DOT lauds Bohol's celebration of the annual Ubi Festival

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The Department of Tourism (DOT) lauds the Provincial Government of Bohol's efforts in setting up this year's annual Ubi Festival under the new normal.

Running until February 24, the festival, which has been celebrated since year 2000, is proof of the Boholanos’ love for Ubi or purple yam. The root crop was revered as a “savior crop” as its discovery led to the alleviation of hunger in the province during pre-Hispanic times. Now, it has become a staple food for Boholanos because of its taste, long shelf-life, and the many food varieties that can be made from it.

As the largest producer of ubi in the country, Bohol is home to many ubi farmers who turn to the root crop for their livelihood. With this year's theme, “Pagpananum ug Ubi Napuslan, Kagutom Na Dala Sa Covid19 Nabatukan,” the festival aims to celebrate the root crop that has become an agro-historical-geographical-religious symbol for the province and highlight the impact and contributions of ubi farmers.

Photo from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist - Bohol

As part of the festival, a showcase of a variety of Ubi products like ube jams and ube-based bibingka, ice cream, and bread can be found at the Old City Airport in Tagbilaran City. The venue strictly implements health and safety protocols to assure festival-goers of an easy and memorable experience. Other cultural activities, exhibits, and seminars are also held to honor the root crop this month.

From festivals, gorgeous sights, and fun-filled activities, there’s definitely a Bohol destination for everyone. While it is famous for the Chocolate Hills, Bohol also offers other attractions that families, groups, and even solo travelers can enjoy.

Scenic views and ecotourism sites

Photo courtesy of Paul Gotiong

When one speaks of Bohol, the Chocolate Hills cannot be left out. These 1,776 individual hills spread across six towns have attracted tourists from many generations for their uniqueness and vastness. The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, a place dedicated to saving the lives of endangered tarsiers, is also open for those who want to learn more about these small nocturnal primates.

 

Action-packed activities

Photo courtesy of Nataniel Luperte

Bohol also has something for adrenaline junkies. If you prefer seeing the Chocolate Hills up close, ATV rentals are available in the Carmen area. Those who want more action-packed activities can head to the Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park for zipline and cable car rides. If you prefer water activities, you can also opt for stand-up paddle boarding tours or experience a water bike adventure.

 

White-sand beaches

Bohol is also known for its white-sand beaches and clear waters. The Alona beach is a stunning 1.5km stretch of white-sand beach famous for being a must-visit spot for those who love snorkeling, scuba diving, or even those who just like to relax and watch the sunset. Travelers can also island-hop to Balicasag and Virgin islands to explore Bohol’s marine life. If you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of dolphins in the area.

 

Variety of accommodations

Tourism comprises 70% of the livelihood in Bohol, so there is no wonder that several hotels and resorts are available in the area. Whether you choose accommodations in the municipality of Panglao or Dauis, these hotels are committed to providing top-notch service and hospitality, especially during these times. Temperature checks, QR code scanning, plated meals, and rearranged eating areas are just some of the adjustments made by accommodations to ensure that travelers are assured of a safe environment during their stay.

Hassle-free travel

Do-it-yourself travels are currently not allowed in Bohol. This means that everything you plan to do while on the island should be pre-booked--from accommodations and transportation to tour arrangements. This makes sightseeing around the island hassle-free. This also makes it easier for the provincial government to implement systems to curb the virus’s spread while ensuring that tourists get to fully enjoy the island’s beauty.

Before planning a visit to Bohol, travelers must have a negative RT-PCR test taken 72 hours before their arrival, pre-booked accommodations at a DOT/LGU-accredited establishment, travel itinerary, and registration in the Province of Bohol website at tourism.bohol.gov.ph for the issuance of personal QR codes that will serve as electronic IDs.

Tourists coming from Metro Manila are encouraged to apply for the subsidized RT-PCR test at the UP-Philippine General or Philippine Children's Medical Center for as low as PHP900 and PHP750, respectively. To avail of the 50% discount from either of the two medical institutions, visit the Tourism Promotions Board website at www.tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel.

As of February 2, 2021, Bohol allows the use of saliva RT-PCR tests in place of nasal and throat swabs.

For up-to-date information on open destinations and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

For more information on traveling to Bohol, contact the Department of Tourism or visit philippines.travel/safetrip/bohol.

 

Got Globe Rewards Points? Yes, it’s good as cash!

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We often find creative yet practical ways to stretch our hard-earned cash, especially on essentials and emergencies. Did you know that each Globe Rewards point is as good as cash?

 

At One Point = One Peso, Globe Rewards gives you more buying power to enjoy more perks and benefits across several brands and merchants such as Grab Food, Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, and many more!

 

Apart from that, Rewards points may also be redeemed for life’s essentials such as health insurance for as low as 15 points, or GCash credits for as low as 10 points. Running low on load? Rewards points can also be converted into data promos for as low as 2 points for SURF100MB and SURF1GB for only 10 points.

 

Earning Rewards points is easy, too.

 

Globe mobile customers can easily earn Rewards points by simply paying their monthly bill, loading, or topping up. All Prepaid, Postpaid, Platinum, TM, Globe At Home, Home Prepaid WiFi customers, as well as AMAX Retailers are eligible to earn Rewards.

 

In fact, customers have already been experiencing the convenience of redeeming their points especially in emergency situations.

 

“Kasi I always use it pang emergency ko, especially pag mauubusan ng ako ng load na walang available sa tindahan” a TM customer said.

 

“Very helpful to a consumer like me who has a big family and not enough money to buy load every day” from Globe Prepaid customer.

 

“The app helps me in emergency situations like when I am running out of data that is very much needed in my studies” from a Globe at Home prepaid subscriber.

 

Some use their points to redeem everyday essentials.

 

“Thank you @917 and Globe Rewards for my face shield and facemask” from a customer on Instagram.

 

"I bought a hair brush dryer, Davies paint Aqua Gloss, router rack, sticker wall paper and Krispy Kreme…. All from my Globe Rewards Points," shared another happy customer on Instagram who enjoyed the variety of options to redeem points.

 

“Thank you @enjoyglobe for saving me from my “Cinderella” moment today #GlobeRewards,” from a customer who used his points at Call It Spring.

 

Globe Rewards acts like a currency, since our customers are able to use their points as cash. This is our way of saying thank you for using our products and services, and helping our customers to further stretch their budget in these challenging times," said Joey Kilayko, Head of Globe Rewards.

 

Download the Globe Rewards app now to redeem rewards and more. Visit glbe.co/GRewardsApp to know more.

 

Good deals and freebies in Beko's OXtra Ordinary Sale

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Manila, Philippines — Beko, Europe's No. 1 Appliance Brand, is always on the lookout for ways to make people's lives easier. 

Aside from providing consumers appliances equipped with the latest technologies, Beko also holds seasonal sales so that more people can experience using the brand's products.

Avail of substantial discounts, freebies, and amazing bundles from Beko's OXtra Ordinary Sale! 

The BIM25301X, a multifunctional 60cm built-in oven with eight cooking functions, is priced at Php19,992 from Php24,990 while the HIMW75225SX, a 70cm built-in gas hob, is at Php14,990 from Php19,990.

HISW72225SOB

The HISW72225SOB, a 75cm built-in gas hob, is now at only Php10,392 from Php12,990 while the HISW73225SOB, another 75cm built-in gas hob, is at Php11,192 from Php13,990. The HIZG64120SX, a 60cm built-in gas hob, is now only Php7,192 from Php8,990 while the HIZM64121SX, a 60cm gas + electric hob, is now only Php9,192 from Php11,490.

The 12 cu. ft. RCNT340E50VZP, a bottom mount no frost refrigerator, is now at Php27,690 from Php31,990, while the 8.8 cu. ft. RDNT251I50VS, a top mount no frost refrigerator, is now only Php17,290 from Php21,990. 

RDNT340I20VZP

The 12 cu. ft. RDNT340I20VZP, a top mount no frost refrigerator, is now at Php23,490 from Php27,990.

WCV7612X0

The WCV7612X0, a front load fully automatic washer with 7-kilo capacity, is now priced at Php24,090 from Php27,990.

You can also get freebies on top of discounts when you purchase other Beko models.

BDC6C55X 

Get a free Beko vacuum cleaner when you buy the BDC6C55X , a 60-c.m. 4 vitro-ceramic hob oven, priced at Php46,791 from Php51,990. The DH10444RX0, a front load fully automatic dryer with 10-kilo capacity and heat pump technology, also comes with a free vacuum cleaner and is now at Php34,191 from Php37,990.

 

FSET63110DX

The 60 c.m. FSET63110DX, a 3 gas + hot plate electronic oven, is now only Php32,391 from Php35,990 and also comes with a free Beko vacuum cleaner. The electronic oven has Halogen Illumination and offers faster and more efficient cooking with special burner design. The 60 c.m. FSM63320TXDL, a 3 gas + hot plate multifunctional oven, is at Php35,991 from Php39,990. The 90 c.m. GG12116GX, a gas oven and electric grill with 4 gas and 2 hot plates, is priced at Php47,791 from Php51,990 and comes with a free Beko range hood.

 

GG15126DXPR

The GG15126DXPR, a 90 c.m. electric oven and grill with 4 gas and 1 wok burner, is now at Php55,791 from Php61,990 and comes with a free range hood. This oven and grill gives you a clear view of what's happening inside with Halogen Illumination so you don't need fo open the oven door to see what's happening inside. Meanwhile, the GM15326DXPR, a 90cm electric oven and grill with 4 gas and 1 wok burner with an oven size cavity volume of 112L, is  now only at Php65,691 from Php72,990. Aside from Halogen Illumination, the oven and grill has Telescopic Shelves to make your life easier. The runner system lets you pull out the shelf all the way out (or 2/3 of it, for partial Telescopic version) of the oven while supporting the dish.

 

If you're looking at upgrading and replacing your household appliances, check out Beko's OXtra Ordinary Sale which runs until February 28.

For more information, visit Beko Philippines at facebook.com/bekoph.

Key to Starting the Day Right? Don’t Skip your Breakfast!

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 Amid the global health crisis, it is essential to keep a healthy diet. And when it comes to maintaining it, it all boils down to refusing to skip the most important meal of the day—a complete, hearty breakfast. Whether your goal is to manage your weight or simply keep yourself healthy, it pays to make eating breakfast a regular habit.

 

With its numerous benefits, Santé, a leading provider of premier, natural, and organic health and wellness products and services encourage everyone to make breakfast a vital habit, especially amid the pandemic, to kick-start your day, helping you keep your immune systems and overall well-being healthy. 

 

If you are wondering about its other amazing benefits, then check out this list: 

 

You get energized. As its name implies, eating your breakfast helps you to "break" your "fast" after a good night's sleep. When you skip your morning meal, you tell your body to conserve energy since you did not get the nutrients you need. Your metabolism slows down, and your body attempts to store fat. 

 

On the other hand, eating breakfast helps you jumpstart your metabolism and be well on your way to maintaining your health or achieving your health goals.

 

It helps fuel your brain. A healthy breakfast is usually composed of food rich in carbohydrates, a preferred energy source for the brain. By choosing complex carbohydrates for your breakfast, you help improve your memory due to the increase of glucose available to the brain from the bloodstream. Among the best sources of complex carbohydrates include whole oats and cereals. 

 

Your cognitive functions also improve after eating any food like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. So, it pays to take a well-balanced breakfast, mixing your carbohydrates with protein-rich foods like eggs, lean meats, and healthy fats like nuts, among others. 

 

You eat not more than you should. A lot of people skip breakfast to avoid consuming extra calories. But did you know that eating breakfast helps decrease your appetite? 

 

According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2011, the subjects who ate breakfast regularly reported decreased hunger levels than those who skipped their morning meals. So, by eating high-fiber and nutritious meal early in the morning, you are less likely to be hungry throughout the day. 

 

Another habit that you need to practice is drinking eight glasses of water to keep yourself hydrated or a nutritious supplement packed with vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

 

Santé Barley^TM, for instance, is a pure organic barley grass powdered drink, blended with one of nature's most potent sweeteners, Stevia. This product is best taken before meals. It also readily dissolves in water and contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, and E (per serving), which can help keep your body healthy and strong.

 

To learn more about Santé, visit its website at santebarley.com. 

Cebuana Lhuillier's services can now be done from home

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In the past year, we’ve seen how businesses have switched to digital platforms due to the community quarantine. Many have come up with innovative ways to ensure that they are able to provide their basic services to people at home. One of them is Cebuana Lhuillier, which is one of the most accessible pawnshops in the country with 2,500 branches nationwide.

To further make themselves more accessible, they launched Cebuana From Home (CFH), a platform that gives clients 360-degree access to Cebuana Lhuillier’s services—from cash remittance to pawning.

Here’s a quick rundown of CFH and how the platform can help the general public.

Pawn from Home

Cebuana Lhuillier has made their pawning service available online to ensure safer transactions. Pawn-from-Home allows clients to pawn jewelry online—they just need to accomplish an application form on the CFH site (https://www.cebuanafromhome.com). After it’s been reviewed, an appraiser from the nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch will go to the client’s home to appraise the item, negotiate the value, and release the loan.

Other Pawn-from-Home perks include being able to pay for the pawn renewal service interest fee online and redemption of pawned items through the CFH platform.

 

Hassle-free bills payment and cash remittance

CFH has likewise made it easier to pay bills and send money without leaving the house. The online Bills Payment service provides access to more than 10 billers nationwide. Meanwhile, the remit-from-home feature allows users to send money online through Cebuana Lhuillier agents.

In addition,  one can also avail of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Broker’s (CLIB) roster of affordable and comprehensive packages, which include Personal Accident insurance, Medical Expenses insurance, and Doctor’s Consultation insurance.

 

Reliable express delivery

Because of the continued lockdown, delivery services for everyday needs have increased significantly from last year and Cebuana Lhuillier has made it possible for pawned items, to be sent or delivered, as well. With the Cebuana Lhuillier Express Delivery Service, clients from select pilot areas can have jewelry items and cash delivered right to their doorstep. The brand’s dedicated riders will ensure that items are secure and delivered on time. That way, there is no more need to go out and pick up the bought items, ensuring the safety of the whole family.

These Cebuana From Home services can be accessed at bit.ly/CebuanFromHome. A mobile app, as well as access points via Facebook Messenger and SMS, will be available to the public soon.