Aside from the on-going construction of its airport, the town of Medellin has another facility that will help boost its tourism and economic potentials to its optimum level.
The newly inaugurated seaport in Kawit, Medellin promises a lot of potentials to the people of this town. In a report online, the seaport is a P47-million project funded by the Cebu Port Authority. This seaport will service vessels going to the Bantayan Island, Masbate province and Biliran.
Just this March, the soft opening of the port of Medellin kicked off with a maiden voyage of Aznar Fast craft bound for Bantayan. This only means that aside from the Hagnaya Port which serves as the major gateway to Bantayan Island from the mainland Cebu, Medellin can now also serve as an alternative route to this famous island in the province.
The maiden voyage carried the town’s Sangguniang Bayan members as its first passengers enroute to the Bantayan Island to attend a seminar by the Department of Interior and Local Government. Regular trip schedules will be published soon.
Prior to opening the seaport to the public for commercial use, only residents of the nearby barangay island of Gibitngil were allowed to ride in small motorized boats. There had been trainings as well that were attended by the port personnel. The Visayas Primary Healthcare Services, Inc. organized trainings last November 2020 as part of the project supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on COVID-19 response.
Medellin is a town in the northern parts of Cebu that relied on farming as their main source of revenue for the past years. In its bid to become an economic and industrial zone, and to create more stable opportunities to its people, the local government of Medellin ventured to several initiatives, one of which is the establishment of an airport and seaport in the area.
These two ports are hoped to further advance the growth and the development of the said town by paving easier options for tourists and businesses to come in and out of Medellin.
“These are big and ambitious dreams but not impossible,” said Medellin Mayor Joven Mondigo Jr in one of his speeches.
Summer in Cebu has always been exhilarating. Mr. Sun shines so bright and the weather should be perfect for a beach getaway. However, it is not a surprise to most of us that things have taken a detour ever since the world has declared our ‘new normal’.
Now, trekking and biking have been considered to be one of the most popular outdoor activities. Almost everyone has their own bicycles that they could use to enjoy their time with their friends.
Hence, a new spot has been put up for the people who are exhausted from their trip or if you just feel like dining with a view without breaking the bank.
It is aptly called as Kusina Subada because it is like your own kitchen in along the road. With affordable meals to fill the hunger, you can never really go wrong. If you’re not hungry, you can also drop by and have some drinks with your friends. Elsenot, just take a sip of their milktea while enjoying the cool Cebu breeze and the view of the city as it is located on the higher part of Minglanilla.
Though they’re still curating their menu, we’re sure they already have enough to make it worthy of your visit.
RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION
MENU
Main Course:
Beef Pares with Drinks – P60
Pork BBQ – P15
Chicken BBQ – P40
Mami – P50
Drinks:
Milktea (Wintermelon, Nutella, Red Velvet, Cookies and Cream, Cheesecake)
Small – P79
Medium – P89
Large – P99
Note: Water, juice, and alcoholic beverages are also served.
OTHER INFORMATION
Operating Hours: 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday)
From the South Bus Terminal, you can take a bus heading to Naga or Carcar and ask the driver to drop you off at Abuno, Minglanilla for P30. From there, you can take a motorbike and ask them to drop you off at Kusina Subada. Fare is at P40.
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 April 20, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 140 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 309 new recoveries, and 8 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 49,388, while the active cases dropped to 3,095 (from 3,272).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 22,852 (+56 new) – Total recoveries: 21,165 (+87 new) – Total deaths: 826 (+0 new) – Active cases: 861
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 6,048 (+15 new) – Total recoveries: 5,131 (+76 new) – Total deaths: 154 (+0 new) – Active cases: 763
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 6,165 (+17 new) – Total recoveries: 5,445 (+57 new) – Total deaths: 206 (+0 new) – Active cases: 514
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 14,323 (+52 new) – Total recoveries: 12,751 (+89 new) – Total deaths: 615 (+8 new) – Active cases: 957
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 3,095
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 49,388 (+140 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 44,492 (+309 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,801 (+8 new*)
A total of 2,556 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.
Have you ever experienced the beach in its rawest form?
Imagine a strip of shore just barely touched with nothing but the serenity of the sea and the fine sands occupying the space. Although it is possible, it is rare because once beaches are discovered, they are immediately turned into resorts and quickly populated by people.
Aroma Residence is a fairly new beach destination that is barely touched with wooden cottages as the only things occupying the shore, which still leaves a big chunk of the shore free for other activities. Surrounding the sandy shores are patches of grass and other flora that makes the area feel secluded from civilization.
Immediately at the front of the shore is a thicket of mangroves, both young and old, which curious cats could explore using the resort’s rentable rafts.
The spacious beachfront is more than enough for a picnic on a hot afternoon under the shade of the lone tree on the sand or under the adorable umbrellas lining the shore. Pictorials are also an option to capture the scenic view of the ocean while passing the time. The treehouse and the swing would definitely be great places for some photo op.
As kids are chasing each other around on the sand or splashing about in the water, the adults could be smoking some barbecue – using their own grilling set – for a hefty lunch to pair with the sunny weather. At sundown, everybody could settle down on the beachfront and witness the magnificent view of the setting sun.
Of course, with a space that big, guests shouldn’t miss the chance to set up their tents and spend a lovely night under the dim light of the starry sky. One whole day could be spent in many fun ways with friends, family, and the humble and peaceful cream-colored beach of the Aroma Residence.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Entrance fee: ₱5 per person
OVERNIGHT STAY:
Overnight Room: P1800, good for 2
Additional Persons: P150 per foam, P50 per pillow; up to 3 additional only
Cebu is home to many delicious foods and delicacies: from the sweet and sour dried mangoes to the salty and crispy chicharon, eating them will not let you forget landing in Cebu. After all, the way to a man’s (or woman’s) heart is through their stomach. As Filipinos, food is a vital part of our culture and branding, and it is to be respected.
Here are 10 foods that Cebu has best to offer based on the annual hunt, The Best of Cebu during 2017 and 2018.
1. Best Specialty Merienda: Providore’s Ube Champorado
Champorado is a sweet chocolate rice porridge found in many places across the Philippines. It is considered a merienda or an afternoon snack for people of all ages. This time, Providore has changed their champorado formula to add in the ube flavor, changing its color and taste from its chocolatey taste to the ube’s vanilla-esque taste. It is paired with danggit, a salted sun-dried rabbitfish.
Location: Robinson’s Galleria, General Maxilom Ave Ext, Cebu City, Cebu
2. Best Specialty Coffee: Linear Coffee Roasters
As Cassanda Clare once said, “as long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be?” Coffee is one of the best things to get early in the morning or late at night pulling an all-nighter. It fuels many people up to work on their day. Linear Coffee Roasters have delivered some of the best coffee here in Cebu and because of this, it has turned them into a reputable and widespread coffee brewery.
Location: Big Hotel, Tipolo, Mandaue City, Cebu
3. Best breakfast place : Café Sarree
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and Café Sarree understands that essence. Awarded as the “Best Breakfast Place”, their hearty meals are perfect for a good start to a morning. Come by and see their menu and you will surely fall in love with each item.
Location: 9, Escario Central, N Escario St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
4. Best Chocolate Beverage: Tablea Café’s Sikwate
If you are from Cebu, everyone knows this sweet drink that goes perfectly well with the puto maya, or stick rice cake. It is a must try to drink when you are visiting Cebu and is best to be had during breakfast and the afternoon merienda, although anytime is good. Table Chocolate Café’s chocolate sikwate brings out a wonderful brew for your curious tongues so that you can taste what Cebu is all about.
5. Best Chocolate Cake: Orange Brutus’ Chocolate Monster
Who doesn’t love chocolate cake? Well, maybe people who do not like chocolate or cake. But putting that aside, chocolate cake is an amazing snack to have because of how sweet and soft they are. If you are looking for an amazing one, look no further at Orange Brutus’ Chocolate Monster cake, which comes in different sizes whether it be a slice or a whole cake.
Location: Ground Floor, Elizabeth Mall Leon, Kilat Street / 12, One Pavilion Mall, 22 R. Duterte St, Banawe / 3 Jose Maria del Mar St Cebu City 6000 Jose Maria del Mar St (There are many chains of Orange Brutus so check it out through Maps or Waze)
6. Best Chocolate Chip Cookies: Malicious Cookies at Cafe Marco
In another round of chocolatey goodness, chocolate chip cookies are famous worldwide as a delicious snack. However, in Cebu, one cafe has chocolate chip cookies so good you might as well forget cookies from the outside. Try out Cafe Marco’s Malicious cookies in Marco Polo, said to be having the best blend of chocolate chips and cookies.
Location: GF, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Cebu Veterans Dr, Cebu City, Cebu
7. Best Specialty Bread: Cheese Rolls at Cebu Cardinal Bakeshop
At the bakery, which bread would you go first? We all have our own tastes, yet cheese rolls are suitable for everyone (maybe except for lactose intolerant people). Cheese rolls are created by having cheese stuffed in a tube-like/pillow-like bread before baking. Cebu Cardinal Bakeshop is one of the bakeshops that brings the best cheese rolls around town so if you are looking for a perfect snack or a breakfast filler, look for their cheese rolls.
Location: Ernesto Bascon St, Talisay, Cebu
8. Best Dessert Place: 10 D.C.
After the main course comes the desserts. Chocolate cake? Mango cake? All kinds of different cakes can be found here at 10 D.C., short for 10 Dove Street Confectionery. For those who do not know what a confectionery is, it is a collection of sweets, which 10 D.C. has and a lot more. Your tongue will surely find the perfect cake for them due to the wide variety of cakes available.
Location: Oakridge Business Park, A. S. Fortuna Street, Banilad / F. F. Cruz Avenue, Subangdaku, Cebu
9. Best Pizza: La Bella Napoli Pizza Bistro
Pizza is a universally loved Italian food because of its perfect blend of bread, cheese, tomato sauce, and a wide variety of toppings, from pineapples in Hawaiian pizza to pepperoni in Pepperoni pizza. Even the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are so crazy about them that they keep boxes in their den. To fulfill your pizza needs in Cebu, La Bella Napoli Pizza Bistro is said to have the best pizza around Cebu. Their menus are varied as well, so you can pick your favorite ones or explore new ones. The choice is yours.
Location: The Gallery, Juan Luna Avenue, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
10. Best Juice Bar: Toniq
After all those meals, it is important to wash them all down to properly digest them, and do so with a delicious beverage at Toniq. They pride themselves in serving healthy foods and vegetarian options, as well as juices and smoothies. If you want to detoxify healthily from all the toxins in your body, they have smoothies and juices for that. The healthy choice would never be wrong.
Location: Ayala Center, 176 Archbishop Reyes Ave, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu / SM City Cebu, Juan Luna Ave. Cor. Cabahug And Kaohsiung St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
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 April 19, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 90 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 365 new recoveries, and 4 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 49,248, while the active cases dropped to 3,272 (from 3,551).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 22,796 (+40 new) – Total recoveries: 21,078 (+131 new) – Total deaths: 826 (+0 new) – Active cases: 892
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 6,033 (+9 new) – Total recoveries: 5,055 (+18 new) – Total deaths: 154 (+0 new) – Active cases: 824
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 6,148 (+18 new) – Total recoveries: 5,388 (+42 new) – Total deaths: 206 (+1 new) – Active cases: 554
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 14,271 (+23 new) – Total recoveries: 12,662 (+174 new) – Total deaths: 607 (+3 new) – Active cases: 1,002
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 3,272
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 49,248 (+90 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 44,183 (+365 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,793 (+4 new*)
A total of 1,347 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.
Unbeknown to many travelers and visitors to the Queen City of the South, the rich history of Cebu City is actually displayed in a certain district and in plain sight.
Standing gloriously in the busy streets of Parian, this amalgamation of Cebu’s most significant and symbolic events, structure, and people retell the story of the Queen City through a tableau of concrete, brass, bronze, and steel statues.
It is the proud work of Cebuano artist Eduardo Castrillo and was finished in just 3 years, from July 1997 until its inauguration in December 2000, with the help of the late Senator Marcelo Fernan and pooled donations from private individuals and organizations.
The monument artistically displays key historical figures, events and structures that involve Cebu. Erected at the center of the monument is the famous Magellan’s Cross which marked the acceptance of Roman Catholicism in the country. Other scenes and events depicted in Heritage Monument are the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan and the Spanish colonizers, baptism of Rajah Jumabon, the Battle of Mactan between Lapu-Lapu and Magellan, and a procession of the Sto. Niño.
Famous religious structures in Cebu such as the Basilica del Santo Niño, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, and St. John the Baptist Church present as well. Finally, historical Cebuano figures such as the late president Sergio Osmeña, Sr. and the recently beatified Pedro Calungsod have also been immortalized.
The Cebu Heritage Monument is also located in the historically significant Parian District – home to prominent families of the old Cebu and the center of trade between locals, Chinese, and Spanish Mestizos. It also served as the venue for lavish events organized by wealthy Chinese merchants. “Parian” was derived from the term “pari-pari” meaning “to barter or trade” which made the perfect name for the district. The rich history of the plaza can be seen from the 17th to 19th Century homes that are still standing up to this day.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
ENTRANCE FEES
There are no entrance fees to the monument but donations for its upkeep are greatly appreciated.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Colon Street, Parian Plaza, Cebu City
BY JEEPNEY: From Colon Street in Downtown, Cebu City, take a jeep bound for SM and Pier. The jeep will pass by the monument. You may remind the driver to drop you off at the Cebu Heritage Monument.
BY TAXI/GRAB: Taxi cabs are quite familiar with the place. You may ride any taxi or book with an app.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to Cebu Heritage Monument. Ask locals for directions if you need help.
The diving industry in the Philippines, especially in the Central Visayas Region, is one of our economic drivers in terms of tourism. In fact, most of the dive spots found in our region were cited among the top picks by both domestic and foreign travelers.
With great pride, the Philippines has been awarded as the Best Overseas Diving Area in the Marine Diving Awards 2020 for the first time. The Philippines has also bagged the award as Asia’s leading Dive Destination 2020 in the 27th World Travel Awards.
In line with the Government’s efforts to further promote the Philippines, specifically the Central Visayas Region as a Dive destination, the Department of Tourism Regional Office VII, is preparing for its first 1st Dive7 Summer Festivals on April – June 2021
Dive7 Summer Festivals is a series of dive events to be held among the top dive destinations in the region — Moalboal, Panglao, Malapascua, Dauin and Mactan. The activity will also include a clean-up activity in SIQUIJOR. Its goal is to boost the region’s dive industry through a series of events geared to entice local/domestic scuba and free divers
These events will be a collaboration between the DOT Regional Office VII, the Local Government Units (LGU’s) of identified dive destinations and the respective Provinces and dive stakeholders. Proposed dates for these events will be between April to June 2021 (3-day event with series of activities), the peak season for diving in the region.
The event will have multiple activities starting with a photo contest targeting for a wider number of divers. This is designed to attract underwater photo enthusiasts and their buddies to dive and shoot, and also to include buoyancy competition in the dive destination. A 2nd part of the event is focused on attracting new divers and growing the local and domestic dive market. The event will offer discover scuba diver course for adults and bubble makers for kids. The 3rd part is to promote sustainable tourism by conducting an underwater clean up and create awareness especially in the community on how to take care and preserve our marine resources. Divers and beach go-ers will collect trash to properly dispose it. Ultimately, given the rich marine biodiversity and the need to conserve these resources, these events aim to fully focus to Central Visayas Region as a Dive Destination both locally, domestically and internationally.
Lastly, there will also be a one-stop-shop by the DOT7, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), MARINA7 and EMB7 to assist our tourism stakeholders for concerns regarding application of permits or accreditations.
With this, we gladly welcome all interested participants who wish to be part of this momentous event. See you and please do to forget to register.
Immerse yourself in nature with the modern bahay kubo of Areca Palm Hut.
Areca Palm Hut is a modern vacation house that takes inspiration from the bahay kubo. It offers to guests a rustic getaway in the relaxing shade of its modern hut and the natural views that surround it.
Guests will be able to easily disconnect from the stresses of life and the city and reconnect with nature.
It is a secluded vacation home in the highlands of Catmon that offers a refreshing escape from the dust and noise of the metro. It flaunts the beauty of Catmon’s highlands and allows guests to experience a genuine tropical getaway in its secluded property that’s surrounded by the vibrant green of nature.
The verdant backgrounds created by the combination of palm trees and ornamental plants are perfect for calming both the mind and the body. Nestled 3 kilometers from the highway, Areca Palm Hut offers a getaway that will surely take you to a peaceful paradise that you can have all to yourself.
Found on the lawn is a swimming pool that has a panoramic view of the entire property. Guests will enjoy having morning dips. A floating breakfast table is available for those who want to enjoy their first meal of the day in the pool. Just beside the pool and under the shade of a mango tree is a table with benches for a lovely meal in the tropics.
Inside the Hut
Inside the charming hut is a lovely home-away-from-home. Contrary to its native bahay kubo exterior, the interior is actually adorned with modern designs and decorations that make the guests feel relaxed and at home. An ample space that is efficiently used and occupied by varnished wooden floors and white walls. The sala connects to the kitchen which is fully equipped with every cooking utensil that guests need. Under the stairs to the second floor is the kitchen sink with a refrigerator and cabinets to store cooking and dining utensils.
The second floor is a lovely attic converted into a bedroom with a giant big window at the front which lets in the scenic views of Areca Palm Hut. The room comes complete with a mattress on a kawayan bed and a rotating ceiling fan.
Guests who are looking for a genuine nature getaway will find themselves at home in Areca Palm Hut in Catmon.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES:
Exclusive overnight use: P5,000 per night, good for 4 persons w/ breakfast
Exclusive for couples: P3,500 per night, good for 2 persons w/ breakfast
Additional Person (0-3 y.o.): Free
Additional Person (4-11 y.o.): P250 per person
Additional Person (12 y.o. and up): P500 per person w/ extra mattress
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Areca Palm Hut” in Catmon. There is a parking lot that can accommodate up to 2 cars. Be sure to contact the owner before going to the place.
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 April 18, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 104 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 98 new recoveries, and 3 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 49,158, while the active cases increased to 3,551 (from 3,545).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 22,756 (+39 new) – Total recoveries: 20,947 (+3 new) – Total deaths: 825 (+0 new) – Active cases: 984
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 6,024 (+18 new) – Total recoveries: 5,038 (+46 new) – Total deaths: 153 (+2 new) – Active cases: 833
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 6,130 (+8 new) – Total recoveries: 5,346 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 205 (+0 new) – Active cases: 579
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 14,248 (+39 new) – Total recoveries: 12,489 (+49 new) – Total deaths: 604 (+1 new) – Active cases: 1,155
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 3,551
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 49,158 (+104 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 43,820 (+98 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,787 (+3 new*)
A total of 1,846 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.