As the Halloween season approaches, horror booths are emerging from ground up, literally; and now, many are in search of actors who can be the monsters in the house. So, if you think that you are great at scaring people, then it’s time to kickstart your #UngoEra!
Photo from Congresswoman Cindi King Chan
HOW TO BE AN UNGO
Photo from Congresswoman Cindi King Chan
The “Gabi ng Lagim” at Lapu-Lapu City will be held from October 30, 2024 to November 2, 2024. So, if you want to be an ungo, then check out the tips below:
Send an inquiry – According to the post of Mayor Ahong Chan, interested horror booth actors must send an inquiry to them in order to know the requirements.
Identify a horror character – “Mas hadlok, mas dako ug sweldo,” posted Congresswoman Cindi Chan, so make sure that when you apply for the role, embrace it with all its fright.
Prepare your costume – A bloody outfit splattered with grime and dirt, paired with scary eyes and realistic prosthetics should scare not only kids, but also adults. So, be prepared with your costume for the screams.
Embrace your character – Of course, you have to prepare not only your costume but also your voice and demeanor. When presenting your horror character, make it spine-chilling with sounds of the dead.
So, Sugboanons, apply na dayun! Or send this article to your friends kay basin sila diay ang deserve ma-ungo— or ungoon.
Kpop fans and dancers, get ready as the entertainment company of famous 2Ne1, BlackPink, and Baby Monster are looking for their next big star!
Photo from YG Auditions on Instagram
YG Global announced on social media the details of their upcoming auditions for their Philippine leg today, October 7, 2024, and netizens were thrilled! Finally, Filipinos will have another chance to step up and be a part of a kpop group to follow in the footsteps of their idols.
The audition will be held on November 24, 2024 (Sunday) at 1PM at the ZERØ Studio, 3rd Floor, A&A Building, 37 Scout Borromeo St, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
According to YG’s post, accepted auditionees must be born between 2006 to 2013, can either sing, rap, dance, or be one for the visuals, and must complete the registration process.
Photo from YG Auditions on Instagram
HOW TO APPLY
1st pre-registration: https://www.yg-audition.com (by November 10th)
Once the pre-registration ends, only selected applicants will receive a confirmation email for the 2nd audition. The confirmation email will be sent on November 20th.
Check the schedule and participate in the 2nd audition.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Pre-registration may close early.
Both photos and videos must be attached when pre-registering.
The latest realme model is powered with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 which makes it one of the most competitive smartphones in the market! So, we tried it out, not just for a day, a week, but for ONE WHOLE MONTH for an in-depth and honest review of the phone that they’re claiming to be a literal DSLR in your pocket!
A Multitasking Powerhouse
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is one of the top and most game-changing processors in the market, and it pairs well with the realme 13 Pro as its chipset enhances everything; and we mean literally everything from multitasking to gaming! The smoothness of its operation allowed us to move from one app to another seamlessly without any delay. As someone who loves downloading random applications and games, let me tell you that I did not encounter any issues while using almost all of them at the same time as I tend to forget clearing the cache.
So, of course, we looked up the details of the phone’s processor and it turned out to be such a steal since it’s aimed for immersive gaming experiences, optimized graphics performance, and with even higher frame rates to minimize stutter! Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or just simply browsing, it delivers a smooth experience that meets the needs of modern users.
All Out All-Day Power
5200mAh battery powers the realme 13 Pro which makes it so efficient without the need for constantly worrying about having to recharge it. Even with heavy usage, its battery supported all its features, applications, and tasks day-to-day. Aside from that, the device’s charging technology also allows rapid charging to make sure that your phone gets back its full power quickly! Imagine being able to charge your device from 0 to 50% in less than 30 minutes; a true game-changer!
Chef’s Kiss in Terms of Camera
Other realme devices have the usual Night, Street, Video, Photo, and Portrait, Pro, Panorama, Movie, Slo-mo, Time-lapse, Text Scanner, and Tilt-shift features; BUT, the realme 13 Pro has more! It has Macro, Long Exposure, Dual-view Video, and Starry Mode. A literal DSLR in your pocket that you can simply bring everywhere with reliable battery power!
30-Day Review
On day one, we unboxed the device and were immediately caught by its luxurious leather-like texture. The gold accents around the camera added a stylish flair, perfectly complimenting the device’s sleek, curved edges. Excited to test its capabilities, we took it to an event, and the results were impressive: the video and photo quality rivaled that of a high-resolution camera.
In the weeks that followed, we appreciated the device’s pocket-sized convenience combined with its high-tech performance along with its fast-charging feature that helped us in capturing moments and memories for personal keepsake and for our clients.
Amidst a sea of smartphones and constant updates, the realme 13 Pro truly stands out. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, it delivers remarkable speed and efficiency with a high-powered 5200mAh battery and rapid 45W SUPERVOOC charging; it gives a seamless user experience that prioritizes performance, longevity, and convenience. Overall, the realme 13 Pro is worth its price!
The Bible has more than 3,000 versions and an astounding 2,000+ translations over the years; and each translation can either be spot-on to the original verses or a tad far from it, especially since there may be language barriers that may have happened over its period of being written.
Well, in today’s generation, a new translation has been published and it’s specifically targeted for the younger folks, or the gen-z’s! In fact, there are three books which included the Old Testament, New Testament, and the Bible Stories. However, this ain’t your regularly translated Bible, since it is riddled with gen-z slang! Here are some of the interesting translations that author Broseph Smith decided to add onto the new version:
“Then the LORD hits up Samuel’s DMs, and Samuel’s like, “Yo, I’m here.”
Original text: That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
Quick as a DM, David slings a stone, hits Goliath square in the forehead, and down goes the giant.
Original text: And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
So Jesus bounced from the temple and his crew rolled up to him, flexing the sick architecture of the place.
Original text: And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
In addition, here’s the cover of the Bible stories in gen-z translation:
Photo from Amazon
Netizens are torn
The release of the “new” translation sparked debate online. While many believe it’s crucial to make biblical teachings accessible to younger audiences, others criticize it as blasphemous, arguing that it made fun of the sacred texts. As this conversation continues, it raises important questions about faith, language, and how we engage the next generation with the ultimate message of the Bible.
Photo from Canva
What do you think about this gen-z vibe in the Bible, Sugboanons? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The bigger the prices, the emptier our bank accounts.
Photo from Pexels
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act No. 12023, which implements a 12% VAT on digital services provided by foreign companies. This law targets various digital service providers, including those offering music, online advertising, software, and movies such as popular platforms like Disney+, Netflix, etc. The goal is to recoup revenue that has been lost due to unclear tax regulations on e-commerce, particularly from foreign entities serving Filipino consumers.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. indicated that while the VAT is set at 12%, this does not necessarily mean that prices will rise by that same percentage.
The law aims to enhance the BIR’s ability to collect VAT from foreign digital services, and the Department of Finance supports this move. Lumagui also mentioned that despite some recent shortfalls in collection targets, the BIR remains optimistic about its performance and plans to intensify enforcement efforts.
Now you know, expect additional prices of your membership fees, annual fees, or monthly fees of your favorite digital platforms because of this value added tax. The increase would go into effect on October 17, 2024.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) officially started accepting certificates of candidacy (COC) on Tuesday, October 1, in preparation for the 2025 midterm elections.
This process marks the formal declaration of those seeking to run for various positions in the upcoming elections. Among the candidates are a notable number of celebrities from the entertainment industry, social media influencers, and beauty pageant figures who have decided to enter politics. With over 18,000 elective positions available at both the local and national levels, the 2025 elections promise to bring a diverse mix of candidates into the political arena.
Below are the list of celebrities and influencers who have filed for candidacy on the next election:
Arjo Atayde
The award-winning actor has officially filed his certificate of candidacy, seeking a second term as the representative of Quezon City’s first legislative district under the “Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas” party. If re-elected to the House of Representatives, he pledged to prioritize advancing the city’s flood control project, aiming to address one of its most pressing issues.
Alex Castro
The singer-actor is running for reelection as vice governor of the province, alongside his running mate, Daniel Fernando, who is seeking the governorship. Castro previously served in Bulacan’s Sangguniang Kabataan and Municipal Council (both for Marilao) and was a member of the Provincial Board for the fourth district. Their campaign focuses on continuing efforts to resolve Bulacan’s decades-old flooding issue.
Diwata
Social media personality Deo Balbuena, popularly known as Diwata and owner of Diwata Pares, is the fourth nominee of the Vendors Partylist. He humorously promised that if elected to Congress, he would offer “unli Pares” and free soft drinks in the House of Representatives. The partylist has committed to establishing a cooperative to provide vendors with easier access to necessary support, including assistance in securing a place to sell for those without one.
Marc Gamboa
The political vlogger behind the YouTube channel “Models of Manila TV” is running for senator, representing vloggers, online sellers, freelancers, and content creators. His platform includes plans to establish a dedicated office to combat fake news. In addition to supporting online sellers and content creators, he aims to create a 24/7 office focused on monitoring and reporting fake news.
Marco Gumabao
The actor is venturing into politics, having filed his certificate of candidacy for congressman in Camarines Sur’s fourth district. His bid is backed by the Villafuerte clan under the National Unity Party.
JC Parker
Former actress and Viva Hot Babe seeks reelection as the city councilor of Angeles, Pampanga.
Ion Perez
The “It’s Showtime” host is running for a counselor position in Concepcion, Tarlac, under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC). His affiliation with the NPC highlights his commitment to forging strong alliances and serving with a broader sense of purpose.
Enzo Pineda
The actor, whose father Enrico previously served as a representative for the 1-Pacman Partylist in Congress, has filed his certificate of candidacy for councilor in Quezon City’s fifth district. When asked about his priority projects, Pineda mentioned that he has already been conducting medical missions across various barangays.
Rosmar Tan
The content creator and entrepreneur is running as an independent candidate for councilor in Manila’s first district. If elected, she plans to focus on initiatives such as providing maintenance medicines to senior citizens who cannot afford them.
Alfred Vargas
The actor-politician is running for reelection as councilor in Quezon City’s fifth district. He previously served three terms as the district’s congressman, and before that, a term as councilor for the city’s second district. He promises to prioritize public service over producing films, focusing fully on his role as councilor.
Who would you among these celebrity candidates; have you already decided? Keep that in mind until the 2025 Philippine general election, held on May 12, 2025.
Grilling season is prime time to steak your claim at Kumedor!
Are you hungry, Sugboanons? We can practically hear your stomach rumbling from here, so what are you in the mood for? We know the answer—a delicious Filipino cuisine in a unique setting.
Step into a Bali-inspired, clean, and orderly atmosphere, perfect for unwinding. Take the refreshing route to the home of the best chicken inasal and grilled ginabot. Located in Lapu-Lapu City, Kumedor offers a cozy ambiance that invites you to relax and enjoy every moment. Whether you’re dining with family, friends, or colleagues, Kumedor makes you feel right at home.
THE BEST-SELLING GINABOT
Kumedor takes pride in their Bacolod Chicken Inasal and in their signature dish—the Grilled Ginabot. Known for being the first to offer this delightful creation, it pairs beautifully with their homemade vinegar. Reviews praise this dish for being both juicy and crunchy, adding to its unique appeal.
Aside from that, you can also savor the taste of the ocean with their fin-tastic tuna recipes, while you relish the juiciness of their tender-iffic grilled pork. Kumedor offers a delightful array of your favorite Filipino dishes in a comfortable atmosphere, perfect for a satisfying family dinner. Once you try just one item from the menu, your taste buds will rejoice at the luscious twists that await.
If you’re seeking a true culinary experience, Kumedor is a restaurant you won’t want to miss.
ISKUMEDOR PET-FRIENDLY?
As a matter of fact, yes! Kumedor is one of the most pet-friendly restaurants in all of Cebu. They welcome all breeds with open arms, and in fact, they have their own furry babies they take care of. There is nothing more important than dinner with your family, and your pets are your family. So, bring your furry friends of all shapes and sizes to enjoy a purr-fect meal together.
Kumedor Dogs: Wanda, Coffee, Bronski, Oreo, Mama dog
Additionally, they also care for local strays, so if you’re a kindhearted human being to animals, feel free to bring them inside. After all, anything is paw-sible!
Kumedor is more than just a fantastic restaurant; it’s the perfect venue for your private event. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, wedding reception, or corporate gathering, they’ll close the doors to the public for the day, ensuring your event is the top priority without any interruptions from customers coming and going. Enjoy an exclusive experience tailored just for you!
On October 1, 2024, the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño in Cebu implemented a strict dress code policy to end the practice of providing shawls to visitors wearing inappropriate attire for worship. Or to prevent them from wearing inappropriate attire for that matter.
Photo from Basilica Minore del Sto. NinoPhoto from Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino
This decision, announced by the Augustinian Friars, aims to maintain the sanctity and solemnity of the historic church. The policy specifies that inappropriate upper garments include:
Spaghetti straps
Tube tops
Sleeveless shirts
Tank tops
Crop tops
Inappropriate lower attire includes:
Short skirts
Low-waist pants
Ripped jeans
*Any kind of hats is also prohibited.
Photo from Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino
Despite the church’s dress code, why does this rule even exist? Shouldn’t we be able to use common sense and dress appropriately without being told? When we attend church, we are entering the house of God!
Dressing respectfully reflects our reverence for God and the sacredness of worship as we make a public covenant with Him; showing honor. Wearing an attire that goes against the dress code can be seen as a sign of disregard, reflecting a lack of respect for the Almighty. And for nonbelievers, it simply shows the lack of respect for other religions, cultures, and traditions.
To our dear Sugboanons, for the love of God—no pun intended, next time you enter the Basilica or any church around the world, it is in our common sense that we should wear proper attire; not because it’s a rule, but to show we respect God enough to call ourselves His worshippers and that we respect the beliefs of other people’s religion.
Over the past few years, gambling has been one of the most progressive industries in integrating innovations. Fintech and gambling software have combined in the recent past, and this has brought change, innovation, security, and efficiency in transactions. Fintech solutions are becoming more deeply embedded in gambling platforms, changing how players engage with online casinos, sportsbooks, and other betting sites. In this article, we will see how fusing the concept of fintech with gambling software is changing the face of online gaming and what it means for stakeholders.
1. The Rise of Fintech in Gambling: A New Approach in Transactions
Fintech has made it possible to develop new technologies in the financial sector with the aim of making the process of transacting faster, safer, and more convenient for consumers. In the gambling industry, these innovations have been quickly implemented as the players require quick, safe, and convenient financial transactions.
Digital Wallets and Instant Payments: E-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller have become increasingly popular among online gamblers. These wallets enable players to hold money, make deposits, and withdraw quickly compared to conventional methods. To gambling operators, integrating digital wallets is a value proposition to attract players using technology as their preferred mode of payment for convenience and quick transactions.
Cryptocurrency Integration: Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others have successfully penetrated the gambling industry. Cryptocurrencies rely on blockchain based on the transaction’s decentralization, transparency, and security. From players’ perspectives, this ensures privacy and lowers transaction charges. At the same time, it provides a platform through which operators can access players from different parts of the world without the interference of conventional banking systems. Also, since blockchain is unchangeable, all transactions are well protected to minimize fraud cases.
Instant Banking Solutions: Open banking APIs have brought instant banking features to the game, where a player can directly transfer money in real time. This removes the middlemen and reduces the costs of transactions, hence providing a smooth process for the players and operators. These solutions are especially attractive in markets where the use of digital wallets or cryptocurrencies is limited.
2. Enhancing Security: Fintech in the gambling software industry
On the same note, Fintech has a crucial role in the gambling industry, especially in boosting security features. In the online gaming environment where vast amounts of money are transacted, and people share private information, it is crucial to have measures to secure clients as well as service providers.
Advanced Encryption and Fraud Detection: Fintech has played a significant role in introducing enhanced methods of encryption to gambling platforms to make transactions as secure as possible. Encryption ensures that data in transit is secure and cannot be tampered with in any way, thus making it difficult for hackers to get through. Also, fintech solutions typically come with features that employ artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and prevent fraud in real time. This ensures that the operators can safeguard their platforms and the players from any form of risk.
Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance: This is an essential concern for gambling operators, especially in regions with strong anti-money laundering laws. Fintech solutions help in the KYC processes that involve identifying players and preventing AML practices. This not only speeds up player onboarding but also minimizes the chance of the operators being penalized by regulators.
Secure Payment Gateways: Fintech also helps gambling platforms become more secure by integrating secure payment gateways. These gateways perform the intermediary role between the player and the operator, facilitating the movement of funds while ensuring the information is securely stored. Through the integration of the fintech payment gateways, gambling sites can, therefore, provide their clients with multiple payment options while at the same time guaranteeing the safety of the transactions.
3. Improving User Experience
As competition is quite high in the sphere of online gambling, customer experience is one of the major factors that influence traffic and engagement. The advancement in the Fintech industry has significantly transformed clients’ experiences by increasing the number of payment methods, speeding up the transaction process, and increasing accessibility.
Omnichannel Payment Solutions: This is because gamers are not only restricted to desktops but also have access to mobile phones and tablets, making it easier for fintech to create omnichannel payment solutions. It enables players to deposit, place bets, and withdraw winnings easily, irrespective of the device they use, giving the players a uniform experience.
Personalized Financial Management: Some of the standard features of gambling software developed by fintech companies include the management of players’ funds. For instance, some platforms provide features that include individual spending restrictions, history of transactions, and budgeting facilities that assist the players in regulating their gambling activities. These tools are more useful when it comes to the prevention of problem gambling and to make sure that players do not exceed the amount they have set for themselves.
Global Accessibility: The integration of fintech solutions has helped to increase the accessibility of online gambling websites by accepting players from all over the world. Players from around the globe can deposit using their most convenient payment methods, including e-wallets, cryptocurrencies, or direct bank transfers. It has also led to expanding the operators’ markets as they can provide services to a broader audience.
4. Challenges and Opportunities: Future Development of Fintech and Gambling Industry
While integrating fintech and an online gambling software provider brings several opportunities, it also comes with risks that operators must address to remain relevant in the current and future markets.
Regulatory Compliance: With advancements in payment systems, fintech companies have introduced new methods and technologies into the market, which has called for constant changes in the frameworks put in place by regulatory bodies to check on the risks associated with these innovations. Gambling operators are responsible for monitoring these changes and ensuring they have not violated any rules and regulations, such as data protection, AML, and payment processing rules.
Adapting to New Technologies: Fintech is progressing at a very rapid rate, and this means that gambling operators have no choice but to keep on adapting to new technologies. For example, DeFi and NFTs can be considered promising trends and threats for the gambling sector. Firms that integrate such technologies in their operations will be in a better position than those that take longer to do so.
Balancing Security with User Experience: Security is a big concern, but it should not be at the cost of usability so that the user’s experience is not compromised. For instance, complicated authentication procedures may deter players and cause them to quit. It is up to the operators to strike the right balance between security and convenience, and this can only be done if they embrace the use of fintech solutions.
Conclusion
Fintech, along with gambling software, is thus paving the way for new advancements in the online gaming industry. These solutions are helpful for gambling operators as they have made transactions faster, more secure, and more convenient, thereby helping them compete with other operators in the market. It can be concluded that as the industry develops further, fintech technologies will be of higher importance for the further development of online gambling.
For players, it certainly translates to an improved, safer, easier, and more tailored experience. It opens up possibilities for operators to enter new markets, draw more customers, and be on the right side of regulations. With the two industries of fintech and gambling software moving closer together, the industry is ready for the future in which technology improves the gaming experience and changes how players approach online gambling sites.
Do you ever wonder how Sugbo.ph started? As we celebrate a decade of success, let’s take a journey back in time to uncover the origins of this digital magazine’s rise to fame across the province.
It all started with our founder, Ram Mancelita, and a simple idea. What began as a casual travel blog shared among him and his college friends, driven by their shared passion for adventure, soon blossomed into something much bigger. And because of this passionate talent they possess, Sugbo.ph was created; to help Sugboanons expand their travels and grow their businesses.
In its early days, Sugbo.ph was once from a modest office on the 2nd floor of the Eastern Shipping Lines Building, M.J. Cuenco Ave., Brgy. San Roque, Cebu City. But everything changed once the company experienced rapid growth, its original office could no longer meet their expanding needs, prompting a move to their current location at 3F-05 One Montage Tower, Archbishop Reyes Ave., Brgy. Kamputhaw, Cebu City. More space, a nicer office or a better location would make everything easier in improving the workforce.
It wasn’t just Ram who runs Sugbo.ph, it takes a dedicated team to build a successful company, and together they’ve made Sugbo.ph what it is today. Through their determined efforts to promote tourism and striving hard to be the most effective local influencer with a good purpose, Sugbo.ph grew into the thriving digital platform you know today—a leading magazine that highlights beloved tourist spots and proudly showcasing Cebu as one of the most must-visit destinations in the world.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Over the following years, Sugbo.ph was greatly met with numerous awards and achievements, appreciated for all their hard work to achieve successful results.
Sugbo.ph received a Plaque of Recognition from Healthy Pilipinas for their support of the DOH-CVCHD Health Promotion and Education initiatives, playing a vital role in promoting the Healthy Pilipinas campaign.
According to Alexa.com’s website rankings, Sugbo.ph earned the title of the #1 Cebu-focused blog with the highest reader traffic and visitor engagement.
At the Best Cebu Blogs Awards, Sugbo.ph was awarded as the Best Cebu Events/Entertainment Blog and named a Top Influencer.
Sugbo.ph was honored with the Social Media Advocacy of the Year award at the Globe Media Excellence Awards.
On November 18, 2022, Sugbo.ph was honored with a Plaque of Appreciation for their generous media partnership in the Cebu Business Month 2022, contributing to the success of CBM 2022: GO Cebu!
On April 12, 2024, Senior Manager Hannah Mae Abelgas was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by The Freeman Newspaper for her insightful participation as a panelist in the inaugural The Freeman Business Forum with the theme “Trends That Shape Cebu’s Tourism Landscape.”
On April 27, 2024, Sugbo.ph was awarded Best Cebu Digital Magazine at the 42nd People’s Choice Excellence Awards, held at City of Dreams Manila. Founder Ram Mancelita and Senior Manager Hannah Mae Abelgas accepted the award, expressing their gratitude and commitment to continuing the platform’s legacy.
[Center Left] Hannah Mae Abelgas, Sugbo Senior Manager; [Center Right] Ram Mancelita, Sugbo CEO
“I’m humbled by the extraordinary success that Sugbo.ph has achieved over the years. Through the team’s dedication to showcasing Cebu’s finest, Sugbo.ph has become a transformative force, inspiring and empowering our community. This is just the beginning of our remarkable journey in helping elevate the local scene to the world.
Ram Mancelita, Founder
HOW’S IT GOING
The progress of Sugbo.ph digital magazine has been quite promising. We are currently focusing on enhancing our content offerings and increasing audience engagement, as well as looking forward to more upcoming projects and strategic collaborations. But, one thing is for sure, Sugbo.ph will continue to be the platform made by Sugboanons and for the Sugboanons!
