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 Blue 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 Blue 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 Blue 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 Blue 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 Pabrique 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,” Pabrique 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,” Pabrique 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)

 

 

PSA-CV promotes NIDAS adoption for ID verification

CEBU CITY — The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Central Visayas highlighted the promotion of the National ID Authentication Services (NIDAS) during International Identity Day on September 16, an observance underscoring the fundamental importance of verifiable identity.

To mark the occasion, PSA Central Visayas brought National ID services directly to local communities through mobile registration drives across Cebu and Bohol. These efforts were complemented by informational booths, flyer distributions, and audio-visual presentations.

The featured services included--Digital National ID, National ID Check, National ID eVerify. These tools showcase practical use cases that demonstrate how the National ID streamlines identity verification and expands access to opportunities for citizens.

PSA Central Visayas also recently participated in capacity-building activities for the Citizen Authentication Portal (CAP) in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

By leveraging CAP for NIDAS-powered verification, the initiative strengthens data integrity to ensure government assistance reaches legitimate beneficiaries. Moving forward, CAP can serve Local Government Units (LGUs) that lack existing IT infrastructure, offering an accessible, ready-to-use platform for secure identity authentication.

Through the continued promotion and expansion of NIDAS, PSA Central Visayas encourages government agencies, LGUs, private establishments, and other authorized organizations to integrate National ID authentication into their daily services and transactions.

Interested organizations can coordinate with PSA Central Visayas for NIDAS orientations, onboarding requirements, and further information through the following channels: Email: rsso07@psa.gov.ph and at its Website: rsso07.psa.gov.ph. (Photos: PSA7 FB Posts)

NNC shifts to LGU-led drive to protect 8.7M Filipino children in first 1,000 days

 CEBU CITY — The National Nutrition Council (NNC) is turning over the frontline fight against child malnutrition to local governments, as it rolls out reforms aimed at cutting stunting rates among the country’s estimated 8.7 million children under five.

NNC-Central Visayas shared NNC Executive Director and DOH Undersecretary Dr. Albert Francis Domingo’s insights that the agency will move away from centralized feeding programs and instead download major dietary supplementation funds directly to LGUs.

Implementation belongs on the ground, directing massive, centralized feeding operations from a policy office often creates procurement and supply chain bottlenecks. To make sure LGU-led programs work, NNC is overhauling how it measures performance.

Instead of counting planning documents and compliance reports, the Council will now track real health outcomes — actual reductions in stunting, wasting, and underweight among children.  The new system will use multi-sectoral scorecards developed with the DBM, DILG, DepEd, and DSWD. LGU ratings will be tied directly to improvements in child nutrition data.

At the core of the strategy is an expanded “Unang Yakap” First 1,000 Days benefit package in partnership with PhilHealth and the DOH. The package covers the entire nutrition window — from pre-conception to 59 months — including food fortification like folate in flour to prevent birth defects, antenatal care, newborn vaccination, exclusive breastfeeding, and complementary feeding.

To reach families beyond 4Ps beneficiaries, NNC is also studying incentives that link routine health center visits to food assistance programs. Driving these efforts on the ground will be the country’s 42,000 Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), who conduct household mapping to find and assist malnourished children even in remote communities.

“Policy must align seamlessly with local execution. By sharpening our focus on outcome-based metrics, empowering LGUs, and safeguarding the first 1,000 days, we ensure public resources translate into a healthier, stunting-free future for Filipino children,” Domingo said.

NNC-7 said the reforms are part of its mandate to realign operations toward client-based services and prioritize hunger and malnutrition.

Under Presidential Decree No. 491, NNC functions primarily as a policy and coordinating body. The new setup, he said, empowers mayors, barangay officials, and community health workers to take full ownership of nutrition programs in their areas. (Photos: NNC-7)

 

Alter to Fit + Coffee Co. opens flagship store in Cebu

CEBU CITY — After 25 years of tailoring clothes for Filipinos, Alter to Fit is now tailoring an entirely new experience-- fashion served with coffee.  The homegrown brand officially opened its flagship store at Basement 2, Ayala Center Cebu on September 11, unveiling its first concept that combines apparel retail with a full coffee shop — ALTER TO FIT + COFFEE CO.

The launch marks two milestones at once. It celebrates the company’s 25th anniversary and its growth to 30 branches nationwide, while also signaling a shift in how the brand wants customers to shop.

"For 25 years we focused on fit. Now we’re focusing on experience," said founders Alvin and Carmi Balisblis, who led the ribbon-cutting together with key Cebu business leaders.

Joining them were Dr. Wallace Panlilio, Darwin John Moises, Vice President for Partnership of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce, and Mabel Penas, General Manager of Ayala Center Cebu. Dr. Panlilio and Sheryl Panlilio also led a Prayer of Dedication and Thanksgiving, a quiet moment amid the cameras and coffee cups.

Friends from Manila also flew in for the opening, underscoring how personal the milestone is for the Balisblis family.

The 25-year-old brand built its name on accessible, well-fitted apparel for everyday Filipinos. With 30 branches already across the country, the Cebu flagship is its boldest experiment yet.

The concept is simple: shop, get fitted, then stay for a cup. The new store brings together two daily essentials — style and caffeine — under one roof, targeting shoppers who want more than a quick transaction.

"People don’t just want to buy clothes anymore. They want a place to stay, to talk, to work," Carmi Balisblis said. "If coffee keeps you in the store longer, maybe you’ll find the perfect fit."

Choosing Cebu for the flagship was deliberate. Ayala Center Cebu is one of the country’s busiest malls, and the brand sees the Visayas as key to its next phase of growth.

"30 branches is a milestone, but it’s not the finish line," Alvin Balisblis said. "The next 25 years will be about redefining how people experience the brand."

With the coffee arm now in play, Alter to Fit is betting that retail’s future is less about racks and more about reasons to linger.

ALTER TO FIT + COFFEE CO. is now open daily at Basement 2, Ayala Center Cebu. Twenty-five years later, the brand is still fitting into the lives of Filipinos, only now, there’s coffee to keep the journey going. (Photos: Julienne Guanzon)