LumpiaLife

On the night of September 30, 2025 at 9:59 PM , Cebu experienced a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake with the epicenter near Bogo, Cebu. We were inside our highrise condo in Cebu City, on the 29th floor , when the shaking began. The Moment It Happened At first, we felt a slight movement, but within seconds, the building began to sway and we heard booms and crashes from above and below. The power suddenly went out, and then the generator switched on. At that moment, we knew we had to get out. Running Down 29 Floors We joined dozens of residents rushing to the stairwell. Going down 29 flights of stairs during an earthquake is something we’ll never forget. People were nervous but calm, holding on to each other and trying to stay steady while the building moved. Evacuating Into the Rain Once outside, the entire condo community gathered together in the open space. Just when we thought it couldn’t get worse, the rain began to pour down. Everyone was tired, worried, and waiting for u...

After more than a year away, we finally made the journey back to our beach house in Mindanao — a place that’s given us both challenges and unforgettable memories. Our trip began in Cebu at Mactan-Cebu International Airport . In less than an hour, we were touching down in Butuan City on an ATR 72-600 prop plane. Waiting for us was Marilou’s brother in a colorful jeepney , ready to bring us back to the province. Of course, no homecoming would be complete without a quick stop at Robinsons Supermarket Butuan to grab groceries for the days ahead. The drive out to the village felt surreal. This was where we had lived for over a year and a half, where we built our beach house, and where we experienced firsthand the rhythm of province life in the Philippines . Returning reminded us of just how different it feels from the city — less convenience, more struggle, but also more peace and simplicity. One of the most emotional moments was reuniting with our dog, Bamboo . It had been over a yea...

When you’re living in Cebu, it’s always fun to get to know your neighborhood a little better. Recently, we decided to take a walk from Cebu Business Park (home of Ayala Center) to IT Park , just to see how long it would take us. Google Maps confidently told us it would take 23 minutes . Challenge accepted. With the sun shining and our curiosity piqued, we laced up our sandals (yes, sandals count as walking shoes in the Philippines) and started our stroll. The Walk: Ayala to IT Park To our surprise, it only took us 15 minutes ! That’s right—faster than Google Maps predicted. Along the way, we passed familiar streets, lots of greenery, and of course, a good dose of Cebu traffic (which is much easier to handle on foot). We realized how convenient it is to move between these two popular Cebu hubs. Business Park has its polished mall vibe, while IT Park offers a younger, more energetic crowd and endless food options. Why We Love IT Park One of the biggest perks of IT Park is the vari...

 When you’re out exploring the world, your camera captures the sights—but it’s your microphone that tells the story. Wind, street noise, and crowded tourist spots can quickly ruin a good travel vlog. That’s why having a compact, reliable wireless mic is a game-changer. Lately, the BOYA Magic Wireless Microphone has been turning heads in the vlogging community, and it’s giving big-name competitors like the DJI Mic a serious run for their money. 👉 Grab the BOYA Magic Wireless Mic here with 10% OFF: Why BOYA Magic is Perfect for Travel Vloggers 🌍 1. Four Mics in One No need to carry a bag full of gear—the BOYA Magic transforms into a lavalier, handheld, desktop, or on-camera mic in seconds. Whether you’re doing street interviews, filming in a café, or walking through a busy market, you’ve got the right mic setup instantly. 🤫 2. AI Noise Cancellation That Works Travel vlogging means dealing with unpredictable noise: motorbikes in Vietnam, chatter in Bangkok night markets,...

 The Philippines has long been a dream destination for many. With its warm tropical climate, friendly people, and affordable cost of living. Whether you’re thinking about retirement, remote work, or just a new adventure, moving here can be exciting but also a big adjustment. Here are some tips to make the transition smoother: 1. Visit First Before Making the Move If possible, spend a few weeks or months exploring different areas. Manila, Cebu, and Davao all have very different vibes. Some people prefer the energy of the city, while others love the quiet of smaller provinces or beach towns. 2. Understand the Visa Options Most foreigners start with a tourist visa, which is extendable. Retirees often apply for the SRRV (Special Resident Retiree’s Visa), while others might qualify for work visas. It’s worth researching the best option for your long-term plans. 3. Learn Some Basic Filipino (or the Local Dialect) English is widely spoken, but learning simple Filipino phrases ...

Our day started with excitement as Marilou’s friend and family from Oregon joined us for a Cebu City adventure. We planned to see some of the city’s most famous tourist spots, and even though the weather had its own plans, it turned into a memorable trip we won’t forget. Sirao Garden – Little Amsterdam of Cebu Our first stop was the colorful Sirao Garden, often called “Little Amsterdam.” With vibrant celosia flowers, windmills, and mountain views, it’s one of the most photogenic places in Cebu. We wandered through the blooms, snapping photos and enjoying the fresh highland air. Temple of Leah – The Taj Mahal of Cebu Just a short drive away, we visited the Temple of Leah. Built in 2012 as a grand tribute to Teodorico Adarna’s late wife Leah, its Roman-inspired columns, statues, and sweeping city views make it a must-visit landmark. Lunch at Chix Boy A few meters from the Temple, we stopped at Chix Boy for lunch. Their grilled chicken and mountain view seating hit the spot. Rain a...