It’s about time we take the break we have always deserved and longed for.
As featured on vismin.ph, the fast-rising digital magazine highlighting the best places in Visayas and Mindanao, another new attraction is set for our next visit in Bukidnon.
Located in Malaybalay, Pico’s Spring is a must-visit for every camper or traveler. Allowing you to live your Tarzan dream for living in a treehouse, you also get to experience being Prince Eric waiting for your Ariel to submerge from the water.
There really are a lot that you could do at Pico’s. Hence, a visit is definitely a good thing to consider. Especially with the effects of this pandemic, we should learn to support local.
Currently, Pico’s Spring only accepts overnight accommodation, but they don’t accept walk-ins. You need to book for your reservations ahead of time. Please be guided that they only accept guests who are at 22 – 58 years old. Else not, you will be refused upon entry. Hence, a VALID ID is a must.
Photo from ARAT TravelPhoto from ARAT TravelPhoto from ARAT TravelPhoto from ARAT TravelPhoto from ARAT TravelPhoto from ARAT Travel
From Cebu City, you can take a boat from Pier 1 that’s headed to Cagayan de Oro City. From CDO, you will need to take a bus heading to Bukidnon and drop off at the center of Malaybalay. From Malaybalay, you can hail a tryke or motorbike and ask to send you to Pico’s Spring.
BY PRIVATE VEHICLE: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Pico’s Spring”.
(This article was first published on Vismin.ph with minor edits from Sugbo.ph editors.)
From the famous Osmeña Peak in the highland to the white sandy shoreline of Dalaguete Beach Park, a weekend trip heading south seems like a great idea, don’t you think? But if you’re afraid of heights to see the peaks, and/or allergic to the salty seawater, then Obong Spring Resort is your go-to. A huge basin of blue-green water surrounded by colorful umbrellas, this resort with an entrance fee for as low as 5 pesos should be on your list.
Coldwater springs underneath the basin, creating a huge pool. However, during high tides, the seawater which is just a few meters away meets the freshwater. This is called an estuary. Both children and adults can enjoy the cold spring because the water is not too deep. Just be vigilant with your little ones though. The bluish-green color is because of the mossy bottom and some sand particles from the connected sea. If you want to take a dip in colder water, wait for the low tide since the pool is mostly freshwater. If you’re up for warmer water, high tide is the best time to soak because of the seawater.
Quick fact: there is a mulberry tree in Montenegro that is famous for the waterfall-like spring coming out from the upper trunk. The locals call it “the tree that springs” or “water springing tree”. In Obong Spring Resort, the water is believed to spring from an old tree the locals call ‘dalakit’. This tree is believed to be more than a century old and became a pride to Dalaguete. However, a huge volume of water like that in Obong does not spring directly from the tree. Science explained that spring is the result of an aquifer being filled to the point that the water overflows onto the land surface. It just happened that the dalakit tree is sitting on top of a rock where the water springs.
Photo from Clyde’s Mamitikay Facebook Page
Photo from Clyde’s Mamitikay Facebook Page
Photo by Belle Lazarte
Photo by Belle Lazarte
Preserved and Developed
The local government in Dalaguete is on a mission to look after the natural beauty within the area. Tourists come from different places to experience the majestic beauty of Obong Spring Resort. To provide amenities, sheds were constructed on the poolside for visitors to use. There are parasols and cottages for rental to cater to your food. You should be well aware that during high tides, water will reach the sheds up to the feet level so you might want to secure your food and other things on higher ground to keep them dry.
Photo by Lealyn Grace Saycon
Photo by joffee abellar
Photo by Peejay Bendigosa
Photo by Mira Joy Ligas Baguinang
Photo by Mira Joy Ligas Baguinang
Photo by Mira Joy Ligas Baguinang
Photo by Mira Joy Ligas Baguinang
Trained lifeguards are stationed in the resort for the lookout and first aids in case of accidents. Dressing rooms were built for convenience. You just have to pay a cheap fee amounting to 5 pesos. It’s not that much considering how beautiful the place is. You get to enjoy the wide pool of cold water with a hint of salt, have time with your family and friends, relax a bit under the sun, refreshed from a good dip, and on top of that, you get to experience all of that for 10 pesos only. Tip: Visit during weekdays and earlier too if you want a quieter Obong Spring Resort all by yourself.
Exact location: Obong, Dalaguete, Southern Cebu, Philippines — approx. 2-3 hours away from the city.
BY BUS/VAN/JEEP (COMMUTERS): Head to South Bus Terminal. You can take any bus that will pass by Dalaguete. Since Obong Spring Resort is a famous destination, you can ask the conductor to drop you off in the resort. Travel time is around 2 hours from the city proper with fare amounting to 120-150 pesos.
From Dalaguete junction, you can ride a tricycle to Obong Spring Resort for 10 pesos only.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Obong Spring Resort” in Dalaguete. Parking fee applies from 5-20 pesos only. All kinds of vehicles are allowed except for six-wheelers and bigger.
In a recent press statement by Presidential Spokesperson Hardy Roque, he said that children aged 5 years old and above will now be allowed to go outdoors.
Areas under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) and General Community Quarantine (GCQ) can allow the children to visit certain places.
Enlisted are the allowed areas and activities for the children:
Parks / playgrounds
Beaches
Biking and Hiring trails
Outdoor Tourist Sites and Attractions
Outdoor Dining Establishments
Outdoor Non-Contact Sports Courts and Venues
However, kids are still not allowed to go out in some areas. GCQ areas with heightened restrictions should still hinder these children to go out.
On the other hand, even if certain areas are already allowed, there are still restrictions.
Enlisted are the restricted areas and activities for the children:
Mixed-use Indoor or Outdoor buildings
Malls and similar establishments
Nevertheless, please be reminded that unless it is a need and a must to go out, please stay in the comforts of your homes. And if going out is deemed necessary, please observe strict new-normal protocols.
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 July 9, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 274 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 182 new recoveries, and 4 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 57,697, while the active cases increased to 2,392 (from 2,295).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 26,334 (+111 new) – Total recoveries: 24,443 (+91 new) – Total deaths: 886 (+1 new) – Active cases: 1,005
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 7,149 (+59 new) – Total recoveries: 6,598 (+16 new) – Total deaths: 171 (+0 new) – Active cases: 380
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 7,118 (+25 new) – Total recoveries: 6,578 (+9 new) – Total deaths: 234 (+0 new) – Active cases: 306
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 17,096 (+79 new) – Total recoveries: 15,630 (+66 new) – Total deaths: 765 (+3 new) – Active cases: 701
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 2,392 (from 2,295)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 57,697 (+274 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 53,249 (+182 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,056 (+4 new*)
A total of 4,129 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.
Biking has gained quite the fame since the start of community quarantine and it has even become a more popular sport now a year later. From biking through the seaside to trailing their way to the mountains, Cebuano bikers are in it for the long ride.
SM Seaside City Cebu, a known bike-friendly zone in the metro, will offer you not only a safe place to bike but also a one-stop-shop for all your biking needs and even a delicious breakfast.
Gather your friends biking around SM Seaside Complex and dine at SM Seaside’s newest bike-friendly facility, BIKE AND BREAKFAST at the Mountain Wing Arcade from 6AM to 9AM.
You can park and dine safely with good food after your morning rides. Bike repair stand is also available when you need a little helping hand.
Now that your meal is covered, it’s time to list the different biking essentials for a successful ride.
Whether you’re a newbie biker or already a beast at the road, we present to you SM Seaside City Cebu’s Seaside Tips: 11 Biking Essentials that you need for your safe ride.
SAFETY VEST
Visibility is key in biking, which is why aside from the safety lights on your bike and/or helmet, a safety reflective vest is also a must. It is an extra precautionary essential to keep you visible while on the road during night time or sunset rides, which are the best times for cycling.
A good grip on your handle bar by using bike gloves would help you when you are outdoors and sweating. It also helps provide extra cushion to lessen soreness during long rides. More importantly, wearing bike gloves can protect your hands from calluses and during accidents.
Lights means presence, awareness and signal. It is one of the first safety essentials you should get when joining the world of cycling. It helps in alerting other cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists while you focus on your ride.
As much as we invest in the outside, we should also take care of what’s inside. Stay hydrated and make sure to bring a bottle of water and eat before hitting the road to prevent you from being tired on the road. Being in a good body condition will prevent dizziness under the heat of the sun and other unpleasant factors while on the road.
Always be prepared. Like the tool box for our cars and motorcycles, we also need a handy tool kit for our bicycles that is versatile and can help us in case we suffer mechanical problems on the road.
Safety and security go hand in hand which means when we go on solo rides and need to rest or pause for a comfort room break, we have to park our bicycles and keep it safe. A durable safety lock with keys or a combination lock would definitely ease your worry.
Who said we can’t ride in style and comfort? A good pair of bike shorts with a supportive muscle compression and built-in padding can help you have a comfortable ride.
Carrying weight on your back while you ride your bike can be tricky and a hassle. The right all-around bag should be something light and durable to keep your essentials in place while offering you a swift and safe ride.
There’s no way one can predict the weather, especially in long distance rides. Rain could suddenly pour while riding so you need the perfect water repellent jacket made from a special fabric to keep you dry.
Fashion meets functionality in this fashionable choice when hitting the road, eyewear. Adding this essential will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays or outdoor debris while you ride your bike.
Safety is a priority in biking which makes every essential vital for a safer and comfortable ride. SM Seaside Complex is also open until sundown for all your other fitness activities such as running and walking.
Follow SM Seaside City Cebu (Official) on Facebook and @smseasidecitycebu on Instagram to get the latest updates on exclusive deals and more!
If you could travel through time and go somewhere else and go to any year, where would you go?
We totally understand that it would be so hard for you to funnel your options and just think of one certain location and time, but allow us to give you something that’s close to our hearts – Cebu. Whether it be the Revolutionary war, the Renaissance, the colonization of the Spaniards and Americans, or even the World War II, we have stories enlisted to take you back in time.
Enlisted below are books curated to let you time travel around our beloved Cebu.
1. Santo Niño de Cebu (1565–2015) (P440)
– by Fr. Pedro G. Galende, OSA
Photo from Vibal Foundation
Written by Fr. Pedro G. Galende, this book is definitely for the Sto. Niño devotees. This book is a must-read because it will take you back to almost half a millenum – from the story of devotion and the founding of Santo Niño, it is all covered. While we still cannot celebrate like the usual our Sinulog, allow this book to take you back in time and yell Viva Pit Señor!
2. Tabunan: The Untold Exploits of the Famed Cebu Guerillas in World War II (P745)
– by Col. Manuel L. Segura
Photo from Casa Gorordo Museum Shop Facebook Page
This book is filled with “rich documentary detail and stirring narrative” during the Japanese occupation in 1942. This was until the Liberation of Cebu Province in 1945. It walks about the Battles in Babag, Malubog, and Guila-Guila, which were considered to be among the fiercest battles by the Filipino guerillas.
3. The Vicente Rama Reader: An Introduction to Modern Readers (P395)
– translated from the original Visayan by Fr. Rudy Villanueva
Photo from The RJ Page Facebook Page
Brilliantly translated by Fr. Rudy Villanueva, this book showcases Vicente Rama’s uncollected fiction, essays, and memoirs. It will allow you to time travel into Cebu during the 1900s while getting acquainted with the historical Cebuano figure.
4. War Against the Americans: Resistance and Collaboration in Cebu, 1989–1906 (P420)
– by Resil Mojares
If you want to time travel to the 20th century of Cebu when the Americans were in the Province of Cebu, this book is for you. This book narrates that war in Cebu. The firefights and guerilla skirmished in Sudlon and the Southern mountains, the politics and betrayals, all these while readin gthe names of your local heroes.
5. House of Memory (P495)
– by Resil Mojares
Photo by Eilyn Nidea
Collated to be a book of personal essays, Dr. Resil Mojares aimed to introduce us all to time traveling Cebu like we were visiting an old house. The essays cover many interest topics about precolonial tattoos, sexual practices, origin myths, and even beliefs of afterlife.
6. Sugilanong Sugbuanon Cebuano Fiction Vol. 1 (until 1940) and Vol. 2 (1941 to 2005) (P385 and P425 respectively)
Photo by Reina Mariz Baguio
A book that covers the hundred years of Cebuano fiction. It features the earliest work of fiction from 1852 and the latest piece from 2005. Different eras written, but they all represent their own stories.
7. Mass for the Death of the Enemy (P550/hardbound, P420/softbound)
– by Renato Madrid
Dubbed to the one of the great Philippine novels written in English, this book’s setting is in a village in Carcard named Valladolid. This novel follows the lives of several charactes around Valladolid’s barrio captain and Carcar’s municipal president.
8. Lapu-Lapu: The Conqueror of Mactan (a novel) (P875)
– by Vicente Gullas (translated by Dr. Erlinda K. Alburo)
Though the novel was first published in 1938, this was republished in 2007. This novel revolves around the story of Lapu-Lapu’s strange fictional bibliography – how he has growm to be a man.
Udlom Falls is a breathtaking reward awaiting those who brave the challenge of trekking through nature.
Located 11 kilometers from Lamac town proper, Udlom Falls is a natural wonder tucked away in the forests and hills of Pinamungajan. The access to the majestic waterfalls is a trail that has to be traversed by foot through hills, shrubs, and paths carved through the vegetation.
Photo by Reginald de Guia
Photo by Paul Soberano
Photo by Loniemhar Caraballe
Photo by Loniemhar Caraballe
The waterfall is one of the tallest in the island of Cebu and while reaching it is no easy feat, those who dare to trek are treated with a unique and mesmerizing view of Udlom Falls.
The falls is a surreal mixture of cave and waterfall. Its source is hidden in a cave, giving it a touch of mystery that yearns to be discovered. The water drops down a slightly winding path that is different from most waterfalls. It’s even more mesmerizing to watch the water trickle down and alter its path before settling in the pool below. Altogether, Udlom Falls has character and an almost mystical quality that sets it apart from the rest.
Photo by Jesus Tuquib
Photo by Sahara Diamante
Photo by Jesus Tuquib
Photo from We Wander Facebook Page
The majestic sight of the waterfall is one to behold. If you want to bask in its wonder and magic some more, you can take a dip into the cold waters at the base of the cliff. The water will cool you down and wash away the sprains and muscle aches from the long hike.
Speaking of the hike, the trail will take you down a scenic route passing through thickets of bushes, rocky paths and passing over views of countryside Cebu and its rolling hills. The travel becomes worth it as you reach Udlom Falls and the water comes into view.
Photo from We Wander Facebook Page
Photo from We Wander Facebook Page
The waterfall truly looks impressive in pictures, but it’s even grander in person!
Exact location: Lamac, Pinamungajan, Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from the city.
BY COMMUTE: Starting from Cebu South Bus Terminal, take a bus bound to Toledo and ask the conductor to drop you off at “Lutupan Ladingan”. Travel time is 40 to 60 minutes. After getting off the bus, hire a habal-habal to take you to Hidden Valley. Fare is around ₱60 person and the trip takes about 30 minutes. Once at Hidden Valley, ask the locals for directions to the falls. If a local resident offers to guide you, be sure to leave a tip!
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Hidden Valley” in Pinamungajan, Cebu. The rest of the trip has to be taken on foot.
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 July 8, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 241 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 57 new recoveries, and 1 new death. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 57,425, while the active cases increased to 2,295 (from 2,127).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 26,226 (+93 new) – Total recoveries: 24,359 (+54 new) – Total deaths: 885 (+0 new) – Active cases: 982
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 7,090 (+38 new) – Total recoveries: 6,585 (+3 new) – Total deaths: 171 (+0 new) – Active cases: 334
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 7,093 (+16 new) – Total recoveries: 6,569 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 234 (+0 new) – Active cases: 290
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 17,016 (+94 new) – Total recoveries: 15,565 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 762 (+1 new) – Active cases: 689
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 2,295 (from 2,127)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 57,425 (+241 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 53,078 (+57 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,052 (+1 new*)
A total of 3,973 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.
Because ramen is forever, especially in this rainy weather.
Comforting, fulfilling and tasty. This Tonkatsu Ramen is perfect for those noodle-and-soup cravings, it’s meant for two, but you could have both bowls to yourself too. Bai Hotel Cebu offers Buy 1, Take 1 Ramen for a limited time only, starting today.
The two bowls of Tonkatsu Ramen are available for only Php 550 nett at the Lobby Lounge, Ume Restaurant, Bai Hotel. You can enjoy it with a friend, or have it all for yourself.
And since Japanese food is mostly everyone’s comfort food, other authentic Japanese cusiins, such as shrimp tempura, California roll, chicken karaage, and a crowd-favorite gyoza are also available at the Ume Restaurant.
Ume Restaurant at Bai Hotel is open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM. For inquiries, you can message Bai Hotel Cebu or contact them at (032) 342-8888 or (032) 355-8888.
Escape the stress of everyday living with a staycation in a luxury sanctuary!
The French Villa Talisay is a homey haven made to ensure that you along with your friends and family get to unwind away from the busy city. The villa is an impressive two-story house in a gated compound, providing you with maximum comfort and privacy.
The Villa Premises
Photo by Teza G
Photo by Teza G
Photo by Teza G
Photo by Teza G
The property is roomy and has lots of space – 2,000 square meters of it! This space is occupied by a private pool, a manicured garden, and of course, the stunning villa itself. The whole compound rests on top of a hill, giving guests a view of the city below.
One highlight of the villa is the amazing pool. With an area of 60 square meters and its deepest at 2.7 meters (9 feet), the swimming pool is a great spot to cool down or lounge beside with your company. The pool also features a small waterfall installation for relaxing ambiance. Speaking of ambiance, you’ll be swimming beside a characteristic rock wall and the charming villa, with a view of the garden.
The villa also has a place for solace in its very own garden. At around 280 square meters, you’ll have plenty of room to walk, lie down, and meditate among the trees and the grass. The garden even has a little pond to add character to it!
The last, yet most impressive, is the villa itself. Inspired by French castle architecture, it’s a combination of contemporary and characteristic! As the centerpiece of the property, you can admire the grooves and curves of the intricate design from any area in the premises.
The Interior
Photo by Teza G
Photo by John Calma
The French Villa has two stories with a spacious 255 square meters of floor area. In total, they have 8 air-conditioned bedrooms and at least 3 bathrooms. The bedrooms are furnished and decorated simply, yet beautifully. Their use of solid colors makes the rooms easy on the eyes and royally relaxing – fitting for sleeping in a castle on a hill!
The villa has many common areas around the house, including a kitchen and dining room. All of the common areas are fan-ventilated, letting in that fresh air from the garden. They have a game room with a billiards table and dart board for some indoor recreation away from the sun. The villa has no Wi-Fi, but accommodates unlimited karaoke as long as barangay rules for noise are followed.
If you’re planning to cook or bring your own meals, the villa does not impose corkage on any food brought in from the outside. You’re very much invited to cook with their fully equipped kitchen with BBQ area. After all, what staycation is complete without quality time in the kitchen and a homemade feast?
When you stay at the French Villa, you’ll be guaranteed maximum comfort and satisfaction. While you enjoy your royal staycation, you can rest easy thanks to their 4 stay-in property caretakers and CCTV protection.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
₱300 per person, use of swimming pool and towel.
Day use is good up to 9PM, any later will incur overnight charges.
Day use applies only to visitors of registered guests.
RATES:
The villa is hosted on AirBnB under a superhost.
Entire villa: ₱7,800 per night, good for up to 30 persons.
The listed rate does not include cleaning and service fees.
Children below 11 stay for free, but towels and beds will not be provided.
Smoking is not allowed outside the permitted areas, and will be penalized for $200 per instance.
Contact number: (032) 462-3728
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location on Google maps: Maghaway Road, Talisay, Cebu – 25 minutes from the center of Cebu City.
BY SERVICE: The French Villa offers a chauffeur service from Mactan Cebu International Airport to the house. Prior arrangements should be made.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “The French Villa – Talisay” in Talisay, Cebu. Parking is available for up to 10 cars.
