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Monday, September 18, 2017

Oppo Smartphone Opens 4th Concept Store in Ayala Center Cebu

Philippines’ Top 2 International Smartphone Brand, Oppo is set to expand with more stores nationwide after a successful opening of its 4th Concept Store in Cebu. OPPO Philippines continues to expand its strong presence in the country with more concept stores nationwide. With Cebu being a valuable market for the brand, it opened its latest concept store in Ayala Center Cebu along with OPPO influencer Rocco Nacino.

Groufie with Oppo Influencer, Rocco Nacino with Guests and Visitors of the branch

Groufie with Oppo Influencer, Rocco Nacino with event host, Witchtofen Heinrich Intong and Guests and Visitors of the branch

OPPO Influencer Rocco Nacino and FaceCebu Blogger, Mark Monta

Customers now have more options to choose from OPPO’s wide range of selfie-centric smartphones such as the OPPO F3 series (F3 and F3 Plus) and the OPPO A series (A57, A71 and A37) that are sure to match anyone’s lifestyle and preference. Leading the impressive lineup is the OPPO F3, a definite trendsetter with its dual-selfie camera that allows wider selfie shots. It is also perfect for taking a groufie as it can accommodate more people in one frame.

“You won’t ever have to worry about taking a group shot with the OPPO F3,” said Rocco Nacino. “I bring it with me when I travel with my family and friends, knowing that I can perfectly capture every special moment with them.”

OPPO Influencer Rocco Nacino

The OPPO F3 is encased in sleek metal and features a 5.5” full HD display protected by Coming Gorilla Glass 5. It also has 4GB of RAM and the 64GB of storage is suitable for keeping numerous photos, videos and applications. A wide range of phone accessories is available for purchase in all OPPO concept stores nationwide.

“Cebu is a valuable market for OPPO and we will continue to provide the best customer experience to Cebuanos through our growing number of concept stores. Our selfie-centric smartphones are definitely relevant in the 9th city for most selfies in the world,” said Eason de Guzman, Public Relations Manager of OPPO Philippines.

Eason de Guzman, Public Relations Manager of OPPO Philippines

OPPO continues to expand nationwide with more concept stores opening in the remaining quarter of 2017. Customers may visit the Ayala Center Cebu concept store at the 3rd level near the activity area.

For more details about OPPO, please visit https://www.facebook.com/OPPOPH/ or log on to http://www.oppo.com/ph/index.html

Four Reasons Why Watch "I FOUND MY HEART IN SANTA FE"

By Cebu Blogger 12:56 PM No comments:

After a tiring but amazing trek to Mt. Manunggal on a Sunday, I rushed immediately to SM City Cebu to attend a special screening of the movie "I Found My Heart In Santa Fe". Honestly, I was not expecting a lot from this movie. But I was amazed on how the cinematography of the movie was being shown. Are you ready to know why we need to watch this movie?

The complete casts of I Found My Heart in Santa Fe. Photo by Glyth Villamor

I Found my heart in Santa Fe official Poster

Here Are The Four Reasons Why Watch "I FOUND MY HEART IN SANTA FE"

1. The movie features Santa Fe of Bantayan Island - a treasure in the North!

Santa Fe is a municipality that is part of Bantayan Island in Cebu which has a beautiful non-crowded beach that boasts of white sand that sparkles in the sunlight.

The idea to shot the movie in Santa Fe came from Director Bona Fajardo himself who discovered the beach last year.

Blogger Mark Monta in Santa Fe

“As directors or writers, we have certain stories that we keep inside our hearts and mind. It is just a matter of finding the right inspiration to fuel that story. When I saw Santa Fe, I wanted to explore it and the story I had in mind came hand in hand with my desire to discover the magic in the place.”

The setting was just perfect. That was the sign Direk Bona was waiting for to write the beautiful and endearing love story of Jennifer and Viktor.

Supporting casts from Cebu. Photo by Glyth Villamor

The beauty of the island was one of the main factors that move that love story of Jennifer and Viktor, making Santa Fe as an important element that makes the movie more interesting. The island, pristine and with raw beauty, serves as the perfect romantic backdrop. In addition, most of the supporting casts were hired from Locals.

2. Real life sweethearts star in a chill-type movie.

For the very first time, real-life couple Roxanne Barcelo and Will Devaughn join forces in terms of heart, talent and resources (as co-producers) to make what could be most interesting and heart-warming romantic-comedy of the year.

Real Life sweethearts, Will Devaughn and Roxanne Barcelo with Blogger, Mark Monta (Center) Photo by Glyth Villamor

Titled “I Found My Heart in Santa Fe,” the movie was shot in location in the picturesque island of Santa Fe in Cebu, which is said to be the newest favorite tourist destination of people wanting to bask in the sun and enjoy the cool waters.

Roxanne and Will had been in a relationship for four years now but they have yet to work in a project. But both have been dreaming of doing a movie together or an interesting TV project where they can show their chemistry as a love team, aside from their acting talent.

That’s why when this project was presented to both of them, Roxanne and Will grabbed the chance. The indie film, directed by Bona Fajardo, marks the first time for them to collaborate on a film project. And, it’s a love story, thus making Roxanne and Will all the more excited.

In “I Found My Heart in Santa Fe,” Roxanne plays the role of Jennifer, a smart, hardworking and pretty islander with a unique personality. She has this spunk in her that is not typical of an island girl, making her more interesting to men. But because of a recent heartache in her personal life toughened her and made her wiser when it comes to love. What keeps her busy is managing their family-owned business, a resort called Beach Placid.

Will, on the other hand, plays the handsome German-Filipino named Viktor, who loves adventure and has his own company named “Green Technology” which is focused in developing business ventures in different countries.

Viktor is a prized catch. He is rich, athletic, a music lover but remains a simple man who just loves to explore the world. He is also in the process of putting together the missing pieces of his life.

The exciting journey to love of Jennifer and Viktor started when the latter decided to fly to Santa Fe to look for his biological mother which he has yet to meet and to discover his Filipino roots as well.

Victor and Jennifer will bump into each other in a rather odd situation but due to Viktor’s insistence and persistence, he will stop at nothing to win the heart of Jennifer. He was captivated by Jennifer’s charm. The movie follows the blossoming of the romance between two individuals whose traits are poles apart. But as they say, opposite poles attract. Will this hold true for Viktor and Jennifer?

3. This movie is directed by independent digital film maker, Direk Bona Fajardo

Direk Bona Fajardo belongs to a group that started independent-digital filmmaking in 2000. He directed the first indie film of Judy Ann Santos titled “Miss Pinoy,” an advocacy film on Overseas Filipino Workers. After that he got assigned to handle the film development technology. As early as 2000, Direk Bona already sensed that independent-digital filmmaking is already the direction to which local and international filmmaking is headed.

Bloggers woth Direk Bona Fajardo Photo by Glyth Villamor

He also directed the movie "Iliw" about Vigan, Ilocos Sur topbilled by Kaye Abad.

“I, together with other pioneering indie directors, had been joining film festivals that time. We are part of the production and creative team. I remember that a Robin Padilla indie film we did then titled “Astigmatism” won an award at the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF). That was a first for the Philippines. It won a Silver Award in the digital division of HKIFF,” Direk Bona recalled.

After winning awards, Direk Bona and his group decided to venture into film technology development and was later assigned to film tourism.

4. This movie is part of Cine Lokal!

“I Found My Heart in Santa Fe” is the first brand new film to be screened at Cine Lokal in select SM Cinemas beginning September 15.

Movie Verdict?

Just focus on the amazing scenes of Santa Fe and get attracted to that beautiful panorama and aerial shots of the island. Truly, Cebu is indeed a treasure of Central Visayas.

A Trek To Historic Peak, Mt. Manunggal!

By Cebu Blogger 11:22 AM No comments:

It wasn't a fine Saturday afternoon when my friends met at the Terminal of Ayala Center Cebu as we waited for Van Service going to the provincial area of Balamban. The weather wasn't good, there was a reported storm but funny we still pursued to travel to the historic peak of Cebu, Mount Manunggal.

Blogger, Mark Monta at the top of Mt. Manunggal

With my Timex Expedition Field Leather Chronograph Watch

Before I talk about the trek, why do you think it's a historic peak? Remember our 7th President of the Philippines, Ramon Magsaysay? He was on board on a Douglas C-47 plane named "Mt. Pinatubo" and was reportedly crashed in the peak of Mount Manunggal together with other 24 passengers. That's why it is historic for the country! Now, let's go back to our unforgettable trek. As we arrived in Barangay Busog, we were welcomed by the Barangay officials with a PHP 80 entrance fee to be used by Ecotourism. Actually, most of us were shocked because of that 2-weeks old entrance fee which we are not sure where the proceeds will go. Anyway, so much of that bad vibes, we luckily arrived in Mt. Manunggal campsite before 3 in the afternoon. It was raining and fogs were everywhere. How amazing to witness those natural spots in the environment.

MT. Manunggal Campsite

So, we put up our tents in the camping site where you can see the monument of our late president. You can ask for assistance for any basic needs from the care taker of the place, her name is Ate Rose. She got a small sari-sari store and the best part is, they got a hot water which is very essential in a cold environment. We planned to just chill on a Saturday night since a very bad weather came. The good thing ate Rose cooked a hot chicken soup for everyone in an affordable price of course. It is very nice to help them in this little contribution.

My friends and our tent set-up

Such a lovely view at the campsite

The moon was about to set

On a Sunday morning, we excitedly woke up at 5:00 AM. We took our morning "pamainit" with a cup of hot coffee and some pieces of bread we brought. Then, we prepared for a 30-45 minute climb to the peak. It was not a normal walk. Muds were everywhere with slopes while braving a pace to the very top. I couldn't describe in words how astonishing the view is! Now, savor these pictures I can provide you below.

Blogger's friends savoring the sunrise

Hurrying up!

On our way to the top!

Take a rest then selfie!

Almost there bud!

How to go to Mt. Manunggal?
1. Take a Van Service available at the Ayala Center Cebu Terminal for PHP 120.00
2. Ask the Driver to drop off in the corner of Barangay Busog. (Ride is 45 minutes to 1 hr)
3. Walk a few meters going to Barangay Busog Hall to pay entrance fee of PHP 80. An additional PHP 20 if you wish to include Mt. Mauyog in your itinerary.
4. Ride a single motorcycle (Habal-habal) going to Mt. Manunggal Training center. Fare is PHP 100.
5. From the training center, take a 20-30 minutes walk going to the campsite.
6. From the campsite, ask for a guide from Ate Rose who will accompany you going to the very peak.

Now, here are some amazing shots we got at the top. These photos were taken by Huawei P9.

Just posing at the top of Mt. Manunggal

Lovers at the Peak!

Just another bokeh shot for my friend here.

Oh, another "Boyfriend of Instagram"! Hanventure's Blogger, Han Suquib with her boyfriend, Clyde.

What a cute site! Hello there doogy!

Me taking a pose!

Sorry, here's another pose!

OMG! Still me.. hahaha

Aha, please don't be upset with my poses!

Oh, hello there!

Such a nice view, right?

SimpFlex!

Back flex!

Pre-nup? Aha!

Hanventures.com Blogger, Hannah Suquib!

LaagPaMorePH Blogger, Jacinth Suico!

Why is it called Buwakan Ni Alejandra? Here's the story! (With Photos and Video)

By Cebu Blogger 10:14 AM No comments:

A few days ago, Sugbo.ph posted an article about the latest tourist destination in Balamban Cebu, Buwakan ni Alejandra. But nobody asked who is Alejandra? Does she own this astonishing garden farm? Let's find out!

Aerial Shot of Buwakan ni Alejandra by John Ray Aligato

Here's a video with aerial shots!

As reported by Sunstar Cebu, this colorful flower garden is named after the Mother-in-law of Barangay Councilman Eleuterio Gentap. “We called it Buwakan ni Alejandra, because you can really see flowers (buwak) in the garden. Alejandra is my mother-in-law. When I first went to her house back in 1991, I noticed she had so many flowers in her garden and had a penchant for collecting them,” said Gentapa.

Aerial Shot of Buwakan ni Alejandra by John Ray Aligato

During the Japanese occupation, Alejandra shared a story of an incident that Japanese soldiers were distracted by those flowers and instead of killing the people in the village, they turned their focus to the flowers that the villagers had planted.

The garden photographed last April 16. Grabbed from Buwakan Ni Alejandra page.

Eleuterio Gentap is the chairperson of the committee on tourism and is the landscaper of Buwakan ni Alejandra. There are more developments to follow in the flower garden which includes putting of tags on the different species of Flowers, building a gazebo and of course, expansion of the garden.

Aerial Shot of Buwakan ni Alejandra by John Ray Aligato

Buwakan ni Alejandra RULES

Guests should attend an orientation
Smoking is not allowed
Picking of flowers are prohibited
Visitors and Guests must only follow the designated trails
Visitors and Guests are not allowed to step in the areas where flowers are planted
The flowers are also not for sale.

Buwakan ni Alejandra DETAILS

Address: Sitio Bunga, Barangay Gaas, Balamban, Cebu
Open every day from 7 AM to 5 PM (but if there's a storm, they will close the premises to protect the flower garden)
Entrance Fee: PHP 50 for Adult and PHP 20 for children
Fare: PHP 120 Van For Hire ride from the city. (Ayala Cebu Terminal)

Four Reasons Why Grab Starbucks Frozen Teas!

By Cebu Blogger 8:24 AM No comments:

Last year, we were surprised by Starbucks Philippines with their modern tea experience brand, Teavana. This time, the experience levels up as our favorite Starbucks introduced the new Starbucks® Teavana® Frozen Teas. Starbucks® Teavana® Frozen Teas will be available starting September 12 until November 1, 2017.

TEAVANA^® FROZEN HIBISCUS TEA WITH POMEGRANATE PEARLS at Amorita Resort, Bohol

Why grab these special beverages?

1. Teavana Frozen Teas are exclusively launched in Asia.

Starbucks Teavana Frozen Teas

Starbucks® Teavana® Frozen Teas have been developed exclusively for customers across Asia, delivering a sophisticated and modern tea experience. Starbucks is committed to investing in Teavana in the region as it remains a strong growth driver for the brand

2. These refreshing, icy-smooth handcrafted beverages combine the finest Teavana® teas and botanical blends with premium ingredients like Kyoho grapes and pomegranate pearls.

Kyoho Grapes

Commenting on the growing interest in frozen beverages, Davina Patel, global food and drink analyst at Mintel, the global market intelligence agency which follows food and beverage trends in Asia, said: “Our research shows that consumers in Asia continue to gravitate towards beverages with textural and visual appeal, which has led to a growing interest in frozen products. Moreover, consumers are increasingly exploring the world of tea through flavor and variety, with preference shifting towards botanical teas such as herbs, fruits, and spices.”

3. These amazing Frozen Teas are also available as Iced Shaken.

Starbucks® Teavana® Frozen Hibiscus Tea with Pomegranate Pearls
This refreshing beverage combines floral notes of hibiscus flowers and rose petals with the tropical flavors of papaya and mango, enhanced with hints of cinnamon and lemongrass. The beverage is topped with glistening, jewel-like pearls of pomegranate juice that burst on the tongue.

Starbucks® Teavana® Frozen Chamomile Tea with Kyoho Grape and Aloe
Soothing chamomile tea is blended with honeyed white grapes and aloe cubes delivering a cool, lightly sweet taste. The beverage is generously topped with skinned and pitted whole Kyoho grapes – a popular variety from Japan known for its distinctive sweetness and generous size.

4. As a special treat, Starbucks Card customers can enjoy these icy-smooth Starbucks® Teavana® Frozen Teas ahead of its public launch.

Customers will just need to pay the full amount of the beverage using their Starbucks Card from September 9-11 to avail of the early access promo.

Top Game Of Thrones Cosplayers At Marco Polo Season 7 Finale Viewing Party

By Cebu Blogger 10:27 AM No comments:

It's been four days after the epic finale episode of Game Of Thrones Season 7 but the fever never stops! Last Monday, a number of viewing events were held here in Cebu but only one emerged at the top and that's Marco Polo's Season 7 Finale viewing party. Promised to offer an amazing experience, the Hotel initiated a one of a kind costume contest accompanied with different activities such as GOT Panel Discussion, Trivia Game and Musical Performance. But we will not talk about what happened during that event, we will see who made it to our top list of Game Of Thrones Costume Playing!

Game Of Thrones Cosplayers during the Marco Polo Season 7 Finale Viewing Party. Collage by FaceCebu.net. Pics by Marco Polo Facebook Page.

Are you ready? Together with my officemate and a true-blooded GoT Fan, #LaagPaMore Blogger, Jacinth Suico helped me picked the top 10 CosPlayers who joined Marco Polo's event and stood out as they carried the costume and character very well. Check this out!

But before the top 10, here are some runner up!