Alodia Gosiengfiao Quimbo, the cosplay queen of the Philippines, and her husband, Christopher Quimbo, have shared the joyous news of their baby’s gender in a sweet Instagram reel.
Screengrab from @alodia on Instagram
In the video, the couple is seen dressed in elegant all-white outfits against a golf course backdrop. The moment of revelation comes when Christopher takes a swing at a golf ball, triggering a burst of blue smoke that announces the gender of their baby: a boy!
Screengrab from @alodia on Instagram
The video shows the couple’s genuine excitement and happiness, with their outfits transitioning to shades of baby blue to celebrate the special moment. The heartfelt clip not only showed their enthusiasm but also their unique way of sharing this significant milestone with their fans.
Screengrab from @alodia on InstagramScreengrab from @alodia on Instagram
How Alodia and Christopher Found Love
Alodia Gosiengfiao and Christopher Quimbo’s love story began on a quadruple date, where their immediate connection simply defied their contrasting personalities—Alodia, known for her introverted nature, and Christopher, the outgoing extrovert. “We just kept talking. We had a really good conversation,” Christopher shared in an interview with Dr. Vicky Belo.
Screengrab from @alodia on Instagram
Before meeting Christopher, Alodia was coming out of a long-term relationship with Wil Dasovich, which ended in November 2021. The end of that chapter left her hesitant about jumping back into the dating scene. However, her fears melted away when she encountered the kind and understanding Christopher. Their bond deepened, leading to their engagement in July 2022.
Now, as they prepare to welcome their first child, the couple’s journey continues with excitement and joy. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Quimbo on their growing family and their soon-to-arrive baby boy Q!
There is an app that lets you dine with strangers to make connections in the Queen City of the South!
Photo from Timeleft Official Facebook Page
Timeleft, an app that’s been in the tech world since 2020, has an algorithm that matches you with other app users based on compatibility. It typically takes just around 5 to 10 minutes to answer the initial questionnaire and then it shows you the available dates for the upcoming dinners in your city.
See you on Wednesdays at 7PM
Screengrab from Timeleft
No, this isn’t an online dating app, it’s a tool designed to help you expand your social network and make new friends, especially if you’re new to a city; perfect for travelers and newcomers.
The app personalizes your experience, too, by asking about your preferences and personality traits, including your logic, emotional stability, sense of humor, and even your zodiac sign! Dinners are scheduled every Wednesday at 7 PM.
Yes, there is a fee, which varies depending on your membership duration—whether for a month or six months. The idea is to have your weekly dinners pre-booked, ensuring a consistent social experience.
Photo from Timeleft Official Facebook Page
Here are a few key points to know before signing up:
Group Dining: You’ll be seated at a table with multiple people, so expect to dine with several strangers each evening.
Post-Dinner Activities: An hour after dinner begins, the app will suggest nearby bars or other venues to continue the evening, helping to keep the night lively.
Ratings: After your dinner, both you and your dining companions will have the opportunity to rate each other, providing feedback on the experience.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of meeting new people and exploring the local scene, this app offers a structured and social way to do just that.
Photo from Timeleft Official Facebook Page
So, Sugboanons, are you willing to try it out or is this a hard pass?
Nicholas Perry a.k.a the mukbang YouTuber Nikocado Avocado, shocked netizens on September 7 after he showed an updated video of him several pounds lighter.
Nikovado said in his video, “Today, I woke up from a very long dream, and I also woke up having lost 250 pounds off of my body… Just yesterday, people were calling me fat and sick and boring and irrelevant. People are the most messed up creatures on the entire planet, and yet I still manage to stay two steps ahead of everyone.”
Photo from Nikovado
Famed for devouring massive quantities of food in his mukbang videos, Nikocado Avocado recently revealed that the previous month’s videos were actually pre-recorded. This was part of a carefully planned social experiment in which he aims to present what appears to be a dramatic weight loss compared to his previous month’s footage. In reality, Nikovado had been threading the lines of his nutrition carefully and embraced better awareness on his food for 2 years to lose the unnecessary weight, as well as be a healthier version of himself.
“This has been the greatest social experiment of my entire life. It’s worrying, it’s compelling, it’s gripping to observe all these unwell, disorientated beings roam the Internet in search of stories, ideas, rivalries where they feel encouraged, engaged,” he shared.
Photo from Nikovado
The Dangers of Mukbang
Photo from Nikovado
Mukbang is a type of live-streamed or video post that shows a person consuming quantities of food that’s beyond what a normal person would eat. It is a type of audiovisual show that lets the person in the video share a meal with the audience, however, it also poses health threats to the one doing the mukbanging, such as obesity, high-blood pressure, digestive problems, and nutritional imbalance.
A Chinese influencer named Pan Xiaoting reportedly died during one of her livestreams as she attempted to eat 10 kilograms of food, while, in Iligan City, Philippines, Vlogger Dongz Apatan died of stroke after eating fried chicken.
Photo from Nikovado
Whether you’re a fan of mukbang or considering a weight loss journey, it’s crucial to listen to your body and approach changes with caution. Extreme measures often lead to more harm than good. Prioritize your health and well-being, and remember to make gradual, sustainable adjustments. Stay safe, Sugboanons!
Sugboanons, were you able to witness the mini concert of the Manila Symphony Orchestra?
Photo from the Manila Symphony Orchestra Official Facebook Page
On September 6, 2024, Guang Ming College was filled with angelic tunes and goosebump-inducing melodies as the Manila Symphony Orchestra played masterfully at the Siddhartha Theater. And the best part was that the performance was free!
Photo from the Manila Symphony Orchestra Official Facebook Page
Under the masterful baton of conductor Jeffrey Solares, the orchestra produced a captivating program that mixed classical favorites with unique musical gems. One of the highlights included a stirring performance of “The Noble Path” from “Siddhartha: The Musical,” featuring the vocals of the play’s director, Junrey Alayacyac, and former cast members Neil Andrei Jabido and Ana Preciosa Bacalso. This performance added a personal touch to the evening, bridging the worlds of classical and contemporary theater in a showcase of artistic talents.
Photo from Junrey AlayacyacPhoto from Junrey Alayacyac with Neil AJ & PreciosaPhoto from the Manila Symphony Orchestra Official Facebook PagePhoto from the Manila Symphony Orchestra Official Facebook PagePhoto from the Manila Symphony Orchestra Official Facebook PagePhoto from the Manila Symphony Orchestra Official Facebook PagePhoto from the Manila Symphony Orchestra Official Facebook Page
A Violin Lesson with the Maestro
Photo from the Manila Symphony Orchestra Official Facebook Page
The Manila Symphony Orchestra gifted Sugboanons not just with the chance of experiencing their live performance, but also with a valuable educational opportunity.
Photo from the Manila Symphony Orchestra Official Facebook Page
As part of their “Symphonic Explorations,” they conducted a specialized workshop for Cebu’s violin teachers, led by their esteemed maestro, Jeffrey Solares. Invaluable insights and techniques were offered and designed to improve the skills of advanced violinists, enriching the local music community and fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of orchestral performance.
Photo from the Manila Symphony Orchestra Official Facebook Page
In the end, the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s mini concert and musical workshop in Cebu was a resounding success as it brought together music lovers. So, Sugboanons, here’s to hoping that this is just the beginning of many more musical milestones to come, and many more world-renowned orchestras visiting our beloved Cebu!
It’s been a long time comin’, but they’ll be here soon!
2Ne1, the OG Kpop girl group, is coming back to the Philippines for their reunion concert tour! Their label, YG Entertainment, announced the return last Friday, September 6, 2024, and fans were thrilled!
Photo from YG Entertainment’s X account
The label revealed the poster of 2Ne1’s initial concert stops for their “Welcome Back” Asia Tour which included a show in Manila, Philippines this coming November 16, 2024. The show will be produced by Live Nation and further details will be released for the venue and ticket information.
2Ne1’s Going to Ring the Alarm
2Ne1, with members Sandara, Minzy, CL, and Park Bom, will be celebrating their 15th anniversary in the industry. Although they disbanded in 2016, the group remained on good terms and still cherish the songs they were able to produce and showcase globally.
Songs such as “Fire,” “I Don’t Care,” “Come Back Home,” and “Lollipop” were the hits of the group during their peak.
So, Sugboanons, are you ready for the OG’s to come back? Share with us your favorite 2Ne1 songs in the comments below!
This “Mental Health Awareness Month,” the BTS Army is setting their support high around the Philippines.
Ca-amp Bangtan shared on their social media that as part of the “Purple Walk of Love” event, they will be lighting up the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in purple to advocate for mental health awareness. This event, scheduled for September 7 and 8, 2024 at 6PM to 10PM, is a powerful display of solidarity. Fans of the global K-pop sensation BTS, known for their commitment to social causes, are coming together to use the iconic bridge as a canvas for their message.
Purple, the color chosen for this event, symbolizes support for mental health and is a nod to the BTS fan base, or the “ARMY.” By lighting up the CCLEX, they aim to draw attention to mental health issues, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations about mental well-being.
So, Sugboanons, when you pass by CCLEX on the said dates, make sure to capture its beautiful lights and remember that what you’re seeing is not just a visual spectacle, but also a call to action in support for those in need of a lending ear. And if you want to join in on the advocacy, walk with the ARMY this coming September 8, 2024
In the Queen City of the South, a huge shift in primary health care is underway as Clinica Prime rises to the occasion in offering international standard care.
The Cebu-based holding company, the LH Paragon Group (LHPI), announced the rebranding of their healthcare subsidiary, Keralty Prime Cebu, Inc. (KPCI) to CLINICA PRIME CEBU, INC. (CPCI) effective last month, August 2024. The group became a fully Filipino-owned proprietary brand and is aiming to become the top in providing holistic patient-centered care across the Philippines!
We are ready to build and grow our own Filipino brand of primary health care, for the Filipino and by the Filipino
Edmun H. Liu, CLINICA PRIME Chairman and LHPI Group CFO
Established in 2004, the LH Paragon Group has continuously strengthened itself over the past four (4) years after partnering with Spain-based Keralty Global in 2020. The reason for Keralty’s exit from the Philippine-market is for them to focus on the US, Europe, and the Americas, marking an opening for LHPI’s opportunity to take over its shareholdings. Now with a renewed commitment and agreement, CLINICA PRIME is set as a 100% Filipino-owned brand with products and services comparable with the best around the world.
Photo from Clinica PrimePhoto from Clinica Prime
Continuing the Vision of a Patient-Centered Community
Photo from Clinica Prime
CLINICA PRIME is not just about high standards; it’s also about accessibility and maintaining a patient-centered community, providing all-around patient care, from adolescent wellness to geriatric care that’s tailored to each patient’s specialized needs.
It’s a collective journey to wellness and we take each step with our patients’ well-being in mind, in whatever stage of life they are in.
Dr. Bryan Albert T. Lim, CPCI President and Chief Medical Officer
Delivering accessible and effective high quality care is essential in every part of CLINICA PRIME’s vision and mission. Currently, they have three (3) multi-specialty clinics in Mandaue, Consolacion, and Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu with more expansions in the coming years to even greater strategic areas.
A Promising Future for Health Care in Cebu
With its grand opening, Clinica Prime marks the beginning of a new era in Filipino primary health care. And, as it continues to grow and evolve, it promises to be a beacon of excellence in the industry, championing the cause of improved health outcomes for all.
For us Sugboanons, this is more than just a new clinic; it’s a significant step towards a healthier and brighter future.
On September 4, 2024, Daisy Villa, the Head of Cebu City’s Health Department, emphasized the need to prepare quarantine facilities at the North Reclamation Area, also known as the Cebu City Quarantine Center (CCQC), in anticipation of potential MPOX cases.
Photo from Cebu City Public Information Office
Villa stressed that unlike during the initial COVID-19 surge when schools were used as quarantine centers, it’s crucial to use dedicated isolation facilities now to effectively contain the virus.
Photo from Cebu City Public Information Office
Meanwhile, City Councilor Jocelyn “Joy” Pesquera, Chairperson of the Committee on Health, expressed confidence that the Cebu City Medical Center is equipped to handle MPOX patients, including suspected cases. She noted that the Department of Health has been actively providing updates and information about MPOX in the Philippines, and reassured the public that there is no need to panic at this stage, as it is not yet an outbreak.
On the evening of September 4, 2024, residents of Cagayan were left astounded when the night sky lit up as an asteroid passed by before hitting our planet.
Screengrab from netizen Allan Madelar’s video of the falling asteroid
Asteroid 2024 RW1 was 1.3 meters in size and was the ninth asteroid that humankind has witnessed zooming past our skies before touchdown, approximately 3,140 km for its closest approach to Earth. The space agency confirmed that the asteroid was harmless due to its small size.
The asteroid, about 1 meter in size, was detected only hours before impact by NASA’s Catalina Sky Survey. Upon entry, it created a stunning fireball, visible across the skies of northern Luzon
PAGASA
In addition, the space agency also advised that there will be more to come with around the same size, every two weeks. According to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of NASA, the next one will be on September 6, 2024, named the “2024 RF,” with a size comparison of a house measuring about 15 meters and will have a close proximity to our planet at 4,760,000 kilometers.
Screengrab from NASA
Beliefs Surrounding Asteroids & Celestial Objects
Many were in awe upon seeing the video captured by one netizen in Cagayan showing the asteroid’s fall. Some commented how the phenomenon reminded them of an animated movie entitled “Your Name,” while others shared their thoughts and beliefs about falling celestial objects. Why? Well, simply because in the olden times, and in some cultures nowadays, asteroids are considered harbingers of doom or good luck, depending on the belief. Some say that it’s a message from the gods, while others will head over to where the asteroid hits and take some parts of it as it is a tool for healing.
But, regardless, asteroids and celestial objects are truly a rare beauty of nature that if we witness them on our skies, we should take in the moment as it can be once in a lifetime.
Photo from Canva
So, Sugboanons, if you wanna learn more about asteroids, then visit NASA’s website and their live asteroid tracker; it’ll surely blow your mind knowing what may come next and when it will arrive.
Sugboanons, aside from having our own Cebu island bag the “Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination” award, we also got two hotel chains grabbing wins from the prestigious awarding ceremony of the “World Travel Awards 2024!”
Photo from the Department of Tourism Philippines
Philippines’ Leading Business Hotel 2024: bai Hotel Cebu
Photo from Bai Hotel Cebu
bai Hotel Cebu was honored as the “Philippines’ Leading Business Hotel 2024.” The hotel is located strategically between Mandaue and Cebu City, making it a great choice for travelers seeking comfort and efficiency.
Photo from Bai Hotel Cebu
Philippines’ Leading Family Resort 2024: Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu
Photo from Shangri-La Mactan Resort
In another significant recognition, Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu was named “Philippines’ Leading Family Resort 2024.” This luxurious resort continues to be a favorite among families and groups, offering a mix of relaxation, adventure, and exceptional service along its stunning beachfront setting.
Photo from Shangri-La Mactan Resort
These awards show Cebu’s growing reputation as a premier destination for both business and leisure travelers. With our island’s outstanding hotels and beautiful wedding venues, Cebu is truly making waves on the global stage. Once again, congratulations to bai Hotel Cebu and Shangri-La Mactan for bringing these prestigious honors to our island and to us, Sugboanons!
