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 March 28, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 211 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 248 new recoveries, and 2 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 45,342, while the active cases decreased to 5,516 (from 5,552).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 21,348 (+80 new) – Total recoveries: 18,731 (+178 new) – Total deaths: 805 (+1 new) – Active cases: 1,812
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 5,513 (+37 new) – Total recoveries: 4,268 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 132 (+0 new) – Active cases: 1,113
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 5,578 (+22 new) – Total recoveries: 4,415 (+49 new) – Total deaths: 199 (+0 new) – Active cases: 964
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 12,903 (+72 new) – Total recoveries: 10,727 (+21 new) – Total deaths: 549 (+1 new) – Active cases: 1,627
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 5,516
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 45,342 (+211 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 38,141 (+248 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,685 (+2 new*)
A total of 2,367 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.
Ayala Center Cebu is known for their aesthetic designs and a natural life balance effect as soon as you enter their mall. It’s one of the reasons why we keep coming back.
Everything is there from the panoramic views, to the unique selection of shops, the activities and the food. And our needs don’t really stop because of the pandemic. We are slowly adjusting our ways and adapting to the new normal.
Ayala Center Cebu sees to that and more – They are giving you the chance to win weekly household packages within the entire duration of March 15 to May 31, 2021.
With a single receipt purchase of P200 only, you can have as many chances as you want to win grocery bundles, COVID essentials and even dining gift cards.
So, if you’ve just bought your groceries, ordered take-out, or maybe a bagged that brand new outfit, head on over to their “Ride To Win” booth located at the PUV Terminal and present your receipt to enter their raffle.
There will be 10 winners chosen every week where non-winning raffle coupons from the first raffle draw will be included in the succeeding raffle draw.
On Saturday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of March 27, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 254 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 178 new recoveries, and 6 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 45,131, while the active cases increased to 5,552 (from 5,478).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 21,268 (+99 new) – Total recoveries: 18,556 (+76 new) – Total deaths: 804 (+1 new) – Active cases: 1,908
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 5,476 (+35 new) – Total recoveries: 4,268 (+37 new) – Total deaths: 132 (+0 new) – Active cases: 1,076
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 5,556 (+35 new) – Total recoveries: 4,366 (+38 new) – Total deaths: 199 (+0 new) – Active cases: 991
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 12,831 (+85 new) – Total recoveries: 10,706 (+27 new) – Total deaths: 548 (+5 new) – Active cases: 1,577
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 5,552
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 45,131 (+254 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 37,896 (+178 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,683 (+6 new*)
A total of 2,897 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.
Picture this: you’re back in July 5, 2016. Covid-19 has not existed yet and plagued the world. You can go anywhere anytime you want. Duterte and Robredo just won the elections. WAP hasn’t existed yet, and Pokémon Go had just come out. Within the following weeks, almost everyone has Pokémon Go on their phones installed. The game was so popular, it was number 3 on Google’s Top Trending Searches overall. Most likely, you have even played the game back then.
Eventually however, the game died out. Not many people were walking around anymore with their phones on their hands catching a Pidgeot or a Pikachu. No one was debating anymore on Facebook whether Team Valor was better than Team Mystic. You would have probably uninstalled the game by then.
On September 10, 2015, Pokémon Go was announced in an event in Tokyo. Niantic Labs collaborated with the Pokémon company to make an augmented reality game that “aimed to bring the iconic world of Pokémon into the physical realm”. At the time, this sounded very revolutionary. There has not been much games that utilized the phone’s GPS and phone like this, and so many people have been hooked to the idea.
For many, Pokémon is their childhood. Seeing their childhood come back to life through their phones would make them play this game. Thus, when the game launched on July 5, 2016, it made great success for Nintendo. At its peak, Pokémon Go was downloaded 90.5 million times in a single week, six times more than Facebook during the same time. According to a study, peak daily player levels had reached 28.5 million in mid-July in the US.
However, it went downhill fast. From 28.5 million players in the middle of July to only 5 million players by the end of December. Almost 83% of the players have probably quit by then. Even though Pokémon Go had introduced more Pokémon from Generations 2 to 5 in future updates, the game got hit harder by the introduction of Covid-19. The pandemic has lessened the rate of people walking out in public, thus hampering its gameplay.
Many people have claimed that the reason behind the player fallout is due to the updates. The game had removed features that were deemed important to players, such as the Pokémon tracking. Removed in July 30, 2016, this was important as players can determine how far or how nearby certain Pokémon are.
Another problem with the updates is how slow they come. Since its release, there had been no major changes to the game until February 2017, which introduced Johto Pokémon. All the updates in between were bug fixes, UI improvements, and tweaks in game balance. This made Pokémon Go the same game since July 2016 to February 2017. It is understandable why many would abandon the game by then.
Furthermore, the game had many bugs, and no we’re not talking about bug-type Pokémon. Bugs and errors plagued the game. Even though the developers released fixes for them on each update, more came by as well.
Others have differing opinions as to why the game declined. Many suggested that it could be because of how Niantic Labs, the company which made the game, interacted with its players. It banned many players for hacking and eventually banned rooted phones from playing the game itself. Pokémon Go also introduced many problems such as trespassing and accidents happening while playing.
Cebu City is growing and the metro is starting to be filled with the bustle of people and cars. With the metro starting to become filled with hectic schedules and rush hours, there are still places nestled on the outskirts of Cebu that are easily accessible for quick getaways and vacations.
Gravhizfarm Secret Garden is a haven of peace and relaxation that offers a private space disconnected from the hustle and bustle of the city and provides the tranquility that every person desires. The garden combines the serenity of nature with the quietness of Naga’s distant municipality. Various trees and other flora dot the gardens and fill them with vibrant life which complements the verdant views of the low-rolling terrains and mountains in the background.
Photo from Gravhizfarm Secret Garden Private Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Gravhizfarm Secret Garden Private Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Gravhizfarm Secret Garden Private Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Gravhizfarm Secret Garden Private Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Gravhizfarm Secret Garden Private Resort Facebook Page
On the slopes just adjacent to the secret garden are rows of palm trees that grow up to the highest slope which gives guests a really pleasing view just outside the house. Outside is also a pool with the same scenic views of nature and a deeply refreshing water that guests could enjoy during hot afternoons. Tables and chairs are arranged neatly on the vast lawn that creates a romantic setting for dates, intimate moments, or just a simple barkada get-together.
There are enough trees that surround this secret garden to make it hidden and secluded from the city but it also contains comfortable facilities to keep the guests warm and safe while still letting them enjoy basking in the refreshing atmosphere.
Photo from Gravhizfarm Secret Garden Private Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Gravhizfarm Secret Garden Private Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Gravhizfarm Secret Garden Private Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Gravhizfarm Secret Garden Private Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Gravhizfarm Secret Garden Private Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Gravhizfarm Secret Garden Private Resort Facebook Page
The main structure which is located at the center of the property is a house with no walls or doors and is instead surrounded by the pleasant green of nature just outside of it. It has tiled floors and a slightly modern interior inside. It also has varnished wood posts and rustic wooden railings on the perimeter of the house which serves as the walls of the building.
It also contains furniture and appliances which can be found in a regular home that provides everything the guests need for a comfortable stay. At the second floor is a bedroom/attic with rows of beds which could accommodate more than one family. The main room is still open air and gives guests cool, relaxing nights and experience nightlife in nature.
Photo from Gravhizfarm Secret Garden Private Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Gravhizfarm Secret Garden Private Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Gravhizfarm Secret Garden Private Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Gravhizfarm Secret Garden Private Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Gravhizfarm Secret Garden Private Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Gravhizfarm Secret Garden Private Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Gravhizfarm Secret Garden Private Resort Facebook Page
Gravhizfarm Secret Garden offers a natural retreat just a few hours away from bustling metro making it easily accessible to both locals and tourists alike.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES:
Exclusive Booking: P10,000, good for 15 persons
Excess Rate: P200 per person up to 25 persons max
Reservation Fee: P2000, returned upon check-out if no damage
FACILITIES AND AMENITIES:
Swimming Pools
Entertainment Area (w/ Videoke)
Campfire Ground/ Camping Ground
Kitchen Area with cooking utensils
Grilling Area
NOTE: No walk-ins allowed. Make reservations ahead of time.
Exact location: Soton, Brgy. Pangdan, Naga City, Cebu — approx. 1-2 hours away from Cebu City.
BY JEEPNEY:
From Colon Street, ride a jeepney with routes 09C/F, or 10F/H and drop off at Jollibee Bulacao or Pardo Church (P8 fare). From there, take another jeepney with route 44 to reach to Naga Plaza (P15 fare). There are also some jeepneys from/near CIT University in N. Bacalso that you can ride going to Naga.
Upon arriving in Naga, ride another jeepney that will pass by the Naga – Uling Rd. Ask the driver to drop you off at Pangdan Barangay Hall. From there, you may ask the locals for directions going to Gravhizfarm Secret Garden.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Pangdan Barangay Hall” in the City of Naga. Ask for directions from the locals going to the garden or message the Facebook Page of the owners prior to traveling to Naga. Parking space is available about 300-400 meters from the place.
Your visit to The Woodside in Moalboal will show you why Moalboal is not always about white sand beaches and the famous Sardine Run.
Nestled in the elevated and secluded parts of Brgy.Balabagon in Moalboal, The Woodside is an exclusive accommodation featuring two (2) native bamboo cottages and a wide veranda furnished to appear as a cozy and classy version of the traditional Filipino payag. Being away from the crowd of tourists flocking the beaches of Moalboal, this place serves as a top pick for everyone yearning a peaceful and isolated retreat.
Here, you will be delighted by the bamboos and other indigenous materials that comprise the payag accommodation. It gets even lovelier at night when the lights are turned on since the lightings complement well with the interiors of the place. Each cottage room also is equipped with the necessary bed accessories for a comfortable sleep.
If you are into Instagram and other social media thingamajigs, you can take advantage of their sunflower garden for a photoshoot. The number of sunflowers planted aren’t that much, but they bloom all-year round so you will surely have some flowers waiving at you when you visit here anytime.
Their bamboo shower is wide and so IG-worthy you wouldn’t even realize you’re in a shower room.
The Woodside can prepare food for you, but you can also try their seafood bilao consisting of irresistibly good and mouth-watering seafood delights like garlic butter shrimp, chili crab, grilled scallops, calamares, and grilled tuna. Who wouldn’t want that?
When staying here, there is really nothing much that you can do other than soaking in the laidback atmosphere that the place provides. And the catch? You can sit and marvel at the surreal sunset while sharing an ice-cold drink with your loved ones. We all need to calm the chaos within us and visiting places that offer peace that comes from doing nothing is the therapy we need. It clears the mind.
Moalboal is a town in the southern parts of Cebu that’s known for its shorelines jeweled with creamy white sand beaches. Its water isn’t just clear but is also teeming with rich biodiversity. Swimming with a thousand sardines is a one-of-a-kind experience. Indeed, when one thinks of Moalboal, it’s these exciting beach activities that usually top the list of must-do activities.
BY BUS: Go to Cebu South Bus Terminal and ride a bus going to Moalboal. Alight at Moalboal town proper and ride a tricycle going to Brgy. Balabagon. From there, ride a habal-habal to The Woodside. Alternatively, you can ask the bus conductor to drop you off at Brgy. Balabagon and then ride a habal-habal on your way to The Woodside.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Cebu North Coast Beach Resort” in Sogod. Parking space is available.
On Friday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of March 26, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 217 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 334 new recoveries, and 5 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 44,877, while the active cases decreased to 5,478 (from 5,599).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 21,169 (+104 new) – Total recoveries: 18,481 (+155 new) – Total deaths: 803 (+3 new) – Active cases: 1,885
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 5,441 (+24 new) – Total recoveries: 4,231 (+15 new) – Total deaths: 132 (+0 new) – Active cases: 1,078
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 5,521 (+31 new) – Total recoveries: 4,328 (+93 new) – Total deaths: 199 (+1 new) – Active cases: 994
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 12,746 (+58 new) – Total recoveries: 10,683 (+71 new) – Total deaths: 542 (+1 new) – Active cases: 1,521
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 5,478
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 44,877 (+217 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 37,723 (+334 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,676 (+5 new*)
A total of 2,843 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.
Serene beaches in Cebu are one of the most abundant things that can be found in the tiny island. There are just as many beaches as there are towns in Cebu and almost every place you go to will have their own beach to be proud of.
Located along the pristine shores of San Remigio, Cebu is the simple yet charming beach of Goopio Beach Resort. It flaunts the fine, white sands and turquoise waters present in all beaches, both public and private, located in the municipality.
Photo by Michael Erana
Photo by Michael Erana
Photo by Fritzel Anne Fernandez Felicano
Goopio Beach Resort is a family-friendly resort with a spacious beachfront and native cottages that can accommodate families and serve as a venue for reunions and get-togethers. With no entrance fee and spacious cottages that are affordable, every family will have a great time in this simple retreat.
Goopio Beach Resort has a scenic view of the ocean and an unpolluted beachfront with shallow waters that’s perfect for swimming. What’s more, the waters near the beachfront have a bed of fine, white sand under it that makes swimming a very enjoyable experience for everyone.
Photo by Michael Erana
Photo by brian bruce
The native cottages on the shore blend perfectly well with the natural backgrounds of San Remigio and provide a cool shade for everybody. Mantalisay trees also dot the sands on the beach, creating canopies formed by its long branches which also provide shade to the cottages and kids playing on the sand.
Goopio Beach Resort is the perfect family getaway in San Remigio with its affordable cottages and scenic tropical backgrounds that’s perfect for picture taking. There’s no better way to experience the pristine beauty of San Remigio than by spending a day of fun in the sun in Goopio Beach Resort.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Entrance fee: No entrance fee, but must rent a cottage
COTTAGE RATES
Cottage Fee: As low as P200
OTHER INFORMATION:
Corkage fee: None
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Poblacion, San Remigio, Northern Cebu — approx. 2.5-3 hours from Cebu City.
BY BUS: Head on to Cebu North Bus Terminal and hop on a bus for San Remigio. Fare is around P150-P200 pesos and travel time is around 2.5-3 hours. Tell the driver that you’re going to get off at the poblacion or town proper. Upon arrival, you may ask the locals for directions going to Goopio Beach Resort and ride a habal-habal to your destination.
Hikers just can’t get enough of the mountain views. The views just become more and more beautiful in every climb.
In Busay, despite the number of establishments already lining up on the mountain municipality, nature-lovers and trekking enthusiasts still want to experience the mountain in its raw form. There are two ways to climb and reach the foot of the hill depending on the difficulty that the group or climber prefers.
Photo by KE V IN
Photo by Oñedra Gel
Photo by Oñedra Gel
Photo by Oñedra Gel
Climbers may ride a habal-habal or a motorcycle for hire from Lahug all the way to the foot of Chalet Hills or they may opt to challenge the slopes by walking from the entrance of the Mountain View entrance. Athletic trekkers and hikers will take just about 30 minutes to reach the foot of the hill from there but less experienced hikers will take about an hour or two.
There’s a sari-sari store selling easy-to-cook food at the foot of the hill so stocking up on food for the next day won’t be a problem.
One of the charms of the hill is the starry night sky complimented by chilly night air. On one side of the mountain are other verdant hills and trees while on the other is the famous city lights of Cebu which can be seen in majority of the places in Busay.
Photo by Mika Sy
Photo by Oñedra Gel
Photo by Michelle Anne Rule
Photo by Michelle Anne Rule
As morning comes, a breathtaking sunrise greets and wakes up the campers along with the refreshing breeze of the morning and the sound of birds singing. The city view in the morning is just as fine as the night view. The view shows where the sea and the city meet as well as a view of nearby islands.
Chalet Hills may be one of the most accessible campsites in Cebu because of its location but it still offers the same picturesque views and calming atmosphere like any other mountain.
Make sure to bring water that’s enough for both drinking and cooking
Tents and any form of portable light
Warm Clothing. The hills get really cold especially at night
Easy-to-cook meals such as canned goods, noodles, fruit, and bread
Portable Stove for cooking. Campfires are not allowed at the site
Cooking Utensils
Tarp for the tent in case of rain
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Brgy. Babag, Busay, Cebu — approx. 30 minutes away from the city proper or JY Square Mall.
BY TAXI: The most affordable way to catch a taxi is to commute going to JY Square at Lahug and then catch a cab from there. The taxi driver can’t go all the way up so you might just hike some parts going to the hills. Talk with the driver before riding to explore your options.
We all know that Cebu has many tourist attractions flocked by millions of local and foreign tourists each year, but beyond the centuries-old landmarks and its pristine beaches, Cebu also has a rich history, culture and heritage to take pride of, especially as we mark the 500th anniversary of Magellan’s arrival, birth of Christianity in the Philippines and victory at Mactan.
With all the information jam-packed in the web, it can be overwhelming and hard to go through all of them. It is even harder to know which is fact and fiction. With the help of technology, RAFI’s Gabii sa Kabilin (GSK) and Casa Gorordo Museum (CGM) have organized a wide range of online activities from webinars to virtual tours to help share local culture and heritage to those living in and out of Cebu.
Here are six ways to learn more about Cebu’s rich culture and heritage from the comfort of home with Gabii sa Kabilin (GSK) and Casa Gorordo Museum (CGM):
GSK has always been an experience of a lifetime before the pandemic– visiting museums, touring the city, riding the tartanilla and at the same time learning about Cebuano culture and heritage. GSK is bringing the magical experience online with free webinars on the fourth Friday of the month on GSK’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Previous webinars include The Impact of 500 Years of Christianity to Filipino Life and Culture, Fujian Ceramics Traded in Precolonial Philippines, Visayan Tattooing and Tattoo Designs, and The Journey of the Sto Niño: Origins up to the Kaplag. All of which can be replayed on Facebook and YouTube.
The success of GSK 2020 gave way to a wider reach and it is now teaming up with local museums, historians and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ (NHCP) National Quincentennial Committee (NQC) for another year of free online activities.
Watch the next GSK webinar on March 26, 2021, which will focus on the 1521 Easter Sunday Mass at Limasawa. It will feature historian, author and professor, Dr. Rolando O. Borrinaga who will discuss the evidences considered by the 2019 Mojares Panel in concluding that Limasawa was the site of the historic Mass. Register here: https://forms.gle/RgWdLnBs1szDEPp16.
2. Take part in GSK One Night Only on April 16
Aside from its monthly online activities, Gabii sa Kabilin will be holding a special heritage night on April 16, 6 p.m. to 12 midnight. For just P80, participants can enjoy special documentaries and presentations from 16 museums and heritage sites in Cebu, and watch it with friends and family at home.
The theme of the virtual event is “The Arrival” and it will highlight the 500-year anniversary of the arrival of Magellan, the birth of Christianity and the victory at Mactan, and its impact on Cebuano culture, heritage and way of life.
Tickets can be purchased via GCash, credit or debit card and PayPal. For more information, visit #GSKONO’s Facebook event page or Eventbrite page.
To date, Gabii sa Kabilin One Night Only is sponsored by Pilipino Cable Corp. (SkyCable), Visayan Electric Company, Inc. (VECO), and supported by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Cebu Sinulog and Philippine Junior Jaycees (JJC Philippines).
3. Listen to Visayan stories through Handurawan: Cebuano Folklore for Children
Listen to folktales and legends from Cebuano or Visayan folklore through monthly Handurawan storytelling episodes. The show is initially intended for kids aged 4-7 years old but let’s face it, everyone loves a good and fascinating story, especially if the tales have been told and handed down through many generations. Handurawan is streamed on the GSK Facebook page in English and Cebuano.
The first three episodes are now available online:
Stories of the Santo Nino
The Lost Epic of Central Visayas
The Legend of Maria Cacao
This is organized in partnership with St. Theresa’s College and RAFI Dolores Aboitiz Children’s Fund.
4. Get to know the unique and colorful towns and provinces of Cebu with Sugbu-tiful: Cebu Town Features
Learn all about every town in Cebu town from Daanbantayan in the North to Santander in the South, and catch your hometown being featured as well. The online series, which began last year, showcases the unique and colorful aspects of local towns and aims to activate Cebuanos’ pride of place. Videos will be posted on the town’s annual fiesta and can be viewed on the Casa Gorordo Museum’s official Facebook page.
Get a chance to hear experts share their insights on various topics like Cebuano arts, language and history with Casa Gorordo Museum’s monthly informative webinars on Cebuano culture.
Don’t miss CGM’s third talk of the year on March 29, which will focus on “Life in a Caravel” or the living conditions during the Magellanic expedition. Historian Dr. Danilo Gerona will talk about what it was like to be a crewmember in the 1,082-day voyage around the world. Register here:https://forms.office.com/r/UBGz1bnNh3.
6. Go on a virtual tour of Casa Gorordo Museum (CGM)
Missing museum visits? Casa Gorordo Museum is opening its doors to visitors for free virtual walkthroughs. Stroll around, explore and learn more about the historic house all from the comfort of home aided by dramatizations of various house traditions and practices, along with audio and video narration of the house’s history, rooms, artifacts, and exhibits.
