Discover.cebu.gov.ph will now host the booking of all the tourism activities offered by the towns and cities in the Cebu province. Intended to limit the number of guests at a given time and observe social distancing protocols, this portal is the new normal for tourism in Cebu.
Portal features
Booking mechanism
Online Payments – through money remittance firms and online banking
Releasing of radio frequency ID (RFID) code- presented to tourism site in exchange of an RFID bracelet which can be reloaded to serve as their e-wallet.
In preparation to the ‘new normal’, Barili has revamped its tourism packages in lieu to their reviving of their tourism.
The town of Barili now offers dolphin-watching and all-terrain vehicle adventure (ATV) as their new tourism activities. With these, they have been poised as the “new rockstar in ecotourism adventure in Cebu Island.”
Dolphin Watching
Because of the continuous dolphin-sighting in the waters of Japitan and Hilasgasan, a dolphin-watching activity will be opened to tourists.
Barili Mayor Garcia said that a resolution is being crafted to establish guidelines most especially in striking a balance between ecotourism as an economic opportunity in Barili and the continued conservation initiatives in Tañon Strait and its marine species as stipulated in Proclamation No. 1234 signed by former President Fidel Valdez Ramos in 1998.
ATV Adventure
If you’re up for an extreme activity, their ATV Adventure is now officially open. Sure to give all adrenaline junkies their cravings, this adventure covers a total of 12 kilometers of rough road, mud, cliff and limestone wall, and an awesome vantage view of Tañon Strait, the western skyline and its perfect display of sunset moments.
There are three phases to the finishing line in the Bangaglapus Cave, another tourist spot in the municipality.
The Barili ATV Adventure costs from around ₱350-840 per head promo rate (regular rate is ₱600-800) depending on the package or level of difficulty.
Book online, no walk-ins
To control the number of visitors of tourism-related activities, the Cebu Provincial Government launched discover.cebu.gov.ph as an online booking portal. These attractions in Barili will up in the online booking portal starting August 1, 2020.
Health protocols and guidelines limit the number of visitors to half of the original carrying capacity of each site or activity.
As par of their preparation to the new normal, disinfecting foams and an ultraviolet germicidal light gave been used to disinfect and sanitize your protective protective gears after every use. They also have a handwashing station in place.
Changes in the City’s quarantine status left many people living in neighboring cities, towns, and islands stranded in Cebu City. In the same way, residents of the City have also been stranded in other localities.
After four (4) months since the outbreak started, the Cebu City Government has finally acted on the concerns of the Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) in the city through financial assistance and guidance on how they can get back to their home provinces.
On a Facebook Page, Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella announced that the City Government has closely coordinated with the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force (RIATF) over its request to the IATF that stranded locals be allowed to travel back to their hometowns after complying with the necessary health and safety guidelines.
“I assure our locally stranded individuals here that the City Government is aware of your difficulties. We received the information you provided and have almost completed verifying them. Many of those who have given us their names by filling up the forms provided here have already coordinated with their barangay officials and received tracking numbers for their respective cases. I urge those who haven’t yet to visit their barangay office and register as LSIs.”
– Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella
If you are among the locals stranded here in Cebu City, please check the infographics from the Cebu City Government below:
For the past few nights, the skies weren’t as clear as how we hoped it would be. Let’s just hope that tonight, and the nights to come, we’ll be able to have clear skies.
On July 12, Delta Aquariids have started to become active. Because from July 12 to August 23, these Delta Aquariids will be gracing our night skies.
The meteor shower though will peak on predawn hours of the 29th with a zenithal hourly rate of 16 and the Philippines will be experiencing a 95% activity rate.
However, these meteor showers are difficult to be spotted, especially if the moon is visible. Otherwise, your get to see the Delta Aquariids when meteor rates rise during the shower’s peak at the end of July.
“The Southern Delta Aquarid meteor shower will be best observed from July 28 to 31 and is estimated to peak before midnight and onwards on July 29/30.”
– DOST-PAGASA
Figure 1 | DOST-PAGASA
Figure 2 | DOST-PAGASA
Figures 1 & 2 show the position of the constellation Aquarius-the Water Bearer, where the radiant will originate.
These are part of a complex of radiant in Aquarius, Capricornus and Piscis Austrinus, all of which combine with sporadic and early Perseid activity to provide a nice display of meteors in the last week of the month.
The stream normally produces about 5-10 meteors/hour with overall activity of about 15 meteors/hour under good sky conditions.
FAST FACTS
Comet of Origin – Unknown, 96P Machholz (suspected)
The Municipality of Cordova in the island of Mactan is being groomed to be the ‘Sentosa’ of Cebu.
Sentosa is an island resort off Singapore’s southern coast popularly known as the state of fun. Just like Sentosa, Cordova will be positioned as the “crown jewel” of tourism and business in Metro Cebu.
Photo from MASA Group Properties
The 1,500-hectare reclamation in Cordova will be developed into an integrated ‘world-class lifestyle’ destination featuring a cruise terminal, marina, beach, eco-parks, golf course, churches, retail centers, civic centers, cultural centers, and promenades with inland transportation consisting of buses and a train with a railroad.
Targeted to be completed by 2028, this multi-billion project will compose four artificially-made islands.
Photo from MASA Group PropertiesPhoto from MASA Group Properties
Under the law, a proposed reclamation project would need to be supported by an area clearance, a feasibility study, an environmental impact statement, and environment compliance certificate (ECC), and local government resolutions posing no objection to the project, among others.
SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH) has already renewed their commitment to invest in Cordova town during an online meeting with the government agencies on July 9, 2020.
“During the meeting, SM asked permission and approval from the local government, DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) and PRA (Philippine Reclamation Authority) to bid the DED (Detailed Engineering Design) to a contractor,”
Photo from MASA Group Properties
Photo from MASA Group Properties
Photo from MASA Group Properties
Design Concept
Cordova also takes pride in its abundant marine resources and habitats. As the municipality lies on the southern coast of Mactan Island, both municipalities have a similar cultures which is fishing and their admiration for marine biodiversity.
Whereas, the development is called “Dolphin Island” since a dolphin symbolizes ‘Marine Life and Beauty’ and from time to time a pod of dolphins can be seen around the vicinity and other marine lives.
We all need a breather sometimes. A time to collect ourselves away from the crowd, away from the busy life and into a secluded place.
Well, worry not for we have the perfect secluded place for you to escape to, the refreshing 3-layer falls in Napo, Carcar City.
Photo by Rafael Raboy
Tagged as the Tulotulo Falls, this hidden paradise in Carcar City will satisfy your need for privacy while enjoying nature at its best.
The first layer is perfect for a good swim while you can swing your heart out in the tree vines (baging, bagoon) at the second layer and go camping alone or with your friends at the third layer.
Check out more photos from Cebuano Rafael Raboy:
Photo by Rafael Raboy
Photo by Rafael Raboy
Photo by Rafael Raboy
Photo by Rafael Raboy
Photo by Rafael Raboy
Other Information
Entrance fee: None as of the moment
Contact number: (032) 345 6423 (Carcar City Government)
Exact location: Napo, Carcar City, southern Cebu — approximately 2.5 hours away from the city.
BY JEEPNEY: From the South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound to Carcar City. Ask to be dropped off at Savemore Carcar. Bus fare is around ₱50 (one-way).
From there, look for a tricycle or motorbike that will take you to Garay, Napo. Average fare is ₱35 per head only. Then ask the locals for directions, since the spot is not yet known to many. Just follow the way up until you reach to the end of the river, then you will see the 3-layer falls.
NOTE: Buses are still not operating amid COVID-19 outbreak. You may bookmark this page for your future travel plans. If you’re in the area, you may visit this place as tourism activities have resumed in Cebu Province under MGCQ.
Planning for your retirement can be a surprisingly creative process, especially if you would like to infuse it with a twist of luxury. Cebu is an amazing place to spend some time during retirement, yet it is by no means the only location prospective pensioners consider in the wider area. On the other side of Australia lies New Zealand, home not only to a spectacular landscape but also to some of the most amazing resorts and retirement options – and it is definitely worth checking out.
Photo by Dan Freeman on Unsplash
A pensioner’s paradise
You might have noticed New Zealand, along with the rest of the world, when its stunningly beautiful countryside and mountains served as the shooting location for The Lord of the Rings trilogy by Peter Jackson. The three instalments released in 2001, 2002 and 2003 went on to make roughly $884 million, $937 million and $1.14 billion respectively on the worldwide gross box office. Becoming an instant hit with moviegoers, they also served as the best advertisement for New Zealand’s tourism industry, which saw a boom in the following years. Along with tourism, travellers gradually discovered that the quiet and laidback way of life favoured by Kiwis also made it a great retirement destination. For others, the country’s booming casino industry is an important draw, as a trip to the casino is often synonymous with spending a lush evening indulging yourself in a glamourous setting.
Photo by Shan Li Fang on Unsplash
The retirement sector of New Zealand’s economy has been flourishing in recent years and, just like in Cebu, newcomers will find several options to choose from. Just last year, industry leader Arvida announced it would invest in three luxury retirement villages across Tauranga and Queenstown. The investment will amount to roughly 180 million and see an addition of 326 living units to the company’s portfolio that includes over 4,000 residents in almost 3,700 units across 29 retirement villages. Retirement villages and gated communities across New Zealand are a great option for over 55s looking to escape the hassle and buzz that comes with running a family home on your own. But settling down is just one option – for many retirees, this is an extremely active period, as they finally have ample time to devote to hobbies and popular activities.
This includes soaking in thermal pools heated by natural hot springs in Rotorua, which is built on an active volcanic zone, or Lake Taupo where you can combine a thermal pool with a health spa massage at the famous Wairakei Terraces. Retirement is the perfect time to cultivate new hobbies such as exploring different casino games and New Zealand seems like the ideal environment to do so in a relaxed fashion. Games like poker help keep the mind active, which is important for pensioners. The thriving casino sector has also led to the emergence of several online casinos which serve as a “pocket sized” type of luxury on the go. Exploring casino games like Classic Blackjack and its different variants including European Blackjack Multihand and Atlantic City Blackjack is a great option for a fun pastime that will help exercise your mental agility on the go. So you can rest assured, that retiring in NZ will not leave you short of entertainment.
Photo by Dan Freeman on Unsplash
Exploring Kiwi cuisine and countryside
If you would rather explore the outdoors, there are plenty of options in New Zealand – including paying a visit to Middle Earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set for a day in the life of a hobbit. New Zealand is also home to over 400 golf courses that span across hundreds of acres of spectacular greenery. Many are situated overlooking the country’s famous coastline or with its famous mountains towering over them, for an extra touch of natural beauty. It comes as no surprise that golf is the most popular sport among both men and women in New Zealand. Among the top picks are the par 72 Kauri Cliffs Golf Course, featuring 15 holes and overlooking the ocean, and the Cape Kidnappers Golf Course designed by famous architect Tom Doak, a pioneer in designing golf courses.
For gastronomy aficionados, it doesn’t get any more indulgent. Cebu may have a wealth of tasty midnight snack options, but you won’t go short of treats in New Zealand where you can spend every evening, if you like, sampling traditional cooking. The country is a melting pot of Maori cuisine blended with European and British influences. You can try rewana, the traditional Maori sourdough potato bread, or the renowned Polynesian pork-and-potato boil up. It is a well-known fact that Kiwis love their food and there is a wide variety of food and wine festivals catering to every type of foodie. From the diverse artisan market Taste of Auckland that is brimming with stalls showcasing local produce to the famous Whitianga Scallop Festival that celebrates New Zealand’s seafood, there is something for every taste. Wine lovers will be hard pressed to find a better wine tasting event than Toast Martinborough, where the region’s wineries pair up with amazing chefs and talented musicians across impressive vineyards: a true feast for the senses.
New Zealand is a true paradise for retirees from all walks of life – especially those looking to treat themselves to a well-deserved splash of luxury amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
The Kissing Booth 2 has left us with questions, “What college would Elle be choosing,” “What then happens to Noah,” “How about Marco?” Yes, these questions have been left unanswered because a new sequel is definitely happening in 2021.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDHintFAdyC/
On Sunday, July 26, the cast has announced the movie’s third installment through a video. The cute video has been shared to the film’s official Instagram account. The short video featured the stars Joey King and Joel Courtney as front acts alongside Taylor Zakhar Perez, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, and Jacob Elordi. The short teaser ends with the words The Kissing Booth 3, adding that the film is slated to make its Netflix debut in 2021.
The Kissing Booth 2 was defo a cliffhanger. Now, we know why.
Ready your wallets! H&M Philippines drops a jaw-dropping sale this month-end with up to 70% OFF on great selections.
The international clothing brand H&M offers up to 70% discount on fashion items from the ladies’, men’s, women’s and kids’ sections in all H&M stores nationwide.
You can now shop for new fashion items like tops, bottoms, shoes, accessories, and more. Here are some amazing deals being offered:
When going out, make sure to wear a face mask at all times and observe physical distancing. Also don’t forget to wash your hands frequently and disinfect thoroughly as soon as you get home.
File photo
This in-store sale is available in all H&M stores nationwide.
Good news for all the sweet tooth! Seems like we can end our month on a sweet note!
J.CO Donuts & Coffee celebrates “Sweet Rush July” by offering an online promo available on GrabFood delivery. You can now get one pre-assorted dozen for only ₱300 (from ₱460) via GrabFood Delivery from July 30 to August 1, 2020.
You can also get a free delivery by using the promo code ‘JCOFREEDEL’ with a minimum spend of ₱550. Delivery fee applies if order is below ₱550.
Promo is available in all GrabFood’s servicing areas nationwide.
Terms & Conditions:
Purchase one dozen pre-assorted donuts for only PHP300! 1 dozen pre-assorted donuts include 2 pcs Alcapone, 2 pcs Katy Berry, 1 pc Mr. Green T., 1 pc Jcoccino, 1 pc Avocado di Caprio and 1 pc Cheese Cakelicious, 1 pc Oreology, 1 pc Mylosaurus, 1 pc White Dessert, and 1 pc Blueberry More.
This promo is only available on Grabfood Delivery, from July 30 to August 1, 2020. Placing of orders is from 10am to 5pm only.
A maximum spend of PHP800 per transaction is allowed via Grabfood delivery app during the promo period.
The promo cannot be exchanged for other items or discounts and cannot be used in conjunction with other promos. In the purchase of goods and services which are on promotional discount, the senior citizen can avail of the promotional discount or the discount provided under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, whichever is higher. In compliance to, Section 4 of R.A. 9994, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.