Home Blog Page 391

Woods Smokehouse: Outdoor dining with a view in Busay

Sugbo.ph
-
2
Woods Smokehouse: Outdoor dining with a view in Busay

Stress and anger is no match to the therapeutic and calming atmosphere of nature – a mantra that Woods Smokehouse wants to instill in every guest that visits their restaurant.

Woods Smokehouse is a product of the yearning of Monalisa Padayhag for a cliffside destination where she can release her stress while drinking beer or wine. She turned this simple desire into reality through the restaurant to be able to share the peace and tranquility of nature with others.

The general atmosphere of Woods Smokehouse is a hanging restaurant with a scenic view of the city of Cebu.  They can seat about 80 people in total in its upper and lower decks, all sharing the same breathtaking view of the city.

As the sun starts to settle below the horizon, the city lights slowly start to appear one by one like stars on land – definitely a great place to witness the magical transformation of the city from day to night.

The food that this restaurant serves – as indicated by their name – consists of a variety of smoked meat and seafood. Smoked food is not something that’s common in Cebuano restaurants due to the meticulous process that is involved but this higher form of barbecuing actually locks in the deep flavors of nature.

The flavor and aroma of the smoked meat is meant to match the natural vibes of Busay and replicate the same calming feeling of gathering around the bonfire with loved ones.

Woods Smokehouse, like all the other restaurants in Busay, wants to provide a haven where locals can retreat to at the end of the day and where tourists are able to fully appreciate the beauty of the island. Woods Smokehouse was designed to be a place for brief getaways with friends and family.

The top floor has the typical restaurant dining set-up but below it is a lounge-type area with comfortable couches and chairs that compliments the cliffside views – the perfect place for catching up with the barkada.

With a combination of subtle industrial touches and a rustic design, Woods Smokehouse properly captures the feeling of camping outdoors through the flavors of their food and the cliffside views.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Menu:

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Brgy. Maaslom, Lower Busay, Cebu City — 10-15 minutes away from the main road / JY Square Mall.

BY CAR (Best option): Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Woods Smokehouse” in Busay. Parking space is available upon arrival.

BY HABAL-HABAL: Hire a habal-habal driver (motorcycle for hire) near JY Square Mall in Lahug, and inform him to drop you off at Woods Smokehouse. Estimated fare is ₱50-75 per person (max of 2).

BY TAXI: Hiring a taxi cab is possible but not all drivers may go there too far. Most of them won’t give you a metered reading system – hence, they’ll be offering you an estimated fare in going there. You can also rent a car via SquadPH Travels and avail the “9-in-1 Attractions Busay-Balamban Tour Package” for P999.

Dumaguete–Cebu bus routes reopen

Sarah Ladeza
-
0
Dumaguete–Cebu bus routes reopen

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Director Eduardo Montealto Jr. recently announced that the agency is re-opening the bus routes from Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental to Cebu City and vice-versa.

After months of complying with the travel restrictions, LTFRB now resumes the bus operations. This is after imposing travel restrictions by the government to slow down the spread of COVID-19.

Apart from the travel restrictions they have faced, the bus operators said that the main problem is the lack of passengers. Montealto has learned that residents of Dumaguete City were hesitant to travel to Cebu City after having learned about the mandatory quarantine thereafter.

VTI is currently processing its special permits’ application for at least 12 of their buses that are expected to resume the aforementioned routes. The number of buses, however, can possibly increase depending on the volume of commuters.

The first batch of buses will possibly service the inter-province route by mid-January 2021, said Director Montealto.

Magellan’s Cross: The Rich History and Why It Needs To Be Retold

Sugbo.ph
-
0
Magellan’s Cross: The Rich History and Why It Needs To Be Retold

As they say, you haven’t been to Cebu if you don’t have your photo taken at the Magellan’s Cross.

Considered as the most iconic landmark in the whole province of Cebu, the Magellan’s Cross located across Cebu City Hall is not just a popular tourist spot, but it is also of great religious and historical significance to Sugbuanons.

Ferdinand Magellan’s Arrival

Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to step foot in the Philippines in the year 1521. He was a Portuguese sailor who worked for the King of Spain with the ultimate goal of finding the Spice Islands, currently known as Moluccas Islands in Indonesia.

Upon landing in the island of Cebu, Magellan’s fleet was welcomed and befriended by the island’s native chief, Rajah Humabon. Historical accounts tell us that Rajah Humabon, along with his wife, Reyna Juana, and many of their warriors accepted Christianity, and were the first Filipinos to be baptized as Christians.

Illustration from Wikimedia Commons

Magellan Plants the Cross in Cebu

In order to celebrate the Roman Catholic faith’s propagation in the Philippines, Magellan planted a cross in Cebu. It was believed to have miraculous powers and therefore was constantly visited by the locals, some of them even chipping bits of the cross with the belief that it will heal them.

Photo: The story of Magellan and the discovery of the Philippines, Butterworth, Hezekiah, 1899

Due to this, the officials encased the original cross in tindalo wood for it to be secured. It was then placed in a small chapel (often referred to as “the kiosk”). From this point on, the historical accounts vary. Some people say that the original cross was left destroyed and no longer exists, and the one currently displayed in the chapel across Cebu City Hall is a mere replica of the original.

Magellan’s Cross Today

If you visit the Magellan’s Cross nowadays, you will see a mural in the ceiling of the chapel which narrates how the royal couple and 800 other natives were baptized into Christianity. You will also be offered candles by a several middle-aged women vendors wearing yellow tops and red skirts.

Photo by Ram Mancelita of Sugbo.ph

You can pay for a brief traditional dance to be performed by the vendor where she will be offering the candle and chanting a short prayer.

No matter what the reason for your visit, one fact remains:  The Magellan’s Cross is a big part of our history as Filipinos and deserves to be protected and preserved not only for tourists, but for future generations as well.

Located near the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño Church

Entrance fee: None

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Plaza Sugbo, Magallanes Street, Cebu City (in front of Cebu City Hall and across one of the entrances to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño)

If you are coming in from the Mactan Cebu International Airport, the most convenient way is to ride a taxi or grab car going to the Magellan’s Cross. Fare is around P200-P300 and takes around 30-40 minutes depending on the traffic. But if you are from the Cebu City pier (which is quite near to Cebu City Hall), taxi fare will be around P70-P100 and travel time is around 5-10 minutes.

Ging Ging Hotel and Resort: A piece of home in Oslob

Sugbo.ph
-
0
Ging Ging Hotel and Resort: A piece of home in Oslob

Oslob recently became one of the top destinations in the province of Cebu due to the gentle giant whale sharks as one of the main attractions in this town located off the southern part of the province.

For those planning for a future trip to Oslob, there is a very popular resort in this town recommended by both locals and tourists alike.

Ging Ging Hotel and Resort in Oslob of southern Cebu has 3 main features that makes it stand out:

1. Pool

They have a pool inside their premises that serves as the resort’s center of attraction.

2. Beach

You can also opt for a saltwater and sand experience because the beach is just a few steps away.

Photo by Gary Goolsby
Photo by Mos Hsieh

3. Restaurant

After a day of swimming, you can have a feast on their restaurant located just beside the pool. From the restaurant, there is also a narrow concrete pathway that extends into the seawater with a concrete cottage at the end, perfect for some me-time and to breathe in the salty sea breeze.

Photo by Krystal Gale

Ging-Ging Hotel and Resort is very accessible. It’s located just along the highway so locating it is not a problem. It’s also only 20-30 minutes from the jump off point for the famous whale shark viewing and Sumilon Island tours. Indeed, this resort will give you access to almost all the popular spots in Oslob.  

Photo by Je Nacion

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Entrance fee:

  • P100 per person (inclusive of cottage or table and swimming pool use)
  • Free (0-3 years old)

Room rates:

  • Tourist: P1,500 per night (2 persons)
  • Queen Suite with pool view: P2,000 per night (2 persons)
  • Deluxe: P2,600 per night (4 persons)
  • Superior Deluxe: P3,200 per night (4 persons)
  • Deluxe Premium: P3,000 per night (4 persons)
  • Deluxe Family Suite: P4,500 per night (6 persons)
  • Kabarkada: P4,400 per night (8 persons)

All room reservations  include a free breakfast.

Other information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Looc, Oslob, Southern Cebu — approx. 4 hours away from Cebu City.

By bus: From Cebu City, head on to the South Bus Terminal and ride a bus bound for Oslob.Travel time is 3.5 to 4 hours. The resort is just along the highway and is located on the left side (if coming from Cebu City), just a few minutes before reaching Oslob town proper.

By private car: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Ging-Ging Hotel and Resort” in Oslob. Parking space is available.

Beach Dream Hideaway: Beach House for Rent in Daanbantayan

Sugbo.ph
-
0
Beach Dream Hideaway: Beach House for Rent in Daanbantayan

Beach Dream Hideaway is the ideal destination for families and groups who are looking for a relaxing getaway without the stress of big crowds and a peaceful ambiance for intimate moments with friends and family.

This beach hideaway in Daanbantayan was initially a private family vacation house for the family of the owners, Andrew and Nympha Velez, but ever since most of their relatives started moving to the US, the place became quiet and empty.

To liven up the place once more and to bring back its former charm and energy, the owners decided to convert the private property into a beach house for rent.

Inside the estate are villas, cabanas, and other buildings that can accommodate small to big groups of people. The interior of these spaces will make guests feel at home and allow them to settle comfortably.

These are complete with all the things needed such as a kitchen, comfort rooms, dining area, and refrigerators so there’s nothing to worry about. Those staying at the main villa will be amazed to find out that the partitions can be opened to convert the enclosure into an open space with a clear view of the Visayan Sea.

Surrounding the rooms are patches of green from the different trees and plants inside this secluded space. The property is basically a giant garden with buildings due to the amount of flora all around.

Usually, guests who rent the beach house take advantage of the spacious yard to host events and other celebrations. At the heart of the place is a regularly maintained chlorine pool that is big enough for the whole family plus a little bit more.

The property is connected to a beachfront with pristine white sands and clear blue waters. Groups can have the stunning views of the ocean all to themselves while walking around the beachfront or they can appreciate the fresh breeze of the sea inside a cottage with beds and soft mattresses.

Nothing can be more relaxing than just being lazy on a bed right by the beach.

Beach Dream Hideaway is the vacation house that families have always dreamed of having. The private space, enticing views, and relaxing ambiance of the beach house are the full package that completes any getaway. What’s more, anybody can experience them in just the click of a button and a few hours of travel.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Rates:

  • Rental Fee: P8,000 per night for the first 4 guests + P800 per night per additional person
  • Cleaning Fee: P500

Inclusions: Exclusive use of all facilities and amenities within the property

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Paypay, Daanbantayan, Northern Cebu — approx. 4 hours away from Cebu City.

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal in Mandaue City, ride any bus going to Daanbantayan via Kawit. Inform the driver to drop you off at Brgy. Laum Tabay Waiting Shed. From there, walk a little further (1-2 mins only) until you arrive to the resort or hail a tricycle or motobike.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Beach Dream Hideaway” in Daanbantayan. Parking space is available.

Tanyon Bay Beach House: A Secluded Getaway Rising in Ronda

Sugbo.ph
-
1
Tanyon Bay Beach House: A Secluded Getaway Rising in Ronda

A relatively new beach paradise has been opened in the quiet town of Ronda and added to the small collection of attractions in the municipality.

Tanyon Bay Beach House is a new secluded resort in the middle of nowhere prominently surrounded by groves of coconut trees with a beach at the front.

  • Photo by Jahren Dela Cruz
  • Photo by Jahren Dela Cruz

The secluded location of Tanyon Bay makes it very relaxing and highlights the tropical atmosphere that dominates the place. This beach destination has a blue-and-white motif reminiscent of Santorini that blends well with the verdant surroundings and the azure sky.

The main features of the resort consist of the swimming pool, the cottages, and the scenic beachfront. The swimming pool lies at the heart of the resort just before the rooms. It possesses a deep blue tint which resembles the color of the ocean and makes it look very refreshing and inviting. It’s the perfect spot to cool off especially for those who want to shake away the sweltering heat from the city that’s inhabiting the body.

  • Photo by Jahren Dela Cruz

Just around the perimeter of the pool are nipa hut cottages that complement the rustic views created by the coconut trees. The cool sea breeze blowing from the beach and the fresh probinsya air can both be experienced inside these native huts. There are also umbrella tables, a floating cottage, and picnic tables that give the guests a variety of choices of where to stay. 

The beachfront is situated just a few meters from the swimming pool. It doesn’t boast of white sands but if guests prefer to spend their day over the ocean then they have the option of renting the floating cottage. The beachfront has a picturesque view of the sea and it is also fringed on the sides with mangroves which adds to the beautiful scenery.

Before being able to get inside the resort, guests have to stay for a few minutes at the reception for a brief orientation of the do’s and don’ts which will be conducted by the friendly staff. This is to encourage the guests to follow the rules and regulations which are in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines.

They allow day use for couples and families. Unfortunately, they currently only have double occupancy rooms available since they just recently opened but it works well for couples who want to spend their day together.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE

  • Premium Access
    • Adults – P300 per adult
    • Kids – P150 per child
    • Includes: Pool and Beach Access, 1 free canned drink (adults only)
  • Deluxe Access
    • Adults – P100 per adult
    • Kids – P50 per child
    • Includes: Beach Access

COTTAGE RATES

  • Umbrella Table: P350, good for 4 persons
  • Zen Hut / Payag: P750, good for 8-19 persons
  • Floating Cottage: P2,500, good for 15 persons

NOTE:

  1. The pool closes at 10:00 PM but the cottages can be used until 12AM
  2. In observance of COVID-19 guidelines, cottages can only accommodate 50% of stated capacities
  3. Cottage Fees not inclusive of Guest Entrance Fees
  4. NO MASK, NO ENTRY!

ROOM RATES

  • Double Occupancy: P2,500 per night, good for 2 w/ breakfast
    • Queen-size bed
    • Air Conditioning
    • Guest Kit
    • Complimentary water and coffee
    • Hot and Cold Shower
    • Pool and Beach Access

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Purok Okra, Tongo, Canduling, Ronda, Cebu – about 81 kilometers from Cebu CIty

BY BUS: From the Santander – Barili – Toledo Road in Canduling, Ronda, the easiest landmark to spot is the Canduling Barangay Hall (Near a McDonalds Sign with “8KM” written on it). Enter the road where the barangay hall is. Follow the road and enter the first intersection on the left that you see. This road will lead you to a big blue gate which is the entrance of Tanyon Bay Beach House.

NOTE: As of writing, there are still no direct and easy means to reach Tanyon Bay Beach House since the place is still new. You can try hailing a tricycle or motorbike at the town proper but it’s best to bring your own vehicle or rent one.

BY PRIVATE VEHICLE: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Tanyon Bay Beach House” in Canduling, Ronda. Parking space is available upon arrival.

Liel’s Kitchen: Japanese Cuisine in Busay’s Mountain Tops

Marel Baluyos
-
0
Liel’s Kitchen: Japanese Cuisine in Busay’s Mountain Tops

Dine outdoors and chill at a restaurant where you can literally hang on a net suspended above the mountains.

Liel’s Kitchen, located in the compound of Serenity Farm and Resort that’s just 20-25 minutes away from the city, is a restaurant that offers modern Japanese dishes. It sits from high above that you are treated to a spectacular panoramic view of the mountains.

  • Photo by Chaste Egay-San Pablo

And the view isn’t the only eye catching part of the restaurant for every corner is picture perfect for the gram.

You can eat Japanese food to your hearts content and never miss out on anything from the fresh open air to the abundance of nature creeping in.

Aside from their delicious take on the Japanese cuisine, they also offer smoothie bowls and Japanese drinks like Strong Zero by Suntory.

Satisfy your craving for Japanese food and a good view in just one place.

  • Photo by Chaste Egay-San Pablo
  • Photo by Chaste Egay-San Pablo
  • Photo by Chaste Egay-San Pablo
  • Photo by Chaste Egay-San Pablo
  • Photo by Chaste Egay-San Pablo

 Rates & Other Information

Menu:

Other information:

How to get there?

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.

BY HABAL-HABAL: (Not available under community quarantine.) Hire a habal-habal driver (motorcycle for hire) near JY Square Mall in Lahug, and inform him to drop you off at Serenity Farm. Estimated fare is ₱100 per person (max of 2).

BY TAXI: Hiring a taxi cab is possible but that can be hefty. Most of them won’t give you a metered reading system – hence, they’ll be offering you an estimated fare in going there. You can also rent a car via SquadPH Travels.

Eden Resort in Santander: Cebu’s Southernmost Frontier

Sugbo.ph
-
0
Eden Resort in Santander: Cebu’s Southernmost Frontier

Located in the southernmost portion of the beautiful province of Cebu, the sleepy town of Santander may not be appealing to tourists who do not want to travel for long hours. However, there is one resort in this side of Cebu that may help change your perspective.

Eden Resort boasts of a grand Western-like resort theme. It puts emphasis on the privacy of their guests. With its 10 luxurious rooms and 1 grand suite, you are assured that the resort is not crowded even on typical peak tourist seasons. Each room has its own private patio that overlooks into the sea. If you’re lucky enough, you may actually get to see dolphins from your own room.

  • Photo from Agoda

Eden Resort may take pride in its Western-theme, but thrill-seekers and adventurists will also enjoy their stay at the resort due to the various activities such as motorbike trails up in the mountains of Santander and Oslob, MTB trails, downhill skateboarding, ocean kayaking, snorkelling, and free diving (they have the best soft and hard corals around the area with a variety of tropical fishes).

The resort is actually located close to several popular diving sites, and the management assists their guests in booking for some. They also offer a tour to a dragon fruit farm with a towering bamboo tree house.  Indeed, Eden Resort serves as a sanctuary for thrill seekers and nature lovers down south of Cebu.

Other amenities in the resort include a spa, restaurant, and an infinity pool. They also have a cozy rooftop that has the best view of Mount Talinis in Valencia, Negros Oriental.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Entrance fee: Exclusive to those with confirmed room accommodations only.

Room rates:

  • Room for couples: P2,500 per night
  • Room for family of 4 members: P3,500 per night

Other information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Liloan, Santander, Southern Cebu — 3-4 hours away from Cebu City.

By bus: From Cebu City, head on to the South Bus Terminal and hop on a bus bound for Bato-Oslob or a Bato-Oslob via Dumaguete bus (bus options include Ceres Liner, Sunrays Bus Liner, and Sugbo Transit). Upon arrival at Santander, you can hire a tricycle or a habal-habal or tricycle to get you to Eden Resort.

By private car: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Eden Resort” in Santander.

OFFICIAL Novena Mass Schedule for Sinulog 2021

Ram Mancelita
-
2
OFFICIAL Novena Mass Schedule for Sinulog 2021

Nothing can’t stop Cebu from honoring its patron, Señor Sto. Niño or the Holy Child Jesus, not even in the middle of a pandemic. But this time, it will be more solemn as most events will be done virtually. Devotees are also encouraged to attend the Sinulog novena masses online.

More than the festive celebration in Cebu — from the most colorful parades to the grandest programs and competitions here and there, at the end of the day, Sinulog is a solemn and religious event celebrating the adoration of the city’s patron, Señor Sto. Niño or the Holy Child Jesus.

cebu sinulog novena
Photo by Migs Rizarri

Why do we celebrate Sinulog?

The Sinulog Festival is a celebration in honor of Santo Niño (Child Jesus). The festival is done by a dance ritual, in which it tells the story of the Filipino people The word “Sinulog” means a graceful dance– a rhythmic and beautiful forward and backward motion that represents the “sulog” (or current).

The Sinulog Festival has been going around for almost four centuries now. Its rich history dates back to old and truly reflects the humble beginnings of Cebu and the birth and growth of Christianity in Cebu and the Philippines.

SCHEDULE OF NOVENA MASS 2021

2021 THEME: “Sto. Nino: The Abiding presence of the Father in our Journey of Faith”

DAY 1: January 08, 2021 (Friday) – Opening Salvo

  • 5:30 AM – Enthronement of Image of Sto. Niño
  • 6:00 AM – Solemn Mass for the Opening Salvo (Cebuano)
    • Installation of Hermano Mayor and Hermana Mayores 2020
  • 8:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 9:30 AM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 11:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 12:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 2:00 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 3:30 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 5:00 PM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 6:30 PM – Holy Mass with Traditional Sinulog (English )

DAY 2-8: January 9-15, 2021

  • 5:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 6:30 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 8:00 AM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 9:30 AM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 11:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 12:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 2:00 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 3:30 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano) Mass for the Opening Salvo of Sinulog Festival
  • 5:00 PM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 6:30 PM – Holy Mass with Traditional Sinulog (English)

DAY 9: January 16 (Saturday) – Visperas

  • 5:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 6:30 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 8:00 AM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 9:30 AM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 11:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 12:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 2:00 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 3:30 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 5:00 PM – Solemn Visperas Mass (Cebuano) Traditional Religious Sinulog

Day 10: January 17 (Sunday) – FIESTA SEÑOR DAY

  • 6:00 AM – Misa Pontifical de la “Fiesta Señor” by His Excellency Archbishop Jose S. Palma, DD
  • 8:00 AM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 9:30 AM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 11:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 12:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 2:00 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 3:30 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 5:00 PM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 6:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)

All Masses of the Fiesta Señor will be concluded with the Traditional Sinulog Dance.

Day 11: January 18 (Monday) – Thanksgiving

  • 6:30 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 8:00 AM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 9:30 AM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 11:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 12:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 2:00 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 3:30 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 5:00 PM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 6:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)

Special Weekday Masses

January 19-21 & 23; 25-28& 30, 2021 

  • 7:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 8:00 AM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 10:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 12:15 PM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 3:30 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 5:00 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)

January 22, 2021 (Friday) – “Adlaw sa Hubo”

  • 5:30 AM – Misa Solemne sa “HUBO”
  • 5:30 AM – Venue: Santo Niño Pilgrim Center8:00 AM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 9:30 AM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 11:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 12:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 2:00 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 3:30 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 5:00 PM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 6:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)

All Masses of the Fiesta Señor will be concluded with the Traditional Sinulog Dance.

Special Friday and Sunday Masses

January 24 (Sunday), 29 (Friday); 31 (Sunday), 2021 

  • 6:30 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 8:00 AM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 9:30 AM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 11:00 AM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 12:30 PM – Holy Mass (English)
  • 2:00 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 3:30 PM – Holy Mass (Cebuano)
  • 5:00 PM – Holy Mass (English)

Where to watch Live Novena Mass Online?

Here are the official Sinulog Foundation Inc. channels where you can watch the Live Novena Masses online:

This page will be regularly updated for any changes or updates of information.

Also read:

No more physical, public novena masses in Basilica
OFFICIAL Sinulog 2021 Schedule of Events & Activities

DITO Telco to launch in Cebu on March 8

Sugbo.ph
-
46
DITO Telco to launch in Cebu on March 8

Globe or PLDT? For years, the Filipino people only had to choose one between two choices but as the third telco player enters the scene, the existing duopoly held by Globe and Smart Communications is about to come to an end.

Who is DITO Telecommunity?

The DITO Telecommunity, or formerly known as Mislatel, is a consortium of Dennis Uy’s Udenna Corporation, Chelsea Logistics Corporation, and China Telecommunications Operation.

In its early days as Mislatel, it failed to start its operations due to its franchise getting revoked. When it won its bid in 2018 as the third major telco player, things started looking up for this new challenger. It was then renamed to DITO Telecommunity; “Dito” being the Filipino word for “here”.

On that same day, President Rodrigo Duterte granted permission for the telco to start operating and it was also awarded by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) with a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity – a certificate which allows the company to construct facilities and render their services. 

For their first year of service, their goal is to break the long-standing duopoly between Smart Communications and Globe Telecom, an action which is expected to bring costs down and improve internet speeds nationwide.

They aim to bring over customers onto their side with the promise to provide an average minimum internet speed of 27 megabits per second (mbps) to 37% of the population.

In the succeeding years, they promised to increase it by 55 mbps with at least an 87% coverage. For this to be possible, they committed to build 1,600 towers to provide the needed coverage.

These towers will be sponsored by two of its partner companies – the China Energy Equipment Company Ltd and FIlipino-Malaysian Consortium Zeal Power Constructions and Development Corporation – with a possible expense of about P150 billion for the first year alone.

DITO misses July 8 Technical Launch

DITO Telecommunity’s scheduled public rollout was supposedly last July 2020 but due to difficulties brought about by the pandemic, they weren’t able to meet the requirement of 1,300 towers for the technical launch.

“The COVID-19 [pandemic] and lockdowns prevented us from our full rollout. With the subsequent easing of different lockdown situations, we are doing our best to get back on track so that we can get the 37% [coverage] requirement under our CPC (certificate of public convenience) completed,”

– DITO Chief Administrative Officer Adel Tamano said, adding that DITO plans to finish 2000 cell sites by the end of the year

According to Section 14 of the bidding terms of reference, DITO is only given two 6-month grace periods within the five-year commitment period to comply.

DITO franchise approval raises concerns on national security

In just less than three months, the House of Representatives, with a vote of 240-7, passed House Bill 7332 which gives DITO a legislative franchise to “construct, establish, install, maintain, and operate wire and/or wireless telecommunications systems in the country” that will last for 25 years after the expiry of its existing franchise in 2023.

This quick approval has faced backlash which resulted in a petition to stop the entry of the China-backed telco and raised concerns about national security.

“We started this petition to the Philippine Congress to stop the entry of Dito Telecommunity into the Philippine telco industry until its risks to the country are thoroughly assessed,” the petition at Change.org reads.

Atty. Adel Tamano clarified in a statement that DITO Telecommunity’s Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Armed Forces of the Philippines has the same provisions and commitment to national security as the MOAs signed with PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc.

“May we further remind everyone that as part of the New Major Player selection process, we have submitted our cybersecurity plan during the bidding process to prove that our networks and facilities will not compromise national security and shall abide with the National Cybersecurity Plan,”

– Atty. Adel Tamano, Spokesperson of DITO

“DITO Telecommunity is, first and foremost, a Filipino-owned and managed company and will always look after the interests of the Filipino people. Let me reassure the Filipino public that DITO is steadfast in its commitment to provide world-class telecommunications services,”

Services to offer

The third major telecommunications provider in the Philippines will be offering the following products and services:

  • Mobile prepaid
  • Mobile postpaid
  • Data products and services

DITO executives have repeatedly mentioned they will be offering relatively cheaper rates yet faster internet connectivity.

Launch date

DITO Telecommunity is set to launch commercially in March 8, 2021.

It’s required to cover at least 37 percent of the population and provide a minimum average internet speed of 27 Mbps on its first year.

DITO Telco service stores can also be seen around the major malls in Cebu.

Where to buy the DITO SIM cards in Cebu?

You can buy DITO SIM cards at any of these official outlets in Cebu:

  • SM City Cebu
  • SM City Consolacion
  • SM Seaside City Cebu
  • Robinsons Galleria Cebu
  • Robinsons Cybergate

Upates

February 22, 2021 Update

February 22, 2021: The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) confirmed on Monday, February 22, that DITO Telco passed its first technical audit, delivering an average speed of 85.9 Mbps for 4G and 507.5 Mbps for 5G. These are the internet speeds recorded per distance:

  • Near the base station: 102.4 Mbps (4G) and 769.1 Mbps (5G)
  • Middle point: 91.2 Mbps (4G) and 437.1 Mbps (5G)
  • Far from base station: 64.4 Mbps (4G) and 316.5 Mbps (5G)

March 2, 2021 Update

March 2, 2021: DITO Telecommunity announced on March 2 that it will be available in the following VisMin areas including other parts in Cebu staring this March 8, 2021.

Areas in Cebu:

  • Carcar
  • Cebu City
  • Consolacion
  • Danao
  • Liloan
  • Mandaue
  • Minglanilla
  • Naga
  • San Fernando
  • Talisay
1...390391392...567Page 391 of 567

Looking for something?