You might have tried all the milk tea shops in town. But, I’d like to say you bid farewell to your milk tea cravings for now because there’s a new craze in town.
Taho, a Filipino comfort food is not new to us, but a flavoured taho? I bet that’s another story.
Our usual silken tofu with arnibal and sago pearl is made more flavorful with new, interesting flavors. It has taken up a notch better and is definitely a whole new level of experience.
A familiar comfort snack that takes us back to our fun childhood days, while there’s still the classic and original variant we all love, these flavored taho are a must-try:
Ube
Chocolate
Coffe
Strawberry
Where to buy in Cebu?
Tahooo’ki and House of Taho are some of the stores in Cebu offering flavored taho.
Minors and seniors can now breathe a sigh of relief for they may now have the chance to travel and visit local tourist spots.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) announced that age restrictions for tourists aged 15 years old below and above 65 may be lifted by the local government unit (LGU) in areas that are under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
IATF Resolution No. 84, dated November 19, 2020:
The aforementioned age restrictions for travelers for tourism purposes may be relaxed upon the determination of local government units, and subject to prior consultation with the DOT, DOH, and DILG and the development of specific guidelines for this purpose
Relaxed entry protocols for airline crew layovers during emergencies, which include typhoons, volcanic activities, diversions, and emergency landings, and other similar unforeseen and time-sensitive evacuations. They will be allowed to temporarily billet in accommodation establishments under a “bubble” concept supervised by the LGUs.
As of November 2020, only the Cebu Province and Lapu-Lapu City allow minors and senior citizens to travel for leisure. Cebu City and Mandaue City have yet to issue a new executive order lifting the age restriction.
With the relaxed restrictions, we must stay vigilant in keeping up with the health protocols for our safety and for the safety of others. Remember, wearing a mask is a sign of respect.
In these trying times, it pays to be practical and thrifty. However, being prudent with one’s purchases does not mean that you have to let go of quality.
So if you’re planning to go on a shopping spree for your next furnitures but you’re on a tight budget, one of the best choices out there has to be JSK Houseware Trading Furniture in Naga City, Cebu where you can score items for as low as P10.
JSK Houseware Trading Furniture is a one-stop shop that offers surplus items imported directly from Korea so you are assured of the quality of their products.
Their items are 50-70% cheaper compared to mall prices, and the best thing is, you can still haggle for a discount (time to put your “tawad” skills to test). This is what sets JSK Houseware apart from its competitors who are quite fixed and firm with the prices they display.
Products List
For the items they sell, they are not just limited to furnitures. They have a wide array of products you can choose from and this includes:
Kitchenware & Dining sets
Entertainment showcase
Beds, Comforters and Bed sheets
Bikes & Gym equipment
Baby apparels & Stuff toys
Musical instruments
School supplies
Pots & Apparels
And the list goes on and on! They even have ceramics which you can buy at an unbelievably low price of 10 pesos. Crazy right?
So if you want to do some shopping for quality furnitures but you don’t want to overspend, JSK Houseware Trading Furniture should be on top of your list.
OTHER INFORMATION
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM every day.
Wide parking space is available.
Check out their FB page as they randomly upload photos of their products and they sometimes go live for a virtual showing of some of their furnitures.
Exact location: National Highway, Poblacion, Naga City, Southern Cebu — approx. 1.5 hour away from Cebu City.
By bus: Head on to the Cebu South Bus Terminal and ride a bus bound for Carcar City. Inform the driver that you’re going to stop at Jollibee in Naga. The store is located before Jollibee Naga or the Naga Boardwalk and is located on the left side if you are coming from Cebu City.
By private car: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “JSK Houseware” in Naga City.
This pandemic has forced most of us to stay indoors for months, with our bodies yearning for a trip to the beach and get some tan even for just one day. But now that the travel restrictions in the province are slowly being loosened, you can now go to nearby beaches for some sun and saltwater, but of course, with health precautions taking the top priority.
Log Blue Beach Resort is a newly opened resort in Lapu-Lapu that can offer you a badly-needed beach break. It boasts of crystal-clear turquoise waters, with a giant limestone rock located just a few steps from the shore. A large pavilion which provides shade to visitors is perched on this gigantic rock where it is beautifully surrounded by green trees.
There are diving boards around where you can jump right into the waters below. The beach is also safe for young children because there are shallow areas where they can take a dip and enjoy the seawater.
The resort can be booked for exclusive use but only on weekdays. In fact, a lot of families flock to the resort to celebrate birthdays or other special events.
On weekends, they are open to the public, but they are strict with the number of guests they allow into their premises. Hence, the management emphasizes that all visitors must make online reservations via Facebook prior to their visit.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Day use:
Entrance fee: P200 (adults); P100 (children)
Plastic table plus 2 chairs: P200
Wooden table plus 2 benches: P500
Additional table: P100
Additional chair: P50
Day Use: 9AM – 5PM Saturdays and Sundays only (weekdays are for exclusive reservations)
Exclusive use of the resort: P9,999 (includes entrance fee already)
Exact location: Kalubihan, Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu — approx. 1.5 hour away from Cebu City.
BY COMMUTE: From SM City Cebu, you can rid a V Hire bound for Lapu-Lapu City. Ask the driver to drop you off at the 7/11 at the Marigondon Crossing and then ride a tricycle that will take you to Tonggo Beach where the resort is located.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Tonggo Beach Original” in Lapu-Lapu City. Parking space is available.
Hidden from the hustle and bustle of the city is a verdant paradise called the Liloan Golf and Leisure Estate. This 64-hectare hideaway is situated in Brgy. San Roque, Liloan – just a few hours away from the Mactan Cebu International Airport.
It is an expansive project of the Duros Land Properties in the mountains of the town and the main amenity of the Northship Beacon township project.
Aside from 64 hectares of golf paradise, the developers also plan to include parks, club houses, pools, and other outdoor amenities that are necessary to build a self-sufficient community. It is an 18-hole, Par 72 Championship course.
According to Duros Group Chairman Rafaelito Barino, Duros Groups always ensures that the properties they develop are one-stop destinations that will make life easier for all of its residents. With the development of this project, the economy of Liloan is expected to grow and it also shifts the real estate spotlight onto the town.
Unfortunately, to preserve the verdant backgrounds and maintain its pristine condition, the membership for the golf course isn’t for sale. Only buyers and owners of lots are given a lifetime access to the golf course and the other amenities offered.
On December 6, 2020, the company will be opening a new Mountain Park and Botanical Garden as well as their first Golf Academy and Driving Range.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
MEMBERSHIP
For now, membership to the Liloan Golf Course and usage of other facilities is a privilege only given to those who purchase properties at Duros Land
BY TAXI: Upon arrival at the Mactan Cebu International Airport, hail a taxi cab or book with an app. The estate is just an hour’s drive away from the airport. If hailing a regular taxi cab, assist the driver with Waze or Google Maps to find your way.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Liloan Golf and Leisure Estates” in Liloan. Parking space is available upon arrival.
Emelia Hotel and Resort, a not-so-hidden gem in Medellin, is beckoning Cebuanos to come and visit.
It is a small and humble resort in Brgy. Kawit, Medellin. Although quite a ways away from the metro, the combination of its tranquil atmosphere and refreshing pool makes it a perfect destination for a vacation with friends or family.
The resort has a very welcoming atmosphere with its neatly arranged buildings and well-kept surroundings.
An ample amount of plants and trees is also present all over the resort that just adds to the beauty and cleanliness of the place. The resort entrance is facing a developed road but at the back of the resort are thriving flora that serve as a natural backdrop for the pool which is a testament to the natural beauty of Medellin.
The highlight of this simple sojourn is the enormous swimming pool that can accommodate large groups of people. Just right beside it is a kiddie pool where the kids can safely splash about with other children.
The design of the pool has a hint of playfulness to it that will surely bring the fun side out of everybody. Connecting the pool at two ends is a bridge and at the other tip of it is a water slide that the adults can enjoy.
Adorable nipa huts circle the outside of the pool and it comes in small and large sizes that could accommodate and provide shade to varying group sizes. On the little gardens around the pool area, there are fun human-sized models for cute Insta-worthy shots with your favorite superheroes.
The comfort rooms and shower areas are all spotless and comfortable to use as well. Snacks won’t be a problem as there are food stalls and snack bars inside the resort selling munchables.
The great thing about Emelia Hotel and Resort is its simplicity partnered with well-maintained facilities and a budget that’s light for the pocket. The small size of the resort also makes everything easy and within walking distance of one another. It offers a pleasing experience to its guests with its quality service and truly eases the mind from the stresses of the city.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Entrance fee: ₱150 per adult; ₱50 per child
Picnic Huts: Small – P300; Big – P800
ROOM RATES:
Resort Villa:
Wash up – P500, good for 3hrs
Overnight (good for 2) – P1,200 per night, w/ breakfast
Backpackers:
Overnight (good for 4) – ₱2,500 per night, w/ breakfast
Overnight (good for 3) – ₱1,800 per night, w/ breakfast
Dormitory Type:
Option A – P300 per head, room only
Option B – P375 per head, room and pool use
Option C – P475 per head, room, pool, and breakfast
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, look for one heading to Medelllin/Daanbantayan. Ride it and ask the driver to drop you off at Emelia Resort and Hotel. The resort is on the route of the bus so just tell the driver.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Emelia Hotel and Resort” in Medellin. Parking space is available upon arrival.
Tourists and environmentalists alike will surely love Cebu. Not only does the province offer world-class beaches and waterfalls, but lush green natural and man-made forests as well. Serving as our planet’s lungs, these forests need to be protected and conserved.
Listed below are some of the forests located within Cebu province:
1. Minglanilla’s Man-Made Forest
Considered by DENR as the oldest reforestation project, this 100-year old man-made forest serves as one of Minglanilla’s top tourist attractions.
Also known as the Osmeña Reforestation Project, the Minglanilla Man-made Forest in Campo 7 also serves as a center for the conservation and management of forest ecotourism and production.
This 2,710-hectare forest is filled with mahogany, kamagong, teak, pine, and tindalo trees making a canopy over the roads leading from Manipis to Toledo Landing. Other nearby sites you can explore are the 7 white caves of Minglanilla which is located nearby.
Photo by Arvin Gesto
Photo by Mykill Pedemonte
Photo by Annventurey
Photo by Rachel Dela Cuesta
Entrance fee: None
How to get there?
Exact location: Campo 7, Minglanilla, Southern Cebu — approx. 1 hour away from the city.
There are two (2) routes or options to take:
OPTION 1:
If you’re commuting, from the highway or CIT University or Punta Princesa, take any jeepney or multicab going to Tabunok/Minglanilla/Naga. Ask the driver or conductor first if it will pass by Tabunok. Disembark at Tabunok overpass. P8-15 fare.
From there, walk a little under the overpass near Rose Pharmacy until you see a lot of tricycles and motorbikes / habal-habal. Inform the driver you’re going to Camp 7 Man-made Forest. Fare is P40-50 per person (one-way). Travel time (habal-habal) is approx. 30 minutes.
OPTION 2:
From the South Bus Terminal, ride any bus going to Toledo — fare is ₱40-50 per person. Ask the konduktor to stop over at “Eskina Landing” with the landmarks of Don Andres Soriano National High School. You will automatically see a lot of motorcycle riders/drivers. Ask to the habal-habal drivers to take you to Camp 7 Clonal Nursery Building — fare is ₱30 per person.
If you’re bringing your own vehicle, simply navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Camp 7 Minglanilla”.
2. Medellin’s Bamboo Forest
The town of Medellin is considered as the “sugar bowl” of Cebu. The town has been relying on farming as a source of revenue for years but they have also started to recognize their potential as an economic and industrial zone.
This town is famous for its Funtastic Island in Gibitngil, a fun and adventure-filled getaway experience. But little do people know that Medellin has its own man-made bamboo forest in Brgy. Luy-a that’s worth a visit. Entrance fee is only 10 Pesos!
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, ride any bus or v-hire going to Kawit, Medellin. Bus fare is ₱180 per person, v-hire is ₱170 per person. Land travel is 3-4 hours. Drop off at Medellin town proper. From there, ride a tricycle going to the bamboo forest (only 5 minutes away).
BY CAR: If you opt to bring your car, just navigate with Waze and pin your location to “Bogo-Medellin Milling” in Medellin. From there, ask around that you’re heading to the bamboo forest.
3. Barangay Tuyom, Carcar City
A man-made forest can also be seen in Carcar City. This forest leads to the famous swimming site of Sitio Bantayan. The road is frequented by vehicles going to Bantayan and provides joggers and passersby with a canopied road perfect for some IG-worthy photos.
Photo by Joy B. Munalem
Photo by Joy B. Munalem
Photo by Joy B. Munalem
Entrance fee: None
How to get there?
Exact location: Sitio Bantayan, Barangay Tuyom, Carcar City, Southern Cebu (2 hours away from Cebu City)
By bus: Ride a bus bound for Carcar City at the South Bus Terminal. Fare is around P50. Get off at Carcar’s City Hall. From there, you can ride a habal-habal going to Sitio Bantayan, Barangay Tuyom (15-20 minute-drive).
To someone who fancies everything Cebuano, your 30 Pesos can take you to an unlimited gastronomic Cebuano experience. So, if you have only allotted 30 Pesos for a meal, fret not! Your “Ting-Bits” moment could give you so much more than just a plate, because you’re up for an UNLIMITED TUSLOB-BUWA experience.
Tuslob-Buwa is a Filipino Street Food, especially famous in Cebu. It is a mixture of pig brain, soy sauce and oil. However, if you’re fancy, you can opt to add some liver, ground pork, garlic, onions, and chili for a different experience.
If you’re wondering why it’s called Tuslob-Buwa. It is aptly named as such because it is best paired with Pusó, or Hanging Rice. You dip this in the food mixture and you’re surely in for a flavorful experience.
Exact Location: Sitio Greenside Hipodromo, Cebu (Nearest Land Mark is St. Joseph Chapel).
You can take either 04L or 13C or 21A eepneys from Colon to reach Hipodromo. Drop off at St. Joseph Chapel and it is located at the back.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “St. Joseph Chapel, Greenside St” in Hipodromo, Cebu City. Limited parking space is available.
The paths to mountain views are no easy task but the rewarding scenery that awaits at the end always makes it worth the trip.
Tambayan sa Cang-ara is a relatively fresh mountain view destination nestled deep within Ginatilan, Cebu. Although it requires quite a bit of hiking, it’s not too steep a price to miss checking the place out. The way to the top is filled with interchanging sections of flatlands and slopes with occasional settlements greeting hikers.
There are subtle winds to the road but it’s still a straightforward path that can be traversed without a guide; the locals are always willing to give directions just in case. The destination is close when rows of flags start appearing and at the side, the ocean and a silhouette of Negros Island become visible.
“Tambayan”is a Filipino word that means “a place for hanging out” and Tambayan sa Cang-ara gives exactly that kind of vibe. The actual spot was meant to be like a local and smaller version of the Tops Lookout with the same refreshing mountain air but with a more rustic look.
Photo by Fu Ji Ko
There are vendors selling drinks and snacks on the side near the cell tower and they even equipped the place with a videoke machine that any group of Filipino will undoubtedly use.
More than being just a chill spot, the sides are fringed with adorable props for photoshoots and Insta-worthy snaps – the most prominent one being a pseudo-bird’s-nest hanging on the edge for a more thrilling picture. Additionally, there is a bamboo viewing deck and even a treehouse that both show a promising view of the sea and the verdant mountains.
Fu Ji Ko
Fu Ji Ko
Fu Ji Ko
Fu Ji Ko
Fu Ji Ko
Fu Ji Ko
The place is still under development and there may be more gimmicks coming that will bring out the full potential of the place. For now, they allow overnight stay and camping for those who want to experience the Tambayan on a starry night.
BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City, take a (Ceres) bus bound for Bato via Barili. Tell the conductor to drop you off at Ginatilan and ride a habal-habal (motorcycle) going to “Tambayan sa Cang-Ara”.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Tambayan sa Cang-Ara” in Ginatilan, Cebu. Parking space is available near the registration area and the actual destination can be reached by hiking.
Cebu isn’t just a home of amazing tourist destinations and rich cultural and historical background but also, a home of big brands that have flourished over the years. Some have even gained national and international recognition.
Here’s a list of Cebu homegrown franchise brands that have expanded across key cities in the Philippines. You might want to venture into franchising with these brands soon.
1. Julie’s Bakeshop
First on the list is the ever-famous Julie’s Bakeshop. Who wouldn’t recognize this bakeshop with outlets just sprouting almost everywhere? Their classic breads have been the staple for every household’s merienda’s and breakfast paired with hot coffee.
The first Julie’s Bakeshop opened in Wireless, Mandaue City, Cebu in 1981 by Julie Gandionco who was a canteen concessionaire of a factory in Cebu. It became a hit and so, after several years, it opened its first full franchise branch in Camiguin Island in 1998. Since then, the brand had been actively engaged in franchising endeavors, opening more franchise outlets across the country. To date, Julie’s Bakeshop has more or less 500 stores nationwide.
Contact Number: (032) 261-7117 to 19 local 138 / (0917) 849-6698
Iced coffees, frappes, brewed coffees – these drinks are the trend today. If you go to IT Park, Cebu Business Park, and other known establishment hubs in the city, you will never miss to take a sight of coffee shops swarmed by students, workers and many others who want to take a shot of caffeine.
Bo’s Coffee is already the go-to coffee shop in Cebu long before Starbucks came to the Philippines. It was founded by Steve Benitez in 1996 in Cebu City, Philippines. The company has a total of more than outlets 100 outlets throughout the Philippines and a branch in Qatar. Bo’s Coffee takes pride in their beans that are sourced from local farmers in Sagada, Mt. Katinglad, Mt. Matumtum, and Mt. Apo.
Even until now, Bo’s Coffee has been consistent in keeping up with the trend, making it still the top pick for a study night out, appointment/meeting venue, and for a lax and chill afternoon talk with friends.
Dimsum Break was founded in Cebu in 1996 “to cater to the modern fast-paced lifestyle.” It’s a fast food dim sum concept venture by Harbour City Dimsum House Co., Inc. This Cebu-based company operates three Chinese restaurant outlet brands – Ding Qua Qua, Harbour City, and Dimsum Break.
Accordingly, it came as the company’s response to a mall operator’s desire to cater to late-night customers in bowling alleys and movie cinemas. Now, the Dimsum Break brand has been driving the company’s growth, as it effectively hit the consumers’ fast pace lifestyle and embrace the fast food concept while keeping the authentic dim sum quality. Their 16 branches nationwide have consistently provided customers with mouth-watering and authentic Chinese meals including its original steamed fried rice and rice pots choices.
Today, the competition in fashion retail industry has become a neck-to-neck battle with different clothing brands trying to appeal to the millennials’ taste. Penshoppe has never left the scene without giving us on-trend, affordable, and quality merchandise that complement with everyone’s lifestyle. It has tapped famous international stars as its ambassadors including Kendall Jenner, Lucky Blue Smith, Mauro Maurer and Gigi Hadid.
Penshoppe began as a t-shirt company in 1986 here in Cebu. It’s the flagship brand of Golden ABC Inc., the apparel manufacturing company owned by Bernie Liu. Now, it has expanded and dominated the clothing industry with its 300 stores nationwide and with presence in Indonesia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Bahrain, U.A.E, and Cambodia.
Thirsty? Thirsty Juices and Shakes had been satiating us with their fruit juices and shakes since the 90’s. It started in 1993 as an outlet at the Food Court of the SM City Cebu. Three years after, it was sold to Mr. Bunny Pages and since then, the growth became evident with 150 stores located in 29 cities nationwide.
The brand brags its different fruit drink concoctions that are healthier alternatives for soft drinks and other artificial juices. The shakes are prepared in front of the customers to assure them good quality and freshness.
Filipinos always find time to look for pasalubongs whenever they visit new places. It is in this area where Islands Souvenirs is known for. The brand had provided quality souvenirs that were both practical and creatively designed and are packaged in vibrant shopping environments.
Islands Souvenirs started in Cebu in 1992 by its chief executive Jay Aldeguer. He established the business with an initial capital of P200,000 that he earned from his T-Shirt business in college and some help from his parents. Using cart made from bamboo, Aldeguer began selling the shirts at the White Golden Department Store in Cebu. Gaisano then offered him a space, and by his second year, his sales ballooned to more than 300 percent and is growing at a double-digit pace for the next years.
Now, Islands Souvenirs retail operations have expanded to over a hundred stores in various high-traffic tourist locations in the Philippines.
Hukad is the mall-based brand of Cebu Golden Restaurant Inc. (Golden Cowrie). The brand started from an idea of integrating southern hospitality and authentic native dishes in a modern dining atmosphere. Over the years, the homegrown restaurant that started as a small eatery in 1982 has established itself as an institution for Filipino cuisine in Cebu serving generations of diners.
Its Hukad Cotabato outlet serves a testament to the brand’s commitment to cater the diverse tastes of the regions. It is the first Hukad branch that does not serve pork on its menu, instead highlighting and further developing favourites into non-pork versions, such as the Tofu and Bangus Sisig.
Nope, the letter J doesn’t correspond to Jericho Rosales, the brand’s famous endorser.
The brand was named such because most Filipino families have a ‘J’ in their family (Jose, James, Jesus, Jericho). It started as an eatery (J’s Eatery”) by a man named Jay in Cebu who has already migrated to Canada. When businessmen Lowell Yu and Winglip Chang took over, they started renovating it from the menus to its interior design and eventually, renamed it to “Kuya J”.
Kuya J Restaurant first opened its doors in January 2013 at Escario, Cebu City, and served delicious, home-cooked Filipino dishes with a unique touch. Since then, it has grown to become a nationally recognized brand offering favorite Filipino food that has affordable prices, great taste, and excellent service. It is also currently one of the fastest growing restaurants in the Philippines with 100+ stores nationwide.
Body & Sole Spa opened its first branch last May 15, 2003 in Raintree Mall along F. Ramos Street in Cebu City. It’s a 50 square meter urban spa at the heart of Metro Cebu.
Johnie Calamba Lim, its founder, said that it was established to make spa services accessible and affordable to mainstream consumers. That time, spa was only considered as an extravagant service, or plain vanity, that was not appealing to budget-conscious consumers.
Over time, the brand opened more and more outlets in many cities across the country and became the top urban spa destination for families and friends.
In an effort to meet the demand for affordable, high-quality facial beauty and body sculpting services in the island province, twins Jennifer and Jasmin Weigel-Sarmiento jumpstarted Beauty and Beyond in August 2012.
In 2014, it opened its doors for franchising, giving the brand greater chances for nationwide growth. The company has been awarded multiple times for providing top-quality maintenance only, non-invasive slimming and facial services at affordable prices.
In times when there are thousands of people losing their jobs, being able to create one is a blessing. Our entrepreneurial skills coupled with passion, resourcefulness and creativity will surely take these Cebu homegrown franchise brands to the next level.
