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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.

Ayala Allocates ₱13 Billion for Renovation – Including Ayala Center Cebu

As someone who either wasn’t born yet or still didn’t have consciousness when Ayala had that pond layout instead of The Terraces, I haven’t witnessed it transform into something I am now familiar with today. Now, Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is set to embark on a redevelopment, allocating ₱13 billion for four of its shopping districts:  Glorietta and Greenbelt in Makati, TriNoma in Quezon City, and Ayala Center Cebu. The project starts this year and is envisioned to span over two years.

Glorietta
Greenbelt
Trinoma

ALI’s Senior Vice President, Mariana Zobel de Ayala, emphasizes the needs and preferences of their customer base. This redevelopment aims to bring something new, addressing their target market’s evolving expectations. Their focus now is to improve facades, navigation, and strategize better to engage with customers. 

Similar to how the pond layout turned into what we know today as The Terraces, this renovation is to refresh the look and feel of the malls mentioned. ALI wants to utilize outdoor spaces to make it more accommodating by reconsidering shading and access points in order to create a seamless integration between the malls’ indoor and outdoor spaces.

With this, ALI guarantees customers that the renovation does not mean a halt in the malls’ operation. The development will happen in segments to make sure that the malls are still accessible.

We are still yet to see the tangible result of ALI’s endeavors, and what technological advancements they are to integrate to our overall experience. As Cebuanos, this is something to look forward to in the next two years for a mall that’s so intricately woven within our lives, with so many of our memories tied to it. With this project, Ayala sets new benchmarks for retail experiences, grounding itself as one of the pioneers in their industry.

Paharuhay Campsite: An Affordable Getaway in the North

We all deserve a break from our hectic lives and most especially from our fast-paced surroundings. 

Photo from Paharuhay Campsite Official Facebook Page
Photo from Paharuhay Campsite Official Facebook Page

But who said breaks also need to break pockets? 

You don’t need to worry because the North offers breaks but pocket-friendly rates! With just as low as P200, you can already enjoy a day of peace here at Paharuhay Campsite! 

Photo from Paharuhay Campsite Official Facebook Page
Photo from Paharuhay Campsite Official Facebook Page

Paharuhay Campsite offers you the best place to escape the chaos and enjoy the serenity of nature. 

Below are their rates and their inclusions: 

  • Matahom shared campground – P200/pax
    • Including Free breakfast
    • located at the upper part of the campsite
    • Must bring your tents 
Photo from Paharuhay Campsite Official Website
  • Mahogany Grove shared campground – P200/pax
    • Including Free breakfast
    • located at the lower part of the campsite
    • Must bring your tents 
Photo from Paharuhay Campsite Official Website
  • Tiny Cabin – P1,200 (3 pax)
    • Including free breakfast
    • Queen-sized full bedding set with pillow and blankets included 
    • Mosquito Net also included 
Photo from Paharuhay Campsite Official Website
  • Malinawon Teepee – ₱2,300 (2 pax)
    • Can also accommodate up to 4 pax maximum for P2,700 
    • Sleeping mat provided for 2 more extra persons (add-on charges for pillow and blanket) 
    • Toilet and shower rooms are provided per teepee. 
    • Shared kitchen for cooking. 
    • Food can be pre-ordered for hustle-free dining
Photo from Paharuhay Campsite Official Website
  • Paharuhay Peak Exclusive Camp – ₱3,000 (10 pax)
    • Free breakfast
    • 360 degrees view of mountains and sea; perfect view for sunrise and sunset
    • Fully Equipped kitchen free of butane stove, rice cooker, refrigerator, pots and pans, plates and bowls, utensils, glasses, water dispenser, and 1 gallon of water.
    • Free use of freshwater pool and treehouse
    • Campers bring their tent
Photo from Paharuhay Campsite Official Website
  • Lulinghayaw Glamping Cabin (NEW) – ₱6,000
    • Including free breakfast for 8 pax
    • An overlooking balcony set-up for a unique chilling experience facing the mountains
    • Dedicated toilet/shower room
    • Full access to a shared kitchen with cookware, utensils, and ref
    • With bonfire place
    • Access to mini-pool
    • Nice view spots within the campsite (native swing, view deck, and giant hammock)
    • Hiking trail (downhill bike trail is also available)
Photo from Paharuhay Campsite Official Website

To confirm the booking of your desired room and camp package, they require a 50% down payment. 

Want to know more information about Paharuhay Campsite?

MORE INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE 

EXACT LOCATION: Paharuhay Campsite, Central Nautical Hwy, Caduawan, Tabogon, Cebu, Philippines 6009

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, ride a bus going to Tabogon. You can tell the driver to drop you off at the Paharuhay Campsite iCentre along Central Nautical Hwy. From there, you can ride a motorcycle inside the Paharuhay Campsite.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze and set your destination to Paharuhay Campsite, Central Nautical Hwy, Cebu City. 

Mandaue Offers Election Registration to Non-Mandaue Individuals

To vote is not only a right that Filipino citizens enjoy, it is also a responsibility. However, there are those people who wish to vote but cannot because they are not able to register.

Photo from The Guardian Nigeria

As a solution, the Commission on Elections Mandaue implemented the “Register Anywhere Program (RAP).”

This program allows non-Mandaue individuals to register in Mandaue for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, especially for those individuals whose provinces necessitate a boat or plane as a mode of transportation.

Anna Fleur Gujilde, the Election Officer of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Mandaue said on Monday, February 12, 2024, that the Comelec plans to launch a pilot registration for the Register Anywhere Program (Rap) on February 27 at the University of San Carlos Talamban Campus and February 28 at Cebu Doctor’s University. 

Photo from Omar Sharif Dilangalen Mamalinta on Facebook
Photo from Omar Sharif Dilangalen Mamalinta on Facebook

However, the only individuals allowed to participate in the RAP Pilot Testing are the students and school personnel in the said universities. However, Guijede said that the program might be launched in their office for the public.

The pilot testing is said to be attended by officials from COMELEC offices in other provinces such as Cebu and Lapu-Lapu. Guijada also said that there might also be other RAP locations announced for the program.

Get Free Use of Motorcycle at Fred’s Place in Santa Fe, Bantayan

As Fred’s Place describes itself, it is where every moment feels like home, yet better. A lot of people’s idea of spending their time when there’s a long weekend is going to the beach. Where better to go than Bantayan?

Photo from Fred’s Place – Santa Fe Official Facebook Page

Of course, when planning a trip, expenses are always the most important. Lucky for you, Fred’s Place offers very affordable prices with tons of inclusions.

Accommodations

Fred’s Place offers a comfortable place to stay for you to rest and stop by from time to time as you explore what Bantayan boasts. With simple beds, clean sheets, and an airconditioned room, you’re guaranteed to have a homely stay that’s not too hard on the pockets.

Photo from Fred’s Place – Santa Fe Official Facebook Page

The rooms available are spacious and clean, with amenities that will leave you little to no space for worry.

The inclusions are the following:

  • Fully Air-conditioned rooms
  • With bathroom & toilet
  • Beach Access
  • Free Parking
  • Free Wi-fi access

Advantage in Proximity

Aside from their comfortable and affordable accommodations, Fred’s Place is also one of the best places to stay in when you’re in Bantayan. The beach is only 10 meters away from the hostel, so you don’t really have to travel that far to have a swim if you’re out of things to do for your itinerary. Furthermore, it is close to establishments nearby.

Photo from Fred’s Place – Santa Fe Official Facebook Page
Photo from Fred’s Place – Santa Fe Official Facebook Page

Right beside it is also a restaurant known for their pizza. If you’re not feeling like taking another trip after a long day, a short walk can already give you a full stomach!

Free Motorcycle Use

When you’re touring or having a vacation somewhere you don’t call home, the most convenient thing to do to save money is to rent a motorcycle. Taking a tricycle would be too pricey due to the amount of trips you’ll have to take to transfer from one place to another.

With that being said, you’d still have to search for establishments renting motorcycles, and bargaining with them for a considerable price. All of that would be non-existent at Fred’s Place.

With a booking for 2 nights and 3 days, you get free use of their motorcycle, alleviating you of the time, energy, and money to be spent if you had to rent. It really can’t be better than this!

Photo from Fred’s Place – Santa Fe Official Facebook Page

For your trip to Bantayan, make sure to check out Fred’s Place!

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

ROOM RATES: (or COTTAGE FEES)

  • For 2 nights and 3 days: ₱2,828 per head
  • For 1 night: ₱1,100 (price may vary depending on where you book as service fees may be charged in addition)

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Villaceran St, Santa Fe, Cebu, Philippines, Bantayan, Philippines

BY BUS: N/A

BY CAR: N/A

Nikko Remigio: The Filipino Sensation in the Kansas City Chiefs

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The Kansas City Chiefs have always been under the spotlight with their performance in the NFL. However, it is undeniable that their presence and impact reached a separate demographic, and to say the least, an even wider audience since Taylor Swift’s romance with the Chiefs’ tight end, Travis Kelce. As girlies and boys who are here for #TheCulture, another subject brought to attention is a member of the Chiefs who is of Filipino heritage, Nikko Remigio.

Photo from The Topeka Capital-Journal
Photo from CBS Sports

Nikko Remigio proudly carries his Filipino heritage. As he said, “I love being Filipino: The family dynamic, the music, the dancing and the get-togethers—where you know there’s going to be like a thousand trays of lumpia and massive pots of rice to go with pounds of meat and fried fish—and the next morning you know we’re going to heat those leftovers up, fry an egg and make that a Filipino breakfast.”

Photo from Kollective Hustle

The 24-year-old wide receiver’s father is a second-generation Filipino immigrant whose roots trace back to Iloilo and Muntinlupa. His mother, on the other hand, is a half-black and half-white woman from Southern California. With his mixed heritage, he talked about the struggles he faced in predominantly white settings, especially in the teams he has played for in the news engine of the University of California, Berkeley where he played college football.

In the same article, Remigio expresses his love and acknowledgement for his Filipino heritage, reflecting on a trip to the Philippines with his family as he shared his experience in connecting with his heritage and finally getting to see this side of his cultural ancestry which is a lot different than the environment he had grown used to in America.

Photo from AtoZ Sports

Remigio moved to Fresno State University as a graduate transfer in 2022 after being in Berkeley. During his campaign, he remained undrafted. But soon after, his performance caught the attention of the Kansas City Chiefs, who were the reigning Super Bowl champions at the time. This led to him earning a spot in the team’s training camp. Remigio debuted in a match against the New Orleans Saints, in which he was able to show his prowess. 

Photo from Kansas City Star

In August 2023, Remigio’s run hit a roadblock when he dislocated his shoulder, placing him on injured reserve. However, he remains optimistic about eventually returning to the field. Both Chiefs fans and Filipino supporters eagerly await to see Nikko Remigio in his element, returning to the field, his natural habitat.

The Sugboanon: A Love That Forever Lives, Embodied by Flowers That Never Die

Polarizing answers are often encountered when people are asked about receiving flowers. For others, to be given flowers makes them feel loved. Meanwhile, on the practical side of the spectrum is the amount of money that needs to be spent for it despite its ephemerality. 

But when it comes to flower ephemerality, there have been types of flowers that do not wilt. These kinds of flowers have been around the internet, especially since Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.

MADE FROM SWEAT AND CALLOUSES

In the hustle and bustle, sweat, and vendors calling for your name to buy, there lies a section you’d mistake for a flower garden. But unlike flower gardens basked in the warmth of the sun or showered with love by the rain, the ones found in the Carbon Market are picked and chosen by calloused hands—proof of hard work, from the vendors with love to buyers who love. 

EXTRAORDINARY FLOWERS

Stumbling upon stall after stall of flowers in the middle of the Carbon Market is the sole flower vendor who sells eternal flowers—the kind of flowers that never die like how love never does. Bouquets in rainbow, minimalist, monochrome, and maximalist styles for as low as P150 filled Jenny Bonghanoy’s stall inside Carbon Market in Cebu City. 

What makes her stall stand out among others is the flower display, which is made of soap, satin, recycled leaves, cotton, and paper. The materials her flowers are made of make them bloom forever.

In a personal interview with Sugbo.ph, Bonghanoy answered that despite the flowers being artificial, there are still people who buy, and some even repurchase.

“Nang-order man sila karon nga year. maka-ingon sila nga, “ay wa jud siya nadaot. nakita ra gyud namo. Nadecorate pa gyud namo. nareuse pa gyud namo. Mao na”  mao nay nakanindot sa ani,” Bonhanoy reminisced her favorite memory selling artificial flowers. 

ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS ARE MERE FAKE FLOWERS

Artificial flowers are often perceived as fake or, worse, ingenuine. However, for flower sellers like Bonghanoy, artificial flowers mean long-lasting, which is one reason she has pursued selling artificial flowers since she started selling them on Valentine’s Day last year.

“Naa man guy uban nga “Ay, kani artificial” dili ni siya artificial. Pariha aning soap, soap rose, pero’g imo siyang i-kuan, molong last man gud siya. Naa man guy uban nga pang lifetime gali siya nga kuan, magamit pud nimo siya.”

Before selling these kinds of flowers, Bonghanoy has been selling fresh flowers. And even up to now, she’s still selling fresh flowers together with the artificial flowers. 

As she prioritizes artificial flowers, she is also preparing her stocks in preparation for the influx of demand for this fast–approaching Valentine’s based on the positive turnout last Valentine’s.

“Satisfaction sa customer. nga masatisfy sila either kani lang, ingon lang atong mga buwak, mga dried lang dili jud siya fresh ba. Ang mindset tao ba, “Ay, artificial” so naay uban nga masatisfy ra jud sila magbalik-balik,”

Bonghanoy answered when asked about her favorite thing as a florist.

This just shows that love is not only glimpsed between lovers; it is also innate in mundane activities and interactions between normal people- between the florist and her customers, between co-vendors, and between florists and their crafts.

Although flower preference is each to his own, receiving flower bouquets formed of artificial flowers is heartwarming knowing it is made by people like Bonghanoy who gave every ounce of energy and every drop of sweat to embody love in a bouquet. 

With Valentine’s Day nearly approaching, artificial flowers are one of the best ways of declaring your lifetime love to your other half because it does not die. For more information about Jenny Bonghanoy’s Bouquets, you may visit her stall in Carbon Market or contact her on her Facebook page, Sky Blooms Creations.