There’s that certain feeling of thirst that can only be quenched by a dip in cold water.
If you have been searching for a resort that can satiate your cravings for a cold swim, check out Turtle Beach Resort in Panalipan, Catmon. It’s a place where the pool meets the sea and where swimming is the newest definition of fun.
Turtle Beach Resort flaunts a pool brimming with cold water and a variety of accommodation that best suits your family and friends’ needs. Their rooms for your overnight stay are complete with queen sized bed, refrigerator, television, AC unit, and a hot and cold shower. They also have a bahay-kubo accommodation that comes with a fan if you’re on a budget.
The delightful sight of the wide sea horizon is something that everyone should never miss out. It makes a perfect backdrop for your photos.
Rev up the fun with your family and friends by renting their videoke machine. There are claims that a day with family and/or friends lengthens life expectancy, enhances physical health, promotes adaptability and resilience, reduces stress and many others.
Turtle Beach Resort also accepts exclusive rentals for special occasions. Be it a birthday celebration, graduation, office teambuilding, or family reunions, the resort serves as an ideal venue for life’s important events.
REMINDERS:
Make a reservation ahead of time.
Strictly NO refund for booking.
No corkage but please “CLEAN AS YOU GO”
No SWIMWEAR, no SWIMMING
No pets allowed.
50% reservation payment required thru any Money remittances
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Entrance fee: P100 (Adult); P60 (Kids)
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM
NIGHT USE:
Entrance fee: P120 (Adult); P80 (Kids)
DAY USE ROOM RATES:
Room w/ AC Unit (good for 5 persons): P1,700
Bahay-Kubo (good for 7-10 persons): P1,200
Cottage Rate (good for 7-10 persons): P700
TABLES AND CHAIRS:
Small Table w/ 4 Chairs: P300
Long Table w/ 4 Chairs: P500
OVERNIGHT ROOM RATES:
Room w/ AC Unit (good for 5 persons): P2,500
Bahay-Kubo (good for 7-10 persons): P2,000
Cottage Rate (good for 7-10 persons): P1,200
EXCLUSIVE USE RATES
Inclusive of 3 rooms, 2 kubo, function hall, videoke and cottages):
This will definitely be a Christmas miracle just in time for the holidays.
This year’s winter solstice will bring a super rare sight to our night skies on December 21, 2020 as two of the biggest planets, Jupiter and Saturn, will align to create the “Christmas Star” after nearly 800 years.
The Great Conjunction occurs roughly every 20 years, however, these two planets have not appeared this relatively close together from the Earth’s view since 1226.
“Alignments between these two planets are rather rare, occurring once every 20 years or so, but this conjunction is exceptionally rare because of how close the planets will appear to one another,”
In a report from USA Today, Rice University astronomer Patrick Hartigan said.
On December 21, they will come within 0.1 degrees of each other, forming the first visible “double planet” in 800 years. It will be the ultimate “Christmas Star”.
How to watch the Christmas star?
Saturn and Jupiter will look like two points of light in the sky — Saturn, which is farther from Earth, will be the fainter one. As they are getting closer to each other every night, will align to create what is also known as the “Christmas Star” this December after nearly 800 years.
You will not need a telescope, but it’s best to find a good and wide viewing spot. Avoid tall buildings or mountains blocking the view, and look towards the low, southwestern horizon right about 45 minutes after sunset on December 21. A good weather is also a major factor.
The best viewing conditions will be near the equator, apparently, this includes the Philippines.
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 December 6, 2020.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 8 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 6 new recoveries, and 1 new death. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 22,821, while the active cases have slightly increased to 570 (from 569).
Cebu’s recovery rate is now at 91.48%.
Breakdown of cases:
📍 Cebu City – Total confirmed: 10,684 (+3 new) – Total recoveries: 9,799 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 687 (+1 new) – Active cases: 198
📍 Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 2,627 (+0 new) – Total recoveries: 2,415 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 109 (+0 new) – Active cases: 103
📍 Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 2,666 (+2 new) – Total recoveries: 2,430 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 170 (+0 new) – Active cases: 66
📍 Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 6,844 (+3 new) – Total recoveries: 6,234 (+6 new) – Total deaths: 407 (+0 new) – Active cases: 203
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 570
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 22,821 (+8 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 20,877 (+6 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,373 (+1 new*)
A total of 1,254 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.
The place is just as comfortable as the sound of its name.
Need to take a break and unwind away from the city? We have a new place that is perfect for you. Whether you’re planning to go alone, with your partner, a group, or the whole family, they’ll surely be able to accommodate.
Happy Bear Villa offers comfortable and relaxing rooms for your next vacation. Only few meters away from the beautiful beaches of Moalboal, you can surely relax and enjoy its beauty. On top of it, this place is also located near Moalboal’s famous tourist spots, making it a more perfect place for you to stay.
Photo by Cessy Peñalosa
Photo by Cessy Peñalosa
Photo by Cessy Peñalosa
If you don’t feel like going on an adventure though, they also have an indoor pool where you can take a dip to cool yourselves. This place is definitely a place where we should be!
Photo by Cessy Peñalosa
Photo by Cessy Peñalosa
Photo by Cessy Peñalosa
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
ROOM RATES
Budget Room: P1,300 per night, good for 2 persons
Bamboo Hut: P2,000 per night, good for 4 persons
Villa: P3,000 per night, good for 4 persons
Extra person: P350 per night
Note:
You would need to secure a tourism slip from the Tourism Office. This is to be presented upon reservation.
Exact location: Happy Bear Villa Brgy. Kalingking Saavedra, Moalboal, Southern Cebu — approx. 2.5 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: From South Bus Terminal, take a bus going to Moalboal. Inform the driver to drop you off at the Municipality of Moalboal. From there, ride a tricycle named “Saavedra” that will take you to the resort.
BY CAR: If you have your own vehicle, navigate with Waze or Google Map and set your destination to ‘Happy Bear Moalboal’ in Brgy. Saavedra Kalingking, Moalboal.
December is the month with a lot of holidays and the month which contains the best holiday: Christmas. For the Philippines, September is the start of the Christmas season and time slowly builds up to the long-awaited holiday in December.
There are also other holidays such as Hannukah, Rizal Day, etc. Many students become happy during this month as it signals the Christmas break from studies, while the working class also get happy because of the holidays and, of course, the Christmas bonus.
However, putting these holidays aside, there are actually a lot of unofficial holidays in December that spark fun and amusement. Some of these unofficial holidays are also held to be observed as a way to give recognition. Let’s have a look at some of these quirky holidays.
December 5: International Ninja Day
Everyone knows what ninjas are. After all, who could forget the most iconic ninja: Naruto? Ninjas are actually given a day to be appreciated, which is December 5. Go out there and start Naruto running!
National Cotton Candy / Ice Cream / Cupcake / Cookie Day
December is a month known for having lots of food to be eaten, and in this case, it is also the month where some of our favorites are given a day of their own. Namely, these snacks are cotton candies, cookies, ice cream, and cupcakes. Truly a month for sweet-tooths out there!
National Cookie Day: Dec 4
National Cotton Candy Day: Dec 7
National Ice Cream Day: Dec 13
National Cupcake Day: Dec 15
December 8: Pretend To Be A Time Traveler Day
Ever wished you could be a time traveler and go back to the past to change something in your life? Or visit the future and see how you’re doing? Well on Dec 8, you can at least pretend to be one! This day is a day of recognition for humanity’s desire to traverse in time, back and forth.
National Lama / Horse / Monkey Day
Who doesn’t love animals? They are our companions in this Earth, and on December we get to have days to show recognition to some animals that we know and love. If you love monkeys, horses, and/or llamas, then you’d be happy to know that these animals have days of their own in December!
National Llama Day: Dec 9
National Horse Day: Dec 13
Monkey Day: Dec 14
December 14: National Free Shipping Day
Got that item in your Shopee or Lazada cart that you’re hesitant to buy because of how expensive the shipping fee is? On Dec 14, you can anticipate for some shops to offer free shipping as it is National Free Shipping Day! But don’t expect too much though, or you’ll hurt yourself if it doesn’t happen.
December 19: National Emo Day
Remember those teenage days when you considered yourself an emo? Or maybe you still consider yourself as one now. Nevertheless, on Dec 19, the emo people get the day for themselves to recognize the art of emo. After all, who doesn’t enjoy Paramore and Panic! At the Disco.
National Short Girl Appreciation / Short Person Day
From the jokes we make about short people, to all the problems and struggles they encounter in their everyday lives, we can give them a day to be recognized. After all, when a short person says that they hate you with every inch of their body, you must reply with, “that’s not a lot of inches”.
National Short Girl Appreciation Day: Dec 21
National Short Person Day: Dec 22
December 28: National Call a Friend Day
Do you have a friend that you have not seen, heard of, or met for a very long time? Well, on Dec 28, find some time to contact the people you’ve missed as it is National Call a Friend Day. Who knows; maybe you can rekindle that friendship for the next year?
Balamban, Cebu solidifies its title as the shipbuilding capital of the Philippines and further cements the country as the 4th largest shipbuilding nation with the addition of the American-owned shipbuilder, Advanced Catamaran Composites (ACC) Inc.
WEST CEBU INDUSTRIAL PARK
Austal and Tsuneishi, two big shipbuilding names who have both been in service in Balamban for a number of years already, serve as the main reasons for giving the Southwestern town its title.
They both operate within the Aboitiz-owned West Cebu Industrial Park (WCIP) which is a 283-hectare industrial estate especially designed for medium and heavy industries particularly shipbuilding and other related activities.
Aboitiz said in a statement that the said park will have another 30 hectares added over the next three years.
Global shipbuilder Austal just built its Biggest Ferry ever in Balamban
“Our vision is to transform WCIP into a fully-integrated economic center that will spur further economic growth in the area, similar to our two developments in LIMA Estate in Batangas and Mactan Economic Zone II in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu,” mentioned Vice President for Operations for Aboitiz Integrated Economic Centers Rafael Fernandez de Mesa.
“With its strategic location, skilled population, lower cost of doing business, and well-established ecosystem of infrastructure, we believe that WICP is the ideal location for light, medium, and heavy industries looking to expand or locate in Cebu,” he added.
With the additional space coming to WCIP, Cebu Industrial Park Developers Inc. has been in talks with several potential investors, including the foreign shipbuilder, ACC Inc.
ADVANCED CATAMARAN COMPOSITES INC.
ACC Inc. specializes in the manufacturing of Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) boats with sizes that range from 14 to 26 meters.
The foreign company aims to share their expertise with operators who wish to modernize their fleet of passenger vessels in accordance with the new regulations in the country.
The main goal of the company is to be able to produce vessels with reduced greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption which in turn lowers operational costs while also improving the life and maintenance costs of ships.
With energy-efficient designs backed by proven scientific researches and top-of-the line equipment, ACC Inc. envisions a new generation of vessels with improved comfort for passengers and a lower environmental impact.
Their range of boats cover a large part of the market needs not only in the Philippines but in the entire Southeast Asia.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
The expansion of the 283-hectare economic zone is expected to create more job opportunities for Filipinos by 2022. Currently, WCIP has employed more than 14,000 skilled workers mostly working for its industrial and commercial locator firms.
With the additional space to cater to more industrial spaces, commercial centers, transport terminals, dormitories, residential, and leisure centers, there will soon be a wider array of jobs with varieties that would be able to provide better opportunities.
The leading Cebu-focused blog and digital magazine, Sugbo.ph won the major award of ‘Social Media Advocacy of the Year’ for its mental health awareness campaign #WalayBiyaay in the recently concluded Globe Media Excellence Awards (GMEA) 2020.
Globe Telecom recognizes the the important role of media and bloggers during the current crisis as people rely on them to deliver breaking news, updates, and in-depth reports about the pandemic whether inside the country or abroad. Among the ten finalists in the social media category in the Visayas, Sugbo.ph’s “Wala’y Biyaay: Mental Health Awareness” emerged as the winner.
Shift of content
Since the start of the community quarantine in April 2020, Sugbo.ph has shifted its content focus from travel-related activities to relevant news, updates, and other important information about the COVID-19, especially in the local community level.
“Amid crisis, our team exerted all efforts to help inform our readers about the virus and encourage them to stay at home through custom, engaging infographics and easy-to-understand articles and/or social media posts.”
– Ram Mancelita, Editor-in-Chief of Sugbo.ph
Wala’y Biyaay Campaign
When stricter community quarantine was implemented all throughout the country, the Sugbo.ph team noticed thousands of people online were expressing their struggles and that they were feeling lost, depressed.
“As some members of the team have also experienced such struggle, we thought we could do more than the news and updates. So, we decided to create this advocacy and made sure our message would reach to many people, at the same time, be relatable to them. That is where “Wala’y Biyaay” (Walang Iwanan) came about.”
“Wala’y Biyaay” are truly short words in Cebu’s native language but are very meaningful, especially in this time of pandemic. Putting this advocacy as one of its top priorities in content creation, Sugbo.ph has been publishing a series of social media posts and blog articles that are original and relatable.
The content served as reminders to the readers that they are not alone in this time of crisis; that mental health is just as important as physical health; and that the struggles they are going through are valid. Some of the posts also encouraged others to check on their friends and remind them they will be there for them, even virtually.
Cebu COPES
Taking it a more personal level in reaching out their followers, Sugbo.ph partnered with “Cebu COPES – Counselors Online Psychological and Emotional Support”, a group of licensed guidance counselors in Cebu.
This enabled the readers and followers of Sugbo.ph to avail free, confidential online and telecounseling services and psycho-social support by registered guidance counselors through Facebook chat and phone calls.
Reach and engagement
Since its launch in April, the advocacy posts of Sugbo.ph have been getting positive feedback and great engagement with thousands of people reached.
The introductory post of #WalayBiyaay reached to more than 115,000 people and garnered at least 5,000 engagement.
Its most popular post published on June 23, 2020 after a series of bad news and frustrating announcements came out, reached to more than 650,000 people with an engagement of 80,000.
The Globe Media Excellence Awards (GMEA), which is now in its 8th year, was created to recognize media practitioners and outfits as well as bloggers in Visayas and Mindanao who delivered stories that are dynamic, progressive, accurate and truthful.
GMEA is also seen as a way to honor them for upholding the essential ideals of journalism in whatever way or form in order to benefit future generations.
This year’s winners are:
Explanatory/Investigative Story of the Year for Digital
VIsayas – (CEB) Dale Israel, Ador Vincent Mayol, Nestle Semilla, and Connie Fernandez-Brojan
“Cebu City cries out: ‘We need more docs, nurses’ (Part 1)/ Overworked Cebu nurses seek
aid as morale drops (Part 2)”
Mindanao – (DVO) Ace June Rell Perez
“Infodemic amid pandemic”
Explanatory/Investigative Video Story of the Year for Digital
Visayas – (BCD) Erwin Nicavera
“Emotional Monster”
Mindanao – (CDO) Rhyndl Nephi-Z (Nef Luczon)
“Feature: Northern Mindanao Medical Center”
Breaking News of the Year for Digital
Visayas – (CEB) Neil Jean Navarro and Laureen Mondoñedo – Ynot
“Chinese man with nCoV dies in Manila hospital”
Mindanao – (DVO) Ace June Rell Perez
“Mati tourism reopens; health measures implemented”
Event organizers don’t have to look further for a venue when organizing. Senen’s Mountain Resort has their doors open for various events and occasions including but not limited to group outings, team buildings, seminars, weddings, and birthdays.
Their various facilities can accommodate big groups plus they have function halls and other spacious areas that are perfect for conducting trainings and seminars. They boast of spaces that can accommodate 10 to as much as 1000 guests.
The facilities of the resort consists of swimming pools, a gazebo, various outdoor spaces, and a function hall. There are a total of two swimming pools present in the resort, both of which are perfect for water activities.
To be safe, the swimming pool beside the gazebo is only 5 feet deep so the majority of people can stand on the pool without going under the water. The gazebo is the designated dining area for trainings but it may also be used for static activities. There are even more spaces right beside the pools for team building activities or fun games during other events.
Lastly, the function hall, which is located just right beside the parking area, is the best place to conduct formal events due to its white-hued room and tiled floors.
Accommodations may still be booked by small families or barkadas just like any other resort. There are non-air conditioned bahay kubo or traditional Filipino huts that can accommodate up to four persons and air conditioned rooms that can fit up to five people.
The demand for function venues is the reason why Senen’s Mountain Resort was built. The relaxing atmosphere and the ambient stillness surrounding the mountain resort helps its guests focus on themselves, making it a conducive environment for trainings due to the lack of distractions.
It is situated about 3 kilometers from the main highway which makes it isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city – a big factor that helps lessen stress and allows people to focus better.
The picturesque views of the verdant mountains coupled with the lush plants and trees create an atmosphere of serenity that helps the mind and body relax and makes the stay truly feel like a vacation.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE (NO POOL USE):
Entrance fee: ₱150 per head, w/ P100 consumable for food/beverage in the Cafe
Children below 7 y.o.: Free
Opening hours: 8:00AM to 4:00PM daily
Inclusions:
POOL RATES
Weekdays: P350 per head for minimum 10 persons, P300 per head for beyond 20
Weekends: P450 per head for minimum 20 persons, P350 per head for beyond 30
P100 consumable for food/beverage in the Cafe
Exclusive use of either Lagoon/Gazebo Pool
Fan Type Function Hall with Videoke
With Catering: P565 for minimum 20 persons, P495 for beyond 30
NOTE:
Catering only accepts a minimum of 30 persons per booking. Bookings with less than 30 are subject to rate changes.
Strictly NO MASK, NO ENTRY
As of writing, the resort does not accept overnight bookings as a precaution to COVID-19
It’s best to bring your own private vehicle going to the resort. It would take approximately 13 minutes from the Total Gas Station in Liloan. From Camotes Laundry shop turn left for 2 times and turn right onto Fatima Road and slightly turn left and you’ll see Senen’s Mountain Resort.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Senen’s Mountain Resort” in Liloan, Cebu. Parking space is available upon arrival.
This pandemic got all of us stuck in our homes with our noses stuck on our gadgets, scrolling through our social media accounts for hours.
Yes, we all need a break. Taking a break doesn’t necessarily mean packing your bags and going on a trip to an island. Sometimes, a full belly may just be the break you need.
Eat All U Can Ni Juan is a popular spot for foodies in the city of Carcar. The owner of this restaurant also owns the very popular Juan’s Special Chicharon (deep fried pork rinds).
Photo by Mira Mae Cantina Tapuyao
Photo by Mira Mae Cantina Tapuyao
Eat All You Can Ni Juan offers a feast for just 199 pesos per person. With this very affordable amount, you already get unlimited rice and you can cook and eat as much as you want of the following:
Shrimp
Sliced pork belly
Chicken
Squid head
Fishball
Tempura
Hotdogs
Veggie Lumpia
Pancit Ilocano
Salmon belly (just add 50 pesos)
Aside from these sumptuous main servings, they also have free and unlimited side dishes such as:
Fries
Goso
Cucumber
Atsara
Lato
Kimchi
Photo by Ging Ging Rabor Lofranco
Photo by Ging Ging Rabor Lofranco
For those who are not into unlimited servings, they have ala carte items, sizzling plates, and shabu-shabu (see prices below).
Exact location: Lagang Ocaña, Carcar City (located near Philhealth Regional Office) — approx. 2.5 hours away from the city.
By bus: From Cebu City, head on to the Cebu South Bus terminal and ride a Ceres bus bound for Oslob. Instruct the driver that you’re going to get off at Juans Seafoods Restaurant (it’s just along the highway) in Carcar City.
By private car: Navigate using Waze or Google Maps and input “Kan-anan ni Juan” in Carcar City, Cebu. Parking space available.
Christmas may look different this year, but that does not mean we cannot embrace the holiday’s message of joy, hope, and love, and celebrate the season of giving in our own unique and socially-distanced way. With Christmas decorations slowly being adorned in homes and public places, and as holiday songs slowly fill the air, it is hard not to get into the holiday spirit and be excited for the most wonderful time of the year.
Here are five tips to make the most out of the holidays at Ayala Center Cebu:
1. Be on the lookout for seasonal deals and promos
Earn back what you shop! Shop worth P10,000 and get a chance to win P5,000 back. One weekly winner will get a 50% cash back on purchases until December 16. To get one (1) raffle entry, drop by the concierge near Guess at Level 1 Rotunda and present P10,000 worth of receipts dated November 13 to December 16 from in-line brands and department stores. ANA shoppers will also be able to join the promo.
2. Join fun holiday games and win exciting prizes
Try your luck at the mall’s Christmas-themed games and get a chance to win a prize. Wear holiday colors as you shop and be one of the lucky shoppers to win a sweet treat every Sunday of the month or share your selfie in front of the mall’s Christmas tree with the hashtag #AmazingChristmas and be one of the weekly winners for Snap and Win.
3. Bring home sweet treats for the Christmas table
Have you been wondering what to get for your holiday dessert table or what to give loved ones this Christmas? Drop by the Weekend Sweet Treats at The Gallery every Friday to Sunday until December 27 and choose from a wide array of festive and delicious sugary treats from cookies in a jar to kakanin selections.
4. Enjoy the festive songs filling the air as you shop
Get into the Christmas spirit as you shop with lively and catchy songs. Enjoy pop-up performances of your favorite holiday tunes and carols every Friday to Sunday at The Gallery from 5-8 P.M., or at The Garden Area from 4-8 P.M.
5. Have a green Christmas
Drop by the Urban Blooms exhibit located at the mall’s paseos and marvel at the indoor plants, cacti and succulents they offer. Aside from plants, gardening tools are also available to help jumpstart your hobby, nurture your green thumb or push you to decorate your space with more greens. Plus, a plant or two would make the perfect gift for the plantita or plantito in your life.
Spread the message of joy, hope, and love this season of giving, and Awaken Amazing Christmas at Ayala Center Cebu. For more information, like @AyalaCebu on Facebook and follow @AyalaCenterCebu on Twitter and Instagram.
