: ₱1,270
Van & SUV: ₱1,850
Truck: ₱3,500
Daily Parking Fee in Hagnaya Port:
Motorbike: ₱20 per day
Car: ₱50 per day
Van: ₱70 per day
Truck: ₱100 per day
Once in the island, navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Sugar Beach” in Bantayan Island, Cebu.
As the COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the country following the rampant local transmission of the Delta variant, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan released the Executive Order No. 2021 – 040, an order temporarily suspending certain activities and imposing stricter restrictions in the City during Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) starting on July 26 to August 25, 2021.
The new Executive Order highlights the following policies:
Temporary suspension of all forms of non-contact and contact sports and events, non-essential mass gatherings
Liquor Ban
Ban of Videoke and Karaoke activities
Effective August 25, only Vaccination Card holders upon presenting their cards are allowed to enter public and private markets (including department stores, supermarkets, grocery stores and convenient stores)
Shuttle service for employees residing outside Lapu-Lapu City
Dining in food establishments limited to 50% of its maximum capacity, no alcoholic drinks to be served, 24-hour fastfood establishments to only be allowed to offer take-out services after 10 PM
Strict implementation of Public Health Safety standards (Wear your face shield and face mask at all times)
Read the full Executive Order No. 2021 – 040:
Meanwhile, in Cebu City, Acting Mayor Mike Rama issued the Executive Order No. 136 that prohibits drinking alcoholic beverages in public in Cebu City, effective immediately. Curfew has also been adjusted, starting from 10 PM to 4 AM.
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 July 26, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 454 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 258 new recoveries, and 16 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 63,969, while the active cases increased to 5,810 (from 5,640).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 28,781 (+161 new) – Total recoveries: 25,700 (+69 new) – Total deaths: 907 (+4 new) – Active cases: 2,174
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 8,114 (+74 new) – Total recoveries: 6,961 (+79 new) – Total deaths: 181 (+2 new) – Active cases: 972
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 7,813 (+72 new) – Total recoveries: 6,840 (+25 new) – Total deaths: 240 (+2 new) – Active cases: 733
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 19,261 (+147 new) – Total recoveries: 16,497 (+85 new) – Total deaths: 833 (+8 new) – Active cases: 1,931
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 5,810 (from 5,640)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 63,969 (+454 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 55,998 (+258 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,161 (+16 new*)
A total of 2,283 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.
Tacloban City is known as “The Gateway to Eastern Visayas”, and as a gateway for many beautiful showcases of nature, there are also places that Tacloban City has to offer. The city is full and rich of history, so if you are planning to visit there, make sure to indulge yourself with a little bit of culture.
How to go from Cebu to Tacloban City
There are mainly two ways to go to Tacloban City: through a direct flight or riding a ferry to Ormoc City, then riding a minivan or bus heading to the city. If you want to go there by air, you can look for airline services such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and more that offer a direct flight.
If by ferry, look on the internet for ferry services and their time schedule. OceanJet has everyday trips back and forth. Cebu City departure time is 6:00 AM & 1:30 PM. While the other way around is 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM.
According to the PNA, Tacloban City had reopened to tourists. The requirements for entry include valid ID, local QR code, and health assessment upon arrival. However, recent news had made its way that Tacloban has restricted entry for travelers, so expect stricter implementation. As always, when travelling in Tacloban, wear your face shields and face masks.
Best Destinations in Tacloban City
San Juanico Bridge
It is the longest bridge in the Philippines measuring 7,100 ft. in total length. It connects the islands of Leyte and Samar together, so it is a spectacle of an infrastructure. However, be careful as there could be strict restrictions regarding the travel from Tacloban City to Samar.
Photo from The Island Nomad Facebook Page
Photo from The Island Nomad Facebook Page
Photo from The Island Nomad Facebook Page
Photo from The Island Nomad Facebook Page
MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park
This war memorial marks the historic landing of General Douglas MacArthur in the Leyte Gulf, which signaled in the campaign to liberate the Philippines from the Japanese. If you are a history buff, mark this on your to-go list. It is in Palo, which is a short distance away from Tacloban City.
Also known as the Tacloban Church, it is the most important religious site in Leyte. It has played a significant role during the early ages of the Philippines, and it houses the miraculous image of St. Nino, their patron saint.
33 years after World War II ended, Japan decided to give a gift to Tacloban to honor the friendship between Filipinos and Japanese. It was a statue of a female version of the Indian Buddha, which became known as the Madonna of Japan. To this day, it still stands.
If there’s one thing Cebu has an abundance of, it’s beach destinations! With dozens of beaches in bustling resorts and quiet towns, you’ll never run out of options.
For your next trip down south, here’s our select 6 beautiful public beaches in Southern Cebu!
1. Lambug Beach
Lambug White Beach is undeniably one of Cebu’s hottest go-to beach. Getting there is pocket-friendly, and the pristine white sands actually earned it the title of Little Bora of Southern Cebu! With just a quick trip down south, you’ll be enthralled by the crystal-clear water, the great blue skies, and the refreshing scenery.
Photo by Aligato John Ray of The Island Nomad
Photo by Michael Audrey Jacobe Sagonoy
Photo by Jerllan Randell Labora
Photo by Zen Englatera
Photo by Jerllan Randell Labora
Other information
Entrance fee: ₱45 per head
Tent charge: ₱50 per head on weekdays, ₱150 /head on weekends (bring your own tent)
Exact location: Brgy. Lambug, Badian, Southern Cebu – 3 hours away from the city.
From the South Bus Terminal, take a bus going to Badian or Oslob. Fare is P140. Tell the bus driver to drop you off at the town center or “lungsod” of Lambug Badian. Travel time is approximately 3 hours.
From the town proper, ride a tricycle going to Lambug Beach. Fare is P30 per person. Travel time is 20-30 minutes.
You can park your car or motorcycles for a very minimal fee.
2. Panagsama Beach
Panagsama, unlike the aforementioned, doesn’t have a white sand beach. Instead, it has corals lining its shores, making for a unique beach scenery. The charm of Panagsama Beach lies not in having powdery white sand, but in its underwater attractions. The sunken plane, turtle watching, and the famed sardine run all make Panagsama Beach the prime location for diving in Moalboal.
Photo by Olesya Kovalenko
Turtle Point | Ksenia Chu
Other information
Entrance Fee: Panagsama Beach is FREE, but if you wish to have a private package tour, it would cost you roughly ₱1,500 to ₱2,000 for 4 to 6 people.
How to get there?
Exact Location: Panagsama Beach, Moalboal, Southern Cebu – 2 to 3 hours away from Cebu City.
From Gaisano Grand Mall or Moalboal Municipal Hall, take a tricycle and ask the driver to drop you off at Panagsama Beach. Fares vary depending on your agreement with the driver.
3. Basdaku Beach
Can’t get enough of the amazing beaches in Moalboal? Here’s another! Basdaku Beach boasts a wide shoreline, crystal clear waters, and pure white sand. A little trivia, the term ‘Basdaku’ is derived from two Cebuano words “bas” and “daku” which mean ‘sand’ and ‘big’, respectively. The name literally describes the kilometer-long coastline of the beach – and it’s all waiting to welcome you!
Photo by Jubert Valmores
Photo by Jubert Valmores
Photo by Ram Mancelita
Photo by Jepoi Lazaro
Other information
Entrance fee: ₱10-20 per head only
Tent charge: ₱100 per tent (bring your own tent)
Tent rental: ₱500 to 2,000 (depending on the size)
Cottage fee: ₱300 to 2,500 (rates vary from one resort to another)
How to get there?
Exact location: Basdaku Beach, Moalboal, Southern Cebu – about 3 hours from the city.
From the South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Moalboal via Barili or Badian. Then ask to be dropped off at Gaisano Grand Mall Moalboal or Moalboal town proper. Another option would be by van, which is also available at One Citilink Terminal. Fare is ₱150 to ₱180 and travel time is 3 hours depending on traffic conditions.
Once you’ve reached the town of Moalboal, you can hire a tricycle to take you to Basdaku or White Beach.
4. Tingko Beach
Next up, we’re heading to another lengthy beach on the east. This stretch of tropical cliché in Alcoy, Cebu is a famous spot frequented and adored by locals and tourists alike. The sandy coastline is so long that it’s divided into four beaches: Tingko Beach 1 & 2, Voda Krasna Resort, and a public beach. The powdery white sands and azure waters that hem the coastline extends into a shallow drop filled with corals and aquatic flora that is perfect for snorkeling and diving.
BY BUS: Find your way to Cebu South Bus Terminal (near E-Mall). Ride any bus bound to Oslob. Ask the driver or conductor to drop you off at Tingko Beach, Alcoy. Remember that Tingko Beach has multiple entrances. From Cebu City, Tingko 1 will appear first. The public resort is the easiest to spot.
BY VAN: Starting at the Cebu South Bus Terminal, ride a v-hire bound for Oslob. Ask the driver to drop you off at Tingko Beach, Alcoy. The trip costs around ₱90 to ₱150.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Tingko Beach” in Alcoy.
5. Dalaguete Beach Park
Not many people know that Dalaguete is not only popular for its scenic mountain peaks like Osmena Peak, Kandungaw Peak and Casino Peak (a.k.a. the Little Chocolate Hills of Cebu), but it’s also tagged as the “Summer Capital of Cebu”. Visit Dalaguete Beach Park and find out why for yourself!
Photo by Edfer Villahermosa
Photo by Clark Jifford Legaspi
Photo by Jay-r de la Calzada
Photo by Jay-r de la Calzada
Photo by Kezia Novell
Other information
Camping is not allowed.
Operating hours: 7AM to 5PM only
Contact number: (032) 253-3532
Entrance fee: ₱50 per adult; ₱25 per child
Parking fee: ₱20
Rentals:
Table: ₱250 for day use
Cottage: ₱350 (small), ₱1,500 (big)
How to get there?
Exact location: Brgy. Casay, Dalaguete, Southern Cebu — approx. 3 hours away from the city.
From the South Bus Terminal, ride any bus bound for Dalaguete. Inform the driver or conductor to drop you off at Dalaguete Beach Park (or public beach of Dalaguete). Bus fare is ~₱120 (one-way). The beach is a 10-to-15-minute walk away from the main road. You can also opt to ride a tricycle for ₱50 (good for 3pax).
6. Mahayahay Beach
Mahayahay Beach is a peaceful and extremely affordable beach in Argao perfect for those who are looking for a comfortable spot to spend their vacation. Mahayahay means “relaxing” in vernacular, and there is truly no better word that can describe the beach! This beach is a wide and long stretch of pristine and gorgeous sandy shore. The immediate shallow waters are spotless and have little to zero sharp rocks, making swimming much more fun and safer for everyone!
Photo by Richard Roles of Magik Moments Photography
Photo by Richard Roles of Magik Moments Photography
Other information
Entrance fee: none
Cottage rental: ₱200 per cottage
Skimboard rental: ₱100 for day use
Camping is free (bring your own tent)
How to get there?
Exact Location: Mahayahay Beach, Argao, Southern Cebu — 2 hours from Cebu City
BY BUS: Find your way to the Cebu South Bus Terminal then ride a bus bound for Argao. Ask the driver to drop you off at the corner going to Mahayahay Beach. From there you can ride a pedicab (tricycle) going to the beach.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Mahayahay Beach Argao” in Sogod. Parking space is available.
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 July 25, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 460 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 153 new recoveries, and 2 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 63,515, while the active cases increased to 5,640 (from 5,334).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 28,620 (+196 new) – Total recoveries: 25,633 (+121 new) – Total deaths: 902 (+0 new) – Active cases: 2,085
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 8,040 (+64 new) – Total recoveries: 6,882 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 179 (+0 new) – Active cases: 979
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 7,741 (+47 new) – Total recoveries: 6,815 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 238 (+0 new) – Active cases: 688
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 19,114 (+153 new) – Total recoveries: 16,413 (+32 new) – Total deaths: 813 (+2 new) – Active cases: 1,888
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 5,640 (from 5,334)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 63,515 (+460 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 55,743 (+153 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,132 (+2 new*)
A total of 3,220 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.
Like a hidden gem in Lapu-Lapu, Olango Island is a treat waiting to be discovered and appreciated by more people. There are even city dwellers that do not know of this hidden paradise. Now that Lapu-Lapu City is slowly revitalizing their tourism, it is time to once again visit this island albeit in a new normal way.
How to go from Cebu City to Olango Island
If you are going by public transportation, the first thing you need to do is to travel to Parkmall. The jeepney and bus terminal heading for Lapu-Lapu can be found here.
There are two main ports that can reach the island: The Hilton Port and the Angasil Port. The most popular method is through the Hilton Port, which is the sea port beside the Movenpick Resort. To get there, you can ride a jeepney plying for the Punta Engano route, or you can ask the drivers in the terminal on which bus or jeepney can take you there. The same is true for Angasil Port.
Remember to always wear your face shields and face masks when travelling to Olango Island as these are necessary if you want to cross the sea to get there. For sanitary reasons, avoid touching unfamiliar objects and your face, and carry with you alcohol to wash your hands with.
Best destinations in Olango Island
San Vicente Marine Sanctuary
If you are up for some diving fun, the San Vicente Marine Sanctuary is the place to be. It is best visited during the high tides, so make sure to check through the internet the tides during the dates of your stay. The board walk goes through a mangrove forest leading to blue waters with plenty of colorful fish in the middle of the sea.
Photo by John Dyeve Cortes
Photo by Brett Barr
Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Olango Island is home to many beautiful animals, and as such Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary exists to give us the opportunity to gawk at various colorful birds flocked together. Accordingly, there are 97 species of birds in Olango, 48 of which are migratory birds seeking refuge from the winter climate, while the rest are resident birds of the island.
Staying here in their bamboo huts will make you stay relaxed as the ocean breeze caresses you to comfort. You can also rent a tent if you want to have a good camping experience. There are even tables and chairs available if you need to have them.
Photo by Juleta Remulta Soon
Photo by Juleta Remulta Soon
Photo by Juleta Remulta Soon
Shalala Beach Resort
A white sandy beach and blue tranquil waters greet you at Shalala Beach Resort. There are many activities that you can do here, including kayaking. There is an entrance fee of P20, and of course it is best to always practice social distancing under the new normal.
Olango Island is perfect for bicycling around the town and there are plenty of bicycle rental shops available that lets you do just that. Their prices range from P30 to P50 pesos an hour so do your scouting diligently if you want to save money.
