Cebu News Times

18/09/2025

🎶✨ 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐃𝐎𝐍 𝐁𝐎𝐒𝐂𝐎 𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒’ 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐏 ✨🎶

📢 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗗!
You now have until Sunday, September 21 at 6:00 PM to grab your spot!

𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡 𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗟𝗟! 3 days of choral singing, new learnings, and unforgettable memories are waiting for you!
Sing with fellow Bosconians and music enthusiasts, learn from amazing mentors, and end it all with a powerful Culminating Concert that will fill the DBTC Chapel with harmony and joy! 💙✨

𝘊𝘢𝘮𝘱 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴: September 26, 27 & 28, 2025
𝘝𝘦𝘯𝘶𝘦: Don Bosco Technical College – Cebu
𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵: September 28, 2025 | 6 PM @ DBTC Chapel

🔗 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://forms.gle/vemUB8hWzBSTCus96

Tag your choir squad, warm up those vocal cords 🎵, and let’s make this camp one for the books! 💙🙌

18/09/2025

With Golden Prince Hotel & Suites – I'm on a streak! I've been a top fan for 3 months in a row. 🎉

18/09/2025

Celebrating my 3rd year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

18/09/2025

Cebu Online News Press Corps Marks 3rd Anniversary with Coastal Clean-Up Advocacy

As it marks its 3rd anniversary, the Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC) is rolling out a series of advocacy activities to show its commitment to being more than just a news organization.

Among the highlights is its partnership with the Dive and Clean-Up Club (DCC) for a Coastal and Underwater Clean-Up Dive in Mactan, Cebu. The activity will cover areas such as Marigondon, Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, and Shangri-La Mactan. The clean-up is part of the National Clean-Up Month observance this September.

The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) recently signed by CONPC Founder Robby Alugar of RMA News and DCC Founder Ludy Demecillo.

“Grateful for this partnership because I believe CONPC, being the official media partner of the Dive and Clean-Up Club, offers a valuable contribution in spreading the advocacy to dive for a cause,” said Ms. Demecillo.

“At DCC, we provide opportunities to become ocean warriors—to protect marine life and inspire others to care for the ocean in their own way,” she added.

For CONPC, this initiative underscores the important role of media in raising awareness and driving action.

“As members of the media and content creators, we have a responsibility beyond publishing content. Each of these steps brings us closer to our mission: using our platforms to promote advocacies that benefit the community and the environment,” said Alugar.

“Together, let us continue to make a difference—one advocacy at a time,"he added.

This collaboration shows how media organizations and advocacy groups can work together to champion meaningful causes, proving that even small actions can create a lasting impact.

18/09/2025

Tbelle’s Roundtable and Launchpad Highlight Trends in the Workforce and Modern Work Environments

Cebu City, Philippines — Tbelle, a leading name in Workforce Integration, recently brought together professionals, students, and industry experts for two signature events: The Roundtable and Launchpad. These gatherings focused on workplace trends shaping today’s organizations, while at the same time bridging the gap between classroom discussions and the real-world expectations graduates encounter as they enter the workforce.

At the center of both events were honest, timely conversations about where the world of work is heading, how the workplace is changing, and what people need, both in terms of skills and mindset to thrive. More than just talks, these events were about real connections, fresh insights, and inspiration for those navigating or preparing for their careers.

The Roundtable: Real Talk, Real Impact
The Roundtable serves as Tbelle’s space for professionals, freelancers, and digital workers to connect and exchange ideas. Unlike traditional conferences that focus on one-way lectures, The Roundtable creates a forum where they can share strategies, exchange best practices, and tackle pressing issues such as digital transformation, employee engagement, and remote team collaboration.

Participants left with actionable insights and, more importantly, a renewed sense of community. The exchange reinforced the idea that while the tools of work may evolve, success continues to rely on meaningful collaboration and shared learning.
“Work isn’t just about clocking in anymore; it’s about showing up with value,” said Belle Wiffen, CEO of Tbelle. “Companies need to create environments where people feel their purpose aligns with their performance. The future will belong to teams who connect deeply, communicate well, and collaborate with courage.”

Launchpad: Preparing Students for Tomorrow’s Workforce
Launchpad is Tbelle’s initiative created for students and young professionals. It gives them a front-row seat to learn from people who’ve been in the field and see what Workforce Integration looks like in real life. It’s more than just another career talk—Launchpad makes learning interactive and engaging, giving students a chance to ask bold questions and really dig into what it takes to succeed.

Panel talks and breakout sessions challenged attendees to think about what the future of work will really require things like adaptability, creativity, confidence, and strong personal values, not just technical skills. The big takeaway? It’s not just about your resume anymore. It’s about how well you connect with others and contribute to a team.
“Today’s students need more than just know-how,” said Angel Lou Pates, COO of Tbelle. “They need to be visionary, resilient, and confident. The latest workforce trends show that being flexible and creative matters just as much as being an expert. Launchpad helps students understand how to truly stand out in a global, fast-paced job market.”

Make It Matter: A Theme with Heart
Both The Roundtable and Launchpad are part of Tbelle’s 2025–2026 theme: “Make It Matter.” It’s a powerful reminder that even the smallest effort can lead to big results especially when it’s fueled by clarity, purpose, and boldness.
Together, these platforms show how committed Tbelle is to building a workforce that’s not just globally competitive but also grounded in strong human values.

About Tbelle
Tbelle is reimagining outsourcing through Workforce Integration. A model that focuses on strengthening the bonds between leaders, teams, and organizations. By aligning purpose, people and strategy, Tbelle helps companies build teams that are connected, mission-driven, and ready to thrive no matter where they are in the world.

In photos:
Top: Freelancers and digital professionals joined Tbelle’s Roundtable, together with CEO Belle Wiffen and COO & Keynote Speaker Angel Lou Pates, for meaningful conversations on the future of work and Workforce Integration.

Bottom: Launchpad brought together students from SWU-Phinma alongside Tbelle CEO Belle Wiffen, COO Angel Lou Pates, the Tbelle Core Team, and Dean of the Business School, Steve Spencer — creating a space where ideas, purpose, and future-ready careers connect.

16/09/2025

𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐩 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐩 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡

In support to the National Clean up Month, Dive and Clean up Club (DCC) organized a coastal and underwater clean up initiative on September 13, 2025 in Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City. DCC and its partners gathered at E&Z Diving Center as the venue for the coastal clean up, training and entry point for the underwater clean up.

It was a full-packed event with four (4) different activities that made it purposeful, meaningful, impactful and enjoyable.

First activity was a coastal clean up in partnership with the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris (RCCGM) which was headed by Past President Myra Urbiztondo. The Rotary Club’s Areas of Focus of promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies also includes protecting the environment. Thus, RCCGM is very much aligned to DCC’s advocacy to help protect Mother Earth, particularly the marine life.

The second activity was a collaboration with Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau - Coastal Resources and Ecotourism Research, Development, and Extension Center (ERDB-CRERDEC) for a talk and training conducted by Roxie Diaz on Monitoring and Surveillance of Crown-of Thorns Seastars (MaSCoTS) and methods in controlling their population outbreaks. These crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) can cause significant harm to coral reefs by consuming vast amounts of living coral polyps, leaving behind barren underwater landscapes. The outbreak can lead to extensive reef degradation and loss of coral cover, which can take many years to recover. The divers were taught how to report CoTS sightings online thru MaSCoTS and how to conduct culling activities thru injections using household vinegar, which has been proven effective for the mortality of the CoTS without harming other non-target species and does not pose a threat to the surroundings.

In the third activity, an unforgettable Discovery Scuba Dive (DSD) was experienced for free by some of the event partners. E&Z Diving Center through the owner Glenn Delos Santos provided the suits and gears while DCC dive instructors Ikuo Atuel and Mary Glo Villacastin conducted the training and guided the new divers. The wonderful experience helped them appreciate better why coastal and underwater clean up dives are significant, apart from having an enjoyable time in the ocean through scuba diving.

In the fourth and main activity, the DCC divers together with E&Z divers and ERDB-CRERDEC divers, went for underwater clean up dive. Those in DSD was also enjoined to help in picking up trash in the course of their Discovery Scuba Dive. Around 40 divers participated in the underwater clean up drive. Some found crown-of-thorns starfish and successfully injected them with vinegar for population control. Some divers were fascinated with their first time diving experience in Marigondon area.

All the scuba divers returned safely from the dive and certificates of appreciation were prepared by Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, and signed by General Manager, Patrick Manthe. Furthermore, two (2) Day Use vouchers with P1,500 consumable each voucher at the 5-star resort Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan are raffled off to the lucky divers who will enjoy one of the best beaches in the island of Mactan with stunning ocean view and infinity pool, plus world-class flavors and hospitality.

Those activities were achieved and made memorable with the valuable support of other partners:

*Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC) has been our media partner in DCC in promoting its events. Special mention to the founder Robby Alugar.
*The Mall at NUSTAR gave away gift items for all the DCC divers.
*Manabox provided free taste of their delicious fresh salad, spring rolls and fresh juices.
*Novellino, the number 1 wine in the Philippines, added enjoyment of the camaraderie with their wines.
*Sea Drifters and United Neon Advertising Inc prepared the event e-poster and DCC banner, respectively.
*Thinking Cap Production Studios set the event to a new level with a professional video production.
*The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) helped in the sorting and disposing the trash collected.

The Dive and Clean up Club (DCC) with its advocacy to dive for a cause - help protect the marine life, is a newly-formed dive community with diverse members from all walks of life - professional divers, businessmen, private and government employees, self-employed and even retirees. For the past four (4) months, they have done four (4) clean up dives already. For this month, there are two (2) more collaborations to come for the International Clean Up Day. With the slogan “One clean-up dive at a time”, DCC Founder Ludy Vilma Demecillo, hopes to make this advocacy sustainable with the help of private and government partners and individuals as she believes that together we can make the ocean cleaner and heal.

12/09/2025

Eat & Drink Big, Save More: Precious Brew’s Breakfast Promo Now Available

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and Precious Brew Cafe is giving mornings a delicious upgrade with its new Unlimited Rice and Coffee Breakfast Promo, available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for the whole month of September up to October.

The promo will unite coffee and unli-rice lovers as it highlights two Filipino breakfast staples: rice and coffee. Designed to be both comforting and energizing, the offering reflects the café’s goal of providing guests with a value-packed start to their day.

This initiative also complements the café’s broader vision of being a go-to destination for every meal. While already popular for lunch and dinner, Precious Brew Café aims to extend the same warmth and vibrancy to mornings. The breakfast promo helps strengthen the brand's identity as a full-day café experience where guests can drop by any time and feel at home.

The campaign is also about building new habits. By encouraging diners to come earlier in the day, the café hopes to become part of its patrons’ daily routines. Regulars can continue to enjoy their favorite dishes while taking advantage of the promo, while first-time visitors will find the unlimited rice and coffee a welcoming way to get to know the café.

PBC owner Ferro Lao explained that the promo is more than just an affordable breakfast deal. “This isn’t only about unlimited rice and coffee. It’s about creating a welcoming space where people can linger, connect, and enjoy a lifestyle experience—whether that’s at 8 a.m. for breakfast, noon for lunch, or in the evening for dinner.”

The Unlimited Rice and Coffee Breakfast Promo is now available at Precious Brew Café, making mornings heartier, warmer, and more inviting for everyone.

Beyond its daily dining experience, Precious Brew Café also caters to any occasion. The café offers chic, versatile space that can be styled to fit your precious moments.

To complement these events, the café offers food trays and packages that feature party favorites such as Carbonara, Crispy Pata, and Stuffed-Cheese Chicken, along with a selection of desserts and bilao meals for sharing. For coffee lovers, Precious Brew Café also provides a coffee cart package starting at ₱10,000 for 50 cups, perfect for weddings, corporate functions, and private parties looking to add a unique and memorable touch.

Make your days and special events more precious with Precious Brew Café.
Check them out here for exact location and reservations:

888 A.S. Fortuna St. Banilad, Mandaue City, Cebu
(032) 465-1796

1051 Hernan Cortes St. Subangdaku, Mandaue City, Cebu
(032) 507-9497
A.S. Fortuna
📍Google Map: ⁦https://maps.app.goo.gl/fxqz4P1Ftzw5ppsz9?g_st=com.google.maps.previ

06/09/2025

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱-𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀

𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗰𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲 takes center stage as Cebu Goes Culinary 2025: Balik Isla – Foraging in the Philippine Countryside unfolds on 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟲–𝟮𝟳 at 𝗦𝗸𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗦𝗠 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂.

Organized by the 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘁 & 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂, 𝗜𝗻𝗰. (𝗛𝗥𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗜) with the 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻, the event highlights Cebu’s unique culinary heritage while strengthening its position as a culinary-and-tourism hub.

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

⸻

Through 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗸 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮, focus turns to reviving local food traditions and shaping the future of Cebuano gastronomy. 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗳 𝗠𝘆𝗿𝗻𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗼 of the National Food Showdown observed how past contests rarely gave Filipino dishes the spotlight due to unclear standards.

“Do we really know sutukil beyond eating it in a carenderia? To actually raise it, we don’t know,” she said, stressing the need for research, refinement, and consistency in elevating local cuisine.

⸻

For 𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂, this initiative creates opportunities across multiple sectors:
• 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗳𝘀 can set higher benchmarks for Cebuano cuisine.
• 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 gain hands-on experience through competitive platforms.
• 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀 and 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 can craft heritage-inspired offerings.
• 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 and 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀 benefit from stronger demand for local ingredients.

As 𝗠𝘀. 𝗨𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮 emphasized, “This is about elevating our cuisine so that people will come here as a destination.”

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By merging cultural pride with economic potential, Cebu Goes Culinary 2025 can boost restaurants, enhance training, inspire heritage-driven tourism, and build a sustainable supply chain anchored in Cebuano identity—turning local flavors into a global tourism experience.

04/09/2025

04/09/2025

Ambassador Carlson, Mayor Magalong Lead
80th Victory Day Ceremony in Baguio City


Baguio City, September 4, 2025—On September 3, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong led a ceremony commemorating the 80th Victory Day at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in Camp John Hay. Together, they honored the shared sacrifices of Filipino and Allied forces during World War II and celebrated the enduring ties between the Philippines and the United States.

Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. served as the guest of honor.

Victory Day marks the end of World War II in the Philippines. In the 80 years since standing shoulder-to-shoulder in battle, the Philippines and the United States have grown ever closer as friends, partners, and allies.

“The liberation of the Philippines during World War II was a triumph of the extraordinary bravery of Allied forces and the indomitable spirit of the Filipino people. From resistance movements that defied occupation to countless sacrifices made, their legacy is the freedom we cherish today,” Ambassador Carlson said in her remarks. “This shared struggle forged a special relationship between our two nations, rooted in mutual respect, trust, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and prosperity of future generations of Filipinos and Americans.”

“That surrender marked not only the end of World War II in the Philippines but also the triumph of courage, strength in spirit, and hope over tyranny and despair. For us in Baguio, this is more than just an event written in textbooks—it is part of our city’s living memory, a legacy carved into our very identity,” Mayor Magalong said. “As we remember that day and its significance to the world, we also honor the extraordinary sacrifices of the men and women—Filipino, American, and other allies—who fought courageously to restore peace and freedom.”

"Today must not merely be an ordinary memorial day. It must be a day of deep reflection," Secretary Teodoro said. “If we do not learn from the lessons of the past, and think as much as we want that the world is a static place, if we do not have resolve, purpose, and unity in action in all facets of public and private life, even with individual behavior and discipline, then we have no business honoring those who have shed their blood."

More than 300 guests attended the ceremony, including Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr., and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu. Veterans, members of the diplomatic corps, the media, and partners from the public and private sectors were also present.

Ambassador Carlson joined Secretary Teodoro, Mayor Magalong, NHCP Chairperson Jose, and PVAO Undersecretary Mapagu in presenting coins to living World War II veterans Angelo Viloria Andrada, Ernesto Carreon Luis, Florence Rimando Marasigan, and Sixta Quiñones Favila to honor their courage and invaluable contributions to freedom and democracy. Luis led the solemn ringing of the ceremonial bell at 12:10 p.m., marking the exact minute of General Yamash*ta’s surrender. Churches across Baguio City also rang their bells in unison.

During the event, Ambassador Carlson announced the launch of a virtual tour of the historic U.S. Ambassador’s Residence. Developed by the U.S. Department of State, the virtual tour is free and accessible online through the OBO VR app in the Apple Store or through the following link: https://hullfilm360.com/projects/state/baguio/web/360tour/index.html. “This initiative preserves our shared heritage and invites future generations to reflect on our past and help build a hopeful tomorrow,” Ambassador Carlson said.

Following the ceremony, Ambassador Carlson hosted a reception celebrating U.S.-Philippine friendship and the 249th anniversary of U.S. independence. “We begin a new chapter as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine diplomatic relations in 2026,” Ambassador Carlson said. “The friendship, partnership, and alliance between the United States and the Philippines is a crucial part of that story because of the values we share such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

# # #

Top: (From left) Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr., Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson with Veteran Corporal Ernesto C. Luis Sr. during the 80th Victory Day ceremony at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in Camp John Hay, Baguio City, on September 3.

Bottom: World War II Veteran Corporal Ernesto C. Luis Sr. leads the ringing of the ceremonial bell at 12:10 p.m., marking the exact minute of General Yamash*ta’s surrender to Filipino and American forces in 1945.

Additional photos:

(From left) Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr., and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu pose with a plaque narrating the history of the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in Baguio City during World War II.

15/08/2025

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