It was a morning filled with excitement as the sun’s first light poured over the horizon of Hilutungan channel, casting a golden glow on the tranquil waters. Last weekend, our private yacht – a recreational boat beauty that had been carefully stocked and prepared for this  – undocked from the serene shores of the Club Cebu Hopping Diving Resort in Maribago. The air was crisp with the promise of adventure, and as the transfer boat brings us to the Yacht. Once on board, the yacht slowly glided away from its anchors, the channel spread out before us, a vast stretch of water that connected the islands and the exciting resort skyscrapers of Mactan Island as the history resort city in the Philippines.

A fine day with the boat transfer from shore to Club Cebu Hopping Yacht

With the hum of the yacht's engines beneath our feet, the anticipation began to build. The crew, a mix of friendly and professional staff, moved about efficiently, preparing for the first part of the day’s journey - a welcome dance performance onboard! The vast blue sea shimmered, and the yacht’s sleek hull cut through the water with ease.

Club Cebu Hopping and Diving Resort double decker Yacht

We were promised an unforgettable experience, and it was quickly becoming clear that we were about to be swept into an adventure like no other. The luxury of being on a private yacht was evident in every aspect of the journey. It wasn’t just about the boat or the destination—it was about the experience, the freedom to explore, and the delicious indulgence along the way. And, naturally, the food was going to be a highlight.

The buffet spread at Club Cebu Hopping Yacht

As the yacht skimmed across the water, the buffet spread was unveiled, and the flavors took center stage. The tables were lined with a delightful fusion of seafood, local specialties, and Seoul-style dishes which gained now gained popularity in Cebu. A huge platter of grilled seafood sat beside perfectly seasoned local favorites, carefully planned for the mid day meal. Spicy kimchi mingled with tender meat loafs, and hoarded few sticks of barbecue on my plate. We all feasted like royalty, savoring every bite as the boat continued its graceful glide through the calm waters and the picturesque view of Mactan Island shores and Olango.

The mix of flavors—local, international, and fusion—felt like a culinary adventure in itself. Each dish told a story, and the atmosphere on board was filled with laughter and conversation, as the sea stretched on around us. The friendly chatter between bites was infectious, and every now and then, someone would raise a glass to the beauty of the day. The open bar added an extra layer of indulgence, with cocktails flowing as the yacht moved steadily towards its next destination: Olango Island.

All White Cebu Bloggers Society and Cebu Creators at Club Cebu Hopping Yacht

As we ventured deeper into the channel, heading towards the picturesque San Vicente, the mood was light and lively. The warm breeze swept through the deck, and the salty scent of the sea seemed to invigorate the entire group. Each guest are being assigned with crew staff which can attend your need like serving you a drink, they can be your photographer for that Island hopping social media post too.

By the time we reached Olango Island, the excitement was palpable. Some of the group, eager to explore the underwater world, donned their scuba gear and prepared for a diving experience that would take them into the deep, torquise waters of Hilutungan channel. The crew had been busy prepping the dive equipment—everything from tanks to fins, all checked and double-checked for safety. But while the divers headed off to explore the deeper depths of the sea, another part of the group was ready to explore the shallows.

Divers with the turquoise water backdrop

I was among those who chose to spend time snorkeling. There’s something magical about drifting in the water, weightless and free, as the world beneath the waves opens up before you. We swam alongside vibrant coral gardens, each moment offering a new discovery. We brought some fish food and bread to attract brilliant schools of fish which darted playfully around us, their iridescent scales catching the light.

Some of the fish had colors so vivid they looked like brushstrokes of an artist, swishing through the clear turquoise water. Though the ocean current are medium strong, the coral formations stretched out like underwater forests, with each turn revealing new marine life. It was as though the ocean itself was a living, breathing canvas of beauty, constantly shifting and changing.

Club Cebu Hopping has Gopro units onboard, the crew assign to you will help you document your hopping journey.

For those of us who preferred to relax with a drink in hand, the open bar was the perfect retreat. The cool cocktails—each one more refreshing than the last—were complemented by the breathtaking scenery. The vibrant blue waters of the island beckoned, while the warm sun on our skin made it hard to believe that such a perfect day existed.

In between the excitement of the water activities, the yacht's energetic and cheerful staff kept the atmosphere light and entertaining. There were moments when the music would swell and the crew would lead everyone in a series of fun, spontaneous yacht party dances. Even those who hadn’t planned to join in found themselves laughing and dancing, swept up in the carefree joy of the moment. The lively dances brought everyone together, creating memories that would stay with us long after we had returned to land.

Dancing is one of Club Cebu Hopping entertainment language

Club Cebu Hopping crews can be your trusted boat captain as well as ensure no boring moments at the decks.

Energetic boat crews at Club Cebu Hopping

We hop to another Island and this time we found ourselves at the equally enchanting and humble Mundo Island in Maribago.

As the crew busied themselves preparing the jet skis and banana boats, there was no shortage of things to do. Some of the group decided to take out the jet skis, feeling the thrill of racing across the waves, leaving behind a trail of foam as the engine roared to life. The wind in their faces and the thrill of the water beneath them made for an exhilarating ride. Meanwhile, another option would be the banana boat, though none tried, its an adrenaline ride of laughing as they bounced across the water. That bright yellow vessel looking like a playful inflatable on the horizon. The turquoise waters stretched out around them, and the excitement was palpable as they skimmed along the surface, propelled by the force of the boat’s motor.

Club Cebu Hopping offers water sports: Jet skis, Banana boat, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, banana boat rides and helmet diving. Inquire in advance with the crew to secure your activity spot.

As the day unfolded, we had the unique opportunity to witness something many could only dream of: certified divers slipping effortlessly into the sea with their mobile dive gear. The crew had set up dive stations, ensuring that those of us who wanted to explore the deeper parks and reef sites could do so safely and with the guidance of experienced instructors. It was awe-inspiring to watch as the divers descended into the crystal-clear water, disappearing into the depths as if they were part of the ocean itself.

Dive with trained Club Cebu hopping scuba masters.

It was an experience like no other. To be able to witness the magic of the ocean firsthand, to explore its depths and swim alongside creatures that called it home—it was a reminder of how vast and incredible our world is. And yet, there was still so much to discover. After all the water activities and dancing with the crews, everyone are treated with a platter of Mango, water melon and grapes as well as steaming hot ramen with kimchi for food pampering. Very hospitable from Club Cebu Hopping team. Not to mention the bottomless drinks which stayed cold for the duration of the hopping.

Fruit platters of Sweet Cebu mangoes, water melon and grapes at Club Cebu Hopping

One of the most memorable moments came toward the rear end of the journey when a cocktail show was set up on the deck. The crew bartender, a true entertainers with bottles and make shift water mist machine, performed a mesmerizing display of dancing skill, twirling, flipping, and pouring drinks with flair. The colors of the cocktails matched the energy of the sun hues in the sky, each drink a work of art in its own right. We gathered around, drinks in hand, enjoying the show as the warm of the sun put more energy to the group.

Multi talented Club Cebu Hopping boat crew acts as DJ and voice Dj

Club Cebu Hopping Crew and guest in the dance floor.

The journey felt endless, as if the sea had become a timeless realm where anything was possible. The activities, the laughter, the food, and the unparalleled beauty of the sea—all combined to create an unforgettable experience.

Thank you for the ultimate Sea Party ever, Club Cebu Hopping team!

As the yacht slowly began its return journey to Maribago, the memories of the day lingered, as though they had been etched into our minds forever. We had spent the day discovering the wonders of the sea, but in truth, it was more than that. It was a day of connection: connection with nature, with friends, and with the pure joy of being alive in a moment of perfect harmony. The yacht had not simply carried us across the waters; it had carried us into an unforgettable adventure—a reminder of just how vast and beautiful our world is, and how, sometimes, all it takes is a perfect day on the water to remind us of that.

Cebu, are you ready to unleash your inner book beast? Big Bad Wolf Books made its long-awaited return to Cebu, kicking off its 2025 book sale with an opening celebration at the Atrium Area of GMall Cebu. Running from July 25 to August 4, from 10AM to 9PM daily, the world’s biggest book sale returns to the Queen City of the South with thousands of brand-new books and untamed discounts you’ll want to sink your teeth into.

Big Bad Wolf Books at Gmall of Cebu

Eager readers, loyal fans, and first-timers alike gathered early to welcome back the world’s biggest book sale and that unmistakable bookish joy that has defined every Big Bad Wolf experience for every sale. The book sale in Cebu also offers visitors a chance to help support The Sisters of Mary Schools through Big Bad Wolf’s Red Readerhood Program.

A Howl of Thanks from Red Readerhood Beneficiary

The event’s grand welcome featured heartfelt messages from Big Bad Wolf Books Co-Founder Jacqueline Ng, who shared her excitement about being back in Cebu and the company’s continued mission to make books more accessible to every Filipino through the Red Readerhood Program.

“It’s always a pleasure to come back to Cebu,” said Jacqueline Ng. “There’s a real love for reading here that we’ve felt every time we visit. The support from the Cebuano community means so much to us. It’s this shared passion that fuels our mission to get books in the hands of those who need it and inspire a lifelong love for reading.”

Big Bad Wolf Books Cebu Top 10 Best Selling Fiction Books

 

Setting the tone for the day, Red Readerhood beneficiaries from The Sisters of Mary School, Boystown and Girlstown, took center stage in a powerful showcase of talent and gratitude. A moving choir performance by Boystown and a beautiful violin set by Girlstown students uplifted the event.  

Additionally, Big Bad Wolf Books turned over 500 books to Gawad Kalinga, making another meaningful step in sharing the joy of reading with Filipino communities. Known for providing housing, improving access to learning, and nurturing hope through its programs, Gawad Kalinga embodies the same values of dignity and opportunity that drive the Red Readerhood Program.

Big Bad Wolf Books Cebu Customer Service

Ley Almeda, Country Head of Big Bad Wolf Books Philippines, also expressed deep appreciation for the warm welcome from the Cebuano community, saying, “Working with The Sisters of Mary Schools through our Red Readerhood Program is an honor. When we see students perform like this, we’re reminded of exactly why we do what we do,” said Ley Almeda.

Through the Red Readerhood Program, Big Bad Wolf Books continues to empower underserved youth by donating books directly to partner schools. This year, every purchase and every donation helps young minds from The Sisters of Mary Schools to fall in love with the magic of reading.

The 2025 Big Bad Wolf Cebu Book Sale comes fully loaded with tiered promos that make it easier than ever to grow your book den. Spend ₱2,000 and instantly slash ₱200 off your total. Go beast mode with a ₱5,000 book haul and enjoy a ₱500 discount at checkout.

Big Bad Wolf Books Cebu Children Books Prices List

Schools and libraries also get a 10% discount on English titles for purchases of ₱30,000 or more, perfect for stocking up classroom shelves. What about students? Just flash your valid student ID and enjoy an automatic 5% discount, no minimum spend required. Plus, Big Bad Wolf Books is cooking up a special promo just for readers from nearby provinces, so keep your eye on their social media pages to know more.

Hunt Books, Find Joy, Join the Pack

Whether you’re hunting for that rare title, bonding with fellow readers, or just looking to spark a lifelong love of books, book it to the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale at GMall Cebu and experience the sale that’s turning pages—and lives—across the country. The Big Bad Wolf Cebu Book Sale runs from July 25 to August 4 at the Atrium of GMall of Cebu, open daily from 10AM to 9PM. 

Big Bad Wolf Books Cebu Top 10 Best Selling Fiction Books

For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf’s current and upcoming Book Sales, you can visit their website or check out their social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

About Big Bad Wolf Books

The Big Bad Wolf Books was founded by Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng in 2009 and first launched in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In the words of the company’s founders, Big Bad Wolf aims to cultivate reading habits, increase English literacy worldwide, and build a new generation of readers by making books more affordable and accessible to everyone.

One of the company’s best highlights is its book sales, which is popular among readers around the world. As a global reading advocacy initiative, the sales aim to encourage people of all ages to discover the joys of reading, inspire them to pursue their dreams, and, importantly, empower them with the knowledge to realize them.

Big Bad Wolf Book Sale has toured 17 countries and 49 cities. Among these include different cities in Asia like Malaysia, Cambodia, Manila, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Indonesia. The company has also begun branching out to book readers outside the Asia Pacific, having held book tours in Tanzania, Kenya, and the United Arab Emirates and most recently, to Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

“Live within your means.” Most of us have probably heard of this old money mantra that is essential in building the foundation of one’s financial well-being. It's a saying we can easily agree with, but don’t or can't always put into practice. 

According to Metrobank, the key to “living within your means” are three things: knowing which expenses to prioritize, creating a personal budget, and sticking to it. 

Know which expenses to prioritize

At the top of your priority list are your necessities—these are the items you need to spend on for your day-to-day, such as housing (rent or mortgage), utility bills, food, groceries, health (ex. medicines, vitamins), housekeeping expenses (ex. laundry), and any outstanding debts.

A common mistake is considering the money you have after taking care of your necessities as “disposable income” or the money that’s already available for you to spend as you want to. 

Other expenses that are important for your financial well-being are forgotten, such as:

• Emergency fund: This is the money you set aside in case of unforeseen events, such as accidents, major home repairs, or sudden unemployment. A good rule of thumb is to have enough funds, which is worth about three to six months of your living expenses. 
• Insurance: There are a wide variety of insurance products to consider, but some popular ones are the traditional life insurance and the Variable Universal Life (VUL) insurance. Traditional life insurance ensures your loved ones will receive a benefit in case of your demise, while VUL insurance is investment-linked, you not only get protection but a chance to grow your money as well.
• Retirement Fund: Retirement funds, such as pension plans, Personal Equity Retirement Account or PERA, are long-term investment you can explore as you prepare for your retirement. The earlier you start it, the more time you can grow your funds. 

It is only after we’ve set aside money for these important expenses that we know exactly how much we can spend for our wants. 

Creating a personal budget

Now that you know which expenses to prioritize, how do you determine if you are living within your means?

There are different approaches to budgeting. You can follow the well-known 50/30/20 budgeting scheme, which encourages you to set aside 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings. This makes it easier to see whether you are overspending on any one category.

You can also do the reverse budgeting approach called "Savings First" wherein you prioritize setting aside your savings before all other expenses. This ensures that you’re always saving and setting aside some money before you spend on your wants. 

Sticking to your budget

Dieting is akin to budgeting because both require a lot of discipline. A common mistake for people who are just starting on this journey is they get into it like doing a crash diet. They make drastic changes at the start, only to end up running out of willpower halfway and going back to their old habits.

Rather than trying to change everything at once, try to create an environment that makes it easier for you to build these new habits and unlearn the old ones. This entails utilizing the right tools to enable you to follow healthy money habits.

You can start by scheduling all your financial transactions like bills payments with the help of banking apps. This ensures you don’t miss on any of your payables and you don't incur penalties, plus you get to track your cash flow for your everyday transactions. If you’re a Metrobank client, you can easily download the Metrobank app on your mobile phone via the AppStore or PlayStore and enjoy all its features to help you get organized. 

Another way to help you stick to your budget is by setting up different bank accounts for different funds like your savings, expenses, and even for your emergency fund. This helps you keep on track on achieving specific goals as you don't get to touch on your different savings accounts.

Last, but definitely not the least, take advantage of perks and deals that banks offer. One great offer for new bank accountholders is Metrobank's Triple Bonus Savings promo, which runs until August 31, 2025. For those opening their first Metrobank savings account during the promo period, they get to enjoy cash gifts, transaction fee rebates, and event insurance protection. Just keep on building your funds until you reach PHP50,000 within the promo period and maintain it as your Average Daily Balance (ADB) for six months to get:

• PHP1,500 cash gift (credited to your account after 6 months)
• 1 year of InstaPay rebates (up to 10x per month)
• 1-year AXA accident insurance coverage worth PHP1 million

Living within your means is all about following a budget, having a disciplined spending habit, saving regularly, and taking advantage of offers to further grow your funds. By following these tips you can better take charge of your financial well-being. To learn more, head to https://earnest.metrobank.com.ph/.

Fly to AU for as low as PHP 7,999 one-way all-in

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, brings the warmth and richness of Filipino culture to Australia with the launch of the Cebu Pacific Travel Beach Bar at Bondi Beach, a first-of-its-kind heated beach bar offering visitors of the annual Bondi Festival a unique way to experience the Philippines.

Australia’s Bondi Festival. Cebu Pacific Air has flights from Manila-Sydney and Manila-Melbourne routes.

The travel beach bar is surrounded by standing heaters that create a warm ambiance reminiscent of the Philippine climate, offering a perfect escape from Australia’s winter season. It also features Filipino delicacies, music, and a design inspired by the bahay kubo, bringing a slice of the Philippines to Bondi Beach—one of Australia’s most iconic destinations.

Until July 31, 2025, CEB passengers may book flights to Australia for as low as PHP 7,999 for a one-way all-in fare. The travel period is from August 1 to December 31, 2025, perfect for holiday getaways.  

Cebu Pacific Air has flights from Manila-Sydney and Manila-Melbourne routes.

CEB's travel beach bar marks the first time an airline becomes an official airline partner of the Bondi Festival—a pioneering collaboration that underscores CEB’s commitment to bringing Filipino fun to the world stage.  Festivalgoers can drop by the Cebu Pacific Travel Beach Bar until July 20. 

The travel beach bar builds on CEB’s Fly to Your Happy Philippines campaign, as the airline continues its global efforts to invite travelers to explore the country’s diverse islands in their own unique way.

Located just outside central Sydney, Bondi Beach is known for its wide stretch of sand, surf culture, and laid-back atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists. Each winter, it holds the Bondi Festival, a celebration of arts, live performances, and food experiences now made even more exciting with CEB’s tropical-themed travel beach bar.

Cebu Pacific Air has flights from Manila-Sydney and Manila-Melbourne routes.

CEB launched its Manila-Sydney route in 2014, followed by Manila-Melbourne in 2018. The airline has flown over 250 million passengers as it continues to offer affordable and accessible flights.

CEB operates in 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.   

Book your flights now at www.cebupacificair.com.

These tips will help keep you calm during unexpected hitches on your grind days

Have you ever had those moments when it feels like even fate is turning against you? When it comes to crunch time, it is easy—and entirely valid—to crash out. But here’s the kicker: losing your cool won’t rescue you from the situation. So how can you stay composed—keep calm under pressure—while still reaching your goals?

Have a Pre-mortem Mindset

Have you ever heard of Murphy’s Law? It’s a term coined by engineer Edward Murphy Junior that basically says, “Anything that will go wrong can go wrong.” This mindset emphasizes the practice of a pre-mortem mindset that encourages thoroughness and attention to detail so that you can have a backup plan for when challenges happen. That way, instead of focusing on the roadblock, you can automatically go to troubleshooting mode.

‘Vibe Check’ Yourself

Sometimes, it is better to just sit down with your feelings first instead of diving immediately into solving the problem. Do this by giving yourself a quick vibe check. Ask, ‘How am I feeling right now?’ By acknowledging your emotions, you channel your energy into understanding yourself rather than spiraling further. This can help clear your mind and allow you to step outside of your current situation so that you can see it more objectively.

If the situation allows it, you can also momentarily distract yourself by doing something positive to refresh your mood quickly, like watching some cat videos or having an ice cream break to cool the situation. This way, you can shift to game mode stronger than ever. 

Visualize and Micro Manifest

The power of manifestation and visualization is real. When you find yourself in a sticky situation, take a deep breath and visualize yourself after you’ve already gotten over your current dilemma. By doing ‘micro manifestation,’ you trick your brain into shifting into a positive mindset and thinking of solutions that can help you get there.

View it from the outside

Removing yourself from the situation mentally allows you to see things in an objective manner, especially when things start to overwhelm you. When you find yourself at a dead end, shift your mindset and do something that can help you cool down.

The perfect sweet snack, Nestlé Crunch Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

Nestlé Crunch Cookies and Cream Ice Cream is the perfect sweet snack to do this with because it indulges your senses with its delectable vanilla flavored ice cream with cookie bits and crunchy milk chocolate coating sprinkled with crisped cereals. For chocolate lovers, there’s Nestlé Crunch Ice Cream in Chocolate, with rich creamy chocolate ice cream and chocolate filling wrapped in crunchy cereal-embedded milk chocolate coating for an extra satisfying bite. Let’s be honest, even the worst of crunch time moments are no match if you give yourself something this good. 

Keep cool with Crunch

So the next time you find yourself in a pinch, follow these tips to breeze through them and hit your goals at the same time. 

Keep Cool with Crunch

Nestlé Crunch Cookies and Cream and Chocolate Ice Cream are available in Robinson’s, Alfamart, Shopwise, The Marketplace, Waltermart and other leading stores nationwide.