Monthly Archives: May 2018

During times of need, it pays to have a friend to turn to for help. After all, even the best ones fall on hard times and setbacks are inevitable in life. For Gloria Fontanilla of La Union, Betty Mallon Talavera of Iloilo, and Lordini Yupano of Aklan, help came in the form of pawning, a practice that provided assistance all three women greatly needed at several points of their lives. Whether it’s to help finance a livelihood or to afford basic needs, giving up valuables for instant cash has proven to be a worthwhile financing solution for many Filipinos.

Gloria

Although single, Gloria took it upon herself to help her sister’s children finish school. All four of her nephews and nieces were attending college at the same time so the expenses came in lumps and there were times when her budget would fall short. During these instances, she had to pawn her jewelry in order to produce money. For her, it was worth it because she knows the value of education.

“Mahalaga yung mga na-isanla ko pero mas mahalaga yung pag-aaral nila. Ayokong mahinto kaya nagsanla muna ako,” said Gloria about her decision to pawn her items for her loved ones.

Aside from the tuition fees of her nieces and nephews, Gloria also resorted to pawning to fund her businesses. An Agriculture graduate, she maintains a small piggery, which she started in 1985. She is also a seamstress just like her mother.

At 59 years old, Gloria has the choice to support only herself, but she chooses to extend assistance to loved ones instead. When times are tough and she herself needs some assistance, she is glad that she has someone to rely on.

“Nakatulong talaga ang Cebuana. Malaking tulong’ yan sa amin ng mga pamangkin ko. Kung walang Cebuana, wala akong ibang matatakbuhan. Yun lang ang alam ko. Cebuana lang talaga,”she said.

Betty

Betty Mallon Talavera and Family

Meanwhile, in Molo, Iloilo, Betty has her own story of sacrifice. With eight children to support, she cannot emphasize enough the importance of hard work and perseverance. As Betty juggled household chores and her job in a salon, her husband was plying the streets as a jeepney driver to support their family. Both of them had dreams for their children so they did all the hard work that it took to give their children quality education.

Eventually, their sacrifices paid off and all eight of their children finished college and became respectable professionals; a seaman, an engineer, a nurse, an automotive specialist, a call center agent, two managers at the Dubai Duty Free office, while one holds a key position in a local telecommunications company.

For Betty, all the success that their family achieved would not be possible without the help that they were given. When asked what she has learned from all the struggles they went through, she emphasized that God must be the center of the family and that it is important to pay it forward.

“Dapat humble ka at dapat tumutulong ka sa iba. At kahit ano man ang mangyari, kailangan pamilya ang nauuna,” she said.

Aside from relatives and friends, Betty has also sought the assistance of Cebuana Lhuillier when they were in need. She tells that when she was younger, she managed to collect some jewelry which came in handy when she already had her own family. Through pawning, she was able to pay her dues when she was strapped for cash. Now with five grandchildren, she realizes that giving up these items was well worth the rewards.

Lordini

Lordini Yupano

At the young age of 14, Lordini, who hails from Aklan, had to step up and take on the responsibilities of her father when he passed away. As the eldest of a brood of seven, she had to put aside her own studies and prioritize the education and needs of her siblings.

Lordini had to find different ways to make money in order to keep her siblings in school. Although uncertain about her chances of achieving anything, she eventually decided to try her luck in Manila where she worked as a maid, as a saleslady, and a street vendor. No matter how difficult, she was able to sustain the education of her six brothers and sisters until they finished college, not minding that she herself was not able to continue her studies after high school.

Whenever she had enough money, Lordini would reward herself with some jewelry. This was during a time when she was much younger and gold was less expensive. Little did she know that, as she would later become a single mother of two, such acquisitions would help her through some financial difficulties.

“Nakahiligan ko mag-ipon ng alahas na nakatulong talaga noong nagipit ako at nagsanla. Tsaka ko nalaman na sobrang lumaki na pala ang halaga ng mga na-ipundar ko. Kaya noong nalaman ko ang kalakaran sa pagsasanla, ginagawa ko na sya at sa Cebuana ako kumakapit dahil nakagaanan ko na ng loob ang mga tao sa branch at panatag ako na hindi mababawasan ang alahas ko dahil naka-seal sa plastic at pinpipirmahan sa akin kaya safe,” she said.

With her penchant for jewelry and having discovered the benefits of pawning, Lordini became an alajera and now has her own jewelry business, which has been her primary source of income. She still continues to pawn for the needs of her business and for the education of her two children who are in third year college and grade 7th.

Aside from having been able to support the studies of her six siblings, the savvy 39-year old is proud to now have her own home. “Hindi ako nakapagtapos pero proud ako na napagtapos ko ang mga kapatid ko. Tinandaan ko yung bilin ng ama ko na huwag ko pababayaan ang pamilya namin. At meron na rin akong lupa at bahay na na-achieve ko rin dahil na rin sa Cebuana. Sobrang sakripisyo ang dinanas ko para matupad ‘yun. May mga beses na nag-instant noodles ako para lang makatipid. Pero maganda ang naging balik ng lahat ng mga paghihirap ko,” she said.

Three women with three different stories of strength, compassion, and success. Gloria, Betty, and Lordini represent many of the Filipinos have to make countless sacrifices in order to surpass life’s challenges and put other people’s well-being before their own. Success comes in different forms and interpretations, and for these three women, its true essence is being able to share blessings and achievements with others—be it a sibling, a nephew, or a daughter.

Ka-Cebuana Stories is a series of articles featuring Cebuana Lhuillier clients and stakeholders in celebration of the company’s 30th anniversary.

The Visayas region consists of beautifully scattered islands blessed with diverse cultures, majestic beaches and warm people that will keep you coming back. But aside from these, one thing that makes all its islands worth flying for is the glorious food, which is the highlight of—if not the reason for—traveling here. From foods that originally came from the region to the reimagined classics, hopping off from one Visayan island to another offer great experiences for the senses and especially for the stomach!

Are you a foodie traveler? Cross some Visayan food from your bucket list! Here are some Visayan provinces that will give you a taste of an unforgettable vacation:

Bacolod: The Land Origin of Chicken Inasal

The famous Masskara Festival in Bacolod | Photo by Leonardo Villasis

Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental, is home to the vivacious Masskara Festival and vast sugar plantations. That is why it’s dubbed as the City of Smiles – a place where festivals are faithfully celebrated and the people are some of the friendliest in the country. Aside from these, Bacolod is famed for its vibrant food scene that the term “great food” is always tagged in this beautiful city. The Bacolod experience is not complete without trying their delicacies!

Let’s be real: what’s a visit to Bacolod without trying the real star of their food scene—chicken inasal? Almost every food stall in the city serves this signature dish, but for a more authentic experience, head to Manokan Country—a strip of food stalls with different takes on the inasal. It’s where you can also find some of the tastiest grilled foods like isaw, atay (liver), isol(chicken butt), and eat them with your bare hands! It’s the Bacolod (a.k.a. the best) way to enjoy your food.

Bacolod is also known as the country’s sugar bowl, so don’t leave without indulging yourself with their sweet treats! Try the mouthwatering specialties of famous pastry shops like Felicia’s Pastry Café and Calea Pastries and Coffee, where you can spoil yourself and even hoard as much treats as you like for pasalubong. You also don’t want to miss the original Negrense favorite—piaya, an unleavened flat bread filled with muscovado sugar. Locals recommend the one from Bailon’s Food, located at San Sebastian Street.

Weego Bistro via Instagram: @kyxvee

Their in-house restaurant, Weego Bistro, is something you don’t want to miss. It’s hard not to notice its colorful exteriors that showcase the vibrant local art scene, and the interiors will make you want to take photos in every corner. Aside from chicken inasal, included in their menu are some Negrense favorites (batchoy, KBL, kansi), all-day breakfast meals, main meals and flatbread pizzas. It’s the best place to dine and hang out almost any time of the day!

Taste the authentic batchoy in Iloilo

When you’re in the province of Iloilo, the quest for delicious eats is not really a daunting task. In fact, Ilonggo food is popular everywhere in the country, so a lot of people love traveling here to taste the authentic ones. Their cuisine – just like the province itself – is a fusion of different cultures and background, and they’re definitely worth the flight!

La Paz Batchoy: a famous Ilonggo delicacy | Photo by Zarah Mercado

For starters, Iloilo is the birthplace of the famous La Paz Batchoy—a rich-flavored noodle soup that is a favorite among locals dating back to the 1940s. It’s the Philippines answer to Japan’s ramen, suffice to say.  You can try the best ones from the stalls at La Paz Market, where it all originated. Among the most popular stalls are Netong’s Original Special La Paz Batchoy and Deco’s Original La Paz Batchoy.

Seafood lovers will also find Ilonggo cuisine a delight since seafood is a very common staple in the whole province. Head to Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood Restaurant, and taste their crowd favorite dishes like kinilaw na tanigue, baked oysters, and boneless bangus. If you love chicken, try daraag—their wildly popular native chicken that is roasted in charcoal and marinated in vinegar. For your meryenda, a few minutes away from Tatoy’s is Tita Paz: The House Pancit of Molo, which serves another Ilonggo favorite, the pancit molo.

Chika-An Menu via Facebook

Traveling in large groups? Chika-An Restaurant, their official breakfast provider, is an ideal dining place for families and barkadas. Their extensive menu is very Pinoy, you’ll be enticed to order more than you should. They serve seafood, vegetable, sizzling meals, salad, meat, breakfast food—mostly anything that your taste bud will crave! Customers recommend Chika-an’s crispy pork belly, squid sisig and seafood kare-kare.

Join the coconut milk craze in Tacloban City

Tacloban may not be the number one choice for travel in the region, but the city has a lot to offer than you think. For one, it’s the biggest city in Eastern Visayas where you can find the country’s longest bridge, the San Juanico, and it serves as gateway to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Aside from that, their food is something your taste buds will crave! Going on a food trip in this highly-urbanized city is definitely a must.

Baked scallops from Ocho Seafood and Grill via Instagram: @sabugoesto

Buttered shrimps from Ocho Seafood and Grill via Instagram: @sabugoesto

The Tacloban cuisine is a mix of different Pinoy flavors, but what makes their food so distinct is their delectable use of gata or coconut milk. One of the best places to try their ginataan specialties is Ocho Seafood and Grill where you’ll love their purbidang kangkong and ginataang ganga or spider conch. Their seafoods are also some of the bestsellers, which includes baked scallops, crispy tuna skin, and crispy scallops.

Another traveler’s favorite is Chew Love Tacloban, which features an alfresco dining experience and is most notable for its appealing, Instagram-worthy look. Their quirky menu attracts a lot of customers, with bestsellers including Be Kare-Ful with My Heart (kare-kare), Love at Pork Sight (pork liempo with eggplant salad and rice), and halu-halo which comes in three sizes (Gold Digger, Double Digger and Freaky Digger). Conclude your day by having a glass of the Tacloban classic coconut wine, Vino de Coco, which you can purchase at some supermarkets and re-sellers in the city.

Perk up your morning with the yummy Mexican food offerings from Mex ‘Em Up Grill, Go Hotels Tacloban’s official breakfast provider. They serve most of your morning favorites—from toasted bread to rice and eggs—and some famous Mexican food served with your choice of drink. For those who aren’t fans of breakfast food, their menu also includes angus beef fajita, beef mushroom, buffalo wings, among others. All of these have reasonable prices so don’t fret!

Fall in love with Dumaguete’s chicken inato and seafood offerings

Crystal clear waters of Dumaguete | Photo by Namhwi Kim

Dumaguete is a quiet, little town often overlooked by tourists, but when you discover its hidden gems, a trip to this city is definitely memorable. This place offers the best of both worlds: it’s where you can find big universities where Visayans and Mindanaoans converge, and it’s also a diving haven which houses some of the most beautiful secret beaches in Visayas, and even the Philippines.

Same goes with their food offerings. Their cuisine is a combination of different Pinoy – mostly Visayan – specialties, that is why Dumaguete is one of the best jump-off points to get you started with the Visayan cuisine. If you’re a certified foodie, this is the place to be!

Start off your taste bud adventure with the city’s institution: Jo’s Chicken Inato. You’ll instantly fall in love with chicken inato, their specialty chicken famous for its homestyle cooking. Don’t worry, it’s affordable despite the fame! Their menu also includes other delicious Visayan cuisine like sizzling and seafood, and you can pair them with yummy desserts like the buko halu-halo, one of their bestsellers.

Silvannas from Sans Rival via Instagram: @sansrivalph

To satisfy your seafood cravings, you can find some of the most delicious ones at Lab-As Restaurant. Dining here gives a really calming vibe, since it features al fresco dining beside the sea.  They have an extensive menu of your seafood favorites: name it, they have it. End the day by ordering drinks at the Hayahay Treehouse and Viewdeck or try the sushi at Taco Surf Steaks and Sushi Bar—both located beside Lab-As. For the sweet tooth, on the other hand, another food stop that is a certified Dumaguete essential is Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries. It boasts the buttery silvannas and creamy sans rival—perfect for meryenda and/or pasalubong for your loved ones.

Looking for a comfy place for refreshments? Scooby’s, a snack bar just near the hotel is a great place to have a chill afternoon—quite similar to your favorite quaint café in Manila. Students and freelancers frequent here, mostly because of the relaxing environment, stable Wi-Fi and yummy desserts. Try their freak milkshakes (they’re very Instagrammable!) and pair them with pastas, bread or fries.

Traveling to Visayas is a trip that’s worth every penny. While the region is more famous for the island activities and beautiful sights, it is just as much of a paradise for food as it is for the culture, beaches and people. Be sure to get your belly acquainted with the food spots we just mentioned—you’ll miss them when you get home!

Single bedroom  at Go Hotels Tacloban

Luckily, there are Go Hotels branches near these food spots, so accommodation is not a hassle. They offer all your essential needs in very affordable rates—that means you can allot more money for food and eat all you want, wherever you want without hurting your wallet. This Visayan experience will definitely make you want to go back.

Flying to Visayas anytime soon? Book direct now at http://www.gohotels.ph/. Make sure to follow Go Hotels on Facebook and Instagramfor more information.

Every other year since 2004, the Subic Ay Festival has been celebrated and draws thousands of people. It spans a whole week and is lined up with tons of activities. This year’s Subic Ay festival incorporates traditional agro-industrial exhibition. 

“The name of the Festival originated from the way Subikenyos speak where sentences ends with the word “Ay” thus the name “Subic Ay” explains Mayor Jefferson Khonghun. 

The 30th of April is the first day which comprises the motorcade and religious service followed by Barangay Product Exhibit, Night Market, and Food Festival. The opening day is also when the Ginoo at Binibining Subic 2018 talent and swimsuit competition will commence.

On the second day, May 1, a medical mission will be held as part of Mayor Khonghun’s social service. At night the Barangay and Senior Citizens Night will be held wherein a special few Subikenyos will be recognized and formally rewarded.

Day 3 which falls on May 2 is dedicated to the youngsters. The coronation night for the Ginoo at Binibining Subic 2018 pageant is held at night while a Drum and Lyre competition is staged.

Meanwhile, the 4th day (May 3) is for the farmers and fishermen as the Karakol, Cultural Show and Bangka Race showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region through singing and dancing. The atmosphere will be filled by music from a live band show and a battle of the bands and from the loud cheering of the crowd from the Ms Gay Subic 2018 pageant.

The 5th day of the Subic Ay festival pays tribute to the workers and starts with a Job Fair & Multi-Service caravan and at night is a live band show as well as a Mr and Ms Subic Bodies competition followed by a Rave party plus a Fashion show to spice up the evening.

Day 6 which falls on May 5 is all about sports and health. The day starts with a 21k marathon at dawn and a Zumba Hataw Sayaw early in the morning. An entertaining night awaits the residents as famous performers grace the Variety show. To top it all off is a fireworks display at night.

On the last day of the festival, a Thanksgiving Mass, Street Dance Grand parade and Street dance competition are all set to end the week. Subic has definitely taken a big leap and has shown a big development and growth thanks to the cooperation of its people and the administration with the leadership of Mayor Khonghun.

When asked about the major improvements and changes in Subic, Mayor Khonghun replied “Back in 2001 Subic was a third class municipality, which turned into a first class municipality in 2010 after my father finished his term. Next year, Subic will turn from a municipality into a city. During my administration, a facelift took place and Subic is now known to have the cheapest and most modern public market in Region 3 and awarded most modern fishport as well”.

“My drive comes from my aim to make everybody comfortable thru infrastructures and hasten growth and development by focusing on education by providing free college education. Good education means more job opportunities, and as earning capacity increases, spending capacity increases too hence the influx of industries such as Hanjin and Shipyard as well as the malls.”answered Mayor Khonghun when asked about what drives him to make Subic more known.