Earlier this week, a lot of our Social Media Friends and acquaintances posted photos of them visiting Cebu's Sirao Flower Farm. Just like the famous destination, Temple of Leah, it trended immediately. But why it became a hit? Why not? Looking at those instagram-worthy scenes and fresh air around, that should be something! But seriously, People are just being supportive to our dear Flower Farmers as they give us a chance of experiencing this mini-Amsterdam Garden here in Cebu. In just PHP 20 that serves as your Entrance, you can get an unlimited photos with those beautiful Celosia Flowers. In addition, you can also ask them for a Flower Arrangement or buy their Flowers.

Sirao Flower Farm Cebu, Photos grabbed from Video Below.

In addition, it was reported that the Garden's Owner won't be harvesting these Flowers not until the day before All Saints' Day. Hurry up as we still have a day or two!! So, how to reach to Sirao Flower Farm?
1. From the City, just a take a jeep or taxi going to JY Square Mall, Lahug Cebu City
2. From JY Square Mall, hire a motorcycle (Habal-Habal) going to Busay. Note, fare is PHP 200 back and forth)
** Entrance is PHP 20

Photo by SimplyGilianBlog

And if you are out of town or could not visit Sirao Flower Farm, check this Video created and posted by April Ann Claire White in her Facebook for you to experience Sirao online!




Credit to April Ann Claire White . Videographed by Junex Montinola

Here are some cool photos taken by Cebuano Netizens:

Photo by Alvin Asayas

Photo by Jhezriel Bagaslao

Photo by Maricar Tanato Niere

Photo by Marvin Llanos Maning

Photo by @Renanbarco

Photo by Cebu Fashion Blogger Toni Pino

Photo by Doc. Xavier Solis

Hello Starbucks Lovers! Our much-awaited Planner from SB is coming next week. Yesterday, Thirteen Cebu Bloggers Society Members were invited to witness the revelation of the highly anticipated Starbucks 2016 Planner together with their special Christmas Cards designed with Swarovski Crystals and featured Coffee, Foods and Beverages for this fave Holiday Season.

Starbucks 2016 Planner  Follow us at FACEBOOK , TWITTER  (@FaceCebu) and INSTAGRAM (@mmonta)

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Cebu Bloggers Society Member Bloggers

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

1. The highly anticipated, limited edition, Starbucks annual planner will be available starting November 2, 2015. This year’s planner is collaboration between Starbucks and Moleskine®.
2. A customer can avail of a Starbucks Christmas Traditions Promo card from November 2, 2015 to January 7, 2016 with no purchase required.
3. One sticker is awarded for each Starbucks handcrafted beverage purchase. Holder must accumulate a total of eighteen (18) stickers, to redeem one (1) Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2016 Planner.Customer must present the Starbucks Christmas Traditions card to the barista upon purchase to get the corresponding number of stickers.
4. A customer must complete the required number of stickers to qualify for the redemption of one (1) Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2016 Planner. A combination of up to two (2) promo cards will be allowed, provided that the 9 featured plus 9 core beverages have been purchased. Excess stickers for combined cards will be forfeited.
5. Once all stickers are completed, customer submits the Starbucks Christmas Traditions Card/s to redeem one (1) Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2016 Planner from any Starbucks Coffee store in the Philippines.
6. Tampering with and/or transferring of stickers to obtain the required number of stickers will render all promo cards null and void.
7. Every purchase of a handcrafted beverage using a Starbucks Card will be awarded one (1) sticker and one (1) Beverage Star. Terms and conditions that apply to the Starbucks Card are available on www.starbucks.ph/card.
8. Single receipt bulk purchase of food and other retail items (merchandise, whole bean, Starbucks VIA®) worth at least ₱7,000 will entitle the customer to one (1) Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2016 Planner. Combination of receipts is not allowed.
9. Bulk purchase of gift certificates and Starbucks Card load/reload of at least ₱7,000 will not entitle the customer to a planner.
10. The following transactions and discounts are qualified for this promotion.
• Senior Citizen discount
• Handicapped discount
• VAT Exempt
• Personal Cup/Tumbler ₱5 discount
11. The following coupons and discounts are disqualified for this promotion.
• Service Recovery Coupon
• Free Tall Beverage Coupon
• Coffee Companion Guide Coupon
• Customer Voice Redemption
• Rustan Coffee Partner discount
• Rustan Group of Companies discount
• Starbucks Card Registration Treat
• Starbucks Card Beverage Treat Redemption
12. Promotion starts on November 2, 2015. Stickers may be obtained from November 2, 2015 to January 7, 2016.
13. Redemption of the Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2016 Planner starts November 2, 2015 up to March 7, 2016, at Starbucks stores in the Philippines only.In case any of the Holiday featured beverages are not available (ex. Toffee Nut Latte), customers can substitute it with any of the remaining holiday featured beverages (ex. Christmas Panettone Latte or Peppermint Mocha). Should all three (3) not be available, only then can customers substitute with any espresso-based or Frappuccino® blended beverage of their choice.
14. Promotion starts on November 2, 2015. Stickers may be obtained from November 2, 2015 to January 7, 2016.
15. Redemption of the Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2016 Planner starts November 2, 2015 up to March 7, 2016, at Starbucks stores in the Philippines only.

 

 HOLIDAY MINI WITH SWAROVSKI® CRYSTALS

The special limited edition Starbucks x Swarovski Card design is dazzling with 29 Swarovski crystals. Swarovski® is a leading producer of precision-cut crystal. Available starting November 2 for an initial consumable load amount of ₱2,500.



HOLIDAY TREE AND SNOWMAN CARDS

Last year's favorites make a comeback. These classic Christmas designs make them the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Available starting November 2 for an initial consumable load amount of ₱300.


 STARBUCKS PHILIPPINES 18TH ANNIVERSARY CARD

This design is inspired by our chalk art and the different communities where we are in the Philippines. Local phrases translate to "Have a nice day" - a way to thank customers for inviting us into moments of their day in the last 18 years. Available starting December 4 for an initial consumable load amount of ₱300.



 MERRY CHRISTMAS CARD

Say "Merry Christmas" with this Card - a design spark for a last-minute gift idea. Available starting December 15 for an initial consumable load amount of ₱300.




 CHRISTMAS PANETTONE LATTE | Short - ₱ 155 Tall – ₱ 165 Grande ₱ 180 Venti– ₱ 190

Its bread and butter flavors are perfectly paired with steamed milk and roasted espresso. We then top it off
with whipped cream and a medley of dried fruits for a textural and delicious twist on a classic holiday tradition.

*Also available in Frappuccino® blended beverage. | Tall – ₱ 175 Grande ₱ 185 Venti– ₱ 195

TOFFEE NUT LATTE | Short - ₱ 155 Tall – ₱ 165 Grande ₱ 180 Venti– ₱ 190

Ring in the Christmas season with steamed milk, espresso and toffee nut syrup, topped off with whipped cream and beloved toffee nut sprinkles.

*Also available in Frappuccino® blended beverage. | Tall – ₱ 175 Grande ₱ 185 Venti– ₱ 195

PEPPERMINT MOCHA | Short - ₱ 155 Tall – ₱ 165 Grande ₱ 180 Venti– ₱ 190

A chocolaty coffee beverage highlighted with peppermint notes which brings up memories of candy canes and Christmas festivities. Topped off with whipped cream, mocha drizzle, and red and white candy bits.

 *Also available in Frappuccino® blended beverage. | Tall – ₱ 175 Grande ₱ 185 Venti– ₱ 195




 DARK BELGIAN CHOCOLATE CAKE | ₱ 190 (slice) ₱ 1,695 (whole)
Layers of dark Belgian chocolate cake, mousse, meringue and frosted dark Belgian chocolate with gold powder dusting.


 WHITE CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE CHEESECAKE | ₱ 150 (slice) ₱ 1,595 (whole)
A smooth velvety white chocolate cheesecake on graham cookie crust.


 BIRTHDAY CAKE | ₱ 130  (slice) ₱ 1,150 (whole)
Moist and light vanilla cake and cream cheese frosting with pastel colored sprinkles.
 

 ROCKY ROAD COOKIE STUFFED WITH OREO | ₱ 65
A chewy double chocolate chip cookie with walnuts, marshmallow and stuffed with Oreo.
 

ITALIAN CHEESE POCKET | ₱ 120
A flour tortilla filled with pepperoni, sausage, olives, mushroom, bell pepper, tomatoes and cheese.


 ROASTED CHICKEN AND TURKEY WRAP | ₱ 170
A tortilla filled with chicken breast fillet, roasted vegetables and turkey drizzled with cranberry garlic dressing.



 SPINACH LASAGNA | ₱165
Layers of al dente lasagna with creamy tomato spinach filling.



 PENNE AL FORMAGGIO | ₱ 165
A childhood favorite, al dente penne pasta with creamy and sharp cheese sauce made with cheddar, parmesan and mozzarella.
 
STARBUCKS® BISCOTTI COLLECTION | ₱ 545
Greet the Christmas season with a new Starbucks® packaged food featuring three almond biscotti and three chocolate chunk biscotti. These classic, twice baked cookies – a delicious complement to your favourite coffee have a subtle sweetness and satisfying crunch you can enjoy.



Starbucks® Christmas Blend combines lively Latin American beans with mellow Indonesian coffees and rare aged Sumatra. Artfully roasted and expertly blended to be both spicy and sweet.

 STARBUCKS® CHRISTMAS BLONDE ROAST
Starbucks® Christmas Blonde Roast is specially crafted by Starbucks master roasters, this coffee is roasted for a shorter time bringing out the warm, woodsy aromas and flavors of brown sugar, sweet oranges and all-spice.

STARBUCKS® CHRISTMAS ESPRESSO ROAST
Starbucks® Christmas Blend Espresso Roast is inspired by the tradition of Christmas blend, this coffee starts with Latin American beans perfect for a darker roast, then adds Indonesian beans from Sumatra that add herbal and spice notes. A common misconception is that this is Christmas Blend, only roasted darker. This isn’t the case, but this coffee was inspired by the taste profiles of both Christmas Blend and Starbucks Espresso Roast.

Per Philstar, Cebu is experiencing SMAZE, a mixture of Smoke and Haze, in the past few days and just today or lately, it's getting worst.  But per Engineer Oscar Tabada, Director of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration-Visayas, "there is light to moderate smaze hovering over the region based on their hourly observation and monitoring." In addition, PAGASA stations in Davao, Cagayan and Palawan have also reported “thick” presence of haze hovering over their areas. (Credit to Philstar)

Screengrabs by Marvin Llanos Maning's Video

Now, check these PHOTOS and VIDEOS of our dear Cebuanos posted to Social Media reporting this SMAZE.

Photos Credit to Marvin Llanos Maning of Facebook

And here's an advisory from DENR7 (posted in Mayor Paz's FB)

This week is all about Cebu! Last October 17, Sleepinginairports.net (SIA) released it's yearly lists of Best and Worst Airports in the World, Asia, Africa and other Continents. Started on July 11, 1996, SIA is founded by Donna McSherry who is now heading a team of researchers, writers and an illustrators. This yearly Ranking of World's Airports are based on overall airport experience as determined by voters in their 2015 Airport Survey (powered by polldaddy). Luckily, Mactan-Cebu International Airport landed in 18th Place in Asia and the Best in the Philippines. Two other Airports in the country made it to Top 30, Iloilo Airport in 21st rank and Clark International Airport, which took the 24th place. In contrast, Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport ranked 8th in Worst Airports in Asia 2015.



Currently, MCIA is being upgraded by GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC). Per Gov.ph report, here are the improvements:

• Replacement of worn-out interiors such as counters, lighting, and ceiling boards
• Reconfiguration of the check-in lobby and waiting areas to free up more space
• Improved resort airport theme design, with abundant plant arrangement interiors
• Provision of new seats and furniture for added comfort
• Upgrading security procedures to lessen passenger queuing
• Construction of a greeter’s area
• Installation of new equipment, such as self-service check-in kiosks

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) , photos credit to TheCebuano.com If you want to see photos of the changes, check TheCebuano.com's "9 Cool Mactan Cebu Airport Changes After GMR-Megawide’s Takeover"

Here's the complete list of SIA's Top 30 Best Airports in Asia:

1. Singapore Changi International Airport, Singapore (SIN)
2. Seoul Incheon International Airport, South Korea (ICN)
3. Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Japan (HND)
4. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan (TPE)
5. Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong (HKG)
6. Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia (KUL)
7. Osaka Kansai International Airport, Japan (KIX)
8. New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, India (DEL)
9. Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, India (HYD)
10. Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, India (BOM)
11. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok (BKK)
12. Tokyo Narita International Airport, Japan (NRT)
13. Koh Samui Airport, Thailand (USM)
14. Trivandrum International Airport, India (TRV)
15. Cochin International Airport, India (COK)
16. Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport, Pakistan (LHE)
17. Bangalore Bengaluru International Airport, India (BLR)
18. Mactan–Cebu International Airport, Philippines (CEB)
19. Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, India (CCU)
20. Karachi Jinnah International Airport, Pakistan (KHI)
21. Iloilo International Airport, Philippines (ILO)
22. Kualanamu International Airport, Indonesia (KNO)
23. Da Nang International Airport, Vietnam (DAD)
24. Clark International Airport, Philippines (CRK)
25. Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Azerbaijan (GYD)
26. Surabaya Juanda International Airport, Indonesia (SUB)
27. Penang International Airport, Malaysia (PEN)
28. Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, Vietnam (HAN)
29. Beijing Capital International Airport, China (PEK)
30. Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Malaysia (BKI)

While the whole world is counting days for the most-loved Holiday Seasons, Christmas and New Year, the people in the beautiful island of Philippines, Cebu are also excited for the upcoming Sinulog Festival. Cebu's Sinulog Festival ranked 8th in Vamshare's "22 Legendary Festivals Around The World That You Must See Before You Die" and this is just one of the teasers and reasons why you should visit Cebu and enjoy Sinulog 2017. To give you a guide , here's the complete list of Schedule of Activities for Sinulog 2017.

Screengrab from Sinulog website

Last October 20, 2015, Conde Nast Traveler (CNTraveler.com) released a list for Readers' Choice Awards 2015 In relation to their 28th Annual Survey, this year is participated by 128,000 travelers who submitted millions of ratings and tens of thousands of comments which helped create a list of favorites from all over the World which includes Top 20 Best Islands in the World, Best Cities in the World and 100 Best Hotels & Resorts in the World.




Luckily, Philippines has Three Entries in their Top 20 Best Islands in the World - Cebu in 19th, Boracay in 15th and Palawan in Number One Spot.


19. Cebu, Philippines | Overall Rating: 80.404

The most densely populated island in the Philippines, Cebu is famous for its beaches, on the mainland as well as around many of the surrounding islands. Not as wild as Phuket in Thailand, Cebu City is more personal, with plenty of up-and-coming restaurants and shopping.

A photo posted by Mark Monta (@mmonta) on Mar 21, 2015 at 3:10am PDT

Pro tip: To get a true taste of island life, head off the grid on the Camotes Islands, two hours east of Cebu. Bring cash because there are no ATMs.

Getting there: Many Asian airlines have direct flights to Mactan Cebu International Airport from neighboring countries like Singapore. Note that the airport is located on a different island and it takes about 30 minutes by taxi to get to Cebu City.


15. Boracay, Philippines | Overall Rating: 80.856

This itty-bitty island (just under 4 square miles) in the Western Philippines is as close to the tropical idyll as you’ll find in Southeast Asia, with gentle coastlines and transporting sunsets. Add in a thriving nightlife scene, and you have one of the top tourist spots in the region.

A photo posted by Mark Monta (@mmonta) on Dec 10, 2014 at 11:20pm PST

Pro tip: The aptly named White Beach is Boracay’s main draw, with powdery white sand and shallow azure water ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Getting there: Fly from Manila to Caticlan in Malay; from there, pump boats ferry passengers to White Beach.



1. Palawan, Philippines | Overall Rating: 85.937

This small island—one of the Philippines’ 7,107—shot to the top of our list again this year with a recent claim to fame: It’s now home to one of the new seven natural wonders of the world, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River.

Pro tip: Palawan's natural wonder is one of the longest underground rivers in the world, traveling five miles through a subterranean cave system. Guided boat tours take visitors down a portion of the waterway, where karsts, natural rock formations created by dissolving limestone, loom in every direction.

Getting there: From Manila, it’s an hour-and-15-minute flight to Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s main airport. Alternately, ferries travel between Manila and the island several days a week (about 24 hours each way).

Here's the complete list of Conde Nast Traveler's Top 20 Best Islands in the world:

20. Hvar & Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
19. Cebu, Philippines
18. Sta. Lucia
17. Orkney Islands, Scotland
16. Maldives
15. Boracay, Philippines
14. Mykonos, Greece
13. St. John, USVI
12. British Virgin Islands
11. Cook Islands
10. Tasmania, Australia
9. Santorini, Greece
8. Bali, Indonesia
7. Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
6. Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands, Australia
5. Bermuda
4. Waiheke Island, New Zealand
3. Moorea, French Polynesia
2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
1. Palawan, Philippines

Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa Photo by Agoda

In addition, Cebu got an entry for Conde Nast's 100 Best Hotels & Resorts in the World. With a score of 94.916, Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa ( located in Lapu-Lapu City ), ranked 51 next to Cheval Blanc Randheli of Maldives. See the complete list HERE.

Kalag-Kalag comes from the word "Kalag" that means Ghost. It is famously known and observed in Central Visayas, specifically in Cebu. In other part of the Country, this tradition is followed during All Souls' Day (November 2, after All Saints' Day - November 1) which Filipinos visit their departed loved ones in Cemetery. Even the Catholic Church always suggests to say prayer during these Solemn Days, we always tend to follow our Ancestors' traditions like offering Flowers and lighting of Candles outside our House or near the Doorstep and lighting at the Cemetery's Big Cross. In addition to this custom, Cebuanos prepare and offer Foods in the Altar and in Tombs. But why do we prepare foods and celebrate a little feast during Kalag-Kalag?

Food Offerings for the Soul. Photo Credit: Sunstar Cebu

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I've done research online and even came to the point on asking Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Consultant, Ka Bino Guerrero regarding this random question.

According to TheHolidaySpot.com, "The customs and traditions associated with All Soul's Day are various and differs from culture to culture. It is the common belief that the dead partake of the food in spirit which the living eat later. Therefore an altar is prepared at home with an offering of food upon it. The offerings (ofrendas) are beautifully arranged with flowers such as marigolds which are the traditional flower of the dead."

One of our traditions during All Souls Day is to light a candle in Cemetery's Big Cross. Photo Credit: Philstar.com

According to Ka Bino, "Philippine Catholicism is quite unique. Many of our pagan practices were not eradicated by the Spaniards. Offering Food as well as the Sinulog are all but vestiges of our animistic religion during the pre-colonial period. I can't say it was allowed by the church, but there were no conscious effort in stopping it. Thus it continues until these days"

According to belief, as we put lighted candles on our departed loveones' tombs the brighter the lights they can see as guide going to heaven. Photo Credit: Sunstar Cebu

So, if you have your idea why we offer or prepare foods in the Altar during Kalag-Kalag, please submit using comment box below. :)

Lately, Canyoning or locally known as Canyoneering became a Tourist attraction in the beautiful towns of Alegria and Badian. In line with it's fame as an extreme "Water Activity", Local Operators or Guides took this opportunity without even considering the harm and safety of their Guests or Tourists. Last weekend, Twelve Cebu Bloggers Society Members were invited by iCanyoneering Cebu in partnership with Kawasan Nature park Multi-purpose Cooperative to experience and travel the beautiful Canyons of Alegria and Badian.

Twelve Cebu Bloggers Society Members during their mini-break

Me, waiting for my turn to jump. Thanks #iCanyoneeringCebu and #KawasanCoop for this opportunity. Photo by Dayday Couple. #FaceCebuTravels #Falls #Waterfalls #CBSForever #WhenInCebu #Cebu #CebuTravel #WaterSports

A photo posted by Mark Monta (@mmonta) on Oct 12, 2015 at 5:02am PDT

#Canyoneering is cooler the second time!! Wooots! #iCanyoneeringCebu #KawasanCoop #CBSForever #FaceCebuTravels #WhenInCebu #Falls #Cebu #KawasanFalls #SignaturePose #Shoulders #biceps photo by @miongplus

A photo posted by Mark Monta (@mmonta) on Oct 11, 2015 at 2:42am PDT

So, why and how to choose a safe Canyoneering? Let’s first discuss the “why?”. In Badian, there's no specific rule from the Local Government Unit that guides the operators, guests, or tourists in relation to this activity, Canyoneering. Even the standardization or regularization of Fees are not being well observed by the Operators. While others give the package as PHP 800-900, some asks for PHP 1,300-1,500. Not to mention, other Guides would take a number of Guests (10-15) without even asking for a signed waiver. According to iCanyoneering Cebu, a standard ratio of Guide to Guests is 1:5, thus if you are in a group of 10, there should be at least Two Guides that will accompany you in the activity. In addition, before the event, the Guests should be oriented with the activity’s safety precautions, what and what-not to Dos. During the event, one must always follow what your Operator or Guides request you to do. Do not complain, always follow, remember that they know the area or canyons better than you do.






Now, how to choose a safe Canyoneering? Well, I tell you, this is not a bias recommendation, as the FaceCebu Author, Mark Monta have already experienced Canyoneering twice and his first was good but we commend to contact below Operators for a better and Safe Canyoneering Experience.

For #‎iCanyoneeringCebu‬ :
Mobile number 09176546065
FB Page: iCanyon Cebu Canyoneering Group
Email address: Chevyvirtucio@gmail.com or icanyoncebu@gmail.com
Look for Chevy or Junjun.

For ‪#‎KawasanCoop‬:
Mobile Num: 0927-582-1183 and look for Sir Isauro Belarmino

Rates: ₱1,500/head for a group of 4-5 and  ₱1,000/head for 6 and above  ( ** ₱1,300/head for no Meals)
Inclusions: Use of helmet, life vest, tour and entrance fees, guides, and set meal

CBS Members with iCanyoneering Cebu and Kawasan Coop Operators

Photos credit to Yang Guardiana, Ly Patromo, Glyth Villamor Lamprea, Dayday Couple and Guada Cuizon
Article Edited by Rhina Mahinay