CEBU TRAVEL DIARY PART III

DAY 3 - Back in the city

As early as 3:45 am, Kuya Juanito already picked us up from where we were staying. We thanked him for it since as we arrived at the port, there were a lot of tourists (2 or 3 buses?) going back to the mainland. The Ro-Ro vessel began sailing at around 4:30am and we were back at the pension house at around 9am.

It was May 3, Sunday and  the Pacquiao vs. Mayweathervfight was on. We wouldn't miss if for the world. We watched the pay per view that comes with a buffet lunch at the Royal Concourse Hotel as suggested by our friendly taxi driver. 

But oh well, we all know how it turned out. (I don't know why I'm smiling in that photo though. Hahaha)

Next stop, CAFE TIALA

Cafe Tiala was such a happy place!!!!! I couldn't emphasize it more with the number of tandang padamdams!!!! It was the perfect way to de-stress from all the underwhelmed feelings we harbored after the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight. We played dress-up, took endless photos, put on cute huge head pieces and just laughed and talked and enjoyed the estrogen-filled place. We were joined by Toni's cousin, JR and his girlfriend, Maida. Yey to meeting new people and trying new places!

We ordered their specialty frappes and boy, the serving was so huge! Normally, people would complain that the size in the menu wouldn't compensate with the actual serving size. But at Cafe Tiala, it was the other way around! The frappe looked small in the menu but huge in actual! Prices range from P140.00 to P179.00.

Our friend Joie was charming enough to the lady Korean owner and we were rewarded with a complimentary pot of tea and toppoki. A genius icebreaker between the customers and the waiter was their WiFi password which I wouldn't spill because it's for you to look forward to if you ever find yourselves at Cafe Tiala (which I hope you will!). We really, genuinely enjoyed our visit! :)

Next stop, LASER TAG AT PARK MALL

We needed to take a break from all the girly hormones at Cafe Tiala so we decided to play laser tag at LaserBlitz in Parkmall. We were divided into two teams: red team (me, Sabb and Joie) and blue team (Toni, JR and Maida). It was so fun! I can now finally understand Barney in HIMYM! Hahaha. I was the highest scorer in our team but that wasn't enough to make the win. Blue won over red team and expectedly, JR (the only guy in the squad) was the highest pointer. Don't worry, not being a sexist here.Haha. Laser tag costs P150.00 (per person) on weekdays and P180.00 on weekends.

NEXT STOP, CAFE RACER

We had our dinner at Cafe Racer Diner which is the winner for the Best Theme Restaurant Award---for me anyway. As in. It's one compound with a "fake" gasoline station that pumps beer instead of real gasoline but has a real carwash, a Herbie converted to a griller, a combi van converted to a cashier station and all the other little details that sticks to their concept which is racing. Food prices were reasonable too!

LAST STOP, Z BAR

Last stop for our last night in Cebu was Zbar at Tinder Box. It was the perfect place to cap off the day and just chill and talk after a long day. The interiors and lighting were mesmerizing! I suggest you order their Kalamansi Slushie only for P50.00 and Banana Berry Smoothie for only P75.00. 

DAY 4

Our flight back home was at 10:30am. We prepared early and took the chance to navigate around the city by feet and to find a place to eat breakfast. We wounded up at Jollibee nearby University of San Carlos and talked over breakfast how this trip transpired and turned out to be awesome. :)

We were picked up by Charlie and we made it just in the nick of time for our flight despite of the heavy traffic (it was a Monday). We were the last to check in but no fuss, we were all able to make it home, as you can see. Haha.

As of writing, it's been over ten days but I recount this trip with such fondness. How it was planned yet at the same time feels so spontaneous. It feels nice to introduce people to each other and be introduced to others as well. I personally feel we made the most of our time and went to so much places worth seeing in Cebu. Though I know there are still so much more! (More reasons to come back).

As what I've posted in Facebook, Cebu has the best of both worlds! One moment I am awed with its towering buildings, posh malls and fancy cafes and the next, I find myself just as awed, riding habal-habal and exploring caves, a huge lake and beaches.

I know I've dispensed a few unsolicited travelling advice and tips but what I learned most importantly is: wherever you are, be fearless and just figure it out because you can! A plan and research will definitely come in handy, but always, always make room for spontaneity!

THAT ONE THING YOU SAID YOU WANT TO DO? JUST DO IT.

HERE'S TO SAVING AND MORE ADVENTURES!

CEBU 2015 TRAVEL DIARY PART II

DAY 2 - Camotes Island

Day 2 was spent at Camotes Island with Sabb while Toni stayed in the city. Cebu is known not only for lechon and world-class furniture but also for amazing beaches and natural tourist spots. So Sabb and I really made sure to go to a beach as part of our four-day sojourn. We first planned to go to Bantayan (Joie even had a prepared itinerary for us) but it was way up north of Cebu and the travel duration would consume much of our precious time. 

We opted for Camotes Island instead, heeding Joie's recommendation since a week or two before, she was there with her office mates and the approximate time for travel was only 3 hours from where we were staying. And no regrets! Joie still had the contact number of the driver that toured them around. She contacted him, made arrangements and voila, Sabb and I are on our way to Camotes! 

 BUT FIRST: 

A LITTLE HOW TO GET TO CAMOTES ISLAND FROM DOWNTOWN CEBU GUIDE:
(for commuters)

• From Robe's Pension House we rode a taxi cab going to Cebu North Bus Terminal. It was a good thing that GrabTaxi is still on promo in Cebu! P50.00 off plus the P10.00 less on flag down. [as of writing]

• Look for the bus bound to Danao Port. Bus ride will take at least 45 minutes. (Tip: Danao Port is right in front of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church)

• When we arrived at Danao Port we were welcomed with two ticketing booths. Buy tickets at the ticketing booth second from the gate which was Jomallia Shipping (not the first one, just like what me and Sabb almost did haha). The ticketing guy at the first booth asked us where we were heading, we answered: "Camotes Island" and he replied with: "Day, dako kaayo ang Camotes Island, asa sa Camotes Island,? Sa Poro? sa San Francisco?" (Girl, Camotes Island is so big. Where in Camotes Island? In Poro? In San Francisco?) Turned out the magic word was "Consuelo Port". Needless to say, you board in Danao Port and you dock in Consuelo Port when going to Camotes Island (the tourist spot part) and vice versa. That was one little detail we forgot to research or ask our friend Joie. Lesson learned!

•  The Ro-Ro Vessel has a Tourist Class (P200.00) and Economy Class (P180.00). We opted for the Tourist Class what with its only P20 peso difference. It's air conditioned and has comfy reclining chairs and it was such as smooth sailing trip! (Will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours)

• Going back to the city, instead of riding the bus, we rode a jeepney. It will stop at SM City Cebu and from there we took a cab going back to Robe's.

Once we stepped out of the vessel and walked at the arrival area of the port, we were greeted by Kuya Juanito, the habal-habal driver. We knew it was him because he was holding a placard with our names! He drove us at Santiago Bay, a public beach with (obviously) no entrance fee and we had our lunch over there. 

After lunch, our Camotes Island adventure began!

THE AWESOME PLACES WE VISITED WERE:

• Paraiso Cave - It's an underground cave with a small pool at the end of it where you can swim at the pristine water. The vibe was kind of divine (in a good way). I couldn't resist swimming and floating because the water was so clear!
• Timubo Cave - This was the second stop but we didn't take that much photos or the quality was not that good anyway. It was more crowded there and the way down was longer and I gotta say that it kind of stink of pee underground what with the number of tourists and the cold temperature. But the rock formation was stellar and the part where you can swim is bigger compared to Paraiso Cave. I was right with the divine vibe because at this particular cave, there was a Mother Mary Statue.

 Baywalk in San Francisco, California - Kuya Juanito dropped us here for a quick photo op.

Buho Rock, Poro -This was my favorite part since I got to cliff dive twice! But only with the 10 feet plank not the 40 feet. Once you reach one goal, you'd find out there's another better! Anyway, the trek down the steep stairs was tiring. Sabb and I even thought that it's not a good idea to bring our Moms if ever there's a next time. Hahaha. But we enjoyed it! There were also a bunch of Korean tourists and we were cheering scaring whoever it was brave enough to jump. 

Lake Danao - Such a vast lake with an amazing view! Activities offered at Lake Danao are boating and kayaking. Sabb and I were kind of tired from the long habal habal ride (our butts hurt) and I was kind of tired too since cliff diving and swimming took most of my energy. Baka pag nag-kayaking kami di na kami makabalik! Hahaha. So we enjoyed instead eating the P10.00 salbaro and P5.00 buko gulaman. There's a pool too nearby so after the kayaking, everyone can enjoy and opt for swimming.

We capped the day off back at the public beach and witnessed the sunset.You'll be amazed how low tide it is at Camotes Island. It's like a one big soccer field by afternoon down to night time and yet by morning it will be filled with ocean water. You really can't help but marvel at God's amazing creations.

As for our accommodation that night, tourists were flocking and it was peak season so tents for rent were scarce. We were lucky enough that a middle aged couple showed a little concern towards us and allowed us to sleep at their residence for the night but with pay of course (P500.00). A bit more pricey from our first option which was to rent a tent for only P350.00 but the bright side was that we were able to charge our phones and it was safer to deposit our things that's why we had enough time to stroll at the beach after dinner without worrying over our belongings. Fresh sheets and well-ventilated room too! But when going, it's better to make your reservations a week prior especially when peak season. Wag niyo kaming gayahin! Hahaha.

If you ever find yourself going to Camotes, fire me an email and I'll give you Kuya Juanito's number! We paid him P1,000.00 for the whole afternoon drive around Camotes (not to mention, him guarding our belongings) and the additional P200.00 fee was for the picking up back and forth Consuelo Port.

Do not be daunted with the habal habal fee! The entrance fee for Paraiso Cave, Timubo Cave, Lake Danao and Buho Rock will only range from P10.00 to P25.00 (as of writing). I suggest you take a handy sling bag with you and prepare coins so as to prevent you from the hassle of fishing money from your bag. The public beach has no entrance fee and you can rent tents for as low as P300.00 - P350.00 and the food available will cost you around P80.00 per viand but serving is good for sharing already (at least for two).

I enjoyed most was actually the habal-habal ride! Rain or shine, 4 in the afternoon or 4 in the morning, the awesome feeling of being on speed was just exhilarating! I felt so free! Naks. The roads are paved so it was really perfect to go cruisin' and just put your hands up and feel infinite. Though as I mentioned above, our butts hurt later on. Hahaha.

No regrets we deviated from our original plan and opted for Camotes Island instead. (But the dream to go to Bantayan is still very much in the pipeline!) I mean with the limited amount of time we had, we were able to tour around caves, beaches, cliffs and a giant lake! And we were back in the city the next day just in time!

Day 3 of #CebuPak Chronicles next!

CEBU 2015 TRAVEL DIARY

"We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us."

I'm still on a high from last long weekend's travel. 

Destination: CEBU!

It started back in February when my friend Sabb texted me out of the blue that there's an airfare promo ongoing and it would be perfect to plan a vacation for Labor Day and the weekend to follow. I wasn't much prepared, financially the least, but it was also that time that I discovered Trisha Velarmino's blog (P.S I'm On My Way). I would check it out during lunch breaks and everytime, the wanderlust in me would just soar up and I would wish I was somewhere else rather than in my office desk. Hahaha. 

So I decided, why not? I have two months to save! But it wasn't an easy ordeal. In the two months, I would sometimes berate myself thinking that booking an airfare ticket randomly was an act of sheer impulse. I know it's only Cebu not a European Tour or the U.S.A. Hahaha. But the fact still remains that this is my decision and there's no one to finance myself except me. So there were weekends spent at home and not spending on anything unnecessary no matter how badly I wanted to reward myself with a few material possessions. 

MY MANTRA WAS:

 Don't give up what you WANT MOST for WHAT YOU WANT NOW.

What I wanted most was to satiate my wanderlust but sometimes I would want at the moment a few things to temporarily gratify the stress I would feel. Which is a wrong mindset.

But the upside is, having a goal (a travel goal that is) keeps you motivated. Instead of thinking of wanderlust as a distraction for work or your day job, think of it rather as an inspiration to actually focus and get the job done. You know all your hard earned money will be spent worthily.

Anyhoo, to make it even more special, my college best friend Toni decided to join us a week prior the trip! Truly, it's never about the destination, it's about the company!

 So Cebu, off we go!

DAY 1

CEBU CREW L-R: Sabb, Toni and Me

We were very lucky Toni had a contact in Cebu in the person of Charlie (who was Toni's cousin's special friend). He picked us at the airport and drove us around the city. (Salamat kaayo Charlie!) We stayed at Robe's Pension House by Sabb's recommendation. They have the cheapest room rates! Only for P800 - P900 per night and you get a decent fully-air conditioned room with WiFi and location wise as I observed, we were only a few short drives away from notable landmarks such as University of San Carlos, Crown Regency Hotel and Ayala Mall.

We had late lunch at Casa Verde at their Cebu IT Park Branch. It was recommended to me mostly by my office mates who go frequently to Cebu. It was a must-try indeed! Thumbs up for the ribs and their generous serving.

Afterwards, we had an afternoon stroll around Cebu IT Park and went to Ayala Mall. We can't help but look up around Cebu's towering buildings! We don't have that in Gensan and only a few in Davao.

Next stop was La Vie Parisienne! How we loved this place! The fancy lights, the cool interiors, the amazing lighting chairs that changes colors, the Instagram famous wine cellar and best of all, their P10.00 cookie! I didn't like much their macaroons though, I still prefer the ones in French Baker. But their croissant! Heavenly. It was also there we met Joie, Sabb's highschool friend who is now based in Cebu. She treated us with a bottle wine. Now that's a good first impression! Hahaha.

Photo by: Toni Rose Romero

And the last stop for our first day was Tops Lookout in Busay. The way up there was one heck of a ride! The ones that make you pray for your life! Exagg. Hahaha. But it was worth it as expected. You get to see the whole of Cebu in all its breathtaking glory. Just take note there's a P100.00 entrance fee per person. It was lovely at night and I think it's still as lovely by daytime.

The design! Reminded me much of Game of Thrones though. Tops Lookout was one of those places that made me say to myself "I'll be going back" and I'm not yet even leaving. No actually, Cebu made me feel that way. :)

I'll be sharing Day 2 which was spent in Camotes Island!

MATI NA MATI BAI!

WARNING: Gets niyo yung pun ng blog post title ko? MATI NA, MATI BAI as in derived from Matira Matibay...Hahahahaha! Ang #punny at witty ko, grabe! #aynagexplain (Joke! Korny ko na..huhuhu)

ANYWAY (I'm so annoying) ....talk about spontaneous!

It was "Araw ng Dabaw" last Monday and there I was lying in my bed and enjoying the non-working holiday when my friend Wesly messaged me that she and his boyfriend Melton decided to go to Mati that day. Shameless me, I volunteered to tag along! Hahaha. It's been long time no beach and I've always been curios about Mati. Fantastically the day after, March 17 was declared a non-working holiday too! It was for "Araw ng Pasasalamat". Haaaay, pasalamat talaga! :)

In no time, they were outside my house and off to the road we go! I must say the road to Mati was dizzying what with its winding roads. I got a little car sick. But it was bearable because the view is amazing! We even stopped by the road and had our pictures taken at the "Sleeping Dinosaur" (see photo no. 3)

Our main goal was to reach Dahican (thank heavens for Waze!). It's a known surfing spot and summer destination here in Davao. Expectedly, the first thing we did when we arrived at the beach was to take pictures! It reminded me very much of Gumasa what with its long strip of shore and the way it is shaped. Although the sand in Gumasa is much whiter and the waves are calmer. Or maybe my choice of comparison is just too limited since honestly, I've only been to few beaches. (To go to more beaches, is always on the bucket list!)

Since I was third-wheeling, I gave the lovebirds ample time together and went for a solitary long walk along the shore and had my own muni-muni moments and was thinking what to put here in my blog about this trip. Haha. There were random cartwheel-ing too along the way! :)

Anyway, we didn't try surfing since the waves' current is too strong and it's not the surfing season. (Hanggang pose lang kami with the surf boards, feeling TEEN'S CHOICE AWARDS. Hehehe).

The locals said that the ideal season for surfing (or they call it long board) is on Octobers. I tried to Skim instead and charmed the local to let me try at least twice. *wink* Surfing lessons rate is Php 300.00 while Skim Board lessons rate is Php 150.00.

Highlight of our trip was when we witnessed the sunrise and tried our best to swim and braved the waves. Ang lakas talaga ng alon, I almost drowned twice. Pero almost lang. There's something with the soft sand na pag-apak mo ng isang hakbang, malalim na pala. But we all tried to enjoy it, later on we learned to "ride" with the waves and just laughed at ourselves with all our struggles.

As for cheapskate matters, there's no entrance fee! We set up our own tent and we just paid for the table and parking space for a total of P 150.00! Cheapskate approved! (Thank you lovebirds!)

I love how spontaneous trips like this can nourish the soul. :) It can make you appreciate the simple things in life like sleeping with the stars literally above your head, or how the locals were so friendly or how the waves serenely lull you to sleep and calmly wake you up in the morning. Haay, beach life. My inner beachy-care-free-spirit was awakened. Naks.

I'm daydreaming of Siargao next!