New Star Phils

06/09/2025

Filinvest Land Strengthens Cebu Ties with Exclusive Media Luncheon at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan

Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI), one of the Philippines’ leading real estate developers, recently hosted an exclusive media luncheon at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, bringing together Cebu’s top media practitioners, bloggers, and influencers for an afternoon of meaningful dialogue and company updates.

The intimate gathering served as an avenue for FLI to express its gratitude to its media partners for their continued support, while also highlighting its ongoing projects, expansion plans, and vision of building sustainable and innovative communities nationwide.

Top executives from Filinvest Land’s various business units engaged directly with Cebu media, sharing insights on the company’s diverse portfolio, which spans residential communities, mixed-use townships, condominiums, office spaces, retail hubs, and leisure destinations.

Filinvest’s strong presence in Cebu was underscored by key developments, including Filinvest Cyberzone Cebu, a BPO office complex in partnership with the Provincial Government which formally turned over Towers 3 and 4; One Oasis Cebu, a mid-rise, nature-inspired condominium community; and City di Mare, a landmark 58-hectare seaside township at the South Road Properties (SRP).

Through this event, Filinvest reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement as it continues to expand its footprint in Cebu and other growth areas nationwide.

06/09/2025

Hontiveros Pushes Accountability in Infrastructure, Protection for Families, and Support for Seniors and Teachers

Senator Risa Hontiveros this week highlighted a wide range of initiatives aimed at protecting Filipinos—from demanding accountability in government projects, to safeguarding communities against predators, and championing greater care for senior citizens and teachers.

During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee probe, Hontiveros pressed officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to hold erring contractors accountable for substandard or ghost flood control projects. She reminded the agency that taxpayers must not shoulder the costs of failed infrastructure.

“Hindi dapat taongbayan ang magbayad ng doble kapag palpak ang proyekto. Kailangan managot ang mga kontraktor,” Hontiveros stressed.

DPWH officials affirmed that contractors are bound by warranties and backed Hontiveros’s proposed “one-strike” and “double expense, double penalty” policies to penalize fraudulent firms.

In a separate development, Hontiveros welcomed the arrest of American fugitive Thomas Scheuer, who allegedly hid in Cebu for over 20 years while facing charges in the U.S. for child sexual abuse materials.

“For 25 years, this predator was able to hide in our country and, allegedly, continue abusing women and children. His arrest is a victory in protecting the vulnerable,” Hontiveros said, while warning that new technologies like artificial intelligence are making exploitative content easier to produce and spread.

Beyond accountability and protection, the senator also turned her attention to health and education reforms. She filed the Philippine Geriatric Center Act (Senate Bill No. 1302), which seeks to establish a specialty hospital dedicated to senior citizens, ensuring they receive quality and age-appropriate healthcare.

“Kailangan ng ating mga seniors ng specialized care na madalas ay hindi accessible sa kanila. Dapat may ospital na tutok sa kanilang kalusugan,” she said, adding that regional geriatric centers will also be set up to ensure nationwide access.

Hontiveros likewise joined the observance of National Teachers’ Month, renewing her call for a ₱15,000 salary increase for public school teachers and personnel, along with stronger medical support and pension protection.

“Ang ating mga g**o ay araw-araw nagsasakripisyo para sa kabataan. Panahon na para maibalik sa kanila ang suporta sa pamamagitan ng dagdag-sahod, benepisyo, at katiyakan sa kanilang pensyon,” she said.

From pushing reforms in infrastructure and justice, to promoting health and social welfare, Hontiveros underscored her vision of a government that stands firmly with the people.

“Whether it’s protecting taxpayers’ money, safeguarding families, caring for our seniors, or honoring our teachers—we must always put people first,” she concluded.

06/09/2025

If your soul is aching for the warm embrace of comfort food, Golden Prince Hotel & Suites stands as the ultimate sanctuary where every bite brings you back to the solace of home from long ago, every flavor dances with passion, and your cravings satisfied❤️

Inunonan for the WIN!!!

05/09/2025

Globe Celebrates GDay 2025 with Exclusive Experiences for Customers

Globe is once again putting its customers at the center of the celebration as it kicks off GDay 2025 with a special Media Launch last, September 3, at The Globe Tower, B1.

This year’s GDay, themed “Celebrates You,” highlights Globe’s unwavering commitment to delivering exclusive experiences, exciting perks, and meaningful rewards to its loyal customers. The annual tradition is a way for Globe to give back and connect with its community, showcasing unique offers and surprises that go beyond connectivity.

The media launch revealed this year’s GDay lineup, featuring customer-exclusive events, promos, and immersive activities designed to bring joy, creativity, and innovation closer to Filipinos.
Attendees of the launch will be the first to witness what Globe has prepared for its customers nationwide. From digital innovations to lifestyle experiences, GDay 2025 promises to bring surprises that reflect the brand’s promise to Go Forward Together.

04/09/2025

Cebu Goes Culinary 2025 Champions Filipino Food Heritage with “Balik Isla” Theme

Filipino cuisine will take center stage at Cebu Goes Culinary 2025: Balik Isla – Foraging in the Philippine Countryside, the region’s premier culinary competition happening on September 26–27 at the Sky Hall, SM Seaside City Cebu.

Organized by the Hotel Resort & Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRACI) in partnership with the National Food Showdown, this year’s edition underscores a growing advocacy: to elevate Filipino and Cebuano cuisine and to help position Cebu as both a culinary and tourism destination.

“Our goal is to elevate our Filipino cuisine,” said Ms. Julita Urbina, founder of Laguna Group of Companies and chairperson of Cebu Goes Culinary 2025. “Of course, we also highlight Cebuano cuisine and our products to help the whole industry.”

From International to Local Pride

This year’s theme, Balik Isla, is rooted in a deeper reflection on how Filipinos view their own food. Chef Myrna Segismundo, Founder of National Food Showdown, recalled the turning point when Filipino categories were first introduced in an international culinary competition.

“We were a product of Chefs on Parade and other contests that focused on international cuisine. But when we were asked to join a Filipino category, we didn’t know what direction to take,” she explained. “At that time, people looked down on our food. Not that we hated it, but we were not proud of it.”

She added that this lack of pride stemmed from uneven standards, a weak sense of place, and limited awareness. “Do we really know sutukil beyond eating it in a carenderia? To actually raise it, we don’t know. That challenge encouraged me to research our own food.”

Raising Awareness, Building Standards

For HRRACI and the chefs leading the competition, Cebu Goes Culinary is more than a showcase of talent—it’s an exercise in preserving food heritage.

This event is a way to start taking a serious look at the state of Filipino culinary culture, Chef Myrna said.

The challenge lies in the lack of best practices, she added. While international dishes like roast beef come with established standards, Filipino staples such as adobo are often overlooked in professional kitchens, sometimes relegated to “employee meals.”

“The problem is, people don’t know what’s good,” Ms. Urbina said. “That’s what we want to change.”

Culinary and Tourism Destination

Through Cebu Goes Culinary 2025, organizers hope to inspire chefs, students, and food professionals to embrace Filipino heritage cuisine while innovating for the future.

“We want to elevate our cuisine, our heritage, and our traditions so that people will come here as a destination,” Ms. Urbina said.

With Cebu’s rich culinary identity and growing reputation as a hub for both gastronomy and tourism, this year’s competition aims to ensure that Filipino food is not just celebrated locally but also recognized globally.

04/09/2025

Ghost Projects. Golden Contractors. Private Roads. Public Money. The Villar Legacy, Exposed.

Allegations of ghost projects, overpriced flood control contracts, and public roads built for private subdivisions have surfaced, putting the Villar legacy under scrutiny.

From 2016 to 2021, billions of pesos in government funds were funneled into flood control projects and roadworks—many flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA) for fraud, fake billings, and non-existent construction. Despite repeated warnings, questionable contractors allegedly continued to win contracts and thrive under political protection.

Key issues raised:

Discaya Group: ₱31.6B worth of flood control projects, despite fraud allegations.

Wawao Builders: Multiple contracts but projects found to be “nonexistent” or “double-encoded.”

Vista Land Roads: Public funds used to build highways leading to private subdivisions.

Henry Alcantara in Bulacan: Appointed in 2019, coinciding with a surge in ghost projects and unchecked disbursements.

Despite overseeing hundreds of billions in flood control budgets, no masterplan or official turnover documents were ever produced. Critics argue this reflects systemic misuse of public funds for private gain.

As COA red flags date back to 2016, advocates stress the urgency of accountability. “If not now, when?” the statement concluded.

03/09/2025

Cebu Parklane International Hotel Brings Spain to Cebu with “A Night in Spain” Buffet at Manuel’s

Cebu Parklane International Hotel invites Cebuanos and travelers alike to savor the authentic taste of Spain with its Spanish Buffet: “A Night in Spain”, happening at Manuel’s Restaurant every Saturday dinner from September 6 to October 5, 2025.

For only ₱1,200 per person, guests can enjoy a culinary journey featuring a rich spread of Spanish favorites.

Menu highlights include Spanish Chicken Paella, Spanish Beef Stew with Olives, Potatoes in Olive Oil–Vinegar Dressing, Gambas al Ajillo with Garlic Skewers, Grilled Smoked Chicken with Vegetables, and Seafood de Mariscos. To complete the feast, indulge in classic desserts like Tarta de Santiago and Crema Catalana.

Don’t miss this limited-time dining event, where every Saturday night is transformed into “A Night in Spain, Right Here in Cebu.

For reservations, please call 234 7000 or text 0917 818 6357.

03/09/2025

Bayfront Hotel Cebu Celebrates 11 Years of Warmth and Welcome with Special ₱11 Promos

A Heartfelt Toast to 11 Years of Hospitality and Flavor

In celebration of 11 years of heartfelt hospitality, Bayfront Hotel Cebu is giving guests two thoughtful reasons to come home to comfort this September: a special ₱11 second-night staycation promo and a ₱11 buffet offer on weekends at Caja Kitchen Cebu. These limited-time anniversary treats are more than just great deals—they are a warm thank-you to the community that has helped shape the hotel’s story over the past decade.

Since its doors opened in 2014, Bayfront Hotel Cebu has been a welcoming stop for business travelers, families, and city explorers alike. Through the years, it has grown to become more than a place to stay—it has become a quiet companion to everyday moments, milestones, and memories. Now, as it marks over a decade of service, the hotel celebrates not only its longevity but also the people who made it all possible.

₱11 Staycation Promo: A Thoughtful Retreat

From September 1 to 30, 2025, Bayfront Hotel Cebu invites guests to enjoy a two-night stay where the second night costs just ₱11.00.

First Night: ₱3,000.00 (with breakfast for two)

Second Night: ₱11.00 (with breakfast for two)

Available Room Types:

Superior Room – North Reclamation Branch

Classic Room – Capitol Site Branch

Perfect for a weekend breather, a quiet celebration, or simply an excuse to slow down, this offer allows guests to experience the comfort and familiarity that Bayfront Hotel Cebu has lovingly cultivated for 11 years.

Reservations open August 18, 2025. Early booking is strongly advised due to limited slots.

Booking lines:

+63 32 230 6777 | +63 917 728 9912

+63 32 505 3333 | +63 917 708 8117

₱11 Fiesta Buffet: Share a Meal, Share the Celebration

At Caja Kitchen Cebu, guests can enjoy a hearty buffet for two at a fraction of the usual cost—all weekends of September 2025.

One adult pays ₱749.00

Second diner pays only ₱11.00

The buffet features a well-loved spread of Filipino comfort food and signature dishes that feel like home. Whether it’s a spontaneous lunch or a family weekend gathering, every plate is served with the same warmth Bayfront has long been known for.

Buffet reservations:

+63 32 230 6777 | +63 917 624 1840

+63 32 505 3333 | +63 917 624 1455

Celebrating a Journey of Everyday Moments

This anniversary is more than a number—it’s a celebration of the everyday moments that have shaped Bayfront’s story: the thoughtful service, the quiet kindness, and the steady presence it has offered through the years.

With these ₱11 anniversary offers, Bayfront Hotel Cebu extends its heartfelt thanks to all who have been part of its journey—past, present, and those still to come.

Come celebrate with us.

02/09/2025

Cebu’s Creative Sector Seen as Catalyst for Cross-Industry Growth

Cebu, Philippines — Cebu’s creative sector is rapidly emerging as a key driver of innovation and growth across multiple industries, with business leaders highlighting how animation, digital media, and creative entertainment are now essential tools for enhancing manufacturing, tourism, fashion, and technology.

At the recent Creative Entertainment Business Forum, held under the banner of Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2025, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President Jay Yuvallos called on stakeholders to recognize creativity not just as a cultural asset, but as a strategic economic advantage.

“The foundation of who we are as a people is our creativity and attention to detail,” said Yuvallos. “We see this in our heritage industries—furniture, guitar-making, crafts—and now, we must build bridges between these and digital creative fields like animation and digital storytelling. That intersection is our way forward.”

Yuvallos emphasized that creative skills will soon permeate every industry, becoming indispensable in product design, branding, marketing, and virtual experiences.

“It’s all about communication and storytelling,” he noted. “Creative entertainment will support sectors from manufacturing and fashion to tourism and tech.”

Echoing this vision, Mario Panganiban, President of the Cebu Creative Council, laid out a roadmap to develop a stronger creative infrastructure, including the planned Silver City within Cebu’s proposed Creative City framework.

Panganiban also announced plans to establish creative hubs in Bogo City, Danao City, and Carcar City in Cebu, and in key creative destinations across the country including Cagayan de Oro, Boracay, Siargao, and Ormoc. Some local governments have already expressed support for the initiative.

“These hubs don’t need to be complex—they can be coffee shops or small shared spaces where creatives can gather,” Panganiban said. “With basic infrastructure like computers, software, and reliable Wi-Fi, we can begin providing training, classify talents, and connect them to jobs.”

To build a future-ready talent pipeline, Panganiban also proposed introducing AI training and digital creative modules in high schools, enabling students to earn micro-certifications that qualify them for industry roles right after senior high school.

Juan Miguel Del Rosario, Chairman of the Animation Council of the Philippines, welcomed the proposed creative education reforms and emphasized the economic potential for youth entering the sector. He also backed the development of a Creative District in Cebu, describing it as vital to nurturing a self-sustaining industry.

“This is how Hollywood works—it’s a full ecosystem,” said Del Rosario. “For us to succeed, we need to build a similar environment where all parts of the creative value chain are present and connected.”

CCCI President Yuvallos reiterated Cebu’s unique position to lead in creative development, with its strategic location, international connectivity, and world-class airport infrastructure.

“Let us build a Creative Cebu—a place where art, imagination, and dreams meet enterprise. Where stories generate value. Where innovation is driven by the innate creativity of the Cebuano,” he urged.

The two-day Creative Entertainment Business Forum—a highlight of CBM 2025—featured thought leaders and innovators from Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Discussions spanned global trends, regional collaborations, and investment opportunities in Southeast Asia’s growing creative sector.

Leaders from the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) and SIKAP (Creative Content Creators Association) also provided updates on upcoming industry events, including the GameDev Summit, PGDX, and new animation festivals.

As Cebu positions itself as a Creative Entertainment Hub in the Visayas, the momentum generated from the forum signals a strong commitment across sectors to elevate creativity as a pillar of economic transformation.

For more information, please call Cebu CCI at 2321421 to 24 or email us at [email protected].

02/09/2025

This is a solid breakdown because it shows that the issue isn’t one-sided.

The truth is, both Aquino and Duterte administrations had lapses.

What’s important is how this piece clearly explains where the problem started and how it grew even bigger.

This kind of detailed, fact-based discussion helps people see that the problem is systemic, not just about personalities or political camps.

If public discourse always came with data, context, and a call for accountability like this, we’d be much closer to real reform.

Flames of truth: Kung DDS ka at ang alam mo lang ay ituro si Aquino, maliwanag na kulang ang kwento mo. Kung Aquino loyalist ka naman na gusto lang ituro si Duterte, kulang pa rin ang pananaw. Ang katotohanan: parehong panahon may sabit, at sa ilalim ni Duterte doon sumabog ang kinita ni St. Gerrard.

1. Na-suspend si St. Gerrard noong August 12, 2015 sa ilalim ni Aquino via DPWH Department Order No. 130 dahil sa spurious tax clearance na kinumpirma ng BIR.

2. Inalis ang suspension noong March 4, 2016 pa rin sa ilalim ni Aquino sa pamamagitan ng DPWH Department Order No. 59. Kahit suspendido, mula August 2015 hanggang March 2016, parehong “St. Gerrard Construction” at “St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor & Development Corp.” ay nakakuha ng siyam na kontrata na nagkakahalaga ng humigit-kumulang ₱440.5 milyon. Iyan ay malinaw na systemic flaw sa panahon ni Aquino.

3. Pumasok si Duterte noong July 1, 2016. Mula noon hanggang December 2017, ang St. Gerrard ang isa sa top contractors sa buong bansa, may hawak na kontrata na tinatayang ₱12.3 bilyon — hindi pa kasama ang mga joint venture. Ito na ang rurok ng kanilang paglobo, at ito ay sa ilalim ng Build Build Build.

Wala pang kumpletong datos na publiko tungkol sa kabuuang halaga ng mga kontratang nakuha ng lahat ng kumpanyang konektado sa mga Discaya sa buong termino ni Duterte, bagamat makatuwirang isipin na lalo pang lumaki ang halaga dahil nanatiling malaking player si St. Gerrard. Hangga’t hindi naglalabas ng pinagsama-samang numero ang COA audits o mga investigative reports para sa mga taong iyon, ang tanging siguradong bilang na hawak ay ang ₱12.3B hanggang dulo ng 2017.

4. Ang General Appropriations Act ay authority to spend lamang. Hindi ibig sabihin na dahil may budget, awarded na agad ang proyekto. Ang proseso ay dadaan pa sa pre-procurement conference, bid posting, submission, bid opening, evaluation, post-qualification, at saka pa lang may Notice of Award at Notice to Proceed. Ayon mismo sa GPPB at DBM, bawal mag-award ng kontrata hangga’t walang Certificate of Availability of Funds. Ibig sabihin, ang mga kontratang na-award at na-implement sa panahon ni Duterte ay responsibilidad ng administrasyon niya, hindi ng nakaraang budget year lang.

5. Sa Duterte years, hindi lang lumaki ang hawak na proyekto ni St. Gerrard; nadagdagan pa ang problema. Noong 2020 iniulat ng DPWH na kabilang ang kumpanya sa mga na-blacklist ng isang taon dahil sa delay sa mga proyekto, indikasyon na patuloy silang may performance issues kahit sila ang isa sa pinakamalaking beneficiary ng Build Build Build.

6. Buo ang pattern:

* Aquino admin — nagpabaya sa blacklisting at nagbukas ng loopholes, kaya kahit suspended, nanalo pa rin ng halos kalahating bilyon.
* Duterte admin — imbes na ayusin, sila pa ang nagpalobo kay St. Gerrard sa bilyon-bilyon, ginawa pa silang isa sa top contractors.

7. Ang prinsipyong dapat tandaan: budget ≠ awarding. Ang awarding at implementation na nangyari sa ilalim ni Duterte ay malinaw na responsibilidad ng kanyang administrasyon. Ang Aquino administration ang may kasalanan sa umpisa, pero sa Duterte admin nangyari ang matinding paglobo.

Patuloy pa rin silang tumatabo ngayong Marcos admin with around ₱31.6B in flood control contracts from 2022 to 2025, kaya naman BBM — may tatlong taon ka para ayusin ito. Dalian mo.

Sanggunian:

Department of Public Works and Highways. (2015, August 12). Department Order No. 130, series of 2015: Suspension of St. Gerrard Construction. DPWH.https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/DPWH/sites/default/files/issuances/DO_130_S2015.pdf

Department of Public Works and Highways. (2016, March 4). Department Order No. 59, series of 2016: Lifting of suspension of St. Gerrard Construction. DPWH. https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/references/issuances/department_order?combine=&field_no_value=&field_series_value=&page=34

Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism. (2018, September 4). Top 10 contractors under Du30 run record of fraud, delays, blacklisting. PCIJ. https://pcij.org/2018/09/04/top-10-contractors-under-du30-run-record-of-fraud-delays-blacklisting

Rolling Stone Philippines. (2025, September 1), Meet Pacifico Discaya, the man with a British accent behind the Philippines’ biggest flood-control contractor. Rolling Stone Philippines. https://rollingstonephilippines.com/state-of-affairs/politics/discaya-british-accent-flood-control

Government Procurement Policy Board. (2016). Early Procurement Activities Primer. GPPB.https://www.gppb.gov.ph/bid%20bulletin/GPPB%20Primer%20on%20Early%20Procurement%20Activities.pdf

Department of Budget and Management. (2017). Primer on the FY 2017 General Appropriations Act. DBM.https://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/FY-2017-GAA-Primer.pdf

Philippine News Agency. (2020, October 27). DPWH blacklists 43 erring contractors. PNA. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119859

Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism. (2025, August 31). Flood of fortune: Discaya‑linked firms bag ₱31.6 B in flood‑control contracts [Article]. Politiko. Retrieved from https://politiko.com.ph/2025/08/31/flood-of-fortune-discaya-linked-firms-bag-%E2%82%B131-6b-in-flood-control-contracts

31/08/2025

Gourmet Secrets: From Dorm Kitchen to Culinary Advocacy

What started as a simple kitchen for medical students has blossomed into one of Cebu’s trusted catering businesses, with an added touch of heart and health.

Dr. Michele Bathan-Vatanagul never planned to enter the food business. Michele and her husband Dr. Jarungchai Anton S. Vatanagul owns the Cracking D’ Boards Study & Review Inc. She opened a dormitory for the review students. To support their stay-in program, Michele decided to provide meals for them. That’s when she hired Chef Eddie Chua, whose cooking soon captured more than just the taste buds of the students.

“His food was delicious,” Michele recalls. “We asked him if he was willing to expand into catering—and that’s how it all began.”

Starting with just one booking a month, Gourmet Secrets catering clients increased considerably. However, Michele insisted on maintaining quality over quantity. “We kept on accepting orders, but we soon realized we needed to set limits to maintain quality service,” she explained.

She also saw the business as a way to uplift her staff. She enrolled them in Hotel and Restaurant Management courses, equipping them with skills in service and food preparation.

Today, Gourmet Secrets counts big companies among its loyal clients, but Michele believes their edge lies in generosity. “Clients tell us that with Gourmet Secrets, the food feels unlimited. If you order for 100 guests, we make sure more than 100 can eat,” she says. “And we never take back leftovers—everything prepared belongs to the customer.”

Their menu reflects both flexibility and Filipino favorites: pork barbecue, humba, fresh lumpia, choco banana cupcakes, and leche flan are among their bestsellers. Special requests are also welcome, as long as the chef knows how to prepare them.

During the pandemic, Gourmet Secrets shifted to packed meals. “We also joined charity initiatives,” Michele shares. “It was our way of helping during that difficult time.”

But beyond catering, Michele’s personal passion lies in culinary medicine. “I really, really love cooking,” she says. “Now I’m taking a lifestyle medicine course, which is culinary medicine. For those with diabetes or hypertension, I can design meals suited to their health needs. For those who want weight loss, I can create specific menus.”

She advocates for healthier lifestyle choices.. “Soon, we will be able to expand our catering with more wholesome and nutritious dishes, giving our customers a wider variety of healthy options to enjoy. Through our food offerings, we aim to make every gathering not just delicious, but also nourishing. This is our way of supporting lifestyle medicine—helping individuals and communities prevent chronic disease, improve overall well-being, and experience the joy of healthy living without compromising on taste,” Michele explains.

Through this advocacy, Gourmet Secrets hopes to inspire people to see that wellness can be celebrated at the table.

Michele also plans to offer ‘meal in a box’ and one-on-one consultations, extending Gourmet Secrets beyond celebrations and using it as a platform to promote healthier living.