Home Blog Page 351

Taste the Pride of ‘Ginabot sa Bayot’ in Mactan

0

Your travel story is not complete when you only get to see the tourist spots in Cebu. The real experience happens when you get to taste—literally—the culture and tradition that has been lived on from one generation to the next. Ginabot sa Bayot (GSB) in Tiangue Road, Lapu-Lapu City serves you not just flavorful crispy pig intestines but also a good heart and great humor to those who seek to satisfy one’s craving.

Pride of Change

Stepping out from the comfort zone to take the risk of doing something new made Carl Dave Black, owner of Ginabot sa Bayot and a proud member of the LGBTQ Community, bravely resigned from his work. The plan of putting up a food business was just an idea three years ago. It was only April this year when he finally decided to quit his job and focus his energy on running a business. In just a short period, Ginabot sa Bayot created a huge buzz not only in their neighboring barangays in Mactan but also in Cebu City.

Photo from QkueenTv Facebook Page
Photo from QkueenTv Facebook Page
Photo from QkueenTv Facebook Page
Photo from QkueenTv Facebook Page

Pride of Beginning

Unlike other businesses that invested in constructing structures for a fancy restaurant, Ginabot sa Bayot humbly started small. Five tables were arranged outside the garden of Carl’s home along Tiangue Road, inviting neighbors to try their tasty version of ginabot. His mother became the cashier while he did the cooking. Services and table cleaning are being managed by their adopted children. It was a business with a touch of a home filled with family love. Nothing too loud to start with. Just a pure intention of serving only the best quality of food—and that became the game-changer.

Photo from Ginabot sa Bayot Facebook Page
Photo from QkueenTv Facebook Page
Photo from QkueenTv Facebook Page
Photo from Ginabot sa Bayot Facebook Page

Pride of Progress

Soon after the business opened, people in neighboring barangays are spreading the good news. More tables were added. When Carl was asked what were his ingredients on why Ginabot sa Bayot is making its name to list of famous food destination in Cebu, he cited multiple factors. A good atmosphere captures the attention of customers. He invested in his garden, a great setting for photos. However, the heart of food industry is—yes, you guessed it—the food itself. 

“People will come to the place but the food will make the people come back and word of mouth can spread like wildfire,” Carl said over an online conversation. 

Photo from QkueenTv Facebook Page
Photo from Ginabot sa Bayot Facebook Page
Photo from Ginabot sa Bayot Facebook Page
Photo from Ginabot sa Bayot Facebook Page
Photo from QkueenTv Facebook Page

Pride of Humor

It is safe to assume that there is no dull moment when you are surrounded by the wit and humor of gay friends. The hugot posts on their official business page garnered more likes and interaction since it’s relatable to start with. Carl calls it binayot. His business became an avenue to express his natural funny side. Even the menu is full of living proof of gay language including gay-nabot, lumpia sa bayot (it has egg filling), daks (big), and juts (small). Carl shared that the supposed name of GSB was “Lafang” (gay language for eat) but his friend advised him to stick with Ginabot sa Bayot. 

Photo from Ginabot sa Bayot Facebook Page

There is a tough competition in the food industry especially in Cebu where food trip has become the epitome of travelers. It was a challenge to make a name from a humble beginning but Carl believed in perseverance and continuous growth within the business. The quest to finding a new, creative, and unique taste of the menu will come a long way—and indeed it did.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

  • Best sellers:
    • Gay-nabot juts
    • Lumpia sa Bayot

Menu:

Photo from Ginabot sa Bayot Facebook Page

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location:  Tiangue Road, Across Villa Rufina, Babag, Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines — approx. 20 minutes away from Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

BY TRICYCLE (COMMUTERS):  From Opon Merkado in Lapu-Lapu City, ride tricycle/habal-habal going to Cordova and tell the driver that you are going to Ginabot sa Bayot fronting 7/11 in Kalawisan.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Ginabot sa Bayot” in Lapu-Lapu City.

Cebu logs 161 new cases on July 7

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 July 7, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 161 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 135 new recoveries, and 8 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 57,184, while the active cases increased to 2,127 (from 2,106).

Breakdown of cases:

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 26,133 (+87 new)
– Total recoveries: 24,306 (+65 new)
– Total deaths: 885 (+4 new)
– Active cases: 942

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 7,052 (+19 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,582 (+25 new)
– Total deaths: 171 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 299

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 7,077 (+11 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,553 (+16 new)
– Total deaths: 234 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 290

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 16,922 (+44 new)
– Total recoveries: 15,565 (+29 new)
– Total deaths: 761 (+4 new)
– Active cases: 596

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 2,127 (from 2,106)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 57,184 (+161 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 53,006 (+135 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,051 (+8 new*)

A total of 3,537 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):

Soon to rise: Capitancillo Resort and Residences in Bogo City

Capitancillo Resort and Residences is an up-and-coming tourist destination in Northern Cebu.

Capitancillo shows promise to deliver both relaxation and excitement as the first resort condominium development at Bogo City. The resort endeavors to become both home and destination by the sea.

Photo from Capitancillo Resort and Residences
Photo from Capitancillo Resort and Residences
Photo from Capitancillo Resort and Residences
Photo from Capitancillo Resort and Residences
Photo from Capitancillo Resort and Residences
Photo from Capitancillo Resort and Residences

Bogo City is already accessible thanks to the multiple transportation options, including public buses and vans. Bogo is also well-known for its stunning beaches and rich culture. Capitancillo will surely become a welcome addition to Bogo’s already beautiful attractions.

The property is envisioned to be a paradise on the coast overlooking the sea. It will feature restaurants, large pavilion and gazebo event spaces, a lighthouse observation deck, an infinity swimming pool with bar, and dedicated lounge areas with a cabana by the beach.

Photo from Capitancillo Resort and Residences
Photo from Capitancillo Resort and Residences
Photo from Capitancillo Resort and Residences

Aligned with its mission to have guests discover Bogo, they will also offer Capitancillo Islet tour packages and watersports activities.

Capitancillo Resort and Residences will be built with architecture inspired from Filipino, Spanish, and Mediterranean designs. The fusion of which will create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere worthy of calling it a home by the sea.

Photo from Capitancillo Resort & Residences Facebook Page

Capitancillo Resort and Residences is still in its construction stage and phase. Locals, tourists, and visitors can expect more to come from Capitancillo as they continually update their page with updates and announcements.

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location on Google maps: Dela Viña St., Loverslane, Barangay Nailon, Bogo, Philippines – 3 hours from Cebu City

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Capitancillo Resort and Residences” in Bogo City, Cebu.

Cebu logs 133 new cases on July 6

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 July 6, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 133 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 124 new recoveries, and 2 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 57,019, while the active cases increased to 2,106 (from 2,101).

Breakdown of cases:

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 26,046 (+75 new)
– Total recoveries: 24,241 (+46 new)
– Total deaths: 881 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 924

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 7,033 (+10 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,557 (+2 new)
– Total deaths: 171 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 305

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 7,066 (+11 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,537 (+16 new)
– Total deaths: 234 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 295

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 16,874 (+37 new)
– Total recoveries: 15,536 (+60 new)
– Total deaths: 756 (+2 new)
– Active cases: 582

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 2,106 (from 2,101)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 57,019 (+133 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 52,871 (+124 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,042 (+2 new*)

A total of 2,802 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):

Low-Consuming Households Get Waived Water Bill in Cebu City

The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) Board passed a resolution about the Water Subsidy Program. This is for the households in Cebu City with only 10 cubic meters or less water consumption will no longer be paying their monthly bill in 2022.

This is in partnership with the Cebu City government. Hence, the city government will be covering the cose for these households. An estimated yearly payment of P200-million to MCWD will be covered by the city government.

Photo by Caryl Vanessa

“This will be used so the city government can cover basic water expenses and we can make the water consumption of about 35,000 water consumers for free,” Mayor Edgardo Labella said in a press briefing following his meeting with MCWD Chairperson Joey Daluz.

With the challenges brought about by the pandemic, Mayor Labella said that this is a very good development to help the low-income households.

Nevertheless, MCWD will be spending the subsidy for the surface water development in the city. An inspection was recently conducted in the barangays of Budlaan and Tagbao. These barangays are possible sources of surface water in the city.

At least 35,000 households will be benefiting from this subsidy program. The 10 cubic meters of water costs P152.50, but due to other charges, it reaches P180.

On the other hand, those who are consuming more than 10 cubic meters but less than 30 cubic meter, they will only be paying the basic water charges.

MCWD said that all charges for the low-consuming households will be waived. This includes the basic water charge.

Everything You Need to Know in Kawasan Falls’ Re-Opening

To those who have been itching to take a cold dip in one of the most-visited tourist spots in the Southern part of Cebu, we’ve got good news for you.

Kawasan Falls in Brgy. Matutinao, Badian has already re-opened on May 1, 2021. This re-opening happened after its over a year closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo by John Ray Aligato of The Island Nomad

However, just like any other establishments that has opened or re-opened, rules and regulations and healthy protocols were set to ensure everyone’s safety: guests, guides, and workers.

You are here for a reason and here are the things you should be mindful of when planning your visit to the famous Kawasan Falls:

1. Only a Limited Number of Guests will be Accommodated

Photo by Michelle Joy Padayhag

Only a mximum of 5 guests, with two trained guides can visit the waterfalls at a time. This is in accordance to the Executive Order (EO) No. 13 signed and issued by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on February 19.

Hence, before your visit, you are highly encouraged to coordinate with the local government of Badian, or you may book directly at Capitol’s tourism portal at https://discover.cebu.gov.ph/

2. Bringing of Food and Smoking are Strictly Prohibited

Photo from John Ray Aligato of The Island Nomad
Photo from John Ray Aligato of The Island Nomad

The Province of Cebu’s EO No. 13 and Badian’s EO No. 10 has prohibited the selling and bringing of food in Kawasan Falls. This is strictly prohibited especially in the first and second levels of Kawasan Falls. Nevertheless, bringing of food within the vicinity is still not allowed and so is smoking.

“Foods will be served only at the area before the second bridge,” it said.

3. Kawasan Falls will be having a Day-Off

Photo from John Ray Aligato of The Island Nomad

All caretakers of Kawasan Falls are mandated to schedule a once-a-week clean-up and maintenance to maintain the beauty of the falls and for everyone’s safety.

Hence, a day off will be done in Kawasan Falls for its clean-up initiatives.

Cebu logs 73 new cases on July 5

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 July 5, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 73 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 183 new recoveries, and 0 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 56,888, while the active cases dropped to 2,101 (from 2,211).

Breakdown of cases:

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 25,971 (+29 new)
– Total recoveries: 24,195 (+52 new)
– Total deaths: 881 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 895

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 7,023 (+11 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,555 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 171 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 297

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 7,055 (+3 new)
– Total recoveries: 6,521 (+18 new)
– Total deaths: 234 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 300

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 16,839 (+30 new)
– Total recoveries: 15,476 (+113 new)
– Total deaths: 754 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 609

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 2,101 (from 2,211)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 56,888 (+73 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 52,747 (+183 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 2,040 (+0 new*)

A total of 1,356 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):

Look! Sneak Preview of the Newly-Renovated Opon Plaza in Lapu-Lapu City

Lapu-Lapu City will soon open its newly-renovated plaza to the public.

The main public plaza in Opon, Lapu-Lapu City has been renovated by adding more attractions. Dancing fountain, chess and exercise areas are among some of the expected attractions to be added to the place.

Photo by Tristan Dela Serna
Photo by Tristan Dela Serna
Photo by Tristan Dela Serna
Photo by Tristan Dela Serna
Photo by Tristan Dela Serna
Photo by Tristan Dela Serna

According to recent interviews, this new plaza will have areas that are suited, and specially designed for our beloved senior citizens, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and even for children.

24-hour security and restrooms will also be providedfor the public’s convenience. A sneak preview of the plaza has already been circulating in social media and we’re already so ecstatic with its beauty.

Photo by Tristan Dela Serna
Photo by Tristan Dela Serna
Photo by Tristan Dela Serna
Photo by Tristan Dela Serna
Photo by Tristan Dela Serna
Photo by Tristan Dela Serna
Photo by Tristan Dela Serna

Please wait for the announcement as to their official opening date for the public’s viewing.

Must-See Mantapuyan Falls in Barili—Cebu’s Highest Waterfall

Did you know that the world’s highest waterfall is found in Venezuela? Angel Falls has a height of 979 meters (3,212 feet)! And did you also know that Cebu’s highest waterfall is found in Barili? With a height of 98 meters (321.518 feet), Mantapuyan Falls, also known as Ambakan Falls, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls that are famous to many tourists.

Accessible Location

Unlike other waterfalls that are buried in the middle of thick jungles, Mantapuyan Falls is very accessible to tourists who wish to see the spectacular height of falling waters. From South Bus Terminal in Cebu City, you can take the public bus for the next 2-2.5 hours before reaching Barili. The famous falls are known to the locals so asking the habal-habal driver to take you to Mantapuyan Falls should not trigger any anxious bones for first-timers. 

@natluperte via Instagram
Photo by Junebib Dawis
Photo by Aldren Ortaleza
Photo by Vladimir Simonov

Protected Water Park

Cebu Provincial Tourism Office is very particular with its tourist spots within the province. To continuously encourage tourists to visit beautiful destinations, it became their mission to protect the natural resources in the area. The forest and wildlife are protected by the locals which give you the freedom to observe animals such as birds and monkeys. 

Photo by John Ray Aligato
Photo by Michelle Oshiro Meguillo

The First Fall Below the Hanging Bridge

Before reaching the highest waterfall, you will be greeted with the first 14-meter high waterfall. Still impressive with its milky greenish water sitting in a pool surrounded by the lush of greens, this falls feature a hanging bridge. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take photos while crossing the bridge for safety purposes. The hanging bridge is sturdy amidst its length and age, though. Standing in the middle of the bridge, you can see the falls below while hearing the roar of the highest falls just a few meters away.

Photo by Babse Dondon
Photo by Babse Dondon
Photo by Junebib Dawis

Spotlight: Mantapuyan Falls

During weekends, it’s a party in the area. Full of visitors from different places, the water park is a must-see with friends and colleagues. Canteens sell food so if you missed your lunch box, you don’t have to worry. There’s a grill for rent if you’re up for barbecue. For safety purposes, all visitors who wish to swim are required to wear life vests. 

Tip: If you want to see Mantupayan Falls by yourself—no photo bomber, just you and nature—visit the place early during weekdays. Renting a raft for just 100 pesos won’t hurt your pocket if you want to come nearer to the falls—and for a better photo of course.

Photo by Stan Cabigas
Photo by Anther Sagarino

Power in Barili

Hydropower is the use of falling or fast-running water to produce electricity. Mantupayan Falls is a form of sustainable energy production in Barili for over ten years. You will be impressed how a majestic beauty can provide to the locals in the area not just through tourism but as well as its natural way of giving back to people through an eco-friendly power source.

Preserving and not disturbing the natural habitats in the jungle as well as keeping the scenery safe and accessible to the people, is one way of truly appreciating without destroying the gift of nature. It is one’s job to continuously protect our environment, passing it to more generations to come.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

  • Entrance fee: 40 pesos
  • Opening hours: 7:00AM-5:00PM daily

ROOM RATES:

  • Cottages/Rooms: Overnight is 500 pesos. Maximum of 4 persons.
  • Umbrella with Chairs: 150 pesos
  • Grilling Rental: 20 pesos
  • Raft Rental: 150 pesos / hour

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Barili, Southern Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from Cebu City.

BY BUS/TRICYCLE (COMMUTERS):

You can take a bus in South Bus Terminal from Cebu City and ask the driver to drop you off at Poblacion Barili. Estimated travel time is 2-2.5 hours. Riding a habal-habal, you will reach Mantupayan Falls which is only 3.7km only. Fare costs 50-100 pesos.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to Mantupayan Falls in Barili, Cebu. Only 20 pesos for parking fee.

No more RT-PCR Test for Fully Vaccinated Travelers: IATF

On a tape briefing released last Sunday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that the guidelines for individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 were released by the Inter-Agency Task Force of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

If you are one of the people who have received the second shot of a two-dose vaccine or the first of a single-dose, you are already considered as fully vaccinated.

National IATF Resolution 124-B Guidelines:

• Senior Citizens will continue to follow the intrazonal movement, given that your area is under general community quarantine or modified GCQ. The senior citizen, however, must be able to present their COVID-19 domestic vaccination card or a quarantine completion which shows the individual’s immunization status.

• If you’re also planning to do an interzonal travel, you may just present your vaccination card or certificate of quarantine completion.

• For travelers, however, you would still need to undergo health and exposure screening upon arrival at your Local Government Unit (LGU) of destination.

• If you are tagged as a close contact of a probable or confirmed COVID-19 positive person, you will still undergo a 7-day quarantine. This shortened day quarantine will only be applicable if you will remain asymptomatic after 7 days from your last exposure. If you remain to be asymptomatic, you will then be released from the quarantine facility after 7 days.

• If an RT-PCR be needed, it is deemed necessary to be done not earlier than the fifth day after your last exposure.

• However, prescribed testing and isolation protocols shall be followed once the swab test yields a positive result, or if the individual becomes symptomatic.

For the month of July 2021, the whole island of Cebu remains placed under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) while the Palace extended GCQ status in the National Capital Region Plus (NCR Plus) composed of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal until July 15.

The GCQ status will also be imposed in Baguio City, Apayao, City of Santiago, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Batangas, Quezon, Guimaras, Aklan, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Antique, Capiz, Zamboanga Sibugay, City of Zamboanga, Iligan City, General Santos City, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Cotabato, South Cotabato, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Cotabato City for the entire July.

Cagayan, Bataan, Lucena City, Puerto Princesa, Naga City, Iloilo City, Iloilo, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Cagayan de Oro City, the entire Davao region, Butuan City, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Sur are under stricter modified enhanced community quarantine until July 15.

The rest of the country will remain under MGCQ for another month.

Regardless if you’ve been jabbed once or twice, following the safety protocols is still deemed necessary. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry.