CEBU TRAVEL DIARY 2016

I just knew I'd come back for Cebu.

I got an invitation from my friend, Ate EJ to join her and the rest of Gensan based friends to celebrate her birthday week in Cebu which coincided with the famed Sinulog Festival. I gamely said yes, waited for my 13th month pay and booked a ticket!

I was anticipating for this trip, not only for the destination but for the journey itself. My travel buddies will be flying from Gensan while I'm the only one from Davao. They were expected to arrive first in Cebu while I was to follow. Hence, this became my first solo flight.

Traveling solo has always been on my mind. It is something that genuinely appeals to me, something that I could see myself doing (more) in the future. I'm used to doing things alone so why not take the level of independence a notch higher? I think I owe it to myself to get out of my comfort zone and see how I'd fare in the real world far from home. Wehhhhhh.

I decided that I'll explore the city the way locals do. I researched the cheapest way to get to Cebu City from Mactan International Airport and thru local commute. Taxi? What taxi? Hahaha. 

I found this blog article from Bisdak Explorer very helpful: Mactan Airport - Cebu City Route For Only P26.00  It served as my game plan.

Upon arriving at Mactan International Airport, the journey to Cebu City by local commute begins with you looking for this yellow multicab (with code 05A) :

Take note that from the Arrival Area, you have to cross to the front building to get to the Departure Area, get out of the door and from there turn left. My mistake was I began looking for this multicab outside of the Arrival Area since cars were lining up there. How fantastic!

The next destination was Marina Mall. The first few hints of fear were starting to hit me since I'm not sure where exactly to be dropped off. Apparently a lot of the passengers (who were mostly airport staff who just ended their shift) were alighting off in Marina Mall. Also, I saw the Starbucks and Island Souvenirs shop that were pictured in Bisdak Explorer's blog. That was the tell-sign and I figured: I'm on the right track baby, I was born this way. Hahaha.

Basically, I just asked for directions and what jeepney to ride afterwards. I am Bisaya anyway so no language barrier whatsoever with the locals.

Two things I have realized:

(1) First, you have to possess this "I'm-A-Smart-Aleck" vibe but with the right mix of "I-Need-Your-Help" vibe. You know what I mean? You have to carry yourself well and look smart but at the same time prepare to look stupid especially when the moment comes that you realize that you're riding the wrong jeepney the entire time. Haha. But just shrug it off. The mistakes are part of the fun and that's when you learn and duh, nobody knows you anyway.

(2) And second, choose carefully who to ask for directions. Don't just ask anyone you see on the street. At one point I asked the school children because I figure kids don't lie. Or I asked the people in office uniforms who are on their way home from work. That person could've been me in my hometown.

I managed to get to Ayala Terraces for P33.00. It could've been P26.00 only as what the blog post suggested but I had one wrong sakay so that's plus P7.00! Hahaha

I had dinner, did window shopping (H&M!!!) and decided to kill time and people-watch at Seattle's Best. I needed to rest my aching shoulders too. #BackpackerFeels pa kasi more! Hahaha. Thank you Shaira and Dyna for lending the backpack. :)

But the day didn't end there. I had to get myself to Holiday Spa Hotel in Banilad where I am supposed to meet my friends and where we were booked for our entire stay. I rode the Talamban-Colon jeep as what Google Maps suggested while I was researching at the cafe.

As I was riding the jeep and looking outside the window, I just felt I'm not on the right track baby. I asked the girl sitting beside me and she wasn't sure herself but as far as she knew, I'm doomed. Joke. She tip that I get off the jeep and pointed the direction that's leading to Banilad.

I got off the jeepney and started to walk, a very, very long walk to say. At that point, I admit I was beginning to feel frustrated. My back was really tired with the heavy backpack and so are my feet. I was so close to hailing a cab. But I said to myself "this is my choice, I wanted this". Adventure pala ha? 

Looking back, I don't even know how I made it. Not to brag or anything but I had no GPS with me and my mobile has no Data Internet, I live on wi-fi at home or in cafes.

Or well, maybe it's because it's my second time in the city anyway, so a few places looked familiar and again, the no language barrier situation helped.

When I was sure I was heading to the right direction, I decided to ride the habal-habal (motorcycle). I was very much in the right track, in fact, I was so close already that I could've just walk a few more steps. Sayang yung bente!!!

To finish this story, I made it at the hotel in one piece and all for P60.00! I was sweaty from all the walking and dirty from all the city fumes but happy and accomplished! I actually had my celebratory dance inside the CR. Hahaha :))

I remember feeling a mix of fear and excitement not knowing what's gonna happen next. Am I gonna make it or not? Turned out when I did, the feeling is amazing!

I got to know myself better too. I enjoyed braving the streets alone, asking strangers for directions and just going with my guts which I admit it's not 100% right at all times but I learned to welcome mistakes (there's no one to blame and fight with). Time alone is really the time you build a relationship with yourself and traveling solo is one way of doing it. Baby steps, these are all baby steps for future goals. :)

Anyway, that's only Day 1 of 4! 

I hope you come back reading for the rest. :)

ALIWAGWAG FALLS

When you are living the corporate life, it comes naturally that you look forward to non-working holidays. These are the times you can take ample time to go on trips and relax for an extended time rather than the usual two-day weekend. So last September 25 (it was Eid'l Adha) my office mates and I pushed through with our much anticipated trip to Aliwagwag Falls at Cateel, Davao Oriental.

As you can recall, the province of Davao Oriental was one of the provinces hit hardest by the Typhoon Pablo last December 2012. It was considered the worst storm of 2012. Lives were lost, houses were flown, trees were cut, almost everything was devastated. 

Fast forward to now, while on the way, I can't help but be awed at how resilient the province of Davao Oriental is. You can clearly see the collective rehabilitation efforts. Houses were being rebuilt, roads were being paved and constructed and slowly, the once bald forest is slowly gaining its lushness. The uniformly styled rehabilitation houses were a common sight along the way. Though it may be cute and small, it is a comforting thought to know that the survivors and locals are given decent shelters as they move on from the horrible aftermath of the storm.

Anyhoo, let's move to a more cheerful topic! So, Aliwawag Falls or what is now called the Aliwagwag Falls Eco Park is consistently gaining tourists' attention. In recent times, it has fast become one of Mindanao's must-see tourist attractions. I guess the local government really put in all the efforts to boost the eco-tourism of the province so as to provide livelihood as well to the locals. 

After a three-hour road trip, here it is:
To see this beauty was worth all the dizziness I've felt while on the way! Haha

I've seen countless photos of friends posing in front of the cascading waterfalls, flooding my Facebook Timeline and now, here's my version: 

Aside from taking a swim in the cool mini pools of the falls, you can also try their Zipline, cross the Monkey Bridge (which will consist of trekking up, sure exercise for your legs) or just walk around and enjoy the scenery. We paid P50.00 by the way for the Entrance Fee, no corkage for food if you bring your own. 

Here are a few snippets I took:

I meant it when I said "few snippets". Not that there were only a "few" scenery to take a photo of (there were actually a lot) but it's actually more satisfying just basking in with the nature than stressing myself taking photos and getting a good angle (#feelingbloggerproblems haha). It's the whole point of getting away and relaxing, right? Haha

And here's the whole office team:

Going home, we went the other way (to Mati) and we technically circled Davao Oriental which was a first for me. It was such a fun roadtrip, we were just talking and laughing inside the car. We sighted a few attractions that we hope we can visit like the San Victor Island (dubbed as the Baganga's Island Jewel). Soon! Hopefully. Thank you to everyone who made this trip happen. :)

The trip made me appreciate more our local attractions and yes, truly, I believe we should explore our own backyard first! As they say, "It's More Fun in the Philippines!". And since we are nearing the year end, can't help but be happy that somehow I got to visit new and local places. The free-spirit with an intense wanderlust in me can't help but look forward to the next adventure. ♥

THE PANTRY GIRLS II

Kind of a long overdue post, life was busy-busyhan.

Anyway, this was another dinner out with The Pantry Girls last July 16, Ate Lanie's birthday! We tried out the newly opened TACO LOCO, a Mexican Restaurant at Damosa Market Basket. It was kind of funny when we were deciding where to eat. We suggested options back and forth not knowing that sometimes we overlook what's in our own backyard. Taco Loco is located just right at the back of our office building, something we could just pass by when going home. I couldn't remember who came up with the brilliant idea, but we all agreed and that's where we ended!

And now on to the food..

Taco Loco's tagline is "Authentic Affordable Mexican Food". Anything with the word "affordable" always ring a bell to my cheapskate ears (thank you Ate Lanie for the treat!). My personal pick would be the Pizza Taco Bombs and the Chimichanga (which sounded more like a dance to me than a food haha). Both were something new to our palate.

After which we watched Magic Mike XXL at Abreeza. It's the perfect movie for us all Queens. We enjoyed Channing and Joe (as in). The movie was not just all about Channing's sexy moves, it was also about woman empowerment and women learning to say what they want and asking for what they deserve. It's a fair game too seeing guys be objectified. Haha (Ok, let's not proceed to gender equality issues here). O ha, may moral din yung movie di lang puro katawan. Hahaha

And to cap off the night we tried out Cafe Amoree at Damosa Gateway and conversations just flowed until it was time to go home at around 2 am (Cafe Amoree is open 24-hours). Thank you to Duban Couple for treating us that night. :)

Speaking of birthdays, I had mine last August 3 (I don't know about you but I'm feeling 2-2!). I spent it as well with The Pantry Girls at the pantry. It was a regular work day. I couldn't avail yet of the birthday leave because I'm two days away from my one year anniversary of employment (August 5). I remember blogging last year I was ecstatic having my birthday and my first day of work only two days apart and now, I kind of regret it had to happen in that order. Joke! Hahaha. That would be ungrateful of me to say.

But truthfully, I'm grateful for good friends at work, another year older and another year of employment.
More to come, I pray. :)

EXPLORING SAN REMIGIO, KAPUTIAN, SAMAL!

Presenting, the beautiful shoreline of San Remigio in Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal! 

I had the chance to explore this place last Friday, June 12 along with my college friends (the same group I was with on this trip and this). 

It was a homecoming celebration for our dear friend Pat (first row left most) who came home from Dubai (she's only staying for a month) and a mini reunion of sort as well (we weren't complete). It was lovely seeing each other and bond again together a year after graduation. Thankfully, it was a long holiday and everybody was off with work or school and we all had the chance to spend time at the beach. A year later, nothing's changed! We are still the crazy bunch!!!

San Remigio was suggested by our friend Melvin and it was even included in this 8 beautiful beaches in Davao City list from Rappler.

So first things first, how to get there:

Ride a passenger boat at Sta. Ana Wharf (near Magsaysay Park) that is heading to Kaputian Wharf (boat ride will take approximately 45 minutes to an hour and costs P80.00 per head as of writing). From Kaputian Wharf, ride a habal-habal going to San Remigio (warning: there are A LOT of habal-habal drivers available and get ready when they flock at you. Choose carefully who to entrust your life with.) We paid P60.00 each for the habal-habal ride.

To be honest, the habal-habal ride was far from smooth. Most of the roads weren't concrete and it was a bit of a physical challenge since our food and groceries were hand carried by us (not to mention our personal bags and things). It was a hilly and sloped ride, going up then down (cue in FloRida's song: IT'S GOING DOWN FOR REALLLL) #GDFR Hahaha

There was a point when me and Toni got a little scared of tripping over, good thing our driver was assuring us and later on we just laughed it off. BUT! One thing we learned was that, when going in groups, it is a MUST to wait for each other and really convoy on the way to your destination. We got worried when our friends Kim and Pau were still not at the beach considering that their habal-habal was the first to hit off from the wharf and ours stopped by for gasoline.

Turned out the motorcycle they were riding broke in the middle of the road and they had to change drivers. It made them really scared and us worried because we were in an unfamiliar place, with a complete stranger and cellphone signal was weak. Everything went okay but that was one big lesson we learned: Wait for each other and well, learn to just enjoy the rough ride. :)

San Remigio has a long stretch of white sand beach with a number of beach resorts lined up for your choosing. We opted for Alorro Beach what with it's no entrance fee and a decently fanned room with 3 bunk beds for only P600.00 (all eight of us fit in!). #cheapskatesforever :)))

In our humble observation, the sand were not that fine and it makes walking along the beach kind of a struggle since your feet or slippers gets easily buried. We even joked that it's not an ideal place for lovers to go HHWW (holding hands, while walking) kasi hassle. Hahaha.

But what we love about the place were the corral reefs and the rock formations. It was a perfect place to go snorkeling even for your friends who can only swim in shallow waters. Everyone had the fair chance to enjoy the beauty of the Earth (as we joke it) Haha. 

What I personally liked was that, even if there were lovely spots for snorkeling, there was also a perfect portion for swimming (no corral reefs and sea grass in sight). So no worries if you step on anything (I once stepped on a sea urchin on a beach trip so I'm cautious like that). Haha. You can just freely go swimming which I did and super enjoyed!

On a more personal note, I'm happy I got the confidence and courage to swim in deeper waters. I've done cliff diving a few times and if you jump directly, there's a little reassuring feeling because you know where you are getting at. You jump knowing the waters are already deep. 

But it's another story when you deliberately swim farther and deeper, coming from the shallow portion. There's always that fright (and a little panic) when you swim idly until your feet can't reach the sand bed anymore. But I'm just happy I'm slowly letting go of that inhibition and my swimming skills kind of improved (I'm thankful for all the beach trips lately!). 

Another fun thing we did while in San Remigio was to explore the rock formations located at the left side of the shoreline (if facing the beach).

SURVIVOR CASTAWAYS!!!  Hahaha

The rock formations were stellar, we couldn't resist taking photos! 

I explored the edge part of the coast all by myself. It was a little scary but beautiful! I didn't have a camera with me and the trek was challenging, you have to use both of your hands to not lose balance, so no pictures were taken. But it was still alright. I enjoyed my little "expedition". I saw a little cave-like portion where I just sat and looked at the endless sea. Solitude is luxury. <3

And now, here are some photos for vanity's sake!

(taken by our ever talented photographer Toni) Hihihi

Going back to the city, we took another route. It was a way for us to see other parts of Samal Island. Alorro Beach had a shuttle van (P60.00 per head) that drove us to the bus stop. From there, we rode a City Express bus going to Peñaplata (P35.00). In Peñaplata, we transferred to another bus (there's a short barge trip included and you pay another P35.00) that took us back at Magsaysay.

And now, it begs the question

WHERE TO NEXT????? :)))

THE PANTRY GIRLS

Eating lunch at work or in school , especially if you're a newbie, is just one of the many struggles we face in our daily lives. It may come off as an exaggeration to use the word "struggle" (as if Africa is not suffering from hunger and famine) but we all know there's a hint of awkward truth to it. It's lunch time again and we are faced with little dilemmas...Where to eat? Who to invite? Alone again? I'll sleep nalang...

Or worse, the only option is...

I haven't resorted to eating lunch alone inside a comfort room and I pray that instance will never come. EVER. On days I feel independent, I can deal eating alone. That's a basic part of being a grown up anyway. But I know how it feels (and it sucks) to eat alone at your office desk when everyone else is eating lunch outside and come to think of it, you're sitting at your desk the whole day. (True story) Hahaha.

ANYWAY, the WHOLE POINT OF THIS POST is how I became part of THE PANTRY GIRLS at work. One's circumstances can really change with a simple and friendly invite and mine came from my workmate, Ate Lanie. And kids, that's the shortest version of How I Met The Pantry Girls. :)))

So basically, The Pantry Girls is an established (haha) group of ladies who lunch at the company pantry. We utilize the company pantry to its maximum potential (BE THE BEST!) It is not just an area to wash and store the dishes and to place the gallons of water containers but also AN ACTUAL PLACE TO EAT LUNCH while sharing decent conversations and laughing. Hahaha.

Here's us:

(But ironically, that is NOT the company pantry)

These photos were taken the other Friday when Ma'am Kath treated us for her post birthday celebration. This blog post might also be entitled as "Where To Treat Your Officemates on Your Birthday (Davao City Version)"

But seriously, this is just a friendly suggestion for anyone who wants to have an itinerary for a Friday night after work or just a simple weekend day, with family or with friends and birthdays or not. :)))

• DINNER AT SINUGBOX ( 345 Porras Street cor. Palma Gil Street, Obrero)

If ribs and steak for a lower price is your type, this is a good place to go! It's has this hole in the wall vibe (except it's in the kanto) hahaha. They liked the Tuna and my personal favorite was the ribs with white sauce (Middleweight). We all loved their TOP RANK Juice too!

• DESSERT AT DULCE  VIDA (Torres Street, beside Davao Convention)

We ordered Martha's Favorite (1) , Sam's Bonfire (2), Torta Chocolate (3) and Chocolate Mousse (4). Our top two picks were Martha's Favorite and Chocolate Mousse!

• TEA AT DAYAW COFFEE (Second Flr, Alfresco, SM Lanang)

And lastly, tea and coffe at Dayaw Coffee Shop. It's a 24-hour coffee shop inside SM Lanang. Perfect for the one to sawa chikka marathon! Their nachos were good but nothing can still beat the ones at Kangaroo Coffe Co (Tionko Ave) to be perfectly honest. Hihi.

So again kids, that's how I Met (and Ate With) The Pantry Girls :)))