Temporary Entry Restrictions for International Arrivals at Mactan-Cebu Airport

(Updated as of March 19, 2021) With reference to the clarification on temporary entry restrictions issued by the National Task Force (NTF) through Memorandum Circular No. 6, s. 2021 on March 18, 2021, only passengers under the following classifications shall be permitted entry into the country via Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) during the restricted period starting 00:01 of March 22, 2021 until 23:59 of April 21, 2021:

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Balik sa Bohol Online Sale to offer massive discounts (Travel requirements to Bohol)

As Bohol reopens its tourism industry, undoubtedly one of its main economic drivers, Bohol tourism stakeholders have collaborated to launch the first ever and biggest selling campaign, dubbed as Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale, which will run from February 21 to March 14, 2021. Noq is the best time to start planning a visit to the island for those itching to travel once more and enjoy breathtaking beaches, scenic hills, majestic rivers and spectacular dive sites or savor healthy food in an organic farm.

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Updated Arrival Protocols for International Passengers Arriving at Mactan-Cebu Airport

Pursuant to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) Resolution Nos. 96 and 97, all international passengers arriving at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) shall observe the following arrival protocols starting February 1, 2021

Pre-arrival Process

Before your scheduled arrival at MCIA, make sure to complete and ensure the following:

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Fiesta Señor 2021 – Sinulog Schedule of Novena Masses at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño

The 456th Fiesta Señor is kicking off in a few weeks, Sinulog 2021 will finally be on full swing! With the theme “Santo Niño: The Abiding Presence of the Father in our Journey of Faith”, the religious activities for the annual Sinulog festival will kick on January 8, 2021.

For your convenience, do take note that the Basilica will implement the one-way entry system and other COVID-19 protocols. Only residents of Cebu City are allowed to enter the vicinity of the Basilica. ALL Novena Masses are streamed on their Facebook page. BACKPACKS and other bulky bags are NOT ALLOWED so as not to delay the security inspection process.

Several activities like the Penitential Walk with Jesus, Penitential Walk with Mary, Traslacion (Cebu City to Mandaue City to Lapu-Lapu City), Fluvial Procession and Reenactment, and Solemn Procession are CANCELLED. As of the latest update, Traditional Sinulog dancing after the last Mass of the day is also CANCELLED. 

Check out the full schedule of novena masses below (SCROLL ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM FOR DOWNLOADABLE PHOTOS OF THE SCHEDULE):

The Sinulog Festival 2021 schedule is also available here.

DAY 1: January 8, 2021 (Friday) – OPENING SALVO

5:30AM – Enthronement of the Image of the Sto. Niño de Cebu
6:00AM – Opening Salvo Mass (Installation of Hermano and Hermana Mayores)
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Sinulog 2021 Schedule of Festival Events and Activities in Cebu

The country’s biggest festival, Sinulog 2021 is back once again this year with the theme: A New Life in Faith, Hope, and Love. One Beat. One Dance. One Vision. While the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected most of the activities lined up to celebrate the Feast of the Child Jesus, there are still several events, physical and virtual, scheduled to keep the festive spirit alive.

See below the full schedule of events and activities for Sinulog Festival 2021!
Meanwhile, you may also check the full schedule of Fiesta Senyor 2021 Novena Masses and other religious activities here.

January 1-31, 2021 – Sinulog One-Stop Shop at Ayala Center Cebu
January 3-10, 2021
– Sinulog Kick-Off “FUN RIDE” Virtual Bike Challenge Continue reading

Philippine Airlines Mid-Year 2020 Promo

We were all excited for 2020 but then, COVID-19 came like The Grinch who stole Christmas and put everything to a halt. But as we look forward to moving on with the new normal, Philippine Airlines, is launching their Mid-Year Special Offer on Monday, July 13, 2020, where travelers can enjoy safe skies and safe travels with the Heart of the Filipino.

For base fares as low as P388 for domestic destinations and USD99 for international destinations, passengers can book their flights for travels from August 1, 2020 up to May 31, 2021.

Time to go back to our bucket list! Whether you’re flying home to your loved ones, going on essential business travels, or planning for that long overdue vacation, passengers may avail of these special fares from July 13 to 19, 2020.

To avail of the offer, passengers may book via  www.philippineairlines.com or call PAL Reservations at (+63 2) 8855 – 8888 or visit any PAL ticketing office or any partner travel agents or through the PAL mobile app.

New Normal, Same Heart

To ensure the safety and protection of all passengers, PAL is strictly implementing an all-out ‘Fly Safe’ set of new normal safety measures and practices – dubbed “New Normal, Same Heart” – that adopts international health and safety protocols while keeping the signature heartfelt service that the airline is known for.

Passengers are encouraged to check in on-line and arrive early at the airport to allocate extra time for new safety procedures. They are also required to wear face masks or facial coverings at all times – at the airport and throughout the flight – and observe physical distance whenever queueing in line or while seated at waiting areas at the airport.

The Philippine flag carrier is one of the first in the world to require cabin crew to wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while on board the flight; PAL’s cabin crew also undergo medical evaluation prior to their duty. PAL has modified its inflight meal and snack service, using sealed packaging instead of traditional meal arrangements. On top of these, PAL also offers Onboard Distancing Seat Options in Business Class, Premium Economy, and a designated zone of the Economy Class cabin for passengers
who wish to be extra safe when they fly.

All PAL aircraft are equipped with advanced cabin air systems that continuously infuse fresh air across the cabin (cabin air is replaced every 2 to 3 minutes), as well as High- Efficiency Particulate Air filters (or HEPA filters) that remove viruses, bacteria and other contaminants with 99.99% efficiency. The onboard air creates a controlled and cleaner environment comparable to hospital operating rooms that is safer than most enclosed public spaces.

The flag carrier has partially resumed regular commercial flights to various domestic destinations and key international cities in the US, Asia, Europe, Australia, the Middle East and Canada. PAL has also been operating special missions to repatriate stranded Filipinos and foreign nationals to and from different parts of the world, as well as all-cargo services to transport essential supplies across the Philippines and overseas.

Where are you off to next?

Binalayan Falls in Samboan, Cebu

There are at least six waterfalls in the southern tip of Cebu, (Oslob: Tumalog Falls, Ginatilan: Inambakan Falls, Samboan: Binalayan Falls, Dao Falls, Aguinid Falls), and if you’re sedentary like me, trekking might not be your thing.

But, Binalayan Hidden Falls in Samboan is definitely worth the little sweat!

How to get there

From the Cebu South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Bato (via Barili). Take note that there are two buses bound for Bato, the other one passes through the eastern coast while the one via Barili takes the western coast. Fare is P175. Alight at Samboan and hire a “habal-habal” to Binalayan Falls.

If you are driving, you can’t miss it as there is a sign by the highway.

“Leisurely Trek”

To get to the Binalayan Falls, one would have to take a 15-30 minute (depending on your pace) “leisurely trek”. Register first at the Visitors Center where you will be assigned a local guide. Tipping is not imposed, but just think of it as your donation for the locals, and the sustainability of the place and activity. After all, the local guide will not only accompany but also offer to take your photographs and assist you along the way.

The trek takes you to a mostly flat coconut grove. Definitely not something that would excite the adventure junkies, but the dirt trail is so peaceful with towering coconut trees. You’ll reach a point where you need to cross three small streams. It’s quite slippery so wear the appropriate footwear. (P.S. I just wore my trusty Havaianas flip-flops lol).

You’ll know that you’re approaching the waterfalls when you start hearing gushing water, and see makeshift swings made of old tires and ropes tied to the trees. Just a few hundred steps more and you’ll reach the main falls.

Sinulog Tribu sa Kabataan 2020 Winners

Formerly called the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan and more recently Sinulog sa Barangay, here are the winners of the recently concluded Sinulog Tribu sa Kabataan 2020.

Best in Musicality:

1st Place: Lumad Basakanon of Barangay Basak San Nicolas (P50,000)
2nd Place: Banauan Cultural Group of Barangay Guadalupe (P35,000)
3rd Place: Banay Labangon of Barangay Labangon (P25,000)
4th Place: Banay San Nicolas of Barangay San Nicolas Proper (P15,000)
5th Place: Banay Budlaan of Barangay Budlaan (P10,000)

Best in Costume:

Lumad Basakanon of Barangay Basak San Nicolas (P50,000)

Best in Streetdancing:

1st Place: Lumad Basakanon of Barangay Basak San Nicolas (P70,000)
2nd Place: Banay Labangon of Barangay San Nicolas Proper (P50,000)
3rd Place: Banay San Nicolas of Barangay San Nicolas Proper (P30,000)
4th Place: Banauan Cultural Group of Barangay Guadalupe (P20,000)
5th Place: Pundok Maampoong Cambihanon of Barangay Cambinocot (P10,000)

Best in Ritual Showdown:

GRAND CHAMPION: Lumad Basakanon of Barangay Basak San Nicolas (P400,000)

Lumad Basakanon of Barangay Basak San Nicolas

2nd Place: Banay Labangon of Barangay Labangon (P350,000)

Banay Labangon of Barangay Labangon

3rd Place: Banauan Cultural Group of Barangay Guadalupe (P300,000)

Banauan Cultural Group of Barangay Guadalupe

4th Place: Banay San Nicolas of Barangay San Nicolas Proper (P250,000)

5th Place: Banay Budlaan of Barangay Budlaan (P200,000)

6th Place: Pundok Maampoong Cambihanon of Barangay Cambinocot (P150,000)

7th Place: Tribu Mabolokon of Barangay Mabolo (P100,000)

Non-winners

Barangay Inayawan

Tribu Kinaiyahan

Barangay Sapangdaku