I would say that the best way really to escape the stress brought about by your workplace is to simply get out of it (not thru resigning ha) just to have at least a breather, for you to recharge yourself and be with nature which will surely embrace you wholeheartedly.... (gagastos ka nga lang hihihi)
After almost 1 year since we went to Sagada in Mountain Province, We have decided this time to invade Visayas Region as we believe there's a lot of must-see places that are just waiting to be discovered.
With nearly 4 months of planning, researching and drafting our itinerary and of course booking our flights, everything went smoothly in general. Thanks to Rowena May Gumapac who made everything possible and of course to Marce who booked our flights from manila-cebu-manila....
We took Air Asia Zest bound to Cebu and only spent a little more than P1,300 for our two-way flight from Manila-Cebu-Manila...
February 1, 2014 was the day we are scheduled to take our flight bound to Cebu.. Unfortunately not everyone shared the same flight as Jesly, Joss and May still have work to attend to. So, Lawrence, Marce and I went ahead and took the flight and the rest went on to Cebu the next day...
Day 1:
Welcome to Cebu!
We were greeted by Jesly's friend named George who hosted and sponsored our Hotel accommodation in Cebu. We were supposed to spend our overnight at George's house but unexpected guests came in so He decided to book us a cozy room in a Hotel in Cebu.. He and his girlfriend toured us in Cebu and I was overwhelmed by their warmth and friendly attitude. He also taught us some local dialect that are quite naughty... hihihi Thanks again George! :) I will never forget your generosity :)
Here are some of the pictures that We took when we went to Cebu...
Its a no secret to all of us who may have already visited Cebu that it was not a typical province that thrives solely on tourism. It already has its tall buildings that stand tall within its Cebu Business District and nearby cities like Mactan, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, the streets are as busy as EDSA and Ayala in Makati and to those who love to hang out at night and get some drinks, there are hundreds of resto bars and disco pubs out there that will entice you to get it and get sober.
Day 2: Cebu Day Tour
It was one fine morning when we decided to go around Cebu City and its neighboring Cities while waiting for Jesly, Josona and Rowena May to arrive from Manila by noon. We visited The Cebu Taoist Church and treat ourselves with Cebu's finest delicacies... Here are the following pictures taken by us... :)
Taking of pictures are only allowed outside the Church. The ones taking care of the Church are strictly prohibiting anyone from taking in pictures inside to preserve the sanctity (i guess) of the place..
Then hunger strikes...
We ask around town about a perfect resto to have a hefty lunch and We got in to this place dubbed as the most visited restaurant by popular personalities, like Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Vice President Noli De Castro and other notable politicians and celebrities. And to make sure that it is documented, the owner of the restaurant have them signed the plates given to them and have it hanged inside the walls of the restaurant to (i guess) attract visitors. And it did. The name of the restaurant is STK ta Bay sa Paolito's Seafood House.
The restaurant is located just across Cebu Capitol. just ask around and they will surely walk you through on how to get to this cozy restaurant.
Sutokil is an "accronym" for “SUgba” meaning grilled (can be tuna panga), “TOla” means tinola or fish soup and KILaw for kinilaw. “kinilaw” is raw seafood in vinegar and spices like onions, ginger, well lots of ginger, vinegar or lime juice (actually kalamansi lang pwede na eh).
The picture above is SUgba (grilled tuna panga) then...
Then the picture above is TOwa or tinola (fish soup) and lastly,
KIL for kinilaw. that for me was the most unforgetable dish I've ever tasted. Heaven!
Burp! After that one hefty lunch (which by the way, a bit pricey but worth it) we went back straight to our hotel to prep up as the other 3 friends are about to arrive from Manila.
Road to Dumaguete, Negros Oriental from Cebu:
After meeting with 3 other friends, we went straight to Southbound Bus Terminal in Cebu which by the way can be reached via taxi or public transportation. From Southbound Bus Terminal, we took Ceres bus bound for Dumaguete. Fare from Cebu City to Lilo-an is a little more than 180 pesos and travel time takes around 3 or 4 hours.
From Lilo-an ferry terminal (where we had our short and sweet break) then the bus that took us to the port got inside a big boat bound for Sibulan Pier. Fare is 60 pesos i think however we only paid 25 pesos and travel time takes about 20 minutes or less.
Joke has it that if you are from the Southern part of Cebu and would like to go to the closest mall, Dumaguete is way to go as it is much closer if you're from the south rather than going back to Cebu City where it will take 3 to 4 hours of travel.
Welcome to Dumaguete City!
It was around 8 or 9pm when we reached Dumaguete. We found this Pension House called Pamela's Pension House located in Barangay Tubod, 15 minutes away from Hayahay bar and restaurant where you can chill, relax and unwind.
Day 3: Dumaguete City Day Tour
People of Dumaguete showed us a City embraced with much love and care from mother nature and its people. You can see big trees, when i said big trees im talking about trees that are hundreds of years old that you can see along the highway, specially in its plaza, clean and green streets and lovely sunny day help us appreciate what other things Dumaguete has to offer. And oh, did i mention that Dumaguete has one of the cleanest wet markets I have ever seen in my entire life? #verytrue!
Dumaguete... conquered.
Welcome to Siquijor!
Siquijor is actually an island province situated in the Visayas region, being the third smallest province in the Philippines, one can travel the entire province the whole day probably. Formerly Isla de Fuego or Island of Fire during Spanish Era, this island promises you a laid back experience you've been wanting to have.
From Dumaguete Port, we rode a RORO ferry that took us almost 2 hours before reaching the island of fire. Fee is P109 (if am not mistaken) travel time would have been shorter if we rode a fastcracft but we were a bit late for the fastcraft as its last voyage took place minutes before we got in to the port. (ugh!)
May i declare that Siquijor Port (Larena Port) is THE cleanest Port I have ever seen in my entire life. Manila Port should learn something from the people of Siquijor. Good job Siquijor for welcoming us with this kind of warmth and love.
The sand may not be as white as Bora, however for those who are not into partying and just want to unwind and feel the embrace of the nature, Siquijor is a "must go".
Day 4: Siquijor Day Tour
Our Itinerary is all set so we decided to wake up early in the morning to catch up how is it like to watch the sun shines the entire island. Our driver, who also served as our guide took us to some of the scenic spots in the island...
Capilay Spring park is located in San Juan, Siquijor. This park offers cold spring pool which is free of charge. Anyone can actually dip in anytime they want. We chose not to as we just took pictures of the place.
Then we went to the famous century old balete tree. This balete tree is over 400 years old already and aside from the tree you can also try fish spa. We just paid a little amount of money for donation...
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| me, maricel, jes, lawrence and may taking pictures while enjoying the fish spa experience |
t'was fun! after enjoying the fish spa, we visited Lazi Chuch in Lazi, Siquijor and convent...
The church and the convent was built in the early 19th century to address the growing population of Catholics in the island province. Adjacent to the church is the convent which was used for rest and recreation of the Friars during Spanish occupation.
I had the chance to get inside the convent that is now served as a school - St. Isadore the farmer Catholic School...
Siquijor is also known for its majestic falls - the famous Cambugahay Falls. Let the following pictures explain how beautiful the falls is.
There were hundreds of pictures taken from this falls alone but had posted few pictures only. We had our lunch at Salagdoong Beach, still in the island province of Siquijor.
Going back to our inn, we had the chance to visit the Island's oldest house. still standing though however no one lives here already...
Siquijor....Conquered.
Back to Cebu
We only stayed in Siquijor for less than 24 hours as we have to go back to Cebu to catch our flight to MNL the next day. Having to visit this island makes me want to stay but reality is calling me back home, so i must follow.
t'was a fun filled out of town trip, nonetheless, thanks to my travel buddies who made this trip into reality. Back to MNL! :)
