These days weren't normal. I got a lot of expectations in my own but my self was not taking actions. I have a subject to focus upon, despite my tiring job, but my brain just don't work well anymore. I have been very washed out. Here is my escape from all the things that's wrestling in my mind.
"It is fine to be committed to work, but our minds need time to recover and our bodies need to move." -Annika Sorensen, Take Stress from Chaos to Calm
Because my soul thirsts for nature...
Let the adventure begin!
Day 1
SIMALA CHURCH
Sibongan, Cebu
Top Pilgrimage Destination. 2-3hours travel from Mactan Cebu International Airport.
I need His Divine Intervention. This is a perfect place for devotion and prayer many people have been talking about, and my mother suggested this so I never wavered to go. I had no idea about Cebu. I had to research places from certain people and bloggers who have already visited there and Simala Church is really one of the lists. It's far from the city but I wouldn't mind because as part of my pleasure, I have to thank Him for allowing me to explore.
I guess offering our deepest pleas makes everyone cry. And all we can do is to trust Him and just PRAY!
Day 2
KAWASAN FALLS
Badian, Cebu
My main target in going to Cebu is to try canyoning the Matutinao River of Badian. Unfortunately, due to recent rainy season, the water was not allowed for the activity. I was more than disappointed of the murkiness of the river. Too bad! We have gone 4 hours of bus ride from Cebu City but this was all we got.
It was drizzling when we arrived at Kawasan falls, but later it stopped. Still, there was no chance to do canyoneering because according to the locals, it will take about 3 days before the water returns to its bluest color. The best time to really try this is during summer! Or at least when dry. Remember that! You wouldn't want to waste your butt aches during the travel.
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| Trail Sign. Now that's the original color of the river! Look at what we missed! |
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| That wide white shore of tiny shells and pebbles... |
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| Tranquil water and this bamboo raft.. Perfect getaway! |
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| Bloody sunset on our way back to the city! |
I met a local guide for canyoneering who offered a lesser rate, by the way. Usual fees range from Php1,500-2,000/head depending on the number of persons per group, but here's a stingy value---Php800/head (group of 3) inclusive of vest, helmet and shoes in case you haven't brought one!!! Add up Php500 for GoPro rental and whoosh! Gear up and get wet! His name is Ryan... ☺ 09161595600
Day 3
City Tour
There are so many spots to visit in Cebu City but we only witnessed a few since I'm not really into city views like shopping malls. What I liked are the old churches which are numerous in this place, even in the middle of modern infrastructures, reminding of the country's sentimental history. Pilgrims would love to see much of them here.
Magellan's Cross
Basilica del Sto. Niño
Fort San Pedro
Tops Sky Garden
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| View of the city |
Taoist Temple
Night Life:
Mango Square
There are many acoustic and disco bars at Mango Square somewhere in Gorordo, including the comedy bar which was of course a funny experience. We just went to observe how Cebuanos come and go, and that Koreans are also everywhere, enjoying the city. But since we're really not those kind of party people, we delighted the rest of our night at a coffee shop instead, to stay alive. It felt fun realizing that they don't have a liquor ban like my hometown, Davao City, so everyone in the street was partying real hard. Dabawenyos as we are, we went to sleep earlier after a cup of coffee than those people. We stayed at Richmond Plaza Hotel in F. Sotto Drive, Gorordo Avenue for Php1,008/room/night. Just so you know!☺ But there are masses of inns, lodges and hotels in Cebu so you wouldn't have a problem finding a comfortable one. I suggest that you must research itineraries and rooms before traveling a place you're not familiar of. Most taxi drivers are not that trustworthy and honest in pricing, as well as in taking you to the shortest way. In spite of that, we're lucky enough to find a sincere driver and his name is Crisologo Cantales of JTY Taxi who also became our tourist guide.
WHERE TO EAT...
Aside from eating just inside the malls, try RICO'S BEST LECHON! Indeed, it has the best tasting lechon and also offers different menus. They have a nice cozy interior presenting the modern Filipino tradition, a very simple yet elegant atmosphere, with good looking waiters and waitresses. Lol!
It is also worth mentioning that their individual rice is placed in a very tiny kaldero! So cute I'd love to take it home.. The pandan desert I had was also in a tiny pitcher just the size of my palm. Overall, Rico's lechon in Cebu is definitely a must-try!
Mango Square
There are many acoustic and disco bars at Mango Square somewhere in Gorordo, including the comedy bar which was of course a funny experience. We just went to observe how Cebuanos come and go, and that Koreans are also everywhere, enjoying the city. But since we're really not those kind of party people, we delighted the rest of our night at a coffee shop instead, to stay alive. It felt fun realizing that they don't have a liquor ban like my hometown, Davao City, so everyone in the street was partying real hard. Dabawenyos as we are, we went to sleep earlier after a cup of coffee than those people. We stayed at Richmond Plaza Hotel in F. Sotto Drive, Gorordo Avenue for Php1,008/room/night. Just so you know!☺ But there are masses of inns, lodges and hotels in Cebu so you wouldn't have a problem finding a comfortable one. I suggest that you must research itineraries and rooms before traveling a place you're not familiar of. Most taxi drivers are not that trustworthy and honest in pricing, as well as in taking you to the shortest way. In spite of that, we're lucky enough to find a sincere driver and his name is Crisologo Cantales of JTY Taxi who also became our tourist guide.
WHERE TO EAT...
Aside from eating just inside the malls, try RICO'S BEST LECHON! Indeed, it has the best tasting lechon and also offers different menus. They have a nice cozy interior presenting the modern Filipino tradition, a very simple yet elegant atmosphere, with good looking waiters and waitresses. Lol!
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| Pandan Tapioca desert. |
It is also worth mentioning that their individual rice is placed in a very tiny kaldero! So cute I'd love to take it home.. The pandan desert I had was also in a tiny pitcher just the size of my palm. Overall, Rico's lechon in Cebu is definitely a must-try!
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| Pre-dinner pic with the little kalderos ☺ |
A Little Bit of
Behind
the
Travel
Story
. . .
This trip was supposed to be a professional-academic matter, but because of my capriciousness considering my intellectual capacity and psychological state, I battle with myself at the moment and opted to break the scheduled date for adventure with the hope to stress away from pressures and finally decide to choose a path. These short days aren't enough however to really think things over, and I sure need to be alone for some time. Yet, I am thankful for the people who stayed and remained patient with me all the way even in my temper. But I thought I should wander and realize my own destiny, relax and meditate to halt the tire and confusion. Anyhow, I thank God for giving me this chance, to travel, slow down a little bit, and be free, and to the friendly strangers of Cebu, so long then, guys! I wish to go back and finally experience canyoneering!
See you when I see you ☺
See you when I see you ☺
