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Hum Your Stress Away At These Meditation Spots In Cebu

Sit, let it go, inhale, and exhale your thoughts away in these relaxing places that you can find in the Queen City of the South!

Photo from Pexels

In this fast-paced world, it’s important to find a place of rest and relaxation. Good thing that Cebu has those places, and most of them are free too!

What Is Meditation?

Photo from Pexels

Meditation is a practice of mindfulness to calm our senses and state. The simple process of inhaling and exhaling can help you maintain your balance, stabilize your emotions, and keep your inner peace. Although inspired by ancient philosophies and different religions, meditating does not require anyone to be religious nor to convert.

Photo from Pexels

Top Places to Meditate In Cebu

Here are some of the areas in Cebu where you can lay your yoga mats and breathe in fresh air:

Dawata Wellness

Photo from Dawata Wellness Official Facebook Page

One of the top wellness centers in Cebu is Dawata Wellness where they welcome their yoga practitioners and guests with open arms. Aside from yoga and meditation, they also conduct donation drives and community service activities. So, if you want to not only cleanse your chakra but also reach out to the community, then Dawata Wellness will be your best bet!

Photo from Dawata Wellness Official Facebook Page

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

Daily Class
  • Drop-In | Single Class – Php 420.00
  • Bring-A-New Friend – Php 370.00
Introductory Rates
  • 3 Class Pass – Php 900.00
  • 1 Week Unlimited – Php 1,750.00
  • 1 Month Unlimited – Php 4,000.00
Beginners Starter Pass
  • 3 Class Pass – Php 900.00
  • 1 Week Unlimited Pass – Php 1,250.00
  • 10 Class Pass – Php 3,000.00
Class Pass
  • 3 Class Pass – Php 2,000.00
  • 10 Class Pass – Php 3,500.00
  • 20 Class Pass – Php 6,000.00
  • 1 Month Yoga Unlimited – Php 5,500.00
  • Dawata Warrior Membership – Php 15,000.00
Private Yoga Package
  • One-on-One (In-Studio) – Php 1,500.00
  • 5 Private Yoga Classes – Php 6,000.00
  • Small Group (max of 5) – Php 3,000.00

OTHER INFORMATION

Photo from Dawata Wellness Official Facebook Page

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Ground Floor, Zenith Central, Lot 2, Block 10, Luzon Ave., Cebu Business Park

  • By Commute: From Colon St., take the 14D jeepney route and inform the driver that you’ll be dropping off at Cebu Business Park. Then, when you drop off at the Ayala Terminal, turn right to Luzon Ave, then left to Negros Rd., and finally left onto Bantayan Rd where you can find Zenith Central.
  • By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin “Dawata Wellness Yoga” as your destination.

Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Buddhist Temple

Photo from Lenie Lañojan

This Buddhist Temple is located in the busy streets of V. Rama, but you wouldn’t expect how beautiful and peaceful it is once you step into its doors.

Photo from Lenie Lañojan

The Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Buddhist Temple is one of the many branches of the worldwide Sangha of Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan. The temple offers various services including promoting and educating practitioners on Dharma, meditation, and other cultural activities. And the best part is that they hold meditation classes in the temple for free every Thursday at 7PM! All that’s left for you to do is be present, in mind and body.

Photo from Chu Un Buddhist Temple

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

No fees

OTHER INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: V. Rama, Cebu City, Philippines

  • By Commute: From Colon St., take the 06C jeepney route and tell the driver that you’ll be dropping off at Guang Ming College nearby Brigada News FM. You can immediately spot the temple’s gates or arch on the left side of the road. Once you arrive, climb to the main entrance where you can find a guardhouse and inquire directly to the guard about the meditation class at the temple.
  • By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin “Guang Ming College” or “Fo Guang Shan Temple” as your destination. There is ample parking space inside.

Mt. Kan-Irag

Photo by Ariel Alegado

Although it is known as the go-to camping site of Cebuanos, Mt. Kan-Irag can also be for those who seek to meditate beyond the hustle and bustle of Cebu City. The air above the Kan-Irag is fresh and it also has wide landscapes that can ease your eyes while you inhale and exhale your stresses away.

Photo by Ariel Alegado

RATES & HOW TO GET THERE

RATES

Entrance Fee – ranges from Php 70.00 to Php 100.00, depending on the season and events

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location:  Kang-irag Langob-Sirao,  Cebu City

  • By Commute: From Colon St, take the 17B jeepney route and tell the driver that you are dropping off at J.Y Square Mall. Once you arrive, ride a motorcycle going to the Kan-Irag dropoff point and look for a guide who can take you up to the mountain. It can take up to 20 to 30 minutes to hike up to the camping site, but it’s going to be worth it due to its beautiful scenery.
  • By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin “Mt. Kan-Irag” as your destination.
Photo by Ariel Alegado

Meditation Tips

Aside from wearing comfortable clothes and bringing a bottle of water, here are some additional tips that you can keep in mind when you do your first meditation retreat:

Set a time limit

By setting a time limit, you enable yourself to have a more structured meditation practice. Also, remember that when you feel that what you’re doing is too much, then it probably already is.

Take notice for each part of your body

As you inhale and exhale, notice how each part of your body is responding to your breathing. Feel every inch, from your toes, to your temples.

Relax your wandering mind

It is normal that your mind will keep on wandering as you close your eyes for the first time. But, just continue breathing in and out, and be kind to yourself. Once you fully get the hang of relaxing, your mind will start being at peace.

Photo from Pexels

So, Sugboanons, what are you waiting for? Start your meditation journey now!

How To Style in a Nonchalant Way

Tired of overdressing? We gotchu! 

Be quirky in a world where fashion always has a touch of drama. Try out the nonchalant aesthetic!  

What is Nonchalant? 

Nonchalant is when someone acts like they don’t really care or aren’t bothered by something, even though they might be. They are typically the type of people who lack emotional intelligence, as they tend to maintain a laid-back demeanor even when facing situations that could provoke stress, frustration, or excitement. King energy, right?

Kidding aside. It does not necessarily lack emotional intelligence on its own though. Struggling to express emotions could be a coping mechanism. Some people may adopt a nonchalance as a way to manage stress or maintain composure in certain situations. However, constant pushing of your emotions away could potentially be a sign of emotional avoidance and immaturity, which may be related to low emotional intelligence.

Although being nonchalant is often a red flag in real-life situations as it could cause chaos and misunderstandings, some people are vaguely attracted to it. Why so? Well, to spice things up by only doing it for the plot! You know, to have something entertaining to share with their friends. So let’s start your guide on how to dress in a nonchalant way.

How to Dress Nonchalantly

Wear neutral colored shirts.  

Neutral colors are the best colors to use as they perfectly represent being nonchalant. Earth tones, gray whites, black, and beige work well for a nonchalant style.

Go for loose fits.

Choose clothing with relaxed or slightly oversized fits for a laid-back vibe. Avoid clothing that is too tight or restrictive.

Keep it simple.

As you are radiating this quirky energy, you have to keep it simple and have a composed posture. Choose simple items such as solid-colored t-shirts, denim jeans, or casual shirts. Steer clear of clothing that’s too flashy or extravagant.

Accessorize sparingly.

You may add just a few accessories to improve your style by adding some watches or minimalist jewelry. Silver chains are the best accessories to use to express this demeanor. 

Be confident.

The key to pulling off a nonchalant style is confidently owning your outfit. Embrace your unique style and attitude to effortlessly carry the look! 

In conclusion, how you dress is just a visual representation complementing this specific attitude. Being nonchalant strangely became a trend, and yes, it is indeed true that some people find it attractive. They significantly romanticize this demeanor for some weird reasons. 

Let us not forget that emotional intelligence plays an important role in our daily lives. Suppressing your emotions and stopping yourself from expressing it are unhealthy for your well-being. While this article may convey its message with a hint of sarcasm, it nonetheless underscores the importance of acknowledging these realities.

From ₱15 to ₱40: Reasons for the Possible Fare Hike

Jeepney fare hike to Php 40.00?

Public utility vehicles and transportation leaders in Cebu are warning commuters about the possibility of an increase in the minimum fare, which could go up to Php 40.00, compared to our current rate of Php 15.00!

Gregory Perez, Head of the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide Cebu, stated that the fare increase may be one outcome of the phase-out of traditional jeepneys to welcome more modern versions.

Why Is There A Fare Increase?

Here are two main reasons why we Sugboanons will be experiencing a possible fare hike in the coming months:

Unit price

Due to the plans of the Land Transportation Office to phase out all traditional public transportation units, jeepney owners will have to invest in modern jeepneys. The price of modern jeepneys ranges between ₱2.4M to ₱3M as opposed to the traditional jeepneys, which were only priced below ₱300K.

Fuel price

Almost every day, the Philippines encounters a fuel price increase due to the hike in crude oil prices. So, as a butterfly effect, the fuel cost will also affect the fare of public vehicles to compensate for each cent and peso.

Is Jeepney Modernization Beneficial for Filipinos?

The charm of traditional jeepneys is just that—charms. They physically embody traditional Filipino beauty, similar to the uniqueness of kalesas. However, because of their age, most traditional jeepneys emit more carbon dioxide than modern jeepneys, which can become a health and safety concern, not only for humans but also for Mother Nature.

Although Philippine government agencies are pushing for the jeepney modernization process more nowadays, it is essential to remember that they only look to phase out some traditional vehicles after some time. According to an interview last January 2024, the Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board reassured the country that they would only require traditional jeepney vehicles that are aged 15 years old to pause operation in order to reduce pollution and accidents related to its old gears.

So, Sugboanons, what’s your take on the modernization of jeepneys and the upcoming fare hike? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

#SummerDeals: Fly to Puerto Princesa for Only ₱5 This May!

Let’s hit the beach, Sugboanons!

This May, Air Asia is offering budget-friendly one-way fares for as low as ₱5 as part of their 5.5 Seat Sale.

Starting today until May 5, 2024, you can secure low-fare tickets going to different travel destinations in the Philippines and abroad! All you have to do is go to the airline’s official website or to their accredited travel partners to buy your tickets.

Where Can Your ₱5 Bring You?

Here are the list of places that you can book a flight to for your next summer vacation, departing from Cebu:

Caticlan

One of the entry points to Boracay is Caticlan, Aklan. From the clear waters of Sanga-an River to the breathtaking Pantaleon Peak, it is no wonder that Caticlan is slowly rising as one of the top tourist attractions in Aklan. And with the affordable 5-peso one-way base fare, it will be a guarantee that your trip will not only be memorable but also affordable; leaving you more room to spend on the tasty delicacies of the island.

Puerto Princesa

Limestone caves and underwater rivers are some of the mesmerizing offers of Puerto Princesa. You can spot and swim with dolphins, turtles, and stingrays, while also enjoying the island’s vibrant corals.

Davao

Ever wanted to visit Mt. Apo? Then you’re in luck as the 5.5 Sale also includes Davao as one of the destinations for their 5-peso fares departing from Cebu! You can also go to the Durian Dome and the Davao River that seamlessly cuts through the urbanized city of the south.

Aside from the first-three places, there are also other destinations that you can book to avail the promotion such as Roxas City, Tacloban, and CDO for local travels while Taipei, Hong Kong, and Kota Kinabalu for your international trips.

So, Sugbuanons, what are you waiting for? Book your flights now!

Get Zombified & Celebrate Zombie Awareness Month this May!

As springtime comes, so do zombies!

Aimed to raise awareness for a zombie apocalyptic future, the Zombie Awareness Month was established by the Zombie Research Society and is commemorated every month of May since 2007. The symbol for the event is a gray ribbon to signify the solidarity and preparedness of the community, as well as to celebrate the booming industry of zombie-related entertainment.

Ways to Celebrate Zombie Month with the Fam

There are many ways to celebrate the month of the undead with your family, and here are some of them:

Watch Z-O-M-B-I-E-S

A musical about a zombie and a preppy human cheerleader falling in love? Disney got your back! They have a Z-O-M-B-I-E-S franchise which is a mix of fun colorful choreography and heartfelt messages about inclusivity. Also, the characters are not limited to zombies and humans because there are also werewolves, aliens, and the upcoming Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 4 which will have vampires, too!

Join A Zombie Fun Run

Why run on a normal 5k marathon when you can be chased by zombies? If that’s your bet, stay on the lookout for zombie fun run events where folks dressed as zombies will be running after you, prompting you to run faster. Most zombie fun runs even have additional competitions such as a costume contest where you’ll get more zombie freebies!

Eat Brains!

No we don’t mean human brains, we meant the famous “Tuslob-Buwa!” Nowadays, you can avail unlimited tuslob-buwa at affordable prices ranging from Php 99.00 per head to Php 300.00! Also, you can even buy a tuslob-buwa package and have your own brain dinner at home with your family and friends.

Craft A Zombie

DIY projects are the hit this summer! So, get those crafting papers and glues out, and craft your own zombie apocalypse! You can make zombie masks, brains, and zombie medical syringes. And if you have a birthday party coming up, you can have a zombie-themed birthday bash where you can hire face painters to zombify the party-goers.

Bake Zombie Goods

Zombie cookies, cakes, and brownies paired with cucumber juice will make a perfect merienda for your kids! You can also get creative by making zombie versions of normal foods or by simply buying edible green goods such as green wafers, bubblegum, and candy!

Kill Some Zombies!

If you’re up for an adrenaline rush with your kids, head to SM Seaside and enjoy a game of virtual reality where you’re stuck in jail with zombies rushing around. You can play in twos or threes and bust some undead heads as a team!

So, Sugboanons, get zombified and celebrate Zombie Awareness Month this May with us by sharing your zombie photos to our social media accounts!

World Carnivorous Plants Day: Exploring Its Fascinating Trap Nature

Get ready for an exploration in the world of carnivorous plants!

Carnivorous plants are often seen as nature’s intriguing predators. They have captivated the attention of nature enthusiasts and curious minds for centuries as experiments and studies about them remain active until today. These remarkable organisms have evolved throughout the years of existence. Now, let’s delve deeper to their fascinating nature and explore more about their world.

What is a Carnivorous Plant?

Carnivorous plants capture insects for supplementary nutrients. Carnivory in plants has evolved independently. They vaguely attract insects, setting it as a trap for their digestion. Small carnivorous plants may eat insects, but the bigger ones can eat small mammals. Their indigestion depends on their sizes.

Mechanisms of Capture

There are different methods that carnivorous plants do to capture their prey.

Pitfall Traps

This is used by pitcher-like carnivorous plants. They have modified leaves that are forming a pitfall trap filled with digestive enzymes.

Flypaper Traps

This specific trap is used by plants with glandular structures on their leaves which exude a sticky substance causing prey to get stuck. While this happens, their digestive enzymes will proceed breaking down the capture for absorption.

Snap Traps

Carnivorous plants that possess leaves that snap shut rapidly when triggered by prey. Once closed, its enzymes will break the capture down for digestion.

Bladder Traps

This kind of trap is used by carnivorous plants with tiny bladder-like structures that create a vacuum when it can sense prey, sucking them in for absorption.

Ecological Significance of Carnivorous Plants

While they are often seen as harmful plants for their unique adaptations and nature, they play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They contribute to the regulation of insect populations. Therefore, they influence the structure and dynamics of their habitat. Additionally, some carnivorous plants provide microhabitats for other organisms, further enhancing biodiversity.

As they continue to inspire nature enthusiasts and curious scientists from their intricate trapping mechanisms and contribution to the ecosystem, this serves as a reminder of nature’s endless capacity for innovation and adaptation. We must strive to comprehend these types of plants as we gain valuable insights into the complexity and beauty of the natural world, as well as be knowledgeable about their purpose.

Wolfgang Steakhouse, Landers to Open Soon In Mactan Newtown

Sugboanons, get ready as the world-renowned mouth-watering steakhouse and superstore are opening new branches in Cebu!

Photo from Wolfgang Steakhouse PH Official Facebook Page

Wolfgang Steakhouse and Landers Superstore will be landing in Mactan Newtown soon, bringing more options to the growing supercity of Cebu Island.

Landers Superstore Adds A Mactan Branch

Photo from Landers PH Official Website

Landers Superstore stands as one of the premier grocery destinations in the Philippines, with a network of over ten branches across the country. Known for its commitment to quality and excellence, the brand prides itself on offering fresh goods and exceptional services to its members. Whether it’s premium produce, gourmet delicacies, or household essentials, Landers Superstore aims to meet the diverse needs of Sugboanons while providing a seamless shopping experience.

Mactan Newtown Welcomes Wolfgang

With just five branches throughout the country; Newport World Resorts, The Podium, Ortigas, Bonifacio Global City, City Of Dreams, Araneta City, Boracay New Coast, each location offers patrons a chance to enjoy its steakhouse exquisite experience. And now, the culinary empire heads to another premiere site, the Mactan Newtown.

With their doors set to open soon, us Sugboanons can expect nothing short of scrumptious flavors and impeccable service from the newest addition to Cebu’s dining scene. While famed for their dry-aged to perfection steaks, Wolfgang Steakhouse is set to elevate their traditions, drawing inspiration from the stunning seascape of Mactan paired with international cuisines. 

Photo from Wolfgang Steakhouse PH Official Facebook Page

The Wolfgang Steakhouse Five-star Menu

As we anticipate the launching of the Wolfgang Steakhouse Mactan branch, let’s dive into their five-star worthy menu options for us to get a gist of what they can offer:

PORTERHOUSE – ₱ 9,376.00

Photo from Wolfgang Steakhouse Official Website

NEW YORK-STYLE CHEESECAKE – ₱ 398.00

MASHED POTATOES – ₱ 398.00

Photo from Wolfgang Steakhouse Official Website

GRILLED SALMON – ₱ 1,488.00

Photo from Wolfgang Steakhouse Official Website

CAESAR SALAD – ₱ 698.00

Photo from Wolfgang Steakhouse Official Website

SIZZLING CANADIAN BACON – ₱ 298.00

Photo from Wolfgang Steakhouse Official Website

So, Sugboanons, prepare for a culinary and shopping adventure as Mactan Newtown unveils their newest partners for lifestyle and dining soon! See you there!

N’tl Honesty Day: How To Spot A Liar 

Anyone, including our lovers, have the ability to lie. How do we spot when someone’s lying?

On a daily basis, everyone has the capability to lie. Is it possible for us to spot liars? The answer is, yes! There are various studies that concluded we can spot when someone is lying.

Detecting when someone is lying can help us navigate relationships, negotiations, and various social situations more effectively. However, spotting liars can be challenging. It takes a lot of time to master the skill of detecting liars as there are skilled deceivers that can be adept at masking their falsehoods.

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to spot a liar.

Pay attention to nonverbal cues.

Nonverbal communication often reveals more than words alone. Spot for signs of nervousness such as fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, too much gulping, changes in pitch and tone. When someone is lying, they may display a forceful calm expression or smile, and other micro-expression of discomfort and fear.

Look out for avoidance tactics.

Liars often attempt to steer the conversation away from the topic on hand or use vague language to evade straightforward questions. They may also become defensive when pressed for details. They may not talk a lot about it to avoid it, but they may also talk too much as they try to defend themselves.

Inconsistency in speech.

This is one of the most obvious signs of deception is inconsistency in the liar’s narrative. Observe the details and timelines, and be wary of the story they are telling. Made-up stories often end up with contradicting statements.

Listen to your gut reaction.

If you feel discomfort, or feel that something’s off and doesn’t sit right, it is worthy to explore further and listen to what your guts are trying to tell you. However, it is still important to be cautious and not to rely solely on your intuition as it can sometimes be influenced by prejudices.

Baseline Behaviour

Understanding someone’s behavior will make it easier to spot deviations and change which can indicate deception. Look for changes in their demeanor, speech patterns, and even body language that seem off and out of character.

Let us not forget that in reality, there is no universally recognized indicator that someone is lying. All of the indications, behaviors, and indicators that experts have related to lying are merely cues that may disclose whether or not a person is telling the truth. Remember that no single indicator is foolproof, but fusing multiple strategies can increase the chances of accurate identification of lies.

#TheCebuano: Margo Frasco Behind The Scenes

Get to know the empowered woman behind the business legacy of Titay’s!

She’s an actress, producer, coach, gamer, and Chief Operating Officer of Titay’s. But, when stripped off of her titles, we wonder: Who is Margo?

We asked the powerhouse of a woman herself and with a humble smile, she said, “I’m just a regular human being just trying to get by every single day and live her life the best way she can.”

Who Is Margo?

Margarita Domingo Frasco a.k.a Margo is a proud Liloanon and legacy-holder of Titay’s Rosquillos. Outside the bustling rosquillos kitchen walls, she is also a dynamic mastermind as she spearheads stage plays and even stars in productions herself.

During our interview, Margo reflected on the concept of role models, expressing humility and gratitude towards her family and friends.” They’ve molded me and inspired me in so many ways. Again, I am just trying to get by in life just like everybody else, but I hope that the people that I admire will eventually be proud of me.”

I basically look up to my family;
they are 80% of the reason who I am today.

Margo Frasco

In a heartfelt reflection, Margo shared her thoughts on success, stating its subjective nature and her ongoing quest for personal growth. We asked who she wished could have seen her recent success and she deeply revealed her longing for her late father, “I know my father is looking down at me, hopefully guiding me every single day, I wish he was still here to see my achievements. I wish he was here to guide me in my falters, in my mistakes, to hug me.”

“I think he was taken too soon from me. He’s basically the person whom I wish is still here with me and to say “Well done, you’ve done your best”.”, she shared the profound impact of his late father’s absence on her journey with emotional honesty.

On Answering The Curtain Call

Easy Money: A Murder Mystery Dinner Cebu Official Facebook Page

Starred in both local and international stage productions, Margo has extensive experiences when it comes to the theater scene.

Easy Money: A Murder Mystery Dinner Cebu Official Facebook Page

“It’s a moment in my life I get to become who I am not,” said Margo when we asked her about her passion. “I will never become a doctor, police officer, teacher, astronaut, president, and so many other things. But taking that role, I get to become that character for a moment. I get to study how they are and how they think; then I go back to reality.”

You’d get to be someone you’re not for a moment,
something to divert from what is the now.

Margo Frasco
Photo from Margarita Frasco

Margo’s thespian days started in elementary and in a hilarious throwback moment, she spilled the beans about her unforgettable piano school recital in Sto. Niño. “Everyone was like, “What? That’s not right!” and then I stood up and took a bow. I wish I did practice coz that’s a bad memory! But I got through it; I think that’s some way to look at it. And I performed! I acted like I knew and I didn’t know what I was doing,” recalled Margo.

For the hundreds of roles she had played, Margo shared that her favorites were her roles as the Wicked Witch of the West and the Hyena from a Lion King production, “How do you study an animal? How do you study a witch? It’s all in the imagination,” she answered and added, “As the hyena, the challenge was more on the hair-teasing part; they had to make my hair poofy. Then as the Wicked Witch, I’m always conscious about my behind so I had to rehearse that over and over again. How am I supposed to melt and not really show my behind?”

I’m always the tough one,
but I am a Disney princess!

Margo Frasco

On talking about being typecasted, Margo shared that her usual roles were being the rough-cookie, “I’m always, always typecasted. I’m always the tough one, but I am a Disney princess!” I think it’s just how I look and maybe sometimes how I carry myself. But, I’m always the tough one; always the military one! When do I get to become like the girl that gets asked out? I’m always the one asking out! But it’s okay.”

Photo from Siddhartha The Musical

The Life of A COO

Photo from Titay’s Official Facebook Page

Started off as a simple small business, Titay’s has since boomed into one of the biggest in Cebu and the Philippine’s food industry because of its nostalgic and unique products. We asked Margo about the secret ingredient of the family-owned business’s success and she smiled, “Love, dedication, continuation.”

Yes, of course, there’s a secret recipe but something that really goes this far
our dedication to get this far.

Margo Frasco

On inheriting the business, Margo responded with glee as she shared how her family and grandparents never forced the idea and position to any of them, “We’re very fortunate that my parents and grandparents never forced us and always gave us the liberty to do what we want to. And I think that’s the reason why we do what we do now.”

Photo from Titay’s Official Facebook Page

Four generations have managed the rosquillos empire and recently, Margo shared that their fifth generation is also participating in the business venture, “We want to make it last for another 117 years. Our responsibility now is to make it easier for the next generations and make it a livelihood for the people.”

With new businesses in the scene, Margo shared a tip for small business owners: gratefulness and giving 100% each day. She also gave us a glimpse on what to expect for the upcoming 2024 Rosquillos Festival which she states that they will put on a great show to entertain everyone during the celebration. “I want people to remember the true meaning of the festival: San Fernando El Rey. It should be beyond just the events but also the commemoration of our patron saint in Liloan,” Margo added.

Balancing Between Work & Play

Photo from Siddhartha Training Program

Prioritization is Margo’s superpower when it comes to balancing her career as a COO and thespian with her personal life. She also expressed the importance of life and to take time for everything saying, “Lumalabay rajud ang tanan. We just get so wrapped up with things that sometimes we forget to just relax for a moment and be grateful. We always pray and ask God, “Lord, please I need this. Help me with this!”, yet sometimes we forget that we’re asking too much; we forget that He’s given us so much without even asking for it.”

Even though there’s a lot of things that we need,
we forget what we have.

Margo Frasco

Humbly, Margo would not call herself a “successful person” as she sees that there are still a lot of things she needs to improve. Nonetheless, she gave advice to aspiring business owners, actors, and those who aim to follow in her footsteps: “Do what your heart desires. Just keep trying and trying. Even the people we look up to have also endured hardships, and I don’t believe life is a contest or a competition. Life is about the journey and not the destination.”

You have to hit rock bottom before you go up, and
there’s no other way but up!

Margo Frasco

To close the interview, we asked Margo a set of questions gathered from her theater students about her favorite things, and here’s how it went:

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Know any inspiring Cebuanos? Send their stories to us now for the world to know.

Small Business Ideas in Cebu City

Are you itching to start a small business, but confused where to begin? This is an initial guide for you!

In the field of entrepreneurship, taking small steps is always essential. With the right mixture of passion, dedication, market research, creativity, and industriousness, the possibilities for launching a successful small business are endless. Whether you only want extra income or are honing your entrepreneurial skills, these small business ideas are perfect for you!

Here are 5 innovative small business ideas to inspire your next big move.

1. Ukay Business

Starting an ukay business or secondhand clothes can be an awesome way to start for several reasons.

  • Low Initial Investment: By sourcing pre-loved clothing items, your inventory costs can be lower compared to buying brand-new clothing items. This allows you to have a minimal capital investment.
  • Appealing to Budget-Meal Enjoyers: There are a lot of budget conscious people who love to thrift and dress fashionably.
  • Impactful on Sustainability and Environment: Running this business can actually help our environment since you are giving a new life to clothing items that would have ended up in landfills.
  • An Opportunity to Express and Expound Creativity: You can take this business to the next level by customizing second-hand clothes and adding art to it.

2. Milk Tea Business

Here are various compelling reasons why this is a good business idea.

  • Low Overhead Costs: Milk Tea ingredients are affordable, and the equipment needed to prepare this is simple and inexpensive.
  • Profit Margins: Regardless of its low overhead costs, this business can yield a good profit margin since its mark up is generally high, especially considering the lost cost of ingredients. By competitively pricing your product and managing your business efficiently, you generate a solid foundation of profits while maintaining affordability to your target consumers.
  • High in Demand: This type of drink has been high in demand for years. Its unique taste and appealing visual representation really draw the attention of your possible target market.

3. Food Truck

Starting a food truck business can be a great start if you are an aspiring entrepreneur.

  • Flexibility and Mobility: A food truck has the ability to move from one place to another without so much hustle.
  • Adaptable to Trends: This type of business is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging food trends and consumer preferences. You can quickly adjust your menu to popular food craze. This will also allow you to stay relevant to trends and appeal to changing tastes.
  • Wide Variety of Target Market: Upon having this business, you have an advantage of targeting multiple demographics and geographic areas.

4. Homemade Baking Business

Establishing this type or small business has various reasonable reasons why this is a good business idea.

  • Growth Potential and Scalability: You may be starting small, but this business has the potential for growth and scalability over time. As customers continuously demand, it can possibly expand your customer base and product line.
  • Low Startup Costs: This typically requires minimal startup costs since you can start this in your own kitchen, avoiding expenses like leasing commercial space or purchasing pricey equipment.
  • High Demand: There is a consistent demand for freshly baked goods, ranging from everyday treats to special occasions desserts. People of all ages enjoy indulging in homemade baked goods.

5. Sari-Sari Store

There are several convincing reasons why this is a smart business concept.

  • Local Demand and Accessibility: Sari-sari stores can cater the everyday needs of local communities. This provides them convenience and accessibility to sources of essential goods and household items. This type of store fulfills the immediate needs of the residents within walking distance.
  • Additional Revenue: Running this business can provide supplemental income to complement a bigger source of livelihood.
  • Cultural Significance: Sari-sari stores have always been a vital part of our Filipino culture. This reflects the spirit of bayanihan.

By embracing innovation, creativity, passion, and adaptability, small business owners can navigate challenges and capitalize on emerging trends to carve out in competitive markets. Each of these idea has the potential to grow and make a significant impact in our economy.