Philippine Drag Queens Taylor Sheesh and Lady Gagita will be performing their version of Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour in Singapore.
Photo from @heymacyou on X
After Sheesh’s successful “The Errors Tour” performance in Australia, another set of tours will be performed in Singapore’s Hard Rock Cafe on March 16 and 17.
In a Facebook post, Taylor Sheesh said, “Still can’t get over the fact that I just did The Errors Tour in Melbourne, Australia, and now we’re taking it to SINGAPORE!!!!”
In the same post, Taylor Sheesh also mentioned her disbelief that SG Day 1 is already sold out.
Tweet from @heymacyou on X
Another Philippine Drag Queen, Lady Gagita is also set to perform her own “The Erase Tour” in Singapore at Beast & Butterflies at Social M Hotel on March 9. There will also be a night party on March 16.
She said in an Instagram post, “SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU SINGAPORE!! 🇸🇬Making my first overseas show outside the Philippines, join me as I bring you our spectacular show The Erase Tour with a new setlist and costumes for the first time in Singapore”
Photo from @ladygagitaofficial on Instagram
REASON BEHIND TSWIFT IMPERSONATION
The rise of the Philippine Drag Queen impersonating Taylor Swift was rooted in the Philippines’ exclusion in Swift’s original “The Eras World Tour” despite the Philippines having one of the most numbers of Swifties in Southeast Asia.
One of the most renowned Philippine Drag Queen Taylor Swift impersonators is Taylor Sheesh. Sheesh went viral on social media after impersonating Swift’s dance moves in during a fan concert in a mall in Quezon City.
So much time and money had been spent in trying to look for answers in diseases that affect many lives. A glimmer of hope shone through for those diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), which is a cancer that carries a grim prognosis. The world is now getting to know Lucas, the first child in the world to be cured of the illness.
Photo from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
The 13-year-old from Belgium was diagnosed at the age of six. Under the care of French doctor Jacques Grill at the Gustave Roussy cancer center in Paris, he recovered from a very rare and aggressive form of cancer, the deadly brainstem glioma. The cutting-edge treatment involved the use of everolimus which is a cancer drug that led to the complete disappearance of Lucas’s brain tumor.
Photo from The News International
Around 300 children in the United States and 100 in France are diagnosed with DIPG, with most of them not surviving beyond a year. Lucas and seven other children were put under the BIOMEDE trial which tests potential new drugs for DIPG, becoming the lifeline of the eight children.
A current research led by Dr. Grill is studying the genetic abnormalities of patients’ tumors in order to create tumor “organoids” to duplicate the biological particularities observed in Lucas’s case following his groundbreaking complete recovery. The potential treatment is still in its early stages, however, with Lucas’s story, all hopes are high in the scientific community to offer the possibility of a concrete treatment for this cancer.
Photo from Imagine for Margo
While this discovery is both exciting and full of optimism, researchers make it known how lengthy and intricate the process of developing a viable treatment is. According to Dr. Grill, it typically takes 10-15 years for this lead to evolve into a drug. On the bright side, DIPG has undergone significant improvements with increased funding, ongoing trials like BIOMEDE, and various other breakthroughs in the lab.
Guess what? You can finally see Cebu’s glory right at the TOPS!
The long-awaited comeback of TOPS has finally arrived and you surely don’t want to miss it!
Known for its panoramic views and glistening city lights which makes you fall in love with Cebu City more. Tops started its operations in 1985 and since then, it has become one of the best spots for unwinding and hangout.
Photo from Proud Bisaya Bai
Until it wasn’t.
It can be remembered that on October 21, 2022, the well-loved attraction in Cebu City closed its doors to further enhance its beauty. Since then, we can only revisit Cebu Tops in photos.
Photo from TOPS Official Facebook PagePhoto from TOPS Official Facebook Page
But finally, after 1 year and 3 months, they have reopened their doors for us! Exactly on February 14, TOPS launched their soft opening ensuring that tourists would have an unforgettable Valentine’s Day date!
24 HOURS
Yes, you read that right. Unlike the old Tops which only operates from 10 AM to 2 AM daily, the new Tops goes operates 24 hours to accommodate night owl Sugbanons!
This also means that for those who love to chase the sunrise, you finally have another place in mind to visit!
Photo from TOPS Official Facebook Page
FOOD CHOICES
Another thing to look forward to at Tops is, of course, the scrumptious food! Because who doesn’t love food, right?
Photo from TOPS Official Facebook PagePhoto from TOPS Official Facebook Page
And guess what, they now have a better and wider range of food options that you can choose from! However, they just softly reopened, so not all restaurants are in operation yet. But for a soft opening, Tops sure prepared ample food choices you can pick from.
Saree Sari Sari at TOPS – Price starts at P10
Saree Sari-Sari Store is the only Sari-Sari store at tops. And if you’re looking for more affordable options, Saree has your back! Just like any typical sari-sari store, Saree offers wide options such as drinks (alcoholic, soft drink, milk, coffee, water), desserts, Cebu delicacies, Crackers, Chips, healthcare, and more!
For only P10 you can already have something to eat at Saree Sari Store!
Queens Pizza – New York-Style Pizza – Price starts at P99
If you have a bigger budget when you visit Tops then Queen Pizza is perfect for you!
For only P99, you can already enjoy at least a slice of pizza!
Queens Pizza offers various flavors of New York York-style pizzas that you can buy per slice or as a whole if you’re with the family or the barkada. If you are not a pizza monster, they also offer other options such as soup, pasta, and churros. They also have drinks you can pair with such as soft drinks, juice, iced tea, and water.
They are open daily from 11 AM – 11 PM
Lolo Pinoy Grill Pop Up Stall – Price starts at P300
If you’re craving Cebu’s best and pride, Tops also has Lechon ready just for you!
Lolo Pinoy is also one of the stores that opened during the Tops soft opening and for as low as P300, you can already satisfy your cravings! They serve per kilo so you can buy 1 or more kilos of Lechon, but you can also buy 1/2 kilo or 1/4 kilo. However, the lechon still excludes the rice but worry not they have puso or hanging rice for P25 per piece.
Polar Treats Sorbetes – Price starts at P80
If you want a dessert after a heartful meal, Sorbetes Pop Up Stall is also ready to satisfy your sweet tooth craving. Sorbetes offers various Filipino ice cream flavors such as Durian, Mango, Avocado, Mango Cheese, Macapuno, Ube, and other common sorbetes flavors.
They have two options you can choose from:
One scoop – P80
Two Scoops – P150
Quik-Snack Pop-Up Stall – Price starts at P40
If you miss Chinese Binondo food or you haven’t tasted any Binondo food, you don’t have to go to Manila because one of Binondo’s food is finally brought here at Tops, Quick-Snack!
Although their menu at Tops is not as wide as the one in Binondo’s because it is only a stall, but is still exciting to taste something from Binondo! They offer the following:
Diok Pit He (Relyenong Shrimp) – P200
Kuchay Ah Pie – P75
3 pcs Siomai – P95
Fresh Lumpia – P130
Machang – P160
Ngohiong – P40
Siopao – P75
Tsing Tao – P250
They also have drinks such as alcoholic, soft drinks, and water, and prices start at P40. However, unlike the other restaurants that operated during the soft opening, Quick Snack is still expected to open soon.
Bo’s Coffee Pop-Up Stall
For those who only want to chill while drinking iced or hot brewed coffee, Bo’s Coffee Pop-Up Stall is ready to save your caffeine fix! From Brewed Coffee to Frappuccino Coffee, Espresso, and Tea Collection. Bo’s surely brought their coffee experience to greater heights! For as low as P125, you can already complete your day one coffee at a time.
Dove Street Pop-Up Stall, Mimoy’s Grill – Pagkalami!, and Tipsy Hut Pop-Up Stall are also already open since the Tops soft opening. And despite these plenties of options, some restaurants and food choices are yet to open and we could look forward to operating soon.
Alishan
Celadon Thai Restaurant
Sweet Alchemy – Japanese Desserts
Hawker Chan
Quick-Snack
Yappari Steak
Tips Hut
WE-ST 103
Narra Table
Burger Bar
Spud Rocket
Celadon
Ten Izakaya
Premium Shabu-Shabu
Sweet Alchemy, Dessert Cafe
Hostel Honeycomb
Funwars Pancake
PET-FRIENDLY
For those who wish to bring their furbabies with them to Tops, the good news is that they are very most welcome!
The management only advised that furbabies should wear diapers and furparents must clean up after them.
TOPS BUS
Unlike before, Tops is also now easily accessible with multiple modes of public transportation available. One of them is the bus provided by Tops for tourists.
As of the moment, their bus route is IT Park Transport Terminal to Tops and vice versa. The first Trip leaves at 10 AM and the last bus leaves at 3 AM.
For only P200 (entrance fee included), you already have a bus ride from IT Park to Tops and vice versa.
Exact Location: Cebu Tops Road, Busay, Cebu City, Cebu — 20 minutes away from the main road (from JY Square).
By COMMUTE: If you want to go to Tops the traditional way, you can ride any jeepney going to Busay such as 04L or 04H and tell the driver to drop you off to JY Square. From there, ride a habal-habal (motorbike) and tell the driver to drop you off to Tops Lookout, approximate time of travel is about 30 – 40 mins. Fare is P100 per person (one-way).
But if you want to try the Tops Bus, ride any jeepney (traditional or modern) going to IT Park. Tell the driver to drop you near the IT Park Terminal. From there you can look for the lane designated for the Tops Bus where you’ll need to pay P200 (including Tops entrance fee). On the way home, the Tops Bus will also be fetching you going back to IT Park.
BY CAR:
If you’re driving your own car, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your location to “Tops Lookout” or refer to the map below. Parking space is available.
For the first time in 30 years, Cebu City is hosting the multi-sport event, Palarong Pambansa. On August 5, 2023, the city’s win for the bid was announced during the closing ceremony of the same tournament at the Marikina Sports Center in this city.
Photo from Cebu City News & Information Office
The highly anticipated tournament has finally unveiled its schedule, announced by Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) Chairman John Pages and the Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu City on February 16. The week-long event will take place on July 6 to 17, with over 12,000 student-athletes from 17 different regions across the country participating.
Photo from Cebu City News & Information OfficePhoto from Cebu City News & Information Office
The participants are expected to converge in Cebu City starting from the opening ceremonies on July 9th at the Cebu City Sports Center. The tournament will encompass 28 sports taking place in different areas in Cebu
Unlike the previous editions of Palaro, Cebu City’s hosting will include a one-day break on July 10. The official competitions will commence the following day, July 11.
Following the global launch of the realme 12 Pro Series 5G in January that stirred up anticipation from the Squad, realme Philippines finally hinted the arrival of the realme 12 Series 5G in the country via post on its official Facebook page. The renowned smartphone manufacturer once again raises the bar even after the back-to-back sold out performances of the realme Note 50 (4GB+64GB) and successful launch of the realme C67.
While realme Philippines has yet to confirm which variant of the Pro Series it will be bringing to the Philippine market, the smartphone brand confirms local launch of the new model realme 12+ 5G as part of the realme 12 Series 5G. This new model, with the addition of the “+” symbol, signifies realme’s commitment to providing ultimate value within the mid-range smartphone segment.
The realme 12+ 5G promises outstanding photography performance. To deliver elevated imaging, realme partnered with Oscar-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda to develop three image enhancement filters inspired by his award-winning films.
In line with the brand’s tradition of highlighting exceptional design in its smartphones, the realme 12+ 5G incorporates design elements from the luxury watch world, redefining the smartphone design language.
Mark your calendars and catch more details about the realme 12 Series 5G on the realme’s official Facebook page on February 29.
About realme
realme is a global consumer technology company that has disrupted the smartphone market by making cutting-edge technologies more accessible. It offers a range of smartphones and lifestyle technology devices, boasting premium specifications, quality, and trend-setting designs, especially tailored for young consumers. Founded by Sky Li in 2018, realme quickly emerged as one of the top 5 smartphone brands in 30 markets globally within just three years. The company has expanded its footprint across multiple regions, including China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa, amassing a global user base of over 200 million. The year 2024 marks a significant rebranding phase for realme with its new slogan, Make it real. Under this new brand spirit, realme is dedicating itself more than ever to young users, aiming to bring real, clear, and tangible benefits to their lives. For more information, please visitwww.realme.com
“But what do you mean it only comes every four years?”, I used to hear a lot when I was younger. There is especially something about leap years that make those born on February 29th magical. In a world whose population listens to stars and gets advice from the moon, it’s incredibly fascinating to hear from people directly tied to this phenomenon.
Photo from University of Central Florida
This 2024, we’re about to witness another leap year. A lot of people say this is lucky, and for leap year babies, of course it is after four years of not seeing their birthdays on the calendar. Christine Torregosa, a leap-year baby, shares her own story.
Pisces are already as frisky on their own. That plus being a leap-year baby? Oh, we’re definitely in for a ride. Born with the uniqueness and charm associated with leap-year babies, Christine anticipates her birthday celebration, describing her leap-year baby status as “ordinary but extraordinary.” Of course, with the curiosity of children, she has had her fair share of misconceptions from childhood which she navigated with grace and humor.
She feels immense joy getting to celebrate her birthday with her loved ones, especially because the exact date only comes every few years. She mentions how amusing it is to see others’ reactions, feeling like a rare species just by being born on February 29th. Even in non-leap years, she still feels special during her birthdays simply because of the people surrounding her.
Photo from EastMojo
Despite the rarity of February 29, Christine retains a preference for small celebrations with her closest loved ones. Even without the grand gestures awaiting her for her non-leap year birthdays, she appreciates the unique charm of having an infrequent occasion that celebrates her life. With all the humor surrounding leap years and how the babies’ ages are “supposed to be divided by 4”, as an astrology girlie, there’s definitely something so magical about having a day so scarce, much more being born on it. I don’t know anyone who’s a leap year baby, but I already believe that they are, in fact, a rare species.
For those who plan to travel this year, buy your plane tickets now!
Just like the sky, airfare will be high.
Photo from Bloomberg.com
In an advisory, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) increased the fuel surcharge to Level 6 for March from Level 5.
Photo from RMN Networks
This is the first time CAB has increased their fare to level 6 this year just after decreasing it twice.
Fuel surcharges are additional fees charged by airlines to recover their fuel costs which are added to the plane’s base fare, the passengers’ payment for their seats on the flight.
Raising the fuel surcharge means that starting this March, domestic flight passengers will have to pay P185 to P665 on top of their base fare. Meanwhile, international flight passengers will have to pay an additional P610.37 to P4,538.40.
Photo from Reuters
In Level 5, passengers only need to pay P151 to P542 for domestic flights and P498.03 to P3,703.11 for international routes which is relatively cheaper.
Because of this increase, the airfare for both domestic and international flights is expected to increase next month.
DOMESTIC FLIGHT SURCHARGE
Starting next month, flights from the following will have a P292 fuel surcharge:
Manila to Caticlan
Manila to Legaspi
Manila to Kalibo
Meanwhile, a P388 fuel surcharge will be added to the following flights:
Manila to going to Iloilo
Manila to Bacolod
Manila to Tacloban
Manila to Puerto Princesa
A P513 surcharge will be added from the passenger’s base fair for the following flights:
Manila to Dumaguete
Manila to Tagbilaran
Manila to Surigao
Manila to Siargao
A P598 surcharge will be added for passengers in certain parts of Mindanao:
Manila to Zamboanga
Manila to Cotabato
Manila to Davao
An amount of P665 will be added for passengers for the following flights:
Manila-General Santos
Clark-Davao flights
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT SURCHARGE
The lowest fuel surcharge for international flights for next month will be P610.37 for:
Philippines to Taiwan
Philippines to Hong Kong
Philippines to Vietnam
A P844.16 will be collected from Philippine passengers going to certain destinations:
Singapore
Thailand
Malaysia
A P949.5 additional surcharge will be added for passengers from the Philippines going to:
Indonesia
Japan
South Korea
A P2,100.23 fuel surcharge will be collected for passengers heading to:
The sudden resumption of the skywalk relocation in Osmeña Boulevard on Friday, February 16 caused road closure and heavy traffic. Commuters aired out their complaints for the inconvenience it caused.
SKYWALK DEMOLITION
After nearly a year of discourse and planning, the demolition of the first of the two Cebu City Skywalks along Osmeña Boulevard has finally resumed after its temporary disruption on December 7, 2023. The demolition of the two skywalks is said to take around 18 days, the BRT Phase 1 project focal person, Engineer Jomar Doque, said.
The closed portion of Osmena Blvd. for the skywalk relocation finally became passable on Monday morning, February 19.
DEMOLITION AFTERMATH
The skywalk between Robinsons Fuente and VSMMC Blood Services Unit – Satellite used to be one of the safest ways to cross the wide street of Fuente. The demolition of this skywalk leaves a question on how one can safely cross the streets.
Photo from Wikipedia
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
Councilor Gerry Guardo, the infrastructure committee Chairman said that a pedestrian crossing will be built by the CBRT contractor.
To ensure a smooth traffic flow and avoid accidents, traffic lights will also be installed together with the pedestrian crossing.
However, installation and construction will coincide with the completion of package one of the CBRT projects.
On the other hand, Guardo proposed that traffic personnel be deployed to help pedestrians in crossing the street.
The councilor also emphasized the convenience of flat-surface pedestrians than skywalks, especially for senior citizens.
Millions of sardines washed up on the Coast of Ginatilan, Sitio Guilungsuran, Barangay Poblacion. According to Floramie Dacillo, this phenomenon happened for four consecutive days. The first beaching happened on February 11, up until February 14.
The coastline turned silver and fishermen flocked to the beach for a great catch that didn’t require a lot of effort. Videos resurfaced online, even reaching the international community on Twitter.
Tweet from @PicturesFoIder on X
Foreigners put their two scents regarding the phenomenon, saying how these occurrences are inexplicable and fascinating. Some are saying that this could be a bad omen preceding a tragedy.
Tweet from @tradingMaxiSL on X
In true Filipino fashion, locals also commented on the viral video, preaching repentance as things like this are characteristic to the Lord’s return. Some thanked the Lord for the blessings because of the profit this can give to local fishermen.
However, this begs the question; why is this actually happening?
The answer is simple, and it is definitely not a bad omen or a sign of the Last Judgment. Instead, this is a result of upwelling which occurs when cold water rises to the surface of the ocean. Winds blowing across the ocean surface push water away. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “Water then rises up from beneath the surface to replace the water that was pushed away. This process is known as upwelling.”
Photo from National Ocean Service – NOAA
This is a perfectly natural occurrence, and areas where upwelling is common are usually good fishing grounds.
While it’s an interesting phenomenon to witness, it just so happens that the reason behind it is boring old science. Phew.
To take a break from the stressful world, we sometimes need to literally touch the grass, sleep with the sand beneath our backs as the wind lulls us to sleep. These mundane things help us ground ourselves to reality.
Photo from Pearl Beach Camp Official Facebook PagePhoto from Pearl Beach Camp Official Facebook PagePhoto from Pearl Beach Camp Official Facebook PagePhoto from Pearl Beach Camp Official Facebook Page
One of the best places that could ground us back into our reality is Pearl Beach Camp. Located in Medellin, Cebu, Pearl Beach Camp offers a huge campground with a front beach view. You can also bring and cook your food without a corkage fee!
Photo from Pearl Beach Camp Official Facebook PagePhoto from Pearl Beach Camp Official Facebook PagePhoto from Pearl Beach Camp Official Facebook Page
For campers with furbabies, you don’t need to worry about bringing them with you (or not) because Pearl Beach Camp is pet-friendly too! And if you don’t want to miss the world while you’re on a break, they also have a wifi you can connect to.
Photo from Pearl Beach Camp Official Facebook PagePhoto from Pearl Beach Camp Official Facebook PagePhoto from Pearl Beach Camp Official Facebook Page
Beyond camping grounds, they also offer some accommodation places you can stay in as stated below together with their other rates.
CAMPING ONLY RATE (overnight)
Adult – P250
Kids – P100
If you plan to bring your own vehicle, Pearl Beach Camp asks for a parking fee.
Car Park – P100
Motor Park – P50
DAY USE (7 am – 6 pm)
Adult – P100
Kids – P50
COTTAGE AND RENTAL RATES
Cabana Hut: P750
Canopy Tent: P500
Tables: P100 per table
Chairs: P50 per chair
Griller: P50 per piece
ROOM RATES
Car Camping – P250 per adult, P100 per 6 to 12 years old kids (6 years old and below are free)
Family House – P8,500 per night (6 years old and below are free)
good for 10 persons
Includes air conditioning
Includes Kitchen w/ stove and refrigerator
Includes Set of utensils
Includes Private toilet & bath
RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Note: A 50% downpayment is a requirement and the remaining balance should be settled 2 days before the check-in date. Cash payments on the check-in date are not accepted.
Operating hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
Check-in time (for overnight stay): 2 PM
Check-out time (for overnight stay): 12NN (the next day)
Exact location: Lahug, Medellin, Northern Cebu; near Kawit – 3 to 3.5 hours from Cebu City
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Medellin. Tell the driver to drop you off at Quick Stop. From there, you can ride a motorcycle going to Pearl Beach Camp in Daanlungsod.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Pearl Beach Camping” in Medellin.
