Cebu, the second time around

Just two weeks after our CDO trip, we were again on an airplane in yet another trip. D's friends might have noticed my sadness that they are always inviting us to join their adventures. Or the coincidence was just too perfect.

This time, we travelled to the Queen City of the South. We've actually been here during our anniversary trip on July 2012 but we only get to travel the city. Now, we also went to the provinces. Yay!

Look at Cebu from above.

D and I actually joined an arranged family tour - meaning we were outsiders. It's ok because we know everyone from their family. It's more ok because we have organizers (complete with standby transport) because we were travelling with kids and senior citizens. Yay again!

Ohh my mood also was better here.

Our first stop was the Taoist Temple. It sort of look like some temple we went to in China. You will have to climb a flight of stairs. Don't worry, it's just a little and the view will be worth it.

After that, we went to see Magellan's Cross. We get to role play as the tour guides here since we've seen this before.

Just right across it is Basilica del Santo Nino. It was still beautiful even after the strong earthquake that rattled it a few years ago.

We drove a few meters to the historic Fort San Pedro after.

Hep hep hep! Another effortless jumpshot from my love. I call it I-check-kung-may-jebs-ang-shoes jumpshot. Nice eh?

We grabbed a quick lunch and then we continued to travel outside the city. After a few hours, we reached Simala Church. The church was really picturesque, I tell you.

We continued travelling until we reach our destination which was Oslob, Cebu. We arrived at MB's Sunrise View Resort at around 4pm, rested for a little bit and then went to the cafeteria overlooking the beach for an amazing dinner.

Early the next morning, we went directly to Whaleshark Watching after breakfast. Our guide told us that it's better to do it early in the morning because that's the waking and feeding time of the sharks so there will be a lot of them around and it will not be too hot.

I was a little bit worried because it was raining the night before our activity. Look at the undecided clouds here. Fortunately, it was all sunny when it's time for our dip.

I was amazed that Oslob now has a hall where people will get oriented about the do's and don'ts of whaleshark watching. I heard that the activity here is not properly monitored by the authorities which can lead to the endangerment of the sharks.

Most of the rules here were self-explanatory. What I did not expect was that you are not allowed to wear sunblock. They said it's because the chemicals in the sunblock might harm the sharks. I had to go to the bathroom to take off mine. 

But I think they still need to monitor their boatmen more. I saw some of them that were still swimming on the No Swim Area. Also, they were using some sort of alamang/shrimp to lure the sharks. If I'm not mistaken, and based on what I heard from Byahe Ni Drew, people are not supposed to feed the sharks with anything. They are there in the area because of the abundance of planktons, their natural food. In the case of Oslob, they are there also because of the food given by the boatmen. And believe me when I say that there are plenty of sharks there because of that. In the 30 minutes that we snorkelled in the area, I was able to see not less than 5 Butandings. Look at this one in our picture below, it was one of the biggest.

I wished I had a GoPro. We just rented a cheap action cam from the resort, thus the low quality picture. I think I might get one now. But still, nothing can compare to personal encounters.

This was also where D decided we need ocean bags. He and his friend got matching bags. Duh.

After that, we rode another boat to Sumilon Island. This island is famous for Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort. Most parts of the island is private but people can still experience the island through some open spots. Since there were a lot of people on the beach, we trekked a little to reach a quiet spot. So beautiful, look!

We found this rock that I thought was perfect for D's jumpshots! My favorite picture from the trip. Look!

The ocean looks peaceful no? But it's not. This happened after I took the shot. 

We were supposed to stay another night at MB's but since we still have the whole afternoon we decided to travel further and spend the night at Moalboal.

We reached our next destination, the Kawasan Falls at around 3pm. We walked for 20 minutes to reach this falls. The falls look magnificent from this shot but I was actually disgusted with the area. They built establishments very near the falls which causes the falls to be a trash basin. Good thing was that I've seen people picking up trash. But still, it would be better if the falls was preserved in its natural state.

Back to the experience, I was too chicken to try canyoneering there. You know that activity where you get to jump to a series of falls? I don't think I can jump from this falls. Hehe. But! But I was brave enough to be under that falls. Yes! We rode that raft.

I was actually afraid that my contact lens might fall off due to the impact so my eyes were closed the whole time.

This was our first pose upon approaching the falls. Our boatmen arranged us this way, the one willing to be under the falls should be on the farthest right. D, being the only man in the group, volunteered so I'm obviously second. To which I deeply regret because the water impact was so painful. I actually wished for it to be over. Oh well, I do not enjoy hard massages so maybe that's why I hate it.

They made us sit after which was still painful. I got to pose a little though. D said he was also hurt but he looked ok considering that he can still do his signature pose. Haha

After changing into some dry clothes, we went ahead to look for a church since it's a Sunday and someone from the group was celebrating his birthday. Unfortunately, the mass just ended so we went straight to the Balay Abba after buying some food and a cake.

The next morning, I saw this picture opportunity. I posted it in Instagram with a song as caption. Exactly my thoughts.

He is with you when your faith is dead and you can't even get out of bed...

The boat that took us to Moalboal tour docked right in front of the resort. They were late but we didn't mind. With this view? Oh c'mon.

The tour includes the following:

1. Pescador Island Tour - this is, by far, the scariest snorkeling I ever did. We docked in a very challenging part of the island. On one side of the boat, the water was in normal depth. I'm ok here. I get to see Nemo, Dory and friends. There's a lot of beautiful corals but I think the one in Puerto Galera is still more beautiful. My friends said I should see Apo Reef. The other side of the boat though, was a different story. From here, I saw the deep ocean. Half of the boat's rigger was on the deep part. After the group of corals, there's nothing but the deep blue nothingness of the ocean. Super scary! But the kids who were manning our boat, apparently, were not scared. They were swimming along us without their vests and they were jumping on the corals and going under it. Tsktsk

2. Turtle Watching - didn't happen. No turtles that day.

3. Sardines Run - again, another scary dive. The water was so deep! At first I had a hard time finding the sardines since the water was so blurred because of the current. But as my eyes focused, I saw them! They were indeed running. Remember those school of fishes from Finding Nemo? It's like that! I just wish they were colorful. Hehe

4. Dolphin Watching - they were supposed to swim with the boat as we were travelling but since the current is strong they must have hid.

At around lunch time, we were again travelling back to Cebu proper. Our packaged tour now has ended and we will be splurging on a better resort for our last night. The group was supposed to pick the more pricey Plantation Bay but we were not sure of the itinerary so we picked Costabella Resort instead.

The resort was beautiful. Upon checking in, we just changed into wet suits and dive in to the pool. The pool was surprisingly warm and they provided beach towels. Yay!

We took some pictures first. Here's D before hitting the pool.

And a few seconds after. Haha

After a very expensive dinner at one of the resort's restaurant (there's two!), we decided to check the beach and have a few drinks. We called it a night after.

Early the next morning, D and I checked the beach. Look at this amazing cabanas. You can request for mattresses here.

The resort's beach was not that breath-taking. A little bit disappointing if you ask me. They barricaded it with break water structures, maybe to stop the current. And the sand was not that impressive also.

But you can still get a proper picture.

The resort was very good overall. The rooms were nice. There's a bath tub. The TV has cable. The beds were comfortable. The security was tight. The food was nice though pricey. And most of all, there's Pokestops! Hahaha!

After checking out around lunch time, there's no more good story to tell since we were going home by then. We were just picked up by the tour organizer, took us for a quick pasalubong shopping and dropped us at the airport. 

Ohh at the airport, we got to try Zubochon's famous lechon. We were so eager to try lechon all throughout the tour but we never had the chance. Good thing there's one at the airport. I tried one of the combo meals but bleh didn't like it. Our friends, since they were a big family, got the one kilo pack and it was more delicious! I wonder why.

Take-aways:

1. The accommodations that was prepared for us in the packaged tour was not that great. Noticed that I did not review them above? They were just regular rooms, nothing extravagant. That was ok for me. Remember, I mentioned in my previous post that you should opt for a cheaper room if you will not stay in the hotel for long? We applied it here. I was just disappointed because we paid 4200 pesos per head in this tour. I thought that we get to have better rooms. You know, where water will not be cutoff and there's light in the bathroom. Basic things.

2. Read blogs before the tour. 

- I might have saved sunblock have I known that it is not allowed during whaleshark watching.

- D could have tried canyoneering have I known that it is not as scary as I thought. I still don't want to try it. Hehe

- I could have bought an underwater action cam have I known that the ones being rented are crappy.

3. If you know that you will go to some churches or temples, wear something decent. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are definitely a no-no. Basilica Del Sto. Nino provides shawls for free. Simala Church has shawls for rent.

Next time, Malapascua and Bantayan.


Better than better in time,
Yosh

Revisiting Mindanao

Hi.

I cannot believe that in a span of four months after my last post, too many things has happened. Just when I thought that I already experienced most of the cruel things in the world, the universe gave me a little bit more. And yes, I was/am depressed.

Maybe we can say that I'm better now. Enough for me to write about my recent trips but not enough to write about what I'm going through. Though I know that no one who actually knows me reads this blog, I still cannot make myself tell the story. I am still afraid to receive a sympathy hug from someone who I'm not sure truly cares about me, thus, the deactivated Facebook account. I told myself that I will only bring that social media up again when something good happens to me. Oh well, it's still down so obviously nothing grand is happening.

Anyway, that is not what I want you to read today. Remember when I wrote about what keeps me afloat when I'm sad? The obvious answer is ice cream! The second best would be travelling. Sometimes, I choose to just curl up in a fetal position in my bed while listening to sappy music. Well, I've done that but my vacation is just too long that even I myself believe that I need to get out. So when D's friends invited us to join them in their tour, we said yes instantly.

So during that August holiday, we flew to Mindanao. The trip was a multi-province escapade - Cagayan De Oro, Camiguin and Bukidnon. We've been here before but things might have changed so we decided to still join.

The itinerary we used was almost patterned to our trip before so I will not go into details anymore. If you wanna know more, just go through my posts before. Link below:
Camiguin Day 1: Getting there
Camiguin Day 2: Camiguin in a day
CDO White Water Rafting (Beginner's Course)
Bukidnon Adventure

So on a raining Saturday morning, we left Manila. It was raining hard so we were thankful that the flight was not cancelled.

Just like our previous trip, we went straight to Camiguin after we landed from Laguindingan Airport. D and I were expecting to reach Camiguin late in the afternoon but we were in luck that day because our group managed to get someone to drive us directly to Balingoan port. From the airport, our group of 6 rode the shuttle going to Agora Mall where there are transpo that can take us to Balingoan port. Fortunately, the driver of the shuttle heard us talking and he offered to take us straight to the port for an extra 300 pesos per head. I instantly smiled because that would be very convenient for us. From Balingoan port, we rode a Ro-ro to Benoni port which is the gateway to Camiguin.

After an hour of slow Ro-ro ride, we reached Camiguin around lunch time. Imagine all that convenience? We were supposed to tour the island the next day but since we were there early, we went ahead and hire a multicab to tour us around.

Our first destination was lunch at J&A Fishpen. Just like before, our orders arrived very very late and the food was just so-so. We also changed into our swimming attires here since the tour will be full of dipping in the water. We just left our things inside the multicab.

Next was Tuasan falls. This was not in our previous tour because we went to Katibawasan falls instead. IMO, the latter is better.

Then the Old Church Ruins. Progress happened to this place. For one, this sign was not here before. Then the cross was transferred to a different location and there were stands for candle lighting already. The kids also caught up with the technology since they now know how to operate iPhones. It's so amazing how they taught us vertical panoramic shots. Hahaha!

A tour to Camiguin will not be complete without going to the Sunken Cemetery. I promised myself that when I get back I will go to the cross and not just look at it at a distance. But then, we were in a hurry so no closer look for me again. Maybe next time. Anyhoo, see that small boats below? They went to see the cemetery under the sea. Argh so inggit!

We also took a dip in the Sto. Nino Cold Spring which was still super cold.
We just passed by the Soda Swimming Pool because I told them that there's nothing special in that pool. The water do not actually tastes like soda. They just sizzle a little, that's all. Hehe.
We also did not climb the Walkway to the Old Volcano anymore.

I was looking forward to ending the night in Ardent Hibok-hibok Hot Spring since this was my favorite spot in Camiguin. Unfortunately, there's no water in the spring then. The locals said it was due to La Nina. Or shouldn't that be El Nino? Anyhoo, the place was a sad sight!

We went to our resort after the tour. Bahay-Bakasyunan sa Camiguin was a little bit depressing to look at at night. I think a little mood light can do wonders. Their food was good, their pool was warm even at night, the staff were friendly so I guess the resort is ok. I just wish I was able to stay there longer so I can give better reviews.

The resort during day light was more beautiful.

We waited for breakfast in the hammocks by the beach.

After a plate of meal, we rented a motorella to take us to the White Beach. Another change, resorts do not organize boat trips now to the sand bar. This is now centralized. You need to get to the area now, pay for the environmental fee and rent a boat. Upon going back, you just tell the dispatcher in the island your boat number and they will radio your boat from the other side. If the boat is still on the other side (like what happened to us), another boat can take you back.

The White Beach is still as magnificent as before. The sand in the bar is still indeed very white. We spent an hour in the beach and half of it was used for picture taking only. Haha! I'm just confused with the shape of the sandbar. It was not what I remembered it to look like. Maybe the current changed it. Also, there were little cottages now that sell food. There were also tables and chairs with shades that people can rent.

Look at this picture below. You might think that the sand bar is secluded but nope, there were a lot of people that time. We just walked all the way to the end of the bar to find this spot.

I also get to play with D since he is game with all the poses I want him to do. I got this effortless jumpshot from my friend Gelo. He jumped but it doesn't look like it right? My friend did it better though. Hehe

We travelled back to Cagayan De Oro by lunchtime. We contacted the driver of our shuttle the day before to fetch us. The initial plan was for us to rest in CDO that day and then do the rafting and Bukidnon adventure the next day. But since it was still early we decided to go straight to Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon.

Now, remember that we were not able to stop by the big pineapple in Camp Phillips before because we were just hitching ride? We did it now! Yey!

And again, we conquered the longest zipline in Asia while raining. We did not buy the pictures anymore since I do not feel like it. Eeerr I actually didn't take a lot of pictures in this trip.

We reached our hotel in CDO around dinner time. GC Suites is strategically located in the center of a gimik area. Nice nice! We were supposed to go to a music festival that night because it's fiesta in the CDO but we were so tired! We just went to hear a mass instead.

We were early the next day to do White Water Rafting! I thought I will not be amazed anymore since I already tried it but hell I'm mistaken. I have no pictures now though.

We rode the shuttle back to Laguindingan Airport at the Centrio Mall. It is still at the Capt. Roa entrance of the mall. Price is still at 199 pesos.

So what's my take-away for you in this trip?
1. It is always better to travel in big groups. This trip was easier for us because we were a group of six, unlike before that there's only two of us.
2. Talk to your drivers if they can take you to places. Like in our case, our airport shuttle driver took us straight to Balingoan port instead of just in Agora Mall. He also fetch us from that port to Bukidnon and then back to our hotel in the city. You will have to pay extra but you will be paying for convenience.
3. Anticipate your itinerary. If you think that you will not be staying in the hotel for a long time, might as well book a cheaper accommodation with a decent bed. I found it very impractical that we stayed in a pricey resort in Camiguin and we only get to sleep in it.
4. Wear something long for White Water Rafting unless you want tan lines. I wore rash guard and leggings but I still got it. It will be better to use aqua shoes also but you can always ask your boatman to tie your slippers to the boat.

Better in time,
Yosh

Being a Parent

I credit who I am today to my parents. They are my inspiration in life. If you are thinking that this is a mushy post, you are wrong.

Let's start with my mother.. My mama and I were never close. I cannot remember moments when we share intimate talks or even actions. We were like acquaintances - we never hug, kiss or say ILY. Up until now, we are like that. Sometimes, I get jealous when I see other mothers and daughters who are sweet with each other. Why can't we be like them? But when I think that 'Oh maybe I should initiate and start now?' Then when I look at her I will just erase the thought and think 'Awkward'. I blame it to the way she raised me. Come to think of it, she and my lola are not close either. She might have copied it from her. I also think that maybe we are not close because that's her way of protecting me. She wanted to instill in my mind that I should not be like her, that she needed to be strict to me so I will not get pregnant early. Well, she succeeded - I'm not close to her and I didn't get preggo during my teen years. 

But after all the not so good things I said above, I'm still glad that she's my mother. Her ways of raising me made me strive harder in life. I wanted to do better so my future family will have a better life than me. I will raise my children as my best friends because I do not want them to experience longing for a sweet mother like I do. 

And after all, she is still my mother. She may not worked her ass off to support me but still she contributed to who I am today so I want to thank her. My ways to show it are not sweet either. Lame. But I promise to help her until she lives - I will support her financially, I will send her child to school, I will make her life a tad bit comfortable. I owe it to her. 

Just yesterday, she celebrated her 50th birthday. I wanted to throw her a big birthday bash so she can invite all her friends over. But she wished to have her house renovated instead so I granted her wish and paid for the floor tiles. If that will make her happy, then take my money!

I must admit that there are times I wish for a different mother. But when I think and think it through, I always end up thinking - Then what will become of me? I like who I am now, so nevermind.


My father? Argh can we just not talk about him? I do not have anything good to share about him. Ohh there's one! I said it in my wedding vows.. I promised to find a man that is not like my father because I do not want my children to experience all the pain I felt. BOOM! And nope, after all these time I still cannot forgive him. And don't go telling me that if God can forgive, then why can't I? Jeez I am not God. If only you knew everything.. But out of respect to him, because he is still my father, I will not tell. PLEASE DON'T ASK AGAIN.


Someday, someone will call me his/her parent (I hope). My wish is that he/she will write things better than this for me. I will strive hard for that. Until then, all I can do is prepare. :)


Wish me luck,
Yosh

The best meal of your life

The best meal of my life.. Mejo mahirap to! First and foremost, ang dami pagpipilian. Sa takaw ko ba naman! Hahaha!! 

Ok, I closed my eyes for a few seconds before answering this. What's the best meal of my life ba? I will tell you the first meal na naisip ko ha. 

The best meal of my life was a canned tuna na nilagyan ng egg at umuusok na white rice! Waaaaa bakit?? Sa dinami-dami ng fancy resto, eat-all-you-can buffet at mga fine dining na kinainan ko bakit yung simple at de-lata pa?? 

I honestly do not know the answer. E sa yun ang una ko naisip e. Come to think of it, mukhang may reasons --

1. Super gutom na gutom na gutom na gutom na ako nung time na yun. 

This meal was prepared by my friend Joya nung one-week Baguio Tour ng batch. We stayed in an apartelle na may kitchen. We were 6 in the room, ang diskarte kanya-kanyang luto per room. Since estudyante pa kami noon, wala pa kami budget magfast food everyday. I cannot really remember but I think it's Thursday na that time, we were in Baguio since Monday pa of that week so mejo petsas de peligros na kami nun (meaning wala na pera) so after ng isang nakakapagod na site tour namin derecho kami uwe sa apartelle para magluto. Past lunch na ito. Canned tuna na lang ang nakayanan namin so nilagyan na lang ng egg pamparami. Awww ang sarap! Ewan ko lang kung magaling lang talaga si Joya magluto or gutom na gutom na gutom lang talaga ako. Hahaha!

2. Effort ng kaibigan na ipagluto kami kahit pagod na rin sya. 

Sabi ko nga diba galing kami sa site tour at luto to ni Joya. Kakatats lang!

3. The meal was shared with good friends.

Well, that time, we usually go to Muf's house naman at nagluluto din kami ng food. But first time ko kasi sila makasama ng one week in one house so I felt like we were all taking care of each other. Hang sweet! 

Here's my roommates by the way. Yung nakagray na jacket sa far right yung nagluto ng tuna. Habang kami taga-gayat lang ng sibuyas ganern.

Ang masaya pa, shempre marami rin kami natitikmang food from our 'neighbors' kasi nagluluto din sila. Minsan may inaadopt din kami na boys kasi di sila marunong magluto. #ThoseWereTheHappyDays

E ikaw, what is the best meal of your life?

Missing Baguio,

Yosh