Featured Travel Story: Random Road Trip of Red Yumang

13 Sunday May 2012

Posted by in adventure travel with, cebu tourism, cebu tourist spot, cebu white sands resort, destinations, food blogger, travel adventure with, travel story

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Red Yumang shared his story about his random road trip to Camotes Island. He’s a fellow member and our newly elected Chairman for Corporate Affairs of the prestigious blogging group- Cebu Bloggers Society.

Red is the man behind the food and gardening blog-Cook My Garden. Despite his busy and hectic schedules, Red find time to travel. Visit his blog HERE as he will upload his pictures and his food discoveries… soon.

I received his private message asking for my recommendation where he and his companion can stay, but it was already too late for me to provide my suggestions since he was already out on a road trip when I read his message. When he got back from the trip, he shared his story which I was so envious of their “impulsive” adventure. I’ve decided to share his story to inspire others to travel and take the risk. You’ll never know what you’ve discover not unless you’ll go out and travel.

Here’s his travel story that was shared to me via Facebook private message:

Guess what, you wouldnt believe me I just did it. Right after office last Tuesday, me and a friend drove down north without any plans at all, nor a map, or something else. That moment I told myself to enjoy randomness and free my mind from any unwanted concerns, afterall I need to distress from work.

First stop is Gaisano Island Mall (since I met a client in Mactan) for that Magnum craze and to buy a sun tan lotion. I tried magnum for the first time. Next stop was co-jordan since I was craving for fresh oysters and sinugbang tilapia. We spared the honeyed lambanog from bee farm since we still have to drive for hours on that night.

We decided to stay in Danao for a sleep over. However along the way, we noticed the Danao Wharf still lit at 8:30 in the evening. Again, random stuff, we drove there and inquired if there will be any trips by early morning. the funny thing was, the roro is about to leave at 9:00pm!

After we asked bout how much would a car cost, we did not thought twice. We bought tickets and off we drive inside roro for Camotes! We arrived in Consuleo San Francisco beyond 12 midnight because we left Danao passed 10pm coz we waited for the sea level to rise up and ease down the vessel in the wharf.

Hahaha, imagine we were driving in Camotes Island alas dose sa tungang gabii! (Imagine, we were driving around Camotes Island at 12 midnight). We dont have any maps. We dont have any persons to ask for direction. That was my second time in Camotes, and it has been 3 years ago! We headed for Mangodlong, and later we found out we were almost near the San Francisco town….total opposite direction! So, we drove back and carefully read directions. The road was in total silence; lighlty lit by moonlight. We passed through the woods….eerie!

We reached Magodlong but later decided to go further to Santiago since we are looking for some cheap overnight rooms. The best ang show coz when we arrived there, good timing indeed, Santiago is celebrating their town fiesta! We arrived 2:00am and felt the civilization because of the loud disco and the bay was full of visitors! hahahaha Timing kaayo, in the end fully-booked tanan so we decided to go back to Mangodlong! 

We took our rest by 3:00am. We capped off the day with a lambanog treat at the seaside, enjoying the calmness of the morning and the stillness of the place. And we started our camotes trip 3 hours later….

To cut the story short, nalibot namo ang tibook camotes for the first time in just 24 hours.

One thing to note, can you imagine the three of us (me, my partner and a dearest friend from hongkong) travelling down the secluded island at twelve midnight unya among topic along the way kay horror movies?…..hehehehe, we remembered the good old shake rattle and roll movies during our childhood…..very kewl.

* By reading his story, one can tell that Red had a blast. You can felt his excitement and relate to the horror movies which is the best topic you can discuss while you’re on the road.

To Red, thank you for your permission to publish your story. This has ignited my desire to visit Camotes>>>soon.

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Travel Tips: How to reach Mactan International Airport the CHEAPEST way?

10 Thursday May 2012

Posted by in cebu city, travel tips

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photo courtesy of Philippines Travel Guide

Just this morning, I went out with my travel buddies Shai and Julie. I decided to meet Ephraim of The Adventist Adventurer while were doing nothing the whole afternoon. Right after he seated, I remind him about his questions that he’d like to ask. He then asked if there’s any other way to reach airport aside from taking a taxi.

Most of us know that you have no other choice but to take a taxi going to Mactan International Airport. Nowadays, it’s kinda expensive for us (travelers) to pay around PHP 300 taxi fare especially if you’re coming from Cebu City.

What’s the good news? Well, there are multicabs or PUJ that will go directly to the airport from Marina Mall. Plus, it will only cost you PHP 8.00.

If you’re coming from Cebu City, you may ride a PUJ going to Mandaue or Park Mall from Colon Street. Fare is around PHP 10-15 pesos only. From Park Mall, transfer to another PUJ that will pass Marina Mall. Probably, it would cost you less than PHP 15 for jeepney fare. Once you reached Marina Mall, look for their PUJ/V-hire terminal where you can ride a PUJ (specifically Yellow colored PUJ) that will take you to the airport.

There you have it! You’ve saved around PHP 240 pesos taxi fare going to the airport.

I’m glad that Ephraim asked this question as it gives me an idea to share this to my fellow bloggers.

Laag 31: Memoirs of Alcoy

06 Sunday May 2012

Posted by in beach, cebu, cebu tourism, cebu tourist spot, cebu white sands resort, destinations, Philippines, Thoughts, tourist spot, travel adventure with, travel story, travel tips

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Alexis and I wanted to escape the humid weather in the city at the same time she wish to make most of her summer since her summer vacation will end soon. Tingko Beach is the first thing that comes in my mind which I told her about my plan. She was so game and said yes without having second thoughts.

Ride the Sunrays bus bound for Alcoy and leave the terminal around 3:00 PM on a cloudy Thursday afternoon. We were so happy that bus fare for aircondition bus will only cost PHP 120. Later on we found out that behind the “cheap bus fare” was a “poor customer service.” To make the long story short, bus driver insisted to dropped us off somewhere in Boljoon coz he forgot to dropped us off in Tingko. Hungry and pissed off with no other choice, but to wait for another bus that will pass Tingko Beach.

In less than an hour, we were at Tingko Beach and started to set up our tent. While eating our dinner, a woman named Esperanza approached us and collected PHP 200 fee. I wanted to scream “whaaattttt???” but I choose to shut my mouth. So, Tingko Beach is not for free, huh?

Another reason to be piss off that night was their  bathroom that was closed. We have to sleep early while itching and scratching with all the dirt and dust. Despite of those series unfortunate events, I’m still grateful as I enjoy the cool breeze while the sound of the waves is like a lullaby song to my ears.

We woke up the next day with the beautiful sunrise which makes us forget our back pain and stiff neck. The rest of the remaining hours were spent swimming, camwhoring and reminiscing about my past.

Almost five years ago, someone special brought me to this place. Before, there were only 3-4 rooms that can be rented for overnight stay. No entrance fee or any other fees are being collected if you’ll go swimming or stay overnight in this public beach not unless you’ll rent one of their rooms. Like everyone’s reaction, I also wished for Alcoy’s government to develop the beach to make it look better.

A year after my first visit, I went back to the place and nothing has changed. Those huge rocks formation where we set up our tent was still there so as the those rooms that were made of “lawanit.” The only thing that was changed at the time is my relationship status-from “in a relationship to it’s complicated to finally single after two years of fighting to make things work.”

I tried to locate  and remember where are those huge rock formation, those rooms made of “lawanit” and the videoke room made of kawayan. Oh, boy. I can’t find any of those things. Instead, there are various sari-sari stores, videoke stalls, and rooms that I have found in this new “Tingko Beach.” The old sari-sari store where we used to buy “ice” is no longer there. It has been demolished (I guess), and that’s now where the Barangay Beach House is located.

Alexis said that it’s time for me to let go of my bitter sweet memories in Alcoy that I have kept for five years. I should embrace the changes and start to build new memories. I left the place with better disposition in life, and I’m glad that I pursue that trip.

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Kadaugan sa Mactan: A Priceless Experience (Part 2)

30 Monday Apr 2012

Posted by in cebu, Cebu Bloggers Society, cebu city, Cebu Events, cebu tourism, destination, featured article, hotel, island hopping, laagan na cebuana, lapu-lapu city, mactan, Philippines

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Week long Kadaugan sa Mactan celebration does not ends after the re-enactment. Later that night, Kadaugan Street Party  has started.

* Part 1 can be read here.

Kadaugan Street Party (Friday, April 27): Midnight Beer Run

Kadaugan Street Party was also held later that day along M.L Quezon Hi-way. Live bands were playing plus free disco offered by different radio stations in Cebu. However, one of the highlights of the street party was the “unique” Midnight Beer Run which it has been Councilor Harry Radaza’s idea. Instead of the usual fun run which water are being served to the runners, Harry came up the idea of using beer as substitute to water during the fun run.

Since it was unique and only in the Philippines, the crowd embraced Harry’s idea which there are more than 1,000 participants joined the first ever Midnight Beer Run. As the clock strikes at 12:00 Midnight, runners started running for 3k and 6k division and grabbed the chance to drink unlimited beers during the tournament. Of course, there are water stations that can be found at the other side of the street however, participants opt for beer.

Though I wasn’t there to witness the event, but my good friend Alexis who also participated the beer run shared her story and observation. According to her, that the whole M.L. Quezon Hi-way was so crowded that it’s similar to Sinulog.

She also shared that the first 1,000 participants to reach the finish line got the Midnight souvenir shirt.

Kadaugan Street Party (Saturday, April 28): Rampada

The finale of the long week celebration of Kadaugan sa Mactan was the Rampada. The concept of Rampada is similar to Brazil’s Rio Carnival. Men would surely won’t blink their eyes as they saw sexy ladies wearing skimpy costumes performing the samba dance along the M. L. Quezon Highway.

This year the Rampada is getting bigger and better. Bigger because there 14 participants from different barangays in Lapu-Lapu City plus better prices and performances.

Due to some commitments on that day, I wasn’t able to catch up the shuttle pick up in Ayala which I was stuck on the traffic and arrived late. When I got there, it was already contestant #12 who performs in front of the judges at the center stage.  M.L. Quezon Highway is no longer that crowded compared on last Friday night according to Alexis observation.

After the 14 participants performs in front of the center state, they parade their way while dancing Samba on the entire M.L. Quezon highway which their final performance will be at the 360 degrees stage in front of the Lapu-Lapu City Hall. As much as I wanted to wait a little longer and find out the winners, but I was too tired and sleepy. I have no choice but to leave since I still have to report to my full time job on the following day.

You don’t have to worry though because I’ll update this blog once I have the official list of winners of the Rampada.

For me, the real kadaguan sa mactan does not ends after Lapu-Lapu defeated Magellan. It still continues up to now as this small island of Cebu has become progressive. The number of first class hotel and resorts are booming and not to forget the investors that are keep on growing every year which gives job opportunities not only to Oponians but also to all Cebuanos.

I’m grateful to the Lapu-Lapu City Officials, event organizers especially Ralph Gonzales of JY Gonzales and staff as they have given me a VIP access to watch the show. Kadaugan sa Mactan 2012 is a memorable and priceless experienced that I have in my blogging career.

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Kadaugan sa Mactan 2012: A Priceless Experience (Part 1)

30 Monday Apr 2012

Posted by in Cebu Events, landmarks, lapu-lapu city

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Note: This will be a long blog post and divided this into two (part 1 and 2). 

It has been my first time to watch and join the rest of Oponians to celebrate the victory of our Cebuano hero Lapu-Lapu as he defeated Ferdinand Magellan on April 27, 1951. All of us specially Filipinos are already familiar of the story and this has been part of our history class.

Kadaugan sa Mactan: Pre-battle and Food Festival

Before the re-enactment event, I was invited by the event organizer to watch the pre-battle on April 26 (Thursday). While waiting for the show to start, I asked my fellow blogger Shai if there was a noticed from Magellan regarding his plan to invade the island or he just went directly then the rest were history.

Those questions and confusions that I have in my mind were answered when the pre-battle show started. Indeed, Magellan sent a noticed to Lapu-Lapu but the said Datu refused to accept Magellan and planned the battle against him. On the said event, there was also ritual dance competition with 6 participants. Participants were judged according to the beauty and holistic of their interpretation of the ritual dance.  Judges were composed of Dudes Daclan, Ely Manlangit, and Roger Cerna.

You may watch the video of the ritual dance competition winner through this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkEYAr83iNQ&feature=youtu.be

Aside from the pre-battle and ritual dance competition that was the highlight of that night, food festival was still ongoing. Soto Grande’s BBQ, chocolate ice cream from Movenpick Hotel, and lasagna are among of my favorite foods that were sold inside the shrine for less expensive price. More or less PHP 50 you can taste the delicious foods offered by various five star hotels in Cebu particularly in Lapu-Lapu City.

The program has ended by a fireworks display!

Kadaugan sa Mactan 2012: Re-enactment

On the following day on a sunny Friday morning of April 27, the much awaited re-enactment has already happened at the shore of Lapu-Lapu shrine. Richard Quan plays the role as Datu Lapu-Lapu while Patrick Garcia played the role of Magellan and Geneva Cruz as Bulakna (Lapu-Lapu’s wife).

Around 5,000 people watched and witnessed the 491st celebration of Kadaugan sa Mactan. Oponian’s may have watched the event for hundreds times, but it was my first time to witnessed the re-enactment show.

Honorable Mayor Paz Radaza gave her opening remarks while Chef Supt. Marcelo Garbo Jr. gave his inspirational message before the ritual dance and re-enactment started.

Ritual dancers used leaves and drums for their instrument as they offer a dance to their “anitos.” They did the ritual dance before the battle started as they prayed for the success of Datu Lapu-Lapu’s tribe.

The sound of explosion signaled the arrival of Magellan’s trope which started the re-enactment. Magellan was dress in a long sleeve with cape and armed with sword and silver helmet. While Lapu-Lapu’s trope wore mixed Muslim, Chinese, Hindu inspired clothing which they got from the exchange or pinagbinayluay.

* An amateur video that I took can be viewed through the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hydBq1Nsy9o&feature=youtu.be

Lapu-Lapu’ has 45 warriors compose of men and women that fought againts Magellan. After Magellan died, another ritual dance happened in celebration of their victory.

Later on, a press conference was held at Manny O’s Wine Bar and Restaurant in Movenpick Hotel right after the re-enactment. Mayor Paz Radaza and Secretary Sonny Coloma answered the questions that were asked from the members of the press. Even if I’m just a blogger, I still joined the press conference and listened to their questions. Oh, didn’t I tell you that it’s also my first time to join a “real” press conference? I mean, it’s my first time to attend a press conference with the press. It was kinda awkward, but it was an awesome experienced.

Among the questions or concerns that were brought up during the press conference is regarding the April 27 making it a regular holiday. If I’m not mistaken, it was Mayor Paz Radaza answered that the bill was already submitted and still waiting for the approval. However, Secretary Coloma believes that making April 27 as regular holiday is not that significant to honor Lapu-Lapu.  It makes sense if we will just change the Mactan International Airport to Lapu-Lapu International Airport which makes it similar to the NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport).

Of course, budget and money matters were also discussed during the press conference. Mayor Radaza said that the government only spent around 1.2 million for this year’s celebration as they have lots of sponsors which include PAGCOR whom shouldered the talent fees of Patrick, Richard, and Geneva.

A sumptuous lunch was served then after the press conference. I was able to mingle with press people from various radio and TV stations. Being with them as well as the other two independent bloggers that I’ve team up with is another reason why it was such a priceless experienced to me.

some of the member of the press that I’ve shared the table during our lunch

Note from the blogger: Thank you for your time and patience to read such a long blog post. Don’t forget to read the “Kadaugan sa Mactan Part 2” which is up next.

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Press Release: Live.. Work.. & Play at the New Ayala Center Cebu

24 Tuesday Apr 2012

Posted by in Ayala Center Cebu, Ayala Malls, Cebu Bloggers Society, cebu city, leisure, lifestyle

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Have you noticed the ongoing construction for the expansion of Ayala Center Cebu? What comes in your mind when you’ve noticed it? Have you also wondered how it will look like? Personally, I’m also curious how Ayala Center Cebu will look after the construction. I mean, we are all surprised with Ayala Terraces when it was open to public two or three years ago which until now its been one of the best places to hang out.

Lucky for us at Cebu Blogger Society as the management of Ayala Malls gave us a clue on how this expansion will looks like through “Live, Work, and Play” activity. From the name itself, the new Ayala Center Cebu is now a business district, a place to live, and a recreation center.

Since we love our fellow Cebuanos and Filipinos, we will help Ayala Malls spread the word by posting this to our blogs.

Live, Work, and Play is the first step to introduce the Ayala Center Cebu by letting the participants feel and experienced the new Ayala Center Cebu.

 

You may view the press release in PDF format HERE

How does Live, Work, and Play activity works? It’s simple. Just collect all six puzzle pieces that can be found through designated areas in Cebu Business Park and Cebu IT Park. The first ten (10) participants who can upload their pictures with the piece of the puzzle will win instant prizes. The first participant who can complete and upload the six puzzle pieces will win the “three days and two nights trip for two at one of the world’s best destinations (drum roll please) Hongkong Disneyland!”

Every week (Wednesday and Saturday) Ayala Center Cebu will give you a clue through their Facebook and Twitter page on where you can find two puzzle pieces that will be released in different areas of Cebu Business Park and IT Park. Also, there are markers that are located near to the area where you can find those puzzle pieces.

Once you’ve found those pieces, upload your photo and send it to liveworkplay@ayalacentercebu.com. Like i’ve mentioned earlier, the first ten participants who can upload their photos with the puzzle piece will receive PHP 500 worth of gift certificates and two movie passes. Winners will be announced through Ayala Center Cebu Facebook Fan Page.

Even if you didn’t win the instant prices, you still have the chance to win the grand prize. Just continue looking for those puzzle pieces and complete all six pieces.

All photos submitted to this activity will be posted on their fan page. Winners will be notified via email which you’ll need to reply with your contact details (full name and contact number) for verification purposes. Just present at least one (1) valid ID and printed copy of the notification that was sent to the winners when claiming the prize.

What are you waiting for? Like Ayala Center Cebu in Facebook (www.facebook.com/AyalaCebu) or follow them on Twitter (@AyalaCenterCebu).

Laag 30: Childhood memories in Bohol

19 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by in adventure travel with, Bohol, destinations, tourist spot, Travel, travel adventure with

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I thought that April would be boring for me as I don’t have scheduled out of town trips. For some reasons, I have to go back and reminisce my childhood memories in Bohol.

My sister and I attended the funeral of my aunt that’s why we were in Bohol for three days. She booked our round trip tickets. We departed on Thursday around 9:30 AM and arrived two hours after in Tagbilaran City. We had our lunch in Jollibee Plaza Marcella before we started to travel going to Guindulman. It was an hour and half V-hire ride from Tagbilaran terminal but if you’ll ride a bus it would take 3 hours.

We passed the famous Loboc River and Baclayon Church. Honestly, I find it impractical paying around PHP 600 for a Loboc River tour. I mean, it’s just a river and you can take pictures along the road with the view of it. There are lots of tourist spots in Bohol that is worth your money. It’s just my opinion though. 

After the funeral service, we then trekked our way to Bon-Bon Beach but it is now known as Warren’s Beach Resort. It’s a public beach in Baranggay Basdio, Guindulman Bohol.

This beach becomes a part of my childhood and adolescent years. Every time my family would go on vacation in mom’s hometown, we will not let the day pass without swimming on the crystal clear water. It’s either we swim with cousins or with the locals that were so willing to join us. Did I say that it’s also a lovers lane specially at night? I remember an ex summer fling used to sneaked their boat and volunteered to tour me around and even went on island hopping. When you’re young and broke, your typical date are spent on public parks, resorts, or recreation center. You won’t mind where you at as long as you’re with someone special. Oh, that feeling of being loved. During the time that I was at this beach, I was also wondering what happened to that young local ex summer fling (just curious).

As they say, flings are fleeting and never meant to last. And that summer fling has ended as soon as summer season ends. Being young and in love is one of the things that I missed a lot.

As the years passed, the beauty of Warren’s Beach Resort never faded. I’m glad that it’s not that commercialized with little improvements though like cottages which it can be rented for only PHP 250 only. It will be a great alternative if you want to go swimming on a limited budget.

me and my siter.. see the difference on our skin color? Kape and Gatas! =)

How to get there? It’s so easy. Just ride a bus going to Guindulman Bohol from Tagbilaran City or through Ubay route. Asked the driver to drop you off at the town proper and hire a tricycle that would take you to Warren’s Beach Resort. Tricycle fare is only PHP 12 but it might differ if you’ll ask the driver to take you directly to the beach instead of you dropping you off at the hi-way. Bus fare from Tagbilaran would be around PHP 80 while it would cost you PHP 120 for V-hire. If you’re taking the Ubay route, I guess bus fare is less than PHP 80.

I’d like to end this post by sharing this amusing story with our 12-year old tour guide.

I don’t know if you’ll find this funny, but for me and my sister it was funny or amusing rather. Our 12 year old tour guide was shocked when we started removing our blouses and only wearing our bikini. She was so worried for us because the locals are not used to see people wearing bikinis. We explained to her that wearing bikini is okay since its appropriate swimming attire. She said that there are boys around and we said “so, what?” We have to explain and convinced her that it’s okay to wear bikinis the whole time we were swimming. Oh, well that “culture differences.” So, be cautious with your attire especially your swimming attire if you’re going to Bohol.

For more photos, feel free to visit my Fan Page.

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Laag 29: Hide and Seek in Argao’s Riverstone Castle

19 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by in adventure travel with, argao, cebu, cebu tourist spot, Philippines, tourist spot cebu, Travel, travel adventure with

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We have included Argao on our itinerary for that day because I wanted to have our lunch at Alex Kafe. Unfortunately, the kafe is temporarily closed. Too bad, I won’t be able to taste their torta and sikwati. The caretaker and tricycle driver were kind enough and took us to Carmen’s Carenderia where we ate our late lunch.

Along the hi-way, we found the signage of the Riverstone Castle. I asked the driver how to get there and how much it would cost us. Since it would only cost us PHP 55 including the entrance fee and tricycle fare, we then proceed to the castle after eating our lunch.

Going to the castle, you can hire a habal2x (mortocycle) or a tricycle. Fare is only PHP 15-20 (one way). An entrance fee of PHP 40 will be collected upon entry. Also, there are rooms available for overnight stay which would cost PHP 1000 for standard room (good for two). I guess, you can bring foods. Though they have this mini bar which displays some menu, but I doubt that they actually cook or make pizza.

Upon entry, I find the castle a bit scary but the kids would surely love this place especially those adventurous one. You’ll find a statue of a crocodile which I opt for picture taken pretending that half of my hand was eaten by the crocodile. Then, you’ll find the wooden bridge which at its side is the cage of two real crocodiles.

We then enter the castle and wondered if none of those would guide us around. The basement area of the castle is so dark which there are wine bars on both sides of the basement. Various wine bottles were displayed at the wine bar.

We continue roaming around and came across the garden inside the castle. Then, I found another statue. It’s a “snake” that looks like a real snake. I’m started to imagine that those wild animal statues would come into life when the place gets dark. Blame my imagination to those Pinoy horror movies that I’ve watched.

We checked out the second floor which we found couples of wine bars again! The place looks like a huge dining area with tables and chairs around. The castle smells old and dusty.

@ the second floor

Crossed the other side of the castle and find an old “kalesa” displayed in the area. Though the gate was closed that would lead us to the swimming pool, but we have trespassed the area and untied the rope (intruders).

I told Alexis that we should play hide and seek. It’s okay with her but then I realized that I might get lost and stranded in the castle. Oh, no! I don’t want that to happen. So, we were just contented taking pictures of the place.

TIP: If you’re coming from Simala going to Argao, I would suggest that you ride a PUJ going to Argao instead of bus. PUJ fare from Simala to Argao town proper (lungsod) is only PHP 15 compared to the PHP 60 minimum bus fare. The downside is that you’ll need to wait for 30 minutes or more before you can catch a PUJ going to Argao.

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Thoughts: Revisit Simala

19 Thursday Apr 2012

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“Writing is like sex. First you do it for love, then you do it for your friends, and then you do it for money.” — Ferenc Molnar

A twitter status that I found from one of my mentor in blogging and my boss-Miss Fleire Castro. I won’t be talking about sex here. What I’m trying to say is that her tweets make sense to me.

I blog because I can express my feelings through writing. I blog because I’m doing it for my friends so that I don’t need to tell each one of them regarding my latest travel stories. All they need to do is visit my site and read the story. Now, I’m blogging because for money. I just got a part time job in relation for blogging and article writing. I haven’t started yet but I’m looking forward to my first project. Anyway, this post has nothing to do with my new job. I just wanted to share it though (hehehe).

Kidding aside, I just reunited with my good friend Alexis on a day tour to Simala and Argao. I aimed to accomplished the 28 things that I’ve listed before turning 28. This recent trip to Simala Shrine means a lot to me. It’s been more than a year since the last time I visited together with my siblings as we prayed for youngest sister’s success in taking the engineering board exam. Thanks God, she made it!

with my youngest sister (photo was taken last year)

Another thing that I’m also thankful is my reunion with my good friend Alexis. She has been my confidante. I’m comfortable to share my frustrations coz I know that she’s not going to judge me for the mistakes that I’ve made. She was there when I was broken hearted at the same time she understands my sorrows and shortcomings.

with Alexis

Upon entering the shrine, I was amazed with the changes that finally the construction is almost over. It was also my first time to visit the museum inside the shrine which we discovered the existence of “Lady of the Bride.” Alexis and I shared the same thought after seeing the statue. We finally knew whom to turn to. 

Our Lady of the Bride

Even if I didn’t told Alexis what I was feeling and thinking the whole time I was with her, I knew deep inside she knows that it was one of my down moments. Sometimes, we don’t need to tell our friends that we’re not fine. Sometimes you just wanted to spend time with them and have fun.

Moving on is a long process for me and realizing that “he’s the one who got away” is so frustrating until now. Oftentimes, I’d like to believe that destiny is playing a joke on me. Memories and series of events in past my randomly lingers on my mind. Fate has its own way of teasing me. I don’t want to go into details but the world is too small for us.

I know that I need an outlet and that’s traveling.  

Up next: Playing hide and seek in Argao!


Laag 17: Baluarte Heritage Park & Bojo River Cruise

19 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by in cebu south, cebu tourist spot, choose philippines, destinations, featured article, heritage, heritage landmark, Philippines, tourist spot, tourist spot cebu, Travel, travel adventure with, travel story

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As promised, here’s the re-modified post of Baluarte Heritage Park in Aloguinsan.

Since Manong Edgar can’t make it to the Bojo River Tour in Aloguinsan, I asked my childhood friend Alexis to join me going to Aloguinsan.

In our searched for decent place where we can ate for lunch, I’ve noticed the park right behind their municipal hall. I told Alexis that we should check out the park before going to the resort.

After eating our brunch (bread and ice tea), we went back to the place where municipal hall was located. A PHP 10 entrance fee is collected upon entering the park.

The Baluarte Heritage Park is situated above sea level. You’ll see a panoramic view of the sea and town of Aloguinsan from the cliff. Also, you can see the ruins of the Baluarte or watchtower that was made during the Spanish era in the Philippines.

The park is well maintained and even finds couple of locals who were busy cutting grasses and sweeping the whole area. I asked one of them to take our pictures, but he ignored us and continued what he was doing without even saying a word. Maybe they are not allowed to entertain the tourist while they are at work. I understand though.

We continue to roam around and took some pictures then leave the park.

Aside from the visit to their heritage park, the popular tourist destination in this sleepy town is the Bojor River.

The Bojor River lies between the islands of Cebu and Negros and it empties into the Tanon Straight. Part of the eco-tourism of this town, local government offers Bojor River tour for only PHP 600 per person for a minimum of four. Before you’ll react that it’s expensive, allow me to explain that your PHP 600 pesos already includes welcome drinks, snacks, lunch and river cruise with tour guide. Plus, there will be a lecture on Mangrove Ecology, Bird Wildlife, Folklore and history during the entire river cruise. Proceeds of this river cruise will go directly to the funds for the community basic services and river protection at the same time this will serve as an extra income for the locals aside from fishing as their main source of income.

The duration of the entire river cruise is three hours and its scheduled daily however, this will depend on the tide. It’s best that you’ll coordinate with their municipal officer and make reservations.

To arrange your Bojo River tour, you’ll need to call their municipal office at (032) 469-9312 or (032) 469-5604. They also have a website at www.aloguinsan.gov.ph

You may also visit the town directly and avail the Bojo River Tour for only PHP 300, but it does not include your lunch and other things that are included on the PHP 600 package.

Alexis and I didn’t take advantage this river cruise but we will on some other time.

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