Join the Halloween Party at Crown Regency!

By

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October 15, 2014

Cheers to the beers and feast with your peers!

Yes, it’s the ultimate ‘Beerfest’ again and Crown Regency is once again inviting us to celebrate with them the year’s most horrific night. The ‘Halloween OktoBEERfest’ will be held this October 31, Friday, 6PM at Level 36 of Tower1, Crown Regency Hotel and Towers.

This is your chance to flaunt your most fabulous and creepiest costumes, enjoy bottomless beer with pica-pica, and groove to the beat with Cebu’s coolest DJ — all these treats for only Php499/pax.

Roll out the barrel with good music and stocks of beer. Give it a toast and celebrate good times with your friends. Cheers!

For inquiries, call (032) 418-8888. Tickets are available at the Front Office.

P.S. Some members of the Sugbu team will be joining the event. So we hope to see you there too!

The Other Side of the Coin: Smart and Globe offering ‘free’ mobile internet

By

Ram Mancelita

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October 14, 2014

0

Just a few weeks ago, leading telcos Smart Communications and Globe Telecom revealed the “big announcement” or “good news” to the public with Smart offering Unli FB + 30MB of free mobile internet with daily registration and Globe counterfeiting with Unli FB with one-time registration. These promos can be enjoyed by over 200 million people with prepaid and postpaid subscriptions. However, is this really good news? Or is it just too good to be true?

We have enlisted a couple of points why we think there’s something fishy going on.

1. This might just be a cover-up to the infamous issue — slow, globally incompetent internet speed in the PH — which may…

just worsen the aforesaid issue due to a more congested mobile internet. Just imagine how large the population of mobile internet users is. With this, not only the subscribers who are registered to the promos would suffer such inconvenience but probably also…
the other subscribers, mostly the postpaid users, who are not benefitting from these promos but still paying for the same slow mobile internet speed. With this, we begin to question, are Smart and Globe really ready to accommodate the riotous congestion?

2. This might just be another trick especially for those who do not know the other side of the coin or are just simply new to mobile surfing. For example,

Smart/Sun/TNT subscribers can be charged if they continue to use mobile data beyond the daily expiration. Especially that they have delayed notification of the promo expiration. If you are truly SMART, you should never forget that you are registered to the promo whenever you’re planning to use mobile data.
Meanwhile, Globe/TM subscribers may experience convenience with the one-time registration to the promo, however, they can be charged without notice for their mobile internet activities outside Facebook.

There may be more, but these are the important things we are currently concerned about. Well, no matter how sensible or senseless you think we are, or whatever the real agenda of these telcos for offering this service is, free internet is still free internet. Freebies are freebies. Apparently, one way or another, there is still something to be benefitted from it even if you flip the coin.

Editorial cartoon by LJay Manayon

The Yaman Formula: Clicks away from your cash

By

Sugbo.ph

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October 14, 2014

0

To be rich is something that’s needed to be worked very hard. Well, not anymore! OLX had made it easy for you. You know OLX? Of course you do. And they’re working on something big. Something made for you and something made for Cebu!

Of course I wanna be rich too but not selfish enough to keep this on my own. So you’re saying you want to be rich? Want to know how? You just need a little Math. So now I present to you “THE YAMAN FORMULA”!

OLX.ph may not yet be around for far too long but you know sulit.com.ph has. I’m pretty sure you have quite an idea of what I’m about to tell you but wait, bigger, easier, faster or shall I mention the bonus too? Well, this is it, YAMAN FORMULA now spilling in easy steps in two easy ways.

STEP 1:

Go to OLX.ph on your desktop browser. If you love its old version, go to sulit.com.ph (it will redirect to olx.ph anyway.)

What are you going in that page? Yes, I forgot you are about to sell something? Something that you aren’t using anymore or if you just need some money, then you are on the right page. Just follow the on-page instructions then you are good to go.

Don’t you dare say that you don’t have anything settled in the bottom of your cabinets or resting somewhere in your house. It’s time to earn from your scraps, pre-loved items I mean.

We’ll let assume that you want to sell a thing but you have no idea how much would it cost. Nothing to worry about, OLX.ph had figured that out already for you. At this juncture, I welcome you to the YAMAN CALCULATOR.

YAMAN CALCULATOR is your all around buddy to your richness. Check the standard selling price of pre-loved item. Even so, you have all the freedom to price your things. It has all the most sold items, from appliances to your footwear. Name it, now you don’t have anything to worry about prices.

Another cool thing about this YAMAN CALCULATOR is “It can compute how rich you are or how rich you can be!” After I checked the items that I own It says “You have Php 202,900 hidden inside your house”! It shouldn’t be lying or else I’m gonna sell all these stuff that I own to see it myself how rich I am. It’s just as easy as answering a playbuzz quiz or filling an entire paper with your name. Try it yourself. You’ll be amazed and you’ll surely love to sell those things that you are not using.

Back to the YAMAN FORMULA steps. After filling the price sheet for your item wisely, wait then till your item turn to cash running to you. I mean “running” because OLX is optimized for transactions that can be done in your own locality. Of course, who will bother deal with a pre-loved XBOX 360 from Manila if there is another one from Cebu? Online selling – Made easier just for you.

If you’re reading this, then I assume you are from Cebu. Well, good news for you random bisaya friend!

Cebu, at this point that you are reading this has more than 10,000 users. If you want to sell a bike or a phone then your customer is just minute s or an hour away from you. Well if it turn out that you are the customer, same applies. Search for a pre-loved iPad. We don’t know, your neighbor is selling on OLX.ph. it is a whole lot easier and accessible. The “Yes Yaman” campaign to encourage Cebuano’s to go online selling has only started earlier this year’s March. You may not mind, after another month, a million more will be into this faster YAMAN solute on.

STEP 2:

This is for you if you have a smartphone. You don’t have one? Still fine, the browser method will still do great for you. OLX now have an android and iOS application that is made to make your online selling easier and handy.

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Search for OLX in App Store or Play Store and be amazed how many more are into online buying and selling by OLX. The app brings all the OLX features from a monitor screen to your hand. Just a few taps away. The mobile application has even a more secure and less hassle interface. Everybody may not have an email address but everyone has a cellphone number of course. The solution may be not look big but oh, it is. Your transection with your buyer or your seller is just a text away. Too awesome for OLX to bring it to this level of comfort just for you.

That’s it fellas. I may have made the story long, don’t misinterpret anything of it or else I will be the only one who can benefit from this good news OLX has brought to Cebuanos.

Now what are you waiting for? Check your basement, your cabinets and hidden treasure chests.

Say Yes Yaman! Yes to online buy and sell. Yes to OLX.ph!

A Talk with the Pros: Prestige Modelling Agency

By

Sarah Ladeza

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October 14, 2014

1

I’ve seen a lot of potential models here in the metro but sometimes, what they need is a good modelling agency to be successful. But there are people who ask “What is a modelling agency?” A modelling agency is a company or organization that represents fashion models, to work for the fashion industry.

The Prestige Modelling Agency, spearheaded by Heindrich Torres, (together with) Arnold Echevarria Jr., Glenn Libradilla, Adam Resurreccion, held its first-ever Press Conference last October 10 at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel. Prestige is a duly recognized and established business entity aiming to serve and provide upscale and commendable models. It aims to be a catalyst of upbringing models not just in the metro but in the Philippines, as a whole.

“Grow them as a person and not just as a model.”, Prestige quoted as they unveiled their secrets on how they became a successful modelling agency, NATIONWIDE.

Prestige started in ramping. Their models were only for ramping and not much into prints and all. But now, you wouldn’t expect how their models are like. According to them, their models “dress with style, walk with fashion, and strut with elegance.” And I couldn’t agree more. I came to witness them, LIVE!

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When the host said “We’re now open for questions,” *croo croo* Haha! You will only hear silence but, when someone started to fire questions, we couldn’t help but asked more questions, too. Even I myself asked them my fair share of questions. Just keep reading for who knows, your questions are here (with answers, of course!), too.

Q: “How do you choose your models?”
A: “We choose them based on the photo they sent, if we think their photo/s qualify, ask them to come visit the office for a shoot. (Though they prefer a different person on shoot. Someone who looks different in person and on prints. And faces with minimal make-up.)”

Q: “How do you accept applicants?”
A: “Right now, you can send us your application (together with your photos) through e-mail and facebook page.”

Q: “Do you have any plans for the future?”
A: “Yes, we do. We’re planning to have a modelling workshop and also, personality development.”

Q: “Do you have specific height requirements?”
A: “Preferably 5’7″ for girls, 5’10” for boys. Also with age, we prefer 17-23 years old.”

Q: “How many models do you currently have?”
A: “We currently have 21 models. 8 men and 19 women.”

Q: “What’s your address and how can we contact you?”
A: “Our office is located at S202 Sonrisa Suites, 175 Juana Osmeña Street Capitol Site Cebu City and you can reach us at contact number (032) 254-2953.”

Do you want to see more? LIVE? Good news! You are cordially invited this October 17, 2014 at Ayala Center Cebu (5:00 PM). And make sure to bring your cameras with you for I assure you, you’ll see living mannequins in the runway. Also, don’t forget to wear your best chic ensemble, okay? I hope to see you there!

P.S. The event was/will be organized by Pixie Dust Creations. So, if you guys want to have a cool event/party, contact Pixie Dust Creations at 0917 626 9085. Or, visit their FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pixie-Dust-Creations.

Photographs by Keziah Ruth Madula

Confessions of a Sugbuholic

By

Sugbo.ph

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October 14, 2014

0

“Kay makita man ang mountains..” I remember saying this to my mom as I narrated to her how much I missed Cebu back then. Yes, I was once separated from my birthplace for almost four years. I was entering my third grade in elementary then. As young as that age, I could very well describe to you the streets where our humble abode was found. I could very well describe to you the buildings and the different shapes and sizes of the trees lying in those streets. I could very well look at your eyes and tell you quite jubilantly how I loved the green mountains found at the end of those streets. And now looking back at those times, I’m grateful to have been given to chance to come back to my birthplace after almost four years with high hopes of exploring more of the city where my heart has always belonged to.

I am a self-confessed Sugbuholic. Considering the many splendors of Cebu, from places worth wanderlusting to food worth frolicking for, I can’t quite tell how one can’t easily consider themselves as Sugbuholics. You just can’t help but be amazed by what is offered in every corner from North to South of Cebu that can truly peak up one’s senses. To date, I’ve already reached the far South of Cebu, Santander, once during highschool to attend the Regional Schools Press Conference held in Dumaguete City. Even with the long distance to travel, I seldom closed my eyes in the bus just so that I wouldn’t miss the scenery. Being a homebody but at the same time a traveller-at-heart since birth would let you do that. But even then, I never closed my doors into exploring Cebu from its far North to far South someday. And because good things come for those who hustle while they wait, I decided to make the most out of the yet-small world I’m into by appreciating what is at hand at the moment.

Speaking of making the most out of everything at the moment, I’ve also taken the challenge in expressing my Sugbuholic heart by trying our local delicacies. I even dared for the unusual ones (Tuslob Buwa, ring a bell?) and discovered that there are a hundred ways to enjoy this delicacy whatever state in life you’re in. Also, trusted friends in college have brought me wandering around Cebu despite empty pockets. That never stopped me, and neither should you, from being the Sugbuholic that I always am.

Now with Sugbu, expressing my Sugbuholic heart won’t be as hard as before. Trust, that this newest blog will bring you just the right feels of what it means to be a true-blue Cebuano. Trust, that it will always tickle your senses with the wide variety of topics featured. Trust, that with US, your Sugbuholic heart will only become more Sugbuholic as before.

This is a confession. This is one of my confessions. And I hope to share more of them to you soon.

Illustration by LJay Manayon

Waki Waffles: For the Young Ones and the Young Once

By

Sugbo.ph

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October 13, 2014

0

After having its media launch last October 9, Waki Waffles will surely give you a different taste of waffles that you will surely love coming back.

Named after the owner’s son Waki, Waki Waffles offers authentic Belgian waffles by using the best and imported ingredients available and even make them using waffle irons specifically from Belgium. Despite the rising competition in waffle-making industry, they will surely catch interest of the Cebuanos as they put a pinoy twist in the waffles they serve.

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What makes them more interesting and different from other waffle stores is that you get to choose the kind of waffles and toppings you want. The waffles come in Brussels (light and crispy) and Liege (soft and chewy) as you choose your spread from Nutella to Cream Cheese. The fruit you want may come from blueberry, strawberry, mangoes, peaches and banana. You can also add the kind of cream you like, may it be whipped or iced. Also, you get to choose the kind of drizzle and sprinklers you want. Just ask their waffle bakers and you can go crazy with your toppings.

After I’ve tasted a variety of the waffles, I say that Waki Waffles is something to watch out for. They have a huge selection of waffles you can choose from. And if you want them to be served the way your taste buds desire, then satisfy your cravings. You will definitely end up wanting more as they serve it you fresh! But if you’re on a hurry, you can grab a quick snack and go.

I bet your plans for a waffle adventure are all set. You can find them at Ayala Center Cebu (2nd floor of the Active Zone, right in front of Sun Cellular Shop) and SM City Cebu (2nd floor near Bo’s Coffee Shop stall and National Bookstore across Sunburst).

Go crazy and waki with your waffles!

Disclosures of a Shoe-a-holic: Top 5 Best Shoe Brands in Cebu

By

Sarah Ladeza

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October 13, 2014

0

I’ve always been a fan of shoes. Well, I can’t remember when it exactly began though but I guess, I was just born to love those. I think Coco Chanel was right when she said “a woman with good shoes is never ugly.” And I couldn’t agree more. I think that if you wear real good shoes, you’ll look good.

So you reading this, I think it’s time for you to start investing for shoes too. We’re waiting for you and we’ll be welcoming you in our club with open arms. And, if you guys want to find out where to find good shoes, keep reading. Though I really wouldn’t want to tell you guys this secret but yeah, I think it’s time for me to give you your fair share, right?

Ladies and gents, “BEHOLD!” for I am about to disclose the TOP 5 best boutiques where you can buy really good shoes. Not just good but substantial as well.

5. SO! FAB

I love their shoes. Like, seriously! The colors and the style? They’re just glam. So, if you guys are looking for that “whered’ya buy that shoes” kinda shoes, go for So! Fab coz they’re totally FAB! Hihi. Anyways, I don’t know if it’s just me who noticed this but, they’re prices really has 99 at the end. Hahaha! Is it, or isn’t it? Visit their shops at SM and AYALA. Shop in So! Fab for you to be totally FAB! *wink wink*

4. TOPSHOP

I don’t know if it’s just me or is it also you? Haha. Jk! But I am now a fan of boots. Yes, boots. I love how you can look cool though with the chic outfit. And if you’re looking for boots, too (just like me), I suggest you visit TOPSHOP. There boutique is located at 1st Level, Ayala Center Cebu. Though they don’t only sell boots. They offer a lot for us. So, shop at TOPSHOP!

3. FOREVER 21

I’ve been following a lot of fashion bloggers here in Cebu and most of their footwears are bought in Forever 21. Well, when I went to their shop to check, I can’t find any reason why those bloggers wouldn’t shop there, too. Haha! Seriously, they offer really cool, and good shoes. I think you should try your luck their too. Who knows, once you buy one pair there, you’ll crave for more. Haha! So, visit their shop at Northwing, SM City Cebu.

2. MANGO

No! Not the fruit, it’s the boutique. Hahaha! Mango offers not only shoes but also sneakers, loafers, and all. Their shoes are really good. Good colors, and comfortable. I am telling you, their prices are reasonable. Hahaha! ;) So, visit their shops in SM and AYALA Cebu.

1. CONVERSE

Wait! I know you guys are thinking why this boutique is included. Haha! I mean, why not? Per their famous tagline; “SHOES ARE BORING, WEAR SNEAKERS,” I’m still trying to talk in general. Haha (me and my lame excuses). Hihi! But yes, this is by far my favorite boutique. Don’t bother askign me why. Just visit their shops in Ayala and SM Cebu and see for yourself. I know you’lll agree :) So, I wouldn’t talk more about them, just VISIT.

I know the TOP 5 is not enough. You may be saying; “Ngano wa man naapil ang Celine oyy. Or, ang Figlia, etc.” But wait! This is my opinion. Because if I’ll mention all of my favorite boutiques, I might consume more than just one section of this blog. But seriously, this ain’t a joke. At least, you now have a brief idea of what shops to visit first when you go to malls, right? This may not be enough but I’m sure this is worth a visit.

I’m hoping to see you on those aforementioned shops, and to those who are not yet shoe-a-holics, if you’ve reached this part, I know you’re meant to be ONE OF US! I ain’t kidding. You wouldn’t be reaching this part if you’re not that interested, right? So, go and save! Start to invest. For I believe that if you have a good pair of shoes, you can conquer the whole world. So let’s do it together! ;)

P.S. If you have any suggestions on what and what not to write, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks!

#Sugbustagram Weekly Dose of OOTD: Fashion At Work

By

Sarah Ladeza

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October 9, 2014

0

f-sugbustagram-fashion-at-work-frances-gallardo — The face may have been cut off by the owner of the photo above but, her name is Frances Paulette Gallardo. She may not be a working girl but, she was able to pull this skater skirt with that cropped top long sleeves. Such outfit can be worn at the office. Chic, preppy, and presentable. Well, I just love how she was able to have the color black cropped top, match with the peach skater skirt. This girl will truly be a model in her workplace soon, way to go Pau! #OOTDworthy #SUGBUstagram #FashionAtWork

I don’t know why good fashion style is rampant in the metro, may it be in the malls, schools, offices, and even in the streets. Before, it was just a “Oy! Nice kaayo ka ug sinina” from your friends. Now, it’s “Oy! Nice kaayo ka ug sinina. OOTD worthy!”

But what is OOTD? For the benefit of the doubt, OOTD is the acronym used for Outfit Of The Day. It is usually used as a hashtag in social media accounts, especially Instagram. And to give you a fair share of OOTD’s, here are some photos of the people I saw on Facebook and Instagram with their OOTD worthy outfit.

m-sugbustagram-fashion-at-work-michal-condrado — **MICHAL CONDRADO**

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Going to work without having to sacrifice fashion? Michal Condrado is best at it! Look at how he was able to have his plain white tee with a mustard-colored blazer, a black skinny jeans, a pointed black and white oxford shoes, to complete the look is his brown belt. This man is surely an eye-catcher. First man to be published! #SUGBUstagram #OOTDworthy #FashionAtWork

f-sugbustagram-fashion-at-work-mac-ladeza — **MAC LADEZA**

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There are times when your company will just say that’s the theme for this day and you’re of course, obliged to follow. Well, for this girl right here, it’s never a problem for she was able to pull off that “back to school” theme. First time to follow the theme. ©styLADZ #back2school #japanese #OOTDworthy #SUGBUstagram #FashionAtWork

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The face may have been cut off by the owner of the photo above but, her name is Frances Paulette Gallardo. She may not be a working girl but, she was able to pull this skater skirt with that cropped top long sleeves. Such outfit can be worn at the office. Chic, preppy, and presentable. Well, I just love how she was able to have the color black cropped top, match with the peach skater skirt. This girl will truly be a model in her workplace soon, way to go Pau! #OOTDworthy #SUGBUstagram #FashionAtWork

f-sugbustagram-fashion-at-work-monique-adrianne-ladeza — **MONIQUE ADRIANNE**

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Not yet an employee, but practices to be one. That’s our PHARMA Student from USC, Monique Adrianne. According toher, this outfit was for their practice on some job interviews. Seems like this girl has a bright future. You can do it, Nique! #SUGBUstagram #FashionAtWork #OOTDworthy

f-sugbustagram-fashion-at-work-chara-gabiana — **CHARA MAIVE AMOR GABIANA**

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Chara Maive Amor Gabiana is a nursing student from Cebu Normal University who is so active in everything. She went to various places for scholastic reasons and met a lot of people. But no problem for this gal since she can ace her meet-ups and meetings for she knows what to wear and how to wear it. Kudos, Apple, for this #OOTDworthy outfit of yours. #SUGBUstagram #FashionAtWork

f-sugbustagram-fashion-at-work-amy-daisy-muit — **AMY DAISY MUIT**

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Will you agree if I tell you that I like this outfit so much? I love how she mixed the colors and all. I love the pants, the blazers, and the shoes. Simply a perfect combination. That’s Amy Daisy Muit, a Technical Support Representative who is #OOTDworthy. #SUGBUstagram #FashionAtWork

f-sugbustagram-fashion-at-work-charlaine-radoc — **CLARLAINE FALCON RADOC**

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Going safe with colors is not a problem for Clarlaine Falcon Radoc. She may still be a student of University of San Carlos but, that doesn’t keep me from posting this OOTD photo in the blog. I just love how she sticked with the B&W ensemble yet used that maroon bag. You surely has an eye for fashion, Laine! #SUGBUstagram #FashionAtWork #OOTDworthy

I know you guys are craving for more OOTDs. Well, request granted. All you have to do is to keep yourselves posted for every week’s OOTD post. We’ll be posting more photos, soon.

If you want your OOTD photos to be published here, just use the #SUGBUstagram on Instagram and you’ll see your photos live here.

Globe Business, the solution to all your business needs. Or is it?

By

Sugbo.ph

-

October 6, 2014

1

Have you heard of this new and innovative thing Globe Business is up to? Well, allow me to give you some enlightenment.

Cebu is one of the country’s biggest contributor to the economy, and indeed it is. And Globe is well aware of that too. In its pursuit to aid businesses in the country whether the small-scale or the macro ones, Globe Business held its first-ever Business Continuity Forum last October 3.

“Enterprises need to respond quickly in today’s dynamic business environment. Globe Business CloudSolutions allow an organization’s infrastructure to match the elasticity of the business climate and increase its business agility.”, Globe Business quoted. Now let us attest these lines. I’ll stand as the prosecutor, Globe as the defense, and you as the jury.

After doing several researches and hearing some forums about this fuss, Globe Business is causing a conversation that suddenly started in my mind. The articles started talking to my mind. I don’t want to drop names but let’s just call these as “Cloud”. I warn you, Cloud is a bit serious but he sure has the information you need.

I say, “What can this “CloudSolutions” and “IT-enabled services” has to offer?”

Cloud says, “The economic environment is expanding exponentially so as competition. Because of this, Globe offers a set of advanced tools that you can use corporate to help your business grow. That’s growing smart and innovative. These tools include Canvas®, Microsoft’s very own Office 365™ and of course Google Apps™. You can have specialized access to these tool with the help of Globe.”

I say, “These tools that you’ve mentioned are all available independently. What’s the use of Globe in the process?”

Cloud says, “Globe provides seamless access to these tools wherever you are. Giving emphasis to “WHEREVER YOU ARE”. This access will be provided, not just to you but also to all your affiliates including the managers and/or the employees providing them granular file permissions.”

“Cloud Solutions is not the only thing that Globe offers. They also offer Business Voice, Collaboration Solutions, Connectivity Solutions, Data Centers, M2M and Mobility Solutions. Each of these aids has unique comfort to offer. Find one which suits your style.”

I say, “I need to throw this question, ‘Businesses come in big and small sizes and of several categories, how do you think Globe Business can cater all of them or perhaps most of them?’”

Cloud says, “These businesses are broken down to eight (8) categories, or shall we say, business types. Financial Services, Government, Healthcare, Retail, Logistics & Transportation, and Departments (Operations, Marketing, Sales, Management, Purchasing, IT, Finance and Human Resources). Find out where your business belongs. If you’re quite sure your business does not belong to any of the aforementioned types, which we highly doubt, give Globe a call now.

I say, “Well, I’m convinced.”

So, are you switching to Globe Business now? That is if you have a business. But I believe you do have. Everyone has. Small or big, Globe has the solutions suited perfectly for your needs. Think about it. Let it sink in for a while. Give it a try.

A Day in a Fiesta: An Outsider’s Point-Of-View

By

Sugbo.ph

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October 6, 2014

0

Fiestas are one the most important events that are part of Philippine culture. Just recently, I got the chance to witness one of the grandest “small” fiestas in Cebu – the Feast of San Vicente Ferrer in Duljo Fatima, Cebu City last September 28. I got into the heart of the place (vicinity of the barangay hall) at about 11AM, ate lunch at a relative’s handa and at about 12NN, I went out and started to venture and be part of the messy action. Since it was a Sunday, my Filipino trait of being super religious dictated my confused wandering body to go firstly into the venue’s chapel. There I saw their patron saint.

San Vicente Ferrer has been Duljo Fatima’s patron saint ever since my aunts and uncles (who are quite aged) could remember. To give you an idea, my oldest uncle is 60+.

After giving a few words in praying, I proceeded to go out and penetrate the chaotic sea of people, to give you an idea of what it looked like in front of the chapel:

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A closer look at the toys being sold. The cheapest kind sold at 10 pesos. Makes us feel like children again, right?

Seeing the state of the people going back and forth and noticing major preparations made making it a lot more crowded, I then decided to take a break. Upon returning to base point, there I saw a street magician joining in the fun and flaunting a few tricks. As I looked, even I started to believe in “magic”. I mean, a bending spoon? Seriously? What explains that?!

And one of things I looked forward to this feast. Any guesses? Hint: involves sparks

After quenching my thirst of giving myself an unneeded rest (and yes after hearing the announcement of the start of the procession), I hurriedly went out and once again joined the fun. The sights were amazing!

San Vicente Ferrer was now on top of a small float locally known as a karo. Such a sight! The procession didn’t start instantly since the drum and bugle corps (DBC) came in a bit off schedule. This caused traffic. Mind you, they have a different kind of traffic there. Instead of mainstream cars or motorcycles, people there used the literal “horsepower”. The maneuvering guy got in a bit of a jam, forcing my friend here to come near me. One word: creepy. Oh and yup this ride is what’s locally called a parada.

After a few minutes, the DBC came signaling the start of the foot procession.

The start of the final event. Yup I stayed at the back part, I didn’t want to get squeezed in between the floats. Some brought candles, some held rosaries, while others just walked because everyone else was walking. Yeah, Pinoys. Hehe.

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Then I stumbled upon this old game, a sort of gambling one might say. Locals call it bulichi. It’s a game where you get to bet on any card (can be more than one) from choices of 48.

The owner then picks one rolled card from her water jug. The card that comes out wins. If you bet 1 peso you get 40 pesos, 2 pesos and you get 80 pesos, bet 20… you do the math. This game has always been in this fiesta ever since my dad’s mom was still around.

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I didn’t get to finish the procession because I got stuck to looking at the game. I then thought it was a good idea to wait at the event’s end point to take photos, so I did and as the procession got there I took quite some shots.

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The arrival of the first two floats also bringing in the first small wave of religious believers. A person on the microphone kept on shouting and reminding people not to pick the flowers from the float just yet. The locals believed picking flowers from the float brought luck and happiness.

The main celebrant then came. He was escorted by his own “bodyguards”. This brought in the last of the people completely filling up the barangay’s gymnasium.

Turns out, the display was more than just a bunch of fireworks strapped to a bamboo pattern. It had to be timed properly and it had a creative mechanism in which the posters of saints would be revealed. If only these people got the chance to acquire formal education…

After the display, I called it a day. I have just, once again, experienced the best fiesta celebration yet. The fiesta night continued until dawn with a huge disco party. Every year that place celebrates their “grand” fiesta, and I never miss a year going there. No, I really don’t go there for the food nor for the “bulichi”, but it’s because of once again feeling the spirit of Filipino culture. ‘nuff said

STEP 1:

STEP 2:

5. SO! FAB

4. TOPSHOP

3. FOREVER 21

2. MANGO

1. CONVERSE

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