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December 8, 2012

Budget and Luxury at The Center Suites in Cebu

Disclaimer: Post sponsored from the Digital Influencers Summit. All thoughts and views are mine.

When I helped organize the Digital Influencers Marketing Summit in Cebu, I realized that traveling to and from Mactan on the summit date was going to pose as a challenge for me. The week  before that, we had another learning event and I had to endure an hour of traffic from Mactan Island to Mandaue alone. So staying somewhere in city was the way to go.

I was just thankful that Johnn Mendoza was open to hosting both me and Ms. Janette Toral for two days stay at his place - The Center Suites. It is a new pensionne house located Cebu City. Known for its tagline "Budget meets Luxury", it promises a stay that will make you wonder if it is even for travellers on a budget when they offer more than your money's worth.


Friendly hotel staff ready to accommodate your needs 24/7




One thing I liked about the place is the add-ons and options that you can avail to make your stay more comfortable than it already is. Hence, they have a menu of items and services that you can avail of that doesn't make you break the bank.




They have flatscreen LCD television that includes Digibox that makes you watch all your favorite shows. It's strategically mounted on the wall so you have lots of space to occupy instead of having another table in your room.


David checking out the menu. They have a lounge where you can order food in case you get hungry while staying at the suites.


Floor plan and reminders. Please be guided!


Spaces galore for your stuff and pasalubongs!


Comfy beds for you and your companion. For us, since we are a family of two adults, one child, we put the beds together to make it more comfy for us. :)




And last mention, but certainly my favorite - the have UBER FAST internet connection via WIFI. If you are  a blogger, backpacker, traveller on a budget, this will certainly be helpful as you navigate Cebu and harness the power of the internet to update your itinerary. It is certainly very fast that you can even torrent (hehe) as much as you want!

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to torrent as I got very busy preparing things for the summit. When I get back, I will definitely do that. :)

It is also worth noting that they have function rooms, an upper roofdeck for meet ups. Johnn was very kind to accommodate us for the GBG Cebu tea party and meet up and thus where we got to first see The Center Suites.

They also have their very own chapel where they hold masses once a month. Imagine that - a chapel in a suites! First I've seen so far in our accommodations.

What I also liked about the place is that it is strategically located with just one ride to major malls in Cebu - Ayala and SM Cebu. You just walk to the right of the suites and wait for your ride at the end of block. Quite accessible! If you prefer taking taxi, it's not a problem since lots of taxis use the access road where The Center Suites is located.

If you need information about the suites, their rates, and other information, you can check out their website (created by Johnn!) at http://thecentersuites.com/. You can also check them out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheCenterSuites

December 2, 2012

Cebu Emergency Numbers


Numbers collected from online sources. For personal use.


Philippine Red Cross hotline - 143, (02) 911-1876; HQ - 527-0856

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) - (02) 911-1406/912-2665/9125668

OCD Region 7
Camp Sergio Osmena Sr
Cebu City, Cebu
Tel: +63.32.4165025 

National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) - (02) 911-1406/911-1873/911-1906
Cebu Fire Departments: (63) 32-2560541, 160
Police: Mobile Patrol (Carbon, Cebu City)-(63) 32-2548635, LapuLapu Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation-(63) 32-3402994, 166
Mactan-Cebu International Airport: +6332 340-2486 

Ambulance: 161
Rescue: 117
Cebu Car Hire: (+6332) 341-5797 

In case of health emergency, one can call at the following health care centers for quick assistance:

Cebu Doctors Hospital: +6332 253-7511; +6332 253-7516
St. Vincent General Hospital: +032 254-4206/ 253-8296
Mactan Community Hospital: +6332 340-3721; +6332 340-3728
Sacred Heart Hospital-Cebu: +032 254-1841
Cebu Velez General Hospital: +6332 253-1871; +6332 253-1879
Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center: +6332 255-1591
Chong Hua Hospital: +6332 254-1416

CEBU FIRE DEPARTMENT(Cebu City)

hot line - 160

(63) 32-2560541

(6332) 340-0252

EMERGENCY RESCUE UNIT FOUNDATION

hot line – 161
(63) 32-3402994

AMBULANCE - 161

RESCUE (hot line)- 117

Argao -(6332) 367-7680

Mandaue -(6332) 344-4747 / 344 – 3364

Mandaue (hot line)-(6332) 344-3364

Minglanilla -(6332) 273-2830

Naga -(6332) 272-6410

Talamban - (6332) 344-9200

Talisay City - (6332) 272-8277

Lapu-Lapu City - (6332) 340-0252


****Cebu City Health Care Agency‘s****

HOSPITALS

CEBU DOCTORS HOSPITAL
(6332) 253-7511
(6332) 253-7516
(6332) 255-5555
Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City

ST. VINCENT GENERAL HOSPITAL
6332 254-4206 / 253-8296
210-D Jones Avenue, Cebu City

MACTAN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
(6332) 340-3721 , (6332) 340-3728
Basak, 6015 Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu

SACRED HEART HOSPITAL-CEBU
(6332)254-1841 ,(6332) 254-8821
Villa Asnar Urgello Private Rd. Cebu City

CEBU VELEZ GENERAL HOSPITAL
(6332) 253-1871 , (6332) 253-1879
F. Ramos St., Cebu City

VICENTE SOTTO MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER
(6332) 255-1591,(6332) 253-9891
B Rodriguez Cebu City

CHONG HUA HOSPITAL
(6332) 254-1461
(6332) 254-3228
(6332) 353-9409
Fuente Osmeña, Cebu City

Doctors Specialty Reactive Medical & Diagnostic
(6332) 253-6865
2/F F Suarez Bldg. Osmena Blvd. Cor. Llorente St.Cebu City

Cebu City Medical Center
(6332) 255-7141
N Bacalso Avenue ,Cebu City

Lapu-lapu District Hospital
(6332) 340-0248

Mandaue City District Hospital
(6332) 345-9739 to 42
Don Andres Soriano Avenue , Cebu City

Philippine National Red Cross
(6332) 253-4611

South General Hospital
(6332) 272-2020
Tuyan , Naga Cebu

Talisay City District Hospital
(6332) 273-8785
San Isidro , Talisay Cebu City

Mactan Doctor’s Hospital
(6332) 341-0000
Basak, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan

Perpetual Soccour Hospital
(6332 232-2411; +6332 232-2418
(6332) 233-8620
Gerordo Ave., Cebu City

Miller Sanitarium & Hospital
(6332) 261-2100,262-1974
400 Tres de Abril Street , San Nicolas

Vicente Gullas Memorial Hospital
(6332) 346-9293 – 92
Banilad, Mandaue City

Tojong Hospital
(6332) 340-8101
Mactan

Metro -cebu community Hospital
(6332) 253-1901; +6332 253-1902
Jones Ave., Cebu City

Visayas Community Medical Center
(6332) 253-6399; +6332 253-1901
Osmena Blvd., Cebu City

North General Hospital Inc.
(6332) 343-7777
Kauswagan Road, Talamban, Cebu City

Cortes General Hospital
(6332) 345 – 1486
C Ouano Mandaue City

Dr. Ignacio M. Cortes General Hospital Inc.
346 – 7850; 346 – 7859
Rizal Mandaue City

****Cebu City Police department Contact Numbers****

POLICE MOBILE PATROL (CARBON CEBU CITY)
(63) 32-2548635;166

Lapu-Lapu Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation
(6332) 340-2994
(6332) 261-9788

MANDAUE CITY
(6332) 344-1200

NAGA
(6332) 272-6640

CONSOLACION
(6332) 346-2847

PARDO
(6332) 273- 3642

FUENTE OSMEÑA
(6332) 253-5636 / 255-7350

Guadalupe
(6332) 256-2193 / 254 -3214

Mambaling
(6332) 261-9804

Mandaue City
(6332) 344-1200

ACERT
(6332) 420-2868

Minglanilla
(6332) 272-6662

Naga
(6332) 489-8808

Pardo
(6332) 273-3642

Punta Princesa
(6332) 261-7507

San Nicolas
(6332) 261-9788 / 341 – 1311

Talamban
(6332) 244-7400

Talisay
(6332) 273-3636

Waterfront
(6332) 254-6968

Mabolo Police Station
(6332) 233-6793

Mobile Patrol Group
(6332) 233-2178

Theft & Robbery Section
(6332) 234-0361

Security & Service Group
(6332) 233-0202

SWAT
(6332) 235-9666

Mactan Police Station
(6332) 341-1311

Mobile Patrol Group
(6332) 341-4847

Theft & Robbery Section
(6332) 341-1311

SWAT
(6332) 341-1311

Lapulapu City



In case of emergency during typhoon Pablo you may call these numbers:
Network for Early Response on the Verge of Emergency (NERVE)
341-3771
Association of Barangay Council
341-5562
City Health Office
340-2584
Lapu-Lapu City Hospital
340-0248/340-0249
City Social Welfare and Development Office
341-0741/340-5369
Lapu-Lapu City Police
341-1311
City Fire Department
340-0252/342-8509
Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation
340-2994
Philippine Red Cross
495-4770
City Traffic Management System
341-1955
City Mayor’s Office
340-0656

November 9, 2012

Story of the week - The Kite

Kiddo's working on the page for the Kite and demonstrating the story's beginning, middle, and end.

July 20, 2012

Lunch at Iliganon Restobar - Beef Randang and Durian Shake FTW!

Many of the cafes I visit are purely based on recommendations from friends online - Facebook, Foursquare, Twitter. I believe my list of contacts or friends online would only go for the most notable locations around the country.

Iliganon Restobar is one of those places that get mentioned around too much that you can't help but wonder how it's really like. It gets so much buzz and it's mainly because they offer the best durian shake in town. That was enough to convince us to finally visit the place for lunch.

The restaurant / restobar is located in Pala-o. A few minutes walk from The Strip would lead you to a place that greets you with lots of "stuff" that is purely Mindanao and so Iligan. We saw their decorations of wooden tables and chairs. Since the outside part was not airconditioned, we decided to go in the restobar part where they're supposedly serving coffee too.



Walking around with two hungry boys would require immediate refreshments so we ordered drinks first. They ordered their usual juice and tea (as we are staying away from soda).


I, of course, ordered their famous Durian shake. It's so refreshing and tastes like Davao. ;) My only remorse was that the after taste is so strong that I have to find way to diminish the taste.
 


Checking Foursquare, the tips left by previous customers showed me that they are also famous for Beef Randang. Of course, I had no idea what it is so I ordered one. It turned out to be too spicy for my taste so I ended up giving the course to my husband who finished it with gusto.


I ordered another plate of the yummiest Bistek Tagalog that I have tasted. Too bad the serving was too small but of course, it is because the price was also affordable. I would suggest them to increase the price of the dish for a larger serving of the delish bistek. It would be super worth it.


Another shot of the randang which turned out to be a fave of my friends who commented and liked when I posted about my lunch on Facebook.
 
Let me know if you have visited this place too. ;)



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Starting 3rd Year of Homeschooling with Calvert's Grade One Curriculum

We're 11 lessons so far with Calvert's Grade One Curriculum and struggling to get in with a rhythm for our schedule for school and work. Currently, we are aiming for about 16 lessons every month.

Last month, we ordered the Calvert Classic w/ ATS for $1,473. We received the package for Calvert's Grade One Curriculum and learned that we have 160 lessons to work on within one year.  Much like the same as his Kindergarten curriculum.

Curriculum details can be found here.


 
This is D with his school materials including a Calvert cap and tshirt.

 
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July 12, 2012

Plants vs Zombies Live! A Musical Show at Ayala Center Cebu

Yes, I was one of those who loved playing Plants vs Zombies before. I had a version my iPhone and my iPad and, thanks to this, just might as well get one for my laptop.

It was pretty easy to play it and I actually missed the time when I would spend an hour just touching those falling suns (or stars??) on my phone's screen.

But now, they have a musical show! 

It's Plants vs Zombies Live! and it's going to be at the Activity Center of Ayala Center Cebu.





Dates:

August 17-18 - 1PM, 4PM, 7PM
August 19 - 1PM, 3PM, 6PM

How to see the show? 

Just visit or call the Privileges Desk at 232 0380 for details on how to get a pass. You can start redeeming on Aug 1, 2012. A free pass each for the first 50 A-Card members and first 50 VIPinoy members who will present their cards too.

Worth checking out for the family. :)

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Mactan Newtown by Megaworld Soon to Rise in Cebu [Photos]


CBSi's Board of Trustees Meeting for this month of July 2012 was hosted by Mactan Newtown. I was able to meet the old and new members of the group and talk about the latest news from the org. But it wouldn't have been made possible if not for the sponsorship of Mactan Newtown for our awesome snack buffet and the location.

The Mactan Newtown is the latest township in Lapulapu City by Megaworld which was molded after the famous Eastwood City. 


With this new location soon to rise in the island of Mactan, expect busier streets and congested traffic in your trips. But progress is all for the best right? 

Mr. Harold Geronimo mentioned that it is a place not only for those who seek a place to live in condominiums or residential areas. There will also be a hub for BPO companies as well.

Other notes collated about the place:
  • It will have the biggest McDonald's outlet.
  • It will have a special economic zone similar to Eastwood.
  • It will have PUJ loading/unloading area.
  • Entertainment such as concerts and other activities will be expected when it's open.
  • There will be a Mango festival for the community. 
  • There will be a resort.
  • A mall will also be created. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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July 11, 2012

Coffeeworks at Highway 30, Iligan City [Photos]

In the span of our recent 1 week stay in Iligan, there is only one place that made me feel at "home" with regards to coffee shops. It's no other than Coffeeworks at Highway 30, Iligan City.

Love the place because:
  • There's free wifi
  • Wifi speed is decent
  • They're open until 12AM except Mondays
  • Coffee is just like the ones we have here in Cebu. :)
Price of their coffee is definitely affordable at around Php 140 for the most expensive glass.

It's not saying that the other coffee shops are not at par but having stayed there 3 times in a span of a week tells that it's definitely a place worth checking if you feel like hanging out and working from home.

Below are pics from one of our visits.


 
 
 
 
 
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June 15, 2012

A Day with Swish Breath Spray [Product Review]

I was left in awe at what I received in the mail from Unilab. Instead of getting just the breath sprays for a product review, I actually received a sample of other products including the Swish Mouthwash from Unilab. It was a generous move from the company that's very much admirable in their efforts in getting honest feedback from consumers.



My husband is huge user of mouthwash and the inclusion of the 2 items were interesting for him. Had him review the Swish mouth wash and here are his thoughts:

1. Compared to Listerene, Swish Mouth Wash is alcohol-free which lets you gargle the mouthwash without getting that stinging sensation in your mouth.

2. On the other hand, Swish Mouthwash had sort of a bitter after taste.

Inside the package, I noticed a very interesting cup included. It's a foldable cup! Forgive me for the ignorance but I was amazed that it existed.


So back to the Swish Breath Spray. The spray containers came in a small box with two variations of the breath spray:
  • Swish Breath Spray Artic Chill
  • Swish Breath Spray Peppermint

How much is it? The suggested retail price is Php 105.





What I like about Swish Breath Spray

  • It was very handy. You can bring it anywhere and stick it in your pouch when traveling for an instant fresh breath.
  • It lasts 100 sprays. That's about 1 month and 20 days of use for someone who consumes one spray per use, twice a day.
  • Just like the mouthwash, it's alcohol-free. No stinging unlike what I experienced with Listerine.
  • It's sugar-free. No bacteria accumulating. 




Some comments on the product:

Here are some things that I think can be improved on the product:
  • Clunky container. I think they can use better dispenser for it since you get varied amount of spray based on how hard you push. You know what I mean?
  • You'll easily lose the cover. Since it's so tiny, you might find it challenging to put the cover on and off and would easily lose it.

Other reviews from bloggers:

  • http://www.cebumd.com/2012/06/swish-breath-spray-product-review.html
  • http://www.xyzaspeaks.com/may-swish-be-with-you/# 
  • http://rncn-adventuresinlife.blogspot.com/2012/06/swish-breath-spray.html
  • http://acoffeestorytotell.blogspot.com/2012/06/instant-fresh-breath.html 
  • http://lovettejam.blogspot.com/2012/06/product-review-swish-breath-spray.html
  • http://www.jaysee.me/2012/06/swish-breath-spray-for-instant.html
  • http://laagannacebuana.tumblr.com/post/24465188974/review-swish-breath-spray
  • http://www.chooseiligancity.com/2012/06/swish-breath-spray-review.html
  • http://www.vernongo.com/2012/06/reviewing-swish-breath-spray.html