Is it a Dalek from Doctor Who? Is it R2D2 from Star Wars? Is it an android version of RoboCop? Is it Wall-E itself? These are just the questions citizens of the southern part of Los Angeles, California in Huntington Park when an unusual device was seen patrolling in its neighborhood area recently.
Officially named as HP RoboCop, the patrolling robot was officially launched in June 2019 by the Huntington Park Police Force in California. The robot, which costs around $75,000 to make, is one of the prototypes in launching robots that can patrol area for any unusual activity.
Photo from businessinsider.com
Mini-rocket Robot
Resembling robots popularized in movies such as R2D2, HP RoboCop, is shaped like a mini-rocket, with wheels that allow it to hover in flat surfaces. The device is also marked with logos and the name of the Huntington Park Police Force.
Equipped with a 360-degree camera, the robot ensures that operators have a wide view of the area it is patrolling, which is transmitted real-time via satellite to the Huntington Police headquarters. HP RoboCop, though technically a part of the police force, does not have any weapons.
Photo from nbcnews.com
According to the inventors, they made sure that a “thick line” is drawn with regards to that issue as they had in mind that the robot will only be used for surveillance and emergency alert purposes only.
What it has though is that citizens can press a designated “button” located at the head of the robot, which signals the police headquarters of an emergency or a situation that requires an actual human police officer. The robot provides the coordinates of its location which is then used as a guide by the responding police officers.
Fewer crimes reported
Since the robot was launched, the police reports that 50% fewer crimes were reported in the area. This is a significant decrease in reports as the area was known for gang troubles and vandalization. More than that, the robot patrol was attributed to a 30% in arrests.
So far, reviews about the robot have been divided, with some praising the police force’s “omnipresence” as aided by the bot while some are worried that the robot might be used to survey and invade the citizens’ privacy. Some also went on to comment that it would’ve been better to allocate the budget used to build the robot to other governmental projects such as providing relief to the low-income.
The City of Naga is on its way to developing better and greener public spaces with the new Pasilong sa Naga public park. This park will be a city garden that will provide a place for people of all ages and status to gather, regardless of their ability to pay for access.
“This park shall be a place for health and well-being accessible by all. With this park, we want to erase the misconception of people that [the] government is not capable of providing a facility such as this, because through partnership, it can be done. I am so thankful [to] Mr. Kenneth Cobonpue for his dedication and commitment in crafting the park design,” Mayor Chiong said.
Photo from RicmerJ38 Photography Facebook Page
Photo from RicmerJ38 Photography Facebook Page
Photo from RicmerJ38 Photography Facebook Page
Photo from RicmerJ38 Photography Facebook Page
Photo from Justin Carl Cruz(JC) Facebook Post
Photo from Justin Carl Cruz(JC) Facebook Post
Photo from Justin Carl Cruz(JC) Facebook Post
Photo from Justin Carl Cruz(JC) Facebook Post
Photo from Instagram Account of maehanny
Photo from Instagram Account of fretzades
A NEED FOR OPEN SPACES
Pasilong sa Naga is a P10.5-million park development project that was conceptualized and initiated by the City Government to address the need for more open spaces in the city. According to the mayor, this park will be a tangible reflection of the quality of life that she aspires for the Cebuano people.
In her interview with SunStar Cebu, she mentioned that the project was conceptualized after the city applied for financial support from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the creation of new parks and open spaces.
Photo from Instagram account of France Ian Sinajon @frnsjn (Aerial Aesthetics FB Page)
Photo from Instagram account of France Ian Sinajon @frnsjn (Aerial Aesthetics FB Page)
Photo from Instagram Account of dawnieldiv
Photo from Instagram Account of dawnieldiv
Photo from Instagram Account of dawnieldiv
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who was a guest during the city’s 11th Charter, mentioned expectations of the park attracting local and foreign tourists to the southern parts of Cebu City. “It will be a model for sustainable tourism. I’m sure everybody would love to see the design of Kenneth Cobonpue,” exclaimed Puyat.
DESIGNED BY KENNETH COBONPUE
Pasilong sa Naga is a partnership project with world-renowned Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue. According to him, this is his first time to design a park for the local government.
Aside from Pasilong sa Naga, Cobonpue is also assisting the City of Naga in designing the second phase of the Naga Boardwalk.
Photo from Instagram Account of wynsterdedomo1
“Pasilong sa Naga, which literally means “to find shade in Naga”, is a park I designed for the city of Naga, south of Cebu. The design is made up of interlocking rings that represent circles of life, nature’s way of taking and giving back to the earth. The rings vary in scale and turn into winding paths, elevated walkways, fountains, benches and rest areas as they loop around the park,”
– Kenneth Cobonpue said on a Facebook post.
Photo from Instagram account of France Ian Sinajon @frnsjn (Aerial Aesthetics FB Page)
Photo from Instagram account of France Ian Sinajon @frnsjn (Aerial Aesthetics FB Page)
Photo from Instagram account of France Ian Sinajon @frnsjn (Aerial Aesthetics FB Page)
As mentioned, the park will have a design that will feature a series of interlocking rings that will function as walkways that spiral into trees all around the park.
Cobonpue said that the interlocking rings will also represent the unity of Cebu’s politics and culture. In between the rings will be a fountain that park goers will enjoy. The park will also be dotted with ring benches under the shade of trees that will provide respite from the heat of the sun.
Since the project is aiming for a green space, Cobonpue says that no existing trees will be sacrificed during the development. “In fact, we need to add more trees,” he even said.
Now open to the public
The development of Pasilong sa Naga will hopefully become a ripple and start a wave of development projects that focus on green and open spaces that can be accessed by Cebuanos and visitors of the City in the future.
Pasilong Sa Naga is now open to the public with no entrance fee.
Aside from Pasilong, the two other attractions unveiled by the City were Museo Naga and the newly-renovated St. Francis de Assisi Community Stage.
How to get there?
Exact location: Just along the main highway of Naga City across the century-old baroque church of St. Francis of Assisi.
Naga City is 1-1.5 hour away down south from Cebu City. But may take up to 1.5 to 2 hours trip during rush hours. So if you plan to get there at night, might as well bring with you your extra patience and some food.
For commuters, you have two options:
From Colon Street, ride a jeepney with routes 09C/F, or 10F/H and drop off at Jollibee Bulacao or Pardo Church (P8 fare). From there, take another jeepney with route 44 to reach to Naga Plaza (P15 fare). There are also some 44 jeepneys from/near CIT University in N. Bacalso.
From South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Bato-Oslob or Carcar. Tell the conductor that you will be hopping off at the Naga Church, which is right along the National Highway.
If you’re bring your own car, just navigate via Waze or Google Maps and search for “Naga Plaza”. Naga City is in between Minglanilla (from Cebu City) and San Fernando (from Southern Cebu).
The world is noisy enough as it is so there’s really no need for you to add more to it.
Luckily for Manila, vehicles and motorcycles with loud or modified exhausts beware are now illegal. Yes, an ‘Anti-Muffler’ ordinance was signed into Law banning noisy exhausts forever and can I just wish for this to happen in Cebu too?
There are just too many of these over-the-top noises we here in the roads of Cebu and this ordinance is giving us hope that this will be implemented nationwide.
Photo from unsplash.com by Iwona Castiello d’Antonio
Ordinance No. 8722: Motor Vehicles Modified Muffler Noise Regulation Ordinance
This ordinance seeks to regulate the use of modified muffler/exhaust pipes and similar devices on all types of vehicles.
It doesn’t matter if its public or private, all motor vehicles, are prohibited to have modified/loud exhausts that emit and produce noise levels beyond the national standard of 99 decibels (dB).
Just imagine that this sound is higher than a food blender at 88dB and lower than an auto horn at 1 meter with 110dB.
Photo from sandgateautoelectrics.com.au
In case of violation:
Violators driver’s licenses are confiscated by the deputized enforcement officers
You will be issued a five-day temporary permit
Settle the fines.
Penalties:
First offense – P1,000 (removal of vehicle’s modified muffler or exhaust pipe)
second offense – P3,000 (removal of vehicle’s modified muffler or exhaust pipe)
third offense – P5,000 (removal of vehicle’s modified muffler or exhaust pipe)
Pass a second noise-level test with the vehicle in question
License will be returned
In case of failure during second noise-level test, the vehicle will undergo necessary repairs overseen by the city government with repair costs shouldered by the violator.
Ordinance exemptions:
vehicles designed for car shows, use in racing/motorsport competitions, motor shows
motorcycles with engines over 400cc and above
Noise pollution is a serious problem here in the Philippines and a very neglected one too. Hopefully this will be the start of better awareness to this problem.
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 October 13, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 71 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 679 new recoveries, and 30 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 102,804, while the active cases increased to 2,688 (from 3,321).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 40,776 (+22 new) – Total recoveries: 38,440 (+35 new) – Total deaths: 1,441 (+2 new) – Active cases: 895
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 13,507 (+11 new) – Total recoveries: 12,805 (+517 new) – Total deaths: 428 (+17 new) – Active cases: 274
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 12,047 (+11 new) – Total recoveries: 11,378 (+46 new) – Total deaths: 411 (+9 new) – Active cases: 258
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 36,474 (+27 new) – Total recoveries: 32,884 (+81 new) – Total deaths: 2,329 (+2 new) – Active cases: 1,261
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 2,688 (from 3,580)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 102,804 (+71 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 95,507 (+679 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 4,609 (+30 new*)
A total of 2,773 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.
On his 74th Marathon, renowned ophthalmologist, Dr. Potenciano “Yong” S.D. Larrazabal finishes on sub4 active time the biggest virtual marathon in the world as recorded by Guinness World Record with over 50,000 runners all over the world – the Virgin Money London Marathon 2021.
Photo from sugbo file
The New Marathon Landscape
When the pandemic hit the world in 2020, the marathon scene also adapted to the changes brought by the health safety risks and other limitations. However, like a marathon freak, this did not hinder Larrazabal finish the 42Kilometer race that made him accomplish 5 Virtual Marathons so far – on top of the 69 actual marathons he already completed before the pandemic.
“I have done 69 actual marathons and five virtual marathons already. And despite the limitations, this is so far the best way to keep me active and healthy. Although I am still hoping those actual races will return soon, these virtual marathons keep me on track of beating my records,” Larrazabal said.
Photo from sugbo file
In the recently concluded London Marathon 2021, where Larrazabal finished at 3 hours and 57 minutes, the race is in sync through a mobile app. When runners pressed start, the official time begins. Tracked by GPS, connectivity is critical in the duration of the race.
While on his earphones, Larrazabal describes that while running, he listened to 3 commentators, including the former marathon champion Paula Radcliffe. He further narrated that in the length of the marathon, he can also hear cheers from a virtual crowd, and commentators will mention the landmarks in London you may have passed by should it be held physically. There were also event trivia and feedback he can hear while running inside their subdivision starting at 5:30 PM last Sunday, October 3, 2021.
“Good thing I wrapped my phone with plastic case and wore my ASICS Meta Speed Sky that kept my legs fresh and comfortable even when wet because, in the middle of my run, the rain poured hard that night,” Larrazabal added.
Photo from sugbo file
Photo from sugbo file
Nation’s Pride
While many would remember 2020 as a year that COVID19 conquered the world, it is the same year when Larrazabal brought national pride when he conquered the World Marathon Challenge by finishing 7 Marathons in 7 Continents in 7 Days. It led him also to become the first Filipino to be a member of the elusive 8 Continents Marathon Club. Since then, he has already received numerous accolades and plaudits from different government and non-government organizations in the country. But the journey continues for Larrazabal as he will continue to race and promote the sports.
“For me, running every marathon I join is just the icing of the cake. The actual cake is my training – it keeps me fit and healthy. It is the safest sport anyone can start doing. So I hope that with everything I do, people, especially the youth and working professionals like me, will start running again and remain healthy,” Larrazabal added.
Photo from sugbo file
With this another feat of Larrazabal, he proved that he is his toughest competition. And by doing so, he hopes to inspire many to consider doing the sports he is passionate about, especially now when people need aid to keep themselves physically and mentally healthy.
“As I said before, running makes me focus. It did not just develop my stamina but also my courage – to face all the challenges thrown at me. Running changed my perspective in life; it might do the same to you too. So let us keep running,” Larrazabal concluded.
Take your staycation to the next level with vibrant views of the sea in a luxury homestay!
With breathtaking views, high-class ambiance, and luxuriously comfortable interior design, you’re sure to find a terrific stay at The Paige.
The Paige is a homestay resort in Barili that features a wide panorama of the Tañon Strait, a calming view of the sea with Mt. Kanlaon in the background.
Photo by Michael Audrey Jocobe Sagonoy
Photo by Michael Audrey Jocobe Sagonoy
Along with the amazing sight, the resort itself is intricately designed to give you that laidback feel while staying luxurious. A combination of native and natural elements meld with the sleek design to create a modern paradise.
With the contemporary creature comforts plus that class, you’re sure to melt in the coziness of The Paige.
If you’re feeling adventurous, head out into the sun and the sea on their clear kayaks – a boating experience where you get to see everything around and below you.
Photo by Michael Audrey Jocobe Sagonoy
Photo from The Paige Facebook Page
Photo by Michael Audrey Jocobe Sagonoy
Photo from The Paige Facebook Page
As the day mellows down, treat yourself to a hearty buffet prepared by their skilled inhouse chefs. Enjoy the feast with a splendid view of the sunset over the sea, and maybe even throw in a cocktail or two!
Be sure to try out their famed Floating Food: a hearty feast served in the pool. Yes, you read that right – in the pool. Enjoy your crispy lechon and fresh tasty seafood as it’s served on the water of their very own swimming pool. Now your swimming sessions won’t be interrupted as you chow down, admire the view, and enjoy the water all at the same time.
Photo by Michael Audrey Jocobe Sagonoy
Photo by Michael Audrey Jocobe Sagonoy
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Rental rates:
Exclusive overnight stay: 4 rooms, good for 10 persons
Weekdays: ₱10,000 per night
Weekends: ₱14,000 per night
Check-in time is 3PM and check-out is 12NN
Additional charge of ₱500 per person excess of 10 (up to 13 max); children 7 years old and below are free of charge.
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 October 12, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 86 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 136 new recoveries, and 8 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 102,733, while the active cases increased to 3,321 (from 3,379).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 40,754 (+26 new) – Total recoveries: 38,404 (+35 new) – Total deaths: 1,439 (+2 new) – Active cases: 911
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 13,496 (+15 new) – Total recoveries: 12,295 (+16 new) – Total deaths: 410 (+1 new) – Active cases: 791
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 12,036 (+6 new) – Total recoveries: 11,332 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 402 (+0 new) – Active cases: 302
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 36,447 (+39 new) – Total recoveries: 32,803 (+85 new) – Total deaths: 2,327 (+5 new) – Active cases: 1,317
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 3,321 (from 3,580)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 102,733 (+86 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 94,834 (+136 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 4,578 (+8 new*)
A total of 3,276 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.
Unlimited samgyupsal restaurants have become a staple in Cebuano food choices in the recent years, and each restaurant has offered more perks, gimmicks and promos to entice the Cebuano palate. From promoting dozens of side dishes up to serving quality and premium Korean meat, each restaurant are surely unique on their own. And if you prefer both, Da-In Korean Restaurant in Lahug might just be the one for you.
Da-In Korean Restaurant has a goal in mind which is to make sure that the authentic Korean barbeque experience is brought here at the Queen City of the South, Cebu City, where most of us Cebuanos similarly share our love for this Korean dining experience.
Photo from Nicole Barbie Pndr Facebook Post
Photo by Ram Mancelita
Photo by Ram Mancelita
Photo by Ram Mancelita
Photo by Ram Mancelita
Photo by Ram Mancelita
Premium Meat Choices
Down to their choice of meat of beef, pork and chicken, this restaurant offers quality meat that are surely to die for. Their six types of beef dishes are indeed the best-sellers which are:
B1 Marinated Beef Ribs
B2 Thick Skirt Hanging Tender
B3 Beef Oyster Blade
B4 Marinated Beef in Soy Sauce
B5 Beef Short Plate
B6 Red Chili Paste Beef Short Plate
Photo from Binky Bontilao Facebook Post
Photo from Binky Bontilao Facebook Post
Photo from Nicole Barbie Pndr Facebook Post
Photo from Nicole Barbie Pndr Facebook Post
Photo from Nicole Barbie Pndr Facebook Post
Photo by Ram Mancelita
Photo by Ram Mancelita
Personally, the marinated beef ribs and red chili paste beef short plate are the bomb, as I was sure that the flavorsome meat was really marinated well. They also have pork dishes and chicken, popularly marinated with soy sauce and this what makes Da-In a complete Korean unlimited dining experience. Not to mention their side dishes such as tamago, kimchi, lettuce and so many more that are sure to complement the meat themselves.
Also, if you are less inclined to eat unlimited amounts of meat, you can order single order dishes like their famous bibimbap, a Korean rice bowl dish topped with sauteed vegetables, fried egg, kimchi and tasty meat.
Luxurious Korean dining experience
With each table equipped with modern grill suited for cooking premium meat, diners are surely treated for a unique and luxurious Korean dining experience.
Photo from Binky Bontilao Facebook Post
Photo from Binky Bontilao Facebook Post
Photo from Nicole Barbie Pndr Facebook Post
Photo by Ram Mancelita
Plus, the overall ambience of the place ensures that guests are treated with a comfortable and delicious meal. The place, like most popular unlimited-samgyupsal restaurants are equipped with a proper ventilation system.
For those who don’t know, Da-In is also part of Creative Cuisine Group, a collective group of food brands and concepts which include well-known and loved Cebuano traditional and modern dishes. Chikaan, Brique, Big Mao and Kaffe Alde are just some of the popular brands by the group, and Da-In is surely one of the top additional entry to their tasty brands.
RATES:
Da-In Korean Restaurant various types of meats including pork, chicken and beef, not to mention the Korean side dishes like kimchi. Price varies depending on the type of meats you want to consume.
Exact location: Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City (beside Chikaan sa Cebu)
BY COMMUTE: Find your way to JY Square Mall. A handful of jeepneys pass through the mall, namely routes no. 04 (04L, 04M, etc.) series and routes no. 17 (17B, 17C, 17D).
Da-In Korean Restaurant is along the Salinas highway, and is right across CATS or Cebu Aeronautical Technical School. You can also hail taxis/Grab and inform the driver to be dropped off at Chika-an at Lahug, as Da-in is literally right next to it.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Da-in Korean Restaurant” in Lahug. Parking space is available.
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 October 11, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 58 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 237 new recoveries, and 22 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 102,647, while the active cases increased to 3,379 (from 3,580).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 40,728 (+21 new) – Total recoveries: 38,369 (+42 new) – Total deaths: 1,437 (+3 new) – Active cases: 922
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 13,481 (+5 new) – Total recoveries: 12,279 (+3 new) – Total deaths: 409 (+3 new) – Active cases: 793
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 12,030 (+7 new) – Total recoveries: 11,332 (+10 new) – Total deaths: 402 (+2 new) – Active cases: 296
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 36,408 (+25 new) – Total recoveries: 32,718 (+182 new) – Total deaths: 2,322 (+14 new) – Active cases: 1,368
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 3,379 (from 3,580)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 102,647 (+58 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 94,698 (+237 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 4,570 (+22 new*)
A total of 1,647 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.
Kidding aside, it looks like face-to-face classes is on our doorstep.
DepEd Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan recently announced that an initial of 59 schools nationwide passed the DOH risk assessment and were qualified to do in-person classes out of 638 nominated schools as of October 2.
Photo from gmanetwork.com
12 of these schools, which were tagged by the DOH Epidemiology Bureau as minimal or low-risk, are in the Cebu province. These 12 institutions are composed of 5 elementary schools and 7 high schools.
DepEd said they will add more schools as they provide a rolling assessment every Monday to meet their target of 120 schools.
Classes will start on November 15, 2021.
Here is the complete list of Schools in Cebu Province to have the pilot face-to-face class as of Oct.2:
Bogo City
Combado Elementary School
Siocon Elementary School
Odlot National High School
Don Potenciano Catarata National High School
Bartolome Pianar National High School
Moalboal
Busay National High School
Samboan
Basak National High School
Malabuyoc
Mahanlud Elementary School
Balamban
Cabagdalan Elementary School
Bantayan
Luyongbaybay Elementary School
Oslob
Cañang-Marcelo Luna National High School
Pilar
Pilar National High School
Photo of Atty. Nepomuceno, Undersecretary, DepEd from deped.gov.ph website
Only those that have been fully vaccinated will be allowed to participate in the face-to-face proper both teaching and non-teaching personnel. – Atty. Nepomuceno, Undersecretary, DepEd
The operational guidelines on the implementation of limited face-to-face learning modality are in the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01 of the Department of Education and Department of Health released last September 27, 2021.
It provides guidance on the mechanisms and standards along with the roles and responsibilities to ensure proper and safe implementation.
School life is slowly approaching its normalcy before covid-19 arrived. Let us just hope and try that everyone will be safe especially the young ones.
