CHAI reclaims management of common tennis court, cites RA 9904

LAPULAPU CITY — A decades-long arrangement at Camella Homes in Bankal, Lapulapu City is about to change after the subdivision’s Camella Homeowners Association, Inc. (CHAI) moved to formally reclaim management of the community tennis court, sparking a debate over vested rights, finances, and who gets to control common spaces.

In a meeting held today, October 19, the Camella Homeowners Association (Cebu) Inc., led by President Esperanza “Eve” Montesclaros Montanez, announced it will take over the supervision, maintenance, and scheduling of the tennis court under the Magna Carta of Homeowners and Homeowners Associations, Republic Act 9904 and its revised Implementing Rules and Regulations.

The tennis facility has been operated for years by the Camella Homes Tennis Club (CHTC) headed by President Ricardo Rabe. The club maintains it has “vested rights” to the area based on 33 years of established use and has asked the association to reimburse approximately ₱2 million for past improvements and maintenance.

Montanez said the takeover is not about shutting down the club, but about putting the court under the same rules that govern other common areas in Phase 1 (Barangay Bangkal) and Phase 2 (Barangay Paha).

“While the tennis club will still exist and members can continue to play, the management, supervision, and maintenance of the facility will transition to the association to ensure it aligns with subdivision standards,” Montanez explained.

She cited RA 9904, which gives the duly-registered homeowners association the legal authority to manage all common areas and facilities within the subdivision.

The association also raised safety concerns. It plans to bring in a MECO-accredited electrician to assess the court’s electrical connections and correct wiring that does not meet standards.

Joe Destura of the Federation of Unified Homeowners Associations in Lapu-Lapu City backed the move, saying the unified association holds sole authority to manage open spaces like basketball courts and tennis courts. Access, he stressed, should be reserved for homeowners and association members to prevent unauthorized use.

A major sticking point is the tennis club’s request for reimbursement. 

Montanez said the association cannot pay any amount without legitimate supporting documents, official receipts, and proof of collection from club members. The club has been operating with its own group since 2019, but the board is questioning whether it had proper authorization to collect funds independently.

“Provide a detailed breakdown and documentation to prove that the 2-million-peso claim is valid and that previous collections were handled legally,” Montanez said.

What happens next

Both sides agreed to continue talks within a week, in a neutral venue, before the tennis court is reopened. Key agenda items include, the coordination on scheduling, that all playing sessions must now be coordinated with the CHAI). 

Second is facility assessment – MECO electrician to inspect electrical safety and financial audit, for the Club to submit receipts and records for the ₱2M claim.

Rabe, for the tennis club, reiterated the group’s position that their long history in the subdivision gives them rights over the space. The association countered that if an area is classified as common space, it must be under the supervision of the entire homeowners’ association.

The Camella HOA collects ₱500 monthly dues per household, which fund security, streetlights, and cleaning. Montanez said any improvements to the tennis court will now be included in the association’s overall budget and planning.

As of now, CHAI and the tennis club agreed to maintain the status quo, as the homeowners’ association starts to rehabilitate and manage the operations of the tennis court. 

The dispute highlights a growing issue in many subdivisions: balancing long-standing club operations with the legal mandate that common areas be managed for the benefit of all homeowners. (Photos: MBCNewman) 

Something Blu Turns 10, Cebu’s biggest wedding fair on Oct. 10-11

CEBU CITY—Radisson Blu Cebu to host 114 exhibitors and launch new packages + "Your Wedding My Love" initiative this October 10-11,  Cebu’s biggest “Wedding Fair,” bluer and more community-driven. 

Marife Pepito, director for sales & marketing of Radisson Blu shared that what started in 2013 with just 30 exhibitors and a dream to make Radisson Blu Cebu a top wedding destination, is now celebrating a decade as the city’s most anticipated bridal event.

Something Blu returns for its 10th Anniversary on October 10-11, 2026 at Radisson Blu Cebu — and this year, it’s bigger, more inclusive, and giving back.

From 30 to 114, a decade of love and local business, Something Blue has grown into a full platform for Cebu’s wedding industry over the last 10 years. 

This October, around 114 exhibitors take over Radisson Blu, from florists and bakers to photographers and gown designers. The fair continues to champion local SMEs by putting them on the same stage as major industry players, Pepito said. 

“It’s really a collaboration,” event lead Dan shared during the preview meeting. “Between our commercial teams here at the hotel and the entire Cebu wedding community who’ve supported us since day one.”

To mark the anniversary season, Radisson Blu rolls out two exclusive wedding packages available only on November 10 and 11.  Something Blue—The hotel’s signature wedding package, refined over 10 years and 

Milestone Blue—A brand-new package introduced this year for couples celebrating big life moments

To reward early birds, the first 10 couples who sign up will get complimentary add-ons — choose between a Blue Coffee Cart or a Blue Gelato Cart to sweeten the celebration, Pepito shared. 

The hotel’s events team, who handle the actual execution of weddings on-site, were also introduced during the preview, underscoring Radisson Blu’s focus on seamless service from fair to “I do.”

For its 10th year, Something Blu isn’t just about business — it’s about love stories. It gives back with the launching  of "Your Wedding My Love", a community initiative to give deserving couples the wedding of their dreams.

Nominations opened on September 11, 2026 and close at midday today. 

Shortlisted couples will be announced on October 2.  From nearly 100 entries, 10 winners will be chosen with  one major winner to receive the full “Your Wedding My Love” wedding package, while the nine other couples will receive accommodation and dining vouchers. 

The team expressed gratitude to its entire Radisson Blu hotel staff for their decade-long support in making the project possible.

What to Expect at the 10th Anniversary Fair

Beyond deals and discounts, Something Blu 2026 aims to be a celebration of Cebuano creativity. It’s where couples can meet their suppliers face-to-face, taste cakes, see gowns, and book everything in one place, all while supporting local businesses that have grown with the fair.

From a 30-booth event in 2013 to a 114-exhibitor showcase in 2026, Something Blue has become more than a wedding fair. It’s now a milestone in Cebu’s events calendar.  Something Blu 10th Anniversary, October 10-11, 2026 at Radisson Blu Cebu.  Exclusive Package Dates are available on November 10-11, 2026.  (Photos: MBCNewman) 

The Lemon Co. & iCanServe launch “Pink Drink” to help fund breast cancer awareness

CEBU CITY – The Lemon Company and iCanServe Foundation, Inc. turned personal loss into purpose with the launching of the new “Pink Drink”, the Dragon Fruit Lemonade and Dragon Fruit Lemonade Shake, turning a refreshing beverage into a campaign for breast cancer awareness, early detection, and fundraising for underprivileged women.

The product launch, held with partners JEG Tower and Fit to Work, marked a new chapter in The Lemon Co. and iCanServe’s advocacy work, one that CEO Terence Padrique says is deeply personal.

“My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. She didn’t make it.  I wish if she was here, I’m sure she would be seated in one of the chairs. So, this is something personal to me,” Padrique told guests at the launch.

Business can do more than sell. This partnership is the company’s way of combining purpose with product. Every bottle of Dragon Fruit Lemonade is a reminder to women: check yourself, take care of yourself, and know you’re not alone, Pabrique added.

For iCanServe Foundation Inc., the partnership means more screenings and more conversations. Foundation representative Ron Bernabe received a donation from Pabrique during the event to fund free breast cancer screenings and education for women with limited access to care.

“Education drives early detection. Early detection saves lives. Survivors tell us the same story. I survived because I had it checked early,” Bernabe said.

iCanServe’s work focuses on free breast consultations, clinical exams, and community education — especially for women who cannot afford diagnostics. The foundation also thanked partners Fit to Work and Jack Tower for providing the venue and support for the event.

The campaign will use themed items like the “Pink Drink” to spark conversations about breast health in malls, offices, and communities.

Breast cancer remains the #1 cancer among Filipino women.  According to the Global Cancer Observatory, the Philippines records 28,124 new breast cancer cases annually, with an incidence rate of 52.7 per 100,000 women. The DOH also reported 33,079 new cases in 2024.

The burden is heavy, about 11,857 Filipinas die from breast cancer each year or 32 women every day.  Experts also note the Philippines has one of the highest breast cancer mortality rates in Asia.

The biggest challenge is late diagnosis. Roughly 60 percent of cases are detected at advanced stages, and other studies put that figure at 65 percent. Only one percent of Filipino women undergo cancer screening, or about 540,000 out of 54 million.

In Cebu and Central Visayas, awareness efforts have been ramping up. Just this August, Cebu media groups inked a memorandum of agreement with iCanServe to intensify breast cancer campaigns for Pink October 2026.

PhilHealth has also expanded coverage, increasing its Z Benefit Package for breast cancer to up to ₱1.4 million and subsidizing mammograms and ultrasounds through the YAKAP Program.

Health officials stress that early detection can change outcomes.  In high-income countries, 5-year survival exceeds 90 percent, but drops to 66 percent in India and 40 percent in South Africa due to access gaps.

The launch ended with a call to action—buy the pink drink, talk about screening, and support women in need.  “May this pink drink remind us that small acts, when we do them together, can create a tremendous impact. Here’s to hope. Here’s to courage,” Padrique concluded.

The Dragon Fruit Lemonade and Shake will be available in all The Lemon Co. branches starting October this year. (Photos: MBCnewman)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indonesia’s #1 pet brand eyes PH-wide expansion

CEBU CITY — Bolt, Indonesia’s Superbrands award-winning pet food brand, took its next big step in the Philippines with a landmark event in Cebu that celebrated partnership, science, and the future of pet nutrition in the country.

On September 15, at Summit Galleria Cebu Ballrooms A&B, Bolt will host "Beyond the Bowl", an exclusive gathering of dealers and partners that doubles as the first Philippine visit of CPPETINDO CEO Paulius Juta and his team from Indonesia.

The event marked a new chapter for Bolt, which entered Metro Manila earlier this year through an exclusive partnership with A.D. Gothong. With Cebu as the next launchpad, the brand is now setting its sights on expansion across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

"Beyond the Bowl" was more than just a launch. It was designed to go past product sampling. It was a night of recognition, education, and first looks.

 

CPPETINDO CEO Paulius Juta and the brand’s Veterinary Specialist, flew in from Indonesia, talked about the story behind Bolt and the science powering every formula.  Bolt’s top dealers and partners were recognized for driving the brand’s early success in the Philippines.

“The CPPETINDO team, based in Indonesia, was on hand to share more about the brand’s products and commitment to the Philippine market,” A.D. Gothong, CEO Barbara Gothong Tan said.

Juta said that Bolt comes to the Philippines as Indonesia’s #1 Pet Food Brand with a simple mission: “empowering Filipino pet parents with accessible, certified nutrition.”

The brand offers complete nutrition for both cats and dogs, with dry and wet options tailored to different life stages: For cats—dry adult tuna, adult salmon, Mother & Kitten Salmon; Fun kibble shapes: fish, donut, and round.  Wet food includes cans and pouches enriched with taurine for vision and heart health.  For Dogs, it has dry beef, Lamb, Small Breed Adult, and Puppy recipes Kibble shapes: round beef, triangle beef, bone lamb for puppies.

These products are available in various sizes for every home—from convenient 800g - 1kg daily pouches to value 5kg and 20kg bulk bags. According to CPPETINDO Team, Bolt is formulated to meet AAFCO standards — the US Association of American Feed Control Officials nutrition profile.

Its key benefits highlighted by the brand included Immune Support: Antioxidants, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Selenium; Healthy Skin & Coat: Omega-6, Linoleic Acid, Zinc, Biotin;  Vision: Taurine + Vitamin A; Dental Health: Crunchy kibble to help reduce plaque; Urinary Health: Controlled magnesium for cats and for Easy Digestion: Rice-based formula.

In Indonesia, prices range from ~Rp22,000 for 800g-1kg cat food to ~Rp105,000 for 5kg dog beef. The brand is positioning itself as an affordable yet certified option now rolling out in Philippine pet shops and online stores, Tan shared.

CPPETINDO, a unit of PT Central Proteina Prima Tbk, is the producer and distributor behind Bolt. As market leader for ornamental fish feed in Indonesia, the company is now pushing pet food as its next growth engine.

“Through strong, strategic alliances with A.D. Gothong, we are investing heavily in the local market for the long haul.  We look forward to growing alongside the Philippine pet care community,” said CEO Paulius Juta.

With "Beyond the Bowl," Bolt isn’t just launching products — it’s building a community of dealers, vets, and pet parents who believe that every pet meal matters. (Photos: MBCNewman)

Cebu gets new pickleball hub at Pickle Park at Woodlands with 8 int’l courts

 LILOAN, CEBU — Cebu’s pickleball craze just got a major upgrade with the opening of the Cebu Pickle Park at Woodlands officially on September 20, at One Tectona Hotel in Upper Yati, Liloan, bringing the province its first park-inspired pickleball destination complete with eight international-standard courts and a 200-seat Championship Court.

More than just a sports facility, the park was designed as a place to “play, gather, and relax.” It features five regular courts, two outdoor courts, an air-conditioned restaurant and sports lounge, spectator areas, showers, and ample parking — all set against mature trees and open green spaces.

Born from a hotpot conversation, the idea started with a group of friends who call themselves “The Good Guys.” During a regular hotpot dinner, lawyer and pickleball player Atty. Vincent Roel Tabuñag told the group how hard it was to book courts because demand was outpacing supply.

That complaint turned into a project. “We wanted to create a pickleball destination, not simply entering a sports facility.” said partner Butch Guillen.  Joined by Noli Caisip, Gerry Yangyang and Tom Academia, the group developed the park within the One Tectona Hotel complex, choosing the location for its trees, air, and resort-like feel.

Ironically, only Tabuñag was a serious player at the start. The rest barely played. To get it right, Tabuñag toured courts in Cebu, Dumaguete, Manila, and even Vietnam to study spacing, flooring, lighting, and player amenities.

Built for tournaments and beginners, the facility’s centerpiece is the Championship Court, with stadium-style seating for at least 200 spectators. It was built to host regional, national, and eventually international tournaments.

But the partners say it’s not just for pros. “Cebu Pickle Park was created for beginners, recreational players, families, corporate groups, tourists, and even visitors who simply want to watch a game or have coffee.  Pickleball has a very strong social aspect. People play together regardless of age, profession or background,” Guillen said.

Guests can dine, watch matches, or stroll the park even without a paddle. The park operates daily from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM.  Courts can be booked via the Cebu Pickle Park at Woodlands Facebook page or through the OndaFit app. Tournament and clinic schedules will also be posted online.

“Our vision is simple: We want Cebu Pickle Park to become a destination.  A place that local players and tourists intentionally visit because they want to experience one of Cebu’s premier pickleball facilities,” Guillen added.

For first-timers, the invitation is open: “Come to Cebu Pickle Park, pick up a paddle and give it a try. You might be surprised how quickly you fall in love with the game.” (Photos: MBCNewman)