It takes a village to welcome home or send off a Filipino traveler and authorities at the Mactan Cebu International Airport want to create the space and ambience for that…
Listen to spellbinding songs by local storytellers over coffee and delicious cakes on March 16 at 4 pm in The Good Farm Café in Mandaue City (check location). In honor…
World-class masterpiece M. Butterfly will be staged in SM Seaside Centerstage from March 14-17. The theater event of the year is presented by Tony and Grammy award winning producer Jhett…
PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has been cited by the Cebu City local government as an “outstanding institution” for providing free Smart WiFi services at the Cebu City…
Filipinos have some of the best experiences of work-life balance in Southeast Asia, according to a new study by recruitment portal Monster.com. Nearly two thirds (65%) of working professionals in…
Digital is no longer a differentiator for enterprises but “the price of admission to do business,” a top official of a global technology company said in a briefing on Tuesday….
Each day at school, Sibugay Integrated School Grade 6 student Riza Mae Ardiente spends P2 of her P20 allowance to buy water from a decrepit dispenser near the faculty office….
Thinking of your 2019 travel goals? Shop ahead as Marco Polo Plaza Cebu joins Cebu Travel Catalogue International 2019 at the Ayala Center Cebu from today until Sunday, February 17….
What lovelier way to spend Valentine’s Day than celebrating it at Cebu City’s finest – Marco Polo Plaza Cebu. This Valentine season, Marco Polo Plaza is bringing back classic Valentine…
The Abaca Group of great food comes up with an appealing offer for diners: a promo card for every order at any of its dining establishments. Get a card for…
The Abaca Group of great food comes up with an appealing offer for diners: a promo card for every order at any of its dining establishments.
Get a card for a Jake’s chicken sandwich or luncheonette burger for an order of P1,000 or more at Red Lizard, a free corn chien fried rice or phat cooler when you spend P1,000 or more at Phat Pho, and either a free pasta pomodoro or hand tossed pizza with orders of P750 or more.
I particularly love the freebies offered by the Abaca Baking Company: getting your second frozen or hot coffee drink for only P50 or free and a complimentary boxed retail with your first two orders.
PROMO CARDS. The Abaca Group promo cards with appealing offers to diners.
Signature treats
Nina Olalo, Events and Marketing Coordinator, said they wanted to reward diners with signature treats in The Abaca Group’s restaurants through a series of cool and distinct cards.
The promo cards come with fun scripts like “Have a brew-tiful day” and “I like you a latte” for the ABC coffee treats or “This is nacho ordinary snacks” for the mini nacho freebie at Red Lizard. There’s even “You & me pho’ever” for a free large pho with orders of P750 or more at Phat Pho.
The launching of the promo cards was held in Red Lizard.
Promo cards
Receive one of these 21 unique promo cards when you dine in at any of The Abaca Group restaurants, including Maya, Abaca Baking Company, Phat Pho, and Tavolata.
Other sumptuous treats offered for free or at a huge discount with #TheAbacaGroupPromoCards — chicken taquitos, mini nacjos, tacos, burritos, and queso dips at Red Lizard; corn chien fried rice, phat cooler, banh mi sandwich, egg rolls and phos at Phat Pho, and margarita at Maya.
The Abaca Group made the announcement during a gathering of media and bloggers at Red Lizard last Friday, January 25, 2019.
From being able to quickly call for emergency vehicles to bring patients to bigger hospitals to being able to receive orders for flowers, residents of Barangay Guba and Bonbon in…
From being able to quickly call for emergency vehicles to bring patients to bigger hospitals to being able to receive orders for flowers, residents of Barangay Guba and Bonbon in Cebu City say their lives have improved with the stronger cellphone signal in their area.
The two mountain barangays that are an hour’s drive from the central Cebu City business district now have better connectivity after Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) turned on 2 4G LTE cell sites in the area.
With the improved signal coverage, residents can now tap mobile services to improve their lives and boost their livelihood and businesses. Vital facilities like schools and hospitals also benefitted from the improved connection.
IMPROVED SPEEDS. The connectivity in Barangay Bonbon, a mountain barangay in Cebu City.
Emergency communications
Fr. Peter Necesario, parish priest of St. Niño Parish in Guba, said that with stronger signal, they no longer feel isolated, especially during emergencies.
“In times of emergencies such as storms, it is easier for us to communicate and be updated about the weather through the internet,” Fr. Necesario said.
He added that Guba is a strategically located barangay with a community hospital and church, so communications is very important.
Resident Gemma Sandigan, 40, said that the better mobile phone service helps them address the needs of the community, especially on health care. Her father was the former head of Guba Community Hospital. Since the community hospital is small, it can’t cater to complex medical procedures and has to refer patients to bigger hospitals. However, there are times when no vehicles are available to transport the patients.
LTE CONNECTION. The improved connectivity allows residents of Barangays Guba and Bonbon to tap online services like live streaming of community events.
Contact family members
“With better signal, we can call for vehicles and ask for help in transferring patients to bigger hospitals faster,” Gemma said.
The activation of 2 new cell sites is part of a larger rollout plan covering several more mountain barangays of Cebu City at the request of Mayor Tomas Osmeña. The city government plans to deploy new services for these communities that require improved mobile phone coverage and data services.
For Gemma’s mother, 62-year-old Emerlisa Veloso, the benefits are personal. She is thankful for the stronger signal because she can now contact her children who work away from home.
“Before, we really have to get out of the house just to get signal. Now, we can just stay indoors to contact my children. This is a huge help,” Veloso said.
In terms of education, better signal also means improved learning.
Research, school work
For 14-year-old Grade 8 student Faith Mae P. Tabal, communication with teachers and classmates for school-related activities has become easier, now that she can use LTE for research and other school work.
In Barangay Bonbon, meanwhile, farmers are reaping the benefits of good signal and data connection.
Flower farmer Donyo Tapia, 71, said that the better Smart signal has helped him a lot with his flower deliveries.
“Stronger signal is a huge help. They (customers) can just call us when they order flowers. Even if we don’t have the flowers, we can still look for them,” he said.
Tapia also said they have the phone numbers to the local market and the customers can now call them for orders anytime and anywhere.
STRONGER CONNECTION. The new LTE connectivity allows students in Barangays Guba and Bonbon to use the internet to research and to link up with family, friends, and classmates.
Strong signal anywhere
“We can make sure to deliver flowers immediately, especially rush orders, now that the signal is stronger. Unlike before when we still have to go to higher places just to look for signal. It was hard. Now the signal is very strong anywhere,” he added.
Another thankful resident of Barangay Bonbon is 50-year-old micro-entrepreneur Marites Cabos. Upon experiencing stronger signal for calls and LTE for mobile data, she now sells Smart SIM cards in her store.
“Before we didn’t have network signal from Smart, now we finally have it. We are very thankful because this is a huge help for us here in Bonbon, especially because our children live far away. Now I am also a retailer here because the signal is faster. The LTE data (signal) is now very fast here in Bonbon,” she said.
Over 80% of cell sites across Cebu now have LTE.
This continuous expansion of LTE services across Cebu is part of efforts to provide the best mobile data experience across the country.
LTE is the best technology to help bring fast, affordable and reliable mobile internet services to as many customers as possible. It is also quickly upgradable to LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), which can provide even greater capacity and speeds to users with capable smartphones.
In Cebu, major cities like Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Mandaue City already have LTE-A sites.
IMPROVED LIVES. The stronger Smart signal in Barangays Guba and Bonbon have improved the lives of people in the community.
Award-winning network
Smart has also already fulfilled its commitment to the National Telecommunications Commission to cover at least 90 percent of cities and municipalities to address the growing demand for broadband infrastructure and internet access within three years from the grant of the use of frequencies by the NTC in 2016.
Smart has increased its total LTE base station count across the country by 65% in the first three quarters of 2018. PLDT’s fiber optic transmission and distribution network, the country’s most extensive fiber network at 221,000 kilometers, meanwhile, provides high-capacity fiber connections for these LTE base stations.
For these continuous network upgrade efforts, both PLDT and Smart have been cited by third party firms for being the country’s fastest networks. Earlier this year, PLDT and Smart were cited for being the country’s fastest fixed and mobile networks for Q1-Q2 2018, respectively, by Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis. Mobile analytics firm OpenSignal has also consistently cited Smart for having the country’s fastest LTE network for its past four study rounds.
Parent company PLDT has committed historic levels of resources for network transformation. For 2018, PLDT capex was expected to reach P58 billion.
China Southern Airlines opened a direct route between Guangzhou and Cebu believing it was time for greater people, business, and cultural exchanges between the two places. “Cebu’s strategic location, cultural…
China Southern Airlines opened a direct route between Guangzhou and Cebu believing it was time for greater people, business, and cultural exchanges between the two places.
“Cebu’s strategic location, cultural heritage, and beautiful beaches make it an attractive destination that serves to complement Guangzhou’s cosmopolitan character,” said Mr. Pan Feng, the general manager of China Southern Airlines Manila.
Feng welcomed the inaugural flight of China Southern from Guangzhou when it arrived at Terminal 2 of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport on Jan. 22, 2019. The plane from Guangzhou arrived way ahead of schedule at a quarter past 3 p.m.
NEW CEBU-GUANGZHOU CONNECTION. Launching the China Southern Airlines flight connecting Cebu and Guangzhou are (from left) Department of Tourism Central Visayas Director Shalimar Tamano, China Southern Airlines Manila General Manager Pan Feng, Consul General Jia Li of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu, Janette Cordero of the Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions, Inc., and GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. Chief Commercial Adviser Ravishankar Saravu.
Cebu-Guangzhou route
China Southern Airlines will serve the Cebu-Guangzhou route with thrice weekly flights scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
It will depart Cebu at 17:15 and arrive in Guangzhou at 20:25. The Guangzhou-Cebu flight is from 12:25 to 16:05. To mark the opening of the new route, China Southern offers Cebu-Guangzhou return tickets starting from USD49.
Guangzhou, China’s third biggest city after Beijing and Shanghai, combines colonial-era and avant-garde architecture. The numerous traditional dim-sum eateries that can be found throughout the city have contributed to its reputation as one of China’s tastiest cities.
CELEBRATING NEW CONNECTION. Officials led by Consul General Jia Li of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu and key leaders of the Cebu business community and tourism sector make a toast to celebrate the launch of the China Southern Airlines Cebu-Guangzhou route.
Strategic development
Consul General Jia Li of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu described the Guangzhou-Cebu direct flights as comprehensive, strategic, and a welcome development. Consul Li attended the short ceremony at the airport and the dinner event in Radisson Blu to celebrate the launch of the new flights.
Improved relations between the Philippines and China have resulted in the steady growth of Chinese tourists in Cebu and this will increase even more with China Southern’s new route, Consul Li cited.
He added that other than contributing to Cebu’s economic development, this will also pave the way for a better understanding of one another’s culture. Consul Li said he looks forward to the opening of direct flights to more cities in China from Cebu.
CEREMONIAL CAKE. DOT 7 Director Shalimar Tamano, China Southern Airlines Manila General Manager Pan Feng, Consul General Jia Li of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu, and GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. Chief Commercial Adviser Ravishankar Saravu slice the traditional ceremonial cake to mark a new route.
Business opportunities
Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Antonio Chu in his message talked about the wealth of opportunities in Cebu in such key sectors of tourism, business process outsourcing, transport and logistics, manufacturing, and retail.
He added that the presence of more international airlines like China Southern goes a long way towards beefing up investor confidence.
This newest route will serve to bring in Chinese tourists from one of China’s biggest metropolis and cater as well to the growing number of Filipinos who are flying to various destinations in China. Foreign and domestic guests visiting Cebu to swim with the whale sharks can now put Guangzhou as part of their travel itineraries.
IN CEBU. The China Southern Airlines plane that flew from Guangzhou. The airline will serve the Cebu-Guangzhou route with thrice weekly flights scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
About China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines Co., Ltd. is a direct affiliate of China Southern Air Holding Company Ltd., which specializes in air transportation services.
It has built an extensive network that covers all of China, radiating throughout Asia and linking Europe, America, Oceania, and Africa. It operates more than 3,000 daily flights to 224 destinations in 40 countries and regions across the world.
The airline is committed to building up the Canton Route, making Guangzhou as an international air hub.
SINULOG. Sandiego dancers perform a Sinulog number during the celebration after the inaugural flight.
SKYTRAX four-star rating
On June 15, 2018, China Southern Airlines was honored with the 2-Star Flight Safety Diamond Award by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), becoming the leading Chinese carrier to maintain the highest safety records in China.
In 2011, China Southern Airlines earned its four-star status from SKYTRAX, the world’s most prestigious airline performance evaluation organization.
China Southern was also recognized as the Top 50 Most Admired Chinese Company by “FORTUNE China Magazine” in 2012 and 2013.
LECHON CEREMONY. Consul General Jia Li of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu and retired Ambassador Frank Benedicto, who was once assigned to China, cut the lechon to mark the start of evening celebrations for the new route.
Darren Espanto, Jona, and Lani Misalucha are 3 of the country’s top Original Pinoy Music (OPM) singers. The three are scheduled to hold a concert in Cebu and Davao aptly…
Darren Espanto, Jona, and Lani Misalucha are 3 of the country’s top Original Pinoy Music (OPM) singers. The three are scheduled to hold a concert in Cebu and Davao aptly headlined “The Aces.”
On February 2, they are set to perform at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City. On March 2, they will take center stage at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.
He may be the youngest but 17-year-old Darren is more than capable of holding his own in the company of veteran singers like the other Aces. Darren started singing at 2 and rose to fame in the Philippines after placing second in season one of The Voice Kids in 2014.
His first album, Darren, debuted at No. 1 and has since been certified Double Platinum; his second album Be With Me also went to No. 1 and is now certified Platinum. Darren’s current single “Poison” is currently climbing the charts, and his third studio album will be released soon.
Shortly after winning season one of GMA-7’s Pinoy Pop Superstar, Jona—who at the time was still going by her real name Jonalyn Viray—became an in-demand performer and recording artist. Jona’s first studio album On My Own turned Gold, and her self-titled second album yielded a hit single in “Help Me Get Over.” It went on to win Song of the Year at the 2014 PMPC Star Awards for Music.
A year later, she made headlines when she transferred to the Kapamilya network and changed her stage name. She has released an album under ABS-CBN’s in-house record label Star Music, which was eventually certified Platinum. She has also filled concert venues here and abroad, both as a solo performer and as part of a group.
The diva known as Asia’s Nightingale hardly needs an introduction. Lani’s career spans decades and includes an impressive stint performing in Las Vegas, where she became known as the Siren of the Strip. During her time there, Lani performed with the Society of Seven at Bally’s and the Flamingo, making her the first Asian to headline a main showroom on the Las Vegas Strip. All of Lani’s albums have been certified Gold or Platinum.
Individually, Darren, Jona and Lani are phenomenal. Put them together in one show and what do you get? A concert that will highlight the very best of OPM, featuring four of its most excellent singers—the Aces.
The Aces is directed by Marvin Caldito. Tickets are priced at Php3,710 for Platinum, Php3,180 for VIP, Php2,120 for Gold and Php850 for Silver tickets. Tickets are available in all SM Tickets outlets. (Press Release)
GMR-MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC), the private company managing the terminal operations and other related areas of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), welcomes China Southern Airlines and Juneyao Airlines with…
GMR-MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC), the private company managing the terminal operations and other related areas of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), welcomes China Southern Airlines and Juneyao Airlines with the launch of its direct flights to Guangzhou and Shanghai, respectively.
“As the largest airline in China and a SkyTeam Alliance member, China Southern Airlines will open up more connections for Cebu to Europe and North America via Guangzhou,” said Aines Librodo, GMCAC Head of Airline Marketing and Tourism Development.
China Southern Airlines operates two hubs in Guangzhou and Beijing and is a member of SkyTeam alliance since 2007.
CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES crew together with DOT 7 Director Shalimar Tamano, China Southern Airlines General Manager for Philippines Pan Feng, Chinese Consul General Jia Li and GMCAC Chief Commercial Advisor Ravishankar Saravu.
Meanwhile, Juneyao Airlines will launch its Cebu-Shanghai Pudong flight on Thursday, January 24, with thrice weekly flights every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. It will utilize an Airbus A320 with a capacity of 158 passengers, with business and economy accommodations.
It is a privately-owned airline and operates two hubs at Shanghai Pudong and Shanghai Hongqiao airports. It is also the launch carrier of the Star Alliance Connecting Partner.
Mainland China destinations
Juneyao Airlines previously operated charter flights in the same route but only for a few weeks in November 2017.
“We are delighted to welcome back Juneyao Airlines to MCIA. With its strong domestic connection, Juneyao Airlines will offer more opportunities for Cebu into the vast Chinese market, specially that it is headquartered in Shanghai,” Librodo said.
WATER CANNON salute ceremony for Juneyao Airlines inaugural flight Cebu-Shanghai in November 2017. (File Photo)
Currently, scheduled flights connect MCIA to seven destinations in mainland China namely, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Kunming and Shenzhen. Charter flights are also available during the peak season.
In total, MCIA is connected to 32 domestic destinations and 20 international destinations, with 8 Philippine-based airline partners and 18 foreign airline partners. (Press Release)
The Toyota Vios is the best-selling subcompact sedan in the Philippines. With the recent introduction of the Vios XE, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) further strengthens the line’s hold on the…
The Toyota Vios is the best-selling subcompact sedan in the Philippines. With the recent introduction of the Vios XE, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) further strengthens the line’s hold on the market.
Created to provide customers with an entry-level but top-quality sedan with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that is easy to own at 735,000 SRP, the Vios XE is aptly named for being Xtra Economical, Xtra Efficient, and Xtra Easy to Drive.
“Now more than ever, Filipino drivers will get to experience the comfort of automatic transmission while enjoying all the hallmark features of the Toyota brand,” said TMP First Vice President Cristina Arevalo.
Under the Vios XE’s hood is the tried-and-tested 1.3L Dual VVT-i engine, which has proven itself to be a preferred powertrain for fuel efficiency. The XE also shares the same safety features present across all Vios variants: a 5-star ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) rating, 7 SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, and Anti-Lock Brake System.
With the Vios XE, drivers can relax on the road with their carefully curated playlist as the newly introduced variant comes equipped with a touch screen 7” Display Audio with CD/MP3, weblink for both iOS/Android, as well as Bluetooth, USB, and AUX connectivity. In addition to its continuously variable transmission, the Vios XE makes the daily city drive easier with power steering, front and rear power windows, and power door locks.
“As a testament to the quality, durability, and reliability of its entire model lineup, Toyota brings together a new variant that combines the signature elements of an enduring automotive icon,” Arevalo added. “And because it’s a Vios, customers can still expect to get the most out of their investment with the high resale value and reasonable maintenance cost that the model has been known for.”
The SRP for the current Vios lineup including the XE variant is as follows.
Vios Variant
SRP
1.5 G Prime A/T
1,095,000
1.5 G A/T
1,040,000
1.5 G M/T
981,000
1.3 E Prime A/T
933,000
1.3 E A/T
878,000
1.3 E M/T
828,000
1.3 XE
735,000
1.3 J M/T
685,000
1.3 Base
659,000
The new Toyota Vios XE comes in 4 colors: Thermalyte, Red Mica Metallic, Freedom White, and Alumina Jade Metallic—now available in all Toyota dealerships nationwide.
Cebu Pacific, the largest carrier in the Philippines, is all set for one of the country’s grandest festivals —Sinulog. The Sinulog is held in honor of the Santo Niño de…
Cebu Pacific, the largest carrier in the Philippines, is all set for one of the country’s grandest festivals —Sinulog.
The Sinulog is held in honor of the Santo Niño de Cebu. While the annual Sinulog in the Queen City of the South features colorful street dancing, its essence is all about prayer, thanksgiving and celebration of Roman Catholicism and the Christian faith of Filipinos.
Cebu Pacific kicked-off Sinulog 2019 with colorful décor at its check-in counters at the Mactan Cebu International Airport—its largest hub in VisMin. A collaboration with social and cultural enterprise Alternative Nest and Trading/Training Hub for Ingenious/Indigenous Little Livelihood Seekers (ANTHILL), the Sinulog décor features colorful tribal masks and ‘Pit Senyor’ signages made from scrap materials such as discarded fabric and manufacturing waste. Life-size statues of Sto Nino made of recycled materials are prominently displayed at the airport’s check-in hall to give travelers a feel of the festival.
Cebu Pacific also joined forces with travel platform Klook to host Cebu’s biggest music beach festival yet—The 2019 Sinulog Beach Festival at The Happy Beach, home to the happiest floating playground in Asia. The festival promises heaps of fun and exciting carnival games and activities. The fanfare will also feature Cebuano talents Sepia Times, Mandaue Nights, & 22 Tango’s Vincent Eco and Lourdes Maglinte for the event’s sunset sessions. Acclaimed Manila DJs are also joining the party. Can’t-miss Performances by Deuce, Nix Damn P!, John Bosque, Victor Jao, & Renzo Seninig will make for a hyped-up night.
Tickets to the 2019 Sinulog Beach Festival are available through the Klook app. For as low as P500, get a Sinulog Beach Festival Barkada Bundle, which includes complimentary shuttle services between Cebu Mandaue, and Mactan Island.
Cebu Pacific will also be participating in the much-anticipated Sinulog Grand Parade on January 20. With the theme ‘Best of Cebu’, the CEB float will highlight famous landmarks and produce that are reminiscent of the Cebuano identity.
Tracing its roots in Cebu, Cebu Pacific has grown to become the largest carrier in the Philippines, flying to 36 domestic and 26 international destinations. Cebu is its second-largest hub in the Philippines, with direct connections to 26 domestic and international destinations.
The beat is getting louder and louder for the grandest festival in the Philippines, Sinulog. A business hotel strategically located right on the pulse of Cebu City, Quest Hotel &…
The beat is getting louder and louder for the grandest festival in the Philippines, Sinulog. A business hotel strategically located right on the pulse of Cebu City, Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu takes part in the merriment with a series of activities throughout the week.
Starting January 16, guests may visit a replica of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño at the lobby, featuring a collection of images of the Señor Santo Niño. It will also house a mini kiosk offering Sinulog memorabilia and souvenirs.
BUFFET. The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant Pusô Bistro & Bar offers Cebuano classics including the famous lechon, humba, fresh kilawin, and more at the Sinulog Lunch Buffet on Sunday, January 20.
As the weekend approaches, guests will witness a show of color and talent. The hotel’s very own Tribu Quest Dancers together with a Sinulog Queen will grace the lobby and present a Sinulog dance at 10 am and 2:30 pm on January 19 and 20. To perk up the beat on Sinulog Day, January 20, drum beaters Infinity Tribe will have an electrifying performance at 4:30 pm.
A fiesta is not complete without a spread of time-honored homegrown recipes. The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant Pusô Bistro & Bar offers Cebuano classics including the famous lechon, humba, fresh kilawin, and more at the Sinulog Lunch Buffet on Sunday, January 20.
SINULOG QUEEN. The hotel’s very own Tribu Quest Dancers together with a Sinulog Queen will grace the lobby and present a Sinulog dance at 10 am and 2:30 pm on January 19 and 20.
Guests dining in groups of 8 or more enjoy a celebratory 15% discount on the regular buffet rate. Regular rates are P700 net for lunch and P850 for dinner. To mark the wonderful occasion, a free Sinulog photo booth will be stationed at the lobby from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm also on Sunday.
Carry on with the festivities at Marco Polo Plaza as it celebrates Cebu’s grandest festival, Sinulog, with the hotel’s most iconic Culinary Journey – Sugbusog. Café Marco kicks off this…
Carry on with the festivities at Marco Polo Plaza as it celebrates Cebu’s grandest festival, Sinulog, with the hotel’s most iconic Culinary Journey – Sugbusog.
Café Marco kicks off this year with its first Culinary Journey, Sugubusog Gihapon, keeping the tradition on featuring a feast of classic Cebuano favorites such as lechon, humba, barbecue, puso and more! Keep the tradition and celebrate this vibrant festival with us! Discover more of Cebu through a gastronomic adventure starting at Cebu’s best premium buffet restaurant, Café Marco, from January 15 to 21.
CEBU LECHON. Culinary favorites like lechon, humba, puso, and many more are on the menu during the Sugubusog Gihapon from January 15 to 21 at Café Marco in Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.
Celebrate the city-wide fiesta with your family and friends at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu with this exciting Culinary Journey at Cafe. Eat, Pray and Pit Señor!
Fast growing travel platform Klook will hold its very first Cebu event, the Sinulog Beach Festival, at Happy Beach in Lapu-Lapu City in time for the island’s grandest festival Partygoers…
Fast growing travel platform Klook will hold its very first Cebu event, the Sinulog Beach Festival, at Happy Beach in Lapu-Lapu City in time for the island’s grandest festival
Partygoers can expect a lot of fun under the sun with on-ground carnival games, water activities, and live music performances by Cebu’s homegrown musicians and Manila’s top DJs at the Klook Sinulog Beach Festival from 2 p.m. onwards this January 18, 2019.
The music personalities and groups performing at the festival will include Mandaue Nights, Sepia Times, Lourdes Maglinte, and Eco plus Manila DJs Deuce and Nix Damn P! along with John Bosque, Renzo Senining, and Victor Jao.
The event is part of Klook’s mission to help build local tourism and promote local destinations, said Klook Philippines Market Lead Michelle Cruz.
“A lot of our efforts in the past year have been focused on attracting different key destinations in the Philippines,” she added, citing that Klook has entered into exclusive partnerships with Ocean Park, Enchanted Kingdom, Aqua Planet in Clark, and Happy Beach in Cebu. The company already has over 70 partners in the Philippines, 10 of which are in Cebu.
Happy Beach
Klook targets to gather around 5,000 guests to its Sinulog Beach Festival in Happy Beach.
Carnival games, face painting, henna tattoo and such water activities as kayaking, parasailing, waterboarding as well as sidewinder, jetski, and banana boat rides are just some of the fun activities they can expect during the event.
PROMOTE LOCAL. The event is part of Klook’s mission to help build local tourism and promote local destinations, said Klook Philippines Market Lead Michelle Cruz.
Klook’s festival partners include Cebu Pacific, Havaianas, and Happy Beach.
Cruz said they’re working with other merchants to provide festival guests with a wide selection of food and drinks.
She added that Klook has a lot of plans for Cebu, beginning with its very first activity Sinulog Beach Festival. They also hope to bring a mobile-led experiential travel festival that Klook first introduced in Manila last September 2018.
The inflatable island.
Festival tickets
Early bird admission ticket is priced at P795, but only P500 each for groups of four under the Barkada Bundle offer. This already includes an admission ticket to the Sinulog Beach Festival, one drink, and point-to-point transportation to and from Happy Beach. Pick-up points start at 11 a.m. from SM City Cebu and Parkmall in Mandaue City.
The Sinulog Beach Festival will run from 2:00-10:00 p.m.
Founded in 2014, Klook provides travellers a seamless way to discover and book attractions, tours, local transportation, best food tours and must-eats, and other unique experiences around the world. Download the Klook App and enjoy P200 off on your first booking when you use promo code <KLOOKIT200>.
Contempo Property Holdings Inc and Bamboo Bay Community gathered 24 Cebuano artists to mount an art exhibit called “Halad Kaniño” at the condo development on Hernan Cortez St., Mandaue City. The…
Contempo Property Holdings Inc and Bamboo Bay Community gathered 24 Cebuano artists to mount an art exhibit called “Halad Kaniño” at the condo development on Hernan Cortez St., Mandaue City.
The exhibit centers on the Santo Niño and is timed with the celebration of the Sinulog festival, which honors the Holy Child. The exhibit opened yesterday and will run until February 12.
EXHIBIT OPENING. Contempo founder and CEO Beverly Dayanan (2nd from left) and exhibit organizer and painter Celso Pepito (4th from left) lead the ribbon cutting to mark the opening of the Halad Kaniño art exhibit at the Bamboo Bay Community in Mandaue City.
Contempo Property Holdings Inc. founder and CEO Beverly Dayanan and painter Celso Pepito, who organized the show, led the ribbon cutting to mark the opening of the exhibit yesterday.
The art show is a tribute exhibition of paintings, sculptures, and drawings of the Santo Niño.
It features the works of renowned artists Jonathan Abellana, Lida Aguilar, Ryan Roy Barral, Arnel Belda, Irvin Benlot, Cesar Castillo, Methuzael Carredo, Mary Evangeline Caya, Rhodesa Cruzet, Jess Dinglasa, John Dinglasa, Reynan Dingal, Ramo de Dios, Efren Enolva, Eunice Florendo, Jet Florendo, Jun Impas, Ann Lubanga, Guido Lubanga, Clint Normandia, Joseph Ong, Celso Pepito, Fe Pepito, Jose Mari Picornell, Garry Watin, Antonio Vidal, Marlone Ylanan, and Sonia Yrastorza.
A painting by Jun Impas.
Bamboo Bay is the flagship project of Contempo. It is a 1-hectare Asia contemporary development located on Hernan Cortez St., Mandaue City.
The company said in a statement that it is committed to support Cebuano artists by holding exhibitions to showcase their works. In April 2018, the condo development had a successful run of its Flower Power Art Exhibit, a collection of art pieces that captured the blooms and colors of summer. It was also held at Bamboo Bay.
Sturdy desks, comfy seats, high-speed fiber internet, soft music, warm lights, abundance of power outlets, plus good food and coffee, the WorkPlace Cafe in Banawa, Cebu City is designed as…
Sturdy desks, comfy seats, high-speed fiber internet, soft music, warm lights, abundance of power outlets, plus good food and coffee, the WorkPlace Cafe in Banawa, Cebu City is designed as a place where one can be most productive.
Couple Aden and Gretchen Sigue were looking to start another line of business and came upon the Workplace Cafe in Ramos St., Cebu City.
Mr. Sigue said they reached out to the Workplace Cafe owners and suggested a franchise agreement.
WorkPlace Cafe is designed as a place where one can be most productive.
Co-working cafe
Kristoff Villanueva, CEO of the company that owns the brand, said the facility is intended as a co-working cafe for students, creative sector, and freelance community.
“The Workplace Cafe is meant as a space for study and work within a coffee shop experience,” he said during the grand opening of the Workplace Cafe in Banawa yesterday, July 8, 2019.
Since the best ideas always come about when one is well rested, the facility provides a power nap station that allows customers to relax or doze off on comfy bean bag seats.
The newest cafe is only its second branch, added Villanueva, chief executive officer of Rise and Grind Equity Ventures, Inc. They plan to open a third Workplace Cafe, company-owned this time, in Mandaue City by next month.
The Workplace Cafe is meant as a space for study and work within a coffee shop experience.
Workplace Cafe Banawa
Workplace Cafe Banawa, located at Unit 2, Autogas Station, R. Duterte St., is open from 10 a.m. to 6 a.m. the following day. It offers three options for customers: hourly, daily, and monthly.
The hourly rate is only P50 and it comes with complimentary beverage of either iced tea or brewed coffee. Additional hour costs P35. A customer who orders a handcrafted beverage automatically gets a free stay of one hour.
If you choose to stay for the day, you pay only P280. This also comes with one complimentary drink. Mr. Sigue said customers who opt for the daily rate need only to add P70 to have access to unlimited coffee.
Customers may also avail of the monthly rate of P4,000, which is inclusive of locker use.
WorkPlace Cafe opens its 2nd branch in Banawa, Cebu City.
Cafe menu, amenities
The Workplace Cafe in Banawa all-day breakfast sets, several kinds of pasta, and short orders that range from green salads, fries and chicken wings, to pastries.
It can accommodate 120 customers and has two function rooms for those who wish to hold meetings and sessions. One function room can seat up to 10 people while the other can host up to 16. Rates start at P550 for the first hour and P450 for succeeding hours and come with one-time credits of P200 consumable on food and drinks.
Since it first opened along F. Ramos St. last November 2016, the Workplace Cafe has adopted a Plant and Grow program. For every bag of Bukidnon-sourced Hineleban coffee beans consumed, a tree is planted in return.
The power nap station.
FRANCHISE. Couple Gretchen and Aden Sigue (center) and CEO Kristoff Villanueva along with other business partners during the launch of WorkPlace Cafe in Banawa, a franchised branch.
For the 9th year, SM Cebu City will be holding the much-awaited SM2SM Run on February 17. With over P600,000 in cash prizes and premium items like phones and TV…
For the 9th year, SM Cebu City will be holding the much-awaited SM2SM Run on February 17.
With over P600,000 in cash prizes and premium items like phones and TV sets to be raffled off, the SM2SM Run is the biggest running event in southern Philippines and one of the top events in the country.
“We just want people to have fun,” said Marissa Fernan, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Vice President. She said the run offers Cebuanos an avenue for a healthy activity that will also take them around Cebu City.
FUN RUN. SM Prime Holdings Inc. Vice President Marissa Fernan talks about the SM2SM Run during a press conference. With her is Race Director Joel Baring.
SM City Cebu, said Fernan, is the only mall in the country that has consistently hosted a high quality running event like the SM2SM Run.
Race Director Joel Baring said they are hoping to sign up 6,000 to 7,000 runners this year. Last year’s edition had 5,000 runners.
Since registration was opened on December 15, 1,000 have already signed up, organisers said.
Registration fees for the run are P950 for the 21K, P750 for the 12K, P650 for the 8K, and P550 for the 4K. Students and persons with disabilities can get P100 discount in all categories by presenting their school IDs or PWD IDs. A group of 10 registrants can get 1 free slot. Registration is ongoing at the booth on the 2nd level of SM City Cebu Northwing, near Metro Dental and Flawless.
FINISHERS’ MEDALS. Those who finish 21K and 12K will get these medals.
Those who sign up for Age Categories will need to submit a photocopy of a government ID.
Gun starts for the respective distances are 4 am for 21K, 4:30 am for 12K, 5 am for 8K, and 5:30 am for 4K. The route will cover Mabolo, Banilad, University of San Carlos Talamban, Lahug, University of the Philippines, Capitol, Fuente Osmeña, Plaza Independencia, and Sergio Osmeña Boulevard.
All 21K and 12K runners will have timing chips and will receive finishers’ medals if they complete their event.
SM2SM offers the most lucrative prizes among events in the country. The Male and Female 1st placers of the 21K Open Category will each receive P50,000. The 2nd placers will get P30,000 each while the 3rd placers will receive P20,000. Those who finish from 4th to 10th will each get P3,000.
WIDELY-ANTICIPATED. The SM2SM Run is the biggest in this part of the country. Present during today’s press conference are SM City Cebu Marketing Officer Donna Lobingco, Race Director Joel Baring, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Vice President Marissa Fernan, and Marketing Manager Annalee Flores.
Top male and female finishers of the 12K Open Category will each get P20,000. The 2nd placers will each receive P10,000 and the 3rd placers P8,000.
Apart from these prizes for top runners, SM2SM Run will be raffling off 9 Samsung Galaxy 9, 9 LED TV sets, and 9 trip packages outside the country. Fernan said they are still talking to a potential partner for 9 roundtrip tickets abroad.
Relive the music of the 90s and listen to such Pinoy icons as Jett Pangan of The Dawn, Paco Arespacochagga of The Introvoys, Glenn Jacinto of The Teeth, Meds Marfil…
Relive the music of the 90s and listen to such Pinoy icons as Jett Pangan of The Dawn, Paco Arespacochagga of The Introvoys, Glenn Jacinto of The Teeth, Meds Marfil of True Faith, Wency Cornejo of After Image, and Cooky Chua of Color It Red during the Sinulog weekend.
The OPM rock icons will be holding a concert on January 19 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
The concert is dubbed “90s Storm in Cebu.” It will take Cebuanos back to the decade that brought such hits as “Line to Heaven,” “Na Naman,” “Di Na Ako Aasa Pa,” “Next In Line,” among many others.
Ticket prices are SVIP: P3,000; VIP: P2,500; Gold: P2,000; Silver: P1,500; and Balcony: P800.
Tickets are available at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel Lobby and SM Customer Service. For ticket inquiries, call +63915 535 3873 or +6332 232 6888.
Communication services, technological innovations and partnerships with various organizations—these factors have helped communities all over the Philippines bolster disaster preparedness and response efforts. As the Philippines faced typhoons, volcanic eruptions…
Communication services, technological innovations and partnerships with various organizations—these factors have helped communities all over the Philippines bolster disaster preparedness and response efforts.
As the Philippines faced typhoons, volcanic eruptions and other hazards in 2018, several communities weathered the storm with the help of solutions initiated by PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications.
As part of its #SafePH advocacy, Smart ensured the availability and quick restoration of its services in areas hit by calamities. These areas include Albay, which was affected by the eruption of the Mayon Volcano; Benguet and other provinces in the Northern Luzon, which bore the brunt of Typhoon “Ompong” (Mangkhut) and “Rosita” (Yutu); and other areas all over the country that experienced heavy rains, strong winds and floods.
A resident from Benguet (left) uses the free charging station put up by Smart and Vodafone Foundation at the Typhoon Ompong command center in Itogon.
Free calls, charging, Wi-Fi
In areas where communication services were limited because of damage to infrastructure and power lines, Smart offered libreng tawag (free calls), charging and Wi-Fi services to both affected residents and responders.
Smart also forged cooperation with international organizations to further enhance its emergency communications services and enable these solutions to serve more communities.
When Ompong hit Northern Luzon and triggered a deadly landslide in Benguet, Vodafone Foundation teamed up with Smart to provide emergency solutions for those affected by the typhoon. Smart and Vodafone set up free charging and Wi-Fi stations at the command center and the retrieval site in Itogon for the use of both responders, evacuees and family members of landslide victims and others in need of assistance.
Representatives of Smart, Nokia and PRC during the drone and network solutions presentation. They are (from left) Thomas Eder (Nokia), Leonardo Ebajo (PRC), Ramon Isberto (Smart), Nicolas Bouverot (Nokia), Christina Cabrera (Nokia), Elizabeth Zavalla (PRC), Colin Von Hardenberg (Nokia), Ana Mariquina (PRC), Dullip Tillekeratne (GSMA) and Alvin Ilano (Smart).
Nokia drones
Nokia also tapped Smart to be its connectivity partner for a program that employs drones and network solutions for disaster response. The Nokia Saving Lives program seeks to provide communications technology and technical assistance to emergency response teams. In the Philippines, Smart will provide high-speed connectivity to the drone system to help boost the disaster response efforts of the Philippine Red Cross.
For its pioneering and collaborative system, the Nokia Saving Lives project received funding from GSMA, the organization representing mobile operators globally. Early this year, GSMA selected Nokia Saving Lives as a recipient of its Humanitarian Innovation Grant.
On the local front, Smart joined forces with the academe and local government units to help bring disaster preparedness closer to the youth. Through its TNT brand, Smart brought its Tropang Ready disaster preparedness caravans to more state colleges and universities all over the country. TNT Tropang Ready aims to train the youth and their friends (tropa) on disaster preparedness. With their agility and technological know-how, the youth are best suited to mobilize their communities in times of calamities.
The Tropang Ready program recently won in the Community Engagement category at the prestigious Golden World Awards, which recognizes public relations practices that meet international standards of excellence.
Vodafone volunteers (in red) get help from Itogon residents as they set up the free charging and Wi-Fi stations for responders and affected residents near the area hit by landslide in Barangay Ucab.
TNT Tropang Ready
Since 2016, the TNT Tropang Ready program has covered more than 10,000 students and school personnel in more than 10 state colleges and universities nationwide. Joining the roster of Tropang Ready schools this year are the following universities: Holy Name University in Tagbilaran, Bohol; University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City; Mariano Marcos State University in Ilocos Norte, and Mindanao State University in Marawi City. The students were trained to cascade their learnings to their extension communities, bringing the lessons to more residents and amplifying its benefits.
A resident of Naga, Cebu, uses Smart’s free calls service to contact a relative following the landslide that hit their community.
Smart also extended support during nationwide earthquake drills by providing various emergency communications facilities, allowing residents and responders to experience first-hand the solutions that are available to them as the need arises. The drills were held in San Mateo, Rizal; Davao City; and in various locations all over Metro Manila.
As Filipinos gear up for 2019, Smart also recognizes the importance of being prepared for the year ahead. Smart continues to ensure the reliability of its services and, in times of distress, offer communications as relief, as part of its commitment to a #SafePH. (Press Release)
DiaGold, synonymous with elegant and timeless jewelry, marks a decade of brilliance. Through the years, the premier jewelry brand for engagement and wedding rings, and exquisite pieces made of diamonds…
DiaGold, synonymous with elegant and timeless jewelry, marks a decade of brilliance. Through the years, the premier jewelry brand for engagement and wedding rings, and exquisite pieces made of diamonds and different gemstones such as rubies, emeralds and sapphires after gemstones, has been celebrating different women of strength, power and integrity. Their newest ambassadress, Charo Santos-Concio exemplifies these values.
In Cebu last month to commemorate their 10th anniversary, she shared her love for jewelry and trust in the brand which led to their partnership.
“When I was a young girl, I grew up with a mom who had an admiration for the finer things, who loves good pieces of jewelry. I had that influence from my mother. So, when they asked me if I could be the endorser for DiaGold, I said yes right away. They showed me the pieces and they were beautiful. I was amazed by the collection,” she said.
Charo Santos-Concio
DiaGold was established in January 2008. It has eight stores nationwide with branches in Cebu, Manila, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Bacolod and Davao and is soon to open in Metro Manila in 2019.
Rey Valera, Nonoy Zuñiga, and Marco Sison are not your ordinary senior citizens. These three hitmakers—all of whom entered the music scene in 1970s—look like they haven’t aged a day…
Rey Valera, Nonoy Zuñiga, and Marco Sison are not your ordinary senior citizens. These three hitmakers—all of whom entered the music scene in 1970s—look like they haven’t aged a day and show no signs of slowing down.
In fact, their upcoming concert at the Waterfront Grand Ballroom on January 18, is aptly titled #Tanders, a term which they plan to redefine.
“It’s not something we hide, because even if we don’t say our age, people know that we have been performing since 1970s,” said Zuñiga.
Rey, 64, threw in, “Ang importante diyan, e, tanggap mo. Hindi yung nag papanggap na parang feeling bata pa, di ba.”
“Pero walang naming dapat ikahiya sa pagiging 60-plus na edad. Ibig sabihin kasi nun, marami kanang pinagdaanan, malayo na ang narrating mo, kumbaga, bihasa kana sa buhay.”
The youngest of the three OPM icons, Marco, pointed out that his age, 61, has never posed any restriction to him as a performer.
“Ngayon, when we say senior citizen, yung pumapasok sa isip mo ay hindi na yung parang uugod-ugod or matanda na.
“Like me, as a singer, I don’t say, ‘Hindi ko na kayang kumanta sa stage, I’m 60 na.’ Walang ganun. Hindi ko nga naiisip minsan.
“I guess it’s a good thing that music chooses no age.”
Rey Valera, Nonoy Zuñiga, and Marco Sison.
ALMOST TANDER LEVEL. Meanwhile, Giselle Sanchez will be the rose among the thorns, and, “the only Cebuana in the cast.”
The seasoned comedienne and performer is not a senior citizen yet (she’s just 43!), but she does not shun something that is inevitable.
Giselle said, “Anyone who is born before 1989 is already considered a tander. Sorry but let’s face the truth, after the millennial, the next level is the tander level.
“Why do I love them because I am one of them. It takes one to know one!”
JAM WITH #TANDERS. It’s guaranteed that the show will be more than just a walk down the memory lane.
Surely, Nonoy will include some of his timeless tunes such as “Never Ever Say Goodbye,” “Kumusta Ka,” “Doon Lang,” “Love Without Time,” to name a few.
Rey will most likely sing his greatest hits “Pangako Sa ‘Yo,” “Maging Sino Ka Man,” “Kung Kailangan Mo Ako,” “Naaalala Ka,” “Sorry Na, Puwede Ba,” and many others.
And the crowd can sing along with Marco as he belts out his classic pieces “My Love Will See You Through,” “Si Aida, Si Lorna, O Si Fe,” “Always,” and “Make Believe.”
The 3 OPM icons with Giselle Sanchez.
Nonoy remarked, “Isa siyang parang jamming session, kasi yung mga fans namin, for sure, alam ang mga kanta namin.”
Rey added, “Medyo maiiba nang konti. Base sana rinig ko, ha. Pero okay pa rin.”
Marco preempted, “Basta, makikiuso tayo. Yung mga kantang sikat ngayon, meron din.”
The comic relief will be provided by Giselle.
“Expect new jokes and new songs apart from my usual repartee because this is a concept show…I’m actually very excited.
“I just get challenged when I sing a duet with them because these are timeless hitmakers.
“It’s really an honor to be working with them.”
Tickets are sold via Ticketworld, Platinumlist, SM Customer Service and Waterfront Cebu City Hotel Lobby for the following prices: P3,000 (SVIP), P2,500 (VIP), P1,500 (Gold), P1,000 (Silver) and P600 (Balcony).
The show is presented by Echo Jam Entertainment Production, in cooperation with Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. (Press Release)
Fitbit, the leading global wearables brand, announced advancements to the on-device Fitbit user experience for its popular smartwatches: Fitbit OS 3.0 for Fitbit Ionic, Fitbit Ionic: adidas edition and Fitbit…
Fitbit, the leading global wearables brand, announced advancements to the on-device Fitbit user experience for its popular smartwatches:
Fitbit OS 3.0 for Fitbit Ionic, Fitbit Ionic: adidas edition and Fitbit Versa smartwatches lets you see even more personal data at-a-glance, including sleep and expanded exercise view. It also adds quick logging for weight and water intake. With these, it’s easier than ever to take action based on data right from your wrist.
10 new popular brand apps across health, fitness, smart home and lifestyle brands were announced, including achu health, Couch to 5K, Genius Wrist and MySwimPro. Others like FitBark, MINDBODY and TRX are coming soon to the Fitbit App Gallery, offering more tools to help maximize your health and simplify your life.
New Fitbit Exercise API and open-source developer tools provide Fitbit’s global developer community with faster, more efficient ways to build complex and innovative health and fitness apps and clock faces for Fitbit smartwatches; new developer apps Alpine Snow and Skateboard launch starting today.
Female Health Tracking trends will arrive in the Fitbit app in early 2019, offering a comprehensive view of menstrual cycle data including symptom trends, over time.
“We are excited to announce these software and app updates as they provide Fitbit smartwatch users with more ways to take action based on their personal data to achieve their health and fitness goals,” said Jon Oakes, Senior Vice President of Product at Fitbit.
QUICK LOGGING. With quick-logging on-device, keeping track of your weight and water intake is now easier than ever.
Take action right from your wrist with more health data and quick logging
The Fitbit OS 3.0 update delivers an expanded on-device dashboard to easily view additional and expanded stats and data, including sleep, log water intake and weight, with expanded exercise stats, heart rate and hourly activity, allowing you more ways to take control of and manage your important personal health data right from your wrist. Goal-based exercise modes have been added to Ionic, Ionic: adidas edition and Versa, so you can set a goal for calories burned, distance or time for 15+ exercises, including running, biking, swimming and more, and see real-time stats, progress and celebrations when goals are reached.
New health, fitness apps.
New health and fitness apps from popular brands
Fitbit is expanding its Fitbit App Gallery with 10 new popular brand apps to deliver enhanced health and fitness experiences and provide you with more unique ways to simplify your every day. These apps integrate with Fitbit data to offer guidance and insights to help track your progress and motivate you along your health and fitness journey.
Available in the Fitbit Featured App Gallery are four new popular brand apps and clock faces:
achu health: This clock face transfers your Fitbit data to achu’s illness prediction technology to help you evaluate potential illness, providing alerts when your body show signs of sickness before it happens.
Couch to 5K: Pulls your Fitbit data including distance and calories burned to provide you with insights and training programs for races ranging from 5K to a marathon.
Genius Wrist: Features four apps (Gym Genius, Gym Time Pro, Workout Builder and Workout Genius) which provide structured on-device workouts, productivity and visualization tools, offering different ways for you to view your Fitbit data and workout anywhere, anytime.
MySwimPro: Offers custom guided swim workouts, training plans and video coaching for all levels, using real-time heart rate from your Fitbit device to help you improve your swim performance. Post-workout analytics pull personal workout data to track progress and measure improvement.
“We are partnering with some of the most popular health and fitness brands to develop apps that leverage Fitbit data to offer unique experiences and deliver more valuable and personal insights to help our users to live healthier lifestyles,” said Tim Rosa, Chief Marketing Officer at Fitbit. “For example, apps like achu health pairs your Fitbit data with illness prediction technology to help you manage signs of sickness, and MySwimPro helps you improve swimming performance with personalized coaching plans based on your heart rate data during swimming workouts.”
GOALS. You can now set goals and get real-time stats during your workout for 15+ exercises including running, biking, yoga and swimming.
Additional third-party apps coming in early 2019 include:
Charity Miles: Syncs with your Fitbit activity data to raise money for 40 of the world’s top charities for every mile logged.
FitBark: Helps you and your dog get healthy together by showing your daily Fitbit stats such as activity, distance and calories burned alongside those of your canine companion.
MINDBODY: Keep your fitness and wellness top of mind with the ability to check the schedule at your favorite studios and view your upcoming MINDBODY classes from your wrist.
TRX: Guided workouts coach you through quick and effective TRX Suspension Training workouts that track biometrics using your Fitbit data, helping you get stronger and reach your fitness goals.
Advanced developer capabilities and innovative new apps
Since Fitbit launched its App Gallery in late 2017, its growing global community of more than 44,000
developers will now have access to more advanced capabilities, including a new Exercise API that makes it faster and easier to create, build and innovate more complex, high-quality apps for Fitbit smartwatch users. A new Scientific API helps developers and researchers perform advanced data processing through a more efficient collection of math, statistical and digital signal processing functions.
Fitbit Versa
Developers can now use their own algorithms when building health and fitness apps, in order to create more intricate apps in less time, and can easily record custom exercise sessions on the Fitbit platform. This allows developers to design Fitbit smartwatch apps for more complex activities like snowboarding, skiing and skateboarding, so you can keep track of more specific activities that aren’t necessarily step-based.
For example, starting today are two innovative developer-created apps leveraging the latest APIs that will appear in the Fitbit Featured App Gallery:
Alpine Snow: Take your Fitbit device on the slopes with the ability to track distance travelled, number of runs, speed, altitude, weather conditions, calories burned and heart rate in real-time, with the session available to view in the Fitbit App along with your GPS route.
Skateboard: Track your speed, heart rate, calories burned, and distance traveled while you skateboard, based on your Fitbit data.
All new popular brand and developer apps will be available in addition to the existing suite of 15+ Exercise Modes and more than 1,200 apps and clock faces currently accessible to Fitbit smartwatch users.
Period trends coming to Female Health Tracking
Last, Female Health Tracking, a highly engaged feature by women in the Fitbit app , will introduce menstrual cycle trends in the Fitbit app, allowing you to see your menstrual cycle data, logged symptoms and trends all in one place no matter what Fitbit device you use.
Turkey, ham, and other Christmas dishes are available along with the international buffet spread at Uma Restaurant in Maayo Hotel. From December 20 to 30, guests can partake of a…
Turkey, ham, and other Christmas dishes are available along with the international buffet spread at Uma Restaurant in Maayo Hotel.
From December 20 to 30, guests can partake of a Christmas Feast lunch and dinner buffet at Uma for P699++ per person. Lunch is available from 12 pm to 2:30 pm and dinner from 6 pm to 10 pm.
What better way to celebrate the season than to have #MAAYOngPasko with your family and friends?
On Christmas Eve, enjoy an exquisite set menu with your loved ones at Ani Restaurant. Indulge in a five-course menu complete with wine pairing for only P2,500 per person. The Christmas Set Menu is available this December 24 and starts at 6 pm.
Celebrate the night before Christmas by savoring an international buffet spread featuring all-time Noche Buena favorites. Feel the Christmas Spirit with a meaningful serenade by a Christmas Choir.
Maayo Hotel’s Christmas Eve Dinner is priced at P1,450 nett per person and is available at Uma Restaurant from 6 pm to 10 pm.
Spend Christmas Day with your family and indulge in a decadent buffet spread featuring Christmas favorites. The Lunch and Dinner buffet is priced at P1,450 nett per person and is available from 12 pm to 2:30 pm and from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
A showdown of extraordinary talent and chic outfits all in good fun as SYKES held its annual Year-End Celebration (YEC) dubbed “Rockapalooza: Party like a SYKESer” last December 9, 2018…
A showdown of extraordinary talent and chic outfits all in good fun as SYKES held its annual Year-End Celebration (YEC) dubbed “Rockapalooza: Party like a SYKESer” last December 9, 2018 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
SYKES executives, employees, and special guests descended on the Waterfront grand ballroom in their best rockstar outfits to celebrate the year’s triumphs.
“For me, it’s been the biggest and the best year we’ve ever had. We had the biggest sports fest and we participated in inter-BPO and city competitions. Guess who won? We did! This has been our year. So tonight is our night to celebrate and enjoy all that we’ve done, especially since we are celebrating our fifteenth year. Fifteen years is an accomplishment,” said John Sneed, SYKES Cebu’s Head and Vice President for Area Operations and Shared Services.
Ely Buendia and thousands of SYKESers sang as one to Pinoy rock hits.
Evolution of SYKES Cebu through Dance
One of the most entertaining segment of the Rockapalooza celebration was the Employee Dance Competition.
Seven groups delighted the audience with presentations that traced the evolution of dance through the years.
SYKESers showcased jazz and swing of the 1930s and 1940s, twist of the 1950s, break dancing of the 1980s, hip hop of the 1990s, and current dance moves in a flurry of outfit changes and rhythmic twirls.
This resembled the evolution and continuous growth of SYKES Cebu, from humble beginnings to making its mark as one of the leading BPO in the country.
Dance is definitely part of the rich Filipino culture as presented by Team R2BU, the grand champion, in their presentation. The team incorporated the milestones of SYKES Cebu into their dance in an upbeat, colorful, and dynamic rendition.
Team R2BU bagged the title as champions with their jaw-dropping performance.
Rockstars Meet Rockstars
Clad in black and leather ensembles, SYKESers brought a festive rockstar atmosphere to the of Waterfront Hotel halls. Rockstars for a night, they got to jam with Ely Buendia and Jason Fernandez as they rocked the night away with their OPM hits and own renditions of the classic rock songs.
Not only did SYKESers enjoy great music and sumptuous food, they also took home amazing giveaways and raffle prizes with winners taking home as much as P10,000 cash.
SYKESers know how to dress to impress with their amazing rock ensembles.
