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.
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 PagePhoto from Pangeas Beach Resort Official Facebook PagePhoto 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 PagePhoto from Pangeas Beach Resort Official Facebook PagePhoto 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.
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.
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.
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 PagePhoto 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 PagePhoto from Gabii sa Kabilin Official Facebook PagePhoto 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.
