Fantasy Lodge Cebu: Our Family Staycation to End Summer 2026

As Summer 2026 was coming to an end, our family decided to celebrate the season with a relaxing staycation in the southern part of Cebu. After weeks of school activities, work commitments, and daily routines, we wanted a destination where we could simply slow down, enjoy nature, and spend quality time together.

Our choice was Fantasy Lodge Cebu, a charming cliffside beach resort located in the beautiful municipality of Samboan in South Cebu.

What followed was one of our most relaxing family road trips this year—a journey filled with scenic coastal drives, beach moments, delicious food, therapeutic kawa bathing, and unforgettable family bonding.

About Fantasy Lodge Cebu

Fantasy Lodge Cebu 

Address: KM142, Barangay Dalahikan, Samboan, Cebu 6027, Philippines.

Contact Numbers:
0917-700-6027 / Phone: +639177006027
0993-587-9153

Website: Fantasy Lodge Cebu Official Website

Check-in Time: 2:00 PM
Check-out Time: 11:00 AM

The resort is known for its cliffside setting overlooking the sea, private beach access, swimming pool, lush tropical gardens, and its famous Kawa Spa experience. (Agoda.com)

Our Family Road Trip from Cebu City to Samboan

We started our journey at around 10:00 AM from Cebu City. The drive itself was already part of the adventure. We crossed the magnificent Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, enjoying the beautiful views of the sea and neighboring islands. Before reaching the bridge, we made our first stop at a nearby Jollibee Drive-Thru in Cordova for breakfast.

Nothing beats starting a family road trip with hot coffee, burgers, and breakfast meals while everyone excitedly talks about the destination ahead. After crossing CCLEX, we headed south via the Cebu South Road. Our second stop was at a Shell Select station in Naga City where we purchased tube ice for our cooler filled with drinks. The summer heat was intense, and having cold beverages during a long road trip made a huge difference.

By lunchtime, our family was already hungry again, so we stopped at a McDonald's Drive-Thru in Argao. With burgers, fries, and iced drinks in hand, we continued our journey deeper into South Cebu. The scenery became more beautiful as we drove farther south—rolling hills, coconut trees, coastal views, and quiet provincial towns that reminded us why road trips in Cebu are always special. After approximately six hours of driving with several stopovers, we finally arrived at Fantasy Lodge around 4:00 PM.

First Impressions of Fantasy Lodge

The moment we entered the property, we immediately understood why many travelers describe Fantasy Lodge as a hidden paradise. The resort sits on a cliff overlooking the ocean, surrounded by mature trees, flowering plants, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

The atmosphere that afternoon was magical. Golden sunlight filtered through the leaves while the ocean breeze gently moved through the property. The sound of waves crashing below blended perfectly with birds singing among the trees.

It felt peaceful, secluded, and incredibly relaxing. For our family of six, we booked:

• - Two Standard Couple Rooms for me and my husband
• - One Family Room good for four for our four teenagers

After checking in, we immediately explored the entire property. We walked around the gardens, visited the pool area, and eventually made our way down toward the beach. The swimming pool overlooks the sea and offers one of the best spots to relax while enjoying the ocean view. Meanwhile, the private beach area provides direct access to the water and plenty of opportunities for swimming and photography.

Sunset by the Beach

Without wasting any time, my husband and I changed into our swimwear and headed straight to the beach. The water was refreshing after our long drive. The waves were gentle enough for swimming while still creating that relaxing ocean soundtrack that makes beach vacations so enjoyable. A few minutes later, another family came down to the shore. Two children happily searched for seashells while their relatives watched nearby.

The following morning during breakfast, I learned from their aunt that they had traveled all the way from the United States for their vacation in Cebu. Moments like these remind us how tourism connects people from different parts of the world through shared experiences.

Dinner at Fantasy Lodge Restaurant

One thing guests should remember is that Fantasy Lodge has specific dining schedules. Last call for meals is around 7:30 PM, while drinks and desserts are available until approximately 8:30 PM. Knowing this, we immediately placed our dinner orders after check-in.

The restaurant itself offers a cozy atmosphere overlooking the gardens and ocean. As darkness settled over the resort, soft lighting illuminated the pathways and dining area. The combination of sea breeze, tropical plants, and the sounds of nature created a very romantic and relaxing evening environment.

While enjoying dinner, we also booked one of the resort's most popular attractions for the following morning—the famous Kawa Spa.

The Famous Kawa Spa Experience

One of the signature highlights of Fantasy Lodge is its renowned Kawa Spa.  If you're visiting the resort, I highly recommend including this experience in your itinerary.

For those unfamiliar with it, a kawa bath uses a large metal wok traditionally used for cooking. The kawa is filled with warm water, aromatic herbs, flowers, and essential oils, creating a unique outdoor soaking experience. 

The next morning, it was finally my turn. The water was perfectly warm—not too hot and not too cold. As I slowly settled into the giant wok, I instantly felt my muscles relax. For a few precious moments, I simply sat there enjoying the warmth, the scent of flowers, and the peaceful surroundings. It felt therapeutic, calming, and almost meditative. The staff members were very accommodating throughout the session, making sure everything was comfortable. My husband joined me for a few minutes before my session ended, making the experience even more memorable. Among all the activities during our stay, the Kawa Spa became my personal favorite. It was the perfect way to unwind and recharge.

A Relaxing Morning in Paradise

After my Kawa Spa session, we continued enjoying the resort. My husband returned to the beach to swim and take photographs. Meanwhile, I found the perfect spot near the shore for a quick yoga headstand session. The setting was absolutely wonderful. I could hear the powerful waves crashing against the shoreline. Birds were singing from nearby trees. The breeze carried the scent of the ocean. The resort's abundance of trees and flowering plants created a natural sanctuary that felt far removed from the noise of city life.

Family Fun by the Sea

Our two sons joined us at the beach and spent more time swimming.

Our daughters preferred relaxing and exploring the resort instead of swimming, which was perfectly fine because Fantasy Lodge offers many places to simply sit, relax, and enjoy the surroundings.

We also tried the beachside trampoline, which brought out the child in all of us. Laughter echoed across the beach as we bounced and played. Later, we discovered one of the most relaxing spots in the resort—a hammock facing the sea. Before we knew it, some of us had already fallen asleep while listening to the waves. It was one of those simple vacation moments that become treasured memories.

Tourist Attractions Near Fantasy Lodge

One of the best things about staying at Fantasy Lodge is its proximity to several popular South Cebu attractions.

Nearby attractions include:

Aguinid Falls

A multi-level waterfall adventure where visitors can climb through cascading streams and natural rock formations. Located only minutes from the resort. 

Binalayan Hidden Falls

Also known as Hidden Falls, this beautiful waterfall is one of Samboan's most famous attractions. 

Dao Falls

A stunning waterfall surrounded by lush forest scenery and turquoise waters.

Tumalog Falls

One of Cebu's most photographed waterfalls, located a short drive from Samboan. 

Sumilon Island

Known for its white sandbar, crystal-clear waters, and snorkeling opportunities. 

Booking Fantasy Lodge Through Agoda

If you're planning your own South Cebu getaway, you can check room availability and current rates through Agoda. Book Fantasy Lodge Cebu via Agoda

Available accommodations typically include couple rooms, family rooms, cottages, and sea-view accommodations suitable for couples, families, and groups. Our stay at Fantasy Lodge was the perfect way to end Summer 2026.

From the scenic drive through South Cebu and our family bonding moments to the relaxing beach atmosphere and unforgettable Kawa Spa experience, every part of the trip helped us slow down and appreciate the simple joys of life.

What stood out most was the peaceful environment.

• - The sound of the waves.
• - The birds singing in the trees.
• - The warm hospitality of the staff.
• - The therapeutic Kawa Spa.
• - The hammocks swaying beside the sea.

And most importantly, the opportunity to spend meaningful time together as a family before another busy school year begins. If you're looking for a quiet beachfront retreat in South Cebu where you can reconnect with nature and create lasting family memories, Fantasy Lodge in Samboan is definitely worth adding to your travel bucket list.

A Cozy Parisian Afternoon at La Vie Parisienne Lahug After Our UP Cebu Enrollment Errand

There are simple afternoons that unexpectedly turn into beautiful family memories. Our recent visit to La Vie Parisienne in Lahug, Cebu City was exactly one of those moments — a relaxing coffee and tea afternoon filled with pastries, gelato, mini cakes, warm conversations, and meaningful family time after accomplishing an important school enrollment requirement for our son. 

Klook.com 

Earlier that day, we went to UP Cebu High School Senior High to submit the dental certificate to the clinic as part of the enrollment requirements for School Year 2026–2027. After finishing the school errand, we decided to unwind somewhere cozy and memorable before heading home. Since we were already near Lahug, we thought it would be the perfect time to visit the iconic La Vie Parisienne.

And honestly, it turned out to be one of the best decisions that afternoon.

La Vie Parisienne is one of Cebu’s most recognizable French-inspired cafes and wine libraries. Known for its romantic Parisian ambiance, freshly baked pastries, artisan breads, coffee, gelato, and rooftop Eiffel Tower attraction, the place instantly transports guests into a charming European-inspired setting right in the middle of Cebu City.

Complete Address of La Vie Parisienne Lahug

La Vie Parisienne
371 Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines

The cafe is strategically located along Gorordo Avenue and is very accessible whether you are coming from IT Park, UP Cebu, Escario, or Cebu Business Park. Because of its unique architecture and glowing rooftop Eiffel Tower, it is also very easy to spot even from a distance.

First Impressions Upon Arrival

The moment we arrived at La Vie Parisienne, we immediately felt the relaxing atmosphere of the place. The exterior already looked stunning with its European-inspired design, warm lighting, and inviting open spaces. Even during daytime, the cafe already had that dreamy and romantic feel.

Inside the cafe, the ambiance became even more charming. The interiors featured elegant French-inspired decorations, cozy seating areas, wine displays, artistic lighting fixtures, and bakery counters filled with colorful pastries and desserts. It felt both classy and comfortable at the same time.

The smell of freshly baked bread and coffee instantly welcomed us as we entered the cafe. The display section was filled with tempting croissants, cakes, artisan bread, pastries, gelato flavors, and other signature snacks.

One thing we immediately noticed was how photogenic every corner of the place was. Whether indoors or outdoors, La Vie Parisienne offers many beautiful spots perfect for taking memorable photos with family and friends.

Our Afternoon Orders

For our afternoon snacks and coffee, we ordered the following:

• Plain Croissant
• Chocolate Croissant
• Strawberry Gelato
• Almond Gelato
• One hot cup of cappuccino
• Mini cakes from their dessert section

The gelato flavors we chose — strawberry and almond — were both priced at around Php170 each. They were creamy, flavorful, and very refreshing for the warm Cebu afternoon weather.

The strawberry gelato tasted fresh and fruity with a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. Meanwhile, the almond gelato had a rich nutty flavor that paired really well with the pastries and coffee.

Their croissants were also incredibly satisfying. The plain croissant had that classic buttery flaky texture that melts in your mouth, while the chocolate croissant added a richer and sweeter twist perfect for dessert lovers.

The hot cappuccino complemented everything perfectly. It had a rich aroma, smooth texture, and balanced coffee flavor — not too bitter and not too sweet. It was exactly the kind of comforting coffee you would want while sitting inside a cozy European-inspired cafe.

We also tried some mini cakes from their dessert display, and each one looked beautifully crafted. Aside from tasting delicious, they also added more color and elegance to our table setup for photos.

The Beautiful Ambiance of La Vie Parisienne

One of the things that truly makes La Vie Parisienne special is its ambiance.

The cafe offers a relaxing blend of elegance, comfort, and artistic European charm. Guests can choose between indoor seating areas, outdoor garden-like spaces, and the rooftop area where the iconic Eiffel Tower replica is located.

The rooftop Eiffel Tower is definitely one of the most recognizable features of La Vie Parisienne. It adds a magical Parisian touch to the entire experience and makes the cafe one of Cebu’s most Instagram-worthy destinations.

We spent time taking photos both inside and outside the cafe, especially near the rooftop Eiffel Tower. The structure beautifully stands out against the Cebu skyline and creates an atmosphere that feels romantic and cinematic.

Many guests around us were also enjoying photo sessions, conversations, coffee dates, and family bonding moments. Despite being a popular spot, the place still maintained a relaxing and welcoming vibe.

One of the most heartwarming moments during our visit was when a fellow cafe goer kindly offered to take our group photo together with our son. It may seem like a small gesture, but it made the experience even more memorable for us. Thanks to that kind person, we now have a beautiful family photo to remember that afternoon.

Signature Food and Snacks at La Vie Parisienne

Aside from coffee and pastries, La Vie Parisienne is also known for its wide variety of signature food, snacks, desserts, and wine selections.

Some of their popular offerings include:

• Artisan breads
• French pastries
• Croissants
• Gelato
• Cheesecakes
• Mini cakes and desserts
• Pizza
• Pasta dishes
• Wine selections
• Coffee and tea beverages
• Charcuterie boards
• Sandwiches and baked snacks

Their bakery section alone is already worth visiting because of the variety and freshness of the baked products available daily.

The cafe also becomes more lively during the evening, especially with the rooftop lights and illuminated Eiffel Tower creating a romantic nighttime atmosphere.

Perfect Spot for Relaxation and Family Bonding

What made our visit even more special was the timing of it.

After taking care of an important enrollment requirement at UP Cebu High School Senior High, having a relaxing family coffee and tea break felt very rewarding. Moments like these remind us how important it is to slow down occasionally and enjoy simple bonding experiences with loved ones.

Sometimes, the best memories are created not during grand vacations or expensive trips, but during ordinary afternoons spent together over coffee, pastries, and meaningful conversations.

La Vie Parisienne gave us the perfect setting for that.

Why La Vie Parisienne Remains One of Cebu’s Must-Visit Cafes

Over the years, La Vie Parisienne has remained one of the most popular cafes in Cebu City because it offers more than just food and coffee.

It offers an experience.

From the architecture and ambiance to the pastries, gelato, rooftop Eiffel Tower, and cozy atmosphere, every visit feels special whether you are there for a casual coffee break, date night, family bonding, celebration, or photo session.

The cafe appeals to both locals and tourists because of its unique Parisian-inspired concept that stands out among Cebu’s cafe scene.

For students, families, couples, content creators, and coffee lovers, La Vie Parisienne remains one of the best places in Cebu City to relax and create beautiful memories.

Our afternoon at La Vie Parisienne Lahug turned into a memorable family experience filled with good food, warm coffee, sweet desserts, relaxing ambiance, and meaningful moments after our visit to UP Cebu High School Senior High.

From the flaky croissants and creamy gelato to the cozy interiors and iconic rooftop Eiffel Tower, every part of the experience felt enjoyable and comforting.

Most importantly, we were able to spend quality time together as a family while celebrating a small but meaningful accomplishment related to our son’s enrollment for SY 2026–2027.

If you are looking for a charming cafe in Cebu City where you can relax, take beautiful photos, enjoy pastries and coffee, and experience a touch of Parisian elegance, La Vie Parisienne in Lahug is definitely worth visiting.

And who knows — maybe you’ll also meet kind people there who will help capture your beautiful family moments, just like we did that afternoon

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Microsoft Rewards: How to Earn Free Gift Cards, Rewards, and More Just by Browsing the Internet

Have you ever wished you could earn rewards simply by doing your everyday online activities? What if searching the web, reading news, or completing simple tasks could help you earn gift cards, shopping vouchers, and other exciting perks for free?

That’s exactly what Microsoft offers through its amazing rewards program called Microsoft Rewards.

In this article, I’ll share what Microsoft Rewards is, how it works, how you can maximize your points, and why millions of users worldwide are already using it daily. Plus, I’ll also share my referral link so you can start earning rewards today.

What is Microsoft Rewards?

Microsoft Rewards Official Website is a free loyalty program created by Microsoft that allows users to earn points by using Microsoft products and services.

You can earn points through activities such as:

• - Searching with Microsoft Bing

• - Using Microsoft Edge browser

• - Completing quizzes and daily challenges

• - Shopping in the Microsoft Store

• - Playing Xbox games

• - Reading news articles

• - Participating in promotional offers

The best part? Most of these activities are things people already do every day online.

Instead of spending hours on complicated side hustles, Microsoft Rewards lets you passively collect points while browsing the internet.

How Does Microsoft Rewards Work?

The system is very simple.

When you complete activities or use Microsoft services, you earn points. Once you accumulate enough points, you can redeem them for rewards such as:

• - Gift cards

• - Mobile load credits

• - Sweepstakes entries

• - Charity donations

• - Gaming subscriptions

• - Microsoft Store discounts

• - Xbox rewards

Depending on your region, available rewards may vary, but the program continues expanding globally.

Why Microsoft Rewards is Worth Trying

1. It’s Completely Free

There’s no signup fee or subscription required. All you need is a Microsoft account.

If you already use Windows, Outlook, Xbox, or Edge, chances are you already have one.

2. Easy to Earn Points Daily

Microsoft Rewards is designed around daily online habits.

You can earn points simply by:

• - Searching on Bing

• - Opening Microsoft Edge

• - Checking daily reward activities

• - Completing short quizzes

• - Reading articles

Many activities only take a few minutes.

3. Great for Students, Gamers, and Casual Users

Whether you’re a student, office worker, gamer, or casual internet user, Microsoft Rewards can help you earn perks without spending extra money.

Xbox users especially benefit because rewards can sometimes be redeemed for gaming-related purchases and subscriptions.

4. Encourages Productive Browsing

Unlike random reward apps that flood users with ads, Microsoft Rewards integrates naturally into normal browsing habits.

You simply use the internet as usual while earning points in the background.

How to Maximize Your Microsoft Rewards Points

If you want to earn points faster, here are some useful strategies:

Use Microsoft Edge Daily

Microsoft often gives bonus points to users who browse using Edge.

Installing Edge on your laptop or smartphone can help increase your daily points.

Search with Bing Regularly

Instead of using other search engines, use Bing for your daily searches.

You can search for:

• - News

• - Recipes

• - Technology topics

• - Tutorials

• - Travel information

• - Shopping ideas

Every search helps you accumulate points.

Complete Daily Sets

The Daily Set is one of the easiest ways to earn consistent rewards.

These usually include:

• - A quick poll

• - A quiz

• - A featured article

Completing them daily can build streak bonuses over time.

Stay Consistent

Like many rewards programs, consistency matters.

Daily activity streaks often unlock extra bonuses and limited-time offers.

Is Microsoft Rewards Legit?

Yes, Microsoft Rewards is completely legitimate.

The program is operated directly by Microsoft and has millions of active users worldwide.

Many users have successfully redeemed:

• - Amazon gift cards

• - Xbox credits

• - Microsoft Store credits

• - Charity donations

• - Sweepstakes prizes

Because it comes directly from Microsoft, users can feel more secure compared to unknown reward platforms.

Microsoft Rewards vs Other Rewards Programs

Many online reward websites require users to:

• - Watch excessive ads

• - Fill out surveys

• - Install questionable apps

• - Share sensitive data

Microsoft Rewards feels much safer and more trustworthy because it’s connected to an established technology company.

Additionally, the earning process is simpler and less stressful compared to many “get-paid-to” platforms.

Best Devices for Using Microsoft Rewards

You can use Microsoft Rewards on:

• - Windows PCs

• - Laptops

• - Smartphones

• - Tablets

• - Xbox consoles

The experience works smoothly across multiple devices, allowing users to collect points anywhere.

Tips for Beginners

If you’re just starting with Microsoft Rewards, here are some beginner-friendly tips:

• - Install Microsoft Edge

• - Set Bing as your default search engine

• - Check rewards daily

• - Use mobile and desktop searches

• - Enable notifications for bonus offers

• - Keep your account active consistently

Small daily activities can eventually add up to meaningful rewards.

My Personal Thoughts About Microsoft Rewards

What I personally like about Microsoft Rewards is how effortless it feels.

You don’t need advanced skills, large investments, or complicated setups.

You simply browse the internet, search topics you already enjoy, and gradually accumulate points over time.

For students, gamers, remote workers, and everyday internet users, it’s a smart way to get extra value from your online activity.

Join Microsoft Rewards Using My Referral Link

If you want to start earning rewards too, you can join through my referral link below:

Join Microsoft Rewards Here or visit the link below

https://rewards.bing.com/welcome?rh=85D89387&ref=rafsrchae

Signing up is free and only takes a few minutes.

Once you start using Bing, Edge, and completing simple activities, you can begin collecting points right away.

Microsoft Rewards is one of the easiest and most legitimate free rewards programs available today.

Instead of spending hours on complicated side hustles, users can simply:

• - Browse the web

• - Search online

• - Complete quick tasks

• - Earn points over time

Whether you want free gift cards, gaming rewards, or simply enjoy collecting perks, Microsoft Rewards is definitely worth trying.

If you haven’t joined yet, feel free to use my referral link and start earning rewards today.

Happy browsing and happy earning! 🎁✨

A Dream Fulfilled: My Electronics Engineer Oath Taking Experience at Fili Hotel NUSTAR Cebu 

Becoming a Licensed Electronics Engineer in the Philippines

May 16, 2026 will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the day I officially took my oath as a Licensed Electronics Engineer (ECE) during the PRC Oath Taking Ceremony held at the grand Fili Hotel NUSTAR Cebu from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. After all the hard work, sacrifices, sleepless nights, prayers, and perseverance, I finally stood proudly among the new batch of professional Electronics Engineers and Electronics Technicians in Region 7.

This milestone was not only my personal achievement but also a victory shared with my whole family — my Mama, husband, and our four children who witnessed this unforgettable chapter of my life.

We arrived at Fili Hotel NUSTAR Cebu around 11:00 AM for the PRC attendance registration and initial processing. The atmosphere outside the venue was already lively as newly licensed ECEs, ECTs, and their families gathered wearing formal attire, taking photos, and sharing their excitement for the big day.

My husband dropped us at the hotel lobby while he and our eldest son went to fetch my mother from my sister’s house. Seeing many proud parents and supportive loved ones at the venue instantly made me emotional because I knew how much my family supported me throughout my journey.

Inside the registration area, I submitted my printed and filled-out PRC oath taking form to the PRC staff. Thankfully, the process was smooth and organized. After confirming my attendance, the staff instructed me to pay the PRC license ID fee worth Php 1,050 through GCash.

Once the payment was completed, I proceeded to another table where I claimed my guest coupon, official printed program for the ceremony, and my honoree sash. Holding that sash in my hands suddenly made everything feel real — I was finally an officially recognized Electronics Engineer.

The ceremony officially started around 3:00 PM because of the ongoing PRC license ID registration processing for all oath takers. According to the announcement during the program, the ceremony included:

* 2 PECEs (Professional Electronics Engineers)

* 128 ECEs (Electronics Engineers)

* 121 ECTs (Electronics Technicians)

The event was hosted by PRC Region 7 under the leadership of Hon. Narcival Z. Taquiqui, Regional Director of PRC VII. It was also attended by the Board of Electronics Engineering led by Chairman Hon. Vicente L. Cejoco, PECE together with IECEP-Cebu Chapter officers headed by Jiovanni M. Quiseo, PECE.

The atmosphere inside the ballroom was filled with excitement, pride, and gratitude. Everywhere I looked, I saw smiling faces, proud parents, emotional graduates, and supportive families celebrating years of hard work finally paying off.

Program Flow of the PRC Oath Taking Ceremony

The event followed a well-organized program that included:

* Processional rites

* Invocation

* National Anthem

* PRC Hymn

* Opening Remarks

* Inspirational Messages

* Presentation of Honorees

* Charging to Oath-Takers

* Oath of Professional

* Recognition Rites

* Message from the Honoree

* Closing Remarks

One of the most memorable parts of the afternoon was the “Charging to OATH-Takers” delivered by Hon. Adonis Q. Talabo, PECE. His words deeply resonated with all of us. He reminded everyone that becoming an engineer is not only about earning a title or license but also about carrying responsibility, integrity, professionalism, and dedication to serving society.

As I listened to the speeches, I found myself reflecting on my own journey — the challenges, sacrifices, failures, and victories that led me to that very moment.

What made the day even more meaningful was the presence of my entire family. My Mama, husband, and our four children were there to witness one of the most important milestones of my life.

As a mother, wife, and professional, balancing responsibilities has never been easy. There were moments when I doubted myself, moments when I felt exhausted, and moments when giving up seemed easier. But seeing my family there reminded me why I kept going.Their support became my strength throughout the journey.

The Selfie Moment I Will Never Forget

One of the funniest and most unforgettable moments during the ceremony happened while Hon. Gerhard Tan, PECE, member of the Board of Electronics Engineering, was delivering his speech.

Everyone around me started taking selfies while he spoke. It looked fun and exciting, and of course, I also wanted to capture that memorable moment. So I grabbed my phone and prepared to take a selfie.

But suddenly, disaster struck. My phone was dead.

I honestly thought I charged it the night before, but apparently I did not. I could not believe it happened during one of the most important days of my professional life.

At that moment, I felt completely left out because everyone around me was taking selfies except me. I even jokingly thought to myself:

“What generation do I belong to?”

But then, by God’s grace, my Mama came to the rescue. While I pretended to take a selfie using my dead phone, my mother secretly took a photo of me from another angle. That simple moment became one of the most precious memories of the day.

Looking back now, I realized that sometimes the best moments are not always captured perfectly by ourselves. Sometimes, the people who love us capture them for us. And honestly, that made the moment even more meaningful.

Inspirational Message from a Fellow Honoree

Another touching highlight of the event was the grateful message delivered by one of the honorees. The message reminded all of us that no matter what life throws our way, we should never stop trying, never stop working hard, and never stop praying.

That message perfectly reflected the reality of many board passers and professionals.

Success does not happen overnight.

Behind every licensed engineer is a story filled with struggles, sacrifices, failures, perseverance, faith, and determination. The message inspired everyone inside the ballroom and left a lasting impact on me personally. The entire event felt like a dream come true. The elegant ambiance of Fili Hotel NUSTAR Cebu added even more beauty and prestige to the occasion. The venue was perfect for such a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

After the ceremony ended around 7:00 PM, our family headed to IL CORSO for dinner. It was the perfect way to celebrate such a meaningful milestone together. We enjoyed good food, shared stories about the event, laughed about my dead-phone selfie incident, and simply appreciated the moment as a family.

Before heading home, we brought my Mama back to my sister’s house. Even during the drive home, I still could not fully process everything that happened that day.

I was finally a Licensed Electronics Engineer.

Becoming a Licensed Electronics Engineer is more than just earning a professional title. It represents years of discipline, sacrifices, learning, growth, and faith. This oath taking ceremony reminded me that success becomes more meaningful when shared with the people who supported you from the very beginning.

To all future Electronics Engineers, Electronics Technicians, and aspiring professionals out there:

Never stop believing in yourself.

No matter how difficult the journey becomes, continue moving forward one step at a time. There may be delays, failures, and struggles along the way, but as long as you continue trying, learning, working, and praying, you will eventually reach your goals. May 16, 2026 will forever remain one of the most unforgettable and emotional days of my life.

And yes — next time, I will make sure my phone is fully charged before attending an important event.

A Memorable Birthday Dinner at Brique Modern Kitchen – SM Seaside Cebu City

Celebrating special moments with family becomes even more meaningful when paired with good food, warm ambiance, and unforgettable memories. Our recent dining experience at Brique Modern Kitchen in SM Seaside City Cebu was exactly that—an extra ordinary evening made even more special because it was the natal day of our firstborn pretty daughter.

We arrived around 8:30 PM, excited to celebrate her birthday with a cozy family dinner. From the moment we stepped inside, the restobar immediately gave us a welcoming and relaxing vibe. The warm lighting, modern rustic interiors, stylish brick-inspired design, and comfortable seating created a perfect setting for a birthday celebration. It felt elegant yet casual—ideal for family gatherings, date nights, and special occasions.

Brique Modern Kitchen Location and Operating Hours

Brique Modern Kitchen is located on the 3rd Floor of SM Seaside City Cebu, South Road Properties, Cebu City.

Operating Hours:

Daily: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Its convenient location inside one of Cebu’s premier malls makes it a perfect dining destination whether for lunch, dinner, or celebrations like ours.

The Ambience: Cozy, Stylish, and Perfect for Celebrations

One of the things we loved most about Brique was the ambience. The restaurant has a modern restobar concept with soft warm lighting, elegant wooden furniture, and a cozy upscale atmosphere without feeling too formal. Even though we came in late evening, the place still felt lively yet peaceful enough for meaningful family conversations.

The interior gives a classy but comfortable dining experience—perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or simple family dinners. The staff were accommodating and attentive, which made the experience even better.

After placing our orders, we waited around 15 to 20 minutes, which was quite reasonable considering the quality and presentation of the dishes served.

Our Birthday Dinner Feast

We ordered a wonderful variety of their signature meals, main courses, desserts, and refreshing beverages.

Signature Main Courses We Tried

Brique Chops

This was one of our favorite dishes of the night. Brique Chops features two cuts of pork chops topped with rich truffle herb butter, making it flavorful, juicy, and satisfying. The pork was tender and perfectly seasoned, making it an excellent main course choice. 

Camaron

The shrimp dish with potato chips we ordered was their Camaron, a delicious starter featuring shrimp prepared with rich flavor and served beautifully. The crispy texture paired well with the shrimp, making it a great appetizer before the heavier mains. 

Oat Crusted Fish Fillet

Our fish fillet with pasta and salad was likely their Oat Crusted Fish Fillet, which had a light crispy coating while staying moist and tender inside. It paired wonderfully with the pasta and fresh salad on the side, giving a balanced and satisfying meal.

Flat Bread with Olives

Their flat bread served with olives added a nice Mediterranean touch to the table. Light, savory, and perfect for sharing, it complemented the rest of our dishes beautifully.

Roast Beef with Mushroom Gravy

For our beef meal, we enjoyed Roast Beef with Mushroom Gravy—a rich and hearty entrée featuring tender beef short plate coated with herbs and served with creamy mushroom gravy. It was flavorful, filling, and perfect for those craving something indulgent. 

Creamy Carbonara

Their Carbonara was another standout. Made with bacon, mushroom, and grated Parmesan in a rich cream sauce, it was creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. Definitely one of their best pasta dishes and highly recommended for pasta lovers. 

Birthday Dessert Surprise

Concorde Choco Cake with Happy Birthday Greeting

Since it was our daughter’s birthday, we made sure to order their chocolate cake for a sweet celebration. We chose the Concorde Choco Cake, a rich dessert with layers of crunchy meringue and mousse that made the perfect birthday treat.

What made it extra special was the “Happy Birthday” greeting prepared for her. Seeing her smile while the cake arrived at our table was truly priceless. It turned an ordinary dinner into a heartfelt family memory we will always treasure.

Refreshing Beverages

To complement our meals, we ordered:

Lemony Iced Tea

Refreshing, balanced, and perfect for sharing, their Lemony Iced Tea helped cleanse the palate between rich dishes. 

Orange Mix Drink

We also had an orange-based refreshing beverage that added a fruity and vibrant touch to our dinner. It paired nicely with both the mains and dessert.

Brique also offers cocktails and signature drinks such as Sunrise, Earl Grey Lemonade, Guava Pinya, Guava Lime Iced Tea, and even Vietnamese Iced Coffee for guests looking for something more exciting beyond the usual beverages. 

Final Thoughts: Is Brique Worth Visiting?

Absolutely—yes.

Our dining experience at Brique Modern Kitchen was memorable not only because of the delicious food but because of the entire experience. The excellent ambience, attentive service, beautiful presentation, and satisfying meals made our daughter’s birthday celebration truly special.

From the Brique Chops and Creamy Carbonara to the Roast Beef with Mushroom Gravy and the unforgettable birthday chocolate cake, every dish contributed to a wonderful evening.

If you are looking for a restaurant in Cebu City for family dinners, birthdays, date nights, or casual celebrations, Brique Modern Kitchen at SM Seaside is definitely worth adding to your list.

Sometimes, the best celebrations are not the grandest ones—but the simplest dinners shared with the people you love most. And for us, this birthday dinner at Brique was exactly that: simple, beautiful, and unforgettable.