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 June 2, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 112 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 117 new recoveries, and 1 new death. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 53,218, while the active cases decreased to 1,288 (from 1,296).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 24,432 (+44 new) – Total recoveries: 23,036 (+20 new) – Total deaths: 864 (+0 new) – Active cases: 532
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 6,516 (+14 new) – Total recoveries: 6,188 (+40 new) – Total deaths: 170 (+0 new) – Active cases: 158
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 6,638 (+11 new) – Total recoveries: 6,247 (+17 new) – Total deaths: 223 (+0 new) – Active cases: 168
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 15,632 (+43 new) – Total recoveries: 14,472 (+40 new) – Total deaths: 730 (+1 new) – Active cases: 430
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,288
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 53,218 (+112 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 49,943 (+117 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,987 (+1 new*)
A total of 3,996 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.
Bantayan Island is undeniably one of the flagship tourist destinations of Cebu. Its white sand beaches, azure clear waters and palatable seafood dishes have attracted not just locals but also travelers coming from different parts the world.
Photo from Kota Beach Facebook Page
The island is divided into three municipalities: Bantayan, Madridejos, and Santa Fe.
Interestingly, there are claims that Bantayan Island got its name from the term ‘Bantayan sa Hari’ which means ‘Watchtowers of the King.’ Eighteen watchtowers were built here during the time of Governor-General Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera when Moro pirates raided the island looking for slaves.
As rich as its history, the island has spots that can satiate your wanderlust. There are few that stand out – Bantayan include Virgin Island, Paradise Beach, Ogtong Cave, Kota Beach, and Obo-ob Mangrove Eco Park. Also, during your stay, you can enjoy island-hopping, snorkeling, skydiving and of course, food-tripping.
Photo from Kota Beach Facebook Page
The Cave Pool
Photo by Raynard Vaño
Photo from Obo-ob Mangrove & Eco Park Facebook Page
But travelling to Bantayan Island especially for the first timers is a bit of a hassle. But worry not, here’s a guide on how we can get to this beautiful piece of nature from two key cities in Cebu province.
FROM CEBU CITY
Cebu City shelters two main bus terminals with routes going to the both ends of Cebu province. The Cebu South Bus Terminal has buses bound to famous South Cebu destinations starting from Talisay City to Dalaguete and all the way to Oslob and Santander. It’s located in N. Bacalso Avenue, Cebu City.
On the other hand, the Cebu North Bus Terminal (now located at what used to be the outdoor parking area of SM City Cebu at the corner of S. Osmeña Road and Kaohsiung Street at the North Reclamation Area in Cebu City) caters all north-bound passengers such as those going to Bogo, Maya Port to Malapascua island and the Hagnaya Port for Bantayan island.
So to get to Bantayan Island from Cebu City, one must:
Head first to Cebu North Bus Terminal in SM. To get there, you can ride any SM-bound jeepney such as those with routes 04L, 01K, and 12I. For convenience, you can book a Grab or taxi for a ride to Cebu North Bus Terminal.
Once there, hop on a Ceres bus bound for Hagnaya Port. If you’re travelling in group, you may opt to hire a van.
Travel time: 4 hours
Bus Fare: approximately P175
Once you get to Hagnaya Port, board a ferry bound for Santa Fe Port. First trip is at 3AM and the last trip is at 5PM.
Travel time: 1 hour
Fare: approximately P185
Terminal fee: P10
After arrival in Santa Fe, proceed to pay for the Ecological Fee (P30).
Proceed to your booked resort by taking a tricycle.
FROM MACTAN
As of May 2021, this flight service is not yet open to the public.
Bantayan is now a plane away. The usual 4 – 5 hours bus-ferry trip is now cut to a 30 minutes travel by air.
With the goal of boosting the island’s tourism industry, the Cebu Provincial Government, spearheaded by Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, and Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) have formally re-opened the newly-renovated Bantayan Island Airport.
Photo from Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority Facebook Page
This means that with the new commercial Bantayan Airport, one just needs to book a flight and head to MCIA in Lapu-Lapu City. As of writing, the estimated air fare to Bantayan Island is P1,288 one-way or P2,576 round trip. Please note price may vary depending on the season and/or promo.
To get to Mactan Cebu International Airport, you can ride on a MyBus from SM City Cebu. You can also arrange a Grab/taxi ride for a hassle-free travel to Lapu-lapu City.
If there’s one thing that this pandemic had taken away from us, it’s the freedom to travel and explore the world. Now that the COVID cases in Cebu have slowly subsided, quarantine restrictions have been gradually being loosened so that the tourism industry (one of the hardest hit industry) can bounce back. Let’s continue to travel but be observant with the health protocols.
After all, we only live once so tick off that Bantayan trip from your bucket list.
Samgyeopsal is indeed one flavorful and pleasurable experience.
It is indeed wonderful, but it is made better and more interesting if you can grill and chill on a yacht. Not only do you get to grill to your heart’s content, you also get to swim, snorkel, dance, and sing. Yes, altogether is one unique experience.
Photo from Akdong Facebook Page
Photo by Ephraim Basbas
Photo from Akdong Facebook Page
Photo from Akdong Facebook Page
Photo from Akdong Facebook Page
Photo from Akdong Facebook Page
Photo from Akdong Facebook Page
Photo from Akdong Facebook Page
Photo from Akdong Facebook Page
Photo by Ephraim Basbas
Unlimited samgyeopsal is available at Akdong. For only P350, you will get to relive your Korean drama dreams with your oppa or chinggu while dancing to the groove and singing at the top of your lungs.
Definitely one unique experience. Nonetheless, let us never forget to still observe and adhere to the new normal protocols.
Photo by Ephraim Basbas
Photo by Ephraim Basbas
Photo by Cathy Lyn Asignar Banaay
Photo by Cathy Lyn Asignar Banaay
Photo by Theejay Baque
Photo by Cathy Lyn Asignar Banaay
Photo by Theejay Baque
RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION
Rates
Unlimited Samgyeopsal: P350 / head (good for 2 hours)
Free Korean side dishes
Free swimming and snorkelling
Free use of the beach
Unlimited Samgyeopsal plus Shrimp: P450 / head
Other Information
Contact numbers: 0977-611-9921 / 0905-403-3413 (you are advised NOT to call but directly text your concern or preferred date for reservations)
Exact Location: Marigondon Port, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu (Further down the road of Plantation Bay)
From SM City Cebu, you can take a bus heading to Plantation Bay. Travel time would take roughly 20-30 mins and would cost P130 – P190. You can then walk your way towards the docking area.
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 June 1, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 61 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 82 new recoveries, and 1 new death. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 53,106, while the active cases decreased to 1,296 (from 1,323).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 24,393 (+28 new) – Total recoveries: 23,017 (+33 new) – Total deaths: 864 (+0 new) – Active cases: 512
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 6,502 (+5 new) – Total recoveries: 6,148 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 170 (+0 new) – Active cases: 184
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 6,627 (+6 new) – Total recoveries: 6,230 (+11 new) – Total deaths: 223 (+1 new) – Active cases: 174
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 15,584 (+22 new) – Total recoveries: 14,431 (+38 new) – Total deaths: 727 (+0 new) – Active cases: 426
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,296
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 53,106 (+61 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 49,826 (+82 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,984 (+1 new*)
A total of 2,700 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.
Did you know that we have a lot of Catholic institutions here in Cebu?
Cebu is the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines. You can just flip the pages of your History books and there you will see why Cebu has been proclaimed as the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines.
If you are looking for a school with rich history in Christianity and a school with teachings aligned with the Catholic Church, look no further because we have enlisted the Top 5 Catholic schools in Cebu worth checking out.
1. UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS (USC)
University of San Carlos (USC) was founded by the Spanish Jesuits on August 1, 1595. Formerly known as Colegio de San Ildefonso, University of San Carlos is already considered to be one of the top universities outside Manila.
A mix of old and new marks USC’s brand of education. The missionary spirit is kept alive with the school’s pursuit for the latest in science, technology, and the arts.
SHS-ADC offers not only excellent education, but also forms servant leaders for the greater glory of God.
Formerly known as Sacred Heart School for Boys, Sacred Heart School – Jesuits, is a private, catholic college-preparatory school run by the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus. SHS-AdC is the 7th Jesuit school in the Philippines to bear the name Ateneo.
Location: H. Abellana Street, Brgy. Canduman, Mandaue City
Motto: Lux Oriens (A Light Arising in the Land of the Morning)
A premier Gospel and community-oriented educational institution, USJ-R is committed to transforming individuals in becoming more responsive leaders of the society through integral formation.
USJ-R also ensures their students are holistically developed with their graduate attributes without neglecting the religious attributes.
Campus:
Main Campus
Basak Campus
Balamban Campus
Location:
USJ-R Main: Magallanes Street, Cebu City
USJ-R Basak: CICCT USJR, Basak, Cebu City
USJ-R Balamban: Arpili Bridge, Antonio Y De Pio National Hwy, Balamban, Cebu
Motto: Caritas et Scientia Adelante! (Charity and Science)
DBTC believes in the need to develop and to promote the integral human person and cultural heritage of society ‘Technical Education’ appropriate to one’s intellectual and maturity level.
DBTC students are intensively devoted into forming themselves and into being committed Christians and honest citizens with the heart for the poor.
Location: Pleasant Homes Subd., Brgy. Punta Princesa, Cebu City
CIC-Cebu used to be a private Catholic school for girls. It was founded in 1880 and years after, boys were already allowed to enroll making the school co-educational.
CIC-Cebu is also considered to be the oldest Catholic school in Cebu allowing their students to learn more about the vast history of Christianity with their teachings.
Campus:
Main Campus
Mandaue Campus
Location:
CIC Main: 45 Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City, Philippines
CIC Mandaue: A. Del Rosario St, Mandaue City, 6014 Cebu
These are some of the few adjectives that we can think of to describe Gabi Resort and Spa which is located in Cordova, Cebu approximately 15 minutes away from Mactan International Airport.
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
One of the resort’s main attractions is a wide pool that is located quite close to some of the rooms of the guests. The pool area is surrounded by a well-maintained lush green garden, a perfect spot for some barbecue and beer. The entire lawn of the resort lights up at night and is the perfect spot for some night swimming or family gathering.
The lobby of the main building is the definition of “grand”. It’s minimalistic and neat design goes perfectly well with their glass walls and chandelier. The resort has around 40 rooms, categorized as superior, deluxe, or pool access rooms.
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
BBQ Fiesta
For barbecue lovers out there, the resort offers a “BBQ Fiesta” every Saturday night. For only P499, you get unlimited barbecue, desserts, fresh fruits iced tea and free use of the pool! There’s also a live band so it’s the perfect spot for some weekend chill time.
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Other amenities in the resort include a spa, a restaurant that serves Filipino and international dishes, kiddie pool, and function halls.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Entrance fee: P200 per person (inclusive of tables and chairs)
Room rates:
Pool access rooms: $140 per day (around P6,700)
Veranda leads directly to the pool
2 beds, 1 queen bed, 1 double bed
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Deluxe rooms: $120 per day (around P5,700)
1 queen bed, 1 double bed (4 guests)
Outside view: natural rock formations and wild garden
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Superior rooms: $99 per day (around P4,700)
Twin bed plus spa bed (for body massage)
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Photo from Gabi Resort & Spa Facebook Page
All rooms are come with a glass shower enclosure, safe deposit box, 42-inch LED cable TV, and a mini refrigerator.
By V-Hire or jeepney: You can ride a V-Hire or jeep bound for Cordova at SM City Cebu. Upon arrival at Cordova, you can ride a tricycle to Gabi Resort & Spa.
By private car: Navigate through Waze or Google Maps and type in “Gabi Resort and Spa” in Cordova as the destination.
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 May 31, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 27 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 72 new recoveries, and 1 new death. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 53,051, while the active cases decreased to 1,323 (from 1,369).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 24,371 (+6 new) – Total recoveries: 22,984 (+19 new) – Total deaths: 864 (+0 new) – Active cases: 523
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 6,497 (+1 new) – Total recoveries: 6,148 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 170 (+0 new) – Active cases: 179
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 6,621 (+3 new) – Total recoveries: 6,220 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 222 (+0 new) – Active cases: 179
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 15,562 (+17 new) – Total recoveries: 14,393 (+53 new) – Total deaths: 727 (+1 new) – Active cases: 442
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,323
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 53,051 (+27 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 49,745 (+72 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,983 (+1 new*)
A total of 1,289 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 first General Community Quarantine was a big step that the local government took to slowly bring back the economy and bring back the jobs of Cebuano families.
It was good news for working Cebuanos but commuters were faced with the difficult problem of looking for transportation. To be able to control the spread of the virus and lower the chances of contact, the local government opted to not allow any public vehicles to be in service until there have been concrete precautionary measures set to avoid an unwanted rise in the number of positives.
This left individuals with no other means of transportation except riding taxis or bicycles to work which both have their own resounding cons.
As Cebu slowly shifts from being a COVID-19 hotspot to a center of recovery, various modes of transportation are slowly being rolled out with distanced seats and strict protocols. Currently, public vehicles are slowly starting to become operational and allowed to drive passengers around the city.
Photos from Jez Mar
Here is a list of currently available public transportation and their corresponding routes and hours of operation.
In addition to buying a famous brand of ice cream in a cone, your 20 pesos can also take you to paradise. Palicte Beach Resort in Asturias is the resort for everyone looking for a refreshing weekend treat that doesn’t cost much.
Photo by Tine Despares
Photo by CH AR Lie
Photo by CH AR Lie
Photo by CH AR Lie
Photo by CH AR Lie
Photo from Palicte Resto/Bar Beach Resort. Facebook Page
Photo by Jesson Morata
For only P20 entrance fee, a fun and memorable day is guaranteed at Palicte Beach Resort. The place is complete with amenities and activities that you and your loved ones can enjoy while here. The beach front is covered with black sand that makes a perfect venue to indulge in exciting sandy activities like beach volleyball among others.
Their cottages can accommodate large groups. They even have those with a karaoke machine to challenge your vocal prowess. For Filipinos, belting in front of a karaoke is always the life of the party.
The resort’s fresh and peaceful morning vibe awaits those who booked an overnight stay. The clean and well-maintained shorelines will surely tempt everyone for a morning stroll while you wander yourself to the sight of the calm sea and the breeze of the sea-salty air.
Photo by Jesson Morata
Photo by Jesson Morata
Photo by GERTHIE RESTAURO
Photo by Jesson Morata
Photo by Jesson Morata
Photo by Schnittka Hurich Manguilimotan
Photo by Jesson Morata
Palicte Beach Resort’s overnight accommodation options are worth your budget. They have rooms in native designs that are perfect for couples, or you can also go for the air-conditioned rooms. For the campers, you can rent their tents and spend the night under the moonlight with your friends.
Spend the most of your stay here by renting their kayaks and paddle your way to the vast sea or pamper yourself with a book in their cozy tree house.
There’s no corkage fee so everyone can bring their favorite food. They have grilling/cooking stations where you can grill seafoods or roast pork belly. If you fell short of food, they serve all-day breakfast meals at an affordable price. There’s also a store which sells basic necessities. A restaurant will soon open on a small jetty that sits near the western end of the property.
Photo by CH AR Lie
Photo by Charmaine Lee
Photo by Charmaine Lee
Photo by Charmaine Lee
Photo by Jesson Morata
Few Reminders:
The place is very affordable and gets fully booked most of the time so make sure to book in advance.
There are nearby stores and public markets where you can buy your daily needs.
The beach has great reefs for snorkeling so be sure to bring your snorkel and goggles.
The seabed can be rough hence, aqua shoes are advisable.
The rooms do not have TV and WiFi, but they have strong mobile data signal.
The resort also sells plants at a very affordable price.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Entrance fee: P20 per person
Opening hours: 7AM – 9PM
COTTAGE RATES:
Regular: P300 (good for 20 persons)
With Karaoke: P1,000 (good for 20 persons)
ROOM RATES:
Fan Room: P250
AC Room (w/o own bathroom): P500
AC Room (w own bathroom): P600
OTHER INFORMATION:
Corkage fee: None
Overnight Tent: P200 (good for 4 persons); P100 (good for 2 persons)
BY BUS: Take a V-hire from the Ayala terminal going to Tuburan. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Barangay Hall of Brgy. Owak. Fare is P130 /head (one-way). From there, ride a habal-habal (motorbike) to Palicte Beach Resort.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Palicte Beach Resort” in Asturias. Parking space is available.
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 May 30, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 63 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 42 new recoveries, and 0 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 53,024, while the active cases increased to 1,369 (from 1,348).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 24,365 (+30 new) – Total recoveries: 22,965 (+25 new) – Total deaths: 864 (+0 new) – Active cases: 536
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 6,496 (+8 new) – Total recoveries: 6,148 (+5 new) – Total deaths: 170 (+0 new) – Active cases: 178
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 6,618 (+6 new) – Total recoveries: 6,220 (+3 new) – Total deaths: 222 (+0 new) – Active cases: 176
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 15,545 (+19 new) – Total recoveries: 14,340 (+9 new) – Total deaths: 726 (+0 new) – Active cases: 479
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,369
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 53,024 (+63 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 49,673 (+42 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,982 (+0 new*)
A total of 2,720 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.
