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Oh, there’s truly a magic when you hop on a flight right here in Sugbo (Cebu), our sun-kissed home that’s a perfect mix of old-school history and awesome island life, and then land right in El Nido. Aba, uy! Those giant limestone cliffs there? They look like massive, silent guardians watching over the clearest emerald lagoons. It’s not just moving islands; it’s like taking a giant ambak (leap) from one kind of paradise straight into another!

From Cebu to El Nido: A Flight from Paradise to Paradise

As the plane climbs up from our shimmering Cebuano coast, the view below slowly turns into a breathtaking tapestry of scattered islands and waters so blue they look photoshopped—it’s seriously like a painter’s best damgo (dream) coming alive! And when your eyes finally catch those majestic Palawan cliffs underneath? It doesn’t even feel like travel anymore. It’s like you just stepped into a glossy postcard, ready for an adventure.

✈️ Direct Flight na, mga Bai!

Guess what, Cebuanos? Cebu Pacific (CEB), our Philippines' leading airline, just made this Palawan dream way easier! They launched their direct flights from Cebu to El Nido just last October 26, thanks to their partner, Cebgo (DG). Karon, every single Juan from Central Visayas has more chances to finally see those famous natural wonders. CEB now flies daily between Cebu and El Nido via Cebgo. Pero, take note: AirSWIFT also has existing flights to the same spot, so we have options!

🦁 The Spot to Stay in El Nido

When we were there, we stayed at The Funny Lion El Nido—and susmaryosep, it was a beautiful pahulay (rest)! It blends serious comfort with a green, sustainable vibe. This place? It’s not just famous; it’s Michelin Guide–listed and proudly holds the title of the No. 1 Hotel in El Nido! Condé Nast Johansens even recognized them for the Best Value Experience. Imagine na lang! They’ve been hailed as one of Asia’s Top 10 Sustainable Hotels, Best Value Hotels, and New Hotels by Smart Travel Asia.

Managed by the lovely people at One-Of Collection, The Funny Lion truly gets the El Nido spirit: warm, classy, and just so connected to nature.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Balinsasayaw Road, El Nido Town, El Nido, Philippines
+63 917 132 8412
elnido.inquiries@thefunnylion.com
thefunnylion.com/el-nido-home

Every time that plane touches down in El Nido, it feels like a soft whisper from the islands saying, "Welcome home to paradise, day." And when it’s time to fly back to our beloved Cebu, you start to realize the real truth: maybe paradise isn't really a place you land at. Maybe it's just that incredible feeling that follows you wherever the beautiful Philippine islands take you. Mao na!

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🌴 Your Epic 3-Day, 2-Night El Nido Itinerary!

Get ready, team! I finally got to tick El Nido, Palawan off my bucket list, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint. Here’s a breakdown of my perfect three-day escape!

**Day 1: Landing, Luxury, and Maldita Cocktails**

We flew straight into paradise via Cebu Pacific Air (they've got daily flights from Cebu, so check out www.cebupacificair.com to snag your preferred dates!).

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First stop: The Funny Lion El Nido! After years of dreaming, I finally experienced their famous hospitality, and I totally get why this place is Michelin-listed. It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from the beachfront and truly deserves its spot as one of Palawan’s top accommodations. Seriously, the vibe is just chef's kiss.

We dove straight into lunch at their in-house resto, The Hunt. Everything was divine, but the Saigon Chicken Noodles? Absolute magic! (And yes, you read that right—I paired it with their signature cocktail, Maldita, a local gin mix that hits just right! Don’t judge my vacation choices. 😉)

The afternoon was all about fueling up and relaxation. I hit up Niki Baker for some killer pastries and coffee (perfect for satisfying those afternoon cravings, plus they have great pasalubong goodies to bring home!).

The rest of the day was dedicated to ME TIME. Of course, I squeezed in a quick workout at The Funny Lion’s gym. It’s open from 6 AM to 9 PM, but here's a pro-tip: you can even request the front desk to use it beyond hours—talk about super convenient!

Day 2: Island Hopping Dreams Are Made of This

Today was the day! We were truly living the dream with a full day of island hopping.

We explored the absolute best of El Nido: soaking up the stunning views at Seven Commando, feeling the pristine sands of Entalula, uncovering the hidden gem of Pinaglungaban, navigating the mysterious waters of Secret Lagoon, and paddling through the awe-inspiring beauty of Big Lagoon. Every single spot was unforgettable!

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Huge shout-out to Dot Region IV-B MIMAROPA and Ellen's Travel & Tours Palawan for perfectly arranging this paradise experience!

Want to book your own slice of heaven?
* For PPS & El Nido Inquiries & Bookings Email: ellenstrvltours2000@yahoo.com
* Contact No.: +639687685125 | 09169696933 | 09263058468
* For Coron Inquiries & Bookings Email: ellenscoron@yahoo.com
* Contact No.: +639178915205
* Facebook: Ellen's Travel & Tours Palawan

We capped off the day like kings and queens, first with a sumptuous spread at Holy Grill & Restobar, followed by cocktails at Manu Brew. Oh, and get this—Holy Grill even prepared our incredible lunch spread during the island hopping trip. They truly are the perfect pair for any adventure!

Day 3: Cashews, Cookies, and Ciao!

You can’t leave a province without loading up on goodies! Day three was affectionately dubbed Pasalubong Day. I braved the El Nido Public Market to grab local delicacies like freshly roasted cashew nuts, peanuts, and baked camotes. Then, I swung back to Niki Baker for those must-have cookies for my officemates (you know, to prove I didn't forget them 😉).

We squeezed in one last delicious, filling lunch at The Hunt in The Funny Lion El Nido—a perfect way to feel satisfied before heading to the airport.

Speaking of the airport... prepare to be amazed! We were genuinely shocked and welcomed by the resort-themed El Nido Airport. It was such a pleasant, picture-perfect ending to a spectacular trip!

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The Supreme Court's en banc decision in People of the Philippines v. ABC260708 (G.R. No. 260708, April 22, 2025) resolves previous judicial confusion by establishing a clear taxonomy of rape offenses involving minors, harmonizing the terms statutory rape, qualified rape, and qualified rape of a minor.

🏛️ Key Doctrinal Clarifications

The ruling is guided by Republic Act No. 11648 and Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code (RPC). The Court corrected the conviction of the accused, who had abused his minor daughter, from "qualified statutory rape" and "rape through sexual assault" to qualified rape of a minor and sexual assault.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Taxonomy of Rape Offenses

Offense Category	Criteria	Key Differentiating Factor	Penalty Implication
Qualified Rape of a Minor	1. Rape committed under the RPC. 2. Victim is below the statutory age (or mentally challenged with the intellectual capacity of a child below that age). 3. Attended by a special qualifying aggravating circumstance (e.g., offender is a parent, ascendant, or guardian, per Art. 266-B).	Dual Aggravation: Victim's minority AND a qualifying circumstance (like relationship/abuse of trust).	Severest Penalty under the law.
Statutory Rape	1. Rape committed under the RPC. 2. Victim is below the statutory age (or mentally incapacitated). 3. Absence of special qualifying aggravating circumstances.	Age/Incapacity is the sole determinant of liability. Consent is irrelevant; it is legally presumed to be impossible.	Severe, but less than Qualified Rape of a Minor.
Qualified Rape	1. Rape committed under the RPC. 2. Victim is above the statutory age and not mentally incapacitated. 3. Attended by a special qualifying aggravating circumstance (e.g., committed by a parent, by more than one offender, or resulting in pregnancy).	Qualification depends only on the aggravating circumstance, as the victim is above the statutory age.	More severe than basic rape, but generally less severe than Qualified Rape of a Minor.

⚖️ Statutory Age Definition

The ruling clarifies the "statutory age" for a minor victim:

For crimes committed before the effectivity of R.A. No. 11648 (March 4, 2022): The victim must be below twelve (12) years of age.
For crimes committed on or after the effectivity of R.A. No. 11648: The victim must be below sixteen (16) years of age.

The increase from 12 to 16 years reflects the legislative intent to provide stronger protection to minors.

Elements of Rape Offenses (For Study & Memorization)

1. Qualified Rape of a Minor

This is the most severely penalized category, requiring the combination of minority and a special aggravating factor.

Element	Requirement	Note
A. Basic Act of Rape	Offender commits the crime of rape (carnal knowledge or sexual assault).	As defined under the RPC, as amended.
B. Victim's Age/Capacity	The victim is below the statutory age (currently $<16$ years old) OR is mentally challenged with the intellectual capacity of a child below the statutory age.	The victim is legally incapable of consent.
C. Qualifying Circumstance	The act is attended by any special qualifying aggravating circumstance under Article 266-B of the RPC.	Examples: Offender is the parent, ascendant, step-parent, or guardian of the victim; or the abuse of authority/relationship.

2. Statutory Rape

Liability is determined solely by the victim's age, reflecting the legal principle that children below the statutory age cannot consent.

Element	Requirement	Note
A. Basic Act of Rape	Offender commits the crime of rape.	As defined under the RPC, as amended.
B. Victim's Age/Capacity	The victim is below the statutory age (currently $<16$ years old) OR is mentally incapacitated.	Force/Intimidation is NOT required. The age itself is the gravamen of the crime.
C. Absence of Qualifiers	NO special qualifying aggravating circumstance under Article 266-B is present.	If a qualifier is present, the crime becomes Qualified Rape of a Minor.

3. Qualified Rape

This offense applies when the victim is of age, but the circumstances surrounding the rape make the crime more heinous, warranting a higher penalty.

Element	Requirement	Note
A. Basic Act of Rape	Offender commits the crime of rape.	Usually through force, threat, or intimidation.
B. Victim's Age/Capacity	The victim is above the statutory age and is NOT mentally incapacitated.	The element of age/capacity does not automatically make it statutory rape.
C. Qualifying Circumstance	The act is attended by any special qualifying aggravating circumstance under Article 266-B of the RPC.	Examples: Committed by a group (more than one offender); the victim becomes pregnant; or the offender is a parent/ascendant of the victim.

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The wait is over — Samsung’s Galaxy A17 5G has officially arrived, and it’s bringing a lot more than just sleek looks and 5G speed. Designed for those who live life on-the-go, the A17 delivers awesome entertainment, solid protection, and long-term reliability all packed into one affordable device. Let’s dive into the unboxing and see what makes this new Galaxy worth the hype.

WHAT'S INSIDE THE BOX?

Inside the sleek white box, you’ll find the essentials — the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G itself, a USB-C cable, a SIM ejector tool, and the usual quick start guides to get you up and running.

One thing to note: there’s no power adapter included, which is now standard for most Samsung releases. It’s part of their move toward a more eco-friendly approach — and a gentle nudge to reuse your existing chargers.

🎮 Awesome Entertainment Anytime, Anywhere

Right out of the box, the Galaxy A17 5G impresses with its 6.7-inch display and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate — perfect for binge-watching your favorite series, casual gaming, or even just scrolling through social media.

Powered by an upgraded application processor (AP), this phone runs your apps seamlessly with fewer lags, giving you that fast and fluid “Galaxy experience” we’ve come to love. Whether you’re editing videos, switching between apps, or catching up on YouTube, everything just feels smoother.

💧 Protection for the Real World

No need to worry about life’s little accidents. The Galaxy A17 comes with an IP54 rating, meaning it can easily handle dust, splashes, and even 360° water sprays — perfect for those unexpected drizzles, messy workdays, or quick poolside selfies.

Adding to its durability, it’s also built with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®, one of the toughest glasses in the smartphone world. That means fewer scratches and more peace of mind.

🔒 Security That’s Seriously Smart

Samsung takes mobile protection seriously, and the Galaxy A17 is no exception. Equipped with Samsung Knox Vault, your personal data is stored in a tamper-resistant hardware, keeping it safe from unauthorized access.

Plus, with Theft Protection, you can remotely lock your phone or enforce biometric authentication if it’s lost. The Auto Blocker feature adds another layer of safety, preventing the installation of apps from unverified sources. With these, you can confidently enjoy your digital life without worry.

🔁 Reliable for Years to Come

What truly sets the Galaxy A17 apart is its long-term reliability. Samsung promises six generations of Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates — a massive win for those who want a phone that stays up-to-date for years.

No more worrying about outdated software or missing features. The A17 is built to grow with you.

🤖 Smarter Living with Gemini Live

Here’s something exciting — the Galaxy A17 now comes with Gemini Live, your new AI-powered assistant designed to make everyday life easier. From managing your schedule to giving quick answers and reminders, Gemini Live is there to keep you organized and productive.

The Galaxy A17 5G proves that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy flagship-like features. With its stunning display, tough build, powerful performance, and next-level security, it’s the perfect everyday smartphone for work, play, and everything in between.

And here’s the best part — it’s priced at only ₱13,590, and if you buy it directly from Samsung.com.ph

, you’ll even get a ₱2,038.50 discount!

So if you’re ready to upgrade to a phone that’s smart, secure, and built to last, the Galaxy A17 5G is definitely worth unboxing.

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Make the most of your Christmas with good deals and convenience at your fingertips

The minute the ber-months hit, a switch flips for us Filipinos. Christmas isn't just a single day—it's a four-month-long (maybe even five!) celebration that defines the last quarter of the year.

It’s the sweet scent of bibingka and puto bumbong warming the air after Simbang Gabi. It’s the streets glowing with vibrant lights, homes overflowing with Christmas cheers, and food becoming the non-negotiable, heartwarming center of every celebration. This is when our loved ones come home—OFWs, students, and workers returning—making every shared meal into a cherished, unforgettable family moment.

With the long list of expenses for gifts, gatherings, and decorations, Filipinos have mastered the art of the sulit celebration: maximum joy, minimum gastos. The Filipino Christmas has always been defined by diskarte (resourcefulness) and creativity: planning early, perfecting potlucks, and finding smart ways to make the season lighter on the wallet but just as full of joy. Because for us, the magic isn’t in how grand the feast is, but in how full the table feels—with laughter, love, and the people who matter most.

This Christmas, foodpanda helps Filipinos celebrate more while spending less through the PASKONA voucher, which gives up to ₱100 off on favorite dishes and essentials from beloved food spots such as KFC, Mang Inasal, Shakey’s, Pizza Hut, Popeyes, Angel’s Pizza, Kenny Rogers, Goldilocks, Pickup Coffee, and grocery partners on the app.

Beyond savings, foodpanda also brings ease and reliability to the busy holiday season—making food, gifts, and essentials just a few taps away. Whether it’s a last-minute handa, a potluck with friends, or a quick grocery run, foodpanda’s got every Filipino covered, so they can focus on what truly matters: celebrating the joy of Christmas.

Patricia Jacinto, Marketing Director of foodpanda Philippines shared that the campaign is about helping Filipinos find new ways to make the busy holiday season simpler, more affordable, and more enjoyable. “The holidays are a time for connection and celebration, but they can also be overwhelming. With foodpanda, we want to make it easier and more sulit for everyone to celebrate by bringing convenience, savings, and joy straight to their homes. We want everyone to be able to celebrate the holidays without stress,” she reflected.

It’s a simple treat that reminds everyone that Christmas magic doesn’t have to mean extravagance. Sometimes, it’s about good food, good company, and the little things that make life lighter. Because in the middle of the hustle and holiday rush, it’s nice to know that someone’s got your back when you need it most. This time, it’s foodpanda saying, “PASKONA, WE GOTCHU!”

The PASKONA voucher is valid for both new and existing customers until December 31, 2025. Check the foodpanda app for updates and make every celebration sarap-sulit this Christmas.

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🌴 Your Epic 3-Day, 2-Night El Nido Itinerary!