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Cancalanog Falls: Enchanting Wonder in Alegria

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1Cancalanog Falls Alegria Cebu

Did you know that there are claims that waterfalls contain an ample number of negative ions which somehow increase our serotonin levels? This explains why we feel relax just by watching the motion and sound of the moving water. Amazing, right?

This also answers the question why a lot of foreign and local tourists love to wander around the Philippines, which is known to be home to several beautiful cascades and hidden treasures that are yet to be discovered – one of which is Cebu’s very own Cancalanog Falls in Alegria. It has an entrance fee of just ₱30 per head.

Also known as Cangkalanog Falls, this mesmerizing natural wonder is famous for its resemblance to Surigao’s Enchanted River due to its bluish-green ice-cold water which creates a stunning fresh swimming pool.

Its picturesque view of the nature – birds over your head, trees surrounding the watering hole, and wind caressing your skin, surely creates a soothing vibe to your mind and soul.

However, just a little heads-up if you wish to visit this enchanting place, do not expect for this hidden waterfall to be like the other magnificent ones when it comes to its height but don’t fret, Cancalanog Falls may not be as tall as the others, but surely its unique glow of the waters and relaxing atmosphere will make up for it.

Expenses:

  • Entrance fee: ₱30 per head
  • Bus fare: ~₱170 per head (one-way)
  • Motorbike (Habal-habal): – ₱75 per head (one-way)

Note:

  • There is an available comfort room.
  • If you wish to stay overnight, permission from the operators is highly required.
  • Food and refreshments can be purchased at the registration area. The place can sometimes get crowded during peak seasons.
  • Should you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the Alegria Municipal Hall at (032) 476 7092.

How to get there?

Exact Location: Sangi, Alegria, southern Cebu (right before Cambais Falls and 1-hour away from Moalboal). 3 hours away from the city proper.

BY BUS: From the Cebu South Bus Terminal, ride any bus bound for Barili. Inform the driver to drop you off at the Sangi junction in Alegria. From there, ride a habal-habal or motorcycle to the drop-off point going to the falls.

From the drop-off point, you will walk for about 20 minutes before you reach to Cancalanog.

Tip: Make prior arrangements with a habal-habal driver to pick you up at a later time since motorcycles do not usually pass by the area

BY CAR: If you’re driving a private vehicle, navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Cancalanog Falls”. There’s a parking space from the starting point or registration area. Note, road is a bit narrow and steep on some areas. You will also need to walk for about 20 minutes from the parking or registration area to the falls.

Quiz: How well do you know the Cebuano language?

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It is sad reality that a slew of Cebuanos mix up their dialect, in some ways, with other languages like English and Tagalog for several possible reasons or situations. Even I, myself, am guilty of it. Though it doesn’t really mean we are ditching our own language, right? And definitely doesn’t mean we love and care less for Cebu. But just for the sake of fun with a little trivia and learning on the side, take this “Bisdak Test” and find out how well do you know the Cebuano language.

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What score did you get? Share it to us by leaving a comment below!

FREE Cataract and Pterygium surgery at Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño in Cebu City

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FREE Cataract and Pterygium surgery in Cebu

Suffering from Cataract or Pterygium? Or knows someone who have this conditions? Parents, relatives, neighbors, friends, and especially the elderly who are prone to this conditions, gather them all up.

This is your chance! A free Cataract and Pterygium Surgery will happen at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu from January 27, 2020 to February 1, 2020.

Headed by the Rotary Club of Metro Cebu, a non-profit organization, together with PECC (PLDT Employees Credit Cooperative, Inc.) and Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu, this medical mission will be of great help especially to those who cannot afford to have their eyes checked and even more so have the appropriate surgery which costs thousands in normal circumstances.

Don’t worry because we’ll walk you through the process to that free surgery.

How to Register?

Pre-register by:

  1. Messaging the Facebook Page of Rotary Club of Metro Cebu
  2. Contacting this number 0916-557-4278 (RC Metro Cebu)

When will the activities occur?

  • Screening of patients: January 27, 2020 ( 1PM to 5PM)
  • Actual Surgery: January 28 – February 1, 2020

Where will it be?

Screening of patients and actual surgery will be performed at the Basilica Minore del Sto Niño in Cebu City.

Background Information

Cataract – is a clouding of the lens in the eye which leads to a decrease in vision. 

Symptoms:
  • faded colors,
  • blurry or double vision,
  • halos around light,
  • trouble with bright lights,
  • trouble seeing at night

Pterygium is a growth of the conjunctiva or mucous membrane that covers the white part of your eye over the cornea. The cornea is the clear front covering of the eye. This benign or noncancerous growth is often shaped like a wedge.

FREE Cataract and Pterygium surgery Basilica cebu

Experience Cebu’s first and finest Apart’hotel at Citadines

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1citadines-cebu-city

“Smart living”, this is the trend that accurately describes a Citadines experience.

These are new and innovative ways to give you a premier, personalized guest service. Yes, personalized. They have thought of every need you’ll ever have and every experience you deserve.

Citadines Cebu City, the first-ever service residence in Cebu, is The Ascott Limited’s first property in the Queen City of the South. Ascott’s Host program focuses on the 4 experiential pillars: Gastronomy, Wellness, Culture and Community.

Unique furniture designs by the Cebuano industrial designer Mr. Kenneth Cobonpue, addsto the distinct aesthetics of Citadines.

From the furniture, to the designs, local artists paintings, the unwavering hospitality, there is no question of the Cebuano culture present in your new home.

Personalized Guest Service

Let me tell you how personal it is, you get to pick your preferred pillows. Feather, foam or medical pillow anyone? ‘Design your stay’ enables you to personalize your stay by having you pick through their pillow choices, amenities, appliances, home, office, and personal care items.

A prime handpicked living in a safe and progressive residence certainly insure a never-ending stay. Having a long history of supporting travelers who work and live away from home, they are masters.

Smart Accommodations

Apartment + Hotel, it has the comfort and space of an apartment while having the services of a hotel.

Their residential units are individually designed for urban living. Each room has its own full-service kitchen, wireless internet access, and selected residences have built in washer and dryer.

They have a total of 180 rooms and aside from that they also have connecting rooms offered as a way it caters to bigger groups. 

Room Types:

  • Studio Executive
  • Studio Executive Twin
  • One bedroom Executive
  • One Bedroom Premier
  • Two Bedroom Premier

Citadines Cebu City also offers:

  • Conference & Function rooms
  • Fitness Center
  • Infinity Pool
  • Sophisticated resident’s lounge
  • Launderette
  • In-room Massage

Ultimate Convenience

Restaurants, cafes, gym, grocery, tutor center for your kids? You name it they’ve got it. Apparently everything is here. May it be a walk away or just a floor away.

The Abaca Baking Company is even right downstairs which offers breakfast buffet and right across it is the Abaca Café perfect for meetings and coffee breaks.

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Abaca Café

And this is just within the property, there’s a whole lot more the moment you get out and explore.

Strategically situated within Base Line development area, at the heart of the city but not as hectic where you still have access to the best care, like hospitals, spas, and leisure.  Everything the city can offer.

Explore your neighborhood

Love thy neighbors. This is a fact if you take up residence in Citadine. They are the greatest host for they have made sure to explore the neighborhood and personally experience every hangout place, restaurant and tourist attraction to be able to recommend it to their guests.

Sample recommendations:

  • Where to eat?
    • House of Lechon — only a 10-minute walk from Citadines
    • The MEAT Master by Skillet — only a 5-minute walk
    • Samgyupsalamat — just downstairs
    • Pungko-Pungko sa Fuente (Cebu’s street food) — only a 10-minute walk
    • Dan’s Angus Steak — only a 5-minute drive
  • Where to party? (Night life)
    • Draft Punk — just a 10-minute drive
    • Songhits KTV & Watever KTV — only a 15-minute walk

Citadines Cebu City is one of a premier collection of The Ascott Limited’s serviced residences in over 170 cities across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Booking & Contact Information

Need to stay longer?

Save more with Ascott’s Extended Stay program. Learn more here: https://www.citadines.com/en/extended-stay.html

How to get there?

Exact location: Base Line Center, Juana Osmeña St., Cebu City — 5 mins away from the city center at Fuente Osmena Circle, 20 mins away from Ayala Center Cebu, 1.5 hr away from Mactan Airport.

Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Citadines Cebu City”. Parking is available for stay-in guests.

PAL to launch Cebu-Los Angeles direct flights in May 2020

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1PAL Cebu Los Angeles flight

New direct plane routes from Cebu to any part of the world just keep on coming and we’re not in any way complaining.

Philippine Airlines, country’s flag carrier, is set to re-launch their direct flight from Cebu City, Philippines to Los Angeles, California in May 2, 2020.

This is a comeback of Philippine Airlines after having served the same route last March 2016 until May 2017.

“Our upcoming service from Cebu to LA is a vivid demonstration of our commitment to build up Mactan Cebu as a global aviation hub, a dynamic gateway, not only to domestic points, but to major international destinations,” says PAL President and COO Gilbert Santa Maria.

PAL’s CBU-LAX flights will depart thrice a week using PAL’s largest aircraft, the 370-seater Boeing 777-300ER.

DepartureArrivalDays
CEBU9:00 PM (PHT)7:30 PM (PST)Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
LOS ANGELES11:00 PM (PST)5:00 AM (PHT)Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays

Business Class

The latest-version PAL B777 features a fully-flat bed in business class, with an 18.4-inch TV screen, retractable privacy dividers, an ottoman which doubles as a storage area, and in-seat power and USB ports.

Economy Class

On the other hand, economy class features a seat pitch of up to 34 inches and each set is equipped with an 11-inch TV screens and USB ports.

Residents of Cebu and her neighboring provinces will have a more convenient travel to America’s entertainment capital, Los Angeles. Same goes to the residents from LA, they get to enjoy the warm welcome of the Cebuanos and discover the beauty of the Philippines through the Queen City of the South.

With the launching of different direct international flights from various airlines, there really are more reasons for everyone to “Celebrate Cebu!”

Only Cebuano finalist for the World’s Most Dedicated Teacher Award in Cambridge

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coyoca Most Dedicated Teacher cambridge1

For someone who has personally known Mr. Coyoca, he is a living proof to the adage; “Nothing is impossible if you believe in the beauty of your dreams.”

John Nicko Coyoca, 25, from Asturias, Cebu, is a senior high school teacher from the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJR). Much more than being a catalyst of information among his students, he is also among the six finalists of the Most Dedicated Teacher of Cambridge University Press 2020 out of 6000 nominees.

John Nicko Coyoca Cambridge University Press (3)

Coyoca, founder of the #GetInvolvedNOWCampaign, has actively educated and empowered the youth to participate and actively engage in healthy discussions during the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections.

Moreso, Coyoca is the founder of #Mathevation by carrying the torch in USJ-R to give importance to Mathematics. He also organized their school’s first international research congress, Peer Learning Tutorial Sessions, a programme that allows students to teach other students about Calculus and General Mathematics. He is also one of the organizers of Cebu Young Leaders Summit, a programme that empowers young Cebuano student leaders.

John Nicko Coyoca Cambridge University Press (4)

Having personally known Mr. Coyoca, it is without a doubt that he deserves to be shortlisted in this prestigious award-giving body. Coyoca is worth emulating because of how he has surpassed all leaps faith has thrown at him. I remember him telling me; “You have to be more to do more,” and I am continually striving to be better so I could do better.

As one of the six finalists, he will be receiving:

  • certificate, t-shirt, and pen
  • inclusion in Cambridge University page for FY19 publishing
  • invitation to join the exclusive teacher’s panel
  • a class set of resources up to £500 which he will donate to our hometown’s Child Development Center
  • his teacher’s story will be inclusded in brand notebooks and inclusion in the University’s 2020 international catalogues

Should he win the award, he will be receiving an all-expenses paid trip to Cambridge to speak at the annual conference.

Cast your vote now!

With that being said, we encourage everyone to please spare a minute of your time to vote for Mr. John Nicko Coyoca. More than being a founder of various organizations, the world deserves to witness how a simple man from Cebu could do so much wonders for the world.

We have only until January 26 to vote. Vote online now: https://dedicatedteacher.cambridge.org/vote/

3 World-Famous Milk Tea brands coming to Cebu this 2020

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world famous milk tea cebu

With so many milk tea shops opening in the Metro, it’s so easy to confuse one with the other. Perhaps, one is better than the other.

There are a lot of pioneer milk tea brands in Cebu, but there are new players too.

Brace yourselves for we have spotted three major milk tea brands known internationally for having the best-tasting milk teas.

Yes, these milk tea brands have carved their names in the industry and it will be a no-brainer if their drinks will be top-sellers.

1. THE ALLEY

If you’re someone who is meticulous about the drink presentation, you need not to look further because this premium tea shop from Taiwan is the answer. Because the founder is a designer, he made sure that their drinks would look too pretty to drink, but once you’ve taken a sip, there’s no stopping. Yes, it tastes better than it looks.

Expected date of opening: Q2, 2020

2. TIGER SUGAR

According to our research, Tiger Brown Sugar’s signature drink has no tea in it – only fresh milk, brown sugay syrup and tapioca pearls. However, regardless of the absence of the tea, we can rest you to the assurance that it’s still at par with those that has and (maybe) better.

Moreso, part of this drink’s appeal is the attractive stripes of caramel streaking in the insides of the cup, perfect for the gram. Hence, if you want to take that picture-perfect bubble drink, you know where to head on.

Expected date of opening: Q3, 2020

3. XING FU TANG

Claiming to be the reason why brown sugar milk has spreaded around the world, Xing Fu Tang now has more than 40 stores across the Hong Kong, Canada, Philippines, and Taiwan.

Though we can confidently say that Xing Fu Tang is really also worth the credits, they stir-fry their boba in front of everyone just so you’d know that everything is freshly made. But let us tell you this, the brown sugar is only an icing on the cake because the drink is already deliciously decadent already.

Expected date of opening: Q4, 2020

Feng Shui Practices For Chinese New Year

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Chinese New Year Metal Rat Cebu

To some, Chinese New Year preparations begin weeks in advance. To others, they do it days before. Nonetheless, all preparations, whether big or small, are acceptable.

How you start your new year sets the tone for the 12 months that follow. Therefore, it is crucial to start off on the right foot to celebrate a year of luck, prosperity, and good health.

Most Filipinos, especially Cebuanos, celebrate on January 1 for self-reflection and on setting new goals. However, Chinese New Year is about having an opportunity for a fresh start.

Fret no more. We have enlisted long-standing traditions and superstitions on how to prepare for Chinese New Year.

1. ROLL KIAT-KIAT AND/OR SPREAD COINS AROUND YOUR HOUSE

This is advised to be done on the night of January 24, before the clock strikes 12:00MN. As mentioned, Kiat-Kiat or Mandarin Orange is like money, and rolling of this fruit symbolizes fortune entering your humble abode.

2. FILL IN YOUR CASH BOX AND PUT IN RICE, SALT, SUGAR, AND MILK

Filling in your cash box would also mean you will be full of luck for the whole year.

3. PLACE PAPER BILLS ON YOUR DOORS AND BEDS

Just like the rolling of kiat-kiat and coins, this will also attract wealth for everyone at home.

4. PLACE 12 KINDS OF FRUITS ON YOUR TABLE

To those who are not yet aware as to why 12 kinds of fruits are needed, it is because each fruit symbolizes each month of the year. One fruit symbolizes one lucky month. Twelve fruits symbolize twelve lucky months.

5. WEAR A RED OR POLKA DOTS DRESS ON THE DAY OF CHINESE NEW YEAR

Polka Dots symbolize money and red means luck. More than wearing the aforementioned during Chinese New Year, it is also advised to wear Classic Blue more often for the whole year because it is the color of the year.

6. DISPLAY LUCKY CHARMS LIKE THAT OF AN IMAGE OF A METAL RAT

However, please be guided not to display photos of anyone from your family who is born in the Year of the Horse because according to Feng Shui, Horse is the direct enemy of the Metal Rat.

7. GIVE RED ENVELOPES (ANG PAO) WITH MONEY TO THE CHILDREN

Giving out your fortune would also enhance your luck for the whole year.

8. CLEAN YOUR HOUSE BEFORE CHINESE NEW YEAR

It is said not to sweep your clutter and dirt during Chinese New Year because it is believed that luck will also be de-cluttered.

However, apart from the aforementioned, we also have to remind ourselves that these are only guides and practices believed to help us be luckier. It is still within us to practice and work harder for luck and fate to really be in our favour. May you all have a prosperous 2020!

Qatar Airways to offer Cebu-Doha direct flights starting on April 2020

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qatar airways cebu to doha

Sinulog just ended, but amazing surprises for Cebuanos just keep on coming.

With the re-branding of the tourism industry of Cebu, this news would only strengthen the tourist influx in Cebu.

According to Aviation Updates Philippines; “The 2019 World’s Best Airline awardee Qatar Airways plans to resume direct flights to Cebu, Philippines from Doha, Qatar starting April 8, 2020.”

Though Qatar Airways entered Cebu in 2003, the airline halted its service in Cebu in March 25, 2012. Eight years later, with the promising tourism of Cebu, Qatar Airways is set to resume flights this April.

Flights to Cebu will be flown on-board Qatar’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft with 22 seating capacity in business class and 232 seats in economy.

DepartureArrival
Cebu to Doha6:30 PM (PST)11:55 PM (AST)
Doha to Cebu2:00 AM (AST)4:34 PM (PST)

Apart from Cebu. Qatar Airways will also be flying to Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan; Almaty, Kazakhstan; Accra, Ghana; Trabzon, Turkey; Lyon, France; Luanda, Angola; and Siem Reap, Cambodia.

This exciting news is expected to contribute to the massive tourism expansion of Cebu. Hence, we are hoping for everyone to be responsible by keeping our city, our home, a better place to live in.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Cebu: What you should know and prepare

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Corona-virus Cebu

Recent reports of the coronavirus arriving here in Cebu have got us all worried and scared.

This virus comes from a large family of viruses ranging from the common cold to more serious infections such as MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV.

The outbreak in China late last year had the DOH on alert and a 5-year-old who hails from Wuhan China and who tested negative for MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV but tested positive for the non-specific pancoronavirus assay is now being closely watched. The sample has now been sent to Australia to identify the specific corona-virus strain.

Coronavirus Symptoms:

  • Breathing difficulties
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Feeling of being unwell
  • *respiratory symptoms

Possibly leads to:

  • Pneumonia
  • Acute respiratory syndrome
  • Kidney failure
  • Death

How is it transmitted?

Human coronavirus most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

  • The spray of droplets during coughing and sneezing
  • Skin to skin contact
  • Touching objects/surface with virus then touching mouth, eyes, nose
  • Rarely, fecal contamination

How to protect yourself?

  • Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Take your vitamin C and stay healthy
  • Stay at home or indoors as much as possible
  • Avoid unprotected contact with farm/wild animals
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Avoid close contact with people who have cold/flu
  • Keep hydrated
  • Get enough rest

Note: No vaccines available yet

The best thing to do in these situations is to take great care of our bodies for our immune system is our first defense. Eat healthy and take your vitamin C.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do if I am sick or am experiencing symptoms of COVID-19?

First, call the local Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice: 0922-397-2334 / 0943-568-3298 / (032) 402-3091 / (032) 402-1269.

Optional but not recommended yet, go directly to the nearest hospital or medical center or see a doctor and seek medical attention.

If I know someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation, will I be infected if I go near him/her?

No. Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people.

What are the best things to do to lower the risk of being infected with COVID-19?

– Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

– If you just sneezed, coughed, or went to the bathroom, even before and after eating, wash your hands.

– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

– If you are sick, stay at home.

– Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when sneezing or coughing and throw the tissue in the trash thereafter.

Should I worry about COVID-19?

– Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults. However, it can cause serious illness: about 1 in every 5 people who catch it need hospital care. It is therefore quite normal for people to worry about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect them and their loved ones.

Who is at risk of developing severe illness?

– While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes)  appear to develop serious illness more often than others. 

Are there any medicines or therapies that can prevent or cure COVID-19?

– While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19. However, there are several ongoing clinical trials that include both western and traditional medicines. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings are available.

Is there a vaccine, drug or treatment for COVID-19?

– Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.

Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being tested through clinical trials. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19.

Will mask protect me from COVID-19?

It’s best to wear masks at all times when going outside. Your mask cuts own risk by 65%.

Social distancing, face masks and eye protection all appear to reduce the spread of COVID-19, in both health care settings and the general community, according to a new review commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Could my pet be a source of COVID-19?

– No. There is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or could spread the virus that causes COVID-19.

How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?

– The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. These estimates will be updated as more data become available.

ORATIO IMPERATA for COVID-19

Prayer against COVID-19.

COVID-19 CEBU UPDATES

As of April 21, 2020:

As of April 19, 2020:

As of April 16, 2020:

As of April 16, 2020 at 5PM, there is now a total of 90 confirmed cases in entire Cebu with 20 recovered patients and 6 deaths.

As of April 15, 2020:

As of April 14, 2020 at 5PM, there is a total of 40 confirmed cases in entire Cebu with 20 recovered patients and 6 deaths.

As of April 12, 2020:

As of March 31, 2020:

As of March 18, 2020: