The time has come for Cebuano talent to receive its tribute due recognition.
Yg ShihGuang Ming Institute of Performing Arts-Cebu
To someone who grew listening to
Cebuano music, I am without a doubt a huge fan of what Cebuanos could offer not
only in the nation, but in the global arena of talents.
Hence, when the Guang Ming Institute of Performing Arts (GMI), with the support of Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Foundation opened the Grand Siddhartha Theater on June 26 of this year, I was like floating in cloud 9 because at last! Cebuano talent is now given tribute.
To add icing to the cake, Siddhartha Theatre is a grand theatre for the arts. It has a seating capacity of 200 pax with state-of-the-art equipment to be used for film fests, plays, seminars, conventions, and musical presentations.
Guang Ming Institute of Performing Arts-Cebu
Yg Shih
Yg Shih
Yg Shih
In the theater building are:
Offices
Choir room
Class room
Dance
studio (w/ flooring designed to cushion the impact of active feet)
Storage
rooms (for costumes and props)
Dormitory (capable
of housing 80 persons, designed for performers from out of town)
Top deck (both
a view deck and a laundry room)
With multifaceted Cebuanos, one need not to look further to showcase their talents, share their expertise, and touch lives because Siddhartha Theatre is finally in the Queen City of the South!
The construction of the 8.5-kilometer Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) is now at 47.32 percent, almost halfway through for its 2021 completion target date.
The P30-billion project which will beef up Cebu’s road network to provide motorists safe and comfortable travel experience, is also expected to help spur economic growth and boost investments not just in Cebu City and Cordova Municipality, but also in the entire Cebu Province and Visayas region.
Among the iconic features of CCLEX, which is
envisioned to be among the landmarks in Cebu when finished in 2021, is a
lighted cross on all four sides on top of the two 145-meter tall main pylons.
CCLEX CSCR on ramp & off ramp
CCLEX’s main span at daytime
CCLEX’s main span at night
CCLEX will have two lanes in each direction and covers the on and off ramps connection along the CSCR, the main navigation span twin pylon cable-stayed bridge, viaduct approach bridges in Cebu City and Cordova sides, causeway, toll plaza and an at-grade road connecting to the Mactan Circumferential Road.
The span and height of the bridge, which is at 51 meters, will allow large vessels to pass underneath and the link is expected to serve at least 50,000 vehicles daily.
Project Brief:
Cable-stayed main span: 390 m
Total Length: 8.5 km
Number of lanes: 2 x 2 (total of 4 lanes)
Height of bridge: 51m (nav. clearance); 145m (tower height)
Concession Period: 35 years
Design Speed: 60 kph (at Approcahes) 80kph (at Main Bridge and Causeway)
Project Status:
Commencement Date: January 8, 2018
Construction period: 1,308 days from commencement
Days elapsed (as of Dec. 6, 2019): 705 days (53.90%)
Days remaining: 603 days (46.10%)
Accomplishment to-date: 47.32%
The new bridge will give Cordova direct access to Cebu City and is envisioned to decongest the traffic in the two existing bridges and provide faster link between Mactan island and mainland Cebu. The facility has a design speed of 60 to 80 kilometers per hour (kph).
On Ramp
On Ramp
Causeway
Causeway
UPDATES
As of January 18, 2021
TOWER 2 COMPLETED. The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) Tower 2 has reached its final height. CCLEX has finished concreting the CCLEX pylon on the Cordova side. The completed pylon stands 145 meters.
As of January 6, 2021
CCLEX PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE. Pedestrians will have access to the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) through a pedestrian footbridge. The photo below shows ongoing construction of the almost 200-meter pedestrian footbridge beside the Cebu South Coastal Road (CSCR). The footbridge will start near the U-turn slot of the South Road Properties’ welcome tower and will connect to the on ramp sidewalk of the CCLEX. Sidewalks will be provided in the entire stretch of the 8.5-kilometer toll facility.
As of December 23, 2020
Just before the year ends, CCLEX finished all the piling works in the entire stretch of our 8.5-kilometer Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) project through sub-contractor Trevi Foundations Philippines Inc. They have driven 494 piles. Trevi, a worldwide leader in the field of soil engineering, is responsible for the installation of deep foundations in the different segments of CCLEX.
As of November 27, 2020
CCLEX CROSS. CCLEX started the installation of the cross on top of the pylons of the CCLEX’s main bridge. The cross, one of the iconic features of Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, will be 40 meters tall and lighted on all four sides at night. It symbolizes Cebu’s significant role as cradle of Christianity.
As of July 2020
CCLEX: “Our team is currently concreting the portal frame at the Cebu South Coastal Road (CSCR) connection. It is the white structure that is encircled in the engineering render that comes with this post. The concreting of the frame is the reason why we needed to close the area to traffic. We will reopen it tonight (July 19) after we are done with this needed construction work.”
As of December 2019
The construction of the 8.5-kilometer Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) is now at 47.32 percent, almost halfway through for its 2021 completion target date.
Is it your Christmas wish to meet your favorite celebrities in the flesh? Well, at SM Supermalls, your wish is granted!
We now have a list of celebs who will come here, yes, right here in the Queen City of the South, for the joyful holiday month of December.
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the annual visits of the biggest and brightest stars of our generation here in Cebu. They have always admired the warm welcome of the Cebuanos and our always joyful selves that they keep coming back.
Watch out for Piolo Pascual, Nadine Lustre, our very own Kim Chiu, Vice Ganda, Loisa Andalio, Ronnie Alonte, and many more.
Events at SM Seaside
Event details:
Date: December 7, 2019 (Saturday)
Time: 2PM
Place: Mountain Wing Atrium, SM Seaside City
Events at SM City Cebu
December 8:
Date: December 8, 2019 (Sunday)
Time: 2PM
Where: Northwing Atrium, SM City Cebu
December 15:
Date: December 15, 2019
Time: 4PM
Where: Covered parking area, SM City Cebu
December 20:
Date: December 20, 2019 (Friday)
Time: 2PM
Where: Northwing Atrium, SM City Cebu
Events at SM Consolacion
Santa Wishlist
Date: December 1-20, 2019
Where: Food Court entrance, SM Consolacion
Santa Meet and Greet
When: Saturday and Sunday
Time: 5PM
Where: Around the mall, SM Consolacion
What are you waiting for? They are all in our favorite SM malls. We can do all the Christmas shopping we want and have that opportunity to meet our favorite celebs at the same time, hitting two birds with one stone.
Abaca Baking Company (ABC) opened its new branch at the Base Line Center in Juana Osmeña Street, Cebu City with two distinct spaces to serve its growing clientele in the area.
COFFEE SHOP
The 45-sqm coffee shop serves handcrafted pastries made fresh every morning from croissants, savory and sweet treats, and tasty coffee blends against a backdrop of artworks featuring different sets of local Cebu artists.
Operating hours: 6AM to 12MN daily
Daily sale of 50% off from 10PM to 12MN
ALL DAY DINING
Breakfast Buffet
Buffet: 6AM to 10AM daily
Price: ₱595 per head
All-day Breakfast
Operating hours: 6AM to 10PM daily
Start the day with a selection of classic and signature dishes: Filipino Breakfast Bowl with eggs, garlic rice and beef tapa, chorizo or bangus, ABC Omelette with three cheeses, ham, onion, tomato, bell peppers and mushrooms, American Breakfast with eggs, sausage or bacon and herb potato has, Eggs on Toast or Omu Rice featuring an omelette filled with kimchi and spam fried rice.
A spread of breakfast pastries and other staples plus free flowing brewed coffee are also available on the buffet spread.
Other information
Offering branch: Base Line Center, Juana Osmeña Street, Cebu City (in between Mango Avenue and Capitol/Escario)
Nature has always been refreshing for the soul. When we need to go soul searching, we would often hike on mountains, go the wilderness, or to the chilling waters of the beaches of Cebu. Nature is a good therapy for your mind and body, and Brgy. Adlaon in Cebu City has a lot of that to offer.
Thus, here are three nature spots in Adlaon you should visit the next time you lose yourself amidst the busy city life.
These attractions are just 5-15 minutes away from each other.
1. Don Meon Garden
Don Meon Garden is full of beautiful sculptures and sceneries. The flowers will surely capture your heart and the vibrant colors of the place can wake up the creative soul within you. Definitely come and take a pic or two.
Rates & Other
Information
Entrance
Fee: P50 per head
Operating
hours: 8:30AM to 6:30PM
daily
Corkage
Fee: None; they also
have a canteen inside.
Overnight: NO Overnight accommodations
Contact
Number: 0919-610-6845 /
0915-867-0988
How to get there?
Exact
Location: Sitio Camandricacawan, Brgy. Adlaon, Cebu City — uphill
travel going to Busay / Sirao. 20-30 minutes away from the main road.
BY
JEEPNEY: Ride any jeepney going to Pit-os. You can ride a 62B
jeepney from Cebu City (Ayala Center Cebu Terminal). Tell the driver that you
are heading to Don Meon Garden in Sitio Camandricacawan. Fare is ₱100 per head
(one-way).
BY
CAR: If you’re bringing your own car, just navigate with Waze
or Google Maps and search for “Adlaon Cebu City”. Then ask around where you can
find “Sitio Camandricacawan” or Don Meon Garden.
2. Adlawon Vacation Farm
Want to experience a European wilderness vibe? Because that is what you get in Adlawon Vacation Farm. The place is teeming with wild life of different kinds and the fogs of the morning sky will captivate you in every way.
Out of the three featured in this article, this is only attraction that offers an overnight accommodation. So if you wish to stay longer and be able to experience more of Brgy. Adlaon, this is the perfect place to stay.
Rates & Other
Information
Entrance
fee:
P150 per head (P50 is consumable for food
& drinks)
P100 (children below 12 years old)
FREE of charge for infants and toddlers below
3 years old
Overnight
rate: P3,500 per
night/2pax with free breakfast for 2 (₱4,000 per night on weekends)
How to get there?
Exact
location: Sition Proper, Adlaon, Cebu City — uphill travel going to
Busay / Sirao.
BY
MOTORBIKE: From J.Y. Square Mall, take a habal-habal that will take
you directly to Adlawon Vacation Farm for ₱400 roundtrip, good for 2 persons
already. The driver may ask you for additional waiting fee of ₱100-200 per hour
depending on your haggling talent. The ride will take 30-45 minutes to get
there.
BY
OWN CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your location to
“Adlawon Vacation Farm”. Ample parking space is available.
BY
CAR / VAN FOR RENT: For van or car rentals, or to book an
uphill tour (9 destinations in 1 day for only 999 pesos per person), book with
our trusted travel partner SquadPH
Tours and Travels.
BY
TAXI: Hiring a taxi cab is possible but that can be very
expensive (NOT recommended). Most of them won’t give you a metered reading
system – hence, they’ll be offering you an estimated fare in going there.
3. Neri’s Ville
Neri’s Ville is a beauty in the mountain landscape. With varying sculptures that comes to life along with the vibrant colors, it is a worthy place to go to. The place itself is inspired by the Hobbit Houses from the famous Lord of the Rings series, so nerd geeks would also find this place adorable.
Photo by Maria Altheia Echavez-Canoog Casiño
Photo by Maria Altheia Echavez-Canoog Casiño
Photo by Maria Altheia Echavez-Canoog Casiño
Photo by Maria Altheia Echavez-Canoog Casiño
Rates & Other
Information
Entrance
fee: P50 per head
Operating
hours: 8AM to 7PM,
Mondays to Sundays
Overnight: No overnight accommodations yet
Contact
number:Not yet available
How to get there?
Exact
location: Sitio Bombil, Barangay Lusaran, Cebu City
BY
JEEPNEY: Ride any jeepney going to Talamban via Pit-os. Or, 62B or
62C jeepney from Cebu City. Drop off at the Flying V gasoline station in Pit-os
where you can find many habal-habal. From there, ride a habal-habal going to
Sitio Bombil in Barangay Lusaran. Fare is ₱80 per head (one-way).
BY CAR: If you’re bringing your own car, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Lusaran Cebu City”. Then ask around where you can find “Sitio Bombil” or Nora’s Ville.
It is without a doubt that Cebuanos are obsessed with chicken. Fried, grilled,
or flavored, regardless of whatever way it is cooked, chicken will always be
one of our food choices.
What is more inviting than our favorite chicken recipe? When they are paired with side dishes, given in unlimited servings, in short, when they are offered with our favorite word, Promo!
Here we’ve enlisted for you our top picks for the best chicken deals ‘In The City’!
1. SEASIDE SALOON BY THE SOCIAL
Get the chance to dine in a modern cafe and be serenaded with great
music while devouring their Vietnamese Chicken Curry.
What actually made me include Seaside Saloon by the Social is their
affordable Unlimited Chicken Wings with Fries and Potato Chips. So, make sure
you try it too!
BEST CHICKEN PROMO
₱199 – Unlimited Chicken Wings, Fries and Potato Chips
OTHER INFORMATION
Contact number: (032) 233 1356
Operating hours: 10AM – 9PM daily
Offering branch: 3/F Sky Park, SM Seaside City Cebu
2. BURROW
What makes them stand out from the other chicken houses is your chance
to choose from the 5 chicken wings flavors, you also get to choose your own
dip.
Aside from their Unli chicken wings, Burrow currently offers their
Unlimited Rice Meal – Unlimited Rice, 4 pcs. classic chicken wings, with 3
choices of sauce only for P99. This is reason enough to pack our bags and head
on to Burrow.
BEST CHICKEN PROMO
₱99 – Unlimited Rice Meal (2PM to 5PM except holidays)
Unlimited Rice
4 pcs classic chicken wings
3 choices of sauce
OTHER INFORMATION
Contact numbers: 0922-738-5067 / 0932-125-1967
Operating hours: 10AM – 10PM
Offering branch: 2/F SM City Consolacion
3. RIBPUBLIC DINER
Who here wants unlimited flavored chicken wings? Aye! I got it noted, we
all do!
It really shouldn’t shock you if Ribpublic made it on the list because
UNLIMITED chicken ‘delicious’ wings is what Ribpublic yells. With a variety of
flavors to choose from – Honey Soy Garlic, Buffalo Style, Garlic Parmesan,
Honey Mustard, Sweet and Spicy, Garlic Butter, and Taco Express, – we all
should never miss a visit at Ribpublic.
It’s one of my most favorite diners too.
BEST CHICKEN PROMO
₱198 – Unlimited Chicken Wings
OTHER INFORMATION
Contact number: (032) 263 1560
Operating hours: 10AM to 9PM
Offering branch: 3/F SM City Cebu, just beside IMAX Theatre near the Bowling Center
4. FOWL MOOD DINER
With 16 flavor offerings for unlimited servings, why won’t Fowl Mood
Diner make it on the list?
Chinese BBQ, Hawaiian, Mango Jalapeño, Teriyaki, and Spicy BBQ to name a
few, Fowl Mood Diner offers your flavor of choice with a free glass of iced tea
and a round of pasta or mojos.
BEST CHICKEN PROMO
₱199 – Unlimited Chicken
OTHER INFORMATION
Contact number: 0942 453 8264
Operating hours: 10AM – 9:30PM
Offering branch: 2/F SM City Cebu — beside Leylam Shawarma and across Republic of Gamers. Right below S&R Pizza, SM City Cebu
5. PORTO’S DINER & GRILLE
Serving authentic and unique Cebuano cuisine, Porto’s Diner and Grille
is definitely one of the restaurant that serves gastronomic food choices.
Being one of the best restaurants in Cebu City, Porto’s Diner doesn’t
only boast unlimited chicken wings because they also serve unlimited palabok
and unlimited rice. What else could you ask for?
BEST CHICKEN PROMO
₱299 – Unlimited Wings, Unli Palabok, and Unlimited Rice
OTHER INFORMATION
Contact number: 0922 818 6828
Operating hours: 10AM – 9PM daily
Offering branch: 3/F Sky Park at SM Seaside City Cebu
6. BONCHON CHICKEN
To someone who has a thing for anything Korean, Bonchon will surely make
it on the list because their Korean fried chicken has surely taken the town by
storm.
With a wide array of chicken choices in different flavors – Soy Garlic,
Spicy, Honey Citrus, Crunchy Garlic, – it is without a doubt a must to try all
these flavors because they have Boxed Meals at affordable rates.
BEST CHICKEN PROMO
₱172 – Chicken Boxed Meal
OTHER INFORMATION
Contact number: 032 266-0488
Operating hours: 10AM to 10PM
Offering branches:
SM City Cebu
SM Seaside Cebu
7. MAX’s
This famous chicken house deserves a spot of course!
With finger-licking good grilled chicken choices, you get to enjoy this
with a FREE chicken pancit canton too when you present your Cebu Ocean Park
Ticket.
BEST CHICKEN PROMO
TICKET TREAT (for a minimum dine-in purchase of ₱1,500)
Present your Cebu Ocean Park Ticket and get a FREE Chicken Pancit Canton
Offering Branch: U/GF, Mountain Wing, SM Seaside, South Road Properties, Cebu City
9. MY JOY
One of the most classic restaurants, My Joy has been spreading joy in
Cebu for a long time now.
One of the reasons is their famous Crispy Chicken Chicharon that is
unlike any other. I have tried it myself hence, I really recommend it.
BEST CHICKEN PROMO
₱95 – Crisp Chicken Chicharon (Solo)
OTHER INFORMATION
Contact numbers: (032) 254 7979 / (032) 254 7979
Operating Hours: 10AM to 9PM daily
Offering Branch: Ground Level, SM City Consolacion
10. CLASSIC SAVORY
Serving Chinese and Filipino cuisine for decades, Classic Savory doesn’t
only boast their lomi because, they also take pride in their chicken too.
Make sure that when you dine in Classic Savory, you order their Classic
Savory Chicken. True to its name their chicken is one of the most delicious
chicken so make sure to order a whole lot of them or better yet have the whole
chicken.
BEST CHICKEN PROMO
₱425 – Classic Savory Chicken (Whole)
OTHER INFORMATION
Contact numbers: (032) 233 7331 / (032) 268 4756
Operating hours: 10AM to 9PM
Offering Branch: Ground Level, SM City Consolacion
WANT MORE?!
SM Supermalls in Cebu — SM Seaside, SM City Cebu, and SM Consolacion — got over 100 chicken deals as a holiday treat!
If you’re here in the Queen City of the South for business meetings, a quick layover or a short vacay, Vivien’s Hotel is your place to be.
Vivien’s Hotel by RPHGI is a newly opened boutique hotel that is smart and sleek in its ambiance, minimalist design and, of course, comfort.
It’s the perfect spot for the busy schedules ahead especially if you’re a traveling on business for it is just 15 minutes away from the airport. This is also a great find when those cancelled flights comes in as unfortunate as it is.
A quick shopping spree is also not a problem for it is also neighbors with The Outlets which has all of your favorite brands from shoes to clothes to food and many more.
Beds, Baths and Breakfast with Fast Wifi
Vivien’s Hotel has very comfortable beds. In all 52 modern rooms, each bed complements the overall motif of the hotel which is nature’s color, green. The soft sheets and relaxing color invites you to take that much needed rest.
They also have modern toilet and baths
designs and accessories so you really aren’t missing out on that awaited
washing off of all that travel dust.
The best thing about is that complimentary
buffet breakfast to deliciously cap off that most enjoyable stay.
They have comfortable couches facing a glass
wall overlooking the road. A lounging
area that is just perfect for the peace and quiet you’ve been craving.
Services Offered
Fast Wifi up to 100 mbps
Airport transfers for pick-up
and drop-off
Parking area
Refrigerator, kettle and TV in
each room
PROMO ALERT!
ROOM CATEGORY
REGULAR RATE
PROMO RATE
Superior Twin
₱3,800
₱2,920
Superior Queen
₱3,800
₱2,920
Deluxe King
₱4,200
₱3,300
*All rooms are good for 2 adults with free breakfast for 2 and free airport transfers (pick-up and drop off). Standard check-in is 2PM and check out is 12NN the next day.
Note:All rates are subject to change without prior notice. Rates are inclusive of 12%vat and 10%service charge.
Exact Location: Marigondon road, Basak, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu — only 15 minutes away from Mactan Cebu International Airport. Walking distance to The Outlets.
Only few days to go before the grand coronation night, Miss Universe 2019 opens the global online voting where the winner of the contest gets a guaranteed spot in the Top 20.
Pageants and Carpets
Philippine bet Gazini Ganados seeks YOUR support by voting online through the Miss Universe website where Gazini is #70 in the list. Voting is free, and will close on December 6.
One of the annual holiday traditions in Cebu City is back!
Formerly known as Kasadya sa SRP, Boom na Boom Sa Sugbo 2019 is a (relatively smaller) amusement park that aims to bring joy and fun throughout the holiday season for the families and barkada, especially those living in Cebu City. It is open until January 19, 2019 only.
Our team recently visited the annual carnival fair. Here are some of the photos and rides you can expect here:
Fees, Schedule & Location
Entrance fee: ₱20 on weekdays and ₱25 on weekends or holidays, including Christmas Day and New Year.
Rides: ₱30 to ₱50 per ride
Schedule: 4PM to 2AM daily (November 28, 2019 to January 19, 2020)
How to get there?
Exact location: Filinvest at South Road Properties (SRP) along IL Corso Lifestyle Mall
BY COMMUTE: For public commute, it’s best to ride the MyBus going to/from Talisay City. You can also hire a habal-habal from Mambaling Flyover or Plaza Independencia for ₱20-30 per head (one-way).
BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Boom na Boom sa Sugbo”. Parking space is available.
Mountaineering and trekking aficionados have surely surmised Osmeña Peak, but what a few don’t know that an hour of hike from Osmeña Peak is another peak that will surely enthrall all adventurers’ hearts – Casino Peak in Dalaguete.
Thirdy Mercado
Casino Peak is a relatively new trail and only a few avid trekkers have reached this peak. Certified adventurers must be ready to brave the rocky ridges that must be trekked, as getting on top is not really easy.
Upon reaching the peak, amazing viewpoints
of Cebu can be seen. The entire experience of seeing the overlooking view is
more than just a rewarding experience after that tiring trek.
Thirdy Mercado
Thirdy Mercado
Em-em Monceda Salonoy
Incredible hill formations would make you
think that you’re seeing the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, when actually it is just
the hidden beauty that lies in Casino Peak.
More scenic and Instragrammable views can
be found in Casino Peak. You just have to be creative enough with your angles.
Mel Jun Mendoza
Mel Jun Mendoza
Mel Jun Mendoza
Fees:
Fare (South Bus Terminal to Dalaguete Proper): ₱120 per head (one-way)
Motorbike Fare (Dalaguete Proper to Kandungaw Peak): ₱150 per head (one-way)
Entrance Fee: ₱30 per head
Tour Guide: ₱200 per group
How to get there?
Exact location: Sitio Lugsangan in Barangay Tabon, Dalaguete, Cebu, Casino Peak can be trekked if you’re from Osmeña Peak. Hiring a tour guide is encouraged as this peak is new.
BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound to Dalaguete where the travel time is roughly 2 to 3 hours and the estimated fare is at ₱120. Ask the conductor to be dropped off at the Dalaguete proper, where you can hail motor taxis or habal-habal that can take you to Casino Peak in Sitio Lugsangan. Average fare is ₱150 per person (one-way) with a travel time of 15-20 minutes.
BY CAR: Metered taxi is not possible. If you’re bringing your own car, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Casino Peak”. Park at the nearby gym for a minimal fee. You can also rent a car via SquadPH Travels.
Adventure surely awaits in Casino Peak.
Gather up the gang and plan that next trekking trip!
