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Cebu Golf: 5 Golf Courses in Cebu with Stunning Views

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Limestone plateaus, rolling hills, and verdant mountain ranges all usually make great spots for golfing and the upper regions of Cebu aren’t short on land masses that are perfect for the sport.

The subtle inclines and rolls of the mountainous areas are perfect for creating challenging angles to hit the ball while the level grounds are meant for executing finishing putts.

Moreover, Cebu meets the prerequisite of having a great view of nature with the many natural wonders that it holds which makes Cebu Golfing a double-purpose activity – playing sports and sightseeing.

Take a swing at these 5 golf courses which can all be found in Cebu.

1. Liloan Golf Course and Leisure Estate

Photo from Liloan Golf and Leisure Estate Facebook Page
Photo from Liloan Golf and Leisure Estate Facebook Page
Photo from Liloan Golf and Leisure Estate Facebook Page
Photo from Liloan Golf and Leisure Estate Facebook Page

Liloan Golf Course and Leisure Estate is an 18-hole golf course that is surrounded by a premier community. This 202-hectare estate, which is just a few hours from the Mactan Cebu International Airport, is a project of the Duros Land Properties in the mountains of Liloan and it is the main amenity of the North Beacon Township Project.

The golf property is made up of low, verdant, rolling hills with a stunning view of Cebu’s mountains and lush green plants and trees growing at the sides.

RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION

MEMBERSHIP

For now, membership to the Liloan Golf Course and usage of other facilities is a privilege only given to those who purchase properties at Duros Land

CONTACT INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Brgy. San Roque, Liloan, Cebu

BY TAXI: Upon arrival at the Mactan Cebu International Airport, hail a taxi cab or book with an app. The estate is just an hour’s drive away from the airport. If hailing a regular taxi cab, assist the driver with Waze or Google Maps to find your way.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Liloan Golf and Leisure Estates” in Liloan. Parking space is available upon arrival.

2. Camp Lapu-Lapu Driving Range

Camp Lapu-Lapu Driving Range is a beginner golfer’s best friend. This driving range offers a venue for golfers to practice their swings and their form to be able to get a better feel of the sport. They have tee boys and tee girls who assist with the balls and puts the balls for the customers. Oftentimes, especially for beginners, they make comments and give suggestions about how to swing better and have more control of the golf ball.

The driving range is a simple grassy field surrounded by tall trees and nets that are meant to ensure that the balls don’t go too far from the range. The nets also serve as a safety net to protect the drivers because there is a road located just beside the driving range.

Photo by 세부알렉스
Photo by nam deok lee
Photo from CAMP Lapu-Lapu Driving RANGE Facebook Page
Photo from CAMP Lapu-Lapu Driving RANGE Facebook Page

RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

  • Mat – P280 per hour
  • Soil/Lupa – P230 per hour

CONTACT INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Brgy. Apas, Cebu City, Cebu

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Camp Lapu-Lapu Golf Driving Range” in Apas, Cebu CIty. Parking space is available upon arrival.

3. Mactan Island Golf & Country Club

Mactan Island Golf & Country Club is a golfing pleasure combined with the pleasant views of the alluring beaches in the town. This par-71 golf club has corals spread in a number of fairways with the added difficulty of water hazards and sand traps around the greens. The course is a relatively flat terrain but it also has a good amount of tight fairways.

Mactan Island Golf & Country Club is an 18-hole golf course with narrow fairways, flat terrains, and scattered coral stones around the fairways. They also have a driving range where golfers may practice their swings and golfers may also practice their putts at the practice greens.

Photo by  희동이
Photo by  채구병
Photo by Ronel77777
Photo by jason barrett

Lastly, there’s the locker room where golfers can store their things and change their attire before proceeding to the course. Just right beside is a shop complete with all the equipment that golfers will need.

RATES

Contact Information

Exact Location: Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu – 5 minutes away from the airport

HOW TO GET THERE?

BY TAXI: Upon arrival at the Mactan Cebu International Airport, hail a taxi cab or book with an app.Just tell the driver to take you to Mactan Island Golf & Country Club, they are familiar with the place. If hailing a regular taxi cab, assist the driver with Waze or Google Maps to find your way.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Mactan Island Golf & Country Club” in Mactan. Parking space is available upon arrival.

4. Alta Vista Golf & Country Club

Alta Vista Golf & Country Club is a premium residential leisure development nestled 500 feet above the stunning beaches of Cebu and is located just 5 miles away from the metro. The golf club occupies about 60 hectares of the 400-hectare property.

Alta Vista golf is a 6273-yard par-72 which is not just famous as one of the most popular venues for tournament championships in Cebu but also boasts some of the most picturesque holes in the whole country.

Every tee, fairway, and green are all basically places that are perfect for capturing the beauty of the Queen City of the South and its neighboring islands. The golf course is not a flat course and contains quite a number of water hazards backed by some incredible views of the bay.

Photo by 유쓰팩토리오피셜
Photo by YP
Photo by John Kim
Photo by Jeremiah Pampolina
Photo by YP

The Golf Wing consists of the reception desk, golfer’s lounge, air conditioned men’s and ladies’ lockers, Golfer’s Bar, and a pro shop. Other facilities include a driving range, putting green, and tea houses.

RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION

RATES: http://altavistagolfcebu.com/golf-rates/ 

CONTACT INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Aznar Rd., Pardo Hills, Cebu City, Cebu – 8 kilometers from the metro

BY TAXI: Upon arrival at the Mactan Cebu International Airport, hail a taxi cab or book with an app. The golf club is just half an hour’s drive away from the airport if there is no heavy traffic. If hailing a regular taxi cab, assist the driver with Waze or Google Maps to find your way.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Alta Vista Golf & Country Club” in Cebu City. Parking space is available upon arrival.

5. Cebu Country Club

Cebu Country Club hosts one of the oldest golf courses in Cebu which was designed by the famous South African Golfer, Gary Palmer. It currently has a par-71, 18-hole golf course that features natural landscapes and winding fairways lined with trees, lakes, and sand traps which made into a stunning championship course.

The club’s course is surely a challenge that will fire up every golfer. Due to the challenge that the golf course offers, Cebu Country Club has become the site of the yearly Philippine Airlines Interclub Golf Tournament and some legs of the Philippine Golf Circuit.

Photo by Toshihiko I
Photo from Cebu Country Club, Inc Facebook Page
Photo by Yong Rin Lim
Photo from Cebu Country Club, Inc Facebook Page

Other facilities of the country club include a clubhouse, restaurant and bar, tee houses, locker rooms for both men and women, bowling alley, sports gear shop, swimming pool, tennis court, and badminton court.

RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION

RATES: https://cebucountryclub.com/about/golf-rates/

CONTACT INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Gov. Cuenco Ave., Brgy. Kasambagan, Cebu City

BY TAXI: Upon arrival at the Mactan Cebu International Airport, hail a taxi cab or book with an app. The golf club is just seven minutes away from the airport if there is no heavy traffic. If hailing a regular taxi cab, assist the driver with Waze or Google Maps to find your way.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Alta Vista Golf & Country Club” in Cebu City. Parking space is available upon arrival.

Try out Cebu-based Chef Jade Kitchen’s dreamy Russian Honey Cake

If you have not hears of Chef Jade Kitchen yet, you’re definitely missing out!

To someone who lives in the Queen City of the South, you should have tried the famous Ube Cheese Pandesal during the pandemic. A lot of new businesses have become famous because of this best-seller. One of those who are known to serve one of the best (if not the best) Ube Cheese Pandesal is – Chef Jade Kitchen.

But that is not what this article is all about. Because they’ve ventured into a new pastry that would surely sell like hotcakes because of its taste, price, and form – the Russian Honey Cake.

The Russian Honey Cake became famous in Russia since the 19th century. Its rich history started when the then-honey averse, Empress Elizabeth, was baked by a young confectioner a honey cake without letting her know about the honey content. Guess what? Yes. She loved it.

Photo from Chef Jade Kitchen Facebook Page

But because Chef Jade Kitchen likes to have their own twist on this one, they added a modern twist!

They layered medovik biscuits, honey cremeux, a light vanilla mousse, and an almond-honey croquant so you get different tastes and texture in each forkful! Not to mention, it looks as dreamy and as IG-worthy as the Empress would want it to be.

For only P1750, you’ll get to have your own 13-inch dreamy Russian Honey Cake for your consumption. Since we all cannot travel someplace else to get a taste of it, don’t look further!

Photo by Erwin T. Lim

If you want to know more about Chef Jade Kitchen’s offerings, check this out: https://sugbo.ph/2021/best-ube-cheese-pandesal/

Cebu logs 58 new cases on May 14

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 14, 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, 85 new recoveries, and 0 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 51,791, while the active cases decreased to 1,700 (from 1,728).

Breakdown of cases:

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 23,854 (+23 new)
– Total recoveries: 22,437 (+34 new)
– Total deaths: 859 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 558

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 6,319 (+5 new)
– Total recoveries: 5,798 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 166 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 355

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 6,487 (+8 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,028 (+7 new)
– Total deaths: 218 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 241

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 15,131 (+22 new)
– Total recoveries: 13,903 (+44 new)
– Total deaths: 682 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 546

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,700
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 51,791 (+58 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 48,166 (+85 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,925 (+0 new*)

A total of 2,785 laboratory results were released for today.

NOTES from DOH-7:

  • *As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
  • Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.

DOH-7 Full Report (Central Visayas):

Santiago Bay Garden and Resort: Experience the famed beach of Camotes Island

Famous attractions garner fame for a variety of good reasons so always expect to experience something good when visiting one. Such is the case for Santiago Bay Garden and Resort which is nestled on the pristine shores of the famous Santiago Beach.

Santiago Bay Garden and Resort is a wonderful seaside hotel that complements the beauty of Santiago Beach. It has big pools, delicious food, and amazing views that can be appreciated in the comfort of their rooms. Terrace rooms have an unobstructed view of the sea and the pleasing green of the 2.5 hectares of lush greenery growing around the Santiago Bay. Santiago Bay Garden and Resort is tucked in between landscapes that thrive with various flora, the pristine white sand beach, and the blue ocean – the perfect place to be.

Photo by Val Axl Grey
Photo by Lalaine Salas
Photo by Hotelbeds
Photo by B. C a v a z o s
Photo by SooYin
Photo by Recorte Jeo

Long Santiago Beach stretch

The pristine white sands of the Santiago Beach stretch for almost a kilometer and Santiago Bay Garden and Resort easily have access to this beauty. This beach resort is vibrant with the green of tropical plants and lovely colors of the diverse species of flowers within the island. Miniature gardens fill the spaces inside the resort which create a relaxing atmosphere filled with nothing but the refreshing breeze from nature.

Santiago Bay Garden and Resort even offers activities that will bring out everyone’s adventurous side. Small caves are hidden within the island and can be easily explored with a guide. Kayaks and floating cottages are available for rent for those who want to enjoy more of the sea and the beach. Guests may even play beach volleyball on the fine, white sands of Santiago Beach.

Photo from Santiago Bay Garden and Resort Facebook Page
Photo by Sergey Povarenkin
Photo by Lea Sanchez
Photo by Recorte Jeo
Photo by andrea ssam
Photo by Rafael K.

Many reasons make Santiago Beach a famous destination in Camotes Islands but none of that really matters if you’re not there to experience them. Santiago Bay Garden and Resort will ensure that guests experience those reasons for themselves and receive only the best from the island.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

ROOM RATES

  • Standard Non-Aircon: P1,000 per night, good for 2 persons
  • Standard Aircon: P1,650 per night, good for 2 persons
  • Oceanview: P1,870 per night, good for 2 persons
  • Oceanview Family: P3,080 per night, good for 4 persons
  • Bayview: P2,200 per night, good for 2 persons
  • Beach view: P2,860 per night, good for 2 persons
  • Villa Standard: P2,750 per night, good for 3 persons
  • Villa Family: P5,500 per night, good for 5 persons
  • Bungalow: P3,300 per night, good for 3 persons
  • Additional Guests: P300 per person

FACILITIES

  • Swimming Pool
  • Restaurant
  • Beach
  • Parking Area
  • Conference Facilities

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: San Francisco, Camotes Islands

The journey from Cebu going to the Camotes Islands is quite arduous and long but it is definitely worth it. Here is a step-by-step instruction going to Camotes Islands from Cebu.

TAKE A FERRY: There are many ferries coming from Cebu Island going to Camotes Islands. Some of them are from Cebu CIty Port, Mactan Wharf, and Danao. The cheapest and most reliable transport going to Camotes is from Danao Port.

RIDE A JEEPNEY: Upon arriving at Consuelo Port in Camotes, there are many jeepneys waiting outside the port so you can take those going to Santiago Bay Beach where the resort is located. If you want a faster option and you don’t have a lot of luggage, you may hire motorbikes, locally known as habal-habal, to take you to the resort.

Cebu logs 124 new cases on May 13

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 13, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 124 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 168 new recoveries, and 2 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 51,733, while the active cases decreased to 1,728 (from 1,774).

Breakdown of cases:

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 23,831 (+38 new)
– Total recoveries: 22,403 (+55 new)
– Total deaths: 859 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 569

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 6,314 (+14 new)
– Total recoveries: 5,798 (+80 new)
– Total deaths: 166 (+2 new)
– Active cases: 350

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 6,479 (+11 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,021 (+24 new)
– Total deaths: 218 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 240

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 15,109 (+61 new)
– Total recoveries: 13,870 (+9 new)
– Total deaths: 670 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 569

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,728
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 51,733 (+124 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 48,092 (+168 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,913 (+2 new*)

A total of 2,947 laboratory results were released for today.

NOTES from DOH-7:

  • *As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
  • Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.

DOH-7 Full Report (Central Visayas):

Travel requirements from/to Manila and Cebu

As the country adjusts to the new normal and some cities become more compliant with the various guidelines, travel restrictions have started to ease up in different parts of the country. The easing of travel restrictions is also hoped to help the country gradually get back up on its feet with the opening of numerous tourism attractions.

In Cebu, restrictions have also started to ease up both for travels within the city and the island as well as inbound domestic travels. Listed below are more details about how to travel to Cebu City from Manila and the different things you need to prepare to ensure a smooth entry.

1. Requirements for Inbound Domestic Travelers

Inbound domestic travelers are still required to present a negative RT-PCR Test, which was taken not more than 72 hours prior to arrival, to enter the City of Cebu. If they are negative and do not exhibit any symptoms upon arrival, they do not need to undergo a quarantine for 14 days.  

Returning residents, private authorized persons outside residence (APOR), non-APOR, and those traveling for leisure or humanitarian reasons coming from outside of Cebu Province are required to prepare a negative RT-PCR Test, not taken more than 72 hours ago, from any DOH-accredited facility.

2. Secure a hotel booking

Before coming to Cebu City, you must make sure that you have already reserved a room in a hotel or accommodation within Cebu City that has a Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) or a Provisional Certificate of Authority to Operate (PCAO) from the Department of Tourism.  

List of Accredited Resorts and stays in Cebu City: https://sugbo.ph/2021/list-accredited-resorts/ 

3. Plan your Cebu Trip

Photo by Ram Mancelita of Sugbo.ph
Photo by John Ray Aligato | The Island Nomad

Cebu offers a plethora of both natural and man-made wonders in various provinces, both high and low. To fully enjoy your time in Cebu and make the most out of your limited stay, check out these lists:

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

To get more updated information about requirements to enter Cebu City, visit this website: https://mics.cebucity.gov.ph/inboundapplication/ 

For more info on Cebu attractions, visit https://discover.cebu.gov.ph/

10 Ways to a Safer Shopping Experience at SM Seaside City Cebu’s The Great Seaside Sale

Sugboanons, are you ready? Shop till you drop this May 14, 15 and 16, 2021.

Yes, SM Seaside City Cebu is all set for The Great Seaside Sale with up to 70% OFF on participating stores mall wide. Mark these dates in your calendars for not only will you avail these great deals but also get a chance to win a brand-new Suzuki S-Presso. Just present a P1,000 single or accumulated purchase receipt.

SM Advantage Card (SMAC) holders will also get an extra 10% off this Friday, May 14, for the whole day and an extra 10% off for SMAC holders this Saturday & Sunday, May 15 & 16, for the whole day with a ₱3000 minimum purchase receipt from The SM Store.

We are all now itching to go to this sale but first, you should probably read our list of things to do for a safe and successful navigation of a mall wide sale.

SHOPPING FUN WITH MALAYA MACARAEG

Malaya Macaraeg will guide you to where the great deals and price drops from participating stores are, click the photo for more details!

A virtual shopping buddy will accompany you so make sure to tune in this May 14 (Friday), May 15 (Saturday) and May 16 (Sunday) every 11 am at SM Seaside City Cebu’s official Facebook page. Malaya Macaraeg will guide you to where the great deals and price drops from participating stores are. 

PREP A LIST

Click the photo for huge price drops from participating stores!

To conquer a mall wide sale, you’ll need a strategy so don’t come unprepared and check out the deals posted on SM Seaside City Cebu Official Facebook page and from Malaya Macaraeg’s shopping fun suggestions. Make a list of all the stores you want to visit and plan them all out. They are posted as an album so you won’t have a hard time finding them.

COME EARLY

The key to every successful sale story is an early start. The mall opens at 10AM so be sure to be there to avail all the best deals without being at the end the expected long lines.

YOU’RE IN FOR A TREAT!

Get ₱70 off when booking your ride with grab, just use the code SMSEASIDE70 and you’re good to go!

Here are FREE rides and FREE parking options to get to SM Seaside’s The Great Seaside Sale: b.link/3DS_Rides

PROTECT YOURSELF

Strengthen your armor aka immune system for a full-day ahead by drinking vitamins and getting enough sleep the night of the sale. Also protect yourself by wearing your face mask, face shield and bringing a handy sanitizer/alcohol.

KEEP DISTANCE

These sales can be expected to have lots of people so keep a safe distance from other shoppers inside the stores or around the mall. This way you can protect yourself and protect other shoppers as well.

GO CASHLESS

Cashless transactions make way for a safe and contactless shopping experience so don’t forget to load up on your Paymaya, Gcash or your Bank cards.

FLASH YOUR ADVANTAGE

How many times have you forgotten your SM Advantage Card (SMAC) and end up regretting missing on all the great deals? This time, make sure to put it in your wallet or bags for there will be additional discounts from selected SM affiliates you really don’t want to miss. Get additional 10% off on May 14 for all Prestige Card holders and an extra 10% off on May 15 & 16 for SM Advantage Card holders with a ₱3000 minimum purchase requirement from The SM Store.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE MOUNTAIN WING ATRIUM

Groove to the acoustic beats of Nikki Shan on May 14 & 15 and Refresh Your Memory on May 16 every 1pm and 5pm at the Mountain Wing Atrium while you shop!

YOU’RE SET!

Click here for the step-by-step e-raffle redemption or proceed to The City Wing Atrium for the redemption booth: b.link/SMSS_ERaffle

If you’ve gone over our list and check all of those out then you are battle ready for The Great Seaside Sale at SM Seaside City Cebu. Plus get a chance to win a brand new Suzuki S-Presso for every ₱1000 single or accumulated receipt purchase!

What are you waiting for? Start preparing now and get ready for “The Great Seaside Sale” happening this May 14, 15 and 16. Also, keep in mind to always wear your mask and face shield and practice social distancing at all times.

https://www.facebook.com/smsscitycebu/videos/141571241254887

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: SM Seaside City Cebu in South Road Properties (SRP), Cebu City.

BY MYBUS: You can take a FREE MyBus ride from/to BDO Fuente Osmena from 8:20am to 10:00pm. You can also ride any MyBus from SM City Cebu, Talisay, Mandaue City, Parkmall and any Cibus to get to and from SM Seaside city Cebu Drop-off point is at the City Wing Entrance.

BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “SM Seaside City Cebu”. Parking space is free.

  • PROMO:
    • Get P70 off using the promo code: SMSEASIDE70 (May 14-16, 2021 only)
    • Max use of 2 times per person per day

LOOK: Newly Completed Seawall Project in Alcoy

The latest development in the town of Alcoy in Cebu meant more opportunities for everyone.

The DPWH Cebu 4th District Engineering Office just announced recently the completion of the 637-meter-long seawall shore protection structure in the said town. It is aimed to protect the shoreline from erosion and scouring and will also prevent flooding. The said seawall comes with a wave deflector including embankment.

Photo by Hanna Fe Sesaldo Pingki-an
Photo by Omnus Manriquez Renalds
Photo by Maria Ana Espantaleon Lopezbaños

The total allocation for the newly completed project was pegged at 1-million pesos.

Seawalls are hard engineered structures that are built parallel to the shore so it can hold or prevent sliding of the soil while protecting from wave action which ultimately becomes very beneficial if the shoreline is home to important infrastructure or other buildings.

The town of Alcoy is a slowly emerging town in the southern part of Cebu. With the addition of the seawall in town, it is believed to provide even more opportunities to its people. DPWH Sec. Mark Villar believes that livelihood of the residents will be improved since small fishing boats could use the seawall in accessing the fish port.  This is also big enough to act as a guide for them as they approach the shore.

Photo by Alyssa Maraña
Photo by Maria Ana Espantaleon Lopezbaños
Photo by Mrriyahh NiÑa

The seawall itself is also a good venue for relaxation, early morning or late afternoon jog, or a stroll with your family or friends. Small vendors are expected to station along the stretch of the said structure however, as of now, only few are allowed to do business.

A huge amount of sea breeze is waiting for you here. The sea surrounding the bays of Alcoy is very attractive from afar when viewed from the seawall, mesmerizing you with its blue colored water sparkling with the lights of the sun.  The view is just breathtaking you surely wouldn’t want to miss.

Photo by Precious Hani
Photo by DjRens Rivera
Photo by Omnus Manriquez Renalds

Alcoy was once a part of Dalaguete town until 1897 when a provincial decree made it a municipal corporate. It is known for its beautiful beaches with Tingko beach as the most famous. There’s also an old Spanish watchtower and the St. Rose of Lima Church that you can visit. The town is near stunning dive spots including Sumilon Island, Siquijor, Balicasag Island and Cabilao.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Alcoy, Southern Cebu — approx. 3 hours away from Cebu City.

BY BUS: Go to Cebu South Bus Terminal and ride any bus bound for Oslob. Ask the driver or conductor to drop you off at Alcoy town proper. From there, you can ride any available public vehicle to get to the newly completed seawall in town.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Alcoy Seawall” in Alcoy. Parking space is available.

Cebu logs 105 new cases on May 12

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 12, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 105 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 121 new recoveries, and 5 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 51,609, while the active cases decreased to 1,774 (from 1,794).

Breakdown of cases:

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 23,793 (+43 new)
– Total recoveries: 22,348 (+59 new)
– Total deaths: 859 (+2 new)
– Active cases: 586

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 6,300 (+8 new)
– Total recoveries: 5,718 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 166 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 416

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 6,468 (+20 new)
– Total recoveries: 5,997 (+26 new)
– Total deaths: 216 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 255

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 15,048 (+34 new)
– Total recoveries: 13,861 (+36 new)
– Total deaths: 670 (+2 new)
– Active cases: 517

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,774
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 51,609 (+105 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 47,924 (+121 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,911 (+5 new*)

A total of 4,616 laboratory results were released for today.

NOTES from DOH-7:

  • *As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
  • Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.

DOH-7 Full Report (Central Visayas):

Cebu removes mandatory quarantine for arriving OFWs, ROFs

Provincial Government of Cebu has implemented a new policy of putting an end with the mandatory quarantine for the repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) coming home to the island unless they are confirmed to be infected with COVID-19.

On May 10, 2021, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia called for an emergency meeting with OPAV Undersecretary Jonji Gonzales, DILG-7 Regional Director Leocadio Trovela, Visayas chief implementer of the national task force against Covid-19 Retired General Melquiades Feliciano, chief pathologist and Spokesperson of DOH-7 Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, DTI-7 OIC Regional Director Ma. Elena Arbon, Bureau of Quarantine Regional Chief Dr. Terence Bermejo, OWWA Head Grace Quiño, GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) officials headed by their chief executive advisor Andrew Harrison and Acting MCIAA Manager Atty. Glenn Napoli.

Executive Order (EO) 17 has been signed and released by Governor Garcia. This was then passed into law on May 10 through and approved ordinance by the Provincial Board (PB). Third District PB Member John Ismael Borgonia penned the ordinance and immediately took effect after Gov. Garcia has signed it.

EO 17 states that all OFWs and ROFs who are bound for the Province of Cebu and the cities of Cebu, Mandae and Lapu-Lapu will be swabbed for COVID-19 upon arrival at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). Should the test results be negative after their three-day stay in their qhara dacilities, they will then be allowed go home.

“If need be, I will fight for Cebu. I will fight for this local autonomy,” Garcia said during the meeting.

This was her statement learning about DOH Secretary Francisck Duque III’s remarks on the whole-of-nation approach for Cebu.

She said that provinces, cities and municipalities have the autonomy to implement their own policies.

Unless the OFWs of ROFs are not Cebu residents, they will not need to adhere to EO 17, said spokesperson and pathologist of DOH7, Dr. Mary Jean Loreche.

Bernadas, who was also in attendance through Zoom, said thay yje ‘one island swabbing’ policy was agreed upon the leaders of Cebu Citt, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu.

“As per your direction, the Executive Order (No. 17) for the island of Cebu and that would include, after also consultation with the tri-cities, this will be a one island swabbing upon arrival,” Bernadas said via Zoom video call during the meeting.

The DOH in Central Visayas will be spearheading the free swab test for OFWs and ROFs upon their arrival at the MCIA.

With this, the Cebuano OFWs and ROFs would need not to wait for 10 days upon arrival in Cebu before they can go home after being swabbed.

“It makes sense man gud nga ig-abot testing dayon dritso para maka-save og oras ug maka-save sad ang gobyerno nga di na sila magdugay kung mag-quarantine pa,” he said. “Gihimo ni nga ordinansa para mas naay permanency. Ug naa poy ngipon pud in support sad sa Executive Order ni governor,” Borgonia said.