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How to celebrate a stress-free Christmas season
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Christmas is the season of joy and celebrations, yet it often brings along its unpleasant companion—stress. Embarking on the journey through the Christmas season definitely involves a myriad of tasks, from organizing festive gatherings to scouting for the ideal gifts, even completing the to-do list seems a never ending challenge. And.....»»
Non-monetary gifts urged for Christmas carolers
The Davao City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has suggested a different approach to supporting Christmas carolers. Instead of giving money, they recommend offering goodies such as candies and toys. The CSWDO officer-in-charge, Julie Dayaday, expressed concern that giving money to young carolers might lead them to use it inappropriately. She also warned about the possibility of parents using the funds for gambling. Dayaday advised that caroling be conducted within the subdivisions where the carolers reside and discouraged minors from caroling on major streets due to safety risks. She urged the public to be vigilant when giving money to young carolers, as they could be exploited by syndicates. Dayaday also warned about individuals or groups soliciting funds under the guise of government offices or public figures and advised people to request permits or other relevant documents as proof of legitimate fundraising. The CSWDO, along with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, has consistently issued statements regarding Christmas caroling and related matters......»»
Three times the funin Eastwood City township
The country’s friendliest global indoor multi-activity park from Finland opens in Megaworld’s 18.5-hectare Eastwood City township in Quezon City. The new SuperPark Philippines brings a plethora of fun from three themed zones and wows visitors with 21 high-energy activities that people of all ages will enjoy. Megaworld Corporation, through its subsidiary MegaPark Philippines, Inc., has collaborated with SuperPark for the exclusive license of two global multi-activity establishments in Metro Manila. “We are thrilled to open the doors of SuperPark Philippines and share the joy and adventure that SuperPark is known for worldwide. Megaworld Lifestyle Malls has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, representing our commitment to creating a world where everyone can experience the joy of movement and play,” shared Juha Tanskanen, chief executive officer of SuperPark LTD. An unparalleled experience for thrill-seekers, sports enthusiasts and families looking for a day of fun and adventure awaits at the fourth level of Eastwood Mall in Quezon City and soon in McKinley Hills in Taguig City. Known as the world’s friendliest activity park, this dynamic facility will present a diverse range of synergetic world-class activities tailored to individuals of all ages and fitness. “We are excited to introduce a new dimension of entertainment to our valued patrons at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls. SuperPark Philippines is set to be a flagship attraction at Eastwood City, providing a dynamic space for Filipinos to bond, play and create unforgettable memories,” Graham Coates, head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls shared. Thematic zones The ADVENTURE AREA provides a play haven for kids and their parents, featuring a multi-story playground — with climbing structures and obstacles, a toddler’s ball game and a digital wall. The zone promotes an active playstyle with visitors having the option to go for TapWall, FunBall or Sliding Mountain. Participants will be tested on their reaction speed, memory power and coordination in TapWall. For free-spirited fun, the FREESTYLE HALL awaits, sharing a mission of promoting health, happiness and a vibrant fitness culture. Guests can run around, jump into trampolines complete with a giant airbag, immerse themselves in mixed-reality games and scale digital climbing walls. The professional-grade trampoline airbag is safer and more hygienic than the usual foam pit. Try the Valo Jump, which comes complete with digital sensors and allows guests to bounce with plenty of missions and never-ending fun. Enjoy the Bagjump and Augmented wall climbing for some Augmented Reality fun. Patrons can engage in sports-themed activities and unique freeform mixed-reality games with digital twist parkour experiences in the GAME ARENA. The themed activities are fully augmented to focus on enhancing motor skills, improving balance and agility, and boosting stamina. The zone with the most number of activities and attractions boasts exciting stations that include: Iwall, Superball, Sub Soccer, Hot Stepper, Street Soccer, Skill Hoop, Table Soccer, Air Hockey, Cyclobeat, Super Dash, Valo Arena and Sissy Fox, Super Pinball and Street Game Court, among others. Since 2012, it has captivated audiences from Finland and became globally acclaimed in 2017. With Finnish roots influencing its approach, SuperPark values delivering joy through active play, fostering social interaction, prioritizing inclusivity, blending digital with physical movement, investing in research, embracing their Finnish heritage and believing in the power of joyful play. Creating safe, high-quality venues brimming with fun and activity across Asia and Europe, has made SuperPark a sought-after destination for corporate team-building events, recreational activities and celebrations. It’s not just any global indoor multi-activity park, SuperPark strives to bring endless smiles, laughter and “all-you-can-play” activities to all birthday heroes and their guests. A minimum of 15 people are needed for such bookings with the friendliest indoor park. SuperPark is one with the world to celebrate the most exciting season of the year — Christmas! SuperPark is ready to provide a perfect venue for super Christmas parties, super valuable bonding and get-together experiences. The park is uniquely facilitated for a SuperTeam Building. The activities also come with a SuperSquad Challenge where teams can decide the sequence of the tasks they wish to complete. Guests can book tickets and prepare for all-out fun via the SuperPark website or pay over the counter upon arrival at the park’s reception area. Tickets come in affordable packages with Junior Tickets available for P200 all days of the week. Adults who wish to partake in the fun activities have a weekday rate of P650 from Monday to Thursday, and a “Superday” rate of P750 from Friday to Sunday. Special grip socks that are needed inside the venue are sold at P75 per pair. The friendliest indoor activity park is also open daily during mall hours. Customers can also follow SuperPark on Facebook or Instagram for more information and to avail of special promos. The post Three times the funin Eastwood City township appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NEDA thumbs down further interest rate hikes
National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan on Friday rejected future increases in interest rates, saying that they could harm consumers already facing high inflation. While the economy might be able to survive additional monetary tightening from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Balisacan said in a press briefing that raising interest rates further is "not necessary." Higher interest rates require businesses and consumers to spend more money to pay off credit cards, mortgages, and auto loans. As a result, there would be less demand, driving down the cost of products and services. "If I were in the Monetary Board, I would say no," Balisacan said when asked if resuming the tightening cycle could stop the nagging inflation. Balisacan said that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has been "the most aggressive" in the area, even reaching a 16-year high of 6.25 percent, which he said is "something we should be proud of." He cautioned that doing so may harm manufacturers and consumers by raising production costs, "depressing" demand, and negatively impacting the economy. According to Balisacan, higher interest rates might strengthen the peso and increase the cost of the nation's exports. He expressed concern about this effect. "We know that raising the interest rates will hurt the economy, will hurt consumers, will hurt producers, and that also has long-term effects in succeeding 12 months," Balisacan said. Even though the 2 to 4 percent inflation target appears to be "quite a challenge," NEDA assured that the government is working on interventions to manage inflation. According to Balisacan, the economic team is still trying to meet the goal before the year ends. Balisacan is sure that holiday spending will increase the nation's gross domestic product despite the high rate of inflation. "Inflation has a negative effect on growth. On the other hand, there are positive developments. Government agencies with relatively high underspending in the first half of the year are addressing that issue. Christmas season is also around the corner. That also generates a lot of extra push. Remittances also remain stable," Balisacan said. The post NEDA thumbs down further interest rate hikes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nothing can drag a Boholana down
No pandemic, nor deadly natural catastrophe can bring down a Boholana: this is the living faith by which Lourdes Sultan, managing director of Travel Village Tours and Travel and owner of several vessels which comprise the Loboc River Cruise in Bohol, lives by. Sultan, a tour operator in Loboc for the past 35 years, is a perfect epitome of a resilient Filipina who did not falter while going through such major upheavals as typhoon “Odette” in 2021 that wrecked her vessels; the magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Bohol in 2013 and the perennial flooding in Loboc, and the global pandemic that shut down international borders, barring the arrival of tourists in the country. “The floating restaurant business here in Loboc started 30 years ago but in 2000, we decided to dwell in the floating restaurant operation. We used to have eight vessels, but after typhoon “Odette” hit us in December 2021, we are now left with four,” said Sultan in an interview. She said that pre-pandemic, there were 26 vessels plying the Loboc River serving foreign and local tourists, but the number was diminished because of the unfortunate wrath of natural catastrophes. Pandemic, ‘Odette’ challenge She said the strong earthquake in 2013, the declaration of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, and the pummeling of the province by typhoon “Odette” in 2021 were the worst challenges that her enterprise has endured. “The pandemic made us totally close operations. During that time, we tried to maintain and improve our vessels in preparation for the reopening of borders. Indeed, losses with Odette and the pandemic were in the millions,” she told the Daily Tribune. Aside from that, Sultan said operators of floating restaurants were also required by the local government to update their vessels, making them shell out additional costs. In 2021, Sultan said tourist arrivals trickled, as some restrictions were modified and eased by the Inter-Agency Task Force of the national government. “Even if we only cater to domestic customers, we were more hopeful back then. But amid the high hopes, typhoon “Odette” hit us on 16 December 2021—a strong typhoon during an enduring contagion. We decided to let go of some workers. But luckily, we hired them back when things got better in March 2022,” she shared. Typhoon “Odette,” that pummeled Bohol before Christmas Day, was considered by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office as the worst ever to hit the province, prompting the Provincial Capitol to declare a state of calamity after incurring massive devastation on agriculture and infrastructure and inundated swaths to the island. Not yet pre-pandemic She said, however, that the tourism industry in Loboc is not yet in the pre-pandemic state, saying that foot traffic is only at 70 percent to date, even if they are fully booked during daily operations, especially weekends. “Revenge travel is real. The influx of domestic travelers is greater now compared to pre-pandemic. Aside from local tourists, European and Asian tourists are now coming back,” she said. As of July 2023, the Department of Tourism logged a total of 3,000,079 international visitor arrivals. On the other hand, the country’s inbound tourism receipts from 1 January to 30 June 2023 climbed to P212 billion or 502.02 percent higher than the P35-billion tourism revenue generated from the same period last year. Support for DoT program Sultan, also the president of the Bohol Federation of Travel and Tour Operators and an officer of the Bohol Provincial Tourism Council, said she is backing the DoT program Faith-based Tourism Circuits, as part of the department’s thrust to develop new tourism circuits and multi-dimensional tourism products. Last 14 to 17 August, the DoT Central Visayas, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bohol, organized a familiarization tour of Bohol’s Faith-based Tourism Circuits, with the aim to promote and showcase Bohol’s historical and cultural assets specifically its century-old churches, heritage houses, religious landmarks and living cultural traditions. Through Bohol’s Faith-based Tourism Circuits, participants, including members of the media, visited some of Bohol’s heritage churches declared as National Historical Landmarks or cultural treasures and experienced a few of their inherent traditions such as Asin Tibuok, among others. The main highlight of the tour was the canonical crowning of the image of the Virgen de la Asunción of the Municipality of Dauis, officiated by Papal Nuncio Charles Brown last 15 August. “The direction is we do not want the churches to be just tourist spots, but for tourists to have a glimpse of the spiritual component,” according to Sultan. The post Nothing can drag a Boholana down appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lapu police to reprimand street carolers
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu—Instead of apprehending, the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) will only reprimand carolers if they will be caught caroling along the city streets this Christmas season. Police Colonel Elmer Lim, chief of the LCPO, said that he already ordered all of his police personnel to admonish any individual who will be caught caroling […] The post Lapu police to reprimand street carolers appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Halloween fans go online to keep tradition alive
Dressing up as a character different from yourself attracts the Halloween fans to keep the party going online.It takes a group of performers five hours to put on that Halloween look for the online stage.Malls have also taken the Halloween celebration online. Filipinos who celebrate Halloween are not going to let the COVID-19 pandemic take away the fun of something different, one of them dressing up costume parties. (UNSPLASH / MANILA BULLETIN) From the horror theme to the various characters in video games and movies, dressing up as someone so different from yourself has definitely charmed people of all ages and professions. But with the health and safety protocols prohibiting large gatherings, Halloween fans are taking the parties to another address — online! And the creativity to spark the party mood is amazing! John Paolo Mandac, a Human Resource professional who refuses to let go of years of dressing up for Halloween, has made a Maleficent costume out of recyclable materials. He said that “growing up gay and closeted” required him to dress up as he was told. But on Halloween, he has a chance to dress up the way he likes without displeasing anyone. John Paolo Mandac (Photo courtesy of John Paolo Mandac / MANILA BULLETN) “In the gay world, we call [Halloween] ‘Gay Christmas’,” Mandac said. He said there’s no skipping Halloween this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic, because it’s a holiday that “speaks volumes” to him. What Mandac likes the most about Halloween is being able to dress up. He said he has always liked Halloween since he was a kid but started really preparing to dress up for it in 2015. “Most of my childhood, I remember going to SM Megamall with my mom and sister to Trick-or- Treat. That went on for several years,” he said. “My mom would ask us to think of a character we would like to be that evening. And we had to be creative in making our costumes. It became a yearly bonding experience for us three,” he said. From trick-or-treating in malls, Mandac turned to Halloween parties. This year, he joined several virtual Halloween parties, including one prepared by his office colleagues. Mandac said that although the parties are “less grand” and all virtual, those were still Halloween parties. “No brushing elbows with strangers definitely. No physical interaction, no getting drunk, no appreciating a stranger’s costume. Everything is virtual,” he said, adding that he’ll likely throw in a horror movie marathon on Netflix after the online parties. The show must go on A group of gay performers whose busiest time in a nightclub is Halloween, has prepared their “look” for the new online stage. Since clubs have yet to open, Drag Queens Shewarma, Minty Fresh, Odasha — collectively known as Shemod — have taken their Halloween Drag show online. “Pag Halloween nag re-ready talaga kami or may mga naka resereve na kaming looks (We really prepare for Halloween, our ‘look’ has already been planned),” Odasha told Manila Bulletin. “Halloween is one of the most awaited events of the year in the nightclub,” Odasha said in Pilipino. This year, the challenge of performing for a show online requires more effort to create a look, Minty Fresh said. “Umaabot ng five hours yung preparation, kasi naayos kami, then mag seset up pa ng lighting (It takes us about five hours just to prepare, because we need to put on make-up, and then set up the stage and the lighting),” Minty Fresh said. Friendly Halloween party Meanwhile a group of high school friends have prepared to hold their yearly party online. Lace Azores, 25, a medical intern, said that for the first time in the seven years that they have been holding Halloween parties, this time he has prepared a program. “Every year we would have a Halloween party where we dress up, wear costumes, celebrate, and we also have an award ceremony,” Azores said. (Photo courtesy of Lace Azores / MANILA BULLETIN) But since quarantine restrictions prevent a party, they prepared to meet for an online party. “Usually kasi nag uusap usap lang kami pag mag kakasama kami physically. This time, may program akong prinepare, with games and awards, ‘Best in Costume’ ganyan (Usually, we would just talk to each other and share stories with each other during our physical parties. This time, I prepared a program, with games and awards like Best in Costume,” she said. Although they will not be physically together, Azores said that she and her friends will still have fun. The only thing she will miss though will be the dancing. And how will she dress up this year, we asked. Her reply: “As the coronavirus. Kasi ‘yan ang pinaka nakakatakot na nangyari this year (Because it’s the scariest thing that happened this year).” Annual Halloween fest goes online Meanwhile up north, the biggest Halloween bash in Ilocos Norte has also gone virtual. “Semana Ti Ar-Aria” is a week-long festival in Ilocos Norte which highlights the distinct traditions and superstitions of Ilocanos in remembering their departed loved ones. The festival which started in 2010 was started by former governor and now Senator Imee Marcos. The activities will mostly be online. Among them are the +Halloween TikTok Transformation challenge and a blog-making contest called “Kaba-vloghan,” Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte Information Officer II Rhona Ysabel Daoang said Other events are the “Lilia Cuntapay Short Horror Film Festival,” a film festival in honor of the Ilocana actress dubbed the “Queen of Philippine Horror Movies.” Absent this year will be the Zombie Night Run and the ghost parade. Mall activities go online Shopping malls have also brought the Halloween tradition online. Ayala Malls will host a virtual mall show Oct. 31 featuring characters such as Pinkfong and Baby Shark. The mall also made an online challenge where participants have to dress up in a Halloween costume and record themselves doing the Baby Shark Hand Wash Challenge. (Ayala Malls / MANILA BULLETIN) The challenge winner will get a Prepaid WiFi modem. The challenge promo will run until Oct. 31 and the winner will be announced on the mall’s Facebook page on Nov. 6. Events coordinator Katrina Loreto said most malls went for online promotions instead of staging an event. “Before there were many events, every mall had a Halloween event. Now, it’s mostly online promotions,” Loreto told Manila Bulletin......»»
The Holiday Season is Kumukutikuti-TAP with foodpanda’s 12 Surprises of Christmas
More than the feasts, lights or gifts, it is the Christmas spirit that truly makes the Filipino Christmas uniquely special and beautiful. No challenge can ever dampen the merry that Christmas brings. To usher in the holidays, foodpanda will lighten up the nation with kumukutikuti-TAP: Isang Dosenang Pamaskong Hatid ng foodpanda (12 Surprises of Christmas). […].....»»
The Holiday Season is kumukutikuti-TAP with foodpanda’s 12 Surprises of Christmas
More than the feasts, lights or gifts, it is the Christmas spirit that truly makes the Filipino Christmas uniquely special and beautiful. No challenge can ever dampen the merry that Christmas brings. To usher in the holidays, foodpanda will lighten up the nation with kumukutikuti-TAP: Isang Dosenang Pamaskong Hatid ng foodpanda (12 Surprises of Christmas). […] The post The Holiday Season is kumukutikuti-TAP with foodpanda’s 12 Surprises of Christmas appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Pokwang tinawag na laos, rumesbak: Jusko! Saan galing mga animal na ‘to?
SINUPALPAL ng Kapuso TV host-comedienne na si Pokwang ang isang laiterang netizen na tumawag sa kanya ng “laos.” Miyerkules Santo, March 27, rumesbak ang komedyana sa isang hater na tumira sa kanya sa X (dating Twitter). Ni-repost ng isang supporter ni Pokwang sa kanyang social media account ang pangnenega ng basher na nagsabing “laos” na.....»»
SEC formally asks NTC to block Binance
In a letter to the NTC, SEC Chairperson Emilio Aquino says Binance 'poses a threat to the security of the funds of investing Filipinos'.....»»
Kristel Fulgar undergoes surgery for rare leg tumor
'It was the hardest challenge I faced in my life,' says the 'Goin' Bulilit' alum.....»»
Young Creatives Challenge discovers new breed of artists
Six months after the formal launch of the Young Creatives Challenge (YC2), playwrights, songwriters, graphic artists, and content creators trooped to the Samsung Hall at SM Aura for the grand finals and awarding ceremony......»»
US Officials Warn of New Axis of Evil With China at the Fore
WASHINGTON - U.S. military and defense officials are increasingly concerned that as China and Russia forge ever stronger ties, they might attempt to challenge Western unity and eventually alter the balance of power on the world stage.The commander of U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee that the evolving relationship between Beijing and Moscow is a "big portion" of.....»»
No ledger left behind: Informal worker’s stealth revolution
In the ongoing narrative of global economic development, the informal sector presents both a challenge and an opportunity......»»
Undefeated Tigresses brace for 2nd round challenge
After snatching the baton from favored bets, unbeaten University of Santo Tomas has no plans of surrendering the leadership when it shores up its drive in the crucial second round of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament......»»
COMMENTARY | Strategies for powering progress: The Visayas energy imperative
As one of the country's major urban centers, Cebu City's demand for energy has surged, driven by a growing population, an expanding industrial sector, and a thriving tourism industry. Beneath its busy streets and growing economy lies the critical challenge of the urgent need for increased power generation capacity. .....»»
Archival prepares to challenge RPT code
Archival prepares to challenge RPT code.....»»
EDITORIAL - Preventing another onion crisis
Memories of the 2022 Christmas holiday season, when onions became the top meme, still linger......»»
DepEd DC s Solitario accepts Farnazo’s challenge to improve Palaro gold haul
DepEd DC s Solitario accepts Farnazo’s challenge to improve Palaro gold haul.....»»