SINULOG 2017: A Guide to Cebu Philippines' Grandest Festival! (Schedule of Events, Winners, Venue, Photos, Videos & More!)

Welcome to the GRANDEST FESTIVAL in the PHILIPPINES - The Cebu Sinulog Festival!

This is your ultimate guide for 2017's most attended celebration in the country.

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4 Things to Enjoy in 1 Day in Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines

PHOTO: Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines

Cebu is a prime destination in the Philippines for the past years, for both business and leisure travelers. In February 2016, world known National Geographic (NatGeo) considered Cebu as One of the Destinations to Backpack this 2016. Here's a snippet from the article:

"Cebu City can be a little overwhelming, but it does offer a jumping nightlife scene at least, especially in the trendy Lahug district. It’s also the jumping-off point for coastal hot spots all around the country’s ninth largest island. Outstanding diving awaits at Malapascua Island, off the north end of Cebu Island, and nearby Bantayan Island offers laid-back seaside resorts on pristine beaches."

One of the spots highlighted is Bantayan Island, an island located in the northernmost tip of Cebu mainland which is known for its massive white sand beaches and stunning crystal blue waters. It is composed of three towns: Sta. Fe, Bantayan and Madridejos.

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11 Surprising Activities You Can Enjoy in Cebu's Crown Regency Hotel and Towers!

PHOTO: Crown Regency Hotel Cebu - SkyExperience Adventure

Crown Regency Hotel and Towers is a hotel complex in the Philippines' Queen City of the South, Cebu City which offers the country's only SkyExperience Adventure that will certainly take your breath away (tallest building in operation in the city and outside Metro Manila as of August 2015).  It is now one of the tourist attractions having this unique feature since it opened last 2005, but not everyone knows, the hotel still has a lot to offer (good news for those with fear of heights :)). Below are the activities that each guest/visitor should enjoy, possibly ALL in ONE Day. Check it out!

Blogger's Note: You can book Crown Regency Cebu, Cebu City with Traveloka!

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SINULOG 2016: A Guide to Cebu Philippines' Grandest Festival! (Winners, Schedule of Events, Venue, Photos, Videos & More!)

Welcome to the GRANDEST FESTIVAL in the PHILIPPINES - The Cebu Sinulog Festival!

This is your ultimate guide for 2016's most attended celebration in the country.

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Your Guide to SINULOG 2015 - The Philippines' Grandest Festival! (The Winners, Schedule of Events, Venue, Photos, Videos & More!)

Welcome to the GRANDEST FESTIVAL in the PHILIPPINES - The Cebu Sinulog Festival!

This is your ultimate guide for 2015's most attended celebration in the country.

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5 Reasons why you should visit OSLOB in CEBU, PHILIPPINES!

Traveler's Couch shares to you 5 Reasons why you should visit one of Cebu, Philippines' promising towns - Oslob which is known for the Whale Shark Viewing adventure, iconic structures (Oslob Church, The Ruins) and wonders of nature (Tumalog Falls).

1) Budget-friendly Destination!

Yes it is! You can explore the town of Oslob without worrying too much of the expense - visiting most of the attractions are actually (or almost) for FREE! Below are some of the rates you might consider when traveling to this town (rates are subject to change, these are just estimations as of this writing):

- Rountrip Bus Fare via Ceres Bus (Airconditioned) - USD 7 / Php 290

departing South Bus Terminal in Cebu City to Oslob Town Proper.

- Accommodation, choose from USD 16 / Php 700 to USD 35 / Php 1,500 per room per night

You can stay in "Payag ni Sebastian" having above room rates (rooms good for 2 persons only, excess will have additional USD 4.60 / Php 200 per head). It's a mid-type accommodation which offers regular room size. WHY STAY HERE? This is just situated at the town proper so most of your needs are just within reach (few walks away). PLUS, you'll have that infinity pool (refer to below photos, click to enlarge) for a good afternoon or night swimming.

PHOTO: Oslob Accommodation - Payag ni Sebastian's Infinity Pool

PHOTO: Oslob Accommodation - Payag ni Sebastian's Infinity Pool

PHOTO: Oslob Accommodation - Payag ni Sebastian's Infinity Pool

PHOTO: Oslob Accommodation - Payag ni Sebastian's Infinity Pool

- Food, ranges from USD 1.50/ Php 50 to USD 5 / Php 200 per meal

When staying in Oslob town proper, expect more of a Cebuano cuisine, known by locals as "Carinderia". The food expense would really depends on your cravings, whether more of meat or seafoods or a typical Filipino meal. USD 2.74 / Php 120 is already a good meal rate when eating in a Carinderia.

- Attractions' Fees

Below are the entrance fees or charges for the spots you can visit in Oslob (as of June 2014):

*Oslob Town Proper Attractions - FREE (Church, The Ruins, Town Plaza, Bayside)

*Tumalog Falls Entrance Fee (per person) - USD 0.50 / Php 20

*Whale Shark Watching (per person) - USD 12 / Php 500 for Local Tourist, USD 35 / Php 1500 for Foreign Tourist

*Sumilon Island Sandbar Visit (per group) - USD 35 / Php 1500 boat rental (unconfirmed)

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Cebu Sinulog 2014: Philippines' Grandest Festival (Schedule of Activities, Photos, Updates and More)

Cebu's Sinulog Festival will be Philippines' Grandest and Biggest festivity to start the year with hope and bright colors despite of the calamities that struck central part of the country. An annual festival held every third Sunday of January,  Sinulog Festival commemorates Filipino people's acceptance for Roman Catholicism, also to celebrate and honor the miraculous image of Santo Niño. A month-long celebration that features street parade with participants in bright colored costumes, along with the loud beat of the drums, trumpets and native gongs, participated not only by the Cebuanos (people of Cebu) but also from other parts of the country (groups from Luzon, Neighboring island in Visayas & Mindano). Approximately 4 Million people (locals & tourists) joined last year's festivity making the whole event a successful one. So book your flight now to Cebu, celebrate with us and CHEERS for Sinulog Festival 2014!

Schedule of Events for Sinulog Festival 2014 in Cebu City, Philippines (*Tentative)
- Credits to philnews.ph -

The events from December 1, 2013 – January 31, 2014

    December 1, 2013 – January 31, 2014 Sinulog Street Fair, Osmena Blvd.
    December 30, 2013 Sinulog Fun Run

    January 9, 2014 (Thursday) — Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus
    4:00 a.m.          Assembly Time (Area) Venue: Fuente Osmena
    4:30 a.m.          Start of Walk from Fuente Osmena Blvd. to Basilica del Sto. Nino
    5:30 a.m.          Installation of Hermano and Hermana Mayores 2014

    January 10, 2014 (Friday) — Sinulog 2014 Kickoff
    2:00 p.m. Solemn Mass (Venue: Basilica del Sto. Nino)
    3:00 p.m. Launching Parade (Venue: Basilica del Sto. Nino to Cebu City Sports Center)
    7:00 p.m. Opening and Launching Program, Venue: Fuente Osmena
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol (Venue: Fuente Osmena Circle)
    9:00 p.m. Street Party Bands

    January 11, 2014 (Saturday) — Sinulog sa Kabataan – Lalawigan
(Sinulog sa Kabataan - performed by the youths of Cebu a week before the grand parade, Lalawigan means participants from the Province area of Cebu)
    1:00 p.m. Parade of Participants, Venue: Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center
    2:00 p.m. Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Venue: Cebu City Sports Center
    6:30 p.m. Cultural Show (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    7:00 p.m. Ms Cebu 2014 Presentation, Venue at Ayala Activity Center
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol (Venue: Fuente Osmena Circle)
    9:00 p.m. Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

    January 12, 2014 (Sunday) — Sinulog sa Kabataan – Dakbayan
(Sinulog sa Kabataan - performed by the youths of Cebu a week before the grand parade, Dakbayan means participants from Cebu City area)
    4:00 a.m. Cebu City 2014 Marathon — http://www.cebumarathon.com
    1:00 p.m. Parade of Participants, Venue: Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center
    2:00 p.m. Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Venue: Cebu City Sports Center
    6:00 p.m. Grand Finals of Sinulog Choral Competition
    6:30 p.m. Cultural Show (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol (Venue: Fuente Osmena Circle)
    9:00 p.m. Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

    January 13, 2014 (Monday)
    6:30 p.m. Cultural Show (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    9:00 p.m. Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

    January 14, 2014 (Tuesday)
    6:30 p.m. Cultural Show (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    9:00 p.m. Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

    January 15, 2014 (Wednesday)
    9:00 a.m. Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights, Mactan Cebu International Airport)
    6:30 p.m. Cultural Show (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    7:00 p.m. Ms Cebu 2014 Coronation Night, Venue: Waterfront Lahug Hotel
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    9:00 p.m. Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

    January 16, 2014 (Thursday)
    9:00 a.m. Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights, Mactan Cebu International Airport)
    6:00 p.m. Balik Cebu, Welcome Party at Ayala Center Cebu
    6:30 p.m. Cultural Show (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    Sinulog Festival Queen Runway Competition and Photoshoot
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol Grand Finals (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    Handumanan at Ayala Terraces
    9:00 p.m. Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

    January 17, 2014 (Friday) — Visual Merchandising Contest (Dept. Stores and Malls)
    4:00 a.m. Walk with Mary from Fuente Osmena to Sto. Nino
    9:00 a.m. Solidarity Meeting (All competing contingent/Floats/Higante/Puppeteers) at Cebu City Sports Center gym
    6:00 p.m. Sinulog Dance Crew and Musicfest Grand Finals, Cebu City Sports Center
    7:30 p.m. Sinulog Festival Queen 2014, Venue: Cebu City Sports Center
    8:00 p.m. Cebu Popular Music Festival, Venue: Cebu Coliseum

    January 18, 2014 (Saturday)
    6:00 a.m. Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Nino (Venue: Cebu City Bay Area to Mactan Channel, near Mactan Old Bridge)
    9:00 a.m. Reenactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon — Basilica del Sto. Nino
    2:00 p.m. Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Nino
    7:00 p.m. Street Party at Fuente Osmena and Plaza Independencia
    8:00 p.m. Kasadya Nite Mardi Gras at Ayala Center Cebu
    9:00 p.m. Musicfest Grand Finals

    January 19, 2014 (Sunday) — SINULOG GRAND PARADE (Main Event)
    4:00 a.m. Mananita Mass at Basilica del Sto. Nino
    6:00 a.m. Pontifical Mass with His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal
    9:00 a.m. Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kickoff
    7:00 p.m. Grand Finale and Grand Fireworks, Venue: Cebu City Sports Center
    7:30 p.m. Street Party Bands, Venue: Fuente Osmena

    January 20, 2014 (Monday)
    1:00 p.m. Awarding Ceremonies, Venue: Cebu City Sports Center

    January 24, 2014 (Friday) — Hubo
    4:00 a.m. Hubo Mass Ritual at Basilica del Sto. Nino

    January 25, 2014 (Saturday)
    1:00 p.m. Screening of Finalists for Short Film/Video Documentary Contest
    Sinulog 2013 Photo Contest Winners Exhibits
    6:00 p.m. Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary Contect at SM City Cebu

    February 3 – February 10, 2014 — Photo Exhibits “Winning Photos Sinulog 2014″at SM City Cebu

PHOTOS: A Glimpse of SINULOG 2013

MORE UPDATES TO COME!

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Cebu I.T. Park: A Visit to One of Cebu's Financial District (Photos)

 After my Big Screen Entertainment visit last June 3, 2012, I went directly to one of Cebu City's financial district (aside from Cebu Business Park) - the Cebu I.T. Park (previously called as Asiatown I.T. Park). I decided to have some coffee chill out at Bo's Coffee at the ground floor of i2 Bldg. It is where I actually stay (from dawn to sunrise) when I have no work to attend at weekends since the ambiance is really good (though we have a Starbucks near Timex Philippines, I still prefer Bo's IT Park). I really like their Hot Cafe Mocha, Froccino Mocha Crumble and Froccino Oreo. They value their customers, I never encountered problems regarding their service. (click below photos to enlarge)

PHOTO: Bo's Coffee in IT Park Cebu

PHOTO: Bo's Coffee in IT Park Cebu

It's also the best time for me to get in touch with the news by reading current papers at their newsstand. And also, the very first time to charge my phone their. While charging, I browsed my blog thru my Blackberry Bold 9900 which I recently won from Blackberry Philippines' Photo Contest last February (thank you Blackberry Pilipinas for this. :) ). Just discovered my blog's latest layout suites for mobile browsing (a bit slow in loading at some point with my 3G network connection under Sun Cellular but I bet it's fast thru Wi-Fi).

PHOTO: Blog browsing with Blackberry Bold 9900

PHOTO: Blog browsing with Blackberry Bold 9900

After my 3-hour stay at Bo's, I went strolling at Cebu I.T. Park since I got my camera that time and the setting was a bit inviting to take shots (sunrise coming). You may refer to below latest photos of I.T. Park Cebu's the development as one of Cebu's financial district. (click below photos to enlarge)

PHOTO: Calyx Centre in IT Park - Cebu

PHOTO: Asia Premier Residences Bldg. in IT Park - Cebu

PHOTO: i3 Building (Convergys & 1&1) in IT Park - Cebu

PHOTO: The Walk and Calyx Center in IT Park - Cebu

PHOTO: Asia Premier Residences Bldg. and i3 Building (Convergys & 1&1) in IT Park - Cebu

PHOTO: The Walk and Calyx Center in IT Park - Cebu

PHOTO: Skyrise 3 (Qualfon), Asia Premier Residences & i3 Bldg. in IT Park - Cebu

PHOTO: Skyrise 4 Building in IT Park - Cebu

PHOTO: Skyrise 4 and eBloc Tower 2 in IT Park - Cebu

PHOTO: IT Park - Cebu

PHOTO: IT Park - Cebu

PHOTO: i1 in IT Park - Cebu

PHOTO: i1 Building and Skyrise 3 IT Park - Cebu

PHOTO: i1 in IT Park - Cebu

PHOTO: IT Park - Cebu

PHOTO: IT Park - Cebu

PHOTO: e-Office One, Calyx Centre, Skyrise 4 & eBloc Tower 2 in IT Park - Cebu

PHOTO: Skyrise 1 and 2 (Aegis People Support) in IT Park - Cebu

PHOTO: eBloc Tower 1 (JP Morgan Chase & Co., NCR) in IT Park - Cebu

It was a great morning in Cebu IT Park. Til' next time, thanks for reading this post!

Comments are highly appreciated. :)

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SM Seaside City Cebu, SMX Cebu and SM Cebu Arena: Updates, News, Latest Photos and More!

Here are the latest updates or news about the on-going construction of SM Seaside City - CEBU, gathered from different sources thru online postings, news article, etc. 

 *PhilStar.com (posted June 2, 2012): "SM Prime hikes SRP Project Cost to P8B". There was an adjustment made regarding the project cost for it to be called a "destination mall", not just a shopping mall facility. From P6 Billion to P8.5 Billion, SM Prime Holdings President Mr. Hans T. Sy decided to make it as the newest landmark in Cebu and making it the 4th Largest Mall in the world that every Cebuano should be proud of. This is just one of the first developments in the master-plan of SM properties from northern part of the South Roud Properties (SRP) to the sea. This flagship project is designed by Arquitectonica ( international architecture, interior design and planning firm from Miami Florida). As posted in PhilStar.com:

"The 3rd SM shopping mall in Cebu, next to the newly opened SM Consolacion, the SM Seaside City Cebu will be a 4-level, circular-shaped, world-class retail mall with multiple anchors, including a two-story SM Department Store and SM Hypermart, a five-theater Cineplex and IMAX Theatre, an 18-lane SM Bowling and Amusement Center, and a food court flanking an ice skating rink."

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My Palawan Escapade [DAY 4 of 4]: Goodbye Puerto Princesa City (Plus: Cebu City Latest Aerial Shots)

DAY 4 was a "Goodbye Palawan" day. Prior our flight back to Cebu, we went to this famous "TIANGGE TIANGGE of PALAWAN" where we bought our pasalubong (some are affordable but some are way too dollars, but everything is worth the price I guess haha). After which, we check out from Ysabelle Mansion and went to the Airport (Terminal Fee was Php40, Departure Lounge not airconditioned). Though we weren't able to have Web Check-in, I still got a window seat at the flight. A very heartwarming part of the trip: when those Airport staff waved their hands as the plane took off the runway, you can really see at their smiles telling us "Thank You for Visiting! Please come back soon!". You may refer to below shots prior landing to Mactan Cebu International Airport, aerial shots of some parts of Visayan Islands.

PHOTO: Puerto Princesa Domestic Airport

PHOTO: Aerial Shot of Iloilo

PHOTO: Aerial Shot of Cebu City

PHOTO: Aerial Shot of Cebu City

PHOTO: Aerial Shot of Cebu City

PHOTO: Aerial Shot of Cebu City International Port

PHOTO: Aerial Shot of Old Mactan Bridge and Mactan Island

Over-all, this Palawan Trip is really a memorable one for me. Why? Because I wasn't only fascinated and amazed with the true wonders of Puerto Princesa City (beauty & cleanliness) but I was also impressed by how the people under this city. Let me say this: "Puerto Princesa City is the Cleanest City in the Philippines, also the Safest & Best City to visit with Amazing People!". See you again, soon!

Thanks for reading, your comment is highly appreciated. :)

Done with My Palawan Escapade [DAY 4 of 4]: Goodbye Puerto Princesa City (Plus: Cebu City Latest Aerial Shots). 

Click below LINKS to READ other POSTS:

My Palawan Escapade [DAY 1 of 4]: Puerto Princesa City's Balayong Festival

My Palawan Escapade [DAY 2 of 4]: Puerto Princesa City Tour ft. Plazaa Cuartel, Crocodile Farm, Baker's Hill and More!

My Palawan Escapade [DAY 3 of 4]: New 7 Wonders' Puerto Princesa Underground River and Honda Bay Island Hopping (Plus Foodtrip)

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The Big Screen Entertainment: Cebu's Newest Entertainment Hub [Movie House + XBOX Kinect]

Thinking where to venture your TGIF or Weekend Nightlife? Want some "NEW" thing in Cebu? Well, partying in Mango or chilling out in IT Park is so mainstream nowadays, why not try this newly opened Entertainment Hub for groups who love Movies & XBOX Kinect.

(Click Poster to Enlarge)

"The Big Screen Entertainment" (owned by a friend of mine) serves as a Movie House (offering only the best movies made), as well as XBOX Kinect for a very reasonable rate. This state-of-the-art hub (you owe me one Pete, ahaha) is located at the 3rd Floor of M2 Business Center Building (building right beside Ninoy's Payag), Escario Corner Clavano Street, 6000 Cebu City, Philippines.Actually a walking distance from McDonald's Escario. (Click below Map to Enlarge)

(Click Map to Enlarge)

There are 2 Big Rooms and 1 Small Room for Movie watching, while there 3 Kinect Rooms.
I must say the BEST MOVIEHOUSE with KINECT EXPERIENCE in CEBU! :)


THE WAITING LOUNGE

It's where you'll gonna choose what movie to watch or what kinect game to play, might as well take some food and drinks at the counter for more satisfying experience at the Big Screen Entertainment! ;)
(click below photos to enlarge)

PHOTO: The Waiting Lounge - Big Screen Entertainment

PHOTO: The Waiting Lounge - Big Screen Entertainment

PHOTO: The Counter - Big Screen Entertainment

THE 2 BIG ROOMS

BIG ROOM #1 has around 200" Widescreen in curve style. A state-of-the-art cinema-type room that will make your movie experience either with your family or friends an exclusive one. The room can accommodate up to 10-15 people (maybe even 20 though some may lie down on the carpet).
(click below photos to enlarge)

PHOTO: The Big Room - Big Screen Entertainment

PHOTO: The Big Room - Big Screen Entertainment

BIG ROOM #2 is my favorite among the rooms. It feels like home with that glass-covered veranda (can actually cover it with the curtain when watching movie). Same features as well with Big Room #1.
(click below photos to enlarge)

PHOTO: The Big Room - Big Screen Entertainment

PHOTO: The Big Room - Big Screen Entertainment

PHOTO: The Big Room - Big Screen Entertainment

THE SMALL ROOM

 This room is good for a group of 5-10 people. This is still an awesome room, the same features with the Big Room, they just differ in Widescreen size.
(click below photos to enlarge)

PHOTO: The Small Room - Big Screen Entertainment

PHOTO: Me at the Small Room - Big Screen Entertainment

PHOTO: The Avatar Preview at the Small Room - Big Screen Entertainment

PHOTO: The Avatar Preview at the Small Room - Big Screen Entertainment

THE KINECT ROOM

Truly an amazing Kinect Room ever made in Cebu. There are 3 Kinect Rooms available, you'll surely gonna have fun with games having single, double or even four (4) players.

PHOTO: The Kinect Room - Big Screen Entertainment

PHOTO: The Kinect Room - Big Screen Entertainment

MOVIE HOUSE & KINECT FEATURES

*Blu-ray Disc
*dts-HD Master Audio
*Dolby Digital & True HD
*KINECT for XBOX 360
*LG & YAMAHA
*ONKYO
*Up to 200" Widescreen
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BIG SCREEN ENTERTAINMENT
DETAILS and RATES

Opens: 3PM to 12MN (Sundays - Thursdays)
2PM to 2AM (Fridays and Saturdays)

Introductory Rate:

KINECT
- Room Charge: P350.00/hr, good for 6 person
- Extra Person Charge: P30.00/hr/person*

MOVIE (Small Room)
- Room Charge: P400.00/movie, good for 5 person**
- Extra Person Charge: P50.00/movie/person

MOVIE (Big Room)
- Room Charge: P450.00/movie, good for 5 person**
- Extra Person Charge: P70.00/movie/person

*charged only for the 1st 2 hours
**additional charge of P150.00 for movies exceeding 2 hours of screen time

 Contact No.  
0922 807 1894

Like BSE's Official Facebook Page:
www.facebook.com/BigScreenEntertainment
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Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) Can we bring our own MOVIE?
-- Yes you can (no additional fee) as long as it is readable via computer (DVD, Blu-ray Disc, even in USB for newly downloaded movies in AVI, MOV, WMV and other known Video Format). If you got nothing to bring wiht, don't worry because this moviehouse offers bunch of great movies.

2) Can we bring our own FOOD & DRINKS?
-- Foods and Drinks bought outside the establishment will have a corkage fee of Php200/room. Don't worry guys, BSE counter offers food stuffs and drinks ideal for movie watching. Be reminded that bringing of any Alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited within the premises.

If you have other inquiries/questions, feel free to post it via comment below, we'll be happy to provide immediate answer. Thanks for reading this post!

COMMENTS are highly appreciated!
Thanks and See you there! :)

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