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 May 21, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 78 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 155 new recoveries, and 1 new death. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 52,291, while the active cases decreased to 1,207 (from 1,287).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 24,044 (+32 new) – Total recoveries: 22,784 (+20 new) – Total deaths: 862 (+0 new) – Active cases: 398
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 6,389 (+12 new) – Total recoveries: 6,060 (+53 new) – Total deaths: 168 (+0 new) – Active cases: 161
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 6,543 (+5 new) – Total recoveries: 6,145 (+42 new) – Total deaths: 221 (+0 new) – Active cases: 177
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 15,315 (+29 new) – Total recoveries: 14,136 (+40 new) – Total deaths: 708 (+1 new) – Active cases: 471
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,207
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 52,291 (+78 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 49,125 (+155 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,959 (+1 new*)
A total of 3,545 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 only downside about having a lot of restaurants opening in the city is the difficulty to actually choose where to dine that’s worth every peso. Apparently, Cebuanos in general naturally love to eat and at times, all we want is unlimited food with a variety of it. No wonder, the city is almost filled with buffets (and several more to open next year). With that, it’s our job at Sugbo.ph to spoil you with a list of the best buffet restaurants that you should try one at a time.
Cafe Bai (Bai Hotel)
Cuisine: Asian, American, Indian, Italian
Known For: New luxury hotel in the metro
Standard price (Breakfast & Lunch): PHP 788 per head
Standard price (Dinner): PHP 888 per head (Mon-Thurs); PHP 888+ per head (Fri-Sun & Holiday Dinner)
Operating hours: 10AM to 2PM (Lunch); 6PM to 10PM (Dinner) – Mondays to Sundays
Known For: Their buffet with different stations for different cuisines
Standard price (Lunch): PHP 880 per head (Mon-Sat); PHP 1,450 per head (Sun)
Standard price (Dinner): PHP 880 per head (Tues, Thurs, Sat); PHP 1,450 per head (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun);
Operating hours: 6AM to 10:30AM (Breakfast); 11:30AM to 2PM (Lunch); 5:30PM to 10PM (Dinner) – Mondays to Sundays
Contact numbers: (032) 402-9900
Location: Radisson Blu Cebu, Juan Luna Avenue Corner Osmena Boulevard, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
H Cafe (Harolds Hotel)
Cuisine: Themed dinner buffet – Monday: The Chow Dynasty (Asian food) – Tuesday: The International Savvy (Fusion cuisine) – Wednesday: The Asian Palace (Asian food) – Thursday: The Chow Dynasty (Asian food) – Friday: Empire Steak of Mind (Steak night) – Saturday: Empire Steak of Mind (Steak night)
Known For: Themed dinner buffet and friendly staff
Standard price (Breakfast): PHP 450 per head (Mon-Sun)
Standard price (Lunch): PHP 488 per head (Mon-Sun)
Standard price (Dinner): PHP 598 per head (Mon-Thu); PHP 628 per head (Fri-Sat); PHP 488 per head (Sun)
Operating hours: 6:00AM to 10:00AM (Breakfast); 11:30AM to 2:00PM (Lunch); 6:00PM to 9:00PM (Dinner) – Mondays to Sundays
A pasalubong is a “bring-home gift” so your loved ones get to experience a piece of your travel even if they were not with you. It is a common tradition among Filipinos.
The province of Cebu, being one of the top travel destinations in the country, has its fair share of pasalubong options which will surely make your family and friends happy to see you again.
1. Cebu Lechon
Declared by the world-famous chef Anthony Bourdain as the “best pig ever”, Cebu lechon should be on top of your pasalubong list. Let’s admit it: It’s quite a challenge to bring home bags of lechon, but it is worth it. Cebu’s succulent and crispy roasted pigs are very popular that you see them practically at any mall or market in Cebu. Just make sure to instruct the seller that you’re bringing it as a pasalubong so it can be tightly wrapped.
2. Dried Mangoes
Cebu is known as the source of world-class and export-quality dried mangoes. These chewy and sweet, bite-size treats can be seen at most grocery stores in Cebu City (you’ll sometimes even see Koreans with carts full of these goodies). Dried mangoes are well-packed and easy to carry, therefore, it’s not that difficult to bring when travelling.
Photo from Cebu Best Mango Chocolate Facebook Page
3. Otap
Otherwise known as “puff pastry”, Otap is also one of the most popular pasalubong from Cebu. These are made of flour, sugar, shortening, and coconut. Even the sugary crumbs of otap are so good we assure you it’s worth it down to its last crumb. Just like dried mangoes, these do not run out in Cebu grocery stores.
4. Rosquillos
Originating from the town of Liloan, Cebu, Rosquillos are ring-like biscuits that are mainly made of flour, eggs, and sugar. It is so popular that there’s a festival dedicated to it (Rosquillos Festival) in the said town and is celebrated every month of May. It goes perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or chocolate drink and can be easily found in most grocery stores within the province.
Danggit is perfect for breakfast especially if paired with fried eggs and garlic fried rice. Danggit is dried rabbitfish that has a distinct taste and smell to it. There are vacuum-sealed danggit which you can buy from most grocery stores, but if you’re planning to buy more, the best place to go to is at the Tabo-an Market in Cebu city. Tabo-an is the original and biggest source of danggit in Cebu and you can still ask for a discount from the sellers.
6. Chicharon
Chicharon (pork rind) is made of boiled pork rinds that are air-dried, then deep fried. These are crunchy and tasty snacks that goes well if dipped in spicy vinegar. The best ones can be bought in Carcar City (southern part of Cebu province) but you can also find these in most grocery stores around Cebu City.
7. T-Shirts
If you go to any mall or drive around the city, you will almost always find a souvenir shop selling t-shirts with various “I love Cebu” designs. You can also have personalized t-shirts or try those with the Sinulog Festival designs and prints. You can try Islands Souvenirs stores located in SM City Cebu, Ayala Center, or in P. Burgos street near the Magellan’s Cross.
These are just some of the many pasalubong options, but whatever your choice of pasalubong may be, your Cebu experience will still be made more memorable with any token to give to your family and friends.
No Filipino tongue wouldn’t be familiar with the taste of pandesal or ensaymada.
Their tastes have been etched into every Filipino’s childhood with parents serving warm, soft batches bought from the bakery on the dining table every morning paired with preferred warm beverages.
Gorio’s Bakery has made it their mission to allow every Filipino to experience those warm and filling mornings through their bread with a bakery where even those working far from home will have a space to enjoy these small fluffs of joy. It all started with a vision of the owner’s grandfather wherein people from different places would be able to just sit down and enjoy eating the bread together.
Photo by Pearl Quisido
Photo by Pearl Quisido
Inspired by his grandfather’s bakery in Libaong, the owner decided to create his own in a spot in Bogo City where there was no bakery. The design of their bakery isn’t your typical bread shop where people just buy but a place that also encourages people to just stay and eat.
A massive white container van stands at the center of their area adorned with plants and other decorations that give it a modern look and it houses the bakery inside of it. The chairs and tables are arranged neatly on the pebbled ground which gives the place a diner look.
Photo by Pearl Quisido
Photo by Pearl Quisido
Photo by Pearl Quisido
Photo by Pearl Quisido
They even have a second floor on top of the container to accommodate a greater number of people. There are also lightings and other fixtures installed that create a relaxing vibe especially when night time comes.
Their bakery sells classic Filipino favorites such as Choco Roll, Fig Pie, Ensaymonggo – a variation of Ensaymada, Pan de Coco, and the all-time favorite Pan de Sal. They also sell other bread that a typical bakery would sell.
Photo by Pearl Quisido
Photo by Pearl Quisido
Photo from Gorio’s Bakery Facebook Page
Photo by Pearl Quisido
Gorio’s Bakery also plans to expand in places where bakeries aren’t present to give other Filipino families access to these Filipino baking delights.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
MENU:
Choco Roll: P5.00
Ensaymonggo: P5.00
Sliced Bread: P40.00
Fig Pie: P5.00
Torta de Gorio: P10.00
Monay: P40.00
Starbread: P5.00
Binangkal: P5.00
Pan de Coco: P5.00
Pan de Sal: P2.00
Hopia: P5.00
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Brgy. Dakit, Bogo City, Northern Cebu — approx. 3 hours away from Cebu City.
The nearest landmark near Gorio’s Bakery is CEBECO. The actual location of the bakery is just beside JZ & G Building.
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 May 20, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 103 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 78 new recoveries, and 2 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 52,215, while the active cases increased to 1,287 (from 1,263).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 24,013 (+49 new) – Total recoveries: 22,765 (+36 new) – Total deaths: 862 (+0 new) – Active cases: 386
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 6,377 (+17 new) – Total recoveries: 6,007 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 168 (+0 new) – Active cases: 202
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 6,537 (+5 new) – Total recoveries: 6,102 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 221 (+1 new) – Active cases: 214
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 15,288 (+32 new) – Total recoveries: 14,096 (+42 new) – Total deaths: 707 (+1 new) – Active cases: 485
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,287
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 52,215 (+103 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 48,970 (+78 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,958 (+2 new*)
A total of 4,226 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 people of Talisay City will soon witness the birth of a hub within the city that will boost its tourism, provide livelihood opportunities to Talisaynons, and will highlight the city’s contribution to the country’s rich history.
The Promenade and Heritage Park that will soon rise in Poblacion, Talisay City is deemed to become a world-class tourist destination in town. October last year when the Talisay Heritage Park was inaugurated, and construction of the phase 1 is currently on-going.
The total cost of the project is pegged at P100 million. According to Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas, there’s already P24 million allotted for the project with P12M of it coming from Cebu Provincial Office.
This project is considered as one of the major projects of the current administration and is aimed to tap the full potentials of tourism in the city. Talisay City is already recognized by tourists all around the Philippines as a town where the best-tasting lechons can be found, aside from Carcar.
Phase 1 includes the construction of a food court, improvements of the existing plaza and a boardwalk that would lead to the Liberation Park. Boardwalks have become a fast-rising attraction in coastal towns as these places allow visitors to take a leisurely walk and take Instagram-worthy photos while feeling the cold sea breeze.
Meanwhile, the construction of the multi-purpose building still in Brgy. Poblacion, Talisay is also currently on-going with an estimated budget of P12-million and is expected to be completed July 2021.
TALISAY CITY: A LIVING TESTIMONY OF THE WORLD WAR II
Photo by Do Yan An
Photo by Raymond Macias
For those who are curious, Talisay City formed a great part of the Philippine history during the World War 2. It served as the center of guerilla intelligence operations during this war.
The Talisay landing of American soldiers on March 1945 was preceded by a naval bombardment of the beaches along Tangke, Talisay to soften up Japanese positions, eventually clearing the island of enemy forces and neutralizing the Japanese.
To commemorate this historic victory, seven larger-than-life statues were built in the now called Liberation Park in Poblacion, Talisay City. It is to honor the Filipino and American soldiers who gave their lives to free Cebu from the Japanese Army. Accordingly, each statue costs a whopping P150,000. Later, the park was declared as a national historical shrine since it marks the landing of American forces in Cebu.
TALISAY CITY NOW
Photo by Ellestre Ursua
Talisay City is now an urbanized city but much of its areas are still doing farming and related industry as a means of livelihood. There are also those who do furniture, metal craft and garment manufacturing. Year 2000 when it was converted from being a municipality to a city.
Much of the commerce in this town takes place in Tabunok area, where you can see several public markets, commercial establishments, and strip malls.
Talisay City aims to be a must-visit tourist destination soon and the construction of the promenade and heritage park is a step closer to the realization of this goal.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Poblacion, Talisay City, Cebu – near the old municipal hall
BY COMMUTE: You can book a Grab or Taxi and set Poblacion, Talisay City as your destination but it can be costly. Alternatively, you can choose to ride on MyBus plying the Talisay-SM Seaside (via SRP or N. Bacalso) route or Talisay-Parkmall (via SRP or Imus) route.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Poblacion” in Talisay City, Cebu. Parking space is available.
The pristine white beaches, luxurious bungalows on the water, glass floors to witness the fishes under, and jumping from your balcony to the sea, are just some of the things one can do while in the Maldives.
If this island nation is in your bucketlist, you can have your local version of Maldives without having to break your bank.
Photo by Jam Caruana Mirafuentes
Photo by Jam Caruana Mirafuentes
Photo by Jam Caruana Mirafuentes
Photo by Jam Caruana Mirafuentes
Photo by Jam Caruana Mirafuentes
Avila Sanctuary is the newest go-to place for the people who loves to go to the beach. Though not your typical resort, this sanctuary offers something new and something great – like that of the Maldives. Though it really is not the exact copy of the island, it still boasts cottages on the water.
Though they don’t have villas, they have tents for your overnight stays. And though they don’t have glass floors, they have bamboo floors for a cool breeze. Yes, it’s not as posh as those resorts in the Maldives, but learning to appreciate and support local is all that matters. After all, what’s there to ask?
Photo by Jam Caruana Mirafuentes
Photo by Jam Caruana Mirafuentes
Photo by Nyger Nebril
Photo by Nyger Nebril
It definitely is not your usual overnight stay because this truly is a new sanctuary. Since Maldives is still far from reality especially with the pandemic, look and go no further.
RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION
Floating Cottage – P1,100 (good for 4 PAX)
Tent – P600 (good for 4 PAX)
Photo by Photo by Nyger Nebril
Note: These are overnight rates.. They don’t have a specific time for checking in and checking out, because you can stay for a maximum of 24hours.
Amenities:
Fan
Solar LED lamps
Own Comfort Room (CR)
For inquiries and reservations, please send in the complete details to 09772104078.
Fullname:
Contact #:
Date of stay:
HOW TO GET THERE
Exact Location: Olango Island, San Vicente — 1 hour away from the city.
From Cebu City, you have to travel to Lapu-Lapu Angasil Port in Mactan Newtown. Then, take a boat heading to Olango Island; fare is at 20PHP per pax.
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 May 19, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 85 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 237 new recoveries, and 1 new death. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 52,112, while the active cases dropped to 1,263 (from 1,424).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 23,964 (+44 new) – Total recoveries: 22,729 (+186 new) – Total deaths: 862 (+0 new) – Active cases: 373
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 6,360 (+8 new) – Total recoveries: 6,007 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 168 (+0 new) – Active cases: 185
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 6,532 (+7 new) – Total recoveries: 6,102 (+1 new) – Total deaths: 220 (+0 new) – Active cases: 210
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 15,256 (+26 new) – Total recoveries: 14,055 (+50 new) – Total deaths: 706 (+1 new) – Active cases: 495
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,263
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 52,112 (+85 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 48,893 (+237 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,956 (+1 new*)
A total of 3,376 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.
I just bet you wanna take a bite of these Black & Pink Strawberry Ring-Filled Doughnuts offered by Krispy Kreme.
For a limited time only, these pretty and savage doughnuts of the Love Sweet Series are coming in your area this May 21 in select Krispy Kreme stores nationwide.
Photo from Krispy Kreme (Philippines) Facebook Page
Yes, you can now have your Blankpink themed birthday, congratulatory party or any celebration you can think of with your fellow Blinks, exactly how you like it.
These black and pink doughnuts go perfectly with the pepsi “Go All In For What You Love” campaign featuring our favorite Blackpink members, Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo and Rose on their cans. Buy at least 1 Limited Edition Pepsi can and have that home party as if it’s your last.
Photo from Krispy Kreme (Philippines) Facebook Page
Photo from Krispy Kreme (Philippines) Facebook Page
Price starts for all these strawberry kreme filled goodness at P260 for a Box of 6 mixed doughnuts.
Limited offer
This is an exclusive offer of Krispy Kreme Philippines so there are limited stocks per store. Ready your orders now as they are only available until supplies last via dine-in, take-out, Curbside® and in-store pick-up, drive thru, or through delivery.
Photo from Krispy Kreme (Philippines) Facebook Page
Community pantries have been popping up all over the country lately, and they have made a lot of noise on social media and on the news. Those supporting it say that they are a humanitarian act while those who are against it say they are operated by the New People’s Army (NPA) and that the pantries are fronts to recruit for their cause.
So, what are community pantries really and are they dangerous?
What are community pantries?
Photo by Jessica Pontanar Resch
Photo by Jessica Pontanar Resch
The community pantry is a people-driven initiative to help other people in need amidst the pandemic. In its essence, a pantry is defined as a storage for or collection of food and provisions. The community pantry is just like that. The supply is donated and given by people who have a surplus amount or want to help others while those that are in desperate situations can take what they need.
This movement to help those in need was started by Ana Patricia Non, and these pantries have a common slogan: “Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan. Kumuha batay sa pangangailangan.”
Photo by Axel Mina
Photo by Niña Sandiego
They have garnered mass attention because many people actually need these supplies for themselves. After all, according to research and studies, the Philippine economy has been on a decline ever since the pandemic. A lot of people have lost their jobs and there are increasing worries over basic needs such as shelter and food.
Are they dangerous?
Photo by Axel Mina
Photo by Axel Mina
There have been many people who think that these community pantries are dangerous despite the help that it has generated to those in need of help. Many claim that they are secretly operated by the NPA and that it is actually a front to recruit people into their organization.
The act of making allegations like these are commonly known as “red-tagging”, and this move can blacklist people or even endanger their lives. As far as we know, these allegations are false and is a gross act of diminishing and corrupting the fundamental ideal to help people.
These pantries have been set up without any ill-intent to help the poor and desperate in these times of need. Red-tagging does nothing to help the situation at all and only proves that the Filipino people themselves have the capability to hinder progress amidst their own community.
