‘Tam-is’ book launches in Cebu, preserving heirloom merienda recipes

CEBU CITY -- Generations of Cebuano merienda recipes have been gathered into one book, ensuring that the province’s heirloom sweets will not be lost to time--"Tam-is: Heirloom Delicacies of Cebu” by Cebuano food advocate Tita Louella Alix was launched Monday, August 25 at the Golden Prince Hotel & Suites at the hotel’s Kabilin Heritage Lounge and by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) on July 15 at the Kabilin Center, Casa Gorordo Museum in Cebu City.

The book documents beloved Cebuano desserts and snacks, from budbod kabog and masi to rosquillos and otap, along with the family stories and occasions behind them.

“These recipes are part of who we are as Cebuanos,” Alix said during the "Meet the Author" event. “Tam-is is our way of making sure the hands, the kitchens, and the memories behind these delicacies are passed on.”

The book highlights heirloom merienda staples such as Budbod kabog - millet sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves; Masi - glutinous rice balls with muscovado filling; Binangkal - sesame-coated fried dough; Rosquillos of Liloan - butter cookies that became a Cebu icon; Otap - thin, sugared biscuits; Torta Cebu - steamed rice cakes and Tsokolate with danggit - the classic Cebuano afternoon pairing.

From RAFI’s advocacy to Golden Prince’s table.  RAFI, through its culture and heritage programs, has long supported the documentation of Cebuano traditions and the foundation co-presented the launch to push its mission of cultural preservation.

Golden Prince Hotel & Suites also honored Alix’s contribution to Kabilin Heritage Lounge, the hotel’s Ilustrado-inspired dining space that serves heritage food.  The partnership started in September 2017 with the Painit sa Kabilin Merienda Buffet.  It evolved into the Kabilin Heritage Lounge Merienda Buffet on October 2, 2018, later recognized as a Best of Cebu 2018 honoree.

Many dishes on the buffet, as well as à la carte items adapted from Alix’s earlier book Hikay, were developed from her research on traditional Cebuano cooking.  “Heritage is not meant to simply be remembered. It should be experienced, tasted, shared, and passed on to the next generation,” Golden Prince said.

Tam-is goes beyond ingredients and measurements. It records who made the dishes, where they came from, and how they were served during fiestas, town gatherings, and everyday painit. With modern dining trends taking over, the hotel said books like Tam-is help ensure that traditional Cebuano flavors remain part of the conversation — and on the table.

With global brands and modern cafes reshaping Cebu’s food scene, “Tam-is” seeks to put traditional sweets back on family tables. With RAFI and Golden Prince advocacies, the launch positions the book as both a cultural record and a living guide — one that cooks, students, and restaurants can use to keep heirloom recipes alive.

For RAFI, Alix, and Golden Prince, the message was the same: Cebuano identity can be found not just in history books, but in the taste of a torta or a cup of tsokolate shared across generations. (Photos: MBCNewman/Golden Prince Hotel & RAFI)

 

 

Cebu teens lead PH to gold, silver at SEA BJJ championship in Cambodia

 CEBU CITY -- Cebu’s youngest grapplers made a big statement on the regional stage, bringing home gold and silver for the Philippine Team at the Asian Regional BJJ Championship – South East Asia held in Siem Reap over the weekend.

Sibling duo Sarah and Stan Lee Tio, both Batang Pinoy athletes from Cebu show rising power of Filipino youth in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and made their international debut and came out swinging, literally and figuratively, against top youth competitors from across Southeast Asia.

Sarah Lee Tio, Blue Belt hauled gold under No-Gi Division and silver under Gi Division while Stan Lee Tio, Grey Belt won Silver under Gi Division.  For their first time competing abroad, the siblings showed poise beyond their years, navigating both the traditional Gi format and the faster-paced No-Gi division.

Head Coach Phil Rizon explained to this writer that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ, is a ground-based martial art that focuses on leverage, technique, and submissions rather than strength. Often called “human chess,” it teaches athletes how to control an opponent on the mat and win through chokes, joint locks, and positional dominance.

Unlike striking arts, BJJ emphasizes discipline, problem-solving under pressure, and respect — values that have made it one of the fastest-growing combat sports among Filipino youth.  “Jiu-Jitsu teaches kids how to stay calm when things get tough. It’s about technique, timing, and heart. Sarah and Stan showed all three,” said Rizon.

The Tio siblings trained for months alongside their Cebu-based coaches, drilling techniques, conditioning, and competition strategy specifically for the SEA regional.

Their podium finishes underscore what coaches have been seeing for years.  Cebu is becoming a breeding ground for world-class BJJ talent, Coach Rizon said. With more academies opening and Batang Pinoy programs integrating grappling, Filipino kids are now regularly testing themselves against the best in Asia.

“This is a proud moment for Cebu and for the Philippines,” Rizon said. “Sarah and Stan showed discipline, heart, and sportsmanship representing our country. We hope their success inspires more young Filipinos to pursue martial arts.”

The Asian Regional BJJ Championship – South East Asia gathered top youth and adult athletes from across the region, giving competitors valuable international experience and ranking points.

For the Philippines, the Tios’ medals add to the country’s growing reputation in the global BJJ community, a sport where Filipinos are increasingly known for grit, creativity on the ground, and strong family-based training cultures.

With more support for grassroots programs, coaches believe the next wave of Filipino champions won’t be far behind.  “Gold or silver, what matters is they stepped on that mat for the Philippines,” Rizon added. “And they made us proud.” (Photos: Courtesy of the Tio Family)

DTI, Tiktok Shop, Converge launch “Unlad Lokal” to Visayas MSMEs

CEBU CITY — Thousands of Cebuano micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are set to get a major boost as TikTok Shop, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Converge ICT Solutions, and the Cebu Provincial Government formally launched “Unlad Lokal Visayas”, a joint program designed to bring digital tools, training, and market access to local entrepreneurs or MSMEs. Partnership aims to turn Cebuano sellers, creators into nationwide digital businesses. 

The launch and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing was held August 25 at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Social Hall, marking TikTok Shop’s first major program rollout in the Visayas.

“Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises are vital components of the Cebuano economy,” the Governor said. “They provide for families and create local employment. Our job in government is to make sure they have the tools to compete and grow,”Cebu Provincial Governor Pamela Baricuatro opened the program by underscoring the role of Cebuano MSMEs as the backbone of the local economy.

Under Unlad Lokal, the Cebu Provincial Government committed to continuous support through technology provision, skills training, and networking opportunities. The goal, she said, is to bridge traditional business practices with the digital economy so that even the smallest enterprises can reach customers beyond their communities, Baricuatro added. 

DTI 7 Acting Regional Director Esperanza Melgar said the initiative aligns with DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Roque’s five-point agenda which are digital transformation, AI, diversification, funding, and mentoring.  But the focus, she emphasized, is not just having a Facebook page.

“We are moving beyond simple online presence,” Melgar said. “MSMEs need to learn e-commerce ecosystems, affiliate networks, live streaming, content creation, and digital advertising plus business legitimacy and consumer trust.”

To do this, DTI led by its Acting Regional Director, Esperanza Melgar signed a tripartite MOU with TikTok Shop led by Franco Aligaen,  Converge Joseph Aldaba and Dindo Marzan. 

Under the deal, TikTok Shop opens its marketplace, creator network, and campaign tools to Visayan sellers; Converge provides the connectivity needed for stable live selling and operations and the DTI delivers training, onboarding, and consumer protection guidance. 

Melgar outlined an 8-step roadmap for MSMEs: start on digital platforms, refine online presence, tell product stories, explore broader platforms, and use data to improve.

Dindo Marzan Converge, SME Solutions, said the partnership aims to make digitalization “practical, affordable, and inclusive.”

“Whether you’re a sari-sari store, manufacturer, or content creator, the mission is the same: Kita Ka — make your business visible,” Marzan said.

He noted that businesses are at different stages of digital adoption. The goal is not to demand instant expertise, but to give entrepreneurs the willingness to learn and the infrastructure to do so. With stable internet, he added, Cebuano sellers can manage operations, reach new customers, and scale from home-based to competitive enterprises.

Franco Aligaen, TikTok Shop Marketing Lead, reported strong momentum in the region. From July 2025 to July 2026, Visayas saw a 

140 percent growth in average orders 50 percent increase in number of sellers; 160 percent expansion in the creator ecosystem and 130 percent jump in sales driven by live streaming. 

“Digitalization needs more than a platform. It needs knowledge, tools, connectivity, and confidence,” Aligaen said.

TikTok Shop said it has already trained over 35,000 MSMEs nationwide across 15 cities through its Unlad Lokal program. The Cebu leg will prepare sellers for the upcoming “9.9” mega sale, which will feature up to 100 percent off deals, TikTok Shop Mall campaigns, creator-led content, and daily rewards.

Fireside chats with successful Cebuano TikTok Shop sellers led by Bisaya Coño girl Tiktoker and creators were also part of the launch, showcasing how local products from food and fashion to crafts, are now reaching buyers nationwide through live selling.

Speakers closed with a unified call, to make Cebuano businesses more resilient, visible, and competitive.

“Technology allows small businesses in Cebu and Central Visayas to reach global markets,” Melgar said. “But success belongs to those willing to adapt, innovate, and seize new opportunities.”

Gov. Baricuatro echoed the sentiment, pledging that the province will continue pushing initiatives that empower entrepreneurs and create long-term stability for families.

With the MOU in place, Unlad Lokal Visayas will roll out training, digital onboarding, and connectivity support in the coming months, positioning Cebu as the hub for social commerce growth in the Visayas.

A sip of local Tuburan coffee at Mezzo

TUBURAN, Cebu — High above the scenic hills of northwest Cebu, a new chapter for local tourism and sustainable agriculture unfolded at the breathtaking Tuburan 360, bringing local Tuburan coffee into the tables of Mezzo Hotel with the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) on August 4 between Mezzo Hotel and Tuburan Coffee to bridge the gap between rural coffee farms and urban hospitality.

Tuburan Coffee Founder and CEO and former town mayor Aljun Diamante with Mezzo Hotel General Manager Mayet Ocariza and representatives from both organizations marked the event with a symbolic coffee planting activity at the Tuburan Coffee Farm in Barangay Kabangkalan, underscoring a mutual commitment to community empowerment, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture.

To curb illegal logging and charcoal burning in the highlands, the local government of Tuburan distributed tens of thousands of coffee saplings to upland residents. Today, Tuburan is recognized as the "Coffee Capital of Cebu," spanning over 2,800 hectares of coffee resurgence adds deep flavor to every cup.

The initiative was launched in 2012 by former Mayor Aljun Diamante as a livelihood and environmental recovery program, farmland across 29 barangays and providing a sustainable living for more than 2,000 local farmers.

Primarily cultivating high-yielding Robusta varieties carefully propagated through stem cuttings, Tuburan Coffee is celebrated for its bold, full-bodied flavor, rich aroma, and natural resistance to highland pests.

Through this collaboration, guests at Mezzo Hotel soon get a direct taste of Tuburan’s highland harvest without leaving Cebu City. The hotel plans to introduce specially crafted coffee brews, signature drinks, and curated food pairings designed to complement the distinct profile of Tuburan's Robusta beans.

By introducing homegrown beans to hotel patrons, the partnership offers travelers an authentic farm-to-table narrative while directly sustaining the livelihoods of coffee farmers in northern Cebu.

For a deeper look into how these local beans are harvested and processed high in the mountains, check out this Tuburan Coffee Farm journey video to see the step-by-step process behind Cebu's homegrown coffee industry. (Photos: Mezzo Hotel)

Survey: Chiz Escudero highest-rated Senator-Judge in Impeachment Court

CEBU CITY — Senate President and impeachment court presiding officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero emerged as the highest-rated senator-judge in the first Pulso Intelligence Senator-Judge Scorecard, with the public giving him top marks for trust, performance, and fairness.

In the nationwide survey conducted August 15 to 16 among 1,500 Filipinos of legal age, Escudero scored an overall 2.92 out of a possible 3.00.  Pulso Intelligence said Escudero led in all three dimensions: 2.95 in performance, 2.89 in trust, and 2.89 in fairness.

“Upon taking oath as presiding officer, I vowed to champion impartiality and constitutional fidelity,” Escudero said. “I will uphold the fairness and integrity of this process and see it through to its proper conclusion, without fear or favor.”

Following Escudero in the maiden scorecard were: Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go - 2.86; Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano - 2.85; Sen. Bam Aquino - 2.82; Sen. Robin Padilla - 2.81. 

The lowest-rated were: Sen. Joel Villanueva - 2.44; Sen. Migz Zubiri - 2.48; Sen. JV Ejercito - 2.51; Sen. Tito Sotto - 2.56; Sen. Erwin Tulfo - 2.56.

Pulso stressed the ratings reflect public perception of conduct, not a prediction of the trial’s outcome.

The same survey gauged public opinion on the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.  Forty-nine percent of respondents lean toward acquittal, 34 percent favor a guilty verdict, and 17 percent remain neutral.

Escudero earlier reminded his colleagues that removing an elected official is “among the most drastic acts our constitutional democracy can undertake,” and urged senator-judges, prosecutors, and defense counsels to refrain from public commentary and to observe the “cold neutrality of an impartial judge.”

Pulso Intelligence said it will release a weekly scorecard throughout the impeachment trial based on weighted samples of 1,500 respondents nationwide. (Photos courtesy of the Office of Sen. Chiz Escuredo)

DTI-7 pushes coco biz in Cebu for value-adding products as PH targets top coco exporter spot

CEBU CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Region VII urged coconut farmers to shift from selling raw nuts to building brands and higher-value products as it opened the 2026 Coco Negosyo – Cebu Coconut Market Expo on August 20 at Ayala Center Cebu, gathering 25 CFIDP-vetted MSMEs and farmers registered under the National Coconut Farmers Registry System to showcase coconut oil, beverages, soaps, snacks, and handicrafts.

Held in celebration of the 40th National Coconut Week with the theme “Lubi, Bahandi sa Kinaiyahan, Kusog sa Panginabuhian.”  The expo runs from August 20-23 and beyond the 25-booth Coco Bazaar, the expo includes a Techno Forum, training on costing and online marketing, cooperative development, a Women Farmers Forum, and coconut painting activities.

DTI-7 Acting-Assistant Regional Director Epifania Suralta said that the expo is part of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan that aims to move farmers beyond production.

“The growth of the coconut industry cannot rest on one agency or one sector alone,” Suralta said. “It requires the collective efforts of our farmers, cooperatives, entrepreneurs, government agencies, business organizations, development partners, and consumers.”

Suralta added that there is a need to help the coconut farmers and entrepreneurs move from being producers of raw materials to becoming coco entrepreneurs, creating higher-value products, building brands, developing innovative products, and accessing markets where they can earn more from their hard work.

She noted the future depends “not only on how much coconut is produced, but also on how much value can be created from it.”  

To support that, DTI-7 links exhibitors to Negosyo Centers for advisory, OTOP Philippines for product development on packaging and standards, and Shared Service Facilities (SSF) for equipment to improve quality and productivity.

“Market access must be accompanied by capability,” Suralta emphasized, urging enterprises to improve pricing, branding, and digital marketing to compete.  The push comes as the Philippines works to reclaim its spot as the world’s top coconut exporter.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go said in February the government is using the Coconut Levy Fund to revive the industry, noting the PH is currently the 2nd largest exporter of coconuts globally and sees “a lot of opportunity” to take the lead.

Data shows the sector remains a major economic driver. The Philippines produced 14.506 million metric tons of coconut in 2025, slightly higher than in 2024, and coconut contributes at least 35 percent of total agricultural export earnings from 2013 to 2022.

The industry provides livelihood to over 2.74 million coconut farmers nationwide.  Exports hit a record $3.57 billion in 2025, up 34 percent from $2.66 billion in 2024, driven by coconut oil which alone accounted for $2.87 billion. In H1 2026, coconut-based export revenues rose 12.3 percent to $1.9 billion.

But production remains vulnerable. PSA reported Q4 2025 output fell 3.5 percent year-on-year to 4.022 million MT, and PCA officials warn El Niño could cut productivity by 20 percent as it did in 2024.

While national data leads, Central Visayas is using events like Coco Negosyo to address local gaps. The region is not among the top 3 producing regions — Davao, Northern Mindanao, and Zamboanga Peninsula led 2025 with 1.9M, 1.8M, and 1.7M MT respectively, but it is a key consumption and processing hub.

Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA-7) officials said that the government is banking on interventions like fertilization and drip irrigation to offset El Niño impacts, and on shifting exports from 70 percent crude coconut oil to refined and value-added products like VCO, coco water, and coco coir to push revenues toward $4 billion. (Photos courtesy of DTI-7 Cebu)

OMODA/JAECOO brings electrified J5 SUVs to Cebu Motorists

CEBU CITY — Electrified SUVs have officially arrived in Cebu with OMODA/JAECOO Philippines showcasing the JAECOO J5 HEV Hybrid and J5 EV at SM Seaside City Cebu from August 20 to 23, 2026, marking the models’ first public display in Central Visayas with test drives and prizes for the buyers.

“Our goal is to make smarter, more accessible mobility a reality for Filipino drivers nationwide. We’re delivering intelligent in-car features with a seamless ownership experience so customers can embrace the future with confidence,” said Weijia Luo, Vice President of OMODA & JAECOO Motor Philippines at the launching event on Thursday.

The launch gives Cebuano customers their first chance to see both variants up close, learn about features and ownership benefits, and experience the vehicles firsthand.  Public test drives run from August 21 to 23, allowing motorists to try the J5 HEV’s Super-Hybrid System and the J5 EV’s fully electric powertrain.

To mark the debut, OMODA/JAECOO is also rolling out launch promos. Customers can get a chance to win a Vivo V50 daily from August 20 to 23 and those who make full payment during the event may also receive a Samsung Galaxy Tab as a special token, subject to terms and availability, said Rocky Xu, Vice Country Director.

The Cebu showcase is part of OMODA/ JAECOO’s nationwide expansion to bring smart and electrified mobility outside Metro Manila, Xu said the push goes beyond vehicles, with innovations like the AIMOGA humanoid robot and Smart Cockpit technology already launched in other markets, backed by dependable after-sales support.

The JAECOO J5 lineup offers two electrified options: the HEV for drivers who want efficiency without range concerns, and the EV with a 461km NEDC-rated range and a 539.2km real-world range recorded by the Automobile Association of the Philippines.

Gracing the Cebu launch were key executives: Weijia Luo, Vice President of OMODA & JAECOO Motor Philippines; Rocky Xu, Vice Country Director; Joseph Carlo Japson, President and CEO of Eres Automotive; and Cyrus Zoleta, Brand Head of Gateway Group. (Photos: MBCNewman)