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In the age of mobile apps and ordering via internet, people are increasingly going from "calling" to "tapping and clicking" their fast food orders. The arrival of Honestbee , Foodpanda and just recently, Grab Food is a testament to how much this trend is growing. The visual effect these apps provide has a huge advantage over voice only "call". In an apparent attempt to pull back some users in using the hotlines, Jollibee Group teams up with Globe Telecoms to allow free calls on their Globe handset to order from their favorite fastfood. Yes, even without a load , you can make a call to the Hotlines. Here's the promotional poster. Just dial these numbers to order: Jollibee - #87000 Mang Inasal - #71111 Chowking - #98888 Greenwich - #55555 Burger King - #22222 For more information check this link http://business.globe.com.ph/news-and-events/jollibee-to-expand-express-delivery.html

Many are surprised to know that I haven't been to Baguio since I lived in Luzon for 22 years. Although I reasoned that I don't have money during those years while I was till busy studying, they are still shocked find out. Yes, Baguio is the most popular tourist destination in Luzon. Let me tell you why. Baguio is considered to be the Summer Capital of the Philippines. The obvious reason is  because it offers the lowest temperature in compared anywhere else in the country. Tourists go there to cool off from the scorching heat during the sunny season. And during February, they have the Panagbenga or Flower festival. It attracts thousands of tourist from different parts of world. Last December, I finally had a chance to visit that unique and wonderful city. In this article, I'm going to relate some of my experiences.

Life in the city can accumulate stress on us. The everyday routine of waking up early, preparing to go to work, battling the heat of sun and the crowded traffic jammed streets will tire us out eventually. So from time to time, we need to take off and go to a vacation. But if you're going to crowded beaches, you may end up stressed as well due to the noise of the busy coast. At times, what you really need is solace or probably just a company of few friends or family in a place where only few people are there. Well, there's lot of choices when it comes to that criteria but in this article, I would recommend Larville Pool Garden Resort and Restaurant in Alcoy, Cebu. What's with that resort? Well, read on. Larville Pool Garden Resort and Restaurant in Alcoy, Cebu

Update : This store was already closed. Davao has a lot more to offer than its famous Durian . In a small restaurant along Cabantian Road in Buhangin District, you can eat fried frogs! The name of the restaurant is Goody Cove Grill and they are serving real fried frog, locally known as Baki or Palaka. Crunchy Fried Frog "It tastes like chicken". That's the common remark of those who ate it. Well, you don't need to worry because these frogs were the edible ones. The type of frogs residing in rice fields, so more or less they're just eating leaf-eating bugs. The preparation is safe as well for the beheaded, skinned-out frogs were deep-fried in oil. With that, all the microbes you think it may have had should already be dissolved because of heat. But if you really don't like frogs, you can eat other grilled dishes like fish and chicken. You can eat the fried frog by itself or dip it in the mixture of vinegar and grated onions. You can eat it with ri...

One of the most memorable places you could ever visit in Cebu is Taboan . And it is not because of the beauty of the scene but because of the smell that lingers on your nose and sticks to your clothes down to your underwear. Why? Well let me give you a brief description of Taboan. Taboan Market - Dried Fish, Squid etc Taboan is located around Pasil in Cebu City, a known fish port where fishermen sold bulk of freshly caught fishes. In Taboan, you can find a lot of different kinds of indigenous food stuffs, from Otap to piyaya , to banana chips, chicharon , tablea , masareal , even the chorizo , which Cebu is famous for. But Taboan is not famous for those. Taboan is famous for its dried fishes and squids, particularly, the ' danggit '. And you won't find it like how you see it in the big groceries and  supermarkets. No, they can be seen in mounds, bare for all to smell and see, thus, giving Taboan it's famous smell.

Exquisite food and stunning view. That's the offer of Lantaw floating restaurant . Located in the southern tip of Mactan Island, in Day-as, Cordova, this restaurant offers a view of the skyline of Cebu City and the sea separating it from the island of Bohol. To give you a glimpse, check the images below. Cebu Skyline visible from Lantaw Lantaw Floating Restaurant Mactan Cebu View Lantaw Floating Restaurant - Mactan in a larger map Lantaw Food to Delight You Lantaw Floating restaurant is an affiliate of Moon Cafe, a popular chain of restaurant in Cebu City. They offer meat, chicken, vegetables, and sea food dishes. Among their specialties are Cordoba Express, Spicy Scallops, and Squid Calamares. Lantaw Menu

In part 2 of this series, I told you about the short and yet very steep trail that we took going to the top of Mount Babag . Well, in this third and final article about climbing that mountain, I will relate the experience we had in the long and less steep trail. Turn Left After the River As we reached the creek again, we took the left trail. As expected, this is a little easier compared to other trail that led us to the rose plantation that is inclined to about 70 degrees. This trail though is longer with many twist and turns. But the good thing is that the terrain is mostly flat or slightly inclined. The Hidden Falls of Mount Babag This is the reason that we came back and took the other trail, the falls. The hidden falls can be found  about 30 minutes after you crossed the creek and turned to the left trail. It was "hidden" in the sense that it was located downhill from the trail and the pathway is covered with bushes. The path is also very steep and it seems a...

The two hours of walk from Brgy. Napo (see Part 1) led us to a creek. This is the point where we have to choose which trail to take: the "long and easy" or the "short but steep" one. In our first attempt to climb Mount Babag, we chose the short and steep trail. And indeed, it proved to be a difficult, uphill climb. [Related:  Climbing Mount Babag Part 1: Guadalupe to Napo to the Small Creek ] Crossing the creek, we turned right to a somewhat hidden trail (the obvious trail is on the left direction which is the "long and easy" one). It led us to a small house where we asked direction. They will pointed us to climb the rose plantation: a 60-degree steep rose fields. That is the beginning of a continuous, extremely steep slope that we have to climb. Our only chance of rest are the small flat portions with tree shades. Green lushes at Mt. Babag in Cebu

I just want to share my experience with Sun Cellular Postpaid. My main purpose is to inform others who are considering to apply for it. The Application Process In short, the application process falls below my expectation, but not worse, in my opinion. Here's why. Slow Process. I applied online at their official website. Based on the list of requirements, I just have to fill out the online form, submit the competitor's latest statement, and a scan of a valid ID. I did all of that. Later that day, I tweeted Sun Cellular asking how long it will take before I receive a feedback. They told me 3 days. The 3 days turned out to be 6 days. Well, the application didn't end there. The email I received asked me to submit photocopies of Certificate of Employment, latest 1 month payslip and valid proof of billing. even though their website  said I just have to submit a competitor's billing statement and an ID. Next day, I applied again, this time through a nearby Sun Shop...

It was a festive Saturday morning in Cebu City. The entire province is celebrating its annual Sinulog Festival. But instead of joining the fun there, me and 11 others is on a trip going to the other side of Cebu, the town Balamban. Our purpose is more that just vacation, we will also do volunteer work.

Bantayan Island has been one of the famous destinations of both local and international tourists here in Cebu. In recent years, it has slowly become an alternative to Boracay because of the white sands as well as the serenity it offers to those who may wish to have a truly relaxing experience during their vacation. Bantayan island is not as crowded as Bora and the expenses there is way cheaper in comparison. In this article, I will guide you on your travel to Bantayan Island from Cebu City. That  includes information about fare prices. Bantayan Island beach Getting to Bantayan Island: Landtrip from North Bus Terminal The first step in getting to Bantayan Island is to ride a bus in Cebu North Bus Terminal. It was located in Mandaue City. For those coming from hotels and inns, it would be advisable to ride a taxi to get there. Or if you have the luxury of time, you can ask a hotel employee or a local friend to know the jeepney route that will pass in the North Bus Terminal...

I've never climbed a mountain before. If this one will be successful, then this would be a great accomplishment for me. Well, it turns out that mountain climbing is not an easy task, but the experience is awesome. My first try is probably a less difficult one: Mount Babag in Cebu. In Hiking, Preparation is Important I rose up early morning Saturday to prepare my stuffs. I was told that we'll be going to a far place and that I have to bring a lunch pack and drinking water. I never really knew that I'll be climbing Mount Babag until my friend knocked on my door. To my surprise, he's in rubber shoes, jogging pants and collared t-shirt. A big bag (with emergency kit inside) is on his back. In cotrast, I was dressed differently but upon realizing things, I immediately changed my outfit. I also have to review the content of my bag to suit what I may be needing for the climb. Here's what I brought: - Lunch pack and small snack items - Extra clothes - Water (1 Liter...

Beside  CNT , another Cebu brand that is popular with whole roasted pig (locally termed as Lechon) is Zubuchon . Well, I can't really put into writing how Zubuchon  lechon taste like. It's just palatable and addictive. So, here's a little warning for those who have problems in their blood pressure: if you want to eat there, make sure you have someone who can control you. :-) Otherwise, the you may overindulge. Zubuchon offers one of the best Lechon (Photo credit: Roberto Verzo) Other Lechon-based products Zubuchon also offers other products, most of them are lechon-based. Their sinigang lechon is a sinigang where the pork used is lechon. Another one is Prichon which is actually, fried lechon. And they also have Mongos, Zubuchon Sisig, Zubuchorizo, Zubuflakes and more. [Related: Filipino Foods: Sinigang, Sisig, Kare-kare, Pakbet ] Kamias Juice to Neutralize the Fats One of their new products is Kamias Juice. It was a shake made of blended Kamias. We act...

Finally, IHOP Philippines is here! International House of Pancake (IHOP) is now in the Philippines. The first day of its operation happened last February 14, 2013. And this is not just the first in the country, it is the first in Asia. Local company Global Restaurant Concepts Inc got the first franchise of the popular restaurant and brought it to the Philippine market. IHOP specializes in breakfast foods such as pancakes and omelets. It originated in the United States and recently started their global expansion, opening franchises in Dubai and  Metro Manila, Philippines. IHOP Philippines vs Other Fast Foods IHOP Philippines will compete against other fast food companies in the country led by Jollibee and McDonald's. Both companies offers breakfast value meals at a decent price. But IHOP it is more directed to competing against Pancake House whose business focuses on selling pancakes and waffles. But together, both companies will serve an alternative to Filipinos w...

Hainanese Delights is now open in Cebu! Popular for their Chinese style of preparing steamed Chicken known as Hainanese Chicken, this restaurant has found favor in the eyes of many Filipinos looking for new food options. The first branch is located in Robinsons Cybergate Mall, Fuente Circle, at the heart of Cebu City. They are open to serve you seven days a week as soon as the mall opens. Aside from Hainese Chicken, they also offer other rice-based meals such as fried chicken, pork and tofu. I tried the combo meal, Pork Chop Rice and it was good. I especially appreacite the fried rice. It was made in their own style. Aside from great food, Hainanese Delights Cebu also have free WiFi for their customers. Try it by yourself by visiting their store. _________________________________ Blogged Philippines gives you the latest trending information in the country. To receive free notifications follow us through the following: 1. Subscribe in our email newsletter IMPORTANT! T...

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the local government jointly launched an online facility for booking tours in the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) . It can be accessed at www.ppur.com.ph . The new facility will help Puerto Princesa bound tourists plan ahead their travel dates as well as the pre-arrange their activities in Palawan. The river-cave can only accommodate a specific number of visitors per day. So especially on peak seasons, there can be cases when some tourists should be denied of entry due to overcapacity. With this new arrangement, similar cases will be be minimized. It will help to satisfy the growing number of visiting tourists while preserving the natural beauty of the place. Increasing Tourist Arrival Since the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) won an inclusion to the prestigious Seven Wonders of Nature contest last November 2011, the tourist arrival increased by 45% according to DOT. The need to efficiently manage the river tours became a n...

I've been flying domestic flights for about five years now since I started working in Cebu. Through the years, I have witnessed the growth of the number of travelers and the changes in policies of local airlines. For instance, before the second half of 2010, you can still bring your umbrellas with you inside the cabin. But, sometime on the on the second half of that year, things changed: you are now required to check-in your umbrellas. In my opinion, in some if not most, of the changes, people are not well informed. So they usually find themselves arguing with the ground personnel. But in most of my experience, the airline companies is less considerate when it comes to making exceptions. For example, because of the "umbrella" policy change, my friend was forced to leave hers at the airport just to make it to the plane. In some cases, people paid extra baggage just to check-in their umbrellas. But to be fair to the local airlines, they are now more considerate than bef...