CONPC, Precious Brew Café forge media partnership for brand visibility

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC) and Precious Brew Café (PBC) forged media partnership, a significant move toward embracing digitalization and strategic media collaboration to elevate brand awareness and visibility and strengthen marketing efforts.

The signing ceremony took place at Precious Brew Café's flagship store at 888 A.S. Fortuna St., Banilad, Mandaue City, Cebu on March 8, marking the beginning of a four-month partnership aimed at leveraging media and content creation to engage a broader audience.

PBC, led by its owner, Ferro Genevieve Grace Lao, offers a unique blend of coffee, meals, pastries, and refreshments to its loyal patrons. Recognizing the critical role of digital platforms in modern marketing, PBC partnered with CONPC, a dynamic organization of content creators, journalists, bloggers, and media influencers committed to promoting responsible media use and sharing accurate information.

 

"With so many exciting plans ahead, today's MOA signing with CONPC marks a major milestone for us. In today's digital world, media partnerships like this serve as a bridge between us and the very people we serve, helping us share our passion, values, and offerings with a wider audience," Genevieve Lao, PBC Owner said.

Through this partnership, PBC seeks to harness the power of creative and interactive online content to amplify its branding in the highly competitive café industry in Cebu.

CONPC Founder Robby Alugar expressed his gratitude to Precious Brew Café for its trust and collaboration. In his speech, he emphasized the organization's commitment to ethical and impactful content creation.

 

"CONPC is more than just a media organization—it's a movement. We are dedicated to spreading positivity and uplifting our community. Our goal is to be a trusted source of information, sharing news that inspires, informs, and empowers," Alugar stated.

Alugar also encouraged CONPC members to uphold high standards in content creation, ensuring that their influence contributes to goodwill and meaningful engagement.

PBC's Journey of Growth and Innovation

Established three years ago, Precious Brew Café began as a coffee-only venture fueled by a passion for great coffee and meaningful connections. Over time, it has expanded its offerings, introducing a diverse menu that caters to the evolving preferences of its growing customer base.

Beyond its main café, PBC has actively participated in community events, pop-ups, and specialty booths, including Sinulog and Christmas bazaars, as well as a one-month stint at Visayas Med. The café has also become a go-to venue for intimate gatherings, church group meetings, and private celebrations like bridal and baby showers.

PBC hopes to launch a new flagship store, explore new locations, and introduce new concepts like a coffee cart package for events and seasonal menu launches.

"What makes Precious stand out is that it's not just a typical café experience. Once you're here, you don't need to consider having dinner or lunch elsewhere—it's all here. Plus, we don't limit customers' stay, making it a perfect space for work, study, and social gatherings," Lao added.

As PBC and CONPC embark on this strategic partnership, both organizations look forward to increasing PBC's brand presence and engaging the Cebuano community through compelling media initiatives. (Photos: MBCNewman)

Ronan Keating leaves Cebu on cloud nine, a concert to remember

CEBU CITY –Ronan Keating left Cebu on cloud nine, wanting more of him on stage, from the moment he entered the ballroom of Waterfront Hotel Cebu, the audience in euphoria shouted and singing with him as he filled the venue with his timeless hits "When You Say Nothing at All," and "If Tomorrow Never Comes," felt like reliving some of the best moments of the past.

His voice was just as soulful and powerful as ever, effortlessly touching every heart in the crowd. The way he engaged with the audience, making every song feel personal, was truly special. It wasn’t just a concert—it was an emotional journey through music, memories, and melodies that never fade.

Every lyric hit differently, especially in a room full of fans who sang along with so much passion. You could feel the energy, the joy, and the deep connection we all shared through his music. It was a night where time seemed to stand still, and for a few hours, nothing else mattered but the music and the moment.

A huge thank you to L-Squared Productions Inc. for bringing this incredible experience to Cebu! If you ever get the chance to watch Ronan Keating live, don’t miss it—his music is timeless, and the experience is truly unforgettable.

The Ronan Keating concert experience

The night was like a scene straight out of a romantic movie - lights glowing, couples swaying or holding hands, thousands of voices echoing through the venue, emotions laid bare, and Ronan Keating with his timeless charm and voice serenading the crowd. After 6 years, he finally made an unforgettable comeback with a captivating show at the Waterfront Hotel Cebu last February 12, 2025, thanks to L-Squared Productions Inc.

 Kicking off the night with a purely energetic anthem, Lovin' Each Day, the crowd knew from that very moment they were in for something special. He gave the audience an unforgettable Valentine's gift: a 20-song setlist that transported everyone back to their most cherished love stories - from first loves and late-night confessions to heart-wrenching heartbreaks and hopeful promises.

Cheers and tears, the set was a perfect balance. It was a journey from timeless ballads like "If Tomorrow Never Comes" and "In This Life" to electrifying hits such as "Picture of You" and "Last Thing on my Mind."

But one of the most breathtaking moments? When You Say Nothing At All. As soon as the iconic opening chord rang out, the crowd erupted and the venue turned into a surreal sea of lights. Even Ronan paused and stood in awe, visibly touched by the scene.

As the night was not getting any younger, the perfect ending to a night moved by nostalgia and love played. Ronan bursts into the high-energy "Life is Rollercoaster" that sent everyone on their feet, screaming every word as if they never wanted the magical night to end.

That one-night-only was undoubtedly a testament that Ronan Keating's music continues to be the soundtrack of love across generations. With a performance that blended nostalgia romance, and heartwarming vocals, this Valentine's special was more than just a concert - it was a celebration of timeless love. A Valentine's Night one for the books!  (Photos:L-Squared Productions Inc. & MBCNewman) 

#RonanKeatingLivePH #ValentinesWithRonan #UnforgettableNight  #MusicThatLivesForever

Epic Aesthetics introduces cutting-edge beauty, intimate wellness treatments

CEBU CITY -- EPIC Aesthetics introduces world-renowned, non-evasive beauty and intimate wellness treatments using state-of-the-art technology and groundbreaking procedures that are now accessible to both men and women in Cebu via its boutique aesthetics center in Lahug, Cebu City.

Dr. Carlito Dimaano, Jr, EPIC Aesthetics medical director told the media and digital influencers that the product launch marked EPIC Aesthetics’ two-year anniversary on February 8 at the Circa Restaurant bringing globally recognized, non-surgical solutions to Cebu, enhancing beauty, restoring youthfulness, and boosting confidence among its clients.

"Our mission has always been to empower men and women to feel confident and truly EPIC in all they do. This starts with feeling comfortable in their own skin and body. That’s why our clinic is committed to making the latest technology and wellness innovations accessible," Dr. Carlito added.

Dr. Aprille Liao-Dimaano, Aesthetics Gynecologist on the other hand, introduced and described the innovative FotonaSmooth SP Machine and the center’s offering of advanced treatments such as the 𝗙𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗮 4𝗗 𝗡𝗼𝗻-𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘁– A natural, non-surgical alternative to traditional facelifts, tightening and volumizing the skin for a youthful glow.

𝗟𝗶𝗽𝗟𝗮𝘀𝗲 – A filler-free lip enhancement that stimulates collagen production, providing fuller, well-defined lips without injectables.  𝗔𝗰𝗻𝗲 & 𝗔𝗰𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 – A dual-laser system that reduces active acne while resurfacing and healing scarred skin, improving texture and complexion.

𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗟𝗮𝘀𝗲– A non-invasive laser therapy that reduces snoring and improves sleep quality by tightening oral tissue, offering relief from mild sleep apnea.

Women’s intimate health with non-invasive solutions

Dr. Aprille said that many women silently struggle with conditions such as vaginal laxity, dryness, and urinary incontinence, often believing these issues are inevitable due to aging or childbirth.

EPIC Aesthetics is committed to breaking the stigma surrounding women’s health by offering discreet, effective treatments through the FotonaSmooth SP Machine, she added.

The 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗟𝗮𝘀𝗲 is a non-surgical solution that strengthens and tightens vaginal walls, helping women manage mild to moderate urinary incontinence while the 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗟𝗮𝘀𝗲 is a laser procedure designed to restore vaginal elasticity and enhance intimate confidence, particularly after childbirth.  𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗟𝗮𝘀𝗲 is a hormone-free treatment that alleviates vaginal dryness and discomfort, offering relief for menopausal women.

By providing these advanced procedures, EPIC Aesthetics empowers women to take control of their health and well-being with safe, painless, and effective treatments that require no surgery or downtime.

EPIC Aesthetics expands access to beauty, wellness

Traditionally dominated by plastic surgeons and dermatologists, EPIC Aesthetics redefined the beauty industry by introducing two renowned ENT-HNS specialists, Dr. Pamela Masongsong and Dr. Carlito Dimaano Jr., to offer facial plastic procedures when it opened in 2023.

Further expanding its expertise, in 2024, EPIC Aesthetics introduced Gynecologic Aesthetic Services during its first anniversary, led by Dr. Aprille Liao-Dimaano, an OB-GYN specializing in functional and cosmetic gynecology.

These strategic additions reinforce EPIC Aesthetics' position as a leader in both beauty and women’s wellness. With the increasing demand for non-invasive aesthetic and wellness solutions, the center ensures that patients in Cebu, especially women, have access to world-class treatments at affordable prices.

“These technologies are transforming the way women approach self-care and wellness. Our goal is to make these treatments accessible to both men and women, helping them feel their best without the need for surgery,” Dr. Aprille said.

EPIC Aesthetics offers affordable treatment options using its latest technology - FotonaSmooth SP, ranging from ₱3,500 to ₱15,000 per session, making it easier for both men and women to invest in their confidence and well-being.

EPIC Aesthetics is a boutique aesthetics center in Lahug, Cebu, specializing in advanced non-invasive and surgical aesthetic treatments. Dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized care, EPIC Aesthetics empowers individuals to achieve their beauty and wellness goals through state-of-the-art technology and expert medical guidance.

For more information and details, contact EPIC Aesthetics at 0994 792 0627 or at epic.aesthetics.cebu@gmail.com and https://www.facebook.com/EPIC.aesthetics.cebu. (Photos: MBCNewman & EPIC Aesthetics)

 

 

Max's opens 3rd store, showcases treasures of Cebu

CEBU CITY—Max's Restaurant, the iconic Filipino restaurant chain famous for its Sarap-to-the-Bones® Fried Chicken formally opened its third branch in Cebu on December 6, 2024 with a fresh look and a laidback vibe, showcasing the treasures and pride of Cebu with the use of various materials that originated from the city.

Jim Fuentebella, chief marketing officer & COO, Max’s Group Inc. bared that one of the walls was made from Mactan stone, a type of coral stone that can be found in Mactan Island.  On top of that, the chairs were covered with special Visayan fabric and the different colorful patterns display the vibrant weaving industry of the island.

“In addition to its new design, the newest Max's Restaurant in SM City Cebu proudly showcases exclusive Cebu Specials that celebrate the region's vibrant flavors.  For a hearty breakfast, the Ultimate Chorizo and Danggit Plate offers a delicious combination of Beef Tapa, Chorizo de Cebu, Danggit, Egg, Garlic Rice, and Tomatoes, served with Honey Pinakurat Sauce and Brewed Coffee all for just P398,” Fuentebella said.

Another standout is the Pinaputok na Bangus, a grilled Bangus dish wrapped in banana leaves, topped with fresh salsa, and paired with soy sauce, calamansi, and siling labuyo, also priced at P398.

For those seeking simpler yet equally satisfying dishes, the Chorizo Rice Bowl is a crowd favorite, featuring Chorizo de Cebu, Egg, Garlic Rice, and Tomatoes, served with Honey Pinakurat Sauce and Brewed Coffee for only P298.

Fans of Cebu's famous dried fish will love the Danggit Ala Carte, fried to crispy perfection and served with Honey Pinakurat Sauce and Tomatoes for P248, or the Danggit Rice Bowl variation, also available for P248.

“These exclusive offerings make Max's Cebu a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike,” Fuentebella added

The store is located in SM City Cebu Upper Ground Level, Global Lifestyle Indulgence Juan Luna Ave. corner Cabahug and Kaoshiung St. North Reclamation Area, Brgy. Mabolo and it’s open from 10 AM to 10PM for dine-in, takeout, delivery, or bulk order.

For more information, visit the official Facebook page at @MaxsRestaurant. Max’s Restaurant has three branches in Cebu and more than 107 outlets nationwide. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

NNC7 shepherds LGUs in CV to integrate nutrition in local investment, devt plan

BORBON, Cebu--The National Nutrition Council (NNC)-Region-7 continues to shepherd various local government units (LGUs) in Central Visayas to strengthen the nutrition program management and improve local nutrition governance in line with the Philippine Plan Action for Nutrition (PPAN), a six-year plan to improve nutrition in the country through 2028.

“The 2024 Nutrition Shepherding Project aims aid LGUs to help strengthen their nutrition program management and improve their local nutrition governance.  The Team is expected to review the recent nutrition situation of priority LGUs and help identify gaps in their management of the nutrition program,” NNC7 regional nutrition coordinator Dr. Parolita Mission shared in an interview with the Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC).

Mission said that the regional monitoring team assists local nutrition workers in integrating nutrition in local policies, local development and investment plans and budgeting, which was done in Borbon town, Cebu on December 3.

Target LGUs for shepherding and monitoring activities are those with potential to be nutrition champions and low functional LGUs according to the LNC functionality score cards and based on criteria agreed by the LGU shepherding team and the Regional Nutrition Council (RNC) full committee, Mission explained.

In 2024, the Central Visayas RNST targets the following LGUs in Cebu that include Bogo City, Borbon, Danao, Tabuelan, Balamban, Compostela, Carcar City, Talisay City and Boljoon. The Team schedules visits and other follow-up activities as the RNST finds necessary to ensure that LGUs are guided to include nutrition programs in the local budgets.

The shepherding teams to be deployed are based on the target LGU needs with a database to be prepared by the NNC7 secretariat based on the LGU's MELLPI Pro scores, LNC functionality monitoring report, OPT Plus report and other relevant reports, Mission said.

On December 3, members of the Regional Nutrition Committee-Technical Working Group, renamed as Regional Nutrition Shepherding Team (RNST) conducted a one-day shepherding activities in Borbon town in Cebu.

“With regards to the nutrition program here in Borbon, 100% in place jud ang implementation because I started this when I was still a member of the council being the chair of the committee on health and we sustain these nutrition programs here where we garnered six awards as nutrition champions given by the NNC7, DOH and the Province,” Borbon Mayor Noel Dotillos told the CONPC coverage team.

Mayor Dotilos said that Borbon has limited fund for local programs but he always prioritizes health and nutrition activities noting that an early intervention especially on health and nutrition programs intended for children, pregnant women and the first 1000 days bring out the best health care from the government, he said.

The local health unit in Borbon proudly shared that the town has a health laboratory where townsfolks can come and avail of all lab tests and screening that proved to be the best investment of the town.

What is Nutrition Shepherding?

Nutrition Shepherding is a concept that started in 2016 in Central Visayas and was previously referred to as "LGU Nurturing", where members of the Regional Nutrition Committee-Technical Working Group and the Human Resource for Nutrition (HRH-NS) visit select municipalities to assist, engage low performing LGUs to mentor and provide technical assistance to local nutrition workers and members of the local nutrition committees to improve the efficiency of nutrition program management.

Members of the RNST advises priority LGUs on how to effectively administer their nutrition programs, focusing on three major areas-- nutrition policies; nutrition planning and budgeting; and local nutrition structures and human resources.

The mentoring would entail the transfer of technical knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for effective local nutrition program management. Expected output of the LGU Shepherding include the Local Nutrition Action Plan; Local Nutrition Committee Functionality; PPAN Accomplishment Report; List of gaps and/or areas of improvements and recommendations; Written feedbacks to LGUs and a documentation report of the entire program.

According to the Borbon local health team that the shepherding project has helped the municipal and barangay health workers in enhancing their knowledge, skills and attitudes on how to manage nutrition programs in the communities. (Photos: CONPC Coverage Team)