This pandemic has greatly affected businesses worldwide.
The biggest fashion retailer in the world which also happened to be the parent company of Zara, Inditex, has announced its plans to closed 1,200 stores worldwide amid COVID-19.
These stores to be closed are those in Asia and Europe. This was announced after Pull&Bear and Bershka reported its first-ever quarterly loss.
In lieu to these financial loss, Inditex has also announced its plans to reorganize, including their store optimization program. Technology will be their front-runner. They have earmarked over 2.7 billion euros to boost online retail.
“Each store, whether online or physical, will become a sustainability hub: They will use less and renewable energy, eliminate single-use plastic, recycle all materials and foster the reuse of all garments,” states the report.
There will also be an app that allows the customer to browse a store’s on-hand items, reserve a changing room, find clothes via a store map, and even do self-checkout, according to Reuters. Online sales are expected to account for over 25% of the total sales by 2022.
On the 122nd celebration of independence in the Philippines, the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), lit their tower again with the Philippine flag.
At 9:15PM yesterday, June 12, the Philippine flag was showcased through thr 828-meter tower.
According to the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Hyajceelyn Quintana, lighting up the tower is UAE’s solidarity gesture for the Filipino community in the middle eastern country.
“This is a heartwarming gesture from the UAE that will surely lift up the spirits of many Filipinos working here,” said Amb. Quintana to the media.
“I hope that this will spark hope among Filipinos as relations between the UAE and the Philippines continue to grow stronger as years go by.”
Watch the video here:
Meanwhile, Dubai Festival City Mall’s façade also showcased the Philippines with a multimedia show of Filipino icons;
The Philippines has always proven popular with holidaymakers and travellers through the years, with Cebu in particular attracting its fair share of attention.
It has certainly done well recently as the region welcomed more than 5.5 million tourist arrivals across 2018. Furthermore, just over 2.8 million of them came from overseas.
Something for everyone
Such figures are perhaps not a huge surprise considering the range of attractions and opportunities that are on offer across the region. As we have documented extensively on our website, there is truly something for everyone – including resorts, theme parks, areas of natural beauty and the culture offered by local museums.
However, if you’re seeking something a little more luxurious than the norm, you might be wondering what the region could offer in that regard. Fortunately, there are a number of great options available and here are just three of our suggestions on how to bring a fair dose of style to your time in the area.
1. Enjoy some casino glamour
Casinos have gone hand-in-hand with luxury and style for decades, so dressing up and visiting such establishments is a great way to instantly add a bit of glamour to any night out.
If you’re seeking some casino action in Cebu, the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino may well be your best port of call. The location is home to a range of different facilities, while its official site details how its casino floor includes a host of casino classics including baccarat, blackjack, roulette and pai gow. If you’re unfamiliar with the latter, this site explains how pai gow is a dominoes game which has also gone on to be adapted into a poker-style experience.
2. Immerse yourself in nature’s wonders
Cebu is home to cold and hot springs, with both offering you the chance to relax and unwind in peaceful, natural surroundings.
There are plenty of options you could consider for this activity, but one which we believe is ideal for first-timers is the Esoy Hot Spring in Catmon. This spring is on private property and the pool of hot water reaches between 40 to 60 degrees C. If you’re seeking an exclusive experience though, you will be pleased to hear that it also operates a ‘no booking, no entry’ policy.
Photo by @jill_flo
Photo by Neriza Paz Caballero
3. See Cebu in a new light
This region is not short of great nightlife and there are some excellent bars and hotels to check out if you want a truly stylish experience. One great name to consider for example is the Twilight Roofdeck Lounge and Bar, which is located on the 23rd floor of the bai Hotel Cebu.
As the hotel’s site explains, the outdoor terrace offers some impressive 360-degree views of Cebu and other areas, while it specialises in everything from beer to wine and – of course – some signature cocktails. However, as the site also makes clear, things go up a notch as the sun goes down with the bar’s stylish lighting bring a striking ambience to proceedings.
A good starting point
Cebu is home to many attractions and there are plenty of ways that you can bring a little bit of luxury to your time in the area. The three ideas above are just some of our favourites and hopefully they should prove to be a good starting point for exciting adventures across the region.
Some glitz and glamour can often be just what the doctor ordered after days or weeks of exploring the Philippines – and a visit to Cebu is a great way to indulge in fine style.
I’m definitely marking my calendar for this update!
On June 26, “Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files” will be arriving on Netflix. This show adapted the manga of the same name by Yoshihiro Togashi in 1992. In 1999, it was aired on GMA Network entitled “Ghost Fighter.”
This story is about Yusuke Urameshi, or better known to us as Eugene, a teenage delinquent who is struck and killed by a car trying to save a child’s life. He was then given his second life as a “Spirit Detective.”
I can’t wait to see Eugene, Alfred, Vincent and Dennis again. Thank you for this gold, Netflix!
On June 11, 2020, DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said in an interview with PTV4 that Samgyupsal restaurants will be soon allowed to open for dine-in customers.
Provided that these restaurants are situated in areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ), the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has approved recommendations for dine-in services.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said on June 11 that dine-in restaurants in areas under GCQ may be allowed to operate at a 30% capacity.
“We are doing this essentially in the interest of workers so they can get back to work. We shall be doing this on a gradual basis, starting at a 30 percent operating capacity,”
– DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez
“This is some kind of a preparation for the eventual de-escalation of Metro Manila and similar areas from GCQ to modified GCQ in the near future,” he added.
On the other hand, buffet and salad bars will still be prohibited under GCQ areas, said Undersecretary Castelo.
However, to avoid closure, these must be followed:
Face-to-Face sitting is not allowed.
2 customers will be seated diagonally on a table of 4
Social distancing by spacing tables 1.5m apart
Installing barriers between customers
Wearing of face masks and/or other PPEs
Disinfecting regularly
Failure to complying to these protocols will deem closure of your business.
This, however, is still subject for approval by President Rodrigo Duterte as the IATF is set to present these recommendations this Monday, June 15, the last day of MGCQ.
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan announced on his 122nd Independence Day speech that he tested positive of COVID-19.
On June 12, Lapu-Lapu City has been told such news by the mayor himself while reassuring the people not to worry about him.
He also said on his FB post that he believes he will get better the soonest possible because of his family’s and supporters’ joined prayers.
“Apan, nagmadasigon ako nga paspas ang akong recovery kay sayod ako nga anaa kamo ug ang akong mga minahal sa kinabuhi nga kanunay nga mohalad sa inyung hiniusang pag-ampo sama sa inyung pag-ampo sa atong mga recoveries nga gitawag nato og ‘CoVid warriors’,”
– Mayor Chan posted on his official FB page.
Regardless of his case, he will never leave his city astray. He will continuously work for his people through virtual meetings and post updates through his social media account.
“Kanunay gihapon ako nga mohalad og serbisyo para sa mga katawhang Oponganon!,”
Bisan pa man sa tanto natong paningkamot nga mahalikay sa CoVid-19, nataptan gihapon kita sa maong sakit. Usbon ko, nag…
May this serve as an awakening call to everyone to always stay at home because no matter how hard you try to protect yourself from this virus, unless you stay at home, you will be vulnerable.
As the number of COVID-19 cases arises, Cebu City may all revert to Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) or Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).
On June 14, 2020, Cebu City will undergo evaluation of quarantine status whether or not it will revert back to a stricter classification.
If the number of COVID-19 cases in the city continues to rise, the worse that could happen is for us to return to ECQ status, if rapid transmission is proven, said Dr. Tony Leachon, special adviser to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) under chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez.
In a Facebook Live session Sunday night, Leachon, said:
“IATF evaluation on June 14, pero kung mataas talaga ang datus pwedeng hindi mag hintay ng June 14 at ibalik ang ECQ o MECQ kung saan sila dati, depende po. May criteria ang national task force based sa real time and granular data.”
Cebu City was placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in the first week of June. However, the increasing number of cases worried Leachon.
By June 6, Cebu City recorded 2,548 cases against San Juan City’s 2,537 cases. San Juan is the local government in the National Capital Region with the most number of cases.
He said that he has alerted his fellow members of the national IATF.
For four consecutive days from June 7 to 10, 2020, Cebu City has been logging at least 100 new confirmed COVID-19 cases a day. As of yesterday, June 10, Cebu City already has a total of 3,089 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 1,719 recoveries and 34 deaths. Total recoveries is at 55.65% ratio while death rate is only at 1.10%.
They say that the virus is here to stay. Therefore, we must all be cautious and practice proper hygiene, but most importantly, we must stay at home.
One of the greatly affected sectors during the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic is tourism. Hence, the Cebu Provincial Government is leading the revival of Cebu’s tourism sector while the world continues to combat against COVID-19.
On June 5, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia visited Cebu’s “jewel of the north,” Malapascua Island. This visit is in lieu to the revival of Cebu tourism.
“Mao nang nagkuyog gyud mi ni (Department of Tourism) RD Shahlimar Tamano alang sa pagdala og loud signal to all nga maningkamot gyud ta nga buhion nato og balik ang turismo,”
– Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia
Tamano, Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura, Provincial Board member Kerrie Keane Shimura, Police Provincial Director Roderick Marianl, Logon Barangay Captain Lemuel Dano jointed Gov. Garcia.
“Ug mao na ang akong giangkon karon nga dako kaayo nga tulumanon, pagtabang, dili lang gani niining Isla sa Malapascua, lakip na ang uban natong mga lungsod nga turismo maoy main source of livelihood,”
– Governor Garcia
Other popular tourism sites in Cebu province include Olsob, Badian, Alegria, Bantayan, Camotes Island and Moalboal.
Garcia, together with Tamano and the Department of Tourism (DOT), assured that they will help in reviving the tourism industry amidst this pandemic.
When our tourism sector and business sector are to face the new normal, let us not forget to #SupportLocal by buying local.
It’s no question — many people and businesses have been greatly impacted by the global crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many lost jobs, while others had no choice but to close their businesses and companies.
This is one of the reasons why many Filipinos (and Cebuanos) resorted to online selling and freelancing to keep up with the never-ending bills and other financial obligations.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued a new memorandum on June 10, 2020, giving notice to all individuals “doing business and earning income in any manner or form” to register and comply with the existing provisions of the Tax Code.
Highlights of RMC No. 60-2020:
All persons doing business and earning income in any manner, specially those into digital transactions should be compliant with the tax code:
Should be registered with the BIR
Should issue proper receipts/invoices
Should keep books of accounts
Should file and pay tax returns on time
If you register before July 31, 2020, there will be no penalty imposed for late registration and late filing for past transactions.
All those who will be found later doing business without complying with the registration/update requirements, and those who failed to declare past due taxes/unpaid taxes, shall be imposed with the applicable penalties under the law and existing policies.
Basic Registration Guidelines
According to BIR’s memorandum, in general, the registration and its updates are done in the Revenue District Office (RDO) having jurisdiction over the place where the Head Office is located or over the place of residence of the individual taxpayer.
1. Persons doing business online with no Tax Identification Number (TIN) yet – Register business following existing policies in securing TIN and registration of business.
2. Persons doing business online who already have TINs but the business is not yet registered:
a. Individual – whether the TIN was issued due to ONETT or employment, register the business, using BIR Form 1901, with the RDO having jurisdiction over the place of business, if with physical establishment. Otherwise, with the RDO having jurisdiction over the place of residence. The concerned RDO shall effect the update of taxpayer classification (e.g., employee to sole proprietor, ONETT to sole proprietor); and include the business activity of online selling.
b. Non-individual – Update business registration, using Form 1905, details to include additional business activity (online selling).
The Certificate of Registration (COR) shall be issued to those engaged in business upon compliance with the requirements as followers:
Requirements
Individuals
Non-Individuals
1. Fill up Registration Form
BIR Form No. 1901 (2 originals)
BIR Form No. 1903 (2 originals)
2. Present any government-issued ID that is readable and untampered
e.g., Birth Certificate, Passport, Driver’s License, etc.
As applicable: SEC Certificate of Incorporation; or SEC Certificate of Recording; or License to Do Business in the Philippines
3. Other documents required
DTI Certificate (if with business name)
Articles of Incorporation; or Articles of Partnership
4. Payments to the New Business Registrant Officer (NBRO) posted in the New Business Registrant Counter (NBRC)
Registration Fee (P500.00) and loose Documentary Stamp Tax for affixture to COR (P30.00)
Registration Fee (P500.00) and loose Documentary Stamp Tax for affixture to COR (P30.00)
5. Secure BIR Printed Receipts (BPR) / BIR Printed Invoices (BPI) or the Authority to Print (ATP)
BPR/BPI – depending on the printing cost per RDO or ATP – own choice of printer from the list of accredited printers
BPR/BPI – depending on the printing cost per RDO or ATP – own choice of printer from the list of accredited printers
Upon completion of the above, the taxpayer will receive the ff.:
Certificate of Registration (COR)
Copy of BIR-received Registration Form (1901 or 1903)
Notice to Issue Receipt/Invoice (NIRI)
BPR/BPI or ATP (per taxpayer’s choice)
Proof of payment of registration fee
Here’s the copy of BIR Memorandum Circular No. 60-2020:
Those late night epic parties will be missed for one of Cebu’s most popular bars or night clubs has just released a statement of closure.
Rumour Gastropub, one of the high end bars in Cebu City, has been serving the Cebuanos for three years. The operations of Rumour might just be the first of many casualties of the global pandemic, COVID-19.
But let us not lose hope because Rumour has also stated that this is not a total goodbye.
“This is not Goodbye. We are just closing our doors for now. #ButrumourHasIt that we will be back at a new location.”
The statement in their official page then ended in a hopeful note.
“Until then please take care of yourself, Cebu! We will see you soon. Keep spreading the Rumour. Keep spreading the Love. Until we meet again.”
We will be ceasing ALL operations and closing our doors for now.Keep the good vibes up, Cebu! ❤️#Spreadtherumour#rumourhasit #rumourgastropubcebu #rumourgastropubph#rumourgastropub
