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P5.7B Modern Steel Mill to rise in Cebu, biggest in PH

Through the current administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program, multiple infrastructure and development projects have been started in the different key areas of the country. With the multitude of development projects planned for the following years also comes the undeniable need to collect various resources – one of these being metal.

SteelAsia Chairman and CEO Benjamin Yao has taken this as a rare opportunity to be able to give back to his country with the production of locally-made metals. “We’re proud to do our part in building our nation. It’s time we catch up with our neighboring countries,” expressed the Chairman.

COMPOSTELA WORKS ROLLING MILL

With the help of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) through its P5.7-billion long term loan to Compostela Steel Inc., SteelAsia is able to begin construction of its seventh mill in the Philippines.

“As the premier infrastructure bank of the country, financing projects that enable the local construction industry to be self-reliant in steel is a developmental priority as it further improves the country’s infrastructure landscape,” said DBP President Emmanuel G. Herbosa.

Compostela Works Rolling Mill, set to be the largest steel-making facility in the town of Compostela, is expected to meet the growing demand of locally made steel products in the Visayas. Aside from that, the new mill will also provide a solution to the limited amount of steel products in the Visayan regions.

HIGH QUALITY STEEL PRODUCTION

The Compostela mill will become one of the biggest facilities of SteelAsia once it is finished. With various equipment that boasts of Italian engineering and technology, Chairman Yao proudly says that it will be a cost-efficient alternative as opposed to exported steel bars to the country. It will have a capacity of 800,000 tons of rebar produced annually, with the combined production of the 7 mills in the country expected to reach 2.5 million tons.

A BOON TO THE LOCAL INDUSTRY

The new mill will present many benefits upon its completion most especially to the locals of Compostela, Cebu. One of those benefits being the provision of around 3000 direct and indirect jobs to the residents. It can also be seen bolstering the domestic steel output of the country which should lessen the dependence on imported steel products and stimulate the local economy especially in the midst of a pandemic.

When the project reaches its second phase, the facility may be able to start producing wire rods which will strongly support downstream small-scale manufacturing firms and act as a cost-efficient import substitute. Since the Philippines currently has no wire-rod manufacturing capability and relies solely on imports from neighboring countries, this expansion may be able to help cut down expenses on various infrastructure projects.

TIMELINE

SteelAsia Manufacturing broke ground for Compostela Works Rolling Mill last May 2018 and construction started in 2019. No announcements have been made yet about the estimated end of the construction.

Pacific Lounge Cebu: Samboan’s Hidden and Exclusive Escape

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Privacy is luxury.

A statement that is upheld by Pacific Lounge located in the town of Samboan, southern Cebu.

Renting the place means you will have a whole apartment exclusively to yourself, that’s why Pacific Lounge is perfect for intimate family affairs. It’s located close to some of the best waterfalls in the southern part of Cebu so the place basically gives you access to a lot of the best spots in the area.

An architecturally unique modern villa with sea views.

Their modern villas with sea views are situated on a 1-hectare garden. The rooms are surrounded by green trees and plants that will surely tap into your inner nature-lover side.

The roof deck of the apartment serves as the dining area with a breathtaking view of the sea and sky. This is the perfect spot for a candle-lit dinner or an intimate lunch with your loved one.

Their native-inspired rooms are also neat and elegant and will make you wonder whether it’s still worth it to go outside. Well, of course it is! Pacific Lounge comes with a 120-meter private beach with a coral cove. This is probably one of the best features of the place.

Tourists will surely get to experience a world-class dive without having to go far because it’s literally in front of your accommodation.  Snorkel masks and life vests can be used for free.

So if you’re planning for a trip down south and yearning for a break from the loud city life, Pacific Lounge is one of the best spots in southern Cebu.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Entrance fee: Reserved exclusively to those with confirmed bookings.

Room rates: P6,500 per night, good for 4 persons (exclusive use of the service apartment and its amenities)

Other information:

  • Book now! Click this link first: https://www.airbnb.com/c/ramm357 and sign up. After signing up, head on to this link.
  • Check-in: After 12:00 NN / Check-out: 11 AM
  • No pets allowed.
  • Parking spaces is available.
  • Contact number: Only accepts bookings via Airbnb.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Dalahikan, Samboan, Southern Cebu — approx. 3 hours away from Cebu City. The resort is located just along the highway.

BY BUS: From the Cebu South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Bato/Liloan via Barili/Samboan. Fare is around P200. The resort is along Samboan highway, few meters away from Fantasy Lodge. It’s best to also navigate with Waze or Google Maps.

BY CAR: Navigate using Waze or Google Maps and input “Pacific Lounge” as the destination. Parking space is available.

Cebu Prov to open tourism to neighboring areas in Central Visayas

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Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia announced on Friday, December 11, that the Province of Cebu will be opening its borders to welcome tourists from other provinces. Garcia said that she will be meeting with the Provincial Tourism Task Force to establish guidelines and protocols for the Tourism’s new normal.

“Because you see, it’s really time for us to realize that in the final analysis, it’s the economic situation now of so many that have been affected by these restrictions that we must prioritize. Unya kaning Central Visayas is a tourism region,”

– Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia

“Okay rata diri Cebu, kung Province lang we’re 3.2 million, apil ang Cebu City that’s another million, that’s 4.2 milion, apil ang Lapu-lapu City that’s about 600. We’re about 5 million. Maka-sustain rata,” Garcia emphasized.

Garcia also added that if 10 to 20 percent of about 5 million people will visit the tourism sites of the province, Cebu can sustain even amidst the pandemic.

On December 2, the four governors of Central Visayas were supposed to meet for a discussion on possibilities of inter-province tourism, but the governors of Bohol, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental have cancelled.

However, regardless of the cancellation, Garcia is still keen on opening the tourism of Cebu to inter-province tourists.

“So, we have to move it but I have already decided. Maayo man gyud ning mulibot ta ba kay makuha natong feedback sa mga resort owners, ang mga stakeholders nato diri sa Cebu. I’m going to sit down with the Provincial Tourism Task Force,” Garcia said.

“If the other provinces are still closing themselves to inter-province nga tourism but they will allow their people to come to us, then we will establish guidelines. Para ang kadtong gusto intawon mubisita og Malapascua Island kay naibog kaayo, ang kadtong gusto muadto og Bantayan labi na kon duna silay mga paryente diri – ang ilang roots gikan diri sa Cebu, we will establish guidelines and protocols for that to allow them entry into our Province,” she ended.

Garcia emphasized that the inter-province tourism will help in reviving the tourism industry after being greatly affected by the pandemic.

According to the latest data, the active Covid-19 cases in Central Visayas are decreasing as people are learning to cope and manage the disease by following the established health protocols, she added.

Macao Imperial now offers ParTEA Gallon for P899

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It’s TEA-numan time!

Milk tea lovers, we’ve got good news for you! We are here to save you from having to worry about what to bring to your Christmas Party with family or friends.

This craze has started even before tha pandemic. The milk tea craving is a drink everyone just couldn’t get enough of. And even if there are a lot of new openings, one cup isn’t just enough to quench our thirst for this sweet drink.

Share your obsession for this drink with your family and friends this Christmas and bring a gallon of milk tea during your party.

On December 15, Macao Imperial Tea will be offering its new Partea Gallon this Christmas season. For only P899, you will be able to share this sweet, caffeinated drink with 8 to 10 of your friends.

Branches of MIT in Cebu:

  • Ayala Central Bloc (now open)
  • Robinsons Fuente (now open)
  • SM Seaside City Cebu (re-opening to be announced)
  • SM City Cebu (re-opening to be announced)
  • Island Central Mall Mactan (new branch opening soon)

Wherever you are in the Philippines, you can get their ‘Partea Gallon’ because this is made available in all their branches. So, save the date and tell your family and friends that you’re bringing this for potluck. Good luck!

El Paradisio: Tropical Beach Paradise in Tabogon

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Fantasies have always been a way of escaping reality and have always provided comfort especially during lonely times.

El Paradisio offers the same dream-like escape with a private property that’s nestled kilometers away from the bustling metro. 

El Paradisio sits atop a low-lying cliff with natural pools of the cool glistening ocean slapping the face of the rock. With interiors that are adorned with eccentric and nature-themed designs, El Paradisio fully immerses its guests in the peace and calm of Tabogon’s thriving wildlife.

The rooms are surrounded by lush plants and trees while also having a picturesque view of turquoise waters. Rustic furnitures made out of wood and other native materials also decorate the rooms, seemingly blending with the natural background.

Aside from a completely relaxing paradise, the resort is also surrounded by free-spirited fauna to go with the abundant flora. Arabian horses frolic on the grassy fields of El Paradisio, stomping around showing visitors that they own the place. They can occasionally be seen feeding on grass or just galloping around.

The horses are completely harmless and have been trained by the owner so guests don’t have to worry about any horse-related accidents. Moreover, everyone’s favorite four-legged friends are allowed to spend a stress-free vacation with their fur parents in the resort. A patio is also placed by the cliff serving a dual purpose – to enjoy the seabreeze and to have a VIP seat for the occasional turtle viewing.

Outside the comfortable spaces of the rooms, there are many spots in the resort that are perfect for meditating and just basking in the tranquil atmosphere. If guests prefer the verdant sceneries of the plants and trees, then they can lounge on the few wooden benches scattered around the resort or they can gather their friends around a campfire.

Sun loungers can also be found near the edge of the cliff for a panoramic view of the resort and the sea. They also have a swimming pool that’s also facing the ocean side with the same scenic view that’s improved by taking a refreshing dip in the salt pool water. Another alternative is dipping in the blue waters at the bottom teeming vibrant corals and various underwater creatures.

The natural atmosphere of El Paradisio will pair magnificently with the array of traditional Filipino dishes that they serve which can be eaten anywhere in the resort – in the comfort of the rooms, near the sea, or in the presence of nature. Cooking areas are also provided to give the guests the freedom of cooking their own food.

The untamed nature and exclusive space in El Paradisio will surely give one of the best and most relaxing tropical experiences in Cebu with 150,000 square meters of their sustainable eco-resort and various nature-themed activities and facilities. 

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

ROOM RATES:

  • Bahay Kubo Cottage: ₱6,000 per night, good for 5 persons w/ breakfast
  • Iguana Cottage: ₱4,500 per night, good for 2 persons w/ breakfast
  • Gate House Cottage: ₱4,000 per night, good for 2 persons w/ breakfast
  • Additional Guests: ₱500/person per night, w/o breakfast

A stay of 2 or more nights are given a 15% discount.

FACILITIES:

  • Kitchen/Grill
  • Terrace Dining
  • Infinity Pool
  • Beach Beds
  • Salag’s Mangrove Park

ACTIVITIES:

  • Turtle Viewing
  • Dolphin Viewing (during migration period)
  • Wild Horse Viewing
  • Snorkeling
  • Jewelry Making

OTHER SERVICES:

  • Snorkeling Gear: ~P500, good for the entire stay
  • Jewelry-Making Class: ~P5000 per person, w/ lunch
  • Motorbike: ~P500
  • Cooking Service: ranging from ~P500 to ~P800

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Camoboan, Tabogon, Northern Cebu — approx. 3 hours away from the city.

BY BUS: Find your way to the Cebu North Bus Terminal. From the terminal, take a bus bound for Bogo and alight at the Damulog Crossing towards Tabogon. From Damulog crossing, someone can pick you up and take you directly to the resort for P1000 pesos so don’t forget to contact the resort beforehand.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “El Paradisio Resort” in Tabogon. Parking space is available upon arrival.

Rising soon: Liloan Port, cutting travel time from/to Mactan to 30 minutes

Commuting is about to drastically change and is bound to become easier for the residents of Lilo-an, Cebu and residents of the north.

Pier 88 is a joint project between the private sector, local government unit, and Archdiocese of Cebu. It is a P1-Billion seaport project that will be developed by the private company, Topline, on a 1-hectare property in Barangay Poblacion leased by the Archdiocese of Cebu. It will serve as a connection to Mactan and Cebu, the two major cities of the island. Not only will it be serving passengers but it will also be catering businesses as well.

Photo by Hon. Duke Frasco, Mayor of Liloan

GOOD NEWS FOR COMMUTERS AND BUSINESSES

The benefits of Pier 88 is two-pronged with it being an easy and alternative route for commuters as well as a gateway for business opportunities. About 10,000 people from Northern Cebu work in Mactan and the metro and a few of the residents are studying in schools and universities in the city. Before the construction of the pier, travelling to and from the city has become an everyday predicament for them and a common source of stress.

“It takes us one to two hours on the road. And it will take us longer if there will be accidents so this will really ease up our stress in commuting to the city,” expressed one of the residents.

ROUTES AND DAILY TRIPS

Three passenger ferries with a capacity of 300 will be utilized that will be traversing the channels going to Mactan and Cebu City. There will be 10 trips a day in both routes to accommodate the amount of passengers crossing.

These ferries will be docking at the Mactan Wharf near Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) for Mactan and at Pier 3 in the Cebu City Port for Cebu. Trips to Cebu and Mactan will soon be cut from 2 hours to 30-45 minutes by sea.

topline express mactan to cebu city pier
Topline Express (Passenger Boat)

GROUNDBREAKING AND TIMELINE

Groundbreaking for the development of Pier 88 was already done last March 2019 and attended by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, Liloan Mayor Christina Frasco, and Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Photo from Topline
Photo by Hon. Duke Frasco, Mayor of Liloan

The port development is expected to have 3 phases and the first phase was finished between 2019 and 2020. Currently, construction works are being continued on the new port and is estimated to be completed around the third or fourth quarter of 2021.

Calvary Mountain Station of the Cross: Serene Place for Worship in Sirao

The mountain of Calvary is a significant place in the bible where Jesus was crucified. The mountain also serves as a reminder of the love and sacrifice that Jesus Christ gave to save everyone from their sins.

Calvary Mountain Station of the Cross in Sirao is a place of worship that aims to remind its visitors of Jesus Christ’s love and devotion. The name “Calvary Mountain Stations of the Cross” was chosen to reflect the way of the cross and encourage believers to cherish and practice the values taught to us by the bible.

It was developed by the same faithful follower of Christ who felt a calling from God. In 2013, Miss Estrella Rigodon received a calling to develop a parcel of land in Sirao where she would be able to share God’s providence.

The very first structure to be developed was the giant Cross which now rests at the top of the chapel and serves as the most prominent feature of Calvary Mountain Stations of the Cross. From there, construction of the other parts of the worshipping place seemed to easily follow.

The first thing that greets visitors are serene angels that seemingly usher visitors to the different parts of Calvary Mountain Stations of the Cross. A fountain can be found to the right and at the left is Jesus Christ framed and standing on a large patch of grass. The main staircase is a straightforward path that leads visitors from the bottom all the way to the entrance of the chapel.

Rails and subtle inclines are also present on both sides of the main staircase to serve as alternative paths. Well-maintained plants and regularly trimmed grass contribute to the serenity of the place. The surroundings of the chapel are also blessed with vibrant plants and trees which breathe life into Calvary Mountain Stations of the Cross.

The environment of Calvary Mountain Stations of the Cross and the gentle breeze of Sirao are both great gifts from above that allow faithful followers to practice their faith in peace and reconnect with their souls.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Fees:

  • Entrance fee: None
  • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Sitio Langub, Brgy. Sirao, Cebu City — a few kilometers away from Sirao Flower Farm, 30 minutes from the city proper.

BY TAXI: Find your way to J.Y. Square in Lahug. It is the best place to go to since there are many options to choose from to get the Calvary Mountain Stations of the Cross. One of the easiest ways is to hail a taxi from J.Y. Square. The nearest landmark is the Sirao Flower Farm but it is still quite a ways away. Just ask the driver to head to Langub-Sirao road and you will eventually reach Calvary Mountain Stations of the Cross.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Calvary Mountain Stations of the Cross Stations of the Cross” in Sirao. Parking space is available upon arrival.

ITealicious: A taste of Taiwan’s best milk tea and coffee in Cebu

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Did you know that Bubble Tea, also known as black pearl/boba, was invented in the 1980’s in Taiwan?

The “Milktea for life” motto has originated there so it’s no wonder that they serve the best of the best.

Here in Cebu, ITealicious brings Taiwan’s best as they offer premium Taiwan based milk tea and other products such as brewed teas and coffee.

IT Park branch (near Harrison Park, across Zerenity Hotel)
IT Park branch (near Harrison Park, across Zerenity Hotel)

Affordable “me time”

Who said that having some “me time” should be expensive? ITealicious offers a variety of delicious Milk Teas and Coffee that would take all the stress away without stressing your budget too.

With their premium Taiwanese milk tea, a sit down with its nature feels and some good music, they have opened 9 branches all over Metro Cebu in just two years.

Staying at home? ITealicious is on foodpanda and GrabFood too!

Best-selling milk tea | Mactan (Wok Restaurant Maribago branch)
AS Fortuna (across JCentre Mall)
Guadalupe, Cebu City (Emilio Osmena St.)
Subangdaku, Mandaue City (ADG IT center)
Jones Ave.(beside 7-11 going to VCMC)

Creamy and Luscious

ITealicious has surely lived up to their name for their milkteas are creamy and oh so luscious. They are also very generous in their sinkers ensuring customer satisfaction. The Thai milk tea and Taro milk tea are a must-try for they are creating quite a buzz.

iTealicious is on foodpanda & Grabfood!
Two cups are always better than one!

Chocolate & Coffee Goodness

Good news for those who utterly loves chocolates and are crazy for coffee for they can be a part of a perfectly balanced diet if managed well.

ITealicious also has milk teas with dark chocolate and Oreo that will boost your endorphin levels sky high and a coffee collection for your daily good coffee fix.

They also serve other drink products like Yakult fruit teas, brewed teas, refreshers and even has chia seeds as an add-on.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Best-sellers:

  • Dark chocolate milktea
  • Okinawa milktea
  • Wintermelon milktea

Menu:

Itealicious Cebu Branches:

  • APAS – IT Park – San Miguel Road, Apas, Cebu City, Cebu (near Harrison Park across Zerenity Hotel)
    • How to get there? Ride any jeepney going to IT Park. Drop off near the Avida Tower building (across Sugbo Mercado). From there, you will see a road in between Avida Tower and McDo. Walk a little for about 2-3 minutes then you will arrive at iTealicious Lahug branch, just few meters from Harrison Park.
  • SUBANGDAKU – ADG IT Center, Lopez Jaena Street, Mandaue City, Cebu
  • MACTAN – Gf Jinju Square bldg. Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City
  • GUADALUPE – Emilio Osmena St. (across Planet Vegis)
  • AS FORTUNA – Across J Centre Mall (beside Ngo Hiong Express)
  • CABANTAN – Cardinal Rosales Ave. (near Keppel)
  • JONES AVE. – 311 Conchita Building, Osmeña  Blvd. Cebu City (beside 7-11 going to VCMC)
  •  LABANGON – Katipunan St. Labangon Town Center (at Ho Ngohiong)
  • BULACAO – Highway Bulacao, Cebu City, 6000  (across Prince Warehouse Club at  Ho Ngohiong)

Other Information:

Savedra Beach Bungalows: Divers’ Perfect Retreat in Panagsama Beach

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Moalboal at the surface may look like a small town but dive under its waters and you will discover the rich marine life that resides in the coastal town.

One of the most famous marine events which can only be witnessed at this corner of Cebu is the Sardine Run – a natural phenomenon where large schools of sardines gather near the shore. The Sardine Run can be experienced just a few meters from the shores of Panagsama Beach along with the stunning view of vibrant corals and other underwater species.

At the heart of Panagsama Beach is the Savedra Beach Bungalows Resort with many dive shops and restaurants just walking distances from the resort – one of its strongest advantages from the other nearby resorts. It has 10 rooms which are all equally peaceful and relaxing and fully equipped with air conditioning, hot/cold showers, and refrigerators.

Savedra Beach Bungalows Resort may even be considered as the “Diver’s retreat” due to its proximity to many dive shops and restos, making it really appealing and easy-to-reach after diving sessions. They even offer scuba diving packages which makes things much easier for divers and diving enthusiasts.

Aside from being a strategic location for divers, the bungalows still have the typical beach setup with a breathtaking view of the sea and an alluring beachfront that beckons guests to go for a swim.

Moreover, since it is at the heart of Panagsama Beach, the bungalows sit at the perfect spot near the reef where turtles swim so snorkeling is an option for an activity.

Lastly and most importantly, the veranda just right outside the rooms has one of the best views with glistening turquoise waters and marvelous sunsets – the perfect view to end the day while reading a book or drinking beer. 

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

ROOM RATES:

  • Standard Double Room: ₱1,935 per night, good for 2 persons
  • Standard Twin Room: ₱1,935 per night, good for 2 persons
  • Family Room: ₱2,565 per night, good for 6 persons

NOTE: Extra persons not allowed.

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Panagsama Beach, Moalboal, Cebu — 3 to 4 hours away from the city

BY BUS: Find your way to Cebu South Bus Terminal (as of writing, located at Lantaw SRP). From the bus terminal, ride a bus bound for Bato-Barili. Travel time takes about 2.5 – 4 hours depending on the traffic in the city. Ask the driver to drop you off at Moalboal downtown. From Moalboal downtown, ride a tricycle going to Panagsama Beach. Upon arrival, you may ask around for directions going to Savedra Beach Bungalows Resort.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Savedra Beach Bungalows” in Moalboal, Cebu. Parking space is available upon arrival.

Rabiya Mateo joins ‘Law of Attraction’ trend for PH’s 5th MU Crown

In this time and age of uncertainty, we could only wish for our dreams to come true. While it may sound cliché to others, some have also shared their sentiments on how ‘Law of Attraction’ has proven its ‘power’ to be true.

2020, specifically, has faced us with vast circumstances hence, this trend. The Law of Attraction trend has taught us that we can changed these circumstances through positive vibes. Though aspiring is common to most of us, a lot of celebrities whom we thought are already blessed with what they have, could also wish for more, for their fellows.

Miss Universe 2020 Rabiya Mateo just hopped into the bandwagon. She, despite winning the crown of the Philippines, is also hoping to bring home the crown of the universe to the country, for her countrymen.

Rabiya shared Sugbo.ph’s post with a caption: “5th MU crown for the PH!”

https://web.facebook.com/Nebiyayayaya/posts/5514843971874775

While we have all been cheering her on, may this make us support her even more. She’s preparing to bring us the 5th Miss Universe crown. We bet the stars in the universe will align for someone who is confidently beautiful, with a heart.

Rabiya Occeña Mateo (born November 14, 1996) is an Indian-Filipino model and beauty pageant titleholder from Iloilo City who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020.

Rabiya will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2020 pageant which will be held in the first quarter of 2021.