A rollback in pump prices is set for the last week of February with major oil companies like CleanFuel, Shell, and SeaOil announcing the news.
According to the industry leaders, impending adjustments on the prices were scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Gasoline prices were said to have a substantial decrease of ₱0.95 per liter, kerosene by ₱1.10, while diesel prices are to have a drop of ₱0.70 for the same amount.
This gives relief to consumers grappling with recent fuel price hikes for the past two years. The increase in pump prices continued up until the previous week, with gasoline prices hiking by ₱1.60 per liter, kerosene rising by ₱1.05 per liter, and diesel prices by ₱1.10.
The adjustments coming from the major companies were set to take effect with the following schedule:
CleanFuel: 4:01 PM on Tuesday (February 27, 2024)
Shell: 6:00 AM on Tuesday (February 27, 2024)
SeaOil: 6:00 AM on Tuesday (February 27, 2024)
Other oil companies are still yet to announce their price adjustments, but with three leading brands applying the recent modification, this sets a potential respite for drivers for the time being.
The pandemic has greatly shifted many of our lives and everything revolving around it. One of the most formidable changes it has resulted in is the education in our country. Not only was the online setting the only thing new it brought upon, but a change in the academic calendar as well.
If you haven’t gotten the memo yet, DepEd scheduled the start of classes for the school year 2024-2025 on July 29. Signed by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, DepEd Order No. 003 series of 2024 pushes back the end of the school year from June 14 to May 31.
The shift in academic calendar was deemed necessary to respond to concerns regarding the intense heat during the summer months. Furthermore, DepEd 7 Director Jimenez also announced in addition to the changes in the academic landscape that the upcoming school year 2024-2025 will end by May 16, 2025.
This may seemingly cause some sort of conflict regarding graduating students who are to participate in the Palarong Pambansa, but Palaro is proactive in alleviating the competitors’ worries.
The eligibility of graduating students is not at all a problem. Department of Education Central Visayas (DepEd 7) Director Salustiano Jimenez recently confirmed that as long as the competitors adhere to the age restrictions, they can still compete from July 9 to July 16 in the national sporting event.
Photo from CEBU CITY NEWS & INFORMATION
Palarong Pambansa is scheduled to have its opening ceremony on July 9 at the Cebu City Sports Center, an event that will be hosted by Cebu City for the first time in three decades.
Vacation is essential to recharge. Commonly, we go to resorts and beaches to destress.
But for those people whose social battery gets drained easily in crowded places, Selah Mountain Resort is the perfect place for you!
Hidden between the mountains of Adlaon, Cebu City, Selah Mountain Resort ensures that your vacation experience is peaceful and one for the books.
Although the resort is located in the fast-paced city of Cebu, staying in the four corner walls of the resort makes you think you’re far away from the pollution and stressors.
Photo from Selah Mountain Resort Official Facebook PagePhoto from Selah Mountain Resort Official Facebook PagePhoto from Selah Mountain Resort Official Facebook Page
CLOSER TO NATURE
Photo from Selah Mountain Resort Official Facebook Page
Staying at Selah Mountain Resort ensures that you are closer to nature with the greenery surrounding the place, the overlooking view of the mountains from the balcony, and the sunrise that greets you the moment you wake up.
Photo from Selah Mountain Resort Official Facebook Page
You can also bask yourself in the waters of the infinity pool and at the same time, fill your heart with the sunset’s beauty and cool breeze.
CLOSER AND STRONGER BOND WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Because you can have exclusive use of the property, closer and stronger bonds with family or friends are formed as you spend quality time together in the resort.
Photo from Selah Mountain Resort Official Facebook PagePhoto from Selah Mountain Resort Official Facebook Page
IMPRESSIVE AMENITIES FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE VACATION
At Selah Mountain Resort, guests can do so many things despite its remote location in the mountains of Adlaon.
Photo from Selah Mountain Resort Official Facebook Page
One of its main attractions is the spacious infinity pool where guests can dip.
Photo from Selah Mountain Resort Official Facebook Page
They also have a sound system for those who are planning to organize a mini-program or for those who want to sing karaoke. They also have a grilling station perfect for grill night.
RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE – P8,000.00 (Weekdays/ Weekends/ Holidays)
12 pax minimum; 30 pax maximum with additional fee
Check-in & Check-out: 2 pm – 9 pm
Extra P500 per head for exceeding minimum pax
Children 6 years old and below are not included in the headcount
OVERNIGHT USE –
Overnight rate – Good for 12 pax
Php 14,000.00 – Weekends/Holidays
P12,000.00 – Weekdays
12 pax minimum; 15 pax maximum with additional fee
Check-in & Checkout: 2 pm – 12 nn
Extra P1000.00 per head for exceeding minimum pax
Children 6 years old and below are not included in the headcount
The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will showcase classics and critically acclaimed contemporary films in selected cinemas nationwide.
And guess what? A second win for Cebu Cinephiles because it’s coming to SM Seaside!
Photo from SM Cinema Official Facebook Page
In the film scene, rarely do critically acclaimed movies become accessible and affordable to the public. Thanks to FDCP’s “A Curation of World Cinema” the inaccessible series will be accessible to a wider Filipino audience.
Get ready to watch the classic films at selected SM Cinemas because tickets are finally on sale!
If you don’t have any idea about the 7 cinemas that are set to be screened on SM Cinemas, don’t worry because we gotcha!
THE ANATOMY OF A FALL (2023)
Written and directed by Justine Triet, The Anatomy of Fall (2023) is a mystery film that follows the life of Sandra (a mother and a writer) and her visually impaired son Daniel. Together, they deal with the death of Daniel’s father, and Sandra is accused of his death’s cause.
HOW TO HAVE SEX (2023)
Written and directed by Molly Manning Walker, is a drama that follows the life of three best friends Tara, Skye, and Em as they enjoy their summer in Crete. Their main goal together is to drink, party, and hook up.
CHUNKING EXPRESS (1994)
Written and directed by the infamous Wong Kar-wai, this romance film follows the story of two separate stories about police officers as they look for love.
HAPPY TOGETHER (1997)
Another masterpiece written and directed by Wong Kar-wai. This queer film delves into the relationship of Ho Po-Wing and Lai Yiu-Fai as external forces affect their relationship such as moving to a new city, and financial troubles among all others.
IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE (2000)
Directed by the infamous Wong Kar-wai, In the Mood For Love (2000) is one of the renowned classics. This film delves into the theme of love and affairs because the two characters Chow and Su found that their partners were having an affair.
FALLEN ANGELS (1995)
Directed and written by Wong Kar-wai, “Fallen Angels (1995)” shares the stories of a hitman and a mute ex-convict who wants to change and restart their lives.
ONLY THE RIVER FLOWS (2023)
Directed by Wei Shujun, this crime/thriller film follows a police chief, Ma Zhe (Zhu Yilong whose trying to uncover the truth of a series of murders in a rural town set in the 1990s.
In Cebu, SM Seaside Cebu is the only SM cinema to participate. However, there are other selected SM Cinemas nationwide that will also be screening the FDCP films.
Luzon
SM Cinema Clark
SM Cinema Mall of Asia
SM Cinema Megamall
SM Cinema North Edsa
SM Cinema Southmall
Visayas
SM Cinema Seaside City Cebu
Mindanao
SM Cinema Davao
Photo from SM Cinema Official Facebook Page
You can watch the 7 films from March 6 to 12 in the list of SM Cinemas nationwide.
Those for pop culture really got their pens and papers out to commemorate an event that is one of the history books. Yes, Andrea Sachs, Emily Charlton, and EIC-excellency herself, Miranda Priestly reunited at the 2024 SAG Awards, almost two decades after the release of one of the most culturally-defining films of all time, The Devil Wears Prada.
Photo from Harper’s BAZAAR
The iconic trio graced the 2024 SAG Awards stage together for a brief yet iconic moment to present the award for Male Actor in a Comedy Series. Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt gagged everyone in the room with their reunion, humorously referencing the film in a sketch.
Hathaway and Blunt interacted with Streep with the same amount of delicacy, awkwardness, and fear as their characters did, with the two handing Streep the card and her glasses. Streep paused for a while, with Blunt responding with, “By all means, move at a glacial pace. You know that thrills me,” echoing a classic line from the film. 18 years after the film, the on-stage rendezvous truly sparked memories of what it was like to be in the film. The relationship formed between the women was evident, calling back to their chemistry which was what made the film a cinematic gem.
Photo from Vanity Fair
The heartwarming reunion follows their December 2023 get-together for Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series, where Blunt and Hathaway reminisced the profound impact the movie had on their lives. With both expressing their enthusiasm for a potential sequel, fans are left eagerly anticipating the possibility of another chapter in the beloved story that brought these talented stars together.
Agriculture has always been the strongest forefront of the Philippine economy since time immemorial. This way of living is now entirely shifted in a groundbreaking move by the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE), together starting an era in Nueva Ecija that makes use of satellite data.
Photo from CCAFS – CGIAR
In the province of Nueva Ecija, the agreement between the two agencies focuses on space technology in order to apply it to agricultural commodities and farm-to-market roads. This application will modernize the collection, analysis, and dissemination processes of the agricultural sector. The collaboration is also known as the Farm-to-Market Road and Agricultural Commodity Geodatabase and Remote Sensing Application Phase 1 (DigitalAgri Phase 1).
Even when our entire economy and normal lives lie on the backbone of the agricultural sector, it cannot be denied how the sector is struggling as well. Now, the innovative approach will revolutionize the landscape in ways beyond our imagination through improving market access, increasing productivity, as well as fortifying the strength of our agricultural systems. This is much needed for the farmers who work on the ground, making their jobs easier and more streamlined.
Photo from Philippine Space Agency
This process utilizes Earth observation satellites, providing crucial insights to guide farmers in assessing crop stage and health, estimating and predicting yields, detecting pests and diseases, and making use of land mapping. Farm-to-Market Road will now be monitored through encompassing road types, remote sensing, accessibility mapping, and infrastructure mapping.
Photo from Philippine Space Agency
Beyond data exchange, this collaboration is highly useful in making the sector more globally competent with more scientific support. Joint research, development, and operationalization activities will all be integrated in this initiative. This is poised to enhance oversight during emergencies through real-time monitoring and response capabilities, guaranteeing very effective data collection especially during disasters and calamities.
Photo from DPWH
PhilSA and BAFE pioneer such a significant change that is necessary in progressing the country’s agricultural sector, and Nueva Ecija is yet to witness the benefits of cutting-edge technology that will elevate the landscape to unprecedented heights. This will mark a significant milestone in the industry, and with its promising nature, other provinces in the Philippines might follow suit.
Sometimes, taking a break means taking a break from the beach too. If you agree, you might be looking for something new!
Durano Eco Farm and Spring Resort’s cold spring await you!
Photo from Durano Eco Farm & Spring Resort Official Facebook PagePhoto from Durano Eco Farm & Spring Resort Official Facebook Page
Cebu is not only known for its white sand beaches, falls, nightlife, and history, because nestled in the peaceful land of Carmen is one commonly uncommon cold spring with multi-level pools of eight.
Photo from Durano Eco Farm & Spring Resort Official Facebook PagePhoto from Durano Eco Farm & Spring Resort Official Facebook PagePhoto from Durano Eco Farm & Spring Resort Official Facebook PagePhoto from Durano Eco Farm & Spring Resort Official Facebook Page
The water is not the only thing that cools your body and mind off, because as you take a dip in the spring, your head becomes clearer because of the trees that surround the place to give you shade and a cool breeze.
Photo from Durano Eco Farm & Spring Resort Official Facebook PagePhoto from Durano Eco Farm & Spring Resort Official Facebook PagePhoto from Durano Eco Farm & Spring Resort Official Facebook Page
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, ride any bus bound for Carmen or Sogod. Inform the driver to drop you off at Carmen Public Market. From there, ride a habal-habal and tell the driver to bring you to Durano Eco Farm.
BY JEEP / MINIBUS: You can also ride a jeepney or mini-bus going to Carmen, from Sun Gold near the crossing in SM City Cebu. Inform the driver to drop you off at Carmen Public Market. From there, ride a habal-habal and tell the driver to bring you to Durano Eco Farm.
BY CAR: For convenience, bring your own vehicle and navigate via Waze. Just search for “Durano Ecofarm and Spring Resort”. The resort is located 15-20 minutes from the main road.
Who could say no to Moalboal’s long shoreline, crystal clear waters, and fine white sand?
I know a one-day Moalboal vacation is unsatisfying, so don’t worry because we have the best place where you can stay for 2 days or more!
Photo from Bamboo House Resort Official Facebook PagePhoto from Bamboo House Resort Official Facebook PagePhoto from Bamboo House Resort Official Facebook Page
Bamboo House Resort is a 15-minute walk from Basdaku Beach. It does not only provide shelter at an affordable price, but it also embodies what our slow days should be like.
In this resort, you can truly feel that you are on a vacation because the rooms are made of bamboo resembling nipa hits. Some even have their extension porch where guests can sit and relax.
Photo from Bamboo House Resort Official Facebook PagePhoto from Bamboo House Resort Official Facebook PagePhoto from Bamboo House Resort Official Facebook PagePhoto from Bamboo House Resort Official Facebook Page
The common tables in the open area are also made of bamboo where you can hang out with your friends and family! Eating food is allowed at these common tables in the open area.
What makes it comfier is that their common space has trees that protect guests from the scorching heat and provide fresh air at the same time that sets your brain to comfort. At night, the shade provider becomes a tree right out of a fairytale because it is illuminated with beautiful lights.
BY BUS: From Cebu South Bus Terminal, ride a bus for Moalboal via Barili/Badian. Ask the driver to drop you off at Gaisano Grand Mall where you can ride tricycle (for groups) or mortorcyle (solo) going to Bamboo House Resort.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Moalboal Bamboo House Saavedra Basdaku” in Moalboal. Parking space is available.
Together, let’s witness Avatar Aang trying to master the four elements and restore peace.
The classic animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender revisits our childhood memories because its live-action is finally released on Netflix!
Photo from Netflix Media Center
But hold up, before you watch the film, did you know that Gordon Cormier who took the role of Avatar Aang is a Filipino-Canadian?
ALL ABOUT GORDON CORMIER
Gordon Kyle Diez Cormier, who starred in the film as Avatar Aang was only 11 during the film’s shoot. However, he started his career in the field as early as nine years old when he auditioned for commercials.
Photo fro, IMDb
His debut role was in the 2017 American comedy-drama series “Get Shorty”. He also had appearances in the 2018 sci-fi series Lost in Space and the fantasy miniseries “The Stand.”
Although he was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, the young boy never forgot the Philippines—which he considers his homeland, despite only visiting the country thrice. Gordon is half-Filipino because his mother is a Filipina.
PREPARATION OF CORMIER FOR THE ROLE
During his interview, Cormier admits he has watched the series 35 times in preparation for his shoot.
Photo from Superfest Film Festival
As for Avatar Aang’s character, Cormier can easily tap into his happy and childlike personality with no sweat. His enthusiasm did not only radiate during his interview, but even Cormier himself could say that they both share similar characteristics. However, Cormier did admit that he struggled in pulling off the emotional parts of the film.
Photo from Deseret News
Not only did Cormier prepare for the live-action, but the other members of the cast as well. Together, they underwent boot camp training for six weeks for martial arts and bending.
Avatar: The Last Airbender is about Avatar Aang, the last Air Nomad, and the next Avatar. With the help of his friends Katara and Sokka, they try to restore balance and harmony among the world’s four nations. The series has eight episodes on Netflix.
Sometimes, as much as we want to stay, some things force us to leave.
In a social media post, the Park Social announced its IT Park closure after 6 years full of memories.
“It’s not a goodbye but a see you real soon! We’re saying goodbye to The Park Social as we embark on a new location real soon.”
Photo from The Park Social Official Facebook Page
NON-RENEWAL REASON FOR CLOSURE
The iconic resto bar closed on February 20, 2024, after it was not allowed by IT Park management to renew its lease.
“We are willing to stay,” Philip Yieh, director of the Park Social said in an interview. He also mentioned that they have been in coordination with the IT Park management for more than a year but all they received were excuses from them.
Photo from The Park Social Official Facebook PagePhoto from The Park Social Official Facebook Page
Atty. Jun Montecillo, The Park Social’s corporate lawyer mentioned that among all the reasons and excuses given by the management is that their lot is one of the routes for the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project.
70 WORKERS AFFECTED
After The Park Social’s closure, this leaves us the question, what will happen to the 70 workers?
The management of The Park Social explained that half of the employees would be transferred to The Park Social Ayala Center Cebu branch. Meanwhile, the others will undergo short-term training from their international partners. However, the remaining employees will be dismissed.
NEW LOCATION
Fortunately, it is not a permanent farewell for The Park Social. They are only going to transfer locations.
They believe that they have loyal customers and they hope for their continued support as they plan to open their new location this July.
