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Baluarte Park: Historical Ruins of Spanish-era Fort in Aloguinsan

Up for some historical experience?

The Baluarte Park in Aloguinsan is home of the remnants of a Spanish era watchtower or baluarte that was built to warn residents of the presence of pirates in the area.

Photo by Loki Lape Laagan

Just opposite the baluarte is a small fort where watchers or soldiers would most probably sleep, eat or take a nap during their duty. This fort is also built with coral stones and only visible of what remains of it.

While the place is rich in history, a stroll in the park is also relaxing as it is covered with trees and green lawns spreading everywhere. Gazebos are also built at strategic areas within the park that serve as viewing decks for those who wish to take a view of the magnificent blue sea surrounding the island.

Rates & Other Information

DAY USE:

  • Entrance fee: ₱10 per head

Aloguinsan Tour

If you wish to experience more of the attractions in Aloguinsan, the local government has initiated a local tour program called the Aloguinsan River Eco-Cultural Tour. Here are the packages you can avail:

  • ₱400 per person – Walk-in rate for Bojo River Cruise (excluding meal)
  • ₱650 per person – Inclusive of tour, lunch, snacks at the Farmhouse, and complementary goodies. Based on advance booking (at least 2 days), minimum of 5pax.

STUDENT PACKAGE: ₱850 per head for a minimum of five persons. This includes a welcome lei, welcome drinks, lunch at The Farmhouse, snacks along the Bojo River, handicraft demo, river cruise, swimming, and a tour of heritage sites such as the baluarte (heritage park), old stone church, and parola.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Aloguinsan, southwest of Cebu — 2-3 hours away from the city.

BY BUS: Head for the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at Aloguinsan Public Market. You can walk from the market to the Park which is located just behind Aloguinsan Municipal Hall.

BY CAR: If you’re bringing your own vehicle, just navigate with Waze and search for “Baluarte Park” in Aloguinsan. There’s a parking space available in the area.

Miniso x Marvel items on BIG Sale, now for as low as P99

Missed shopping in the malls?

Japan-based designer brand Miniso is one of those few stores we pass by inside the mall, take a second look and ‘peek’ inside, and then end up leaving the store with cute stuff. Well — with this good news, you will surely end up buying more!

Known for their affordable yet reliable pieces, Miniso offers Marvel items with huge discounts, now for as low as P99!

Check out some of the items we found at Miniso – SM City Cebu branch:

Miniso at SM City Cebu is open from Mondays to Sundays, 10AM to 8PM, at the 2nd Level, Main Mall.

When going out, make sure to observe the following:

  • Quarantine pass or Certificate of Employment (COE) is required to enter the mall.
  • Must wear a face mask and face shield at all times.
  • Observe physical distancing.

Also don’t forget to wash your hands frequently and disinfect thoroughly as soon as you get home.

No age limit, travel docs for tourists in Cebu Province

Editor’s Note: As of February 2021, there’s still no age restriction when it comes to local traveling around the Cebu Province.

Everyone can pack their bags, travel and enjoy Cebu, and I mean every single one of us regardless of age.

As the province is already under a Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia announced last Friday, October 16, that there are no age restrictions for tourists who wish to visit Cebu’s tourist spots.

This statement was also backed by Director Shalimar Tamano of the Department of Tourism – Central Visayas (DOT-7) who expressed that most families enjoy traveling together.

The no age limit announcement addresses the increasing concern regarding the many documentary travel requirements which was such a hassle that it discourages being a tourist itself.

This announcement would surely encourage people to “Laag” and in return, boost tourism.

Bantayan Reopening

They also announced Bantayan Island’s tourism reopening. The island is a true “Paradise of the North”, being the home of the white sands and rich marine life.

What to do:

  • Check shipping companies scheduled trips at the tourism portal www.discover.cebu.gov.ph for available trips.
  • Wear standard face mask and face shield for all travelers and adhere to other health and safety protocols
  • Purchase of the two-way boat ticket in going to the island
  • Present confirmed booking at hotels and resorts upon embarking at the ports. (requirement for the 2-way ticket as well)

Note: Tourists are encouraged to wear personal air purifiers upon entry in resorts and accommodation establishments. If you don’t have one, the establishments will have to provide by renting it out to the guests.

“I don’t think anyone can accuse me now that I am making light of Covid-19. Because I have suffered through Covid-19 and I continue to suffer because I have lost two brothers. And I continue to suffer as governor when I see the suffering of the Cebuanos precisely because of these restrictions that have been imposed for Covid-19,”

– Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia

Also read:

https://sugbo.ph/2019/budget-sta-fe-bantayan-island/

Great deals at Lapu-Lapu City’s ‘Balik Turismo’ Online Sale

As tourism has been greatly affected during the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that started in China, Lapu-Lapu City has initiated a virtual online sale to jumpstart the tourism sector in the island and recover the livelihood of many Cebuanos relying in tourism.

Called as ‘Balik Tourismo Travel Fair‘, the program of the Lapu-Lapu City Government, led by Mayor Junard ‘Ahong’ Chan, offers up to 50% discount on travel flights, island hopping tours, and room accommodations in Mactan’s premiere and famous hotels and resorts.

Though a physical event was held earlier today at Hoops Dome, the sale will still continue online where you can use the promo code ‘LLCBALIKTURISMO‘ to avail the discounts.

Here are some of the great deals you can avail at Lapu-Lapu City’s BALIK TURISMO Online Sale:

Hotels & Resorts

Flights

Tours

North Bus Terminal reopens new location at SM City Cebu

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Good news! After long years of operating in Mandaue, the Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT) has transferred to a new location at SM City Cebu and has resumed its operations since October 14, 2020.

This new North Bus Terminal is now managed by the Cebu Provincial Government and is located right at the center of Metro Cebu, at the bus parking area of SM City Cebu near the MyBus station.

Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia said the relocation of the new bus terminal is a victory of the public-private partnership between the Capitol and SM Prime Holdings.

“This partnership is made more significant in that it signals the joint efforts of government and private sector to provide free use of the property which will allow convenient travel to and from the northern and central parts of the island,”

– Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia

Governor Garcia also expressed her gratitude to Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes for hosting CNBT for two decades. CNBT was previously located in a lot owned by the Mandaue City Government in Barangay Subangdako and managed by the Cebu City Government through a bus operators’ cooperative.

Garcia also thanked Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella for the provisional authority for the CNBT to operate in the city.

Including Ceres buses by Vallacar Transit, CNBT will cater around 90 buses and is expected to serve around 300 trips daily.

Because the constituents of the Province of Cebu is taking a chunk of the volume of the CNBT users, Capitol has taken over this responsibility and honor to provide a facility in collaboration with SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

Seafood di Bukid: Newest tambayan in Camp 7, Minglanilla

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Seafoods are one of the most craved delicacies by many people due to their fresh sea aroma and deep salt flavors that melt in the mouth at every bite. At the same time, seafood is often rarely encountered with most restaurants serving them at steep prices while the cheap ones are served at far flung seaside provinces so seafood cravings are mostly left unsatiated.

Lo and Behold, Seafood di Bukid presents an answer to everybody’s seafood woes. Found in the unlikely setting of the mountainous road of Talisay, Seafood di Bukid offers seafood-lovers with an assortment of saltwater favorites being served and plated the Cebuano way – with puso. Visitors will enjoy feasting on the flavors of the ocean while basking in the refreshing atmosphere of the trees and the mountains.

Although it is quite the distance to travel, it would be a great trip to make right after exploring the wonders of the south or after visiting the famous Man-Made Forest in Camp 7 since Seafood di Bukid is just a short distance from the attraction.

You will know when you have arrived because, aside from the strong seafood aroma drawing people to the place, the entire area by the side of the road has been transformed into a makeshift eatery with wooden chairs and tables under the shade of umbrellas which makes it possible to eat come rain or shine (except during heavy rains).

There are stalls that serve the fresh seafood delicacies as well as milk tea from Chattea to help push the food down.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

The seafoods that are available are the following:

  • Crabs
  • Shrimps
  • Fish Tinola
  • Bakasi
  • Grilled Fish Jaw (Panga)
  • Grilled Squid
  • Grilled Fish

Other information

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Lower Camp 7, Minglanilla, Cebu — approx. 1 hour away from the city.

BY PRIVATE VEHICLE: Drive going to the Man-Made Forest in Camp 7. Ask for directions from the locals around the area and ask the location of Seafood di Bukid. Just drive straight along the road passing the Man-Made Forest and you will encounter a makeshift eatery by the side of the road.

You can also navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Camp 7, Minglanilla”.

Spring Park Mountain Resort: A Serene Escape to Toledo City

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Seemingly hidden from view and offering a quiet escape from the loud city life, Spring Park Mountain Resort is the perfect getaway if you want to a tranquil swimming experience.

Located in Toledo City, the Spring Park Mountain Resort has three swimming pools that will surely make you feel refreshed. The best part about the resort is that it is surrounded by numerous trees, making you feel like you are swimming in the clearing of a forest.

The sound of the trees and birds chirping while you are swimming is an authentic nature experience. Aside from swimming, you can also roam around the area as if you were on a day hike. They also allow overnight camping.

Other amenities include the Happy Hour KTV, a private room good for 4-6 persons where you can sing your hearts out. They also have a Game Room where you can play billiards or annoy your friends with your singing! If craving for some meals and snacks, the resort has its own café restaurant.

And for those who want to stay overnight, there are rooms you can rent out. Lastly, they have a pavilion that is large enough to accommodate weddings and other parties.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION:

Day use:

  • Entrance fee: P120 (adults and children above 3 feet); P100 (children below 3 feet); Free (1-2 years old)
  • NOTE: No walk-ins are allowed. Reservations must be made through the contact details provided below.

Cottage fees:

  • Picnic cottage: P300 (6-8 persons)
  • Picnic table: P200 (2-4 persons)

Room rates: 

  • Price ranges from P800 to P2,000.
  • Check in at 2 PM and check out at 12 NN.

Other information:

  • Open: 7AM to 5PM daily
  • Other optional fees:
    • Happy hour KTV: P100 per hour (4-6 person); no outside food and drinks are allowed.
    • Game room: P75 per hour
    • Camping fee: P150
  • Swimming pool fee is not included in the room rates and Happy Hour KTV rates.
  • Contact details: 0956-786-5843 / (056) 786-5843
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/springparkmtnresort
  • E-mail: [email protected]

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Barangay Cantabaco, Toledo City, Cebu (45 minutes away from Cebu City)

BY BUS: From Cebu City, ride a bus bound for Toledo City. Instruct the driver to drop you off at Barangay Lutopan. From there, ride a motorcycle to Spring Park Resort (fare at P20-P30).

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Spring Park Mountain Resort” in Sogod. Parking space is available.

Bugsay Resto Grill: Dine by the sea in Pinamungajan

Apart from the taste of the food, the over-all theme of the restaurant is also now gradually becoming a factor for a great dining experience. The more unique the concept is, the more the restaurant stands out.

Bugsay Resto Grill in Pinamungajan is a dine-by-the-sea experience that you and your food buddies should never miss out.

With a magnificent view of the sea, this restaurant in Brgy. Tajao, Pinamungajan, Cebu offers a refreshing meal to every guest that sets foot on the restaurant that seem to sit on top of the waters. The sea-salty breeze of the air coming from the sea adds up to the satisfaction we get as we munch on the delectable dishes offered here.

The majority of their dining tables though are in the bay area which are also equally comforting and relaxing.

Photo by Sienna Gines

Surely, the place isn’t just a place where you can eat; it is also a place where your family and friends can hangout. The place even gets more beautiful and attractive at night with colorful lanterns and lamps coating up the place.

The exciting part about Bugsay Resto Grill isn’t just the view itself but also, the leisurely walk on several meters of bamboo bridge from the beach to the several cottages located on top of the waters. But the walk is all worth it as you will be greeted with dishes made from the freshest food that they offer.

Bugsay Resto Grill is an addition to Pinamungajan’s set of things to do and expect including floating cottages, cottages on stilts, aquasports, and acoustic music.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Menu:

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Brgy. Tajao, Pinamungajan, Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from the city.

BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal, ride a bus going to Pinamungajan. Tell the driver to drop you off at Brgy. Tajao or at Bugsay Resto Grill. Bus fare is P80 per person (one-way).

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Bugsay Resto Grill” in Pinamungajan. Parking space is available.

New Adaptations of Kane Chronicles and Percy Jackson coming soon!

Hold your horses, Percy Jackson fans as Rick and Becky Riordan forms a new production company, Mythomagic, Inc.

Mythomagic, Inc., a production company set to oversee the adaptation process of Kane Chronicles and Percy Jackson, will be acting as guardians of the source materials. To make the best possible adaptations, they will also work with the film industry partners.

There are currently working on two exciting projects; Percy Jackson and the Olympians TV series on Disney+ and The Kane Chronicles feature films on Netflix.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians TV series

Currently, Mythomagic is in its early stages of development for the original Percy Jackson’s live adaptation. At present, Rick is working on the script for Lightning Thief, the first season or pilot episode.

This will be shown on Disney+.

The Kane Chronicles feature films

On the other hand, Rick and Becky have sold the TV/film rights for Netflix to develop a series of feature films for Kane Chronicles. Presently, both are also producers for a live-action adaptation of The Red Pyramid, the first book.

The live-action adaptation will stream on Netflix soon.

If you can’t wait, make sure you share this article so you can entice others with this exciting news, too!

DTI-7 ‘Ready to Recover’ Webinars to Jumpstart Local Economic Rebuilding

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The Department of Trade and Industry Central Visayas (DTI-7) recently launched a series of webinars under the banner Ready to Recover (R2R) to jumpstart the local economic rebuilding and recovery process.

Held via Zoom and Facebook Live, these webinars were made possible  with the cooperation of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Visayas, Start-up Island Philippines, various Chambers in Region VII and the Rotary.

The first webinar which was entitled “Understanding Smart Contact Tracing: For Safer Communities and for Faster Business Recovery” was held last September 11 to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the importance of contact tracing in the fight against Covid-19 as well as disseminate awareness of available low cost but effective digital solutions.

In anticipation of an increase in business activities and easing of restrictions in Central Visayas, the DTI-7 enjoined the business sector to adopt safe technology solutions in the area of contact tracing. 

The webinar included a number of notable speakers such as Symph Founder, Albert Padin who talked about Contact Tracing Technologies; Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong who talked about the Baguio City Contact Tracing Model; DOST Expert Vaccine Panel on Clinical Trials Chair Dr. Nina Gloriani who talked about The Science of Contact Tracing; and Atty. Amor Venenoso of the National Privacy Commission who talked about Protecting Data Privacy in Contact Tracing.

For those who want to watch the first webinar, they may visit this link: https://bit.ly/2GXufXH

https://www.facebook.com/283980025044879/videos/2645901329056901/

The second webinar,  an online Pitch Party of 10 curated contact tracing apps,  was held last September 25. These apps included CLEARPASS, Coscan, Open Gov, QR City, among others. The panelists were the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines’s Co-Founder Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue; DICT’s Regional Director Frederick Amores; Philippine Retailer Association Cebu Chapter’s President Chester Lim; Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry R7’s Regional Governor Edward Du; and Office Services Colliers International’s General Manager Gerard Thomas Padriga.

For those who want to watch the second webinar, they may visit this link: https://bit.ly/3n1Fw9W

https://www.facebook.com/283980025044879/videos/359350101767066/

The third webinar in the R2R series was Pitch Party 2: Curated Contact Tracing Applications held on October 9 this year. Due to public demand, DTI-7 decided to organize a part 2 of the Pitch Party which ended with a DIY workshop on QR-based contact tracing system application. The goal of this session was to further the knowledge of the business sector on smart contact tracing and to showcase how they can create their own QR-based contact tracing system.

For those who want to watch the third webinar, they may visit this link: https://bit.ly/33ND5QK

https://www.facebook.com/283980025044879/videos/787325238719223/

For updates on DTI 7’s upcoming webinars, those interested may visit the department’s official Facebook page @DTI.Region7 or  its Youtube channel DTI 7 Digital.