“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people,” – Mahatma Gandhi
Photo from BSP
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has just revealed the designs for the new polymer or plastic banknotes featuring animals indigenous to the Philippines instead of national heroes. On Thursday, the BSP presented the new designs for the 500, 100, and 50 peso bill to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. They also included in “First Philippine Polymer Banknotes Series” is the 1000-peso bill which was introduced in April 2022.
Photo from BSP
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas stated that the new bills showcase the Philippines’ rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, as they feature images of native and protected animals and plants alongside traditional local weave designs. BSP Governor Remolona said that the polymer series raises awareness of the country’s threatened species, serves as the symbol of Filipino identity, and fosters animal pride.
Photo from BSPPhoto from BSP
The 1000 pesos bill features the Philippine eagle and sampaguita flower. The 500 peso bill has the Visayan spotted deer and Acanthephippium mantinianum. The 100 peso bill showcases the Palawan peacock-pheasant and Ceratocentron feselii, while the 50 peso banknote shows the Visayan leopard cat and Vidal’s lanutan. The series preserves notable elements that highlight the Philippines’ natural beauty and artisanal crafts.
Photo from BSPPhoto from BSP
The polymer banknotes can co-circulate alongside paper banknotes and they can be both used as payments, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. “Despite the rise of cashless transactions, there will still be a need for banknotes,” said Remolona. Remolona also added that there will still be a need for cash especially for people and businesses that have the least access to technology, it is especially for them that we are adding these polymer notes to our currency. In his speech, Marcos highlighted that the polymer banknotes are designed to keep up with the demands of everyday life.
Gabriella Mai Carballo, the newest titleholder of the Miss Universe Philippines Cebu, hailing from Cebu City, North, she is more than just a pretty face.
From excelling in a variety of extracurricular activities like soccer, basketball, and track and field to showcasing her talent in many more disciplines. Her journey is about purpose and more than just versatility alone. Carballo was born in Miami, Florida to first generation Bisaya immigrants—her mother is from Cebu while her father is from Dumaguete—growing up in a blend of cultures that converged together.
Gabbi’s parents encourage to explore everything, creating a safe space to thrive and personal freedom when trying something new. However, it also came with challenges during her teenage years on how she could grapple to align all her passions. She discovered pageantry as a way to let her multifaceted self shine using the platform.
Our new queen started her pageantry days in 2017 when she won Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU) — College of Nursing Miss Valentine. A year later, she won the title Miss Mandaue and garnered many special awards and was also crowned in 2022 for the Miss Cebu pageant. As her journey continues to unfold, her academic pursuit for medicine continues to thrive. She earned her nursing degree and it is now on the path of becoming a doctor. To her, pageantry and medicine are both grounded in the act of service.
Gabbi’s heart for service started in 2018 when she launched The Green Wave Cebu, a sustainability initiative aimed at addressing environmental sanitation and improving health outcomes for underserved communities. Her advocacy grew from her realization of the deep connection between a clean environment and better health, a lesson that she learned when given the chance to speak with one of the less fortunate families.
First, Moo Deng the hippo, then Pesto the Penguin, now a golden tabby tiger just join the conversation!
Photo from Chiang Mai Night Safari Official Facebook Page
Ava is a three year old golden tabby tiger that became a viral sensation and gave tough competition to Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo. On November 18, the Chiang Mai Night Safari in Thailand shared her photos on Facebook which sparked her popularity. Within just two days, the post had amassed 38,000 likes and nearly 30,000 shares.
Photo from Chiang Mai Night Safari Official Facebook PagePhoto from Chiang Mai Night Safari Official Facebook PagePhoto from Chiang Mai Night Safari Official Facebook Page
The zoo has emphasized this unique tiger lineage that traced back to her parents, who were brought back to the safari park from the Czech Republic and South Africa in 2015. Her lineage has a strong genetic heritage that contributed to her rare golden coat, setting her apart from the traditional orange and black-striped bengal tigers.
Photo from Chiang Mai Night Safari Official Facebook Page
So, what’s alluring about Ava? Ava, who was born on February 16, 2021, together with her sister Luna, has green eyes. Ava and Luna belong to a rare breed of tigers known as golden or strawberry, also as popular as Bengal tiger as it has a color variation due to the recessive gene. As per the report doing the rounds, not more than 100 such tigers are existing in the world.
Photo from Chiang Mai Night Safari Official Facebook PagePhoto from Chiang Mai Night Safari Official Facebook Page
Her cute and adorable features garnered the interests of social media who went crazy over her. Making Ava, truly unique, golden tigers are even rarer than white tigers, another genetic variant of Bengal or Siberian tiger of which around 200 exist globally.
Ava’s online popularity has led to an outpouring of adoration from fans around the world. Comments on her social page range from calling her a “cute little kitten” to an “orange cat.”
Every zodiac sign has experienced a paradigm shift when Mercury went direct, but these three zodiacs had been given a great cosmic blessing.
The last mercury retrograde for this year bid its farewell last December 15, 2024! The planet of communication has been throwing a ton of curveballs—messing with our timelines, decision-making, and even our critical thinking skills. The retrograde blues are finally over and it is time to embrace fresh positive energy and clarity.
Here are the three zodiacs who will receive cosmic blessings as Mercury Retrograde will end today:
Gemini: Relationship Revelations
The Mercury Retrograde is finally ending at this time of the month, Gemini feels a sense of relief since the retrograde shook up their relationships, teaching them important lessons about reliability, boundaries, and how they connect with others, whether romantically or socially.
The Mercury Retrograde is over, Gemini is ready to explore the new ideas and desires in their relationships, love, romance, friendships or family. The social butterfly energy that they have is being renewed and they’re stepping into a new chapter with better decisions about who they spend time with and how they relate to others.
Sagittarius: Self-Acceptance
With Mercury retrograde ending, Sagittarius gains clarity about their life path. The retrograde period stirred up challenges, but now the fog has lifted, and they’re ready to focus on self-acceptance. This signs looks at their future with a clearer perspective, ready to heal old patterns and make decisions that align with their higher self’s potential.
Capricorn: Trusting Yourself
Photos from Canva
Mercury retrograde may have brought many repressed emotions for this zodiac sign, leaving them feeling isolated, confused, or lost at times. With its ending, this sign can finally breathe easier. It’s time to release self-sabotage, stop ignoring their institution, and focus on internal fulfillment instead of seeking external validation.
“Winners never quit and quitters never win.” – Vince Lombardi
The Cebu Provincial Government has announced the winners of the recently concluded “Sugbo Vlog Challenge” participated by the 51 Sangguniang Kabataan Federations in the entire Cebu Province.
These are the tip 10 winners in no particular order:
Toledo City
Carcar City
San Francisco
City of Naga
Pinamungajan
Borbon
Oslob
Consolacion
Ginatilan
San Fernando
San Francisco won the People’s Choice Award and the province of Carmen won the award for Best Video. Each of these winning SK Federations will receive 1 million pesos worth of infrastructure projects and 100,000 in cash prizes, except Carmen which won the 250,000 pesos for the best video.
The Sugbo Vlog Challenge is aimed at showcasing youth-driven initiatives that promote sustainable development. It encourages the participants to produce creative and impactful content of their own LGUs inspired by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Entries were judged based on four criteria such as focus on sustainability (30%). Creativity and originality (30%), youth participation (25%), and engagement (15%).
Strict contest rules were implemented to ensure fairness, prohibiting plagiarism, boosting posts, or any inappropriate content. The winning entries of the competition were the product of deliberations of twenty Cebuano vloggers whose votes comprising the 50% came from the deliberation of the Department of Interior and Local Government Cebu Province.
The Capitol has committed at least 12.1 million pesos in prizes for the winners and special awardees. This event, led by Board Member Loren Singco, marks the first time all SK officials are actively and collectively working together to promote the province’s projects and programs. You can watch the video of the awarding here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1477209326329296
The results were out during the Capitol Christmas Tree Light Up Ceremony on December 16, 2024. Cebu’s holiday season has officially kicked off with a spectacular display of lights.
Help keep your bathroom sparkly clean by using this specialized solution against pesky stains
From taking care of family members to making sure every inch of living space is sparkling clean, homemakers are truly today’s modern heroes. However, germ accumulations and stain buildups that require potent cleaning solutions present a challenge to moms and homemakers.
These problems become more apparent when cleaning the dirtiest part of Filipino homes—the toilet, which is very vulnerable to develop yellowish stains over time.
These yellow circles inside toilets are called limescales. These often appear in toilets and are commonly caused by hard water sources, which are rich in calcium, magnesium, and other minerals.
Once hard water enters the toilet, it leaves deposits of limescale in the toilet and other places. The discoloration worsens when waste dirt and germs build up.
They are common in communities across the Visayas and Mindanao, because most Philippine provinces source their water supplies from the ground that accumulates mineral deposits causing limescale.
To help Filipino homemakers manage limescale, Unilever developed a specialized solution,the Domex Stain and Limescale Toilet Bowl Cleaner. It is formulated with hydrochloric acid to help deal with limescale.
The product was highlighted at an exclusive media event organized by Unilever Domex in Mactan, Cebu. While demonstrating the power of the product on a stained tile, Unilever Homecare Research and Development CTI Assistant Manager Lorena Miranda shared, “Much like the other products in the Domex line, the Stain and Limescale can fight against limescale and kills 99.9% of germs based on lab test on representative bacteria and help make it sparkling clean.”
During the event, Domex also celebrated the dedication of homemakers who go the extra mile for their families in all aspects. This was highlighted in a forum segment featuring Cebuano mommy influencers who shared their concerns when it comes to limescale and their tips in dealing with it. Popular Content Creators like Pamilya Abilla and Team Uyseco also graced the event.
During the forum, Mompreneur Malaya Macaraeg-Delantar shared that being married made her start using cleaning alternatives because it seemed more practical. “I thought those alternatives I was using helped me save time, money, and energy but it turns out to be the opposite. I realized from the presentation earlier that I need to switch back to using Domex!”
Danieca Goc-ong (aka content creator, DanVibes) also shared how she first tried Domex because her mom recommended it. “She always loved cleaning that’s why she advised me not to settle for general solutions when it comes to cleaning. I remember being surprised when I first tried Domex because it made my cleaning quick and easy!”
Unilever Domex Brand Manager and Homecare Digital Lead, Nicole Villavicencio, raised a toast, thanking homemakers for their dedication to maintaining safe, nurturing, and clean homes for their loved ones. “We appreciate and recognize all of our homemakers for the unstoppable efforts to make their house a home. With Domex, trust that in the years to come, we are with you in keeping your homes safe and clean.”
Everything that you do to make our lives sparkle is truly a labor of love. Your ability to effortlessly carry on with your countless errands while keeping the family comfortable and healthy is nothing short of remarkable.”
Fights limescale build-up and keep bathrooms and homes sparkling clean with Domex Stain and Limescale Toilet Bowl Cleaner. Domex is also available in Ultra Thick Bleach and All-Purpose Cleaner variants that are available in all leading supermarkets.
It’s that special time of year again when families rise early to celebrate the 9-day novena of Misa de Gallo. And what would Simbang Gabi be without the delicious Filipino delicacies that have become part of our tradition? Indulge in your favorite treats, from the soft, warm puto to the rich, comforting sikwate — all served fresh and festive at one of the finest hotels in the Queen City of the South, Harold’s Hotel.
Celebrating a Festive December at Harolds
This year, let’s make every moment of simbang gabi even more special with a festive buffet at Harold’s Hotel, featuring all your favorite holiday flavors! From December 16 to 24, enjoy a delicious spread of Filipino dishes every morning from 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM. After your simbang gabi, you can head straight to Harold’s for a hearty breakfast that will make your day brighter and tastier!
Aside from the 9-day feast, if you’re planning to gather with friends and family to welcome the “Year of the Wood Snake,” make sure to book your spot at Harolds. They will be serving a delightful spread of dishes while giving away tons of prizes during their grand raffle draw. You can also enjoy the backdrop of live band music and cap off the evening with a stunning fireworks display that will light up the Cebuano sky; it’s a festive experience you won’t want to miss this New Year!
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES
Unlimited Breakfast Buffet: Guests can enjoy Filipino breakfast favorites and Simbang Gabi delicacies for 9 mornings, running until December 24. Rate: Php 698 available at Hcafe from 5:30AM-10:00AM (December 16-24)
Festive December at Harolds Hotel:
Festive Flavors Dinner Buffet every night – 6PM – 10PM – php 858net (December 1-23, December 26, 30)
Pack it right, pack it tight—a safe package requires good quality.
Looking for the best packaging solution for your products? Look no further—Treasure Island Industrial Corporation – Packaging Division, also known as “iPak,” is here to meet your demands. iPak specializes in providing innovative, sustainable, and customized packaging products that meet the evolving needs of businesses across numerous industries. They specialize in creating customized packaging solutions that not only protect and preserve products but also elevate brand visibility and enhance customer satisfaction.
That’s not all—as one of the leading suppliers of flexible and rigid packaging nationwide, iPak operates strategically with warehouses around Luzon, Visayas & Mindanao.
MAJOR CATEGORIES IN iPak
iPak has two major divisions: Flexible Packaging and Rigid Packaging
Flexible packaging is made from elastic, non-rigid materials, allowing it to be transformed into various shapes to accommodate different products. This packaging type provides excellent protection against moisture, light, and oxygen, which extends the shelf life of perishable items, especially in the food industry that requires extra care to maintain freshness.
Flexible packaging options include:
Cap seals and Labels
Bottom sealed PE bag (Plain or Printed)
Center sealed bag (with gusset options)
Four-side sealed bag
Stand-up pouches (with or without ziplock)
Roll forms, single sheets, and more.
PE Collation Shrink Film
PE Trash bag (clear or colored)
Rigid packaging is sturdy and inflexible, maintaining its shape even when empty. This type of packaging provides strong structural integrity and protection, making it suitable for items like food, beverages, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, medicines, and fragile or premium products. Rigid packaging options include materials like glass, hard plastics, metals, and paper board.
This unit is divided into two main plants: Houseware and Thermoform Products
• Houseware Plastic Product Plant: Manufactures plastic items such as microwavable containers, bottle caps, water jugs, and plastic pails.
• Thermoforming Product Plant: Specializes in thermoformed items like clamshells and trays, which are commonly used in food packaging, electronics, and other consumer goods.
Beyond its in-house products, iPak partners with other suppliers to offer a complete portfolio, including fiberform, specialty flexible products, boxes, tincans and more, reinforcing its commitment to being the best partner in packaging solutions.
WHAT SETS iPAK APART?
The Packaging Division of Treasure Island Industrial Corporation stands out in the market by offering a diverse range of high-quality packaging products for both domestic and international clients across various industries, including food and beverage, healthcare, pet care, personal care, and industrial or chemical sectors.
Comprehensive Support for Clients
They prioritize excellent service by working closely with clients of all sizes, providing customized solutions tailored to their specific needs. Their team’s dedication ensures that every client receives the highest quality of products and customer service.
Strong Organizational Structure
Their business is built on a solid framework that includes:
• A dedicated Research & Development team that stays updated with the latest technological advancements, ensuring they provide best packaging solutions.
• A strategically positioned Sales team across key cities nationwide, making their services accessible and responsive.
• An in-house graphics team that helps customers with packaging design and layout, adding value beyond just product manufacturing.
• A Production and Quality team committed to a “Right the First Time” standard, ensuring that every product meets stringent quality expectations.
The plant maintains high manufacturing standards as it adheres to the requirement of ISO 9001:2015, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), and HALAL systems.
Best-Sellers
Their core business is manufacturing Flexible packaging, supplying some of the market’s leading brands. Their own brand, iPak, is well-recognized for houseware and thermoform products such as microwavable food container, water containers, trash bags, clamshells, trays and more.
iPak: EVOLUTION
In 1951, Ong Liang Siong founded the mother company (Treasure Island Industrial Corporation). The Packaging Division began in 1976 as a manufacturer of PVC cap seals and labels
In 1994, it started its production of houseware products.
In the year 2006, it gave birth to iPak as a brand label for microwavable plastic products.
Year after, it has added to its portfolio PVC shrinkable labels, Stand-up pouches, Three-side sealed and Center sealed bags, Zip lock bags and wrappers in roll form.
In 2019, it started its own production of Thermoformed products (such as clamshells and trays, using the Thermoforming process.
As of present, they are known to be iPak with the tagline: Your Best Partner in Packaging.
The 11th Globe Media Excellence Awards (GMEA@11) has unveiled its exceptional roster of finalists, each demonstrating the power of compelling storytelling to drive meaningful change, champion digital empowerment, and promote sustainability.
Expanding its reach to capture a wider range of perspectives and narratives, GMEA@11 now includes Luzon’s provincial media, alongside entries from Visayas and Mindanao, reflecting the breadth and diversity of stories from across the country.
“Storytelling is a powerful tool that connects people, fosters understanding, and inspires action within communities. Through these awards, we honor individuals who demonstrate courage and innovation in shaping a more inclusive and progressive society,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe.
This year’s GMEA celebrates outstanding achievements across three divisions: Integrated Media, Digital Storytelling, and Special Awards. Guided by the theme “#IgnitingProgress,” the finalists were selected for their creativity, impact, and innovative application of digital media technologies.
Integrated News Category
Online News Report of the Year
Marianne Abalayan, SunStar Davao – “From ‘Frankenspikes’ to Golden Dreams”
Nef Luczon, Philippine News Agency – “Combating online sex abuse in Iligan City: A blueprint for LGUs/ CDO community, cyber police step up fight vs. OSAEC”
Ralph Lawrence Llemit, SunStar Davao – “TFD Soldier’s Viral Act of Kindness”
Joshua Glenn Solano and John Paul Ryan Seblos, SunStar Cebu – “Paglaum: The Mental Struggles and Strength of Mental Health Workers in a Cebu psychiatric ward”
Nanette Guadalquiver, Philippine News Agency – “Cadiz City Cites Marine Protection Efforts in Giant Clam Village”
Wenilyn Sabalo, SunStar Cebu – “Leyte Students Invent Disaster Solutions”
Erwin Mascariñas, Business Mirror – “To Live, PHL Eagles Move to New Space”
Morexette Erram, CDN Digital – “(Part 1) Extreme Heat as a ‘New Pandemic’: Thousands in PH Cancel Classes During ‘Hottest Year’”
Immae Lachica and Morexette Erram, CDN Digital – “‘Water, Water Nowhere’: Cebu City Farmers Reel from Worst El Niño Yet”
Radio Report of the Year
Magie E. Maleriado, DYRI RMN Iloilo – “Si Albert Nga Sadto Kuyapon, Doktor Na Subong: Tawo nga may kuyap, mahimo mangabuhi sang normal suno sa doktor”
Joel Franco, DYRI RMN Iloilo – “Tree Surgery Sang City Enro: Madinalag-on nga naluwas ang kinabuhi sang kahoy sa Plaza Libertad”
Annaliza Reyes, DXCC RMN CDO – “Ride for a Cause for Cancer Patients”
Rowena D. Capistrano, DyRF 1215 Cebu – “Pamilya Sa Weightlifter Nga Sugboanon: Bisan taliwala sa ilang kapildihan mapasigarbohon gihapon sila”
Eljohn Castanoi, K5 News FM Bacolod 103.9 – “Malayang Paglalayag Sa West Philippine Sea”
Mira Nicole Magbanua, RMN DYHB Bacolod 747 kHz – “Army Ginapangita ang Amay Nga Negrense (Part 1 of 2)”
Primerose Catherine Tejida, RMN DYHB Bacolod 747 kHz – “Kalamidad Nangin Oportunidad: Ang bentaha sang tig-ilinit kag ang pagbangon matapos ang paglupok sang Bulkan Kanlaon”
Joel Franco, DYRI RMN Iloilo – “Mabaskog nga partnership kag pagbag-o sang pagbinatasan sang tawo lyabe sang syudad sang Iloilo sa epektibo nga Solid Waste Management”
Benjie Tanghiyan and Atty. Ruphil Banoc, DYHP RMN Cebu – “Good Samaritan Nga Rider, gipasidunggan”
TV Report of the Year
Jireh Mae C. Saludar, PTV Agusan del Sur – “Kabataan Sa Agrikultura”
Big Jay Lagang, PTV Davao – “Insurhensiya: Hagit sa Philippine Eagle”
Annie Fe Perez-Gallardo, ABS-CBN News Cebu – “Isla Sa Cebu, Unti-Unting Lumulubog”
Regine Lanuza, PTV Davao – “Mga apektadong abaca farmers sa Paquibato Dist., Davao City naglisod gihapon sa ilang kahimtang”
Arfylle Goloran, PTV Agusan del Sur – “Organic Farming”
Jireh Mae Saludar, PTV Agusan del Sur – “State of the Art Soils Laboratory”
What’s up mga Sugbuanons! Kabalo na gyud mi na excited namo mag Sinulog festival sa pagsugod sa Bag ong Tuig. It will soon be that time of the year where we stand as one united front, celebrating our culture, faith, and belief in honor of the Señor Santo Niño. And you know what? Faith can move mountains whether it is putting our hands up while singing the religious hymns in church and dancing the Sinulog dance. Without further ado, here is the partial list of Sinulog delegates who will be performing next year:
Photo from Canva
Out of Town
City of Kidapawan Performing Arts Guild City of Kidapawan Province of Cotabato
Antipolo MayTime Festival Bukluran Dance Troupe
Bais City Festival of Harvest Negros Oriental
James L. Chiongbian National Trade School Performing Arts Guild Saranggani Province
Tribu Kamanting Performing Arts Guild Barug Dinagat Foundation, Dinagat Islands
Baile Filipina Dance Guild Inc. Dipolog City
Kabilin Mindanao Province of Davao Occidental
Zamboanga Hermosa Festival
Tabaco College – Albay
Bakhaw Performing Arts Guild Nan Del Carmen, Siargao
Bacolod City Maskara Festival – Guest Contingent
Photo from Canva
Cebu City Barangay/Schools
Barangay Kamagayan Landonian Tribe
Asian College of Technology
Banauan Cultural Group
Aktivong Binaliwhanon
Banay San Nicolasnon
Abellana National School
Kalunasan Cultural Dance Troupe
Barrio Basak Pardo
Barangay Zapatera
Inayawan Talents GU
Maampoong Baniladnon
Hugpong Day Asanon
Tribu Mabolokun
“Hugpong ng mga Mana Ayaw ng Bayan” – University of the Philippines, Cebu
Photo from Canva
Cebu Province
City of Talisay
Malipayong Alegrianhon
City of Mandaue
That’s it mga Sugbuanons! These are the delegates who will be performing in the Sinulog Festival but stay tuned for more updates from the Sinulog Foundation Inc as they may be adding more.
