On Wednesday, January 13, 2021, Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella said he wants the residents of Cebu City to choose the brand of coronavirus vaccine they want to be injected with.
A ‘Vaccine Board’ was part of the plan to determine the brands each resident would opt to be injected with; either from China, or brands from the other countries.
“We will give them the opportunity to choose because after all, these are people’s money, taxpayers’ money. That is why I do not agree with those who said we cannot choose,” he said in a press conference.
Labella added; “If there is a way that we can choose where you are comfortable, then so be it. They should be given the chance.”
The City Health Office chief and local epidemiology experts will be included in the board.
Labella also said that the has already raised this matter to Carlito Galvez, vaccine czar, on Tuesday.
₱400 million was allocated by the Cebu City government to procure vaccines for their residents.
Cebu City is looking forward to closing a deal with Pfizer or Moderna, said Labella, for having a 95% and 94.5% efficacy rate, respectively.
25 million doses of China’s Sinovac has already been secured by the national government and an initial of 50,000 doses are expected to be available next month.
Mayord Labella, on the other hand, has said that Cebu City is capable of storing Pfizer and other deep-freeze vaccines because of the Cebu facilities of FE Zuellig – an affiliate of Pfizer. The Zuellig facilities can store the vaccine at -70 degrees Celsius.
There is a definite reason why Cebu is considered the Queen. It is not just for its beauty and its rich natural resources but also for its actual riches, too.
Yes, Cebu Province has topped once again the list of the wealthiest provinces in the Philippines, according to the 2019 Annual Financial Report of the Commission on Audit (COA).
With total assets of P203.9 billion, the Province of Cebu has retained its position as the richest province for the 6th time. And mind that Cebu’s total assets have increased by 471.9% in just a year from its P35.65 billion total assets in 2018.
Top 10 richest provinces in the Philippines
Cebu Province – P203.9 billion
Batangas – P20.79 billion
Rizal – P20.28 billion
Davao de oro – P20.10 billion
Bukidnon – P18.29 billion
Surigao del norte – P16.68 billion
Negros Occidental – P15.90 billion
Leyte – P13.54 billion
Palawan – P13.04 billion
Iloilo – P13.03 billion
“Well, it’s a nice title but that’s far as it goes unless the people really feel the impact of being the richest province in the country,”-Gov. Garcia, Cebu province
With this recognition, people are looking forward to future projects and improvement in Cebu province in which the governor have also shared her plans.
Cebu Province’s future plans:
1. Road improvement: Concretize all road networks in the province by 80-90% (before 2022)
2. Waterworks system: Provide level three water supply or faucet in every home
3. Delivery of health and social services, food, security programs, and others.
On the other hand, base on the same report, Cebu City is the 5th wealthiest city in the Philippines for 2019, and Mandaue City next to it in 6th place.
Widely known beach resort destinations don’t always excite everyone. There are those who prefer the less crowded, the secluded, and the quiet spots. T Breeze Coastal Resort is a small resort in Moalboal that offers an experience just like that.
Situated on the west coast of the Moalboal peninsula and 500 meters south of the White Beach Saavedra, it features native style cottages by the sea.
T Breeze Coastal Resort offers a variety of accommodation set in a landscaped garden sloping down to a sea front consisting of a limestone cliff and stairways down the water.
Their room types have different exciting features. Some are styled to catch the wind and the garden view. There are also rooms that have a terrace where you can marvel at the expansive view of the sea and the horizon.
You will find the place relaxed and secluded and is very ideal for those who need a good time to break free from stress. Hammocks, sunbeds and seats are available so you can have a comfortable nap by the sea.
If you want a bit of an adventure, the resort can also arrange for a van or tricycle to pick you up and take you to your desired destinations in or near Moalboal. Six kilometers south of the resort is the SCUBA-oriented resort area known as Panagsama or Bas Diot.
T Breeze Coastal Resort partnered with Asian Belgian Dive Resort – a PADI 5 star and IDC dive shop that offers the full range of PADI dive activities and training.
Their resto-bar, the Breeze Bar, relaxes its guests with their ice-cold beverages and dine al fresco. It sits right over the sea, and visitors are also treated with breathtaking sunset views. It also offers good choices of snacks, meals, and desserts to satisfy your cravings.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
ROOM RATES:
Shell Cottage: P1,800 per night, good for 2 persons
Up on stilts to catch the wind and view, this native style cottage with terrace has wooden walls, fan cooling, tiled floor and nipah palm roof. Plenty of room for two with queen sized bed, toilet and shower. Two persons max.
Hibiscus: P2,100 per night, good for 2 persons
A large room with queen bed, aircon, en suite bathroom and terrace. Cement walls with nipah roof, tiled throughout. Ideal for a couple.
Coral Cottage: P2,600 per night, good for 2 persons
A large room with queen bed, aircon, en suite bathroom, fridge, terrace. Cement walls with nipah roof, tiled throughout. Partial seaview.
Boat Cottage: P2,800 per night, good for 2 persons
Built in native style with concrete walls and mahogany/nipah palm roof. Tiled throughout. This is a more luxurious space with a large lounge, aircon bedroom (queen bed) with en suite bathroom and hot water shower. Complete kitchen facilities and refrigerator. Terra Cotta terrace facing the sea with outside shower and private stairs to the sea. Good for two persons.
BY BUS: From South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Moalboal. Then ask to be dropped off at Moalboal Public Market. From there, take a tricycle or a habal-habal to T Breeze Coastal Resort.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “T Breeze Coastal Resort” in Moalboal. Parking space is available.
Finding a good restaurant is hard but finding one with good food and a bar that offers the best collection of drinks is even rarer.
Ambiance and Style Bar is a restobar located in Cebu IT Park that will tick off all of those boxes on your checklist in finding a great place to dine, have a drink and de-stress.
Mostly in restobars, a power struggle between the restaurant and the bar surfaces but that is not the case for Ambiance, for both the restaurant and bar is at the top of their game.
CHIC, CLASSY AMBIANCE
A fusion of both Western and Asian influence, Ambiance has stayed true to its name for they have created quite the perfect ambiance that is both relaxed and elegant at the same time.
The atmosphere and aesthetics are perfect for romantic dinners and a chill out with friends. The experience is completed by a singer that serenades you all through the night.
TOP TIER FOOD AND DRINKS
Their food and drinks are so good and in such Instagram-worthy presentations that it could only be prepared by top chefs, much experienced in the business.
From their main dishes and pica-pica, to their signature drinks and wine collection, you’d definitely have your fill of choices and they are all delicious and worth it.
USDA Beef Hanger Steak
Seafood Linguine
Braised Pork Belly
Poached Chicken Breast
Fry Roulette
Ambiance Signature Cocktails
Dragon’s Breath (Best-seller)
A restaurant that transforms into a bar at night is something of a wish come true for us wanting to unwind right? And more so in the heart of the city, so it really is ideal.
Ambiance is located at the Garden Row of Cebu IT Park in Lahug, Cebu City — in line with Coffee bean, Boy Zugba and Sachi restaurant near AyalaMalls Central Bloc and The Walk.
Exact location: Garden Row, Cebu IT Park, Cebu City (in line with Coffee bean, Boy Zugba and Sachi restaurant near AyalaMalls Central Bloc and The Walk)
BY BUS: Ride any beep or bus going to Cebu IT Park and ask the driver to drop you off at The Walk or Garden Row.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Ambiance and Style Bar” in IT Park. Parking space is available.
Many resorts have tried to recreate the timeless beauty of the famous Santorini because of its simple yet majestic beauty and the humble beach house of Villa Thera in Carmen is one of them. It seeks to capture the same level of relaxation to bring its guests a getaway of a lifetime.
It has the same alabastrine walls in most parts of the beach house with accents of blue. Whether it’s outside or inside, the color white is visible and dominates the place, making the beach house look really pleasing to the eyes.
Aside from the pristine beauty of white walls, there are also a couple of things that would surely attract people to come. The swimming pool with a jacuzzi by the side is definitely a great place to spend a sunny afternoon. There are lounge chairs surrounding the perimeter of the pool for anyone who wants to sunbathe. At the corner of the yard is a cottage with a great view of the sea.
If the sun feels too hot and you don’t want to stay under its heat, then you can just spend a day relaxing inside the simple home away from home. It has sofas and couches that provide the best comfort, and you can still see quite a bit of the beach from the inside.
There are also indoor plants decorating the space, so you don’t have to feel too out-of-touch from nature. It’s one of the options to escape the sweltering heat because it is equipped with air conditioning.
If you prefer the natural breeze of the sea, then the balcony at the second floor is where you want to be. It’s got the best view of the sea in the whole house and it cannot be reached by the heat.
From up there, the swimming pool and the ocean, up to the horizon, can be seen. Just directly below the balcony is a common area where everybody can just enjoy and unwind together. It is the ideal place for catch-ups and casual conversations.
Fall in love with the Santorini-inspired beach house in Carmen and boost your mood with the scenic views of the town.
BY CAR: For convenience, bring your own vehicle and navigate via Waze. Just search for “Villa Thera Beach Resort”. Parking space is available.
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, ride any bus going to Carmen. Inform the driver to drop you off at Luyang Elementary School in Carmen. Bus fare is ₱40 per person. From there, you can walk a little further going to Villa Thera.
BY VAN: You can ride a v-hire from SM City Van Terminal. Inform the driver to drop you off at Luyang Elementary School in Carmen. Van fare is ₱50 per person. From there, you can walk a little further going to Villa Thera.
What’s the best way to start off our year right? By supporting our own and celebrating Cebu!
This January, the three SM malls in Cebu are celebrating AweSM Cebu as the queen that she is by giving you a month-long series of events to enjoy even under the new normal.
Shopping has never been this enjoyable as you can learn and enjoy the rich culture, devotion, arts, and talent of Cebu in one setting. Here is a list that will guide you on the what’s, where’s, and when’s of these awesome events happening at SM City Cebu, SM City Consolacion and SM Seaside City Cebu.
1. NOVENA MASS LIVE STREAMING
As religious activities in churches are still limited as a precautionary measure of the COVID-19 spread, you can attend the novena mass via live streaming from the Basilica del Sto. Niño Church inside the mall. Now, you don’t have to worry about missing a novena mass. Note that there is a limited seating capacity to ensure social distancing among attendees.
We have all been amazed by the playful showcase of the different images of Sto. Niño through the years. It is said that devotees can dress him as playful and creative as they can for he is a child. At SM Seaside, you can explore a showcase of Sto. Niño images owned by the families from the South of Cebu.
SM has always brought us these wonderful and delightful themed centerpieces that we just can’t help but admire and take a lot of photos with. Take a selfie with their colorful Cebu-themed centerpiece, post it, and use the hashtag #AweSMCebu2021.
And of course, who wouldn’t want a sale? Getup to 70% OFF #AweSM finds at the three SM malls in Cebu. Hop on a shopping spree with these amazing deals!
Cebuanos are highly creative. This is a fact known and acknowledged worldwide. Enjoy the collection of Cebu’s finest artistry and crafts from world renowned Cebuano designers in the SM exhibit.
Amid the pandemic, #SupportLocal has risen as a mantra to help our local economy get back up again. And how much more of a “tangkilikin ang sariling atin” can we get by buying a wide selection of fresh produce straight from the farmers of Cebu themselves.
Fresh produce is always the best for a healthy body and lifestyle, so make sure you buy your fill safely and conveniently at SM Seaside City Cebu and SM City Cebu
SM City Cebu: January 11 to 18, 2021 | Main Mall Atrium, Lower Ground Floor
SM Seaside: January 14 to 17, 2021 | Seaview Wing Atrium
Farmer’s Festival Produce at SM Seaside City Cebu.
Farmer’s Festival Produce at SM Seaside City Cebu.
Farmer’s Festival Produce at SM City Cebu
Farmer’s Festival Produce at SM City Cebu.
7. LECHON FESTIVAL
The answer to the question who has the best-tasting lechon in Cebu is here at SM Seaside City Cebu’s Lechon Festival.
Featuring the best lechoneros in a one-stop venue for all things Cebuano, this is the kind of festival you wouldn’t want to miss.
Don’t forget to celebrate the festivities safely by practicing social distancing and wear your face mask and face shield at all times. SM Malls in Cebu are strictly implementing sanitation protocols to keep their shoppers safe. Watch the video below to find out more:
“Mahayahay”, the Cebuano term for relaxing, is what getaways are all about. Being one with your surroundings and having time for yourself is always the ultimate goal of vacations.
In the northwest side of Cebu is a resort that bears the same name, Mahayahay Beach Resort. It is a hidden paradise that offers one of the most relaxing experiences with a private property that is secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city and possesses stunning seaside views.
Mahayahay Beach Resort is a privately owned beach house that offers their facilities to couples or small families who want to take a day or two away from any sort of stress.
One thing that sets this beach resort apart from the others is the privacy and security. Guests won’t have to worry about other strangers because reservation allows the guests to have exclusive use of the resort.
Their vast lawn garden is the perfect place to frolic around without being judged or stared at by anyone. Couples have the freedom of staying inside the native hut villas and just laze the day away or they can splash around in the pristine waters at the beachfront.
Nestled in between two holiday islands, Mahayahay Beach Resort is in a strategic location with both Malapascua and Bantayan Islands just less than an hour away from the property. Off to the north and in full view from the resort is another tourist destination, the island of Gibitnil, or locally known as Funny Island.
Moreover, the town of Medellin also has its own attractions such as ziplines and eco-parks that are just less than an hour’s drive away from Mahayahay Beach Resort. Clearly, there are quite a number of places to explore during the stay so boredom really isn’t an option.
Just staying within the confines of the property isn’t a bad option as well. The resort is fully equipped with facilities and necessities such as kitchens, refrigerators, and grilling stations in their main house.
Guests may use the kitchen to cook their own food or they may ask the house caretaker to whip up something for them for a small fee. Entertainment units such as TV and Stereo are all at the guests’ disposal during their stay.
With everything provided for the guests, Mahayahay Beach Resort is basically a home away from home but with a slightly better view and a more relaxing atmosphere.
Whether it’s lazing around inside the resort or exploring nearby attractions, Mahayahay Beach Resort is surely the best fix for stressful days.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
VILLA
P4,000 per night, up to a maximum of 4 guests
P500 per night for every additional guest
Children under 12 year old are free
Includes: Air Conditioning, En Suite Bathroom, 2 single beds, Use of Main House
Exact location: Brgy. Kawit, Medellin, Cebu — approx. 3 hours away from Cebu City; 30 minutes from Maya Port, gateway to Malapascua
BY BUS: Find your way to Cebu North Bus Terminal. From the terminal, take a bus going to Maya or Daanbantayan VIA KAWIT and just ask the bus driver to drop you off at Mahayahay Beach just outside Kawit village. The trip takes approximately 4 hours and costs around P150 – P200.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Mahayahay Beach Resort” in Kawit, Medellin. Parking space is available upon arrival.
On January 11, 2021, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Church announced there will be no more public masses in the Basilica but Novena masses will continue through online or virtual starting tomorrow, January 12, 2021 until the Fiesta Señor day on January 17, 2021.
Moreoever, the Church assured that the Sinulog novena masses will be livestreamed with no changes on the schedule on Basilica’s Facebook Page and other broadcast partners.
The Basilica will also remain open to the public from 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Pilgrims and devotees are strictly advised to observe and follow the minimum health protocols implemented in the Basilica.
This announcement was made after the entire Cebu recorded a surge of new COVID-19 cases last week. As of January 10, Cebu’s active COVID-19 cases rose to 668.
“It has been our desire to celebrate the novena days and Fiesta Senor 2021 with the people despite the raging coronavirus pandemic that affects us. We recall in November 2020, after a series of planning with the inter-agency stakeholders, we decided to cancel the external mobile activities in order to prevent the people from greater mobility and exposure that spread COVID019.”
– Rev. Fr. Pacifico C. Nohara Jr., OSA, Prior and Rector of the Augustinian Friars of the Basilica
Where to watch Live Novena Mass Online?
Here are the official Sinulog Foundation Inc. channels where you can watch the Live Novena Masses online:
Picnics, albeit simple, are one of the most relaxing activities that can be done with the family.
Outdoor excursions like this always bring the family closer together especially when surrounded by verdant natural surroundings that encourage wholesome conversations.
Lilang’s Payag is an outdoor eatery that provides the relaxing ambiance and natural views that’s perfect for an outdoor picnic on a bright sunny day. It has a couple of wooden benches where families can gather and feast on their hearty meals.
Photo by Carl Capao & Judel Avinido
Lilang’s Payag is named after the owner’s grandmother and truly, the food they serve are imbued with the same love and care that a grandmother gives her grandchildren. The simple aesthetic of the place also gives a very welcoming feeling to every group and family that comes to enjoy their food and the surroundings.
Photo by Carl Capao & Judel AvinidoPhoto by Carl Capao & Judel Avinido
The main specialty of the payag are their saucy rice bowl meals served warm and with love. The mouth- watering flavors of their sauces will make the senses explode as they melt in the mouth. The native flavors also pair perfectly with the rustic views of coconut trees and other flora.
Photo by @taaamseee
Photo by Carl Capao & Judel Avinido
Photo by Carl Capao & Judel Avinido
Photo by Carl Capao & Judel Avinido
Lilang’s Payag will undoubtedly bring families closer together with their lovely and affordable meals that pair perfectly with relaxing outdoor views.
Exact location: San Roque, Liloan – right at the entrance of Liloan Golf Course, approx. 1 hour away from Cebu City.
BY TAXI/GRAB: Hail a taxi or book with the Grab App. The eatery is just an hour’s drive away from the airport and can easily be spotted. Just tell the taxi to drop you off at the entrance of Liloan Golf Course. If the taxi driver doesn’t know the location, you can assist him with Waze or Google Maps.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Lilangs Payag” in Liloan. Parking space is available.
No quarantine pass means no entry for the remaining seven (7) novena masses at the Basilica del Sto. Niño.
These quarantine passes issued by the Cebu City Government to the residents will allow that person to attend the Sinulog Novena mass along with basic protocol of checking the temperature and sanitation.
Authorized persons outside of residence (APORs) from outside Cebu city will not be considered.
This decision to control and limit the number of novena mass attendees was made by the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) and church officials to ensure that physical distancing is observed and to avoid a resurgence in coronavirus cases in the city.
“We can only allow Cebu City residents to enter the basilica as we cannot handle everybody if we will let those without Q-passes enter. Even Apors from outside Cebu City are not allowed to enter,”
– Lt. Col. Wilbert Parilla, Deputy Director for Operations of the CCPO
Basilica del Sto. Niño protocols:
Some devotees of the Child Jesus are directed to the Plaza Independencia.
Lay ministers from the church are on hand to offer communion
Guards ensure that physical distancing is observed
With all these enforced, it is still best for everyone to just stay at home and watch the mass online. It is for our safety and for our family as well.
UPDATE:
January 11, 2021: There will be no more physical, public novena masses in Basilica starting on January 12.
