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Pangeas Beach Resort: A Refreshing Experience in Liloan

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What comes with keeping up with all our multitudinous roles and responsibilities is the stress. And so, rest is also necessary to keep up our heads with the things that matter most. However, choosing the most tranquil place to go to is another stressor. But I know just the perfect place for you and it’s one bus ride away from the city! 

Photo from Pangeas Beach Resort Official Facebook Page
Photo from Pangeas Beach Resort Official Facebook Page
Photo from Pangeas Beach Resort Official Facebook Page

Whether you find peace in your solitude, clear your head better with some company, or just want to have a moment with your family and friends, Pangeas Beach Resort can give that to you and more! 

Located one hour away from the city, this resort is tucked in the rich soil of Liloan and is near the shore. The resort is also adorned with lustrous greens that would make you feel like you are lullabied by Mother Earth to take a rest. If you don’t want to take a dip in the beach, the resort also has a swimming pool as an alternative option. 

Photo from Pangeas Beach Resort Official Facebook Page
Photo from Pangeas Beach Resort Official Facebook Page
Photo from Pangeas Beach Resort Official Facebook Page

To enjoy these peaceful luxuries, the resort asks for an affordable entrance fee per person!

They also have affordable cottages for family and friends! Or if you wish to make the most out of your short vacation the resort also has an overnight stay you could take advantage of for as low as  P2,500.

Below are the accommodation rates that you must take note of:

  • Cottage Rates
    • Table (4 pax) – P200 per day
    • Single Cottage (4 pax) – P250 per day
    • Cottage (8 pax) – P400 per day
    • Cottage (9-10) – P500 per day
    • Cottage (30) – P2,500 per day
  • Overnight Rates
    • Standard Room – P2,500
      • Good for 2 pax 
      • Breakfast Included 
  • Family Room – P3,000
    • Good for 3 pax 
    • Breakfast included 
  • Double Standard Room – P4,000
    • Good for 4 pax
    • Breakfast included 
  • Barkada Room – P10,000
    • Good for 12 pax 
    • Without breakfast

FEES AND OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE: 

  • Entrance Fee: P150 per adult (Access to swimming pool, beach, lounge area, shower area)
  • 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)

OTHER INFORMATION

  • Corkage Fee
    • P20 per bottle for all beverage 
    • P200, Lechon corkage
    • For extra beds (for overnight stay), P500 per head for an additional bed.
    • Grilling station: P100 per day

HOW TO GET THERE:

Exact Location: Pagutlan Suso, Tayud, Liloan, Cebu — 1-1.5 hour away from the city. 

BY BUS: Ride any 25 or 27 jeepneys going to Liloan from the SM City Cebu Terminal or you can ride a v-hire going to Liloan from the SM City Cebu Terminal. Drop off at the church in Tayud Liloan where you can find a lot of tricycles. Ask around who can drive you to Pangeas.   

BY CAR: If you’re driving your car, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Pangeas Beach Resort”. Parking space is available.

8 Billion Sales Earned by Sari-Sari Stores in 2023

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In every nook and cranny of Philippine streets, there lies at least one sari-sari store. 

According to the statistics report by the analytics startup, Packworks, there are at least 270,000 sari-sari stores nationwide. In the same report, they found that the sales earned by sari-sari stores increased by P8 billion in 2023. This is a 21.2% increase from the P6.6 billion sales in 2022.

Photo from Wikipedia

Similarly, the increase in sales is also directly proportional to the transactions of sari-sari transactions that reached 8.2 million in 2023; in 2022, the sari-sari store transactions were recorded to have climbed up to 7.2 million. 

INSTANT PRODUCTS GARNERED HIGHEST SALES 

Among all products, Packworks recorded that instant noodles, ready-to-heat products, recipe mix, and ready-to-cook goods are the products with high sales.

Photo from Inquirer Business

RURAL AREAS, HIGH SALES 

It was also reported that places in the Philippines have the highest sales, especially the suburban and large rural areas in the Luzon areas. 

The P8 Billion sales were led by Region IV-A which garnered P2.83 billion. This is followed by Region II having P1.82 billion sales. The third region with the highest sales is Region III with P1.58 billion.

Photo from One Balete

Meanwhile, Philippine urban especially the National Capital Region (NCR) came out fifth to bring the highest sales with P1 billion. Cebu comes sixth with P900 million in sales.

The regions with the lowest recorded sales are the Cordillera Administrative Region having P90 million, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with around P3 million.

NOT CAUSED BY INFLATION

Contrary to assumptions, the recorded higher sales of sari-sari stores were not caused by inflation. Packworks clarified that it is driven by trends and major occasions such as the Holy Weeks and Christmas season.

Photo from Reuters

Also, Packworks added that sari-sari stores in rural and agricultural areas often gather higher sales because the people around these areas are often dependent on widely and easily accessible sari-sari stores than grocery establishments.

Take A Trip Down the Historical Lane This 2024

POV: You are riding a Kalesa to go from one museum to another on a starry night 

That’s what Gabii sa Kabilin gives you!

Photo from Spot.ph

Contrary to popular opinion, Metropolitan Cebu is not only about the hustle and bustle, tall towers, or malls. The city is also rich in cultural heritage and history.

And guess what? Gabii sa Kabilin 2024 is about to kickstart! In a Facebook post on Valentine’s Day, February 14, they announced this year’s Gabii sa Kabilin with the theme, “Beloved Bisaya.” which will be on May 10, 2024. The theme is explained as an inspiration from the Jesuit missionary, Francisco Ignacio Alcina.

Photo from Gabii sa Kabilin Official Facebook Page

“This year’s theme “Beloved Bisaya” takes inspiration from the Jesuit missionary, Francisco Ignacio Alcina, SJ, who spent many years with the natives of the Visayas Islands, whom he would call “my beloved Bisayans” while documenting the local Bisayan culture.”

HOW GABII SA KABILIN CAME TO BE

An initiative by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) in 2007, Gabii sa Kabilin (or “a night of heritage.”) aims to preserve Cebu’s rich culture and heritage. In a Facebook post, Gabii sa Kabilin also aims to encourage the public especially the Cebuanos to visit museums.

Photo from Gabii sa Kabilin Official Facebook Page
Photo from Gabii sa Kabilin Official Facebook Page

ACTIVITIES IN GABII SA KABILIN

From 6 PM – 12 AM, guests can visit at least 20 participating museums around Cebu primarily in the metro. On top of that, participating museums from neighboring cities such as Lapu-Lapu and Talisay can also be visited. 

Photo from Gabii sa Kabilin Official Facebook Page
Photo from Gabii sa Kabilin Official Facebook Page
Photo from Gabii sa Kabilin Official Facebook Page

Each museum showcases works from historical to contemporary artists. Dance performances and cultural presentations are also presented in certain museums such as Casa Gorordo Museum which allows guests to immerse themselves in the experience of Cebu’s heritage and culture.

In the previous Gabii sa Kabilin in 2023, below are some of the participating museums and heritage.

  • Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish
  • Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
  • Basilica Minore del Santo Niño Museum
  • Cebu Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus Nazareno Heritage of Faith Museum
  • Cebu City Museum
  • Yap-San Diego Ancestral House
  • Fort San Pedro
  • Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple
  • Mandaue City Presidencia
  • Museo Parian sa Sugbo – 1730 Jesuit House
  • Museo Sugbo
  • Museo de Talisay
  • Palm Grass Cebu Heritage Hotel
  • Sr. Ma Delia Coronel Folklife Museum
  • Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum
  • University of the Philippines Cebu
  • University of San Carlos Museum
  • University of Southern Philippines Foundation Rizaliana Museum

HOW TO GET TICKETS

To participate in this year’s upcoming Gabii sa Kabilin, you need to purchase tickets. However, ticket costs and where to purchase them have not been announced yet.

But last year, regular tickets cost P300 inclusive of free shuttle service across sites and a complimentary tartanilla ride. They also offered a P200 worth-ticket exclusive of free shuttle service and tartanilla ride. Students, PWDs, and senior citizens can enjoy a P20 discount for their tickets.

To get updated on ticket selling and important announcements for Gabii sa Kabilin, you may visit and follow Gabii sa Kabilin Facebook Page.

What You Missed In Art Fair PH 2024

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Art allows us to free ourselves from the limits of reality and the world. 

Collectively, the Art Fair Philippines 2024 highlighted various art forms at The Link Carpark in Makati last February 16 to 18, 2024. 

ArtFairPH 2024 Exhibitor: Orange Project (@orangeproject_ph)
ArtFairPH/Projects 2024 | Karen H. Montinola Selection: “Ceremonials” by Gean Brix Garcia

From February 16th and 18th, the organizer and team behind Art Fair PH showcased the creative artworks from both the local and international artist scene, including the topmost Philippine galleries such as Silverlens, Altromondo, and Modeka, among others; exhibitors from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam also presented their works.

Here are some of the things you must look out for the entire duration of the art fair exhibition.

  1. Pambabae Exhibition

This special exhibit highlighted the contribution of Filipina women modernist artists. The works featured in this exhibition were from the years 1969 to 1989 and featured modernists such as Ivi Avellana Cosio, Ileana Lee, Nelfa Querubin, Evelyn Collantes, Phyllis Zaballero, and Lilian Hwang. 

Photo from @artfairph on Instagram
  1. Karen H. Montinola (KHM) Selection 10th Anniversary Show

Art Fair Philippines also featured the 10th anniversary of the Karen H. Montinola (KHM) Selection. This is a grant given by the Montinola family for emerging Filipino artists. Among all artists, the grant this year was awarded to Gean Brix Garcia.

An exhibit of other grant awardees was also highlighted as part of the celebration. Curated by Norman Crisologo, the grant awardees since 2014 Pio Abad, Mike Adrao (2015), Mac Valdezco (2016), Mark Valenzuela (2017), Alvin Zafra (2018), Liv Vinluan (2019), Carlo Villafuerte (2021), Melvin Guirhem (2022), and Faye Abantao (2023) were featured.

Photo from @artfairph on Instagram
  1. Film at the Art Fair PH 2024

Art Fair PH has more things in store because not only did they feature artworks but they also showcased films such as NO SHOWING. Curated by filmmaker Moira Lang and co-presented by Archivo Gallery and Club Kino, NO SHOWING serves as an avenue for filmmakers and film enthusiasts to share their passion for film and discuss the current filmmaking scene in the Philippines. 

Hence, It should be noted that this is NOT a film screening event because this event is a mere avenue for film conversations over any beverage preferred.

Photo from Art Fair Philippines Official Website
  1. Talks at the Art Fair PH 2024

Except for the discussion about the love for film, other talks are also highlighted in Art Fair PH from creative juices to the collaboration of the arts and science. 

Beyond showcasing Art Galleries, Film Discussions, and Talks on the matter of art, Performance Arts was also presented in the three-day art event such as ballet performances. Book signings were also experienced by the guests of the event by writers (Ran Manansala) and book illustrators (Doktor Karayom and Jose T. Gamboa).

Photo from @artfairph on Instagram
Photo from @artfairph on Instagram
Photo from @artfairph on Instagram
Photo from @artfairph on Instagram

Celebrating the various forms of art in Art Fair 2024 manifests the immense significance of all different types of art. And denies the popular concept that it can only be pinned against the wall. Art Fair PH made art as a form of experience and art is made from mundane things such as dancing or talking about one passion and finding critical means for its improvement.

Greece Is the First Orthodox Christian Country to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

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The Greek parliament has now passed a groundbreaking law, being the first orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex marriage. The landmark decision is definitely a significant victory for human rights in the country, shifting it towards a more inclusive and progressive society.

Photo from Daily Sabah

176 out of 300 lawmakers voted in favor for the legalization of same-sex marriage in the country on Thursday, following months of intense public political discourses that reflect majority of the citizens’ commitment to human rights. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis himself affirmed the outcome, labeling it as a “milestone for human rights” as Greece is dedicated to being a democratic nation that protects its stakeholders.

Same-sex couples in countries that do not recognize their marriage not only suffer from the lack of ability to get wed in and of itself, but also from the inability to legally adopt children. The legislation addresses this very issue, as same-sex couples now receive full parental recognition for their adoption. This is a huge shift from the previous legal framework that only gave this right to heterosexual couples.

Photo from Euractiv

However, surrogacy, similar to many nations in the world, still remains in question as the ethicality of it is still debatable. Prime Minister Mitsotakis mentioned how surrogacy is harmful to women as it turns them into “child-producing machines on demand.” Debates regarding the commodification of childbirth are at an all-time-high, however, the legislation still recognizes the status of an existing offspring, whether they are born or adopted via surrogacy abroad.

Photo from European Parliament – European Union

This is a huge win for the LGBTQ+ community, but considering how Greece is an orthodox country, many including the influential Greek Orthodox Church voiced out their opposition against the decision.

On the other side of the clash, X users celebrate this and are responding to homophobic sentiments, joking about how the ancient Greeks were very much gender fluid, and practiced homosexuality.

Tweet from @captainiberia on X

San Miguel Corp.-Led Consortium to Operate NAIA Rehabilitation Project

In a landscape-defining moment for the aviation sector, San Miguel Corporation wins the 15-year contract bid to manage NAIA. The responsibility was labeled as “upgrading one of the worst airports in the world.” This was announced by Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista on Friday.

Photo from PortCalls

The prestigious project was won over by the SMC SAP & Co. Consortium by offering a revenue-sharing proposal with a whopping 82.16% share extended to the government. With this, SMC is to make an upfront payment of P30 billion to the government, along with annual payments of P2 billion throughout the concession period. Other competitors were the GMR Consortium and the Manila International Airport Consortium, which were eventually bypassed by SMC’s bid.

Photo from Nikkei Asia

The efficiency of a Public-Private Partnership is definitely a note highlighted in this project. Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John Batan mentioned how the entire project development took shape in just one year, from the transaction advisory agreement with the Asian Development bank to the issuance of the notice of award.

What entails this upgrade is the reutilization of passenger terminals and vital airside facilities such as runways, airfield lighting, and aircraft parking areas. Apart from that, it also aims to enhance the overall travel experience by facilitating seamless intermodal transfers within the terminal. Improvements like increased parking availability, reliable airport facilities, and shorter wait times can be expected by passengers from this project. All of this, led by SMC, is initially to transpire on a 15-year concession period, and if necessary, will be extended by 10 years.

Photo from Hotels.com
Photo from The Star

The project has received optimism and support from government officials like Senator Grace Poe, who acknowledged the transformative potential it can bestow to NAIA. SMC-SAP & Company likewise declared its commitment, guaranteeing utmost collaboration and communication with the government and stakeholders to upraise the national airport to international standards.

Off-White™ opens door in NUSTAR Cebu City

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Cebu City, February 15th — Off-WhiteTM is happy to announce that Virgil Abloh’s legacy is celebrated yet again in the Philippines, by the launch of Off-WhiteTM Cebu in NUSTAR Resort and Casino.

Opening to the public on 18th February 2024, Off-WhiteTM Cebu will be the third branch of the beloved brand in the country following the ones in Greenbelt and Rockwell. To celebrate this, Off-WhiteTM invited several of Cebu’s stylish crowd for a night of fashion, music and great time. 

About Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh™

Established in 2013, Off-WhiteTM is defining the grey area between black and white as a color. Under the brand name, seasonal men’s and women’s clothing collections, objects, furniture, and publications are articulating a current cultural vision. Collections are embedded in a recurrent backstory, with an emphasis on creating garments that have an identity by design. With a design studio based in Milan, Italy, the label harnesses the country’s history and craftsmanship, yet offers a global perspective on design and trends. With a clear vision of splicing the reality of how clothes are worn with the artistic expression of high-fashion, creative director and designer Virgil Abloh explored concepts in the realm of youth culture in the contemporary context. 

Press Contact:

Jaja Chiongbian-Rama
Bigseed PR & Events
Mobile: 0917-623-3000
Email: [email protected]

Mike Lumen
Bigseed PR & Events
Mobile: 0917-878-5129
Email: [email protected]

Alfonsa Tent Ground: A Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Oslob

To be frugal while on a vacation means you are setting your priorities, and you can start with affordable accommodation!

Oslob is one of the renowned and most visited tourist destinations in Southern Cebu not only by Cebuano locals but also by tourists inside and outside the country. This leaves an impression that because of high demand, Oslob is an expensive place to vacation.

But with Alfonsa Tent Ground around, you don’t need to worry about thousands-worth of accommodation as you bask yourself in the warmth of the Oslob sun! 

Photo from Alfonsa TENT Ground on Facebook
Photo from Alfonsa TENT Ground on Facebook
Photo from Alfonsa TENT Ground on Facebook
Photo from Alfonsa TENT Ground on Facebook

However, it is also important to note that Alfonsa Tent Ground is a beachside setup offering a comfortable tent place. 

Not only does their location make you unwind from the busy hustle and bustle of the city, but their accommodation rates also ensure that you live your best beach life without splurging.

Photo from Alfonsa TENT Ground on Facebook
Photo from Alfonsa TENT Ground on Facebook
Photo from Alfonsa TENT Ground on Facebook
Photo from Alfonsa TENT Ground on Facebook
Photo from Alfonsa TENT Ground on Facebook

Below are the room rates you can choose from based on your budget: 

  • Kamalig – P800
    • Good for 2 pax 
    • Nipa Hut
    • Entrance fee for 2 pax included
  • Tent rental (without inclusion) – P200
    • Good for 2 pax 
    • Entrance fee not included
  • Tent rental (with inclusion) – P400
    • Good for 2 pax 
    • Inclusions are: 1 banig, 1 blanket, 1 towel, and 2 cushion pillow
    • Entrance fee not included
  • Own Tent pitching – P100
    • Entrance fee not included 
  • Bamboo table – P200
    • Entrance fee not included
  • New Nipa House – P3,000
    • Good for 6 pax
    • Entrance fee included 

For those who want to book accommodation, Alfonsa Tent Ground requires advance booking which will be confirmed upon full payment. Once paid, upon cancellation, payment is non-refundable. 

FEES AND OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE: 

  • Entrance Fee:  P30 (6 AM – 6 PM) and P60.00 (6PM-12NN)
  • Operating hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

OTHER INFORMATION

  • Corkage Fee: None
  • Contact Numbers: 0917 877 0769
  • Email Address: None
  • Facebook Page: Alfonsa Tent Ground

HOW TO GET THERE:

Exact Location: Natalio Bacalso Ave., Luka, Oslob, Cebu

BY BUS: Go to Cebu City South Bus Terminal and ride on a bus bound for Oslob. Tell the driver to drop you off at Luka Coffee Oslob. From there Alfonsa Tent Ground is only a minute’s walk. To make sure you may also ask the locales

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to Luka Coffee Oslob which is beside Alfonsa Tent Ground.

The Famous Tanghulu Finally In Town!

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If you want to immerse in Chinese delicacies—especially Northern China’s famous tanghulu, you don’t need to fly to China because the ever-TikTok famous candy is finally in the Queen City of the South! 

Photo from Rove.me

For as low as P100, you can finally taste one of China’s best, the tanghulu, thanks to “Strawberry Station Cebu.”

Photo from Strawberry Station – Cebu Official Facebook Page
Photo from Strawberry Station – Cebu Official Facebook Page
Photo from Strawberry Station – Cebu Official Facebook Page

But if you’re not just curious about what Tanghulus taste like, and are also a normal strawberry foodie, “Strawberry Station Cebu” still got you covered! 

Photo from Strawberry Station – Cebu Official Facebook Page
Photo from Strawberry Station – Cebu Official Facebook Page
Photo from Strawberry Station – Cebu Official Facebook Page

Below are their food options and their corresponding prices:

  • Pure strawberry juice – P25
  • Strawberry Tanghulu – P100 
  • Strawberry cup w/ chocolate dip – P100 
  • Strawberry dried fruit – P180
  • Strawberry jam (8oz) – P150
  • Strawberry jam – P230
  • Strawberry pack with chocolate dip – P270

RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE 

  • Entrance Fee: None
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 PM to 12:00 MN

OTHER INFORMATION: 

HOW TO GET THERE

Exact Location: Chibogan sa Kamagayan, Colon Night Market, Cebu City, Philippines

BY COMMUTE: From Colon, you can ride any jeepney you can ride any jeepney that passes through Junquera St. such as:

  • 12G – Labangon to SM 
  • 10H – Bulacao to SM

And then, you can ask the driver to drop you off at the “V-Hire Southbound Terminal” that is beside the “Chibogan sa Kamagayan.”

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “V-Hire Southbound Terminal” which is beside the “Chibogan sa Kamagayan.”

Between Spirituality and Conservation: Monkeys in Divine Mercy Construction

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The ongoing construction of the Divine Mercy Mountain for Prayer and Healing in Barangay Sirao, Cebu City lit reactions from the online community when CDN Digital posted pictures of monkeys wandering near the site. How do we balance spirituality, development, and environmental conservation?

Photo courtesy of Jun Alcover

Cebu City Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr. discovered the project on February 10, and learned that the construction is owned by Elena Juntilla, ongoing for nearly three years. Alcover comments that the religious site will become a new tourist spot, hence, benefiting locals like habal-habal drivers. Elena labels the project as “her gift to the community”.

Photo courtesy of Jun Alcover

Aside from the online community, Father Loreto Jaque also contrasts this enthusiasm. “Until when will we realize that spirituality is not just about constantly building statues where we kneel or recite the rosary, but rather, it should also be about caring for and appreciating the environment of non-human beings, like these monkeys,” he says on a Facebook post. The ongoing construction threatens the monkeys’ natural habitat, and since pictures started to resurface online, many raised questions regarding the ethical implications of putting religious structures before environmental conservation, including Father Jaque himself.

Photo courtesy of Jun Alcover
Photo courtesy of Jun Alcover

Social media users are giving their two cents on the topic, saying that we already have enough and maybe too many tourist attractions in our area, much more religious structures. Some are saying that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) should look into this project and intervene.

As a response, Councilor Alcover acknowledges the disadvantages of the project, but goes on to say that the intention was never to harm the environment or displace the monkeys. He assures everyone that there is a caretaker in the construction that feeds the monkeys.

However, what happens to them after the construction is over? How will the monkeys be protected, and what measures will be taken to still care for them when the site is swarmed by tourists? The sustainability of what Councilor Alcover responded remains in question, and many continue to raise the importance of respecting and preserving the local ecosystem.