Kalami Cebu! - A Gastronomic Guide to Cebu

When news broke that Itchoy Batchoyan had reopened its doors, my heart did a little dance of joy. The unassuming eatery nestled in the heart of Cebu City had become a cherished haven for many, offering more than just food; it provided comfort, solace, and a sense of community during the tough times of the pandemic and beyond. In a city known for its bustling food scene, Itchoy Batchoyan still found a way to stand out. During the pandemic, I never stopped exploring and looking for the best local eats.  One of my most exciting discoveries was this unassuming Batchoyan and Paresan. I remember the first time I walked through its doors, drawn in by the aroma of familiar Filipino comfort foods. Batchoy,  beef pares, Sisig, Crispy Kare-Kare, and Lechon Kawali were just a few of the fantastic creations that awaited those lucky enough to discover this culinary haven.  The eatery back then had a "dirty kitchen" were you can watch how the delicious food are made. The man behind this hid

Hey there, #kalaminions! I recently had the chance to witness something cool at Mactan-Cebu International Airport - the opening of the new Mabuhay Lounge by Philippine Airlines. And let me tell you, PAL is really investing in Cebu! I've always believed that if we want our country to become a global tourism superpower, we have to start with our airports. And MCIA is already one of the best in the Philippines. But with this brand-new lounge, it's definitely stepping up its game for domestic travel. So, let's talk about what makes this Mabuhay Lounge so special. First off, the design is on point! It's a fusion of modern Filipino interiors with vibrant colors, wooden touches, and sleek furnishings. It really gives off this luxurious and comfy vibe, perfect for relaxing before your flight.  And the food, oh, the food! The dining area offers a buffet station with delicious options, including PAL's famous Arroz Caldo. I'm telling you, traveling in the comfort class wil

In a moment that etched itself into Philippine sports history, the Filipinas secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory, leaving the nation rejoicing and celebrating a triumph that will forever be cherished. As the news of the historic win unfolded, I found myself basking in the joyous atmosphere, surrounded by the irresistible aroma of grilled meat - a fitting celebration at Premier The Samgyupsal, a newly opened Korean Barbecue place at Il Corso. The anticipation had been building for days as the Filipinas took the field in New Zealand, marking their 2nd match in their debut appearance in the prestigious FIFA World Cup. Joined by my high school buddy, Joel Tanato, we decided to have lunch together while secretly keeping a close eye on the events unfolding thousands of miles away. With lunch plans in place, I was really curious about the outcome of the match against the hosts. As the Filipinas took on New Zealand in a gripping Group A clash, every moment felt like an eternity. Th

Last week, I embarked on an unforgettable GCash adventure in Bohol, witnessing the launch of the innovative Sulong Turismo campaign. As I explored the island's captivating beauty, I was immersed in the world of cashless tourism, discovering the wonders of GCash in every aspect of my journey. Embracing Cashless Convenience From the moment I set foot on Bohol's shores, I felt a sense of excitement knowing that I wouldn't need to carry my wallet everywhere. With GCash, I had the power of digital payments at my fingertips, making every transaction effortless and convenient. Gone were the days of fumbling for cash; with just a few taps on my phone, I could pay for everything, from booking accommodations to indulging in delicious local treats. A Culinary Adventure with GCash Bohol's culinary scene proved to be a delightful playground for my GCash adventure. I started off with a filling lunch at Smoque Bistro in Tagbilaran, settling the bill via GCash. Later, we had a food tri

In an increasingly interconnected digital landscape, safeguarding one's online identity has become a critical concern for consumers worldwide. As the July 25 deadline approaches for SIM registration compliance, leading telecommunications provider, Globe, has taken a creative approach to emphasize the importance of protecting oneself from the lurking dangers of the online realm. Dubbed the "Number Mo, Identity Mo" campaign, Globe's ingenious initiative sought to raise awareness about the significance of registering SIM cards to safeguard digital identities. To capture the attention of the masses, the telecom giant ingeniously "hacked" the online identities of beloved celebrities, Kuya Kim Atienza and Kiray Celis, employing talented stand-up comedians and improv artists to impersonate them. The campaign was meticulously crafted to capture the essence of online safety in a humorous yet poignant manner. Teaser posts on the celebrities' active social media ac

Traveling can often be a stressful task, riddled with endless searches for the best deals, accommodations, and transportation options. But fear not, bargain hunters! The airasia Superapp has arrived, soaring high above the competition, ready to revolutionize your travel experience. Picture this: a one-stop application that caters to all your travel needs, providing a seamless and hassle-free adventure from beginning to end. The airasia Superapp has set out to make your travel dreams a reality, offering a range of essential services conveniently packed into a single, user-friendly platform. The recent launch of the airasia Superapp's Explore Your Way campaign has created quite the buzz, captivating thousands of mall-goers at SM Mall of Asia. Attendees were immersed in a travel-themed extravaganza, where they had the opportunity to explore the app's major features: Flights, Hotels, Transport, and Rewards. From embarking on journeys of discovery to engaging in fun games and winnin

In a remarkable display of commitment to societal progress, the Globe Group has provided crucial telecom support to the Provincial Government of Cebu's quarterly service caravan, held from mid-May to early June this year. This collaborative initiative brought an extensive range of government services closer to residents across the ten districts of Cebu. Globe Group, a telecommunications giant, played a pivotal role by delivering robust fiber and wireless connectivity solutions to ensure seamless operations during the Caravan of Provincial Government Services. This contribution was particularly essential in areas with limited accessibility, guaranteeing the smooth delivery of digital services to all residents. Moreover, the Group deployed a dedicated team to facilitate SIM card registration, ensuring compliance with mandatory regulations. This initiative aimed to assist individuals, particularly the elderly and those using basic or keypad phones, in registering and keeping their SIM

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that we can work from anywhere as long as we have the tech to keep up with us. Luckily, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 can do that and more, thanks to its large screen, powerful processor, and advanced multitasking capabilities. This trendy smartphone makes it easy to stay productive and connected, taking your work from out of the office and to wherever your adventures take you. Let's explore all the ways the Galaxy Z Fold4 amps up your productivity! For the go-getters and jetsetters With its incredibly large display and exceptional multitasking ability, the Galaxy Z Fold4 revolutionizes the way we work, opening up a world of possibilities. The main screen boasts a stunning 6.2-inch Cover Screen and 7.6-inch Main Screen, providing an immersive visual experience like never before. Whether you're reviewing detailed spreadsheets, editing documents, or participating in video conferences, the Galaxy Z Fold4's expansive screen ensur

Panglao, Bohol - The enchanting island of Panglao is set to welcome its first-ever 5-star hotel, JW MARRIOTT PANGLAO ISLAND RESORT & SPA, as AppleOne Group Inc., a premier development company based in Cebu, recently sealed a landmark memorandum with JW Marriott in Singapore on June 17. Building upon the success and acclaim garnered by The Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort and Mahi Center in Cebu, AppleOne is thrilled to extend its expertise in hotel and property development to one of the Philippines' prime tourist destinations, Bohol. Ray Manigsaca, the President and CEO of AppleOne, along with his wife Venus Manigsaca, the co-founder and Chairman of AppleOne, personally solidified the deal with JW Marriott, foreseeing a promising future for the hospitality industry in Bohol. The province is known for its abundance of nature-charged experiences, offering a tropical island lifestyle that includes chasing waterfalls, immersing oneself in cave pools, swimming alongside marine creatures,

  SMAC (SM Advantage Card), the largest loyalty program under retail giant SM, has made a remarkable contribution of P5.5 million to the Hapag Movement, thanks to the unwavering support of its members. The substantial donation, amassed during the holiday season, aims to combat involuntary hunger among Filipinos facing the challenges brought on by the pandemic and economic uncertainties. Throughout the month-long campaign held during the Christmas festivities, proceeds from every SMAC card sold were channeled towards the Hapag Movement and SM Foundation programs. Moreover, a portion of the extra points earned by SMAC members while purchasing select items from partner establishments, including the SM Store, SM Beauty, SM Appliance, Kultura, Surplus, Our Home, Baby Company, Crate and Barrel, Levi's, The Body Shop, Forever21, Ecco, and Miniso, were also donated to the Hapag Movement between December 15, 2022, and January 15, 2023. This enabled holiday shopping to take on a more profoun

The leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, GCash, and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), have joined forces to undertake ambitious reforestation initiatives that are reshaping the landscape of Cebu. Through their trailblazing programs, GForest and One to Tree, this dynamic partnership has already planted an astonishing total of 1,075,000 mangroves and upland trees since 2021, with a goal of reaching 1,150,000 by the end of 2023. The two GForests, nestled within the pristine Luyang Watershed in the northern town of Carmen, span a remarkable expanse. The first project encompasses 375 hectares of farmland, beautifully interwoven with planting sites in the barangays of Caurasan, Upper Natimao-an, Liboron, Ipil, Cantumog, and Lower Natimao-an. The second endeavor covers 355 hectares of farmland, embracing the barangays of Upper Natimao-an, Corte, Ipil, Caurasan, Hagnaya, Lanipga, and Cantumog. Together, these two GForests have become a testament to the power of ecological restorat

We often neglect our mind health at work until it becomes too overwhelming to handle. While organizations have made efforts to address various aspects of health in the workplace, mind health has unfortunately not received the attention it deserves. This lack of focus on mental well-being can be costly, both financially and emotionally. Employees often hesitate to speak up about their mental health concerns due to fears of stigma, lack of support from management, or even potential job loss. A recent survey conducted by Milieu Insight revealed that the Philippines ranks third highest among six countries surveyed when it comes to employees feeling uncomfortable sharing their mind health challenges with their managers. Singapore leads the list with 62 percent, followed by Malaysia with 45 percent, and the Philippines with 38 percent. Mind health is a complex issue, and its impact on the workplace cannot be underestimated. Poor mental health costs the global economy a staggering 1 trillion

In a move set to ignite the job market, McDonald's Philippines, led by esteemed franchise holder Dr. George T. Yang and President and CEO Kenneth S. Yang, is gearing up to offer over 20,000 career opportunities to Filipinos. This bold initiative comes as McDonald's expands its footprint across the nation, opening new stores to cater to the growing demand for their iconic fast-food experience. Unlike many businesses that rely on contractual workers, McDonald's Philippines prides itself on direct hiring, ensuring job security for its employees. This practice, established by Chairman Dr. George T. Yang when he inaugurated the first McDonald's in Morayta, Manila in 1981, remains a cornerstone of the company's commitment to its workforce. According to Kenneth S. Yang, President and CEO of McDonald's Philippines, this unwavering dedication to job security empowers employees to focus on providing exceptional service to customers. However, job security is just one facet