6 Hotels In Cebu City With Good Internet Connection - StayCation Options In The Queen City Of The South

As an online freelance worker, we can normally work just about anywhere just as long as we get good internet connection. While most of the online freelance workers I know are working at home, there are also a number who work in coffee shops, co-working spaces, or just about anywhere in the world. Since I am based in the Queen City of the South, I do have a number of options where I work. But most of the time I work at the WorkPlace Café, which is located along Ramos Street, Cebu City.

Staycation Options in the Queen City of the South

While there are also instances when we would think of taking a short vacation, we may not like the idea of leaving the comforts of our workplace for too long. We also may not like the idea of making all the necessary preparations for that long sought-after downtime we deserve. But, do not fret since the Queen City of the South has a number of staycation options you can consider while working on your brand-new Microsoft Surface Laptop.

One of the questions that may come up when you are thinking of going on a staycation is “where to stay in Cebu?” Well, I came up with a list of Cebu hotels that you can consider while working as an online freelance worker. The list can also be used as reference for local and foreign visitors to the Queen City of the South. 

Marco Polo Plaza 

Marco Polo Plaza was once known as Cebu Plaza Hotel and was the first 5-star hotel in Cebu City. Long before big-name hotel chains established a foothold in metro Cebu, Cebu Plaza Hotel was the place to be if you are planning to stay in a high-end hotel in the metro. Its location is also ideal for vacationers who want to enjoy some peace and quiet while staying close to the city. 

Marco Polo Plaza at Night

For online freelance workers, Marco Polo Plaza offers the best amenities any hotel within the city can offer. Aside from a good internet connection, the hotel also offers numerous dining options. In fact, Café Marco, the main restaurant of the hotel, features one of the best buffet offerings in the city. I can remember a number of years ago whenever we had a relative visiting from abroad, they would stay at this hotel. The hotel also features a pool for adults and kids. The Jacuzzi is also a good place for you to rest those tired muscles after working the whole day. For health buffs, the fitness center and spa may be the best place for you to stay in at the end of the day. And oh, the hotel also offers a magnificent view of the city. Whether in your room or at the Blu Bar and Grill you are treated to an excellent view of the city lights after the sun sets over the horizon.

Awe-Inspiring View from the Blu Bar and Grill

So, if your earnings are in the five to six digit numbers, you may want to consider staying at the Marco Polo Plaza. Call me biased, but the hotel brings back a lot of memories for me. Our dad used to bring us here when we were still kids. The Marco Polo Plaza is located at Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City. You can check out their rates and possible discounts by clicking on this link.

You can spend your afternoons at the pool of the hotel

Mandarin Plaza Hotel

The Mandarin Plaza Hotel is one of the newest hotels to open up in the Queen City of the South. It is one of the hotels near Ayala Center Cebu. This gives it a distinct advantage over other hotels in the city since you can easily go to the mall, which is located right across the street. The Mandarin Plaza Hotel is also one of the relatively cheap hotels in Cebu City considering its location at the heart of the business district of the city. 

Mandarin Plaza Hotel

Aside from online freelance workers, the Mandarin Plaza Hotel is also ideal for expats working in the Cebu Business Park. The internet connection at the hotel is suitable for nearly all types of online work, and it extends up to the public areas of the hotel. The Mandarin Plaza Hotel features sauna and spa services, banquet facilities, and spacious rooms for anyone who may want to stay here. Expats can also appreciate the fact that the hotel also has a pool where they can take a dip in after a day at work.

The deluxe room offers both comfort and luxury to guests of the hotel

While the Mandarin Bar and Restaurant is open from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM, you have the option of crossing the street to the mall if you like to have other dining options. Just be careful when crossing the street. The Mandarin Plaza Hotel is located at the corner of J. Solon Drive and Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City. It is one of the hotels near Ayala Center Cebu. You can check out their rates and possible discounts by clicking on this link.

Guests can take a dip at the pool after a day at work

Radisson Blu Hotel

The Radisson Blu Hotel is another place you can consider. It is a hotel near SM Cebu. In fact, there is a covered walkway from the hotel to the mall. The hotel offers a great view of the city as well as the Mactan Channel. Radisson Blu Hotel is located at the North Reclamation Area and its proximity to the port area makes it ideal for travelers who want to visit Bohol, Dumaguete, and other islands in the Visayas.

Radisson Blu Hotel at night

While the restaurant of Radisson Blu Hotel may benefit from better lighting, the food they serve is superb. Similar to the buffet at Café Marco, Feria offers among the best buffets in the Queen City of the South. There were also a number of instances when we would dine here whenever relatives would come home from the States for a visit. The hotel boasts of offering high speed internet connection, which makes it perfect for freelancers who want to have a change of venue from the place where they usually work. 

Feria offers a wide selection of dishes to satisfy anyone's culinary cravings

Since it is located right across SM City Cebu, you can easily go to the mall if you feel like eating something else other than what is offered at Feria. But I doubt this may happen since they have a wide range of dishes aimed at satisfying the culinary cravings of their guests. Radisson Blu Hotel is located at the corner of Juan Luna Avenue and Sergio Osmeña Boulevard at the North Reclamation Area of Cebu. It is right beside SM City Cebu. You can check out their rates and possible discounts by clicking on this link.

Expansive lobby of Radisson Blu Hotel

The Henry Hotel

If you are looking for a unique boutique hotel, then The Henry Hotel would be the most ideal choice for a staycation in Cebu. The Henry Hotel has a distinctively chic style that can easily satisfy your senses. In fact, it is probably the funkiest hotel in Cebu. The façade itself is just a small glimpse of what to expect when you enter the hotel.

The facade shows a glimpse of what to expect inside The Henry Hotel

Since it is located somewhat far from the center of the city, it is an ideal place for a staycation for online freelance workers. Entering the hotel can prove to be a delightful experience to art lovers as different art installations can be found in different parts of the lobby. Each room is eye candy with their own unique personality and no two rooms at The Henry Hotel are the same. The in-house restaurant of the hotel, Rica’s Café, is also a visual and culinary treat. 

The lobby of The Henry Hotel is a visual treat to lovers of art

The Henry Hotel is definitely one place where you can fuel your creativity and get you out of that slump you may find yourself in. The hotel is located along Paseo Saturnino, Ma. Luisa Entrance Road in Banilad, Cebu City. You can check out their rates and possible discounts by clicking on this link.

No two rooms are the same at The Henry Hotel

Cebu R Hotel

The Cebu R Hotel actually has two branches in metro Cebu. The first branch is located close to the provincial Capitol while the second branch is located in Mabolo, Cebu City. We will talk about the one located in Mabolo since it is newer and is much closer to where the action is, so to say. 

Cebu R Hotel 

All, and I mean all, rooms at the Mabolo branch of the Cebu R Hotel offer an excellent view of the city. They also feature all the standard amenities you look for in a hotel room, including a safety deposit box, personal ref, mini-bar, and hot & cold shower. In addition, every room also offers free internet access, which is one of the most important things an online freelance worker looks for. In addition, the Cebu R Hotel is also one of the relatively cheap hotels in Cebu City. 

Minimalist design of the room at Cebu R Hotel

But, what I like about the Cebu R Hotel is its location. It is situated at F. Cabahug Street, Mabolo, Cebu City. It is a short ride away from two of the major malls in the Queen City of the South. In addition, it is also within walking distance to a number of hole-in-the-wall eating places in Cebu. If you are not keen on eating at the hotel (room accommodations include complimentary breakfast), you can go out and explore the Mabolo area and look for some hole-in-the-wall places in the area.   You can check out their rates and possible discounts by clicking on this link.

Lobby of Cebu R Hotel

Montebello Villa Hotel

If you are looking for a hotel in a luscious garden setting, then the Montebello Villa Hotel is the place for you. To tell you the truth, this garden hotel holds a special place in my heart since it was the place where we initially stayed when my family came to Cebu. During that time, my dad was working for a heavy equipment company and he was reassigned to head their Cebu office. So, the whole family had to transfer to the Queen City of the South.

Bird's-eye view of Montebello Villa Hotel

Montebello Villa Hotel is the only garden hotel in Cebu. It evokes images of the Hispanic heritage of the Queen City of the South and is ideal for both business and leisure travelers. The ambiance also radiates both comfort and luxury. The rates also make the Montebello Villa Hotel one of the relatively cheap hotels in Cebu City. It is one ride away from Ayala Center Cebu and within walking distance from the Cebu IT Park. In addition, it is also close to Oakridge Business Park, which makes it ideal for expats who have to visit their company locations in both Cebu IT Park and Oakridge Business Park. 

The lobby evokes images of the Hispanic heritage of the Philippines

One thing that makes Montebello Villa Hotel stand out, aside from being the only garden hotel in Cebu, is their buffet. The buffet of the hotel features a good selection of Filipino and international dishes. Moreover, it is also one of the places where employees of BPO companies in Cebu have their breakfast to celebrate milestones in the company. If you ask me, Montebello Villa Hotel is one place where you can relax and unwind without having to leave the Queen City of the South. Montebello Villa Hotel is located at the back of Gaisano Country Mall in Banilad Cebu City. You can check out their rates and possible discounts by clicking on this link.

Guests can take a dip at the pool of the hotel

This is just the first part of the list I came up of hotels in Cebu City you can consider if you are thinking of taking a short staycation from the demands of your work as an online freelance worker. While I made the list specifically with the online freelance worker in mind, it can also be useful for local and foreign visitors to the Queen City of the South.

Thinking Of Going Back To The Corporate World? Check Out Some Of These Cebu-Based Companies

The life of an online freelance worker can become lonely at times. Even if you work at a co-working zone, people there normally have their own deadlines to meet. Due to this, a number of freelancers may reenter the rat race and join a regular company even for a year or so. 

Will You Go Back To The Rat Race?

Corporate Jobs

Online freelance workers normally have an advantage over regular employees, particularly those working as online marketers. Online marketers are good at sales and coupled with their experience and knowledge, they have an edge over regular employees.  Writers, like me, may also have some advantages, especially those who have above average English-speaking skills. Here are some companies you can apply for if you want to get back into the corporate world.

Where Many BPO Companies In Cebu Are Located

1. Convergys
2. EXL Philippines
3. Accenture
4. Wipro
5. Teleperformance
6. 24/7 Customer Support
7. Author Solutions

Above-Average Remuneration

These business process outsourcing (BPO) companies have existed for a number of years already and are very stable. But you should expect a lot of competition when you apply for a job in these companies, especially when it comes to accounts offering above-average remuneration. It may be even enough for you to buy a brand new Samsung Galaxy S8+ or the iPhone 7. They also provide a number of benefits that may not be offered by other companies. There are also some that give a sign-on bonus or retention bonus, which may be enough for you to pre-order the Microsoft Surface Laptop.

Online Freelance Workers Have The Skills For A BPO Job

Day Jobs

There are also a number of newer BPO companies that have entered the industry. Even though these companies are new, they are gradually making a name for themselves in the industry. Some of these companies even offer day-shift jobs since they cater to Australian clients. A number of these companies offer above-average compensation to allow them to attract the best talents in town. 

Some Companies Offer Above-Average Remuneration

1. Opsify
2. Mopro

Other Jobs Available

You can also take into account some companies that are not your typical BPOs. People generally consider BPO companies as call centers. But there are some companies that may not have customer service or sales positions. These companies typically offer virtual assistance posts or even writing jobs. Similar to the new BPO companies, they may also offer day-shift posts.

Some Companies Even Have Jobs For Writers

1. Supporting Enterprises
2. Go VA
3. BlueBerry Digital

ESL

For people who have above-average English speaking skills, they can also apply for an ESL or English as a Second Language teaching post. The clients of these companies are mainly students and professionals who want to learn how to speak English well. Their clients include Koreans, Japanese, Chinese, or, even, Eastern European nationals. While most of these ESL schools offer work-from-home positions, there are some that require you to work in their office.  Some of these ESL schools are as follows:

You Can Also Teach English To Other Nationals

1. QQ English
2. Bibo
3. 51Talk

There are actually a good number of office-based jobs that online freelance workers can consider if they are planning to take some time off from their online work. While these companies value loyalty and would lean towards an applicant who will stay for a long time with the company, it does not hurt to try applying for an office-based job. We never know, you might even like it and stay with the company for the years to come.

How To Reduce Procrastination As An Online Freelance Worker

One major benefit of being an online freelance worker is that we own our time. This is particularly true among freelancers who do not have a particular schedule to follow as long as they submit their work on time. While this may be advantageous to people who are not keen on working with someone breathing down their neck, so to say, it may also work against them. Owning our time makes it easy for us to put off work at a later time. It makes it easy for us to procrastinate.

How To Reduce While Working Online

Some people can be considered as chronic procrastinators or they constantly put off work they can do today. De Paul University Professor Joseph Ferrari said chronic procrastinators make up 20 percent of the entire population. He said that these people normally postpone work until the last few hours before the deadline. Ferrari also said there are also some people who can be considered as decisional procrastinators who consciously delay making decisions. 

If you are one of those who typically put off work for a later time, there are steps for you to remedy this situation. Ferrari gave some suggestions to deal with procrastination.

1. Focus on the small things you need to accomplish

There are times when we would look at the big picture and find the task too daunting. Ferrari said people may focus too much on the forest and “forget that it’s made of trees.” Due to this, they have the tendency to think that are not capable of completing their work. 

Focus On The Small Tasks

One way to deal with this situation is to break down the project into doable tasks. You can write down the steps in completing the project and create a schedule in completing each step. You can focus on tasks that seem appealing and easy for you to do. Concentrate on completing each individual task until the entire project is finished. 

2. Reward yourself after each achievement

Back when I was still a teacher, there were instances when I would give rewards to my students for accomplishing a certain task. This gives the students motivation in working on these tasks. The reward becomes a positive reinforcement in completing the task. You can do the same with your project. You can create a reward system for the project you need to complete. 

Reward Yourself After Completing A Task

For instance, if you face a task that you are not keen on doing, you can link it to something you like to do. The reward can be something simple like watching your favorite show on television for ten minutes or something as grand as a meal at your favorite restaurant. But make sure it is cost-effective. We would not want you to spend more than the value of the entire project.

You should also celebrate your achievements, no matter how small it is. For instance, you can pat yourself on the back if you get to complete a good part of the project.

3. Be accountable for your actions

There are times when we would procrastinate since no one is there to watch what we are doing. Since online freelance workers work at their own pace, no one really monitors them unless the deadline is just a few hours away. Since people have the tendency to avoid slacking when someone is looking, you may want someone to check if you are able to accomplish a task or not. 

Have Someone Check On Your Progress

You can post the things you need to accomplish and whether you were able to finish it or not on your social media account. In this situation, your friends can monitor your progress. If you are collaborating with a team, your teammates can check your tasks. There are a number of online tools you can use if you are in different locations.

4. Remove all distractions from work

When we start working, we would normally continue working until the project is complete. To maintain your momentum, you can select the easiest task to do and start with it. You should also take out everything that may distract you from accomplishing your task. You can close unnecessary tabs on the browser, like your social media accounts or YouTube, so you can concentrate on the task at hand.

Close Unnecessary Tabs Like Facebook

You will have a better chance of maintaining your momentum until the project is done if there are no distractions at work. If you are working at a coffee shop, you can choose a spot away from the window. If you are at a co-working space, look for a table facing the wall. I normally listen to music when I work since it drowns out everything in my surroundings. While this may not work for everyone, you can find a way to disconnect yourself from your environment until you complete your task. 

Procrastination has always been the number one enemy of freelancers. It causes them to postpone the things they need to do until a few hours before the deadline. There are even instances when they would not meet the deadline and have to negotiate with their client for additional time to complete the project. I hope these suggestions will help you fight off procrastination and make it easy for you to complete your project long before the deadline comes.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Launched

One of the most important thing online freelance workers need if they want to be real digital nomads is a laptop. Without a laptop, they will be forced to work in internet cafés or computer shops to complete their projects. So, it is important to make sure you get one that is suitable for the projects you are working on. If you are in the market for a new laptop and can wait a month before getting one, you may want to consider getting the Microsoft Surface Laptop, which was launched earlier this month.

Microsoft Surface Laptop – image source: Microsoft.com

A number of industry watchers have likened the new Microsoft Surface laptop with its biggest competitor in the market, the MacBook Air. I would to agree to this comparison since the new Microsoft laptop has some features comparable to the lightest laptop offering of Apple. Let’s take a look at the specs of the new Surface laptop.

Specs

The new Microsoft Surface Laptop adopts the clamshell design unlike the Surface Book, which is basically a tablet with a keyboard attachment. It features a 13.5-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. Panos Panay, devices chief over at Microsoft, said it is the “thinnest thinnest LCD touch model ever created and put into a laptop.” The thickest point on the laptop is 14.47 mm and it only weighs 2.76 lbs. Its PixelSense display offers 3.4 million pixels and is protected Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3. The display also supports the Surface Pen, which means users can draw on the display itself similar to previous Surface device models.

Microsoft Surface Laptop – image source: Microsoft.com

Performance and Battery Life

In terms of performance, the Surface laptop features the latest Core i5 and i7 processors of Intel and has a battery life of up to 14.5 hours. Panay said the battery life of the Microsoft device is longer compared to any MacBooks currently available in the market. It is supposedly also faster than the i7 MacBook Pro. The memory options for the Surface laptop start at 4GB and have a maximum memory of 16GB. On the other hand, the basic model has an SSD size of 128GB while the top-of-the-line model features an SSD of 1TB.

Microsoft Surface Laptop – image source: Microsoft.com

To keep the Surface laptop cool, Microsoft integrated vapor chambers into the aluminum finish at the back. You will not see any speaker holes or grilles on the device. Instead, Microsoft integrated the speakers of the device underneath its keyboard, which means the sound travels through its base.

Ports

one thing noticeable about the new device is that it does not feature any USB-C port. In its place, Microsoft decided to give it one USB-A port, a Mini DisplayPort, and an SD card slot. The keyboard itself is backlit and features Alcantara materials, which makes it easy to clean and spill-resistant. The soft palm rest also gives you better typing comfort whenever you are working on a big project.

Color Options and Price

The new Microsoft Surface Laptop comes four colors, Platinum, Cobalt Blue, Burgundy, and Graphite Gold. Platinum is the heritage color of the Surface devices while Cobalt Blue is inspired by nature, giving it a bright yet neutral feel, according to Microsoft. On the other hand, Burgundy provides an elegant touch on the latest range of devices of the company while Graphite Gold provides a comforting glow through its shimmer. Pre-orders for the new Microsoft Surface Laptop are already being accepted in a number of countries. Prices start at $999 for the Intel Core i5 variant, which 4GB of RAM along with 128GB of SSD internal storage. Shipping will start on June 15.

Microsoft Surface Laptop – image source: Microsoft.com

The Surface Laptop is powered by Windows 10 S. You have to think twice if you want to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro since it will be a permanent upgrade. But you may not need to upgrade since the new device was designed for Windows 10 S. Microsoft is also offering a one-year subscription to MS Office 365 Personal as well as 1TB of free OneDrive online storage for a limited period of time.

Conclusion

The new Microsoft Surface Laptop has turned some heads in the industry. When it was launched it showed the company was taking Apple head on. The display of the device is noteworthy, especially for people who love large displays and a huge pixel count. The 3.4 million pixels is a head-turner for people who work on pictures and graphics. And if the performance holds true, it is definitely one device I will consider getting for myself. The long battery life is definitely a plus since you do not have to bring a charger with you all the time. It also allows you to work on a paper or project in school or at the office and watch videos before you feel the need to charge the device.

The 1TB storage option for its top-of-the-line model is also another plus for people looking for other laptop options in the market. While the lack of a USB-C port may be a letdown, the company does offer options for its users. The SD memory card port is something I appreciate since I am also a novice photographer.

Microsoft Surface Laptop – image source: Microsoft.com

When you compare the new Microsoft Surface vs laptops offered by its competitors, it shows the software giant is determined to make it big in its first foray in the laptop market. The high-end features of the laptop is already making me think twice about looking for the latest Alienware laptop since the specs of the new Microsoft laptop is comparable to a number of models offered by its competitors.

While the market for the Microsoft Surface Laptop appears to be college students, it is also suitable for online freelance workers who are not ready to switch to a different OS. If given the chance and money, I would definitely get a Microsoft Surface Laptop due to the features it offers for someone like me. What do you think?

Note: Pre-orders for the new Microsoft Surface Laptop has already started in the United States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Availability in other markets will be announced at a later time.

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