In May 3, 2015, the people of Bantayan Island was given the chance to watch Manny Pacquiao fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. via live Pay-per-View setup for free at three strategic area in Bantayan Island Cebu towns of Bantayan, Madridejos and Sta. Fe courtesy of Pru Life UK. Simultaneously, Pru Life UK brought similar activity in communities in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Quezon, Albay, Aklan and Northern Samar.

"Seeing the Cebuanos in Bantayan Island get back on their feet has been a truly a remarkable experience for our staff and volunteers. Helping them rebuild their homes is just the first step. We hope that watching this fight live gives them the opportunity to set aside their daily struggles as they join in this national celebration,” said Antonio Manuel de Rosas, President and CEO of Pru Life UK.

It was a rare opportunity for some of the people in Bantayan Island to watch the fight of their champion and hero live via pay-per-view especially those who are still recovering from the devastation of typhoon Yolanda. Majority from nearby islets don't even have electricity and lack of decent dwelling after being destroyed by the catastrophe. But as seen in their expressions of cheers and screams, these people went tirelessly rises from being struck with the support of united charities around the world and Pru Life UK Foundation that are willing to help and cherish these once victims of unfavorable circumstances.



Adopting this popular quote from Morgan W. says "You learn more from losing than winning, you learn how to keep going." Cebuanos in Bantayan Island learned the hard way but it was definitely worth the fight as what their champion Manny Pacquiao did in his boxing career and reached the status now as one of the greatest boxers. I am thankful for the opportunity that Pru Life UK has shared to the people of Bantayan, to partake one of the greatest lesson of life through our nation's hero's fight of the century, - Resiliency.

Mrs. Emma Helbuena and cousin Marilou Helbuena living at Hilantagaan islet, both woke up early Sunday of May 3 to attend early church mass to offer prayer for Manny Pacquiao before riding a motor banca that will bring them to Bantayan Island so they could watch Manny Pacquiao fight live via big screen for the first time. When I approached them after the winner has been announced, they try to hide their emotions but I can see it from their teary eyes that they didn't expect that the result is laid that way and for them, there no other champions than their idol, it's the the people's champ Manny Pacquiao.



From the people of Bantayan and nearby islets of Hilantagaan they went to theirs homes bearing another bunch of Hope and inspiration that every fall down has a sweet victory devised for them.

Manny Pacquiao Fight  #ForEveryPinoyFighter‬ in return Filipinos support him as seen in photos during ‪#PruLifeUK‬ Live Pay per view in ‪##BantayanIsland at the heights of the recently concluded ‪#fightofthecentury ‬ They worn the red ‪#MannyPacquaio‬ bandana to show their support to the Nations hero.

A photo posted by Miong Pelimon (@miongplus) on May 11, 2015 at 10:58am PDT

Thank you Pru Life UK for teaching our people to Never give up!

#ForEveryPinoyFighter at Cebu Events Blog

BANTAYAN ISLAND SUMMER 2011 EVENTS & HOLY WEEK ACTIVITIES
Click for Bantayan Island 2011 Events & Activities Update
It's SUMMER months in the Philippines again, usually in late MARCH, APRIL and early MAY within a year. This months would not be the ordinary summer for CEBU since famous BEACH RESORTS in the Country are housed in CEBU. Four known locations for Best Cebu's Beaches are: from the Southern Cebu, we have the Serine SUMILON BLUEWATER ISLAND RESORT; from Western Cebu, no other Cebu's Famous for Snorkeling and Scuba Diving - MOALBOAL CEBU; from Northern Cebu, lies the Virgin Islands of STA FE, BATAYAN ISLAND, MALAPASCUA ISLANDS and CAMOTES ISLANDS. The three locations in Cebu needs quite a long but fun land travel.

BANTAYAN ISLAND are noted for HOLY WEEK SUMMER EVENTS and Beach Concerts and Activities from leading Network Brands GLOBE, SMART, RED Mobile and more. Aside from the Events that are coming from the City, Bantayan Island has its home grown Festival and Events during Holy Week. Because in this Season observed by The Roman Catholic Church, they will also celebrate their Fiesta Celebration and SUGAT. Events at Batanyan Island will peak on APRIL 18 - 21, 22. 2011. Famous Beaches in Bantayan Island are Marikaban Beach Resort, Paradise Beach Resort, Ogtong Cave Resort, Sugar Beach Resorts, Rommel's Beach, Budyong Beach Resort, Kota Beach Resort, Marlin's Beach Resort, Tristan's Beach Resotr, Sta. Fe Beach Club.
HOW TO GET THERE IN BANTAYAN ISLAND
There are many ways on how to reach Bantayan Island. You could choose to hire Taxi Cabs (current fare rates Php44.00, 3.50 ) from Cebu City transport to Hagnaya, Bogo. Hagnaya is the only Public Port where vessels and ferries bound for Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island docks. Or you may choose to ride the private Vans that you can hire for negotiated amount. Another option also is the Public Bus from North Bus Terminal, you can choose between CERES Bus or the other Bus Operators bound for Hagnaya (app 300 to and from).
PRIVATE AIRPLANE FLIGHT TO BANTAYAN ISLAND
You can also opt to Private Airplanes too. Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island has its own Airport. The newest Airline: MID-SEA EXPRESS, a Non-Scheduled Air Taxi Operator currently serving Bantayan Island and Bohol including Camiguin, Ormoc and Siquijor. AIRCRAFT Type: BN-2A “Islander”, ( Britten-Norman) a Ten (10) seater aircraft with Two (2) Pilots and Eight (8) Passengers.
FLIGHT SCHEDULES
CEBU – BANTAYAN 11:30AM-12:00NN every WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY, SUNDAY
BANTAYAN – CEBU 12:30PM- 1:00PM every WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY, SUNDAY
FLYING TIME - Approximately 30 minutes
REGULAR FARE - Php 1,500.00 One Way Per Passenger
ROUNDTRIP FARE - Php 2,800.00 Per Passenger
ADVANCE BOOKING
Seven (7) DAYS ADVANCE - Php 1,299.00 One way per Passeneger
Three (3) DAYS ADVANCE - p1.399.00 One way per Passenger
IMPORTANT NOTE: Ticket Issuance Fees and Airport Terminal Fee NOT included.

CEBU BEACH RESORTS NEAR MACTAN CEBU AIRPORT
If you want BEACH Resorts that are just a quick ride from Cebu's International Port and Airport, then you are referring to the EASTERN PART of CEBU, its MACTAN ISLAND, Mactan Island showcases the famous Cebu Beach Resorts and 5-Star Hotels: Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, Tambuli Beach Resort, Cebu Beach Club, Pacific Cebu Beach Resort, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, BE Resorts, Hilton Resort and Spa, Waterfront Mactan, The Imperial PalaceWaterPark Resort and Spa and Shangri-La's Mactan Resort ans Spa. Among other, these Hotels, Beach Resorts is accessible few minutes from Mactan International Airport.
These speaks of why Cebu is among the contenders of Asia's Best Island to live and even the Worldwide Ranking. Now, dont forget your Sunscreen or Sunblock, Bottled Water or Sunglasses before strolling to the beach.
Tip: Bantayan Island has limited access to ATM Machines, as far as I noted, its Allied Bank in Bantayan Town is the only available ATM, For Credit Cards/Debit VISA is accepted (along with Banc Net, Mega Link, Express Net, Union Pay but of course long lines at this ATM is expected.
**I will update this post for BANTAYAN ISLAND SUMMER 2011 EVENTS & HOLY WEEK ACTIVITIES for updates.
BANTAYAN ISLAND SUMMER EVENTS 2010
BANTAYAN ISLAND SUMMER 2011 EVENTS & HOLY WEEK ACTIVITIES posted at Cebu Events Blog.