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Snappy: Dine-in at home with chef-crafted meals in Cebu

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1 snappy app website online order cebu

Cebuanos will be the first to indulge in affordable, huge servings of comfort food favorites from an online-only restaurant serving you real comfort food goodness at www.snappy.com.ph.

With Snappy!’s aim to bring the best tasting and best value meals in a snap, it teamed up with Chef Bruce Lim to take all-time food favorites to the next level with chef-crafted creations, reinvented flavors, good value and big time servings.

Chef Bruce Lim was trained at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in London, and worked under world-renowned chef, Gordon Ramsay. He also hosted the Asian Food Channel’s The Boss and Tablescapes: Life on a Plate.

“The concept behind Snappy’s dishes is to take good flavors from my hometown and combine this with Cebuano favorites in a different way. Its flavors are familiar, we just take pride in the ingredients we use and how we serve it,”

https://www.facebook.com/SnappyPHOfficial/videos/194680832206910

Flavorful, chef-crafted creations in a Snap!

Whether it’s an end-of-day treat for oneself, a dinner date at home, or a salu-salo with family, Snappy! offers a wide selection of meals fit for any occasion with prices starting at P88 to 388 for Snappy! Specials and Php 998 for Snappy! Celebration Meals good for 5 – 6 persons. Snappy! is also set to roll out meal plans next year.

Special menu:

Celebration meals

For Celebration Meals, choose either the Wild Wild West Celebration Meal with Barbecue Ribs, six pieces of Texas Barbecue Chicken, Potato Wedges, Potato Salad and Corn, or the Fiesta Celebration Meal with Aloha Pizza, six pieces of Snappy Fried Chicken, Potato Wedges and Spaghetti platter.

Wild Wild West Celebration Meal – ₱998
Snappy! Fiesta Celebration Meal – ₱1,188

Dine with Snappy!

  • Website: www.snappy.com.ph
  • Opening hours for orders: 10AM to 7:30PM daily
  • Delivery areas: within Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Talisay City and Consolacion
  • Delivery fee: P50, but is free for orders above P750
  • Payment method: Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard), PayMaya, or cash on delivery

Dine with Snappy! and get flavorful, chef-crafted meals in a snap. Enjoy 15% off on orders until December 31 by using the code: SNAPPYLAUNCH.

For more information and updates, like @SnappyPhOfficial on Facebook and follow @snappyphofficial on Instagram.

House of Gwapa Campsite: Buhay Probinsya in Cebu City

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1 House of Gwapa Campsite Bonbon Cebu

Yearning for a camping experience but can’t afford to go on leave for a few days and go to a far-flung area for some hardcore camping? Well, there’s actually a spot within Cebu City where you can camp overnight or for a day and experience probinsya life within a highly urbanized city.

The House of Gwapa Campsite is located in Barangay Bonbon, Cebu City. It’s approximately 30-45 minutes away from Lahug and is the perfect nature escape for those living in the city who want to go camping.

Photo by Mary Kristine Tam

The place looks like a well-kept backyard and farm that is surrounded by green mountainous terrain – a perfect spot for temporary isolation from the loud city noise.

The view here in the morning is that of the typical probinsya setting – wide green fields and mountains, birds chirping, far from the noise of vehicles, and best of all – the morning fog. Imagine sitting inside your tent and sipping a cup of coffee to this view. Now that’s what you call “being one with nature”.

The campsite has two payag where guests can hang out and chill. A designated space for tents is also located near the payag. Guests can use their dirty kitchen if they want to cook, complete with utensils and electricity. For a better experience, you can also do bonfire within the campsite.  

For those who want to go on an adventure, the management also offers activities such as river trekking and chasing waterfalls. Just inform the caretaker and they’d be glad to assist you.

So if you want to temporarily disconnect from the city life and social media, House of Gwapa Campsite is one of the best options for you within Cebu City.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Exclusive

Camping fee: P3,500 (up to 10 campers; P150 per extra camper); Includes exclusive use of the camping site and its amenities. Ideal for team buildings, barkada getaways, etc.

  • Camp in: 1PM
  • Camp out: 11 AM
  • You can also bring your own tent but they also have some that can be rented at P200 (good for 2 campers).

Other information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Sitio Basiong, Barangay Bonbon, Cebu City — going uphill, 3 km away from main road and will pass through not-so-concrete roads. 45 minutes to 1 hour away from the city.

There is no public vehicle that can take you directly to the resort. These are your options:

BY PRIVATE VEHICLE: You may need a private vehicle to get to the place. Then navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “House of Gwapa”. Ample parking space is available.

BY MOTORBIKE: You may also opt to ride a habal-habal from JY Square. It will cost around ₱150-200 per person; each motorbike can accommodate up to 2pax. Make sure to negotiate first before riding.

Buntod Campbar: Flaunting San Fernando’s Scenic Views

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1 Buntod Campbar San Fernando Cebu

There is no better way to destress than to visit unspoiled pieces of nature. This new overlooking spot in the highlands of San Fernando may just be the ‘breath of fresh air’ we badly needed.

Buntod Campbar in Sitio Kaandany, Brgy. Tanañas boasts an exquisite view of San Fernando’s beautiful mountain ridges.  The wide skyline, the lush green vegetation from afar, and the big chunks of clouds hovering just above the mountains create a therapeutic picture of nature.

The feels at night is also equally calming as that of the feels we get during daytime. Camping is allowed but you will have to bring your own camping gears and observe standard camping etiquettes to preserve the place’s laidback beauty. You can’t get a sound and peaceful sleep at night at just anywhere, but you can have it here at Buntod Campbar – right in the heart of nature.

Photo by Rannie Talotalo II
Photo by Jaycel Generalao

And the fresh and cold breeze of air – this is really something that is missing in the metro where the air already reeks with harmful chemicals from smokes and other air pollutants. And when lucky enough especially during the cold season, you’ll be greeted with thick blankets of fog shrouding the place.

The mountains and the cottage made of bamboo materials create a good background for your photos.

There are hammocks placed in the area and there’s also a small store that sells light snacks. But as a tip, it would be better if you bring your own food so you can have a satisfying meal while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Photo by Jaycel Generalao

Bear in mind though to always dispose your trashes to the designated trash bins. Lastly, when it’s raining, the place can by slippery so take extra caution and wear appropriate footwears.

This place isn’t fully developed yet and there are still some amenities that need to be built but Buntod Campbar has a good potential to become one of San Fernando’s top tourist destination soon.  

REMINDERS

  • No approved booking, no camping.
  • No face mask, no entry. Also, prepare to submit yourself for proper sanitation upon entry.
  • They are only accepting 6 group of campers with maximum members of five.
  • Limited rentable tents only (first come first serve basis)
    • 1 tent – good for 4
    • 2 tents – good for 2
  • There is no access of electricity in the area, so all campers are advised to bring their own portable source of power.
  • There is no available food as of now, but there are “chichirya” and soft drinks for sale. You can bring your own food.
  • Strictly no bringing of liquor.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

FEES:

  • Entrance fee: P50/head
  • Camping: P150/head (entrance fee included)
    • 20% off for groups with 5 members
  • Tent: P200

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Sitio Kaanday, Tanañas, San Fernando, Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from the city.

BY BUS: Take a bus from Cebu South Bus Terminal and let the driver know you’re heading to San Fernando. Ask the driver to drop you off at eskina going to San Fernando Cemetery. From there, ride a habal-habal going to Buntod Campbar (15 mins travel time from the highway).

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “San Fernando Cemetery” in San Fernando, Cebu. From there, ask around how to get to Buntod Campbar (15 mins travel time from the highway).

Guide: Misa De Gallo Schedule in Cebu City for 2020

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basilica sto nino church cebu

One of the most distinctive Christmas traditions in the Philippines is completing the nine dawn masses (Simbang gabi or Misa de Gallo).

Filipinos and Filipinos at-heart, from all walks of life, would always make an effort to wake up early in the morning to pray and thank God for all the blessings. Not to mention, to prepare for the birth of Christ.

From December 16 to 24, amidst the scare of the pandemic, Catholics are still expected to continue the practice, but with the observance of the new normal protocols. Hence, changes are implemented for everyone’s safety.

Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella has signed the Executive Order 111, listing the guidelines for the Misa de Gallo.

Simbang Gabi Schedule:

  • Evening: DECEMBER 15 – 23, 2020
    • 5:00PM to 9:00PM
  • Dawn: DECEMBER 16 – 24, 2020
    • 4:00AM to 6:00AM

With the aforementioned schedules taking into place, it is also but fitting to adhere to the new normal practices in attending masses;

• Wearing face mask and face shield is necessary.

• Persons above 65 years old, below 15 years old, those with immunodeficiencies, comorbidities or other health risks and pregnant women are prohibited to attend.

• Kissing and touching of images are also prohibited; attendees are encouraged to bring their own family image of the infant Jesus.

Note: Requirement of City Quarantine Pass is temporarily suspended from 12:01 AM of December 15 until 11:59 PM of December 25, 2020

It is encouraging to note that amidst everything that we have gone through as a nation, Filipinos still attend and consider attending Simbang Gabi. After all, it is believed that when you complete the nine masses, your wish will come true.

Let us all wish for a better and kinder world.

Bantayan Beach: 15-Peso Getaway in Medellin

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1 Bantayan Beach Resort Medellin Cebu

The northern parts of Cebu must have been blessed with beautiful beaches that they even got two Bantayans – one is already famous and has been featured in a lot of travel sites and shows, while the other is slowly creating a buzz online.

Photo by Earl John Arcipe

Bantayan Beach in Medellin (formerly known as Hideaway Beach) may not be as famous as the renowned Bantayan Island in the northwestern part of the province, but it surely doesn’t fall short of the unique experience that it has to offer.

The place is a public beach resort that flaunts a refreshing treat for everyone who’s on tight budget. For a 15-pesos entrance fee, you and your family can already have a splashing and memorable day swimming through the depths of the sea and basking under the heat of the sun.

Photo by Earl John Arcipe

The place offers numerous cottages where guests can rent while they are at the resort. The colorful cottages are ideal for a feast of delectable meals. You can enjoy all the food that you want at no additional costs.

Long Boardwalk

One thing that makes this beach resort unique and photogenic is the long boardwalk connecting the mainland to a rocky islet close to the coast. The bridge is around 500 meters long and is illuminated at night making the place even more appealing to visitors.

Photo by Earl John Arcipe
Photo by Earl John Arcipe
Photo by Earl John Arcipe

The end of this bridge leads to a cottage that was built on a sea rock. It is said that a mayor built this cottage to be the official sea post of Bantay Dagat to protect the Tañon strait from illegal fishing.

People later discovered it, and eventually ended up as an attraction, until the LGU developed the place.

Aside from swimming, guests at the beach can also go snorkeling and kayaking or they can opt to rent a jet ski to cap the day.

Since a good part of the town is used for sugarcane, Medellin town is considered as the Sugar Bowl of Cebu. The local government is also hyping up its efforts to promote eco-tourism. Some would label Medellin as Cebu’s ecotourism adventure capital, plus it is one of the top 10 of the most visited municipality in Central Visayas.

When visiting the place, everyone is advised to wear a face mask and observe social distancing protocols.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

  • Entrance fee: P15 per head
  • Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM

COTTAGE RATES:

  • Lambay: P300
  • Nukos: P200
  • Suntulan: P200
  • Bulbog: P300
  • Pasayan: P300
  • Suaki: P200
  • Lumod: P750
  • Bangus: P300
  • Danggit: P200
  • Ibis: P200
  • Awa: P1000

OTHER FEES:

  • Nipa Hut Tables: P300
  • Tables with chairs: P150

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Brgy. Tindog, Medellin, Cebu

BY BUS: You can get on a bus headed to Maya via Bagay at the Cebu North Bus Terminal. Ask the driver/conductor to drop you off at eskina Bantayan in Brgy. Tindog, Medellin.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Medellin Hideaway” in Tindog, Medellin.

Sunset Chasing at Aiykayes Beach Resort in Tabuelan

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1 Aiykayes Beach Resort Sunset Paradise Tabuelan

Tabuelan is a famous destination in Cebu for a lot of reasons – beaches, waterfalls, springs, caves, farms and many more majestic natural attractions. One particular beach resort in Brgy. Tabunok adds to this collection of wonders with its unique jaw-dropping view of the sunset.

Aiykayes Beach Resort or also known as Sunset Paradise Beach Resort takes pride in marvelous sunset views on their beachfront. They may even have the best view in Tabuelan with the sun seemingly sinking right in front of the beach. This wonderful natural phenomenon may even be observed inside their little beachfront cottage that is perched on top of a rock.

Sunsets in the resort are shown in all its glory as they have an unobstructed view of the ocean and a clear white sand shore, hence, guests are able to fully see the sun as it descends slowly from the cloudy skies and create red-orange hues as it dips into the ocean.

There are still many ways to relax inside the resort while waiting for the main occasion so you don’t have to stay at the beachfront all day waiting for sunset. There is a swimming pool surrounded by luscious plants and trees with a very relaxing and rustic atmosphere. The thriving flora will make everyone forget what the city looks like and release any kind of stress.

To heighten the level of relaxation, just right beside the pool is a jacuzzi that in-house guests may enjoy. After swimming, guests can enjoy the cool breeze blowing from the sea and the fresh rural air in their poolside cottages.

They also have comfortable rooms and other facilities that will make the stay even more satisfying. Near the entrance is a grilling station that can be used by all guests and it comes with a clean countertop for cooking preparations. The comfort rooms are also spotless and fully functional and are distributed equally in different spots in the resort.

For sunset chasers, Aiykayes Beach Resort is definitely the place to stay.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

  • Day Use: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Entrance fee: P50 per head
  • Swimming Pool: P100 per adult; P50 per child
  • Cottage: P500, good for 6 persons
  • Tables & Chairs: P300, good for 4 persons

ROOM RATES:

  • Standard Room: ₱1500 per night, good for 2 persons
  • Family Room: ₱3500 per night, good for 6 persons
  • Additional: P150 per additional head

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Barangay Tabunok, Tabuelan, Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from the city.

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal (at SM City Cebu), ride any bus going to Tabuelan – fare is ₱90-115 (one-way). Drop off at Tabuelan Public Market – where you can buy ahead your food. From the Public Market, ride a motorbike or habal2x going to the resort – fare is ₱40 per person.

BY CAR: If you’re bringing your own vehicle, just navigate via Waze or Google Maps and search for “Cebu R Resort” in Tabuelan, Cebu. Aiykayes Beach Resort is located nearby.

#SINULOG2021 Update: What We Know So Far

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The annual celebration of Sinulog Festival in Cebu will push through this 2021 despite the on-going coronavirus pandemic, but most likely without the physical crowd and with the consideration to go virtual.

Fr. Ric Anthony Reyes of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) said they are now ‘working closely’ with the Cebu City Government for the Fiesta Señor and Sinulog Festival that will run January 8 to January 17 next year. Augustinian friars are among the lead organizers for the annual Fiesta Señor celebration.

“We’re still finalizing everything so we cannot say if some of these are official. But definitely, it (Fiesta Señor) will push through,” said Reyes in Cebuano.

Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella announced last August that the said event is pushing through in 2021 if “things normalize”. He has also given Vice Mayor Michael Rama and the Sinulog Foundation the full authority and management for the preparation of 2021 Sinulog festivities.

He further said that Covid-19 IATF “will have a lot to say whether to hold or cancel it.”

Official Schedule of Events

Here’s the official schedule of events for Sinulog 2021 from the Sinulog Foundation Inc.:

CHANGES IN SINULOG 2021

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño priests, the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI), and other public officials of the city government had already started the planning for Sinulog 2021. Proposals were already discussed and will be submitted to the SFI and the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF). Only activities approved by the IATF will push through in the coming Sinulog.

Sinulog 2020 Grand Parade

Here’s few of the possible changes in next year’s celebration:

  • Instead of the traditional procession held every eve of the Fiesta Señor, there would be a motorcade. The motorcade may travel through the usual routes, but the final route is yet to be established and will not be finalized until January 2021.
  • There will be no fluvial procession on Sinulog 2021 to prevent crowding.
Sinulog Fluvial 2020
Sinulog Fluvial 2020
  • The Basilica Minore is also planning to live-stream the Novena Masses to parishes in the Archdiocese of Cebu so that devotees will not have to go to the Basilica. The police and the CDRRMO also plan to close the roads surrounding the Basilica as early as December 16, 2020, or the start of the Misa de Gallo.
  • Proposal for a virtual grand parade for the Sinulog Festival instead of the usual mardi gras is also being considered. Participants could perform through live streaming taking out the necessity for participants to travel to the city.
Sinulog Fireworks at SM Seaside | Photo by Marc Go

LOWER BUDGET FOR SINULOG 2021

Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama, chairman of the Sinulog Foundation Inc., said that the Sinulog Festival 2021 should expect a lower budget compared to previous years.

Rama explained that there will be fewer activities due to the coronavirus pandemic and emphasized that the economy is not good, so the city government is prudent in spending.

Last year, the city government had appropriated P35 million for the Sinulog Festival 2020.

Sinulog 2020

The planned Sinulog 2021-related activities include the Sinulog sa SRP (South Road Properties), Sinulog sa Kabataan and Sinulog sa Dakbayan while the Sinulog sa Barangay is still being reviewed.

Other Sinulog activities pushing through include the Sinulog Idol, Balik Cebu, Sinulog Photography Contest, Festival Queen pageant, among others.

500TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE COUNTRY

Year 2021 marks the 500th year anniversary celebration for Christianity in the country. Aside from that, Cebu will also mark the 500th year of the arrival of the image of Sto. Niño de Cebu.

The arrival of the Blessed Image of Sto. Niño, the First Baptism and the First Mass in the country are associated and important events in the history of the spread of Christianity in the country.

The original feast date for the image of the Child Jesus was April 28 but with the approval of Pope Innocent the XIII in the 18th century, the feast was moved to the third Sunday of January to avoid conflict with the “Eastertide” or 50-day period from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.

The image was a gift by Antonio Pigafetta, the Venetian scholar who accompanied Ferdinand Magellan to the then Kingdom of Cebu, to Queen Juana when she was baptized as a Catholic in 1521.

Here’s How this Resort Responded to a Mother of a Child with Autism

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plantation bay autism issue

Is ‘cancel culture’ a herd mentality? Or is it just a long overdue of speaking truth to power?

This, we do not know. However, social media in Cebu seems to be deeply fixated on one thing now: cancel culture. The argument that this has spun out of control loomed over a well-known resort in Mactan, Cebu after a guest posted her dismay on their treatment to her child with autism.

A mother to a six-year-old child with special needs, Mai Pages, has deeply shared her experience at this now infamous resort. She described how this resort was “not an ideal place for a child with special needs.”

She shared how her experience at Plantation Bay has made her felt exclusivity for her child after being hushed and told to stop squealing while enjoying their time. After sharing such experience on Facebook, it generated quite a number of reactions, comments, and shares.

https://www.facebook.com/shutterfairy/posts/10218887904049964

This then prompted the resort’s resident stakholder, Manny Gonzales, to use the account of the general manager Efren Belarmino, to respond to this critique through a comment on Trip Advisor which has now been deleted.

The comment of Gonzales however drew flaks on social media after he has accused Mai of “most likely deliberately lying” since “uncontrolled shouting is not a symptom of autism” going as far as questioning the diagnosis himself.

“Therefore this parent is most likely deliberately lying, or has been given an incorrect diagnosis of autism, when what the child more likely has is a lack of discipline due to simple parental neglect.”

He then continued; “If their parents would pay attention to them, and would refrain from screaming at each other, there would be no need for the child to scream. In our experience, one word from a responsible parent is enough to make a child quiet down.”

Though he also said that this was done in accordance to the resort’s strict rules only. He reiterated how their resort has been so keen on their guests’ safety and welfare hence, strictly observing their policies.

“Therefore since our opening, for the safety of all guests, we have imposed stricter rules on noise-making than other resorts. As a result of our policy, no child in Plantation Bay has ever come to serious harm, much less drowned. No other resort in Mactan can claim this safety record…0 deaths in 25 years is a good safety record, one we aim to keep,” he commented.

Adding how the mother should have “read and noted our policies.”

“While we are sorry that we are not the right resort for this parent and child, we hope that in the future, other parents who want their children to scream constantly and bother other guests, will do their homework and choose another resort, one which doesn’t care about 99% of guests who want to relax in peace and quiet,” he ended.

And while Mai does not want to in any way defame the resort, a lot of Austism groups have shared their dismay and even condemned Plantation Bay.

Mai, has not thought of in any way suing the resort, but the Autism Society Philippines assured parents of children with special needs that the law is on their side.

Should the issue be not resolved even if the top management is involved, Autism Society Philippines said that they may file a civil case in court for “violations of the RA 7277, the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability.”

Netizens all across the nation have shared their experiences with the resort too after this incident. Others shared how this has also happened to them. Hence, people sharing the infamous #cancel culture.

On Tuesday night, the resident stakeholder issued an apology to his earlier statement “to my poor handling of a guest complaint.”

https://www.facebook.com/plantationbayresortandspa/posts/10159066371775891

May this serve as a lesson learned the hard way for everyone to be a bit kinder and understanding. After all, even if we have strict rules to follow, what would it cost to have compassion and empathy for a hurting mother? Nothing.

Underwater Adventures at Tropara Beach Resort in Santander

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1 Villa Tropical Tropara Beach Resort Santander

Tropara Beach Resort, also known as Villa Tropical Paradise Beach Resort, is a Cebuano beauty that possesses a little bit of both manmade and natural allure.

The desire of this resort is to provide the real tropical beach experience to the guests of their little secluded paradise in Southern Cebu.

Nothing comes closer to the tropics like they do with the perfect blend of verdant gardens and white sandy shores present in their tropical backyard. Arranged neatly right beside the cemented pathways are nipa hut rooms and villas that complement the tropics theme.

Guests have the option of staying in the modern-styled rooms or they may immerse in the tropics with the rustic vibes of the native houses.

Just a few meters from the shores of Tropara Beach Resort are pristine deep blue waters filled with various underwater wonders that can be encountered when diving and Tropara Beach Resort is most famous for recreational scuba diving and a wide array of diving courses.

To make things easier for diving guests, Tropara Beach Resort offers Diving Packages which include convenient transportation from either airports in Mactan or Dumaguete. Moreover, the packages also include dinner, water, and coffee upon arrival.

Swimming and diving can expend a person’s energy and what better way to recharge by chomping down on Filipino and Japanese dishes in their restaurant.

When left with nothing else to do, walking around the little tropical village is still a treat. The shores of Tropara Beach Resort have a great view of sunsets as well as a stunning facade of the Negros Island. The best way to end the day is by watching the sunset while getting lost in the red orange hues and the gentle sound of the waves.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Room Rates:

  • Standard room: P3,300 per night, good for 2 persons

OTHER INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Lower Looc, Santander, Southern Cebu — 3-4 hours away from Cebu City.

BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Santander. Ask the driver to drop you off at the nearest possible stop to Liloan Port. The port is just a few meters away from the resort.

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

Soltana Nature Residences ushers in Comforts of Christmas

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1 soltana residences mactan cebu taft

A green enclave in the highly urbanized historic city of Lapu-Lapu, Soltana Nature Residences welcomes visitors to its Christmas tree lighting ceremony and special preview of Tower Two today, December 5, 2020. Lapu-Lapu City first lady Cynthia Chan and daughter Barangay Pajo Councilor Jamsine Chan are among the special guests.

The sprawling 5.7-hectare development by Taft Properties will be a mix of residential towers, commercial and office buildings, central amenities, and wide nature spaces when completed.

With units that are bigger than the typical condominium building, Soltana embodies the Comforts of Christmas concept that Taft has launched for the yuletide season.

Taft Properties Chief Operating Officer Myra Lynn Gilig said that when Cebu was placed under strict quarantine measures and people were forced to stay indoors, they discovered the many comfortable things that can be done at home. They began baking, learning, gardening, and even doing business from home.

Purposeful designs

According to Gilig, what’s special about a home in a Taft development is it takes into account the small details that are often overlooked in the grand design but contribute a big part to a great living experience.

Gilig joins Taft Properties Executive Jack Gaisano in leading the lighting of the Christmas tree in Soltana, which is located along the main highway in Barangay Marigondon. A similar ceremony was held at another company development, East Gate Cebu, in October.

In a project briefing, Gilig said Soltana takes dining in or eating out, fitness activities, swimming, lounging or chilling out with a book to a whole new level. These regular activities transform into a communion with nature at Soltana.

Soltana Tower Two, the second of eight residential towers within the development, will be zoned according to the market’s needs, catering to a wide range of home-seekers, from active retirees to nature-loving executives to entrepreneurs and investors. The ground floor will feature commercial facilities.

Soltana Nature Residences

A skydeck will run through all eight residential towers of Soltana Nature Residences once completed. While 65 percent of the development’s total area will be set aside as open spaces, it will have structures for central amenities as well as a commercial zone and building.

Soltana’s location gives it easy access to the country’s premier Mactan-Cebu International Airport, luxury resorts and white sand beaches, soon to be completed Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, and a fourth bridge in the pipeline that will connect the island of Mactan with the town of Consolacion.

Taft Properties is the property development arm of the Vicsal Group of Companies, the company behind the Metro Gaisano chain of stores. Taft, which counts over 20 years of experience in real estate development, also oversees the operations of Midland Development Corporation and HTLand.