LA BUENA VIDA: 2013

Best Cebu Blogs Still Rocking on Its 6th Year

It's the favorite month of Cebu-based bloggers once again!

On December 7, 2013, seven bloggers from different niches will receive these awesome trophies, the design of which was inspired by the Magellan's Cross.

Mark Monta

The seven bloggers that will be awarded these goodies came out from the hundreds of nominees. Out of the hundreds, 45 were chosen to be part of the nomination process which will ultimately give us the seven victors for year 2013.

Best Cebu Blogs Niches

Technology Blog
Personal Blog
Travel Blog
Food Blog
Fashion Blog
Photo Blog
Entertainment Blog

Special awards will likewise be given to exceptional bloggers.

CBSi’s Choice
Special Citation
Visayas Bloggers Choice

You might be wondering how the seven winners will be determined. We got in four awesome judges who have scored them in specific criteria. Who are they? They're the best in what they do!

Ruben Licera - Cebu Bloggers Society Inc. (CBSi) President
Nancy Cudis - CBSi INternal Vice-President. She's also Globe Telecom’s Cebu Media Excellence Awards’ Blogger of the Year for 2012 and 2013
Ria Jose - Founding President of Davao Bloggers & Founder of Mindanao New Media and Mindanao Blog Awards
Vic Marion Madriaga - President and Head of Cagayan De Oro Bloggers

Who's the team behind Best Cebu Blogs?

Mark Monta of www.cebufitnessblog.com (Founder)
Agnes Jimenez of www.empressofdrac.com
Bjorn Bernales of www.bjorncebuano.com
Jaysee Pingkian of www.jayseeblabs.me
Gezelle Tapangan of www.geemiz.com
Chanel Imperial of www.shankybaby.blogspot.com
Eden Villarba of www.chicinthetropics.com

The entire Best Cebu Blogs team is full of gratitude with the following sponsors:

Gold Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Donor Sponsors

Online Media Partners

Official Photographer/AVP

Mendero Medical Center to serve the northern part of Cebu Metropolis

Finally, the people of Consolacion and nearby areas will be able to experience quality hospital care through Mendero Medical Center.

Dr. Samuel Mendero, the man behind Mendero Medical Center

Thanks to Dr. Samuel Mendero and his focus to build a hospital in Cebu, locals and tourists alike can be treated and cared for using their tertiary hospital services that ranges from:

Operating rooms
Surgery
Clinical Laboratory
Doctors' clinics
Internal Medicine
Obstetrics-Gynecology
Pediatrics
Family Medicine
Intensive care unit
Emergency rooms
Delivery rooms
X-ray
CT-scan

The health care facility is capable of housing 200 patients.

All clients can be assured that Mendero Medical Center can live up to its name because Dr. Samuel Mendero also runs a successful hospital in Zamboanga del Sur, the Pagadian City Medical Center.

One of the machines to be used in the laboratory.

“We are continuing what we have started…in giving the modern people of the northern part of Cebu this medical center they certainly deserved,” Dr. Mendero shared during the blessing of the hospital last November 12, 2013.

Consolacion Mayor Teresa P. Alegado welcomed MMC with open arms.

To mark the special occasion, Mayor Teresa P. Alegado also gave a speech which welcomes the facility.

The presence of Mendero Medical Center can address the shortage of hospitals in the northern part of Cebu City metropolis.

Equipped with the latest medical technology and capable health care personnel, Mendero Medical Center is looking forward to provide you with health care services that is within your reach.

For more information, visit Mendero Medical Center at Baranggay Pitogo, Consolacion, Cebu (near SM Consolcaion and Sea Oil Gas Station) and LIKE their Facebook page.

Of Going Nuts and Blogging Hiatus

For the past months, I have been on a blogging hiatus. Last time I posted something on my blog was back in May, when all things were breezy and sunny!

Then August came and changed the course of things. I was not expecting something that would radically alter my senses.

Why I Went on Blogging Hiatus

Two days before Ironman Philippines started last August, my beloved grandfather died. As if that incident was not heart-breaking enough, my online employer decided to stop his online website business so I got out of work at the same day.

Surprisingly, I just went on like nothing happened. Saturday came along and I went to Lapu-Lapu City to cover the Ironman triathlon.

I wasn't able to get a decent sleep the night before the race started. During the entire day, I was exposed to the harsh elements of the sea wind, scorching heat of the sun, and thirst.

At the end of the day, I ended up very tired. When me and my friends were on our way home, I rode a taxi from a famous local mall.

I asked the taxi driver if he had change for a thousand peso bill and answered that he had none so instead of dropping me to my house, I told him to send me off a a milk tea shop near our house.

I left my paper bag but brought my sling bag with me when I went inside the milk tea shop to buy milk tea and get smaller bills for my one thousand pesos. After the staff of the shop gave me the change, I went back to the taxi cab and gave the driver my taxi fare.

After I handed him the money, I went to the bag to grab the paper bag that I intentionally left. I went back inside the milk tea shop to wait for my order then I suddenly realized that I left my other bag inside the taxi, the one with my boyfriend's camera and my video camera.

I hurriedly went out the shop and tried to catch my taxi which was about a few meters away. I ran as fast as I could but I gave up when the taxi was too far away. In my estimate, I ran a little less than 50 meters.

Image courtesy of etyman.wordpress.com

Going Nuts = Blogging Hiatus

As far as I can remember, that was the time when all things caved in. The depression I was suppressing and the all the fatigue I felt made me tremble inside out. Saying that I was confused, sad, worried, and desperate is an understatement.

To make the very long story short, I wasn't able to retrieve my valuables despite countless effort from my family and friends. I ended up very depressed so I went on vacation in Bohol.

Every cell in my body did not have the energy to write articles and blogs. This is the only income-generating activity I know. I went penniless and felt very sorry for myself.

Every time I get very depressed, I prefer to go to the island covered in chocolate. There's just something in that place that helps me heal.

In less than one month, I got back on my feet.

I got new income-earning jobs that gives me a new lease on life! I'm back on track and I am ready to conquer the world!

To the taxi driver who did not return my valuables, "God bless you!"

Thanks to you I went on blogging hiatus!

Take Home Happiness in a Box with Candiez Cupcakes and Pastries

This is definitely a sweet tooth's delight!

From left to right: Fudgy Brownie, and Dark & White Choco Chip Brownie

What can Candiez Cupcake & Etc. offer you?

Miss Candy founded this company with the tagline "Indulge yourself of a fresh and yummy home baked Cup Cakes & Pastries like no other!"

From left to right: Choc & Cherry with Strussel Brownie, Great Walnut Brownie, Fudgy Brownie, and Dark & White Choco Chip Brownie

What is the Mission of Candiez Cupcake & Etc.?

Our mission is to bring you a delightful sweet treat and customized cupcakes. We can negotiate Cupcakes, that's fit on your budget.

This bite size box is so convenient! You can bring it wherever you are and fits right inside your bag as well!

When I first had a taste of Miss Candy's home-baked goodies, I was overwhelmed! Her cupcakes and brownies taste just right. They are not too sweet and are wonderfully-decorated! Just look at the photographs!


Back (from left to right): Chocolate Ganache and Red Velvet with Cream Cheese; Front: (from left to right): Lemon Poppyseeds and Cream Cheese

According to Miss Candy, the beautiful and hard working founder of Candiez Cupcakes & Pastries, her company is a fashionable and exclusive online business. She bakes all goodies fresh from the oven to provide not only good looking cupcakes but also high quality taste to their valued customers. You just have to experience fashionable, fresh and yummy cupcakes like no other. That's a promise that Candiez Cupcakes & Pastries can give you!

Back (from left to right): Lemon Poppyseeds and Chocolate Ganache; Front (from left to right): Cream Cheese & Red Velvet with Cream Cheese

Candiez Cupcakes & Pastries was launched on April 2013 and as we speak, many customers with sweet tooth have been satisfied! Take a look at their Facebook page and make sure to click LIKE!

Cream Cheese Cupcake

The flagship of Candiez Cupcakes & Pastries can be found in Mandaue City, Cebu. Miss Candy personally handles all orders and makes sure they are perfect when they reach you!

Cream Cheese Cupcake

To make your orders, you can contact Miss Candy at 0915-441-6619 or send her an email at ilove_candiez@yahoo.com. Make sure to visit the Facebook page of Candiez Cupcakes & Pastries to be updated.

Chocolate Ganache Cupcake

Red Velvet with Cream Cheese

Red Velvet with Cream Cheese

Lemon Poppyseeds Cupcake

TAKE HOME HAPPINESS IN A BOX!

Savor Filipino Cuisine at The Dining Room

If you are on the hunt for a reasonably-priced dinner buffet with a reasonably-thought menu, I guess your quest is over because The Dining Room is already here, and their highlight is the Fiesta Sa Sugbo!

Fiesta Sa Sugbo is Castle Peak Hotel's buffet which features the beloved dishes of Cebu, which includes the sumptuous Boneless Lechon. The great thing about thus feast is its affordability, because it's only Php 349! It's also available during lunch.

Filipino food is the highlight of the buffet and everybody knows that the star of every Filipino feast is the lechon! Fiesta Sa Sugbo has lechon on the menu alright, but they offer it in two varities; spicy and non-spicy lechon belly.

Spicy and non-spicy lechon belly

I personally like the taste of the spicy lechon belly. It is has the kind of spiciness that is bearable to the Filipinos palate.

The infrequently offered Caldereta, or stewed goat, is actually part of the main menu. You don't have to wait for special occasions anymore to munch on Caldereta! What a great relief!

Hilaw na mangga, anyone? (Green mangoes)

Kuchinta

They also have Mung Bean Soup (or ginisang monggo) and Bam-i (another Filipino pansit version) that is as tasty as that compared to our favorite carenderia, or even better! As for dessert, they have puto, kuchinta, mangoes, ice cream, as well as the all-time-favorite halo-halo! These are all definitely well-loved food by Cebuanos or Filipinos in general.

With slightly dimmed lights, spacious area and tables, and quality Pinoy cuisine, one could never go wrong going to The Dining Room of Castle Peak Hotel and savoring the goodness of Fiesta Sa Sugbo!

*All photos courtesy of Jervie David Montejar

from www.travelfoodblog.com

Young Minds Academy by RAFI Introduces their Season 7 Youth Leaders

New batch of young bloods were initiated to the Young Minds Academy of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. - Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (RAFI-EADSC) last April 2 at the Eduardo Aboitiz Hall. The new batch belongs to Season 7 and their theme for this year will be "Urban Development" of metropolitan Cebu.

The hall was filled with much enthusiasm and excitement. One can feel the youthfulness of the hall because the emerging leaders are from the ages 10 to 20. One can also perceive the dominant feeling they emit, a combination of excitement and apprehension. Nonetheless, it was good to see youth all packed up in one room.

Young Minds Academy is the brainchild of RAFI. The reason of its conception is to prepare and nurture the leaders of tomorrow to guide the community for implementing changes that will benefit the greater good. Learning from YMA is not limited to the four corners of the classroom because the modules that they have formulated imply a holistic approach. As much as theoretical knowledge is best learned inside a classroom, one cannot possibly comprehend how it is to live like our poor brothers and sisters on the streets unless one would experience their lifestyle first at hand. An experiential approach is indeed an eye-opener in learning through semi-structured environment. The scholars will be shown how to show their best character and leadership traits, learn from visits, exchange ideas with other youth, and initiate forums. The crème de la crème at the closing of the academy will received the Jon Ramon Aboitiz Medal for Personal Excellence and Roberto E. Aboitiz Medal for Team Excellence.

A Covenant Signing was made on April 2, 2013 at 2 PM and it signaled the beginning of a new life for the scholars of YMA. 94 vibrant youth made it to the top and all of them will experience the modules formulated by RAFI. Teamwork will the key to their success as they would have to work hand in hand with their teammates, LGUs, and their beneficiaries.

The scholars of Season 6 managed to come up with various solutions to existing problems regarding safety and security, violence of youth, transport and traffic management, flood, and reduction of risks during disaster. With the help of social media, they were able to obtain support from 2,000 people who believe in their ideas. Dream block exhibits were also made to help their beneficiaries.

With the new breed of youth leaders, RAFI is very optimistic with the change that they will show the community. The Young Minds Academy's primary aim is to mold the young lads with wonderful ideas for community change, a change for the greater good of everybody.

For more information about YMA or RAFI, you can contact Mel Yan (418-7234 local 110), visit the official website of RAFI or the official Facebook page of RAFI. More photos from the Covenant Signing can be found here.

ASUS Features Their Latest Innovations

ASUS is always "In Search Of Incredible" because according to them, customer happiness, not just satisfaction, is also essential. The Dealer and Media Conference held last March 7, 2013 at Movenpick Resort did not fail to amaze and amuse me. Even though I am not a gadget freak, I always love looking at the latest innovations of the laptop PC.

ASUS indeed lives by their maxim Inspiring Innovation and Persistent Perfection. During the media conference, they featured Customer Happiness 2.0 which focuses on the 5 essential features; beauty, sound, ubiquity, touch, and responsiveness.

I, for one, love to experience happiness whenever I buy a gadget and knowing that ASUS is always on focus in rendering Customer Happiness 2.0 to their patrons, I expect them to deliver it flawlessly.

First we have the ASUS Zenbook Prime. This notebook offers superior mobility we always look for. A metallic finish renders the Zenbook a classic beauty. The best feature for me is the 3mm front and 9mm back proportions. Carrying a notebook hasn't been this easy now! The responsiveness is incredible because it will only take 2 seconds to resume its normal operations from sleep mode. USB 3.0 is also an awesome feature while incredible audio is made possible with SonicMaster.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

The ASUS Vivobook puts the world at your fingertips with its textured metal surface, very light and slim body, SonicMaster audio technology, and wider touchpad. I love the features. It's very appliacble to my work and lifestyle. I even bought one after more than 1 week of seeing it first in the dealer and media conference. I love it! A great review of the ASUS Vivobook can be seen here.

The ASUS Vivotab combines the beauty of a Zenbook plus the mobility of a tablet. This Windows 8 powered transformer has an 11.6" Corning® Fit Glass screen, SonicMaster speakers, extra long battery life, classic metallic finish, 8-megapixel back camera and 2-megapixel front camera. This transformer indeed is a new experience for entertainment and mobility.

The Vivotab Dock adds more battery life to the tablet.

www.TechBuzz.ph tries to detach the tablet from the dock. It was just a snap!

www.TechBuzz.ph and www.AppsGadget.com attaches the tablet back to the dock. Easy as 1-2-3!

www.JayseeBlabs.blogspot.com looks on as Sir Eason De Guzman, System Technical PR of ASUS, shows us the Vivotab

www.TechBuzz.ph and www.JayseeBlabs.blogspot.com tries the Vivotab using the stylus.

One laptop with dual screens; that is the ASUS Taichi. Equipped with SonicMaster audio, high definition screens, intuitive touch reception, and outstanding overall performance; you can never go wrong with something that allows you to do 2 things with just one equipment.

The last gadget I will feature here is the ASUS Transformer AiO. Among all the gadgets featured on that day, this was our favorite. We daydreamed of all the possible things we could do with this All-In-One PC. The ideas we generated were countless and most of them amused us.

www.wiredmash.com is having fun with the ASUS Transformer AiO.

www.wiredmash.com tries the ASUS Transformer AiO.

To recap the innovations made by ASUS, view the video below. To view more photos during the event, visit La Buena Vida's Facebook Page or JayseeBlabs' Facebook Page.