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 March 3, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 426 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 261 new recoveries, and 14 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 37,105, while the active cases increased to 6,179 (from 6,025).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 17,991 (+159 new) – Total recoveries: 14,024 (+92 new) – Total deaths: 753 (+6 new) – Active cases: 3,214
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 4,333 (+65 new) – Total recoveries: 3,327 (+30 new) – Total deaths: 124 (+1 new) – Active cases: 882
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 4,327 (+64 new) – Total recoveries: 3,234 (+36 new) – Total deaths: 185 (+0 new) – Active cases: 908
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 10,454 (+138 new) – Total recoveries: 8,803 (+103 new) – Total deaths: 476 (+7 new) – Active cases: 1,175
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 6,179
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 37,105 (+426 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 29,388 (+261 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,538 (+14 new*)
A total of 3,681 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.
If you think you have already witnessed the best of Cebu, think again. There’s a Cebuano who is currently enjoying the limelight for bringing pride not only for Cebu, but for the entire country in the field of Rubik’s Cube solving.
He is so good in this craft that he can solve a Rubik’s cube puzzle before you can even finish reading this sentence.
He is Leo Borromeo, 10, who hails from Cebu and is the first Filipino to solve a Rubik’s cube in under six seconds in a competition in 2017. He continuously breaks records after defeating two older and top speedcubers – Tymon Kolasiński of Poland (the number one speedcuber in Europe) and Feliks Zemdegs (the current world’s greatest speedcuber) – in recent unofficial online speed cubing competitions.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND TRACK RECORD
To date, Leo has attended 26 WCA competitions. He currently ranks 10th in the world for 3×3 average (6.31 seconds) and 15th in the world for 3×3 OH average (11.01 seconds). Braving the time zone difference from the opposite side of the world, Leo is a two-time winner of Cubing at Home, a large ultra-competitive online speedcubing event series.
Photo by John Cañares
He began cubing in the Cebu Open 2015. He finished 28th in the competition, didn’t going past the first round. Two years after, he paved his way to the top and won the Cebu Open 2017, sealing it with a 7.83 single and 9.47 average.
His unforgettable competition, he said, was the 2018 Asian Championship held in Taipei, Taiwan where he was runner-up and beat Zemdegs in a 3x3x3 event.
#AsianChampionships2018 in Taipei, Taiwan#AsianChampionships2018 in Taipei, Taiwan
In 2019, he competed in World Championships in Melbourne, Australia. Based on his current records in World Cubing Association, his fastest solve was 5.12 seconds and his fastest average is 6.31 seconds.
HOW DID THE INTEREST START?
Too much on the plate for a 10-year old, right?
Leo thinks cubing is fun and he likes the competitive aspect of it. He said he developed his interest in the said game after he watched a video of Zemdegs doing it in December 2014. At the age of 7, he started to self-learn and applied the techniques and steps he learned online since no one in his family is into this mental game.
His mom thought he could get into cubing since he was decent at building stuff with Legos.
LIFE OUTSIDE SPEEDCUBING
While it’s true that Leo has been so engrossed with Rubik’s cubing, he is still able to strike a good life-school-speedcubing balance.
He currently excels in his academics and in fact, is a math varsity at his school. Also, he considers football as his favorite sport and plays it whenever he can. The kid is also an avid fan of rock and metal bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, Metallica and Pantera among others.
He also plays guitar. Some of his favorite guitarists are Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Paul Gilbert, Jason Becker, and Nuno Bettencourt.
FUTURE PLANS
Three years from now, Leo said he hopes to still be cubing and to have a couple more records. He aims to improve his standings by joining official WCA competition after this pandemic end.
In a day, he usually does around 400 solves of 3×3, 4×4, and 5×5. His goals for his next competition are a sub 6 3×3 average, a sub 5 3×3 single, a sub 20 4×4 single, a sub 26 4×4 average, and more.
“I tried to do my assignments first. Whenever, I have a time to break, I practice. Because of school, about two hours,” he added.
Because of the current pandemic, the live and in-person events of the WCA have been put on hold. However, some cubing vloggers such as the “LazerOMonkey” organized events like the Monkey League, which are done online.
WHAT IS SPEEDCUBING?
Speedcubing is an event or competition for persons who can competitively solve Rubik’s Cube, a 3D combination puzzle first invented in 1974.
For most of us, it only takes a genius to solve the cube in seconds. But Leo has a different take.
He doesn’t think intelligence plays a factor in speedcubing and that it is just a matter of constant practice. He further added that one can’t be a world-renowned speedcuber immediately as it is a process and that one needs to practice.
He also doesn’t think that a competitive mindset is necessary, but it definitely makes cubing more enjoyable – to challenge yourself against other cubers.
Cubing has also been the source of friendship for a lot of people including Leo. He confessed that most of the friends he has made from competitions are mostly Cebu speedcubers. There are also from Manila and some international top cubers like Tymon and Feliks.
At a young age, Leo Borromeo has already achieved a lot in the field of speedcubing and he certainly has a bright future ahead of him. Few years from now, we shouldn’t be surprised anymore if this kid is already rubbing elbows with the best of the best. He deserves the spotlight he’s on right now and he can prove it to us – in seconds.
Your next visit to Oslob might just give you the extra kick you need.
Few minutes away from the well-known whale shark spot in town is a resort that treats you with both the refreshing vibes in a beach stay and the adventure thrills you get when canyoneering, mountain-trekking or diving.
Photo from Seafari Resort Facebook Page
Seafari Resort is an adventure resort tucked in a breathtaking cliff area in Brgy. Tanawan, Oslob. It prides itself for the luxurious and tranquil atmosphere its guests enjoy during the stay. Here you will find their swimming pools, air-conditioned rooms, studios and apartments with sea view which caters comfort and relaxation.
The catch? You need to traverse more than 200 steps down the cliff to access these amenities.
Photo from Seafari Resort Facebook PagePhoto from Seafari Resort Facebook PagePhoto from Seafari Resort Facebook PagePhoto from Seafari Resort Facebook PagePhoto from Seafari Resort Facebook PagePhoto from Seafari Resort Facebook PagePhoto from Seafari Resort Facebook PagePhoto from Seafari Resort Facebook PagePhoto from Seafari Resort Facebook Page
For some gastronomic adventure, you can enjoy the tasty dishes served at their in-house restaurant. They serve international food for breakfast, lunch and dinner at very affordable prices. Their chilled drinks and cocktails at their bar are must-tries too. Chillin’ by the poolside with the heavenly view of the sea becomes more rewarding with a sip of your favorite beer.
Photo from Seafari Resort Facebook Page
Aside from overnight stays, the resort also accepts long-term apartment rentals, from 3 – 6 – 12 months and more, all-inclusive for safe and healthy living, resort life at the beach and nature.
The best part of booking an accommodation at Seafari Resort is that they can arrange exciting excursion activities at reasonable prices so that you can enjoy the different top-rated tourist destinations in the southern parts of Cebu.
EXCITING EXCURSION ACTIVITIES
The place, being just a stone throw away from many must-visit spots in the south, also offers exciting day tour packages to these places. Check them out:
Diving (Whale Shark Area/Sumilon Island) – Seafari Resort can arrange this activity for your convenience so you can enjoy snorkeling under the waters of Sumilon Island and Oslob Whale Shark Area that are teeming with abundant marine biodiversity.
Photo by @xkflyaway via IG
Whale Shark Encounter – Whale shark watching in Cebu started last September 2011 and it became popular all over the world when the news hit in the internet last November 2011. Don’t miss to be fascinated with the friendly creatures of the sea as you enjoy watching and swimming with the friendly whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu.
Oslob Whale Shark Watching
Sumilon Island – Sumilon is a 24-hectare island located in the southeastern tip of Cebu that is a favorite spot for diving enthusiasts because of its marine flora and fauna species. Its white sand beaches are a venue for all beach sports and activities. It was declared a fish sanctuary in 1974 by the initiative of Silliman University Marine Reserve.
Photo by @thomito12
Tumalog Falls – Another must-see and recently discovered place in Oslob is the exceptional beauty of Tumalog Falls. The falls have mini-umbrellas that create fine strands of cold, fresh water cascading on a rough mossy wall.
Photo by @sandywadingan via IG
Oslob-Boljoon Tour – Oslob-Boljoon Tour caters the round-trip transfer from the resort to places where most of the tourists love to visit aside from whale watching. This tour includes going to Oslob’s known Baluarte, Oslob Cuartel Heritage Park, Oslob Parish Church, Museo Oslob, Boljoon’s Eli Rock and Boljoon’s Church.
Photo by Besilda PaulaPhoto by Roxette AbellaPhoto by GL Wu
Photo by Miguel BunaPhoto by ED MarPhoto by Ronex D Bonex
Aguinid Falls – Aguinid Falls is unique because it is not a single waterfall. Rather, it is a system of waterfalls that runs for a couple of kilometers along Tangbo River. Since it was promoted as an eco-tourism destination, locals and foreigners have witnessed this one-of-a-kind, multi-tiered waterfall system.
Photo by Liliosa Nilooban
Osmeña Peak – Osmeña Peak, the highest mountain in Cebu is a cluster of green jagged hills like a deformed twin of Chocolate Hills of Bohol hugging the shorelines of Badian. It is nestled in a serene town with low temperatures dotted with pine trees.
Photo by Joevercon Dugos
Kandungaw Peak/Strawberry Farm – Sergio’s Farm brings strawberries closer to Cebuanos. It is a farm with a goal to promote the cultivation among local farmers and consumption by Cebuanos of naturally-grown vegetables and fruits without the synthetic chemicals and fertilizers.
Kandungaw Peak
Kawasan Falls – Kawasan Falls is a three-layered waterfall system located at Barangay Matutinao. The water is fresh and crystal clear. The magical landscape of Kawasan Falls is very cool and refreshing – an ideal paradise to anyone who loves and want to get intimate with nature.
Kawasan Falls
Canyoneering Cebu – Canyoneering or Canyoning is the term used for traveling in canyons using a variety of techniques that may include other outdoor activities such as walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, rappelling, and swimming.
Miraculous Shrine of Simala – Sacred and downright beautiful, the Simala Shrine is a splendid monastery with a medieval castle-like architecture. Known as a miraculous church, Simala Shrine is usually flocked with pilgrims who would pray and show their devotions to Mother Mary.
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 March 2, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 325 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 364 new recoveries, and 11 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 36,680, while the active cases decreased to 6,025 (from 6,074).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 17,832 (+151 new) – Total recoveries: 13,934 (+25 new) – Total deaths: 747 (+9 new) – Active cases: 3,151
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 4,268 (+41 new) – Total recoveries: 3,297 (+78 new) – Total deaths: 123 (+0 new) – Active cases: 848
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 4,264 (+89 new) – Total recoveries: 3,199 (+50 new) – Total deaths: 185 (+0 new) – Active cases: 880
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 10,316 (+44 new) – Total recoveries: 8,701 (+211 new) – Total deaths: 469 (+2 new) – Active cases: 1,146
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 6,025
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 36,680 (+325 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 29,131 (+364 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,524 (+11 new*)
A total of 2,844 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.
Mother nature has certainly blessed Cebu with its abundance of beautiful natural beaches and white sands. And it seems like it doesn’t just end there for with the rise of these attractions so does all the water activities that you can enjoy.
Skimboarding, also known as Skimming, can now be experienced in Asturias, Cebu. Located in Power Beach, this board sport is much similar to surfing only that this sport starts on the beach riding the thin waves using their momentum.
Photo from James Badili | Juan Victor Ilustrisimo | Jep Signe
Using a skimboard, which is much smaller than a surfboard and has no fins, they glide on the water’s surface while meeting an incoming breaking wave then ride it back to shore until it fades away.
Although there are injuries or bruises that comes with the sport, if the waters is calm and only produces small waves, there will be none of that and drowning is also nearly impossible because the sport is done in shallow waters.
Nevertheless, we should always be careful in every activity and we should all enjoy the sport safely.
Photo from James Badili | Juan Victor Ilustrisimo | Jep SignePhoto from James Badili | Juan Victor Ilustrisimo | Jep SignePhoto from James Badili | Juan Victor Ilustrisimo | Jep SignePhoto from James Badili | Juan Victor Ilustrisimo | Jep Signe
Note: As policies frequently change due to the ongoing pandemic, it’s best to contact first the LGU’s Tourism Department prior to your visit.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES:
Entrance Fee: P20 per head
Skimboard Rental: P100 for 1 hour
Other Information:
Opening hours: 8AM to 5PM daily
Asturias Tourism LGU: 0923-160-7074
Email address: N/A
Facebook Page: N/A
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Power Beach, Tangad, Poblacion, Asturias, Northwestern Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from Cebu City.
BY VHIRE (via Transcentral Highway): Take a V-hire from the Ayala terminal and drop off at either the Asturias Municipal Hall or Asturias Central Elementary School. From there, ride a habal-habal (motorbike) going to Power Beach.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Power Beach” in Poblacion, Asturias.
Get your good vibes on and have a blast in the tropical sceneries of Virgin Beach Resort.
Photo from Virgin Beach Resort Facebook Page
Virgin Beach Resort is a “funtastic” holiday destination with a variety of relaxing and exciting activities for the guests. It has been around for 25 years so rest assured, Virgin Beach Resort knows how to please its guests.
Despite its age, the resort maintains its youthful look and regularly updates its facilities to keep up with the times but the rooms still possess a bit of the charms of the past which is relaxing in its own way.
Photo from Virgin Beach Resort Facebook PagePhoto from Virgin Beach Resort Facebook Page
Looking at the resort from the outside, one wouldn’t imagine how long it has been standing because of the abundance of plants giving life to the resort and the visually pleasing blue-and-white motif that just makes everything stand out.
RESORT FACILITIES
At 25 years old, Virgin Beach Resort stands as one of the oldest beach resorts in Cebu yet despite its age, it continues to attract people to its serene atmosphere. Over the years, it has grown so big that it already has a good number of facilities that it would take more than a day to fully experience all of them.
The current facilities of the resort are:
Basketball, Volleyball, and Tennis Courts
Table Tennis
Billiard Tables
Restaurant and Bar
Business Center
Conference Rooms
Photo from Virgin Beach Resort Facebook PagePhoto from Virgin Beach Resort Facebook PagePhoto from Virgin Beach Resort Facebook Page
With a resort this big, it is guaranteed to also have a large number of activities which guests would surely enjoy. There are activities that provide the needed rush to adrenaline junkies such as a variety of indoor sports and water activities.
At the same time, there are also other slow-paced activities that would be perfect for those with wanderlust such as:
horseback riding,
scooter riding,
scuba diving,
snorkeling,
island hopping
Photo from Virgin Beach Resort Facebook PagePhoto from Virgin Beach Resort Facebook Page
Aside from a myriad of facilities, there are also multiple choices when it comes to rooms and accommodations which are located in different areas of the resort. Due to their different location, they also have different views but peace and comfort serves as their common denominator.
They even have weekly and monthly rates to encourage the guests to stay longer and fully experience all the resort has to offer.
Small Deluxe Duplex CottageSuperior RoomLarge Deluxe RoomBarkada Lodge
Virgin Beach Resort, with its age and the experience that comes with its years, has perpetually evolved to be able to continuously provide the perfect holiday vacation to every guest that steps foot in their tropical village.
Photo from Virgin Beach Resort Facebook Page
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
ROOM RATES:
Orchid Family Duplex Cottage Room, good for 8 persons
Overnight: P5,000 per night
Weekly: P4,000 per night
Monthly: P3,000 per night
Orchid Deluxe Large Duplex Cottage Suites, good for 4-6 persons
Overnight: P4,000 per night
Weekly: P3,000 per night
Monthly: P2,000 per night
Orchid Deluxe Small Duplex Cottage Suites, good for 2 persons
BY BUS: Find your way to the Cebu North Bus Terminal. From there, take any bus that’s bound for “Daanbantayan” or “Maya via Bagay”. Inform the driver of your destination and he will drop you off near Malbago Elementary School’s waiting shed. Contact the resort beforehand and avail of their pickup service.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Virgin Beach Resort” in Malbago, Daanbantayan. Be sure to inform the resort beforehand of your arrival date. Parking space is available upon arrival.
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 March 1, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 330 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 291 new recoveries, and 10 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 36,355, while the active cases decreased to 6,074 (from 6,045).
Cebu’s recovery rate is now at 79.05%.
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 17,692 (+160 new) – Total recoveries: 13,911 (+84 new) – Total deaths: 738 (+9 new) – Active cases: 3,043
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 4,228 (+59 new) – Total recoveries: 3,220 (+20 new) – Total deaths: 123 (+0 new) – Active cases: 885
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 4,171 (+49 new) – Total recoveries: 3,149 (+31 new) – Total deaths: 185 (+0 new) – Active cases: 837
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 10,264 (+62 new) – Total recoveries: 8,488 (+156 new) – Total deaths: 467 (+1 new) – Active cases: 1,309
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 6,074
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 36,355 (+330 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 28,768 (+291 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,513 (+10 new*)
A total of 2,168 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.
Your paragliding dreams will finally come true, and you don’t have to travel so far away to experience it. Because Paragliding is finally in Cebu!
If you are not yet ready to try Skydiving in Cebu and spend ₱19,000 just yet, this is the best alternative you have for now. It is fun, exhilarating, and should definitely be included in your bucket list!
Take sightseeing on a whole new level with this amazing paragliding tour. Soar through the air and get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Cebu. A rewarding and unforgettable view is waiting during a tandem paragliding flight.
Paragliding in Cebu is available all-year round, but mostly during weekends and holidays. It will be based on reservations or bookings only. Read on to know everything about Paragliding in the town of Oslob, where you can also experience Swimming with the Whale Sharks and many more.
Paragliding is the recreational and competitive adventure sport of flying paragliders: lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft with no rigid primary structure.
The pilot sits in a harness suspended below a fabric wing. Wing shape is maintained by the suspension lines, the pressure of air entering vents in the front of the wing, and the aerodynamic forces of the air flowing over the outside.
Photo by Kris Tin
Photo by Kris Tin
Photo by Kris Tin
Photo by Kris Tin
Photo by Kris Tin
Photo by Kris Tin
How much does it really cost?
Regular rate: ₱3,500 per head
Promo rate: ₱3,000 per head (Until March 6, 2021 Only)
Inclusions: Good for 10-15 minutes (inclusive of site fee and retrieval).
Exact location: Daanglungsod, Oslob, Cebu — 3-4 hours away from Cebu City, 5-6 hours from Mactan Airport.
BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal (near Emall), ride a Ceres bus going to Oslob. Tell the driver to drop you off at 7-Eleven in Oslob. From there, ride a habal-habal (motorbike) going to the Paragliding (about 300-500 meters away).
BY CAR: Just navigate with Waze or Google Maps, and set your destination to “7-Evelen Oslob”. From there, ask around where you can find the Paragliding (about 300-500 meters away from 7-Eleven). Parking space is available. If you are looking for car rentals, book with our travel partner SquadPH Tours and Travels.
The recent talk made by some Philippine government officials and SpaceX’s (Space Exploration Technologies, Corp.) representative last December 8, 2020 made the launching of Starlink in the country a possibility in the future.
This is not just extremely exciting but also, given the current pandemic situation, timely and relevant to the country.
In a virtual conference, SpaceX’s Vice President for Satellite Government Affairs Patricia Cooper and Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III discussed the satellite broadband project and the possibility of including the Philippines among its service areas.
During the online meeting, Cooper mentioned the third quarter of 2021 as the possible rollout period of Starlink in the Philippines.
The SpaceX representative further stressed out that the country will benefit immensely from Starlink’s low latency and reliable internet which can make possible the following value-added services especially during the current pandemic: effective contact tracing and quarantine monitoring; online education and remote learning, enhanced security, emergency and disaster preparedness, and more accessible government services.
WHAT IS STARLINK?
Starlink is a communication satellite network operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, currently limited in some parts of the United States and Canada. It consists of thousands of small satellites deployed in low Earth orbit and works in combination with ground transceivers.
Mockup of satellite over Pyongyang from Space X
Product development started in 2015. Two test-flight satellites were launched in February 2018. Then in May 2019, Starlink deployed 60 operational satellites. The company was launching up to 60 satellites at a time since then, and as of February 4, 2021, it launched a total of 1,085 satellites. Its goal is to deploy 1,440 satellites to provide near-global service by late 2021 or 2022.
Starlink is now delivering initial beta service both domestically and internationally. During beta, users can expect to see data speeds vary from 50Mb/s to 150Mb/s and latency from 20ms to 40ms in most locations over the next several months as we enhance the Starlink system. There will also be brief periods of no connectivity at all.
Starlink customers receive internet communication from the satellites orbiting Earth via a phased-array dish antenna and Wi-Fi router device. Additionally, SpaceX plans to build hundreds of ‘Starlink Gateways’ which are ground stations that will offer a more stable connection to its customers.
The field of view is important for Starlink setup. It would look like a single beam between the Starlink satellite and the Starlink. As the satellite moves, the beam also moves, and if an object obstructs the field of view like buildings or trees, the internet service will be interrupted. Heavy rain or wind can also affect Starlink’s connection.
Another important thing to take note about Starlink is that you cannot travel with it or move it to a different address. The location where you initially set up Starlink is referred as a cell. Starlink satellites are scheduled to send internet down to these cells. This is constrained by geometry and is not arbitrary geofencing.
STARLINK: A NEW ALTERNATIVE FOR THE COUNTRY’S INTERNET ACCESS DILEMMA
Pimentel said Starlink’s broadband service would ensure that unserved and underserved rural communities in the Philippines will be given access points to the internet. “In this new normal, Filipinos deserve nothing but the full benefits of digitization as a constitutional right,” he emphasized at the Upper House’s plenary session.
He also highlighted the importance of improving broadband connectivity in the country. He hopes that the Philippines will be one of the first countries in Southeast Asia to be covered by the Starlink satellite internet, which has already been launched in North America and the United Kingdom.
Starlink Kit
In a press conference, Senator Grace Poe expressed her enthusiasm about the prospect of Starlink becoming a new player in the country’s telecommunications industry. She noted that the costs of SpaceX’s internet services provider would initially be much higher than existing market rates but would become more affordable over time.
As of writing, Starlink costs USD 99/month. The hardware costs USD 499, then shipping and handling of USD 50, plus taxes. Orders will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis and could take 2-4 weeks or more, depending on where you are in the ordering queue.
According to a study released by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), bad Internet connection is a pressing problem in the country alongside poverty and corruption. And with COVID-19, a meaningful internet connection is now a prerequisite to be “productive.” The absence of a meaningful internet connection, especially in unserved and underserved communities, means many workers, learners, and citizens will be excluded and left behind.
Bantayan Island has always amazed everyone with its sheer natural wonders and refreshing island adventures. Somewhere within this haven lies a strip of beauty that makes your Bantayan retreat worth your time and effort.
Photo by @didotiiii via Instagram
Paradise Beach in Santa Fe, Cebu is one of the must-visit beach destinations in Bantayan Island. For a 50-pesos entrance fee, you get to enjoy a day of dipping and scampering around this part of the island that boasts pristine clear waters and fine white sand without spending too much.
Photo by Leo Alexander Suganob
To say that this beach is beautiful is an outright understatement of how it pleased the eyes and the overall feels of everyone who had been here already. This beach is a paradise, to say the least. Its turquoise water shimmers with the sunlight and it is relatively calmer compared to the other beaches in the island.
For those who want a place to enjoy without being with a heavy crowd, this place is right for you. Paradise Beach is situated in a secluded spot down south of Bantayan, and the trail that leads to this beach requires you to trek for around 15 minutes. The trail isn’t difficult though, but it can be very slippery, especially if it rains on a day before your visit.
Photo by Elona BaePhoto by Elona Bae
There’s nothing else that you can do in the area other than swimming, enjoying beach activities, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Bear in mind too that there are only limited wooden beach umbrellas here that are of first come first serve basis, hence be prepared for the extra heat of the sun kissing your skin.
While there aren’t any buildings or restaurants around, Paradise Beach is still a great place to have a picnic with your family and friends. Just bring your own food and refreshments.
Accordingly, this beach is owned by the same proprietors of Sta. Fe Beach Club and Ogtong Cave Resort. A proper road leading to the beach isn’t available and this prevented the building of another resort in the location.
Photo by Elona BaePhoto by Elona Bae
Surely, a day of getting around and enjoying Bantayan is going to drain you. End it by dipping into the waters of Paradise Beach. It will never disappoint you. Trust me.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Entrance fee: P50 (adults), P25 (kids)
Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM daily
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, Northern Cebu — approx. 4-5 hours away from Cebu City with a ferry ride
BY TRICYCLE/BIKES/SCOOTERS/PUMPBOATS: You can reach the place via a tricycle ride from Santa Fe town proper. The ride is about 20 minutes. The trike will then drop you off at a trail on the side of the road that leads to the beach. Another 10-15 minutes of trekking is required before you finally reach Paradise Beach.
Alternatively, you can also get to Paradise Beach via a pump boat. This is a better option for those groups who are carrying a lot of things like drinks in a cooler and when taking small children along. The boat will drop you off right at the beach.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Paradise Beach” in Santa Fe, Bantayan. Parking space is available.
