Sunzibar Saboroso is the first venture in Cebu by a group of friends who have always shared a love for food. Of course, it helped that the other partners had Sunzi Cafe and Sunzibar in Tacloban City which has been in operation for close to 20 years already. In Tacloban, the focus was always on the food and the flavors. Sauces and marinades were made from scratch, rubs and other condiments were from ingredients easily sourced from the markets.

When Typhoon Yolanda hit Tacloban City, Sunzibar suffered losses but was one of the earliest to open after the storm. But back in early 2000, Sunzibar was just a hole-in-the-wall, with a few tables and a stove. What made it different from other places were the items on the menu, the flavors and the way the food was presented on the plate. Over the years, Sunzibar created a loyal following of families, coworkers, and friends. So in the devastation of Yolanda, to reopen Sunzibar the soonest was the goal for Tacloban locals to have something familiar away from the loss suffered from the storm.

TORTILLA WEDGES- deep-fried tortilla wedges with garlic sour dip.

 HOUSE SALAD - fresh green vegetables with a tangy herb vinaigrette dressing, cheese, and crunchy tortilla crumbled on top.

 PEPPER STEAK - a whole pound of steak with a light coating of coarse ground pepper and spices. Served with tangy dipping sauce and rice pilaf.

 QUESADILLA - choose your filling: Garlic Cheese, Garlic Onion, Ham & Cheese, Cheese Mushroom or Ham/Cheese/Mushroom. This comes with chunky salsa fresca and honey mustard sauce.

SUNBURGER - juicy burger with healthy veggie toppings and tortilla chips on the side.

Four years after the storm, Dr. Lorel Dee and her cousin Michelle Supe decided to open Sunzibar Saboroso in Cebu to bring these flavors and share it with Cebuanos. With the same menu of Mexican-inspired dishes, SunziSab’s focus is still on flavor. All the ingredients are sourced from what is available locally. There is an effort to find flavors to appeal to everyone. Items on the menu are prepared with a twist and adapted to suit local tastes like our Rum Ribs and the Jerk Bangus.

Portions are also hefty. There are items on the menu that are prepared for sharing with drinks and salad on the side like the Pepper Steak, Rum Ribs and the spicy Diablo. We also make our own flour tortilla. Our chips and nachos are crunchier and lighter especially topped with hot beef strips or a crisp salad. Sunzibar Saboroso’s menu can appeal to all ages and the big servings are a sure hit for a gathering of friends and family not to mention the big savings from these shared meals. From crunchy, cheesy nachos to fresh salads, soups, and pasta, Sunzibar Saboroso will definitely keep your belly happy.

As the world got together after that big storm, let’s gather at the table. We at Sunzibar Saboroso hope to get Cebuanos together for a good meal, to taste food prepared with heart and enjoy good food moments under the sun.

With the worsening traffic situation in Metro Cebu, commuters have turned to Angkas, a popular motorcycle taxi ride-hailing service, to survive the daily gridlocks and reach their destinations on time.

While the increasing business activity has become a positive note for the southern business district, such industrialization brought with it an increase in the number of vehicles plying the streets and the consequent traffic jams in and around the area.

In fact, the Land Transportation Office Region VII (LTO-7) has over half a million motor vehicles and motorcycles in its registry for Cebu Province as of December 2017.  In 2018, this number grew to around 800,000.

Moreover, in a recent study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the unresolved traffic congestion in Metro Cebu has resulted in at least P1.1 billion in economic losses a day.

“Traffic is a problem that affects all social classes,” businessman and Angkas advocate Gilbert Olan stressed. “Rich and poor alike, we are all affected by the traffic problem and are all burdened by its economic and social costs,” he added.

“As a Cebuano, dili ko ganahan sa sobrahan nga katrapik sa atoang sugbu. Mao ning pirti gyud makalagot sa atoang tanan (As a Cebuano, I hate that our city is plagued by heavy traffic. It's become increasingly frustrating for all of us),” Olan stressed. “This is exactly the reason why Angkas was born, to alleviate the commuting problems of Cebuanos,” he added.

“Angkas is an innovative and timely traffic solution that Cebuanos need and we are happy to offer this service to help commuters reach their destinations in a fast, convenient, and affordable way,” said Angeline Tham, Angkas Founder and CEO.

Tham adds that, Angkas biker-partners are strictly screened and are given thorough safety training before being allowed to service passengers. The Angkas bikers and their passengers are also entitled to insurance in every trip.

“We are all aware of how Angkas puts a premium on the safety of the passengers, the bikers, and everyone else on the road,” she noted. “And this is something that we are proud of.”

In line with their effort to ensure the safety of the biker-partners and their passengers, Angkas held the very first “Angkas Safety Fiesta” in Cebu last Sunday at the Plaza Independencia, Cebu City. The 12-hour event, which started at 10 a.m., featured a safety seminar and skills training session for their biker-partners, a dental mission, free haircut and massage for the participants, and a Gymkhana tournament.

The Angkas Safety Fiesta also served as an onboarding activity for new Angkas biker-partners, with the objective of being able to service more Cebuano commuters at a time.

As an added treat for the bikers and their families, a musical concert was held featuring popular artists such as Andrew E. and Cueshe as well as upcoming acts like the D7G Girls, Jay R Siaboc, Crazy Duo Jr., and the Maka Girls. The show, which was hosted by DJ Chixie and DJ Ringo, was open to the public.

“Our over 5,000 Angkas biker-partners in Metro Cebu are more than prepared to take on the task of ferrying commuters to where they need to go,” Olan declared. “And this is just the beginning,” he added, stressing that while traffic continues to plague Metro Cebu, Angkas will continue to help Cebuanos by not only providing an efficient transport option, but also providing a decent means of livelihood for motorcycle owners.

Robinsons Galleria Cebu (RGC) continues to strengthen its hold as Cebu’s favourite mall with the opening of more shops and regional outlets.

Tenants ranging from food and beverage, apparel, healthcare, and a dance studio, have already opened at Robinsons Galleria Cebu this year alone, with more expected in the next few months.

Among those who recently joined the growing RGC family is the highly popular G-Force Studio which offers dance classes with members of G-Force themselves. Less than a year since its operation, they are already planning to expand before the year ends. Other shops that opened this year include Savoura, Max’s, Wingers Unlimited, Munchery, Ikkousha and Chachago as well as Forever Young, Adidas, Penshoppe, Sunnies Specs, Sunnies Studios, Maxicare, and My Health.

“Robinsons Galleria Cebu offers a unique shopping experience compared to other malls. It’s a perfect mix of retail, food, entertainment, and the best in the region outlets all bundled in a truly relaxing mall experience,” said Floramie Adolfo, Senior Regional Operations Manager – Central & Eastern Visayas, Robinsons Land Corporation.

From October to December this year, several other shops and mall facilities are also expected to open at the RGC. Among them is the hotel gym of Summit Galleria Hotel, Cebu Pacific, Wei Renal Dialysis Center, Belle Lumier Aesthetic, Psalm Medical Center, Kizuna Skin Clinic, and Huawei.

Also expected to open are the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

These two government offices will become part of the existing Lingkod Pinoy Center at the RGC, which is a one-stop shop for government offices. Already open at the Lingkod Pinoy Center are the Social Security System (SSS), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost), and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth).

As an added convenience to shoppers, Robinsons Galleria Cebu also offers free rides to and from Robinsons Fuente, Robinsons Cybergate, Banawa, Talamban, Mandaue, Guadalup and the pier area. This is on top of existing public transport which include various jeepneys plying different routes, MyBus, and BEEP.

“Our proximity to the pier is a very strategic location that offers travellers a comfortable respite either when they arrive from or are waiting for their trip. This also comes handy for last minute pasalubong shopping,” Adolfo said.

As if you don’t already have more than enough reasons to visit Robinsons Galleria Cebu, the mall, being a pet friendly mall is offering the Happy Pets Club Membership Promo – free welcome kit for Happy Pets Club Membership applicants up to November 30 for every P3,000 single receipt purchase. 

About Robinsons Galleria Cebu

Strategically located along Gen. Maxilom Ave., Robinsons Galleria Cebu is the newest shopping destination in the Queen City of the South showcasing a world-class architecture and vibrant indoor landscapes.

Robinsons Galleria Cebu is the centrepiece of a well-designed mixed-use development by Robinsons Land Corp. The Galleria Complex will include three residential condominium buildings, enterprise centers, as well as a hotel that will all capture the optimistic, progressive, and thriving community spirit of Cebu.

    Ever since I started working, I found out that regardless of how much time I spend at my working place, how I connect with the people in it has so much to do with my emotional and mental well-being. It's one thing to be physically stressed from work, it's another thing to get stressed from the people you work with. Let's face it, we can't control our coworkers' personality.  That being said, not everyone's going to be your cup of tea and you're not always going to be somebody's favorite person either. However, we can always work on how we can communicate with them and maybe build a connection that is both genuine and lasting beyond office hours. 

👩 💼👨 💻Gear Away from Unprofessional Practices 👩 💼👨 💻

     We all love to be treated professionally with respect and dignity. That’s not an impossible thing to achieve especially when you know that you are doing your job well and that you try to act in a professional manner while you’re at work. One way to achieve that is by gearing away from doing things that would make you look unprofessional. It could be being on your phone, watching movies, and taking a nap during work hours. Taking aside emergency calls, try your best to check your phone during breaks. It’s really cool to hang out with your coworkers over a new film, but that could also wait after your shift or during long breaks.

     While nothing’s wrong with what was mentioned, there’s a perfect time for those. Doing such practices during work hours would not only make you look unprofessional towards your coworkers or superiors, but it might also affect your job performance.

👩 💼👨 💻Avoid Workplace Drama 👩 💼👨 💻

      Being connected with your coworkers is amazing. However, try not to fall into the trap of sharing and spreading gossips especially if you know that what you’ve heard is untrue and simply none of your business. Sometimes, gossips are fun; I know that from experience, but it has something to do with what you are gossiping about. Gossip about a new fashion trend, a new drama series, or a conspiracy theory you’ve heard on Youtube, but try your best not to gossip about somebody at work.

      Another way of getting away from gossips is to not overshare things that are not work-related. Separate what should be kept personal and what you could share with your coworkers. At the end of the day, any form of drama at work won’t only create possible disagreements, it won’t also make you any better with your job.

👩 💼👨 💻Don't Be Bossy if You're Not the Boss👩 💼👨 💻

       I don’t care who needs to hear this, but if you are working with other people, you have to learn how to work with them. Learn when to compromise and determine the greater good for everyone at work even if you’re not in the same echelon, let’s say you’re in the managing position. That doesn’t mean that you have to stop managing people, but if your method of leading others doesn’t get you or your workmates anywhere better, think of the things that you have to adjust. It could be your attitude or your personal preferences. 

      I must say that good communication begins with mutual respect. In the workplace, it’s especially true regardless of your work position. Any negative situation arises from bad communication. How we communicate builds our relationship with our coworkers, and it is our relationship with them which would determine the work culture of the company. As I grew older, I learn to focus on the work culture of a company rather than its monetary benefits. Although the latter is important, our emotional being matters more. Work is just part of our lives, it shouldn't be our life.

      In a situation where it cannot be helped and conflict arises at work, try to deal it in a proper way. Refrain from posting about it on Facebook. Lol The best way to do that is by listening to both sides and focusing on what you can learn out of the not-so-good situation.

👩 💼👨 💻Participate in the Company's Activities 👩 💼👨 💻

    Do you want to work with a slacker? I hope not. Try to work not only for yourself but also towards the success of the company you are working for. Participate in the company's efforts in building a strong relationship with you and your coworkers. If needed, don't hesitate to share your knowledge, talents, and skills. Trust me, it will not only benefit your company. It will also help you in becoming a valuable asset of your company and hone whatever skills you have. Chances are, those skills may come handy outside your workplace or when you grow out of your workplace. Moreover, participating in your company's activities will give you the chance to learn something new and have fun with your coworkers.

      Those are some of the things I learn from working and I hope it will be of help when on your current or future working situation. Is there something else that you'd like to add on the list? Scribe them in the comments section below.