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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.

The History of Valentine’s Day

Every February 14, it has become customary to celebrate the day of hearts, Valentine’s Day. But who exactly is Valentine’s? 

Photo from Vista Residences

The Legends of St. Valentine

The Catholic Church recognizes three Saints named Valentine or Valentinus. All three were martyred. Moreover, there are different versions of the legends of St. Valentine. 

Photo from www.history.com

The first legend talks about how Valentine was a Roman priest during the third century. During those times, marriage was outlawed by Emperor Claudius II because he believed single men were better at being soldiers. Valentine thought the law was absurd and continued to wed young couples. However, when he was caught, he was sentenced to death. 

The other version talks about Saint Valentine of Terni, who was also beheaded by Emperor Claudius II. 

Photo from Hotel Fonte Cesia

Another legend says that when Valentine was in prison, he wrote a letter and signed it with, “From your Valentine.”

Photo from Poetry collection

Why is it Valentine’s Day on February 14? 

Some people believe that it is the date of Valentine’s death. Quite creepy to celebrate love on the day of someone’s tragic demise. However, there are other people who think that the Christian church decided to align St. Valentine’s celebration in an attempt to “Christianize” the pagan festival called Lupercalia. 

Photo from Wikipedia

Lupercalia is a pagan festival of fertility that is dedicated to the Roman god of agriculture, Faunus. 

Guess the history of Valentine’s Day has its mysteries. But nonetheless, being able to celebrate the beauty of love is something we all should still look forward to. We all need a little love in this world because, through love, we can be better people.

Tokyo Introduces Pokémon Theme Park, ‘PokéPark KANTO’

Just in case you needed more reasons to travel to Japan, here’s exciting news for Pokémon enthusiasts!

The Pokémon Company has just unveiled their plans to give you the theme park of your dreams. ‘PokéPark KANTO’ will be brought to life within Tokyo’s Yomiuriland, giving you an immersive experience with the mesmerizing Tama Hills serving as the perfect backdrop.

The symbolic value of this choice of location for the theme park is that it traces back to the roots of the Pokémon franchise. This is an homage to the first release of the 1996 Pokémon Red and Green in the Kanto region. This truly establishes a tangible connection between fans and the origin of the franchise.

Photo from Dot Esports

With all that said, it is also worth noting that this isn’t Nintendo’s first attempt in making a Pokémon theme park. Japan initially had its own PokéPark back in 2005, while Taiwan followed suit in 2006. The latter, however, eventually closed due to lack of popularity. Nonetheless, it was mentioned how these previous ventures set a precedent in what not to do for future projects. ‘PokéPark KANTO’ remains a very promising prospect that will bring a magical experience for Pokémon fans worldwide.

Aside from that, Yomiuriland already features the Pokémon Wonder attraction, which is an outdoor adventure amusement park which invites guests to discover 50 different Pokémon characters crafted from acorns and leaves. Sitting on a 4,500 square meter forest, fans have never been in a more suitable place to “Catch ‘Em All!”

Photo from IGN

According to the Pokémon company, PokéPark KANTO is aimed towards creating a space where Pokémon fans worldwide can enjoy something they love that transcends barriers of nationality, region, and language — Pokémon is the only common ground they need in this case. This commitment is aligned with the company’s history of fostering Pokémon communities all around the world.

While no specific date has been announced for the construction of the theme park, fans can still count on the meticulous planning and execution required for projects like this despite the time it may take. Enthusiasts will, at the end of the day, be rewarded as this dream is in its works in turning into reality.

Chapter Closed: Bea Alonzo & Dominic Roque Engagement Called Off

In a joint Instagram post, Bea Alonzo & Dominic Roque finally broke their silence and confirmed the rumor of calling off their engagement and ending their 3-year relationship.

Photo from GMA Network

The joint statement disclosed that the breakup was a mutual decision.

“After much thought, consideration, and care, we have mutually decided to amicably end our engagement.”

Instagram post from @beaalonzo and @dominicroque
Instagram post from @beaalonzo and @dominicroque
Instagram post from @beaalonzo and @dominicroque

In the same post, they felt like they needed to address the issue because of false rumors and people who confirmed their breakup without their consent.

“Unfortunately, some even confirmed our break-up without our consent, and some created ridiculous stories that had no basis and were utterly false,”

It can be remembered that Boy Abunda confirmed the breakup of Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque on February 6, Tuesday,  in his “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda.”

“As we talk today, yes, hiwalay po si Dominic at tsaka si Bea,” Tito boy said.

Photo from Dailymotion

Before their breakup confirmation, rumors have been circulating about the cause of the break-up. These speculations are rooted in the reposts of Alonzo’s make-up artist, implying manipulation and emotional abuse, which included terms such as “manipulative sadboi.” This could mean that Alonzo went through manipulation and emotional distress while being in a relationship with Roque. However, this was not confirmed by Alonzo’s make-up artist or by her entire party.

Rumors of the breakup further heightened because of Roque’s cryptic posts about suffering and resilience before their official announcement, and even before Abunda’s confirmation of the break-up. The rumor was only confirmed after the ex-couple’s joint statement. 

Photo from Inquirer Entertainment

In their ending statement, the ex-couple wished that the public would give them the privacy they needed. 

“We kindly request to give us the privacy we need as we navigate our future with respect, kindness, compassion, and dignity.”

As a close—not just to their statement, but also to the rumors and their chapter together as couples, they thanked the people for their support.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in Wicked Movie Musical

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The Witches is finally back! Not to fight but to tell the backstory before Dorothy Gale arrived in the Land of Oz. 

And guess what? Superbowl Fans got to have the first look at the Wicked Trailer showing Ariana Grande in pink and Cynthia Erivo in green in one of the commercial breaks!

“Don’t be afraid,” Grande as Glinda reassured Erivo as Elphaba.

“I’m not afraid,” Erivo responded

“It’s the Wizard who should be afraid of me.”

Directed by Jon M. Chu, the Land of Oz in this musical movie is different from The Land of Oz that Dorothy Gale encountered. This is because this movie musical is based on Gregory Maguire’s novel which is where the same musical in 2003 was inspired and the original storyline of Wicked precedes Dorothy’s arrival in the magical world. Instead, Wicked tells the story behind two witches Elphaba (later known as the Wicked Witch of the West), and Galinda (later known as The Glinda the Good)

Photo from Us Weekly

The cast also includes Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar; Ethan Slater as Boq; Bowen Yang as Pfannee; and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz.

This movie’s musical version of The Wicked is separated into two wicked movies because according to Chu, it is hard to create only one film out of a musical while still sticking to its original narrativity.

“As we prepared the production over the last year, it became impossible to wrestle the story of ‘Wicked’ into a single film without doing some real damage to it,” Chu said in a post on X (previously known as Twitter) in 2022. 

“As we tried to cut songs or trim characters, those decisions began to feel like fatal compromises to the source material that has entertained us all for so many years,” he added.

Photo from @jonmchu on X

“Wicked” was not the only movie that used SuperBowl to promote a film by showing it to the massive audience provided by SuperBowl. “Deadpool 3” also promoted its trailer together with Wicked. 

The first movie will be available in theatres on Nov. 27, 2024. Meanwhile, the second movie is expected to be released on Nov. 26, 2025.

Celebrating a Milestone of Excellence at CIT University Library!

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The CIT University Learning Resource and Activity Center (LRAC) has been awarded the 2023 Outstanding Academic/Research Library Award by the Philippine Association of Academic/Research Librarians, Inc. (PAARL), standing out among six other nominees across the Philippines. This prestigious award recognizes academic or research libraries for their significant contributions to librarianship and library development within the nation. 

PAARL Trophy and Certificate

The LRAC’s recognition underlines its commitment to enhancing education through exceptional resources and services, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly focusing on quality education, sustainable economic growth, and environmental rejuvenation.

Activity Center
Elliptical Reading
Multimedia Nook

The PAARL Awards, established in 1973, annually honors libraries that substantially contribute to the academic or research community since the award’s inception in 2000. The CIT University Library, through its innovative services and commitment to academic excellence, has significantly impacted students’ educational experiences, offering access to a vast repository of knowledge and fostering a dynamic academic community. 

Activity Loft
Pitch Room
Reading Hub

With its eyes set on the future, the CIT University library continues to evolve, integrating cutting-edge technologies and resources to maintain its leadership in academic and research library services, aiming to empower students and the community towards global sustainability and citizenship. The university and its library celebrate this achievement as a milestone towards continued success, innovation, and a commitment to global sustainability goals.

LUCK IN LOVE CHECKLIST: Top 10 fun things to do this Love Month!

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Chocolates and flowers come and go, but quality time stays in the heart. 

Do something different this Valentine’s Day and hop on an adventure-filled date with your lover, friends, and family at SM Seaside City Cebu, where ten unique activities await the SM squad.

  • SM Skating Rink and Ice Bumper Cars

Who said skating dates can only be experienced in romcoms? Head to SM Seaside and skate your hearts out at the SM Skating Rink. And you know what they say: Love can be a bumpy ride, but so are bumper cars! SM Seaside offers a new activity, especially for couples— the Ice bumpers. 

Ice Bumpers: Monday to Thursday from 10AM to 9PM
  • SM Bowling

Let’s roll back to the 70s! Couples can be quite competitive, but of course, it’s all fun and games. And what better way to have a friendly competition than bowling? Knock down those pins, give your partner a high-five, and erupt in laughter. You can even make a bet: the person with the lowest score buys dinner. 

  • SM Cinema

You can never go wrong with an excellent ol’ movie date! It’s quite a staple date idea even before. Lucky for you, SM Cinema has a great lineup of movies you can watch with your significant other. Of course, popcorn, hotdogs, and drinks are also available to complete your cinema date night. Get a free upsize of popcorn and soda for every purchase of Snack Time Combo Meals 1 and 2 from February 10 to 18, 2024! 

  • Lazer Quest

Here’s another competitive game that couples and friends can play! Introducing the newest and coolest laser tag arena in Cebu— Lazer Quest! It brings such adrenaline and excitement. 

  • Virtual World

Step into the world of futuristic VR with your Valentine’s date! It is filled with games and amusement to make your date extra fun and adventure-filled.

  • Max Rider

3rd rides? Count us in! Max Rider provides interested riders with an immersive and imaginative experience. It’s like riding a rollercoaster but better and safer. Put on those 3D glasses, get ready to scream, and feel as if you are on the real ride of your life. 

  • Life four Cuts

Nowadays, it is a staple for couples to have couple photos on the back of their phones or in their wallets. Life Four Cuts offers adorable photobooth photos. You can even wear quirky accessories to add more cuteness to your photos. 

  • Dear Self

Have fun with a self-shoot experience at Dear Self Studios. Take adorable self-portraits and capture love in every frame as they introduce their enchanting Valentine’s Day-themed layouts.

  • Wildbow Archery

Cupid’s not the only one with a bow and arrow. Strike through the targets like you struck through your lover’s heart at Wildbow Archery. It is the perfect date idea for those who are sporty or if you just want something new to do on Valentine’s Day.

  • The Bear Cave

Feeling artsy with your partner? Then Bear Cave is the right place for you. The Bear Cave is your newest creative playground. Pour your feelings out as you pour different colored paint on a bear canvas. Isn’t that adorable? It’s a great date idea for couples who love art.

Additionally, The Skypark at SM Seaside has transformed into an ideal destination for couples, families, and friends to relax, showing a perfect setting for the golden hour, perfectly suited to listening to some love songs. 

Spending quality time together might be the best Valentine’s Day gift for your significant other. Bonding not only gives you time for each other, but it can strengthen your relationship. Flowers and sweets are cute, but memories are priceless.

What are you waiting for? Make loving memories at SM Seaside today until February 14!

For more details, follow SM Seaside City Cebu’s Facebook and Instagram Page.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: SM Seaside City Cebu in South Road Properties (SRP), Cebu City.

BY MYBUS: You can take a FREE MyBus ride from/to BDO Fuente Osmena from 8:20am to 10:00pm. You can also ride any MyBus from SM City Cebu, Talisay, Mandaue City, Parkmall, and any Cibus to get to and from SM Seaside City Cebu Drop-off point is at the City Wing Entrance.

BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “SM Seaside City Cebu.” Parking space is free.

TESDA Now Offers a Content Creation Course

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Are you dreaming of becoming a content creator but don’t quite know where to start? Well, here’s some good news.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority has introduced its new content creation course. The course introduces skills that are required for Filipinos to get ahead in the world of content creation. 

Photo from Palawan News

Interested students will learn about the concepts of social media content creation and follow the “latest social media trends and related facts.”

Here are other things you can learn from the course: 

  • Editing images, audio, and video. 
  • Mastering digital equipment and platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. 
Photo from Descript

According to Suharto Mangudadatu, the content creation course can help Filipinos make meaningful content. 

Photo from Manila Bulletin

“Many of our kababayans are very talented and resourceful. I am confident that if given the right skills, they will be better positioned to create content that resonate better with their audience, foster meaningful connections, and ultimately contribute significantly to society,”

Mangudadatu said.

If you wish to enroll, you can go ahead and inquire at the nearest TESDA Training Center in your area.