Valentine’s Day may have passed, but love is still in the air. Why not? You can always make every day as Valentine’s Day, right?
It is never too late to show your love and affection for you significant other. You can still surprise him/her. Are you still on the lookout for places to dine and chill that won’t hurt your pocket? We got you covered!
Spend an unforgettable day at The TreeHouse. With good food, romantic ambiance, and a live band, you surely can never go wrong.
The Treehouse by Manna Grill in Medellin is the newest food haven in the North. Relive that childhood dream of having your own treehouse while feasting over a gastronomic experience with your significant other, or just yourself.
So, if you’ve failed to celebrate a romantic evening on February 14, it’s not yet too late to hatch up a dinner date. Sweep your significant other off their feet and treat them without breaking your bank. After all, showing your love doesn’t have to be expensive. It just has to be true.
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, ride any bus or v-hire going to Antipolo, Medellin. Bus fare is P180 per person, v-hire is P170 per person. Land travel is 3-4 hours. Ask to be dropped off at the town proper. Once in town, you may hail a tricycle on your way to Balay Kahayag Compound.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Balay Kahayag Inc.” in Medellin. Parking space is available.
BDO clients can now make card-less, QR Code-based withdrawals from select BDO ATMs.
BDO clients can enjoy faster and more convenient transactions, and most importantly, limit the risk of catching COVID-19 since they will touch the ATM surface a lot less.
The new service, he added, will benefit those who are encouraged to stay home for their health and safety.
How to do QR Code withdrawals
To generate a QR Code, login your BDO Digital Banking App. Click on “More” from the options. Select “Withdraw” then “Via QR.” Pick the account, input the amount, and save the QR Code.
Each QR Code is unique to each withdrawal transaction. It is valid for only 24 hours upon generation to protect your account. BDO clarifies though that a Withdrawal QR Code is different from the Account QR Code used to Send Money.
To withdraw, tap “QR Code Transaction” on the ATM screen and allow the machine to scan your QR Code. Pick if you would like a receipt or not, then wait for the machine to dispense your cash.
Currently, there are over 100 QR-enabled ATMs in Makati City. This year, the bank is looking at installing more of these upgraded machines nationwide.
Transcentral Highway is the gateway to reach the deepest, and arguably the best, parts of Cebu Island. It has provided access to both locals and tourists to be able to fully experience all that Cebu has to offer to them. Due to the various benefits that the Transcentral Highway offers to everyone, it is regarded as one of the most revolutionary transportation innovations Cebu has ever made. Through this mountain highway, land trips to a lot of places in Cebu’s central and northwestern parts are faster and easier.
Aside from an efficient travel option, the Transcentral Highway has one of the best mountainside views that travelers can testify to. Long and quiet drives become bearable with the various sights that motorists and drivers will pass through. As a result of the highway attracting many motorists, travelers, and drivers to the tranquil road, many have taken advantage of the charming views which has given travelers to pass by it more often.
Here are 6 new and famous hangout spots with charming views that are worth the long drives.
1. Charlie’s Cup
Charlie’s Cup is a roadside nature cafe hanging by the cliffs of Balamban. It perfectly combines the elements of wood, metal, and glass to give it a refreshing and charming look that makes it blend well with its natural backgrounds.
Have a cup of coffee and experience the simple and rustic vibe that is both pleasant and comforting to the soul. More than just being a chill tambayan, Charlie’s Cup welcomes with wide and open arms fur parents who want to take their fur babies on a trip with them.
Photo by Aligato John Ray of The Island NomadPhoto by Aligato John Ray of The Island NomadPhoto by Aligato John Ray of The Island NomadPhoto by Aligato John Ray of The Island NomadPhoto by Aligato John Ray of The Island Nomad
Exact location: Brgy. Tabunan, Cebu City — just before the “Welcome to Balamban” sign, approx. 1 hour away from the city. It is located along the highway going to Balamban and just a few meters from “21 Kilometers Coffee”.
BY VHIRE: From the Ayala Center Cebu PUV Terminal, take a v-hire going to Balamban. Tell the driver to drop you off at Charlie’s Cup in Brgy. Tabunan. Van fare is around P120 per head (one-way).
2. The Grove by Serenity
A quarantine project of the Tan family that turned into a trendy spot for nature lovers, The Grove is an enchanting Bamboo Park decorated with dazzling lights that complement the relaxing atmosphere which makes the night more magical.
Get ready to experience the magic of the mountains as the sun sets and lights in The Grove start to dance with the swaying bamboos.
MENU:
RATES:
Entrance fee: P200 per person (P100 is consumable for food and drinks)
Movie Nights (Mon – Wed): P250 per person, with buttered popcorn
Exact location: Sitio Tiguib, Brgy. Malubog, Busay, Cebu — approx. 20-30 minutes away from the main road.
BY CAR: (Best option) Parking space available. Just search for ‘The Grove by Serenity’ in Cebu Transcentral Highway via Waze or Google Maps.
3. Liel’s Kitchen
Dine outdoors and chill at a restaurant where you can literally hang on a net suspended above the mountains.
Another charming hangout spot by Serenity Farm and Resort, Liel’s Kitchen offers a variety of modern Japanese dishes with a unique way to experience its flavors. As you partake in the refreshing flavors of Japanese cuisine, you can also treat yourself with the panoramic views of the mountains in front and below you.
Photo by Chaste Egay-San Pablo
Photo by Chaste Egay-San Pablo
MENU:
OTHER INFORMATION:
Entrance fee: P100 per head (consumable for food and drinks)
Exact location: Within Liel’s Kitchen by Serenity Farm and Resort, Malubog Busay, Cebu (along Transcentral Highway) — approx. 30 minutes away from the city proper or JY Square Mall.
BY CAR: (Best option) Parking space available. Just search for ‘Serenity Farm and Resort’ in Cebu Transcentral Highway via Waze or Google Maps.
4. Chixboy Busay
It’s an undeniable fact that Cebuanos love to eat and Cebuanos are one of those who dominate the food scene in the country. From tasty kwek-kweks on the streetside to fancy dining in restaurants, the Cebuano palate is ready to take in anything that stimulates the taste buds.
For an al fresco dining experience, Chixboy in Busay offers a barbecue dining experience to its customers. Experience eating your barbecue favorites in the presence of stunning views and refreshing backgrounds. There’s no better way to feed a hungry stomach and a soul longing for a relaxing time.
Exact Location: Busay, Cebu City (near Temple of Leah) — 15-20 minutes away from JY Square or the main road
BY HABAL-HABAL: Ride a motorbike (max of 2 persons per bike), near or surrounding from JY Square Mall in Lahug. It would cost only P100 per head per way – P150 for 2 people. You may need to pay more and schedule ahead if you want a ride back from the city. Inform the driver to drop you off at the new Chixboy Restaurant (few meters away from Temple of Leah, or show him the map below).
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps, and search for “Chixboy” in Busay. Parking space is available. This is the best option, if you want to have peace of mind and not worry about your way back home. The road is concrete and well-maintained, but a bit steep so it’s safe to bring your own car.
5. EVO Nature Camp
Nature-lovers will find themselves falling deeper in love with the many wonders of Cebu as they connect and bask themselves in the rejuvenating energy of nature in EVO Nature Camp.
It is a 4.5 hectare adventure camp found in the refreshing lands of the municipality of Balamban. Explore and immerse yourself in the calming beauty of 40,000 bright and vibrant flowering plants and 2,509 pine trees, giant ferns, and mountains of green.
MENU:
RATES:
Entrance fee: P75 per head (with Environmental Fee); FREE for kids 5 years old and below
Includes free use of Board Games: sungka, chessboard, jenga, snake and ladder, etc.
Use of Gazebo: P100 per hour (includes use of hammocks)
Camping:
Own tent: P300 per head
Tent rental: P300 (for 2 pax); P500 (for 4pax); P700 (for 6pax) — rental comes with inflatable beds
Note: Bring your own beddings
Corkage fee applies for food brought
Trekking: P2,500 (for 1-5 pax); P500/excess
Glamping:
Glamping tents are fully air-conditioned and furnished like hotel rooms.
Weekdays: P4,000 per night, good for 4pax with breakfast
Weekends: P5,000 per night, good for 4pax with breakfast
Exact location: Brgy. Gaas, Balamban, Cebu – few meters before Adventure Cafe; approx. 1 hour drive away from JY Square Mall or Marco Polo via the scenic Transcentral Highway.
BY VAN: From the Ayala Center Terminal, take a v-hire going to Balamban via Transcentral highway route. Fare is ₱120 per person (one-way). Inform the driver to drop you off at EVO Nature Camp in Brgy. Gaas.
BY CAR: Parking space available. Just search for “EVO Nature Camp” in Gaas Balamban via Waze or Google Maps.
RENT A CAR / TOUR: Avail an Uphill Cebu Package Tour (9 Destinations in 1 Day) for only P999 at SquadPH Tours and Travels.
6. Happy Buddha
Cebuanos love dimsum. Cebuanos also love refreshing mountain views. In Happy Buddha, Cebuanos get the best of both worlds with their tasty Dimsum dishes. There’s no better way to experience the mountains of Busay than by having a warm bowl of Dimsum and a refreshing breeze from the mountains.
Exact location: Cantipla, Cebu Transcentral Highway, Busay, Cebu City — approx. 1 hour away from the main road.
BY VAN: From the PUV terminal at Ayala Center Cebu, take a VHire to Balamban. Tell the driver to drop you off at Happy Buddha in Cantipla (near the Strawberry Farm Cantipla). Van fare is ₱120 per head.
BY CAR: If you’re bringing your own vehicle, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your location to “Unplug” in Transcentral Highway. Hailing a cab or Grab is not possible, unless you rent a car.
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 February 15, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 166 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 557 new recoveries, and no new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 30,752, while the active cases dropped to 4,751 (from 5,141).
Cebu’s recovery rate is now at 79.85%.
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 14,925 (+103 new) – Total recoveries: 11,610 (+496 new) – Total deaths: 714 (+0 new) – Active cases: 2,601
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 3,403 (+6 new) – Total recoveries: 2,870 (+32 new) – Total deaths: 115 (+0 new) – Active cases: 418
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 3,532 (+36 new) – Total recoveries: 2,717 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 177 (+0 new) – Active cases: 638
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 8,892 (+21 new) – Total recoveries: 7,360 (+29 new) – Total deaths: 438 (+0 new) – Active cases: 1,094
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 4,751
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 30,752 (+166 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 24,557 (+557 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,444 (+0 new*)
A total of 942 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.
While traveling abroad has been place on a hault due to the pandemic, Ichiran, a famous Japanese-brand for food, has given us means to grab a bite within the comforts of our homes.
After 20 years of developing what seems to be one of the most convenient comfort food during the pandemic, Ichiran has finally launched their newest instant cup ramen. Yes, you need not to go to Japan to flock for their famous Tonkotsu ramen because they’ll have it in a cup!
SoraNews24 described the cup ramen to be Ichiran’s signature; the no-frills approach. You could just enjoy and savor the flavor until your last sip.
Each cup contains the noodles, the broth, and Ichiran’s secret red sauce to complete their Hakata-style ramen. The broth could be made using the powder packet, liquid packet, and the oil packet.
Starting February 15, Ichiran’s Tonkotsu cup ramen will be made available at Japan’s convenience stores, supermarkets, and Ichirian stores.
Let’s just hope this would also reach the Philippine shores within the year.
The ocean is where we go to to unwind and find peace whenever we are overwhelmed by life itself. Luckily for us, Cebu has a great abundance of majestic sea views.
Andang’s Beach House in Borbon is a newly opened place to chill out and enjoy the sea breeze. It has a quaint yet somehow private cove-like ambiance to it that radiates relaxation to everyone who visits.
As it has a small space, you can be sure to have exclusivity especially if you want to rent the whole place for an event.
They have a short board walk that would make you feel like you are part of the sea itself if you want to have some alone time or self-reflection.
There’s music of course with the band and karaoke that would complete the escape.
The lights, the breeze and the music will surely energize your spirit in no time.
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal. Look for the one heading to Borbon, and ask the driver to drop you off at Cabalilitan. From there, you can ask the locals for directions.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Grande Beach Resort” in Borbon. From there, you can ask the locals for directions.
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 February 14, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 429 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 155 new recoveries, and 1 new death. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 30,586, while the active cases surged to 5,141 (from 4,868).
Cebu’s recovery rate is now at 78.47%.
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 14,822 (+218 new) – Total recoveries: 11,115 (+141 new) – Total deaths: 714 (+1 new) – Active cases: 2,993
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 3,397 (+67 new) – Total recoveries: 2,838 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 115 (+0 new) – Active cases: 444
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 3,496 (+61 new) – Total recoveries: 2,717 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 177 (+0 new) – Active cases: 602
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 8,871 (+83 new) – Total recoveries: 7,331 (+14 new) – Total deaths: 438 (+0 new) – Active cases: 1,102
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 5,141
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 30,586 (+429 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 24,001 (+155 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,444 (+1 new*)
A total of 2,981 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.
Globe’s nationwide rollout of 5G technology is set to impact Filipinos’ lives in more ways than one. This next-generation network is causing a ripple of developments that can help consumers keep in step with today’s fast-paced life.
Much like how the MIT Technology Review once described 5G as a “technological paradigm shift, similar to the shift from typewriter to computer,” Globe will help usher in a new era of connectivity that will help Filipinos discover and enjoy new ways to connect, watch, play and so much more.
Globe 5G is up to 20x faster than LTE, with fiber-fast speeds of up to 100 Mbps. It has an almost real-time latency allowing faster response time needed for new technologies.
“With 5G technology, our customers are given more ways to elevate their mobile and data experiences. 5G will be the next step in helping Filipinos cope with the challenges of the new normal,” said Coco Domingo, Globe VP for Postpaid and International Business.
Here are some exciting examples of how 5G can help consumers with their daily lives.
Seamless Video Calls
5G technology is all about speed. This means conference calls with no lag, crystal-clear audio and sharp video resolution. So whether a friend, family member or colleague is just right around the block or in another continent, 5G technology will let consumers connect with them clearly, so they can say goodbye to glitch catch-ups or conference calls.
Next-level Gaming
Mobile gaming already has a huge global market and in the Philippines, mobile is the gaming platform of choice for most Filipinos. Seventy-four percent of Filipinos online play games on mobile.
Gamers will be thrilled to find out that 5G can take their experience to new heights, with better-looking graphics and lightning-fast, stable connections that would allow multiplayer games to be played seamlessly on mobile devices.
5G will also complement games played in newer forms such as Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technology.
High-quality Streaming
Streaming services have become a very popular mode of entertainment in the Philippines. And in today’s landscape where the health crisis has shut down most cinemas because of the pandemic, staying at home and binge-watching movies and TV series on Netflix and Amazon Prime, for example, is the next best thing. And as streaming services take hold of the entertainment space, so does the demand for high-quality online streaming and Globe’s 5G services provide just that.
With the improved bandwidth and faster service, customers can have access to a stable connection that makes sure that their viewing experience is not hampered by sudden glitches and untimely buffering. So they can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
Self-driving cars, robotics
5G technology will be able to bring the Internet of Things (IoT) into the way we travel like having self-driving cars in the next few years. 5G will usher in a new era in robotics as the technology brings more convenience in everyday living.
Globe continues to be at the forefront of the mobile revolution. Apart from being the very first telecommunications company to launch 5G for broadband in Southeast Asia back in 2019, it also introduced the first 5G service for mobile and the first 5G device in the country last year.
Globe has not rested on its laurels. The company continues to upgrade its infrastructure to boost the connectivity and mobile experience of consumers as 5G technology becomes available in various areas around the country.
Globe’s network upgrades and expansion are also in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular, UN SDG No. 9, which underscores the importance of infrastructure and innovation as significant drivers of economic growth and development. Globe has pledged to advocate the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.
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 February 13, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 397 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 130 new recoveries, and 1 new death. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 30,157, while the active cases rose to 4,868 (from 4,593).
Cebu’s recovery rate is now at 79.07%.
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 14,604 (+235 new) – Total recoveries: 10,974 (+82 new) – Total deaths: 713 (+1 new) – Active cases: 2,917
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 3,330 (+41 new) – Total recoveries: 2,838 (+41 new) – Total deaths: 115 (+0 new) – Active cases: 377
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 3,435 (+28 new) – Total recoveries: 2,717 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 177 (+0 new) – Active cases: 541
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 8,788 (+93 new) – Total recoveries: 7,317 (+7 new) – Total deaths: 438 (+0 new) – Active cases: 1,033
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 4,868
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 30,157 (+397 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 23,846 (+130 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,443 (+1 new*)
A total of 3,427 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.
Let us take another route for our Valentine’s this year because we’re celebrating Gaylentine’s special. While it is not as common as a same-sex couple, a lesbian-gay couple could just feel the same exact way.
We know that every love story is special, but we have found one inspirational couple in Cebu who have shared their love story to us. Are you ready to be inspired?
Jovete Zamora Laput and Bailey Avancenia, after months of getting to know each other, became official on January 28, 2021.
According to Jovete, she first saw Bailey during their Volleyball game. She kept throwing glances at Bailey until Bailey made a move with the help of Facebook messenger. Was it love at first chat, then? Definitely, yes. Because up until today, their love for each other just keeps on growing.
Bailey courted Jovete and according to Jovete, she didn’t want to prolong the agony of waiting to give him her “Yes.” True enough as she said; “Ang relasyon man ang pataason, dili man ang pagpanguyab.”
We can’t wait to see you both become more open, loving and accepting of your truths. May you be able to complement each other and complete each other’s puzzle. We are all here awaiting what your future unfolds. Thank you for showing us what love really is like.
May this special love story inspire us all to defy all odds. Thrive all kinds of ups and downs. From society’s turmoil and judgment to your friend’s acceptance, just make it happen. What is important is you are both open to loving and accepting the truth that you have just fallen in love.
What better way to show our support for everyone? Share this story to your friends so you could also inspire them to do the same, love without boundaries.
