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Chelsea Logistics and its three shipping lines, namely Starlite Ferries, SuperCat, and TransAsia, deployed Chelsea Travel, a unified online booking system, which will provide passengers an easy, fast, and stress-free booking experience. It will enable passengers to buy and pay their tickets at a time that is most convenient for them even outside business hours. It also reduces workload for the tellers and optimizes customer service.

On 08 August 2022, the Chelsea Group officially launched the first phase of Chelsea Travel which allows passengers to book by just scanning the QR Code. They will be given access to the VIP lane at the ticket outlet so they can immediately pay without having to line up for a long time. The second phase will include the online payment option wherein passengers can skip the manual transaction with a teller.

Saan ang ating LAYAG?

The Philippines is home to over 7,000 islands with stunning beaches, picturesque sceneries, and rich natural resources.

But how many of us have explored the beauty of our own country?

Let Chelsea Logistics take you to your desired destinations through this travel magazine called “LAYAG”.

LAYAG is a quarterly magazine that will highlight travel activities, history, food, and culture of the Philippines’ tourist spots and hidden gems. It offers sea travel tips, travelers’ experiences, and free tickets to those who will participate in Layag’s featured contest. It can be read on the Chelsea Group’s websites and social media pages or on board the three shipping lines: Starlite Ferries, SuperCat, and Trans-Asia. Layag also aims to keep passengers informed about the developments in the shipping and logistics industry and the Chelsea Group’s newest services, routes, and vessel amenities.

We might have different journeys to accomplish, adventures to conquer, and dreams to fulfill, but this should not hinder us from riding on the same boat to discover the untouched natural beauty of the Philippines.

Halina’t, tayo ay mag Layag!

Sinulog Festival

Hindi lang mga Cebuano ang dumadagsa rito kundi pati na rin ang mga turista at devotees na nagmula pa sa iba’t ibang lupalop ng mundo.

Kaya make sure to put a mark on the third Sunday of January to celebrate this grand festival in Cebu City! Pero bago ka pumunta sa Cebu, let’s do a quick review about this fun-filled famous festival.

Photo Source: Raniel Jose Castaneda

One of the grandest and most-awaited celebrations in the Philippines.

THE START OF SINULOG FESTIVAL

Ang salitang “Sinulog” ay nanggaling sa salitang Cebuano na “Sulog” which means “water current movement”. Ito rin ang kahulugan ng sikat na Sinulog dance where the dance steps imitate the movement of the water current through a two-step forward and one-step back motion.

Nagsimula ang sayaw ng Sinulog dahil sa kwentong napagaling ng Sto. Nino ang sakit ni Baladhay, ang tagapayo ng hari ng Cebu. He was bedridden kaya’t hindi na siya makatayo, until one day nakita siyang sumasayaw at sumisigaw sa tuwa nang inilagay sya sa lugar kung nasaan ang imahe ng Sto. Niño.

There are also stories that state that Sinulog also has a connection to the Filipinos’ belief in Paganism before Christianity has entered our country.

Bago pa dumating si Magellan sa Cebu, ang Sinulog ay isinasagawa dati ng mga katutubo para sambahin ang mga anito o nature spirits.

Ngunit lumipas na ang ilang taon at sinasayaw na ang Sinulog bilang pagpupuri sa Sto. Niño. Back then it was only a simple celebration kung saan mga bata at tindera ng kandila sa simbahan lamang ang nagsasayaw nito. But David Odilai Jr., the Regional Director of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, began the Sinulog Parade in 1980 by teaching a group of students how to dance Sinulog along with the rhythm of the drums while dressed as warriors. Dito na nagsimula ang Sinulog Grand Parade where different groups of street dancers compete by adding a twist and extravagance to the essential elements of the festival – ritual dance, “Viva Pit Senyor” chant, drum beats, and Queen Juana holding a Sto. Niño.

WHY WE CELEBRATE SINULOG FESTIVAL

Sinulog became a symbol of the connection between the Philippines’ pagan and Christian traditions. Ang sikat na ritual dance ng Sinulog ay ang isa sa mga traditions na ipinamana sa atin ng mga katutubo. Ngunit, dahil sa mabilis na paglaganap ng Christianity sa ating bansa, Sinulog is also considered as a religious festival. Ginugunita rin sa araw na ito ang feast ng patron saint ng Cebu na si Sto. Niño.

Kaya’t sa kabila naman ng mga makukulay na costumes at masiglang sayawan sa grand parade, hindi nakakalimutan ng mga devotees ang pagbibigay salamat sa Sto. Niño through worship, praise, and prayers. Maliban rito, ginugunita rin nito ang pagtanggap ng mga Filipinos sa Christianity, which is now the biggest religion in our country.

Ang kauna-unahang Sto. Niño ng Cebu ay nanggaling pa kay Magellan at ito ay located sa Basilica Minore del Santo Niño del Cebu.

Photo Source: Whirl Cascades | www.commons.wikimedia.org | 26 February 2019

MGA DAPAT ABANGAN SA SINULOG FESTIVAL

Hindi sapat ang isang araw para sa Sinulog Festival kaya ito ay ginugunita for nine days sa pamamagitan ng Novena sa Basilica Menore de Santo Niño. Ang fluvial parade naman ay ang hudyat ng panimula ng Sinulog Festival kung saan dadalhin ang imahe ng Sto. Niño sa tumayo nitong ama na si St. Joseph, sa St. Joseph ParishMandaue City.

Napapalibutan naman ito ng naggagandahang mga bangka na may mga magagarang decorations, masisiglang tunog ng tambol, at confetti na galing pa mismo sa mga helicopter. Kasunod naman nito ay ang solemn procession kung saan ang mga dumadalo ay may mga bitbit na kandila habang sinasayaw ang famous ritual dance ng Sinulog. Ang solemn procession ay tumatagal ng nine to 12 hours bilang sakripisyo at pagpapasalamat sa Sto. Niño. Kaya kung dadalo ka rito, make sure na magsuot ng comfortable shoes and clothes.

Ang pinaka inaabangan naman ng lahat ay ang Grand Parade kung saan ginaganap ang street dance competition ng iba’t ibang mga grupong nakasuot ng mga makukulay na costumes, kasabay ng masisiglang sayawan at sigawan ng “Viva Pit Senyor!” which means “Long live the Christ Child!”.

Ang pagtatapos naman ng Sinulog Festival ay ang Hubo, which is the ceremony of undressing the image of Sto. Niño, pagpapaligo rito at ang pagbalik nito sa kaniyang tahanan sa Basilica Menore de Santo Niño.

Photo Source: Raniel Jose Castaneda www.commons.wikimedia.org | 5 December 2021

LIFE LOOKS BETTER UNDERWATER

Moalboal is a small coastal resort town at the southwest section in the province of Cebu. As one of the fastest economically growing municipalities, Moalboal is popularly known for its nice beaches and sea activities including island-hopping and scuba diving.

Here are some marine animals that you can see in Moalboal: turtles, sardine balls, mackerels, barracuda, ghost pipe fish, sea horses and the occasional white tip shark, thresher shark or whale shark

DID YOU KNOW?

It was in the 1970s when Moalboal, a sleepy fishing town, was discovered by dive explorers from the west. And with its bountiful harvests, it was developed as a hub for scuba divers.

Rea Torrano

Starlite Ferries Accounting Supervisor

Describe Cebu in one word

Indescribable (one word is not enough)

What’s your most memorable experience in Cebu?

Visiting our beloved Sto Nino de Cebu

If Cebu were a person, who will it be and why?

Sto Nino, beautiful as a child’s heart

What’s your favorite food in Cebu? Danggit

What’s your favorite place in Cebu?

Basilica Minore de Sto Nino

MAAYONG BUNTAG

If you will be given P1,000 to travel Cebu, what’s the first thing you will do?

Visit Sto. Nino de Cebu

Name three travel essentials that came in handy during your Cebu trip. Alcohol, money, and face mask

Did you learn anything new from your Cebu trip?

Cebuanos are very religious people

Any travel tips when going to Cebu?

You must know a little of their dialect

i love danggit!

Historical Churches

Feel mo na rin ba ang Dahil start na ang BER months, simula na rin tayong Oras na para ilabas ang mga Christmas decorations Pero syempre, hindi mawawala sa ating preparation pagkatapos ng misa. This upcoming Christmas, Cebu to visit these historical

Churches to Visit in Cebu

ang Christmas breeze?

tayong mga Pinoy sa pag countdown sa Pasko. decorations at i-ready na ang mga regalo for your loved ones. preparation ang simbang gabi, sabay kain ng bibingka Christmas, why not make it special and sail to historical churches?

Basilica

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu

Every year ay binibista ito ng mga devotees to celebrate the feast of Sto. Niño, the patron saint of Cebu. It’s also the oldest Catholic Church in Cebu kung saan unang natagpuan ang imahe ng Sto. Niño noong 1565. The statue of Sto Niño has been considered sacred and a miracle because it has been through numerous fires, but it still remains intact. To know more about history of Christianity in Cebu, pwede mong bisitahin ang kanilang museum sa loob ng simbahan.

Simala Lindogon Church

Have you ever seen a church that looks like a castle? Head over to Simala Lindogon Church to witness the unique structure of this church, filled with multiple stairways. This church is well-known for the miracles of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that’s why it’s also filled with different statues of Mother Mary, as well as guardian angels.

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

Noong 1595, sa Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral na-appoint ang Cebu bishop even if it was not yet well-constructed. Maraming pinagdaanan ang simbahan na ito when it comes to renovat ing and improving its structure. But, it’s bell tower has survived even the bombings of World War II. Now that the Church is already well-restored, why not pay a visit to Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral?

Photo Source: Moon Jay Lo | www.travelerscouch.blogspot.com | 2016

Photo Source: Moalboal Eco Lodge | www.moalboalecolodge.com | 8 October 2022

Photo Source: Arnold Carl Fernan Sancover

Photo Source: Exi81 www.commons.wikimedia.org | 14 August 2012

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu

Every year ay binibista ito ng mga devotees to celebrate the feast of Sto. Niño, the patron saint of Cebu. It’s also the oldest Catholic Church in Cebu kung saan unang natagpuan ang imahe ng Sto. Niño noong 1565. The statue of Sto Niño has been considered sacred and a miracle because it has been through numerous fires, but it still remains intact. To know more about history of Christianity in Cebu, pwede mong bisitahin ang kanilang museum sa loob ng simbahan.

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu

Every year ay binibista ito ng mga devotees to celebrate the feast of Sto. Niño, the patron saint of Cebu. It’s also the oldest Catholic Church in Cebu kung saan unang natagpuan ang imahe ng Sto. Niño noong 1565. The statue of Sto. Niño has been considered sacred and a miracle because it has been through numerous fires, but it still remains intact. To know more about the history of Christianity in Cebu, pwede mong bisitahin ang kanilang museum sa loob ng simbahan.

Santo Niño de Cebu

Photo Source: Christian Paul Del Rosario | www.pexels.com | 28 July 2018

Simala Lindogon Church

Have you ever seen a church that looks like a castle? Head over to Simala Lindogon Church to witness the unique structure of this church, filled with multiple stairways. This church is well known for the miracles of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that’s why it’s also filled with different statues of Mother Mary, as well as guardian angels.

Photo Source: Nikolaj Mendoza| www.unsplash.com| 11 June 2022

Simala Lindogon

Where?

Marian Hills, Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, Cebu

Photo Source: Nikolaj Mendoza| www.unsplashcom | 04 April 2022

Saint Catherine

Photo Source: Benjie Layug | wwwhttp://benjielayug.com/ | 11 September 2017

Saint Catherine of Alexandria Church

Aside from being the second oldest church in Cebu, what makes this church special is that it is the first church dedicated to St. Catherine in Cebu, Philippines, as she is also the patron saint of the town of Carcar. Isa sa mga kapansin-pansin na feature ng simbahan na ito ay ang interior and exterior design nito tulad ng twin bell towers that resemble the shape of a Muslim mosque.

Where?

Poblacion I, 6019 Carcar, Cebu

Catherine of Alexandria

Cebu Metropolitan

Where?

6000 Mabini St, Cebu City, Cebu

Photo Source: Dan Brian G. Gerona | www.flickr.com | 07 November 2009

Metropolitan Cathedral

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

Noong 1595, sa Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral na-appoint ang Cebu bishop even if it was not yet well-constructed. Maraming pinagdaanan ang simbahan na ito when it comes to renovating and improving its structure. But, its bell tower has survived even the bombings of World War II. Now that the Church has already been restored, why not pay a visit to Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral?

Nuestra Señora

Where?

Natalio Bacalso Avenue, Poblacion, 6024 Boljoon, Cebu

Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria Parish Church

A trip to Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria Parish pag preserve sa historical site na ‘to. The place is even one of the Philippines. The structure of this beautiful church ay ng mga Filipinos, to keep them safe from the Moro pirates

del Patrocinio

Photo Source: Cebu Bluewaters www.travelingcebu.com/patrocinio-de-maria-church.html | 30 March 2018

Photo Source: Cebu Bluewaters www.travelingcebu.com/patrocinio-de-maria-church.html | 30 March 2018

Photo Source:

Church

Parish Church is like a trip to the past dahil sa galing ng kanilang pangangalaga at one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites’ nominees for the Baroque Churches ay hindi lamang binuo to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary kundi bilang shelter din pirates noong unang panahon.

Patrocinio de Maria

Starlite Ferries serves more areas in Southern Luzon

Starlite Ferries continues to expand its presence in Southern Luzon, fulfilling its five-star brand promise of Safety, Customer Care and Service, Happy Vibe, Comfort, and Convenience. It opened 2 ticketing outlets on July 15 and August 4 at Downtown Roxas, Mindoro and Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro respectively.

For this year, Starlite has opened 10 ticketing outlets:

Shari Louise Co

Worklink Services Quality Management System Asst. Leader

Describe Cebu in one word Wonderful

What’s your most memorable experience in Cebu?

Temple/Shrine hopping

If Cebu were a person, who will it be and why?

IU, looks simple on the outside but there’s more

What’s your favorite food in Cebu? Lechon

What’s your favorite place in Cebu?

Temple of Leah

If you will be given P1,000 to travel Cebu, what’s the first thing you will do?

Island hopping

Name three travel essentials that came in handy during your Cebu trip.

Sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat

What do you wish you knew before you went to Cebu?

Best for island hopping experience

Did you learn anything new from your Cebu trip?

There are many nice temples and shrines in Cebu

Any travel tips when going to Cebu?

Swim and have a food trip in Cebu

The Biggest Brand-New RoPAx in the Philippines: MV Trans-Asia 21

On 17 July 2022, Trans-Asia Shipping Lines unveiled its newest flagship vessel built in Japan, MV Trans-Asia 21, plying the CebuCagayan De Oro-Cebu route. It is part of the Chelsea Group’s program to move forward with its commitment to provide Filipinos a fleet of modern, fuel efficient, clean, and superior quality ships.

MV Trans-Asia 21 which measures 123 meter in length and with GRT of approximately 8,800 tons, is Trans-Asia’s 15th vessel and can carry 1,051 passengers. For cargoes, MV Trans-Asia 21 can accommodate 10’ and 20’ container vans, 20’ plugged-in reefer vans, buses, 10-wheeler trucks and heavy equipment units.

ONE WITH THE ENVIRONMENT

MV Trans-Asia 21 promotes sustainable shipping together with sister companies, Chelsea Shipping, Starlite Ferries, and SuperCat Fast Ferry. The Chelsea Group’s thrust of responsible maritime transportation and logistics puts it at par with the global shipping standards.

MV Trans-Asia 21 is an environment friendly vessel that emits reduced carbon emissions in the atmosphere. Other innovations towards eco-sustainability includes onboard freshwater generator that converts sea water into fresh pure water, and an IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC)compliant marine incinerator that burns solid and/or sludge waste generated onboard.

ONE-OF-A-KIND VESSEL DESIGN

MV Trans-Asia 21 is another phenomenal revolution in ship design, meticulously configured for the Philippine waters to perform well even in rough sea conditions. With its state-of- the-art bridge equipment and advanced engine machineries and propulsion, it is the most energy-efficient ship of its class. Its hull design is crafted to reduce drag and improve efficiency.

Its big passenger capacity allows her to take more passengers and cargoes while burning less fuel, delivering an economical and efficient sea transportation. Living up to its mantra of “Home away from home”, MV Trans-Asia 21 offers a variety of modern amenities and spacious accommodations to provide more comfort and convenience to its passengers.

A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE FOR PASSENGERS

Every area of MV Trans-Asia 21 is built with the Company’s slogan, “At Home Ka Sa Byahe,”in mind. The vessel’s spacious hallways and accommodations address the concern for physical distancing during the pandemic, ensuring passengers’ safety onboard.

A relaxing and enjoyable ambiance can be felt in the lobby area. In the lobby is the information counter where a hotel officer is stationed throughout the trip to assist passengers. Beside the lobby is the Starsy Shoppe, a convenience store which offers budget friendly items, from light snacks and refreshments to souvenirs, toiletries, and other necessities. The spacious sun deck is open to passengers who want to take instagrammable sceneries and see the beauty of the ocean from above.

Adding up to the vessel’s features is the wide range of accommodations that passengers could choose from, depending on their preferences.

Economy Class

328 budget-friendly open-air accommodation

Ferry Seat

air-conditioned room good for 72 passengers with own toilet and bath inside the room

Cabin Class

9 rooms which can accommodate 4 to 5 passengers in single type beds with own comfort room inside the cabin

Tourist Class

580 air-conditioned accommodations

Tourist Deluxe Class

3 rooms good for family or barkada; it can accommodate 6 to 8 passengers per room with designated toilet and bath within the area

Private Class

5 rooms good for 2 passengers per room with own comfort room

When it comes to travelling, the best way to experience the culture of a place is through their food. Syempre, hinding hindi mawawala ang street food na paborito nating mga Pinoy. Aside sa mga pagkain na kadalasan nating nakikita tulad ng balut, tusok-tusok, kwek-kwek, at iba pa, meron namang kakaibang putahe na inihahandog ang probinsya ng Cebu. Here are five Cebu street food that you should try na siguradong mapapasabi ka ng “Lami Kaayo!”

Ginabot

I-ready mo na ang pineapple juice mo para sa putok-batok na Ginabot ng Cebu. This savory dish called “Ginabot” is made of deepfried battered pork intestines, paired with a dip made of vinegar, soy sauce, calamansi, and onion. Some locals say that it’s best enjoyed for pulutan, paired with a refreshing glass of beer.

Ngohiong

Unang kagat, matitikman mo na lahat! Ngohiong is Cebu’s special version of lumpia usually filled with ubod, singkamas, minced pork and shrimp, seasoned with Chinese five-spice powder. Cebu takes lumpia on a whole new level by adding a twist in it through different kinds of vegetables and spices that we don’t get to eat everyday. Syempre, hindi mawawala ang special sawsawan that adds spice to the lumpia.

Photo Source: @foreverfooodiecebu | Instagram | 31 August 2022

Sutukil

Kung mahilig ka sa seafoods, this one’s for you! Sutukil stands for sugba, tula, and kilaw. Sugba means inihaw; tula means stew or sinabawan;and kilaw means hilaw or cooking the seafood without any heat but just vinegar. It’s a mix and match of different ways of eating a fish or any seafood. You can even choose to eat each dish alone,or eat it altogether.

Tuslob Buwa

Hindi kumpleto ang iyong trip to Cebu kung hindi mo susubukan ang Tuslob Buwa. This exotic dish is made of pig brain that’s why it’s also called “Brain Gravy”. Tuslob Buwa translates to “dipping in bubbles” which explains the process of eating this food. The famous pusô is dipped into the boiling brain gravy straight from the pan. Just be careful not to burn your tongue! You can enjoy eating this straight from the streets of Cebu or even experience cooking it on your own. Some restaurants offer an option where customers are served with Tuslob Buwa ingredients and they cook it themselves right on their table.

Photo Source: Pungko Ta Poy! | Instagram | November 2021

Photo Source: The Chui Show | Youtube | 05 July 2022

Puto’t Sikwate

Cebuanos surely know how to start their morning right with their delicious traditional breakfast called Puto’t Sikwate. The puto maya is made of glutinous rice seasoned with coconut milk and ginger. The puto maya is then paired with Sikwate which is simply hot chocolate made of tablea and cocoa. To complete the Cebuano experience, it is usually paired with ripe Cebu mango, adding a hint of sweet and sourness to the meal. This is a great way to end your Cebuano street food trip after all those savory dishes.

Pusô

A bonus item on the list that you shouldn’t miss is the legendary Pusô. Almost all of the items mentioned above can be paired with pusô. Hindi mawawala ang kanin sa hapag kainan nating mga Pilipino, kaya naman Cebuanos came up with a brilliant idea to make rice even more convenient. This staple can be found in almost any restaurants or food stalls in Cebu. What makes cebuano rice special? Pusô has a distinct leafy taste obtained from its packaging made of woven coconut leaves. Its convenience is also a bonus because you can eat it anywhere even without any utensils.

Photo Source: Alex April | Instagram | 20 September 2021

Photo Source: Hitoshi Namura |Unsplash | 10 February 2020

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”

“Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter.” –Izaak Walton

“A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints.”

– Wilfred Peterson

“Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret” –Oscar Wilde

“Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination.”

– Roy M. Goodman