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Cebu Sun.Star: Explore Bohol hassle-free: Sulong Turismo and GCash offer cashless travel delights

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0800

THE picturesque province of Bohol is poised to elevate its tourism landscape with the unwavering support of GCash, one of the leading mobile wallets in the country.

Through a range of innovative digital solutions, GCash aims to bolster the livelihoods of local government units (LGUs) and over 5,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) while enhancing the overall travel experience for visitors.

From seamless cashless transactions with Scan-To-Pay to accessible micro-loans through GLoan and comprehensive insurance coverage with GInsure, GCash's pioneering initiatives create a unified effort to boost Bohol's tourism and propel the province towards a thriving future.

These innovations aim to revitalize the local tourism industry in the province by integrating digital payment solutions into local tourism campaigns, ushering in a new era of cashless travel experiences.

'Sulong Turismo' is set to empower LGUs with famed tourist spots to adopt convenient cashless payments for various tourism-related transactions, such as travel bookings, accommodations, and retail shopping.

By leveraging digital tools and showcasing their wide-ranging benefits, the campaign aspires to enhance customer satisfaction, drive repeat visits, and invigorate the overall tourist experience throughout the region.

“We are proud to be a part of the Sulong Turismo initiative. Financial inclusion toward economic growth has always been the main goal of GCash. And we believe that this can be achieved through partnerships with both the public and private sectors, so that together we can present opportunities to business owners as well as consumers, for a safer, secure, convenient, and profitable payment solution that can boost the domestic tourism industry,” said GCash Chief Marketing Officer, Neil Trinidad.

The official inauguration of 'Sulong Turismo' commenced with a dynamic seminar and dialogue, where the advantages of a digitalized tourism industry were extensively discussed, focusing on LGUs boasting prominent tourist destinations.

Driver of tourism

The Department of Tourism (DOT) unveiled exciting plans for infrastructure development, a dedicated tourism website, and a cutting-edge tourism app, all aimed at incentivizing tourism-related businesses to embrace digital payments and pave the way for growth in the sector.

Distinguished guests at the event included Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado; Department of Tourism Chief Tourism Officer for Central Visayas, Dr. Gelena Asis-Dimpas; Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Regional Head of Economic Affairs, Greg Baccay; Philippine Information Agency Head, Rey Anthony Chiu; Panglao City Vice Mayor Noel Hormachuelos; Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap; and GCash Chief Marketing Officer, Neil Trinidad.

Their presence underscored the importance of this initiative and highlighted the collective effort to drive the tourism industry forward.

During the event, the concept of a tourism circuit was unveiled, presenting a strategic route or itinerary that connects multiple tourist attractions within a specific region.

This structured approach aims to promote the region's diverse offerings and entice tourists to spend more time exploring unique destinations.

“The active participation of local businesses, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), market vendors, and transport groups, further exemplified the strong collaboration between the public and private sectors in propelling the region's tourism industry. We are very happy to be the first municipality to have pioneered this initiative and we are hoping that other municipalities would follow our lead,” said Governor Aumentado.

Cashless digital tourism

The GCash app, available for free on Google Play and App Store, plays a central role in facilitating cashless transactions during travel.

Its user-friendly interface and secure payment features make it an ideal tool for tourists and businesses to embrace the digital revolution in the tourism industry.

'GCash Scan-To-Pay enables seamless payments and smoother business operations. It allows entrepreneurs and businesses to offer cashless transactions through a generated QR Code,' Cathlyn Pavia of GCash explained.

'This feature allows business owners to receive payments through cashless transactions. Merchants receive real-time texts on their smartphones when payments are made, enabling them to monitor transactions in their merchant portal, accept unlimited transactions daily, and even offer GGives and GCredit to their customers. These features facilitate more efficient day-to-day operations and open doors to potential increases in sales.'

To further support the aspirations of budding entrepreneurs, GCash offers GLoan, a hassle-free borrowing platform accessible through the GCash app.

With GLoan, eligible business owners can access instant cash of up to P125K without the burden of additional documents or collateral.

The loan amount is determined based on the individual's GScore—a reflection of their activity and usage of GCash's products and features.

'GLoan lets you enjoy low-interest rates starting at 1.59 percent per month, and you can pay your installments in 5, 6, 9, or 12 months. Once approved, the loan will be sent to your GCash wallet within minutes, so you can immediately use it,' Pavia said.

Additionally, GCash's commitment to comprehensive financial protection is evident through GInsure, an all-encompassing insurance marketplace within the app. Travelers, whether exploring locally or abroad, can find peace of mind with insurance policies ranging from travel, life, health, and more, offering coverage of up to P2.5Mn. With GInsure, individuals no longer need to fret about lost baggage, emergencies, or unforeseen inconveniences during their journeys.

With 'Sulong Turismo' paving the way for cashless digital tourism, Bohol is set to become a shining example of how technology and strategic partnerships can transform and elevate the travel experience.

As the campaign gains momentum, Bohol's picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality are now more accessible than ever, promising an unforgettable journey for travelers seeking to explore the wonders of this province.

For more information on 'Sulong Turismo' and the GCash app, visit www.gcash.com.ph. (SPONSORED CONTENT)

Cebu Sun.Star: Limpag: The longest hour in PH football history

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:34:00 +0800

Officially, it takes an hour after the first half whistle for a football match to end, including the 15-minute break. But that hour between the whistles ending the first half and full-time against New Zealand seemed like an eternity.

An hour or so before the match, I went with some office mates as they lit candles at the Santiago Apostle Church in Badian, which was celebrating its fiesta. I thought of lighting one, too, but decided against it.

I may not be religious, but when it comes to sports—especially the national football teams—I am certainly superstitious and one of my superstitions is you never involve The Guy above.

Minutes before the match, a fellow writer whom I was planning to catch the final Filipinas game against Norway with said he couldn’t make it. I didn’t reply nor acknowledge his message for an hour before he sent it, I also informed a staff member of Jeff Cheng—who was assisting us to get to New Zealand—that I couldn’t make it. I thought it was a lucky coincidence.

After New Zealand had us backpedaling early, Sarina Bolden had her moment.

First attempt. 1-0 Philippines. It was magical. Her shout was for us all—the guys and gals in the stadium, the folks on press row, those in watch parties and those who couldn’t shout while stuck in offices following the game on mobile.

Then the second half happened. New Zealand upped the pressure but the ladies were up to it, especially Olivia McDaniel. There was that sequence when the home team seemed to be zeroing in, getting free headers, including one from a corner kick played to the middle.

How quick the Ferns were in the second half. After Sara Eggesvik lost the ball near the New Zealand box, McDaniel was forced to come out of her box to stop an attack.

We’ve had our bad luck as a sporting nation, the Robbery in Atlanta 96 involving Mansueto Velasco against Daniel Petrov being one of them. But on July 25, 2023 Lady Luck was on our side.

In the 65th, Jacqui Hand hit the post with rebound going straight to McDaniel and two minutes later Hannah Wilkinson’s header sailed past McDaniel only to be disallowed because of an earlier offside, thanks to VAR.

I’ve long ceased trying to understand offside VAR calls but at that moment, I whispered a message of thanks. There were some comical moments, too. Carleigh Frilles, a late sub, collected an errant goal kick but her harried shot went nowhere and minutes later, she failed to see the offside flag and played on.

But the second half belonged to McDaniel. You know the saying that your life flashes before you just before you die? I think the football life of Filipino fans flashed before them when the fourth official showed there were five added minutes.

I had visions of all sorts of headlines, thankfully our No. 1 was there. A reflex save on Grace Jale’s shot kept us ahead, a save that reminded me of Gordon Banks against Pele and of Emiliano Martinez’s save against France. Considering the circumstances and moment, that was the greatest save by a Filipino keeper, ever.

And I think it was fitting that our longest hour ended with McDaniel kicking the ball high in the air.

Cebu Sun.Star: Nest Workspaces-2013 routs Harley Davidson-2014

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:32:00 +0800

THE Nest Workspaces-2013 demolished the Harley Davidson-2014, 84-61, in Division C of the 26th Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association basketball tournament on July 26, 2023 at the Magis Eagles Arena in Mandaue City.

Batch 2013 took control of the game in the second canto, where they unleashed a 23-10 salvo to turn the tide firmly in their favor. Batch 2013 was so dominant they pushed their lead to a high of 27 at 84-57 not long before the final buzzer sounded.

Batch 2013’s guards had their way with Batch 2014’s defense as Rendell Senining and Arc Gabriel Araw-Araw had 18 points apiece, the former adding nine rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Fletcher Galvez and Emman Malazarte added 12 markers apiece as Batch 2013 remained undefeated in this competition.

In the other Division C game, the reigning champions Heritage Supreme Land Developer-2012 got their first win of the season after beating Batch 2020, 76-64. Rev-Rev Diputado had 20 points while Maverick Suarez and Dave Wilson Yu tallied 11 markers apiece. (JNP)

Cebu Sun.Star: Marco Polo introduces ‘Sedap’ weekend buffet

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:29:00 +0800

WIDELY acclaimed for quality weekend buffets, Cafe Marco introduces a new Indo-Malay section to spice up its popular weekend offering, with flavors heating up from the kitchens of Indonesia and Malaysia.

The buffet’s new Asian section is a collaboration between native Malaysian chef Kenny Yong and Amina Bint Ahmad Alonto, who comes from years of experience in Jakarta learning Indonesia’s culinary tradition.

The result is “Sedap!” (Malay for delicious) a flavorful Indo-Malay experience blending a tableau of flavors and spices from the Middle East and India, and nuances of Chinese influence.

Think sambal, satays, curries, beef rendang, laksa, baku teh, Malay-style Hainanese chicken rice and more.

The Indo-Malay fare is a welcome addition to the hotel’s international weekend buffets, from Friday lunch to Sunday brunch until Aug. 13, 2023.

On Fridays, lunch and dinner groups enjoy the 4+1 Foodie Friday offer, where every four full-paying guests entitle the fifth person to dine free. Children under 12 years receive a 50 percent discount. Reservations are highly recommended. (PR)

Cebu Sun.Star: ‘Red Bull Dance Your Style’ ignites passion, celebrates creativity in Cebu’s 1st qualifiers

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:26:00 +0800

CEBU’S dance scene reached a fever pitch of excitement as “Red Bull Dance Your Style” made its debut in Metro Cebu with an electrifying qualifier event, Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Trademark Cebu.

The energy was palpable as 16 exceptional dancers took to the stage showcasing their unique styles and unrestrained creativity. “Red Bull Dance Your Style,” renowned for celebrating individuality and diversity in dance, proved to be a perfect platform for dancers to unleash their improvisational skills and freestyle moves, allowing their passion for dance to shine.

In an awe-inspiring display of talent, Shihan Maui, affectionately known as Baby Titan, emerged as the champion of the regional qualifier. His performance left the audience in awe, combining precision, artistic expression, and a distinct style that captivated everyone in attendance.

In an interview, Maui expressed his elation, stating that winning the “Red Bull Dance Your Style” regional tournament fulfilled a lifelong dream. He reminisced about his childhood fascination with the power of dance and the thrill of competition, emphasizing that this victory symbolized the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities.

The competition in Cebu was fierce, with three other standout performers earning their places in the top 4. JPY, Taw and Nemesis showcased exceptional talent, securing their spots as they left an indelible mark on the dance floor. Notably, Nemesis stood out as the sole female finalist, breaking barriers and demonstrating that dance knows no gender boundaries.

The regional qualifiers in the country’s capital, Manila, took place July 22 at URBN QC. Cebu’s representatives will join the winners of that event in the National Finals in September. The Top 4 finalists from each regional qualifier will compete for the ultimate prize—a coveted spot in the “Red Bull Dance Your Style” World Finals, which will take place in Frankfurt, Germany in November.

“Red Bull Dance Your Style” has undoubtedly ignited a wave of enthusiasm among dancers and dance enthusiasts across the country. Its unique approach to celebrating individuality, creativity and diverse dance styles has invigorated the dance community, uniting performers from different regions in their shared passion for dance.

As the competition continues to unfold, it remains a testament to the power of dance in transcending boundaries, inspiring dreams and uniting people from all walks of life.

Red Bull’s commitment to supporting sports, culture and high-energy events has once again demonstrated that dance is a force that can empower and uplift, creating unforgettable moments that resonate far beyond the dance floor.