My Life in Cebu!

AM Radio Stations in Cebu

2012-02-06T17:44:00.000-08:00

After the earthquake yesterday, I realized the importance of AM Radio stations. I was able to monitor the situation by listening to AM radio. I knew right there and then what Tsunami warning No.2 meant and what are the affected areas. I knew already that there won't be any tsunami in Cebu City that is why I posted warnings about the false information being circulated on the streets.

In the past, we were taught that we should a battery operated transistor radio to monitor calamities like typhoons. With the advancements in technology, a lot of people neglected the importance of the radio. We have been dependent on the internet and television. What if there is a blackout/brownout? How would you know the actual situation?

As a lesson, you may buy an IPAD, Blackberry, or laptop but keep a transistor radio in case of emergencies. Here are the AM stations in Cebu (from Wiki):

DYRB Radyo Asenso 540 (Radio Corporation of the Philippines)
DYMR Radyo ng Bayan 576 (Philippine Broadcasting Service)
DYHP Radyo Mo Nationwide 612 (Radio Mindanao Network)
DYRC Radyo Cebu 648 (Manila Broadcasting Company)
DYKC Radyo Ronda 675 (Radio Philippines Network)
DYAR Sonshine Radio 765 (Sonshine Media Network International)
DYBG Radyo Budyong 864 (Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation)
DYLA 909 (Vimcontu Broadcasting Corporation)
DYMF Bombo Radyo 963 (Bombo Radyo Philippines)
DYSS Super Radyo 999 (GMA Network)
DYCM 1152 (Masbate Community Broadcasting Corporation)
DYRF Radyo Totoo 1215 (Catholic Media Network)
DYDD El-Nuevo Bantay Radyo 1260 (Bantay Radyo)
DYFX Radyo Agila 1332 (Eagle Broadcasting Corporation)
DYRH 1395 (Manila Broadcasting Company)
DYAB Radyo Patrol 1512 (ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation)
DYAY 1584 (Allied Broadcasting Center)

The FM Station 101.9 is a news station of TV5. I was also able to tune in to this station to receive updates on the earthquake yesterday.

What was I doing when an earthquake rocked Cebu on Feb. 6, 2012

2012-02-06T02:31:00.000-08:00

It was just supposed to be a typical Monday when suddenly at around lunchtime an earthquake jolted Cebu. I was in Caravan Coffee wrapping things up before going to a meeting at 1 pm. My table was shaking and a foreigner told me that it would be a good idea to get out of the café. We did and we saw people from the other establishments going out as well.

After the initial tremor, I tried calling some friends and loved ones. I cannot seem to get in. I was able to receive and send some text messages though. After a few minutes, I decided to drive and listen to the news.

I was planning to go to Summit Circle for a meeting and I decided to pass by Ayala to withdraw some money. I saw the people outside the Pag-Ibig building. I realized that it would be scary to be in a tall building during an earthquake. Just imagine you are in the 40^th floor, it would really be swinging hard. Going down the stairs might feel like you are running a marathon for your life.

After getting some money, I heard from the news that classes have been suspended in many schools and parents were told to pick up their children. I decided to skip the meeting which probably would have been cancelled anyway and pick up my wife in school.

During my drive, I learned about Tsunami warnings and I got more information about the magnitude 6.8 quake. Cebu and Negros were under Tsunami Warning 2. For people who do not know the meaning of the warning, it sounds harsh. Tsunami Warning No.2 is basically a precaution for people living in coastal area to stay 20 meters away for the sea. Waves of as high as 1 meter maximum could occur. The warning was issued to Cebu and Negros more specifically in the western coast of Cebu island and the Eastern coast of Negros.

After picking up my wife, we just went home. At around 2 pm, my mother in law called asking if I heard the news about tsunamis. She said some are panicking because some crazy people are spreading news about water in Carbon and Colon. I told her, it is not going to happen. I listened to the news if there truly is water in those areas. Well, the news only talked about the panic of some people because of the false information. It is quiet amusing why some people make up stories to cause some panic. I felt bad for those who ran towards higher ground after hearing the rumor.

Here is the Mercalli intensity scale for earthquakes from Wikipedia:

I. Instrumental	Generally not felt by people unless in favorable conditions.
II. Weak	Felt only by a few people at best, especially on the upper floors of buildings. Delicately suspended objects may swing.
III. Slight	Felt quite noticeably by people indoors, especially on the upper floors of buildings. Many do not recognize it as an earthquake. Standing motor cars may rock slightly. Vibration similar to the passing of a truck. Duration estimated.
IV. Moderate	Felt indoors by many people, outdoors by few people during the day. At night, some awaken. Dishes, windows, doors disturbed; walls make cracking sound. Sensation like heavy truck striking building. Standing motor cars rock noticeably. Dishes and windows rattle alarmingly.
V. Rather Strong	Felt inside by most, may not be felt by some outside in non-favorable conditions. Dishes and windows may break and large bells will ring. Vibrations like large train passing close to house.
VI. Strong	Felt by all; many frightened and run outdoors, walk unsteadily. Windows, dishes, glassware broken; books fall off shelves; some heavy furniture moved or overturned; a few instances of fallen plaster. Damage slight.
VII. Very Strong	Difficult to stand; furniture broken; damage negligible in building of good design and construction; slight to moderate in well-built ordinary structures; considerable damage in poorly built or badly designed structures; some chimneys broken. Noticed by people driving motor cars.
VIII. Destructive	Damage slight in specially designed structures; considerable in ordinary substantial buildings with partial collapse. Damage great in poorly built structures. Fall of chimneys, factory stacks, columns, monuments, walls. Heavy furniture moved.
IX. Violent	General panic; damage considerable in specially designed structures, well designed frame structures thrown out of plumb. Damage great in substantial buildings, with partial collapse. Buildings shifted off foundations.
X. Intense	Some well built wooden structures destroyed; most masonry and frame structures destroyed with foundation. Rails bent.
XI. Extreme	Few, if any masonry structures remain standing. Bridges destroyed. Rails bent greatly.
XII. Cataclysmic	Total destruction – Everything is destroyed. Lines of sight and level distorted. Objects thrown into the air. The ground moves in waves or ripples. Large amounts of rock move position. Landscape altered, or levelled by several meters. In some cases, even the routes of rivers are changed.

Here is the video of false tsunami scare:

Is the Property Bubble bursting?

2012-02-06T00:25:00.000-08:00

http://interaksyon.com/article/23765/special-report--end-to-property-boom-looms-as-glut-seen-in-metro

Reading the said article makes me realize that the same thing can happen in Cebu in the near future. A lot of developers here are starting to build pricey condos with agents marketing these properties for its rental income. I even had a friend contact me in Facebook telling me that she would like to buy a condo and have it rented.

Well, rent is hard to project. Law of supply and demand will definitely dictate how much you can charge. With so many condos being “pre-sold” now in Cebu, the supply side of rentals will not be scarce in the near future. I expect the market to turn in favor of the buyers in a few months time. If you are buying a condo, wait it out a bit and for sure, the developers will start offering discounts (don’t expect a 40% cutback like what CJ Corona had though), perks (trip to somewhere or a free stay at a nice resort), and other freebies (TV, gas ranges, other appliance). Once the nicest units are taken, the developers will be hard-pressed to push the less attractive units.

Do not buy though if your main consideration is rental income. In Cebu, there are still so many alternatives for a 15,000 a month, 26 sqm. condo unit. At that price, you can still find a decent-sized 3-bedroom apartment in a good place in Metro Cebu. With over a thousand condo units set to be delivered in the next couple of years, you can expect a lot of competition. For people who are really bent on buying a condo soon, here are some things to consider:

1. Location – This is usually the main consideration when buying any property and the developers know this as well. A development at a prime location could be priced at over 100k per square meter. It is ironic to know that Cebu condos could be more expensive than Metro Manila condos. A buyer should weigh if the unit is worth the price he/she is paying for. You also have to consider, your lifestyle in choosing a location. Is it near work, school, business, church, or a transportation terminal? Unlike in Manila where people waste a big chunk of time commuting or driving to work, I can still see people who work in Mandaue, while living as far as Talisay, commuting without any complaints. There is a premium in location but is 50% justifiable? You be the judge.

2. Developer – With tens of condo projects in the pipeline in Cebu, it is a big possibility some developers will not be able to reach their desired sales targets. Some might not push through with their developments. Does your condominium developer have the track record or financial backing to undertake big projects? Buying during pre-selling periods will definitely involve some risks. Dreams and ideas are sold by the millions everyday and some might not become a reality.

3. Price scheme and other fees – Because of intense competition, developers now are very creative when it comes to buying schemes. No downpayment, no interest, big discounts, Reserve now and pay later. There are so many seemingly attractive schemes to make you forget the big amount you are actually paying for your studio or 1-bedroom unit. In the end, you are going to pay it all. You may only be paying 8k a month now, but you will soon be loaning almost 2 million in 3 years. A lot of people buy property because they can afford the down payment, not realizing that they might not be able to afford the 80% bank loan or balloon payment. Many agents and brokers do not take much time fully explaining this aspect. There are also other fees that may be collected apart from the unit price. Taxes, miscellaneous fees, and association dues are some of the things that the buyer has to pay for, before he can move in. Banks also have charges when you get a loan. Before you buy, you should know how much you really are paying for the “luxurious” property.

4. Freebies – Nowadays, you can easily get a new 32-inch flat screen L.E.D. TV just by reserving a condo or property. If you are not getting one, try asking for one. Freebies have been used by sellers to “pressure” buyers to buy ASAP. If you are buying in the next couple of months, you might be able to turn the tables on the sellers. You may check out several projects and use what others are giving you to ask for more in your chosen developer. If they will give away an IPAD this month, most likely they will too next month.

5. Agents - Due to the property boom in Cebu, there are so many people now selling property. Some full-time, many part-time. One might say it is all about trust and integrity. You have to consider the information that your agent is giving you. An in-house agent will give you the best information when it comes to a certain project. In-house personnel are trained by the developer to focus on selling a particular development. Brokers meanwhile are the best when you want choices. Full-time real estate brokers can give you decent information in many projects. If someone offers you something, ask them if they are brokers or in-house.

Hopefully, the property boom will continue in Cebu in the next couple of years. The local governments could play a key role in helping the industry survive the looming “tough times” ahead. The city government of Cebu should know what are the upcoming projects in Cebu and how it will affect the city as a whole. While many are campaigning against flyovers, they do not realize that these skyscrapers will have bigger effects on the city as a whole. Just imagine, the traffic in the narrow Gen. Maxilom Avenue when all the proposed condos will be turned over in the uptown area. The proposed traffic materplan should take into consideration all the building permits approved by the OBO or else, it will become outdated in three years time. Cebu is fast becoming a mini-Makati, no matter what happens in the property segment in the near future as more people are flocking to the city for work, school, or retirement.

It is time I guess to encourage developments in the outskirts or suburbs, rather than continue congesting the central district.

Finally, Krispy Kreme is in Cebu !

2011-10-22T00:52:00.000-07:00

I am not really a sweet tooth but when it comes to doughnuts, my favorite is Krispy Kreme. When I was still based in Manila, I used to bring doughnuts to Cebu every time I went home. My brothers loved it. A box of Krispy doughnuts usually won't last 24 hours in our household.

I usually bring at least 3 dozen; one for the house, one for my aunt's house in Guadalupe, and one for my cousin's in Banawa. I am not alone. Many people outside Manila do the same thing. They make Krispy Kreme as their pasalubong. It becomes the piyaya, otap, broas, or biscocho of Manila.

Last year, I visited Manila. Guess what I brought home to Cebu? It's those doughnuts again. I even wondered then if my wife was more excited to see the Krispy Kreme Doughnuts than me when I got back.

Finally after a few years, The Real American Doughnut Company, Inc. decided to open branches in Cebu. I first saw the signs in Active Zone in Ayala. It used to say opening in September. September passed and still no Krispy Kreme. I read the news today announcing the opening of their branch in Ayala and I.T. Park. Yipee!

There will be 2 branches in Cebu of these doughnuts that were first introduced in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The Ayala Center branch will be a retail outlet, while the I.T. Park branch will serve as the factory outlet. A third one will soon open at SM City Cebu.

I have to cut short writing this post because it is making me crave for some Original Glazed Krispy Kreme doughnut. ;)

to be continued... ;)

Headlines: Man kills self and 5 others in Talisay City

2011-10-17T01:28:00.000-07:00

News: Pa kills wife, 3 children and housemaid

I was really stunned reading the headline today about a man killing his wife, 3 adult children, and their housemaid. The man then shot himself to end the carnage. It is really hard to fathom how a father can kill his children and his wife. The lack of information also led to many speculations and theories.

The man was an ex-seaman who was forced to retire due to a severe head injury while working. He retired ten years ago, after surviving a coma and having a head operation. A lot of people speculate that a severe injury like contusion can lead to some behavioral changes and aggression. Maybe, but it has been ten years and if he has something wrong in his head, then how in the world did he own a gun? I am sure people will say it is easy to get a licensed firearm as long as you have the money. If that's the case, should we ban guns totally?

Guns have been in the news recently. First, there was Byron Garcia who was accused of brandishing a high-powered rifle in another village in the same city. Then there was a cabinet secretary, who has an AK-47. Now this! Guns are good weapons for self defense but it is a better weapon for attacking. The assault rifles were never made for defense. The word assault speaks for itself. The .45 pistol became mythical for its stopping power when it was used by the Americans against Moro rebels during the occupation of the Philippines in the early 1900's. The Moros never had a chance then. The victims never had chance now.

People can say that the massacre in Talisay was an isolated event; but, I believe that politicians should take a look at the law if something can be done to prevent similar incidents. With the way the licenses are being given, we can be a "Wild, Wild, Wild West" soon. It doesn't help also that we have a president that is a gun enthusiast. Politicians here are most likely pro-gun mainly because of the nature of the politics in the country. I am hoping they can somehow create a legislation that will protect the unarmed public more and deter armed elements (licensed or not) to use guns against weapon-less individuals.

Some suggestions:

1. Regulate high-powered firearms and make it criminal to bring it out of the house.

2. Strictly implement psych tests and other exams for owning a gun. An unqualified gun owner is more dangerous than a fake dentist. ;)

3. Update records on gun ownership. It should be computerized and verification should be instant.

4. Increase punishment for illegal possession of firearms.

5. Increase punishment for crimes involving guns. It should be an additional mitigating circumstance in handling judgment of cases.

6. It should be a crime to point a gun (loaded or not) at an unarmed person.

Some people trust their guns more than policemen and I cannot blame them as well. Those dreaming of a gunless society are dreaming an impossible dream. It is time to for our leaders and experts to find the right middle ground.

Birthday Wishes, Prophecies, Resolutions and Game plan

2011-10-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

Turning 35 means a lot of things to me. It is like reaching the halfway point of my life, Halftime. It is a good time to look back and evaluate what changes I can make with my game plan. In many aspects of my life, I believe that I am way behind and have a lot of catching up to do.

I am generally in good health but I believe I can do better in terms of weight management and healthy habits. I have to start watching my weight and make sure that it will stay in a healthy range. I am not getting any younger and losing weight seems harder as the years go by. My key to targets for the year would include a weight below 180 lbs. and to gain stamina enough to finish a 10k run. How do I go about this? I have to go back to the gym and start establishing a workout routine. I am starting from scratch and establishing a routine is one of the most difficult steps. I cannot afford to stay in the gym for more than an hour and a half since I have a job to do and I have to do a lot of writing. I could probably integrate running in my weekly plan. Running is cheap and I can practically run anywhere. I have to watch the stuff I put in my mouth as well. I love food but I should not be in love with food. Basically I have to turn myself into a health nut, I mean health buff. I could probably blog about my gallant quest towards a healthier me.

The second aspect that I really want to conquer is in the procreation side of marriage. Seven years of futility when it comes to making babies is too long. Maybe, seven years of abundance is on its way. I expect to have an offspring soon. If the seven years of abundance is truly coming then I got to prepare for 7 kids in 7 years hehehe. I really have to work on this aspect. If this were a basketball game, I have been missing at point blank range for quite some time already. I have to produce, I mean, reproduce. A new half is coming and there is no need to fret for wasted time and missed shots.

Income and finance are the other important categories that need my attention. If I expect children to come soon then I have to stack up on my resources. Real estate selling has been good to me but it is up and down sometimes. The money is inconsistent at times and comes in trickles. Handling finances is not one of my strengths that I was why I never became an accountant. In theory, I have the basic knowledge and skills to really keep track of my resources but in practice, I am too impulsive and generous that I end up suffering unnecessary loses and making unimportant expenditures. It is time for me to take a hard look of my cash flow and turn into a meticulous accountant. I have to start downing debts in the next few months. It will entail sacrifice, discipline, and an increase in income. In the income side, I have to open my eyes and act on the opportunities in front of me. Bashfulness has no place in the second half. I should not be scared to exploit other income possibilities. I have to see how can improve my real estate business, how to earn more in writing, how to be an effective marketer and broker, and how to become a better leader, coach, and employer. It is time for me to destroy personal barriers and limitations. I have to think, believe and act world class rather than just be a contented backyard operator.

As a leader, I have been complacent. My standards are low and I do not demand much from my subordinates. I have allowed people to have no sense of commitment and minimal personal ambition. It is time to yield an iron fist not only on others but also on myself. The battlefield is tougher in the second half because I am playing behind. I have to quicken the pace and resort to more creative and risky plays. I have to catch up fast and only a strong leader can make a weaker team upset a much stronger opponent.

As for wishes and long shots, I will continue to believe in the power of prayers. I will still bet in the lottery and be confident that a lottery jackpot is in my destiny. I came close last year and I attribute that win from prayers. The odds can definitely go in your favor when God bestows it upon you. I had 5 of 6 once already, 6 of 6 is next. There have been many answered prayers in the first half and I truly believe that there will be so much more in the second half. I am so far behind that I would need it all.

Indeed, a lot of changes are in store in the second half of my life. The adjustments are many and its implementation has to be drastic. There is no time to dilly-dally and no day to waste. I am looking forward to a more productive and fruitful self. Rallying is hard but nothing is impossible. My favorite NFL team the Lions has rallied two straight games already from 20-point holes. The have not won a championship in over 50 years and now they are 5-0. Things are looking up and nothing is impossible. Learning how to win and finishing games just takes time and 35 years is long enough for me. J

It is time to rally!!! Go go go!!!

Places: Plantation Bay Resort

2011-09-30T06:37:00.000-07:00

As an anniversary gift, Mama Flor and Papa Noly gave us a gift certificate in one of Cebu's best resorts. We were very excited because it would be our first time to stay at Plantation Bay together. It had been a few years since I lasted visited one of Mactan's most popular resorts.

We arrived early in the evening due to some work commitments.

We were given a nice room at the Piazza Palermo. We just loved the furnishings. The color of our room had a very soothing quality.

We even had a pool outside. Actually, this was one of the many pools at the resort.

We spent a rainy night exploring and taking some pictures.

The weather was better in the morning. We had a clear, blue sky. Thus, we were able to continue our exploration. We could not stay long in one place though, since we had to check out at 12 noon. We spent time at Kilimanjaro Freshwater Swimming pool. I took a picture of Steph in a hammock at the East Saltwater Swimming Lagoon. I also took a quick photo at the Galapagos beach. Lastly, we had the Mogambo Falls to ourselves, although we were not able to use the slides. We had a fantastic 3 hours of swimming and exploring.

In the end, we were smiling when we left the place.

Chocolate Hills: To cut trees or not?

2011-09-30T03:50:00.000-07:00

News: Chocolate Hills losing grandeur? (The Freeman)

The Chocolate Hills has been the face of tourism of Bohol. For years, tourists flock to these grass-covered hills that looks like mounds of chocolates when the grass turns brown during summer. If you search google for images of Bohol, you will surely see this unique natural formation.

The leaders of Bohol are now having problems after mature trees started to cover the hills. The Chocolate Hills in postcards do not look like the actual ones. Here are some of my pictures in my last visit a few months back:

Indeed, there are hills that are almost covered with trees. It might not be good but it is the first time that I ever heard that planting trees are bad for tourism. Luckily, it is not my job to decide what to do about it.

Food Trip: Dinner at Olio'

2011-09-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

I recently celebrated my 35th birthday and I wanted to have a special celebration with my wife. For 17 straight years, she has been a constant presence for almost half my life already. I was bent to bring her to a memorable birthday date. Well, 2 weeks after my birthday I took her out to dinner.

I really wanted to bring her to a very nice restaurant. I decided to drive her to Crossroads and have dinner at Olio'. For years, Olio' has been one of Cebu's best restaurants. The restaurant has been awarded as one of the best restaurants in the Philippines by Philippine Tattler magazine and similar publications.

Olio has 2 storeys. We picked a nice table at the ground floor. The place is clean and nice. The servers are quite attentive and responsive.

If you want to take someone special for dinner, Olio' is a great choice.

We were served hot bread and butter while waiting for our orders. They will actually add more bread upon request.

In celebration of their 8th year, they have this eat all you can promo. For 899 pesos, you can eat as much USDA Nebraskan Prime Rib Eye. I decided to have this meal for the night.

Steph ordered a generous serving of four seasons shake.

Here is my first steak. I had this medium rare to start my dinner. I only intended to eat one or two for the night. It has been a long time since I had an expensive steak in Cebu. The last I guess was last year at David's. The portion size is adequate and my medium rare steak was cooked perfectly.

My wife decided to get the Spaghettini with Black Truffles. She loved it.

As a side dish, I ordered some mashed potatoes to compliment the Rib Eye steak.

Second round! I had a medium steak. After finishing two big servings, I got really full. Good thing, I didn't order a drink because we were planning to have some dessert afterwards. A good wine would have gone well with the steak. I miss some Cabernet or Pinot Noir. ;)

We had a fantastic dinner in one of Cebu's best restaurants. Our server was even willing to take a nice photo for us. Hopefully, we can come back soon and try their other dishes and the wines.

Related Links:
Olio' website

Visiting Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and Magellan’s Cross

2011-09-26T01:30:00.000-07:00

I was born in Cebu and in 35 years of existence, I have not taken a single picture, while visiting the famous tourists attractions in Magallanes Street. I am talking about the world famous Magellan's Cross and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. I could not believe that I never had a photo taken in those places.

One day, I decided to visit these places and made sure I took my camera with me. I brought along Stephie, Josie, and Carlo Boy.

The Magellan's Cross has always been the symbol of Cebu. If you search for pictures of Cebu in the internet, then mostly you will get a photo of the chapel that houses the cross. Every day, hundreds of tourists flock to this place, take poses, and take a picture to prove that they have been to Cebu. This is Cebu's answer to the Sydney Opera House and Eiffel Tower.

The cross was erected in this spot way back 1521. While Ferdinand Magellan tried to circumnavigate the world, he ended up in Cebu. He met the local tribe leader Rajah Humabon and baptized the locals to Christianity. He put up a cross to commemorate the event. The original cross is now encased in Tindalo wood inside the chapel.

Finally, we all have pictures with the Magellan's Cross.

Just a few meters away from the Magellan's Cross is the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. The Church was built in honor of Cebu's patron, Senior Santo Niño.

The feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu is held every 3rd week of January. Cebuanos made the Sinulog festival coincide with the feast. This is the altar that is used during the novena masses for the Santo Niño. This place is packed every January, as thousands of pilgrims visit the beloved patron of Cebu.

The Santo Niño is actually related to the Magellan story earlier. On the baptism of Raja Humabon and his wife Amihan, they were given gifts by Ferdinand Magellan. Amihan, baptized as Juana, was given a Santo Niño, a sculpture of the child Jesus. Humabon was given the Ecce Homo, a bust of Christ when he was presented to the crowd by Pontius Pilate. These two relics are found in the basilica.

Here some things that you can see or do, while at the area:

You can line-up to see the Sto. Niño de Cebu up close. The lines though could be long at times, but you will eventually get your chance.

You can pray in the church or visit the Holy Eucharist.

You can take some photos near the fountain.

You may light a candle and offer prayers. You can have some do a prayer dance for you.

I remember when I was a kid, I wanted my mom and dad to buy some balloons when we go to church. It's still there and kids up to this day cannot resist the balloons.

After visiting the Church and the Cross, you can shop at La Fortuna to buy some hopia and other baked goodies.

Our visit was kind of memorable because it felt like the first time. I really want to encourage the locals to visit these places and not take it for granted. We can be tourists in our own city and we should be proud of what we have. Have you had your picture taken in these places? If not, then it's time to go to Magallenes one of these days. CYA there!!!

Food Trip: Cadmous Restaurant

2011-09-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

There was a long holiday weekend last August 30. No work because it was Eid'l Fitr or the end of Ramadan for our Muslims brothers. Instead of just staying home the whole day, I wanted to try something different. I eventually decided to go into a gastronomic adventure with my wife.

I drove uptown searching for an interesting restaurant in Cebu. I ended up parking in the Century Plaza Complex and decided to check out a Lebanese restaurant. It was Eid'l Fitr so it was kinda fitting and timely.

The name of the restaurant is Cadmous restaurant.Since it was a holiday, we had the place to ourselves. Well, we were greeted by the very hospitable owner. She gave us a menu. My wife and I are quite familiar with some of the items, like kebabs, hummus, and the like, since we have tried them in similar restaurants, like Persian Palate. The difference I saw was the spelling of the items. The nice thing is that there is an English translation so that you will at least know what you are going to get. There are also pictures in the menu so that, one can have an idea of what to order.

We had a hard time picking what to order, since the menu was quite long. One nice thing was that they had a meal deal, where set dishes will be served good for 2-3 people. I love to taste many items, so I decided to order meal deal 2. It included hommous, roast aubergine, tabouleh, cucumber yoghurt, kafta, and chicken shish tawouk.

When our orders came, my wife and I enjoyed what we ordered. I even had to order some extra bread. We would definitely come back to this place. If you are looking for some middle-eastern favorites, you should eat at Cadmous Restaurant.

Hommous (Chickpea dip)

Tabouleh (a "spicy" salad)

cucumber dressed with yoghurt

Roast aubergine with the meats

It's hard to have a Lebanese meal without bread

Try this if you wanna spice it up some more

Clean plates!

Happy and full!

Cadmous Restaurant, Century Plaza Complex

Links:
http://buyincebu.blogspot.com/2011/09/lebanese-cuisine-cadmous-restaurant.html
Food Trip: Dimsum
Food Trip: Fried Chicken
Food Trip: Pizza

Cebu Medical Society's Medicine Week Kick-off

2011-09-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

The Cebu Medical Society and the Philippine Medical Association celebrated Medicine Week 2011 this week. The doctors kicked off the week with a walk from the Grand Convention Center to the CMS Grounds. The walk was participated by doctors of different specializations.

The Philippine Society of Nephrology

Philippine Academy of Family Physicians

Philippine College of Surgeons

Philippine Heart Association

Some of the amazing surgeons of Cebu

The participants from POGS

After the walk, it was exercise time with Fitness First Cebu dance/taebo instructor Fernando.

The doctors showed that they can kick and punch if needed.

But, they can also do the cha-cha at 7 am in the morning.

The wreath-laying followed the early morning exercise then a mass was offerred

Dr. Wyben Briones, past president of CMS talks about the anti-Dengue project that is part of this week's activities.

Breakfast! I mean Brunch. ;) (Special thanks to Sanofi-Aventis)

A talk on the health benefits of Omega 3

Dr. Miel once again won in the raffles at the end of the first day.

It was a successful kick-off event by the CMS and there are more activities in store this week.

Greg Slaughter is part of the 2011 UAAP Mythical Team

2011-09-19T05:32:00.000-07:00

News: Greg Slaughter part of the UAAP Mythical 5

After spending years in Cebu and wowing the crowd in the Cebu Coliseum, the Greg Slaugher show continues in the UAAP at the Araneta Coliseum. In his first season at the country's premier collegiate league, Slaughter led the top seeds Ateneo de Manila University in scoring, field goal percentage, rebounding, and blocks. With him manning the post, Ateneo has won 14 of the 15 games they played this season.

Greg Slaughter will be appearing in the UAAP Best of 3 Finals against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws beginning this Saturday, September 24. The young man who has roots in Cebu has won titles with the University of the Visayas Green Lancers in the CESAFI. He has also represented the country in several tough tournaments with the Smart-Gilas. He will be a marked man for Ateneo as they try to capture their 4th consecutive UAAP Senior's Basketball title. It will definitely be interesting to see how he would react to the pressure of winning a title with the Blue Eagles.

Good luck, Greg!

From COSMO.PH

Related Links:

Greg Slaughter making wakes at the UAAP

Food Trip: Pizzarea Michelangelo

2011-09-16T22:35:00.000-07:00

Let’s just say you love pizza and you want to take a girl for a nice date, where will you go? For me, one great option would be Pizzarea Michelangelo. The restaurant is located in #1 Paseo Saturnino, Old Maria Luisa Road in Banilad and it serves authentic pasta, pizza, and other Italian favorites.

I once took my wife there for our anniversary and boy she loved it there. For people who like eating pasta, the list is long that you might end up ordering 2. The pasta is al dente and the pasta sauces are truly Italian. The pizza is very delicious and the size is good for 3 or 4 (maybe 2 since the pizza is really yummy).

Michelangelo is a premium place so prepare to pay up, although a budget of 1,000 can go a long way. The restaurant is clean , the service fast, and it really is a good place for a date. You may go there earlier since seats will be scarce if you come at their peak hours.

You may also call 236-4301 if you want to reserve some seats. Buon appetito!!!

35th Birthday: 25th ERUF Anniversary Dinner

2011-09-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

The date was September 11, 2011. It was a very memorable day. It was the 10th anniversary of the 911 attacks. It was my 35th Bithday. It was also the 25th anniversary of the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF). Since my parents-in-law are proud members of such a wonderful organization, I made sure that I attended their Awards and Recognition dinner even if it was my birthday.

The event was held at the Grand Convention Center Cebu, Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City.

Outside the Grand Convention Center that night was one of the original transportations used by ERUF in the past. The organization has responded to fires, floods and other emergencies in Cebu.

Our neighbor at Gentle Breeze, Dr. Jesus Ravanes, is one of the members of the Board of ERUF.

ERUF gave the guests a pin of the logo of the foundation. The organization is bent on providing the same world-class service for 25 years and beyond.

Stickers were also made to commemorate the Silver Anniversary of the foundation.

There was a mini-fashion show highlighting the T-shirts and uniforms that ERUF members and staff wore from 1986-2011.

The Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation gave plaques of recognition to partner cities, groups, individuals, and members who made great contributions to making ERUF one of the most recognizable and admired organizations in Cebu.

The Dutch friends from the city of Haarlemmermeer gave ERUF a very nice gift.

Mayor Mike Rama who just came from a visit in China, went to grace the event coming from the airport. He did not want to miss the event because ERUF has really been instrumental in providing a great service in difficult times.

The major awardees of the night.

It was great to see that ERUF lasted 25 years in serving the Cebuanos and the foundation is looking forward to another 25 great years of service. Congratulations, ERUF!!!

Related Articles:

ERUF 161 Run Results
25 years of ERUF fashion

ERUF 161 Run -- My Birthday run

2011-09-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

It's September 11. It is my 35th birthday. The first thing I did? Well, I joined a fun run. I woke around 5 am, then went to join the ERUF 161 with my wife, my parents-in-law, and Lenmar. The run is part of the 25th year celebration of the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF). ERUF is Cebu's version of Rescue 911. They have been serving the Cebu residents in emergency situations for 25 years. Over 1,400 runners joined the run and the proceeds of the run will be used to buy a portable defibrillator which costs around half a million pesos. Mama Flor and Papa Noly have been members of ERUF for a long time.

It was the first time I joined a run with a Mandaue City Reclamation Area route. We did not really run that much (hehehe); but, all in all, we really enjoyed it. After the race, we had time to pose for some pictures and mingle with the other runners. It was a good way to start a birthday. ;)

Here are some of the pictures we took:

Stephie's fun run outfit

Me pretending to run ;)

Lenmar posing after running and puking

Ma and Pa, longtime members of ERUF

Eruf 161 Run - 9.11.2011

Smiling with the champ

With some of Cebu's veteran lady runners

Links:

ERUF 161 Results
25th Anniversary Dinner of ERUF

Ordinary day turns into a bloodbath; 5 dead after a daring heist

2011-09-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

Monday, September 5 was just supposed to be an ordinary day for people in Cebu. For bank teller Lewin Surig, and security guards Leofer Etac and Lito Undag, it was just supposed to be a routine delivery of cash to a money changer at Robinsons Place Cebu. For PO1 Roy Ceniza, PO1 Elrich Jourdin Catacutan , and PO1 Ernesto Silva of the Mobile Patrol Group (MPG), it was just a simple drive to the Cebu Palace of Justice to bring an arrested pick-pocket to the Prosecutor's Office. Their normal day were messed up by 4 robbers, who attempted a daring heist yesterday morning.

Among the six people mentioned, 2 are dead, 3 injured, and only one survived unscathed. The carefully planned robbery was actually botched when the Police Patrol Car of the MPG passed by the Robinsons Mall moments after robbers stole the bag containing 1.2 Million pesos cash that Lewin Surig was handling. The robbers shot the helpless teller's leg, while killing his security escort, and the guard watching over the armored van.

The policemen tried to shoot it out with the robbers, believed to be members of the Ozamis robbery gang. They were outgunned and 2 of them had to be brought to a hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds. PO1 Silva, who was uninjured was able to call for back-up. With the help of guards who pointed the way where the robbers went, the responding policemen were able to corner the 4 suspects in V. Ranudo street and another shootout occurred, resulting to the death of 3 robbers. The 4th suspect escaped and is still the subject of manhunt operations. The police were able to recover the bag containing the cash.

All in all, 5 people died yesterday from gunshot wounds. It was tragic to see how an ordinary day could turn into a bloody one. Many people in the mall are still stunned after witnessing such violence, not in a movie house, but in a food court at the mall. It is comforting to know that the robbers did not succeed and the police were able to respond immediately.

The day made us realize that we usually take for granted the jobs of bank tellers, security guards, and low-ranking policemen. On this day, many realize how important their roles in our society and how dangerous their jobs are. Some of us may complain about our low pay while sitting on a desk in an air-conditioned room. Some of us might even get angry when these tellers and security escorts walk in the mall like they own it. Some of us may even get annoyed when guards check our bags. Some of us even label policemen with animal names.

Their jobs are not easy and we should understand that they too have important roles in our society. A lot of us, I guess, forgot what we learned in kindergarten and elementary school about appreciating community helpers. September 5 should be a reminder that these jobs are essential and should be appreciated.

Football is Alive in Cebu

2011-09-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

Football has been one of the sports that have been gaining popularity in the country in the recent months. This is mainly due to the performance of the Azkals in international competitions. Cebu has a very active program for its schools and football clubs. Corporate sponsors like Aboitiz have organized tournaments all year round. Last weekend, I witnessed a tournament in San Roque Football Field which is very near our house.

I was very impressed with the kids and the other participants. Some were even playing past 11 am. It was hot yet the energy level is there and the crowd was enjoying the games. The tournament has many levels and there are games for as young as elementary age to people over 38 years old.

Football is indeed alive in Cebu and it has been alive for years. When I was in high school a few years back, my school was competing in the Coke Go for Goal. It was a national competition that has a city and regional elimination rounds. It was a great program and hopefully somebody would be willing to revive a national football tournament for high school or elementary players.

I do not know why is there no national football tournament for the youth when school interest and participation is at an all-time high. Before, I see my friends playing in empty fields. Now, tournaments are packed like what I witnessed this weekend in San Roque Football Field. Basketball has Milo BEST, who can take the cudgels for football?

Our new pet dog, Mocha!

2011-09-02T03:26:00.000-07:00

One day, my wife texted me that she got us a puppy. Oh, a dog. Well, it has been years since we last had a dog in our house and we love dogs. When I picked her up, I saw this little puppy that she calls Mocha for her color. At first, Mocha was a bit shy and quiet.

When we arrived home, the dog suddenly became playful and started exploring the house. For now, it can live inside the house since it is less than a month old. Mocha was found under a gazebo at the school where my wife works. The dog has 2 siblings and the colleagues of my wife from school adopted both. Mocha is a female puppy.

One thing I notice about my puppy was that it loves to bite things, especially my foot and slippers. The dog’s diet started with milk and we have slowly integrated bite-sized food.

My wife really likes the puppy. She gets excited when I bring the dog to her school, when I pick her up. She has been diligent in feeding the dog and cleaning her pooh and pee. Our room is full of newspapers because the dog sleeps in our room and sometimes pees on the floor.

It is fun to have a puppy but one has to have the commitment to really care for it and make sure that the dog will not leave a big mess. I hope that our dog is enjoying its time with us.

On Road Widening and flyovers

2011-09-02T02:57:00.000-07:00

One of the most recent issues today in Cebu is on how to go about the increasing traffic congestion in the city. One side says that flyovers can help ease the traffic while the other side says the road widening must be the priority. If we live in a perfect world, probably the solution is both.

I am for either of the solutions. We have to recognize that traffic in Cebu is slowly becoming a problem during peak hours. There are several choke points not only in Cebu City but also in nearby cities and towns. It is a good thing that some people try to start projects that will somehow address the issue. Here are some of the things I noticed, that could help our leaders find an effective solution to a growing problem:

1. 2-Lane overpass- When I was living in Manila, the overpasses there are at least 4 lanes. A few years back, my brother told me that Cebu had a flyover. When we passed the said structure, I was so surprised that it was crammed and it only has two lanes. 2 lanes? What if some car stalls in one lane? The overpass would become pretty useless. Instead of becoming a solution, it becomes the source of more congestion. I think all overpasses here are just 2 lanes. Hopefully, our leaders should build infrastructures that will prepare us for much larger and more effective overpasses.

2. Incomplete Road widening – Road widening will have a less effect if it is half-baked. I see roads that are widened yet the connecting road is 2 or 4 lanes less. Examples: Hernan Cortes before San Vicente Village from SM (4 lanes) and H. Cortes after San Vicente Village (2 lanes); Talamban road. This practice causes bottlenecks and will just make the traffic worse. If ever the leader decide to just use widening as their only solution then they should propose to widen all roads in Cebu and that will definitely cost much.

3. Traffic lights just after a flyover exit – It is big downer to see a traffic light just after a flyover exit. Flyovers are made for the traffic to skip traffic lights and intersections. It is not ideal to have traffic lights after a flyover. Just imagine during rush hour and you get stuck in an uphill position in a 2 lane flyover. You are stuck because the ones in front are waiting for a green light. One example is the flyover in Archbishop Reyes near Ayala.

4. “Cheaters” going to the flyover entry – One added difficulty of just a 2-lane flyovers is that some vehicles especially jeepneys somehow tries to avoid the queue and just get ahead of the line.

5. Substandard drainage – There are more places in Cebu that get flooded nowadays. Floods definitely cause traffic and if the drainage system will not be improved then we can expect more congestion when it rains.

It might be right for the city government to create a road and drainage master plan but I do not like the idea of politicizing this issue. Some people just want a project stopped just to further their ideas. These people should recognize that stopping a project will not help solve anything. We can actually make flyovers and widen roads. Both ideas can exist with each other in fact if both ideas are implemented then the traffic congestion will definitely be a thing of the past. Hopefully, our leaders will get their acts together.

Dong Juan Restaurant

2011-08-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

On one rainy August night, the Rainmakers just came out from the launching of Azalea Place. We were driving towards Guadalupe looking for a nice place to have dinner. I was supposed to go to Moon Café but as I drove past it, I saw Dong Juan. Well, I got curios about what they offer.

The restaurant is relatively small. It is around 10 tables big. We decided on some good seats and ordered burger, pasta, pizza, and calamares. We had fun and our food was served in a short time.

The presentation of the burger was cool. The burger was on a plate half-open. It was served with sautéed mushrooms, chips, and catsup. The cheeseburger has lettuce, cucumber, pickle, and tomato. The patty was well cooked, thick, and juicy. If I go back there, I would order some burgers.

The All-Meat Pizza was just fine. The thin crust was crispy but it did not like its biscuity-texture. The size is good enough for four but you can definitely find better tasting pizzas in Cebu. In Dong Juan though, a pizza will be good item to our order for the group.

Calamares looked ok but what we had was overcooked a bit. It was a bit rubbery but the sauce was good.

I love the spicy ham pasta. I like the way it looked and tasted. I always love pasta with olive oil instead of sauce. The spicy ham is quiet good.

The prize was just fine. It was not too expensive. I spent around 600 pesos for all four. The place was clean and the service was good. If you want to know where it is? Dong Juan is in Emilio Osmena Street in Guadalupe. They also have a branch in Persimmon Plus in Mabolo.

Bohol Sidetrip June 2011

2011-08-28T02:46:00.000-07:00

2 months ago, Steph and I went to Bohol to accompany Mama Flor for the golden reunion of her high school class. We stayed in Bohol Tropics Resort. We had visited Auntie Alice and attended a birthday party. We also went to a Muro-ami beach resort and peeked and shopped at Bohol Bee Farm.

Lookback: Mom Comes to Visit

2011-08-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

Last November 2010, my mom decided to visit Cebu. Her last visit was on my wedding way back 2004. In this visit, she went to Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, and Bicol. I was with her in all places except Bicol. During her brief vacation, we went to places like Panglao, Chocolate Hills, San Juanico Bridge, and Ormoc. Here are some of the pics of her Philippine vacation.

Robinson Residences launches its first project in Cebu, the AZALEA PLACE

2011-08-22T20:02:00.000-07:00

Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), the property arm of JG Summit Holdings, has divided its residential development division into four brands: Robinsons Luxuria, Robinsons Residences, Robinsons Communities, and Robinsons Homes. Three of the four brands already have projects in Cebu. Amisa for Robinsons Luxuria, Blue Coast Residences for Robinsons Communities, and Aspen Heights Subdivision for Robinsons Homes. Tomorrow, RLC will launch a new condominium project under Robinsons Communities. The project is called Azalea Place.

The 25-story Asian-inspired Azalea Place condominium will be built in Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City. It will be the first residential project of Robinsons in Cebu City. The location is just a few meters away from the University of the Philippines-Cebu Campus. The nice thing this location is that condo dwellers will be very near to major malls, business districts, hospitals, and schools. It also located along major transport routes therefore hard to commute going to and from Azalea Place.

Prospective buyers have an option of getting a studio, one-bedroom, or 2 bedroom units. Robinsons Residences also gives buyers an option to merge units. The floor plans of the condominium uses an alternating balcony design therefore can either choose to get units with balcony or not. Units sizes starts 24.9 square meters and price starts at 2 million pesos.

RLC is always known in the industry of having one of the most buyer-friendly payment terms. Azalea Place can be bought via a No spot down payment, zero interest scheme. In this scheme, the 25% down payment will be paid in 44 monthly interest free installments. The 75% balance will only be paid upon moving in (June 2015). The retention can either be paid in cash or loaned through our partner banks. One can own a studio unit for as low as $240 (Php 10,000) a month.

You may leave a comment if you need more information about the project or you can email me at caloyolano@gmail.com. You can also check out: http://azaleaplacelahug.blogspot.com/ or RLC Cebu Projects for more updates.

Tips: Where to eat in Ayala Center Cebu when you have a limited budget?

2011-08-20T23:17:00.000-07:00

Ayala Center Cebu is one of the major malls in Cebu City. The impression of many is that Ayala caters more on the "richer" market segment. The Class A and B is indeed the market most shops in Ayala Center Cebu but it does not mean that you cannot enjoy malling when you are on a limited budget.

One of the major expense of malling is food. If you really want to be full, typically you might need to spend around 100 pesos per person on a meal. There is actually a place in Ayala where you can spend less but get a filling lunch. It is called Mall Express Cafeteria.

The Cafeteria is located at the highest floor near Fitness First Cebu. It serves viands carenderia-style. A good meal could be less than 50 pesos ($1.20). Mall Express offers a lot choices from vegetables, meat, fish, pancit, and dessert. The last time I went there, I paid around 328 for a meal for 5 with drinks. Check it out!

With their prices, you will have more money for movies, clothes, or Time Zone. ;)

Related Links:

Cebu Dimsum
Sunbusting
Buy in Cebu blog