Showing posts with label cebu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cebu. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Sama ka sa Panagsama

Go and wander Panagsama beach in Moalboal. Fine white sand. Crystal clear waters. But hey, where is Moalboal located? Moalboal is one of the southern municipality in the province of Cebu. It's a 2-hour bus drive from the city.

So, how'd we get there? What drove us to travel all the way downsouth? Aside from it's being a famous diving spot, Moalboal houses beautiful beaches. The drive going there  almost filled the excitement I was feeling. Again, Mother Nature showing it's finest.



The cool about this trip was that we didn't exactly know where to stay and who to contact to. We just worked it on ourselves. Did a little research. Asked the locals.



So, we hailed this tricycle which eventually became our official service. Manong driver was totally friendly and accommodating. He helped us look for a place to stay, even toured us from the Orchidarium up to Kawasan Falls. And what's funny though, he asked for our facebook id's, but the sorry manong driver didn't get a single info on my fb.

Good thing, my travel buddy was about to meet a fellow blogger, like himself, and told us where he's staying. Not too pricey but not cheap as well, we rented the room for an overnight stay.




Then we had a little chat with a newfound friend. Ate an expensive yet delish beef dish. Then set our feet off the sands of Panagsama. Took some, i mean, lots of pictures. Bodies half-dipped on clear waters.






We pretty much enjoyed the waters of Moalboal and it's serene view. Someone can really find peace here. Since it's a small municipality, no one will dare disturb your silence. To each his own.

Our stay did not only satisfy our hunger for food and for rest but the hunger for personal space and time. That only this place can wondrously offer.

Fort San Pedro

I never knew there are also forts existing in some parts of the country. Geez! The only forts I knew were Fort Santiago and Fort Bonifacio.

When I went to Cebu (March 2011), visiting Fort San Pedro was on my list. But since we've spent most of our vacay in Bohol, we didn't get the chance to visit it. Plus, we hardly know how to get there! Now I know that it's very near the provincial capitol. Or near the port.




Fort San Pedro is no different with the other forts here in Manila. Stone walls, canyons, dungeons and bars. But it's tiny as compared to Fort Santiago. Baby fort?!? hehe..

And usually, forts were built to serve as a military defence structure. Maybe tons of guns, ammos and even canyons were stored here. It might also housed the high-ranking Spaniards. Or served as the seat of government back then.








The fort today serve as a park/museum to the Cebuanos. It houses a museum of paintings and artifacts. From torn dresses of Spaniards to paintings of the people and their way of living back then.

Smallest as compared to other forts but still holds history that made and shaped us Filipinos.

Unfortunately, I can't give you the how-to-go-there instruction, should you want to pay visit to the fort. I must admit, I took  the cab. But I'm pretty much  sure almost all Cebuanos know this place.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Grilling station of the South!

Welcome to Larsian sa Fuente! Probably, the largest grilling station I've ever seen! 

Getting inside Larsian was like getting yourself inside a  "just-fumigated" place. Smoky to the highest level! That could be the reason why there are so many electric fans and they  are scattered everywhere. To fan smokes that's so painful once it hits your eyes. 

Larsian sa Fuente reminds me of the Banchetto here in Manila. Surrounded by food stalls were an array of tables and chairs, adorned with colorful lamps, flowers and other table accessories. Pagandahan sila ng table to attract customers!















The foods are not only tasty but cheaper too! They offer varieties of foods to grill. I opted for the pang-masa foods. Isaw. 10 pieces of puso or rice wrapped in coconut leaves. A liter of Coke. Solb!

For those frugal travelers like us, this is the best place to eat without hurting your pocket! Nakatipid ka na, nabusog ka pa! Just don't do it on a daily basis. There are other food stops that are also way cheaper. And too much eating of grilled foods aint healthy!
 
Where there's smoke, crowd and totally loud, that's Larsian! Better live with it! 

Be proud of the pig!

Cebu is now making waves when it comes to food. Dried mangoes, danggit, otap, etc. But the  one dish that placed Cebu on that spot was the tastiest roasted pig in town aka Cebu Lechon!

Even the No Reservation's celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain hailed it as the best pig.. ever!!! 

Balat pa lang ulam na! The crunchy and tasty pork skin is the culprit. We didn't let the chance pass. We tracked down the famous CnT Lechon near SM City Cebu. 


Syempre, what else is to order but the delectable lechon!! They also sell veggies like chopsuey (para di naman puro lechon na lang!). I love the puso (o hanging puso) or rice wrapped in coconut leaves (ung pang-suman). Your choice of puso or steamed rice.

The food is not pricey (to think I have lechon as viand- making our lunch sosyal!) And it's really nakakabusog!

If only I have some extra moolah, I would have  bought a kilo and bring it back home.









Cebu: Mactan Shrine

Cebu. Im still amazed by you.

This a (very) late post of my wanderlust at the Queen City of the South. I just noticed I've forgotten to blog this wonderful escapade. I only have myself to blame. Shocks! So let me now start making this up to you my fellow readers.

It hasn't been a year yet when I've set my feet on the grounds of Cebu when another promo was launched and I hurriedly booked for a flight not to any other place but Cebu. Why Cebu? Because I have only visited much when I went there. Not really much. The usual landmarks like the Magellan's Cross, Taboan (for pasalubong) and Crown regency for it's famous SkyWalk. Most were spent in Bohol.

Together with my friend Chino, we went to tour not only the city of Cebu but also the southern part, particularly Moalboal. We didn't have any idea on what to expect, we just want to wander. I've searched all landmarks my feet has never set yet. I've read several blog posts on where to go and what to do. Looked for the cheaper place to stay and resto to eat. Luckily, all the efforts has paid off well. Because the trip went successful!

Let me start with Mactan Shrine. I've never thought that it's quite far from the city. One funny thing that happened was when I tried to hail a cab going to Mactan, no one can understand me. I did try to speak both in english and tagalog. I tried but I failed. The moral: learn some basic Visayan words.. 









The Shrine was simply a park, with Lapu-Lapu's monument as the highlight. There is a wide array of Bakawan or Mangrove trees at the south side. Some statues that resembles like totem poles on both east and west side. Souvenir stores lined up selling shirts, accessories and home decors. 

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Do the Math on my Travel Expenses

A follow up on my blog DIY Travel Tips.. I am laying down all my expenses on my 3-day Cebu travel adventure. I, (ahem), got the guts to show this to... (ahmm) .. help(?!?) travelers stretch their moolahs when they've decided to travel (in Cebu, of course!) but I really (really, really) don't recommend you try this! (whew!) You can still stretch your budget up to.. half of what I've spent (geesh.. big spender!)

Okay.. Here it goes:

I really allotted a travel budget of php 6000 (in case of emergency.. you can never tell what's gonna happen!) Inclusive of fares, fees, accommodations, food, drinks, pasalubong. But I didn't intend to spend all (fingers crossed!)

Below are my personal expenses, Chinchan's not included... :)

Day 1: Gora sa Cebu and Cebu city tour

(we stayed at GranPrix Hotel - free accommodation c/o of ChinChan)

60.00 - breakfast of siopao, banana and 1 liter of water - c/o 711
100.00 - taxi from Cubao to NAIA Terminal 3 - without the traffic!
200.00 - terminal fee
65.00 - taxi from Mactan Intl Airport to Mactan Shrine       
105.00 - taxi from Mactan Shrine to SM City Cebu
62.00 - lunch at CnT - (chopsuey, lechon, rice and soda) may corkage fee pag nagdala ka ng sarili mong inumin.. duh!
50.00 - taxi to Roseate Pension Inn - along Urgelio st
494.00 - overnight stay to Roseate Pension Inn - deluxe- 2 single bed, with view (Crown Regency Hotel)
50.00 - taxi to Taoist Temple - we're supposed to try the habal-habal pero di panatag ang kalooban ko sumakay sa motorcycle!
55.00 - taxi to Fort San Pedro
30.00 - entrance fee at Fort San Pedro
80.00 - taxi to Larsian sa Fuente 
75.00 - dinner at Larsian - 6 isaw, 4 pork bbq, 7 puso + makapal na usok!
545.00 - pasalubong at Shamrock store - otap, dried mango, turones de mani, piyaya

Day 2: Trip to Moalboal, Cebu

(free breakfast from Roseate Pension Inn)

32.50 - taxi to South Cebu Bus Terminal
5.00 - terminal fee
112.00 - bus fare to Moalboal - aircon bus!
20.00 - chicharon Carcar
150.00 - tricycle fare - from drop off point to Panagsama to Orchid Garden to White Beach, mini tour na din!
10.00 - entrance fee at Orchid Garden - with caged birds at sangdamukal na unggoy
750.00 - overnight stay at HK Resort - na walang TV!
175.00 - lunch at HK Resort - beefstik with drinks, masarap naman kahit shala!
35.00 - bottled water
130.00 - souvenir shirt

Day 3: Kawasan Falls tour and Fly back na to Manila!

300.00 - tricycle fare to Kawasan Falls - arkilado si Manong eh! 
210.00 - entrance fee + bayad sa guide going to Kawasan falls
30.00 - breakfast at Moalboal carinderia - pusit, tortang talong, rice and water - walang free breakfast sa HK resort :(
107.00 - bus fare to Cebu city - ordinary bus na lang
40.00 - chicharon Carcar
32.00 - lunch at carinderia sa terminal
100.00 - taxi to Mactan Intl Airport
200.00 - terminal fee

then free shuttle na lang from NAIA terminal 3 to MRT, then FX at tricycle at bahay ko na! :)

So there.. yan ang aking mga expenses sa paglamyerda  ko sa Cebu! Magastos ba? Oo. Aminado naman ako. Pansin naman, puro taxi di ba? Pwede ba bumawi sa susunod? :)

Ang sa akin lang naman kung kaya ko naman gumastos, okay lang, basta masulit ko yung byahe. Material na bagay lang yan, madali ipunin, pero gamitin dapat ng wasto!         


                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

DIY Travel Tips

I have read this travel blog where the blogger used to list down all her itineraries and expenses. Well, I assume, most travel bloggers do this,  right? It's their way of helping would-be travelers on how to live on a tight budget while enjoying the luxury of traveling. And by showing the easiest and comfortable way of traveling (air, sea or land) without the fear of, of course, getting lost!

For people who has never (ever!) set their foot on a strange land, they would really find this useful. Not only they'll get the easiest route and the cheapest place to stay or eat, but it will also open their eyes to what they are about to discover on the strange land. What sort of people they're about to meet and greet, what tourist attractions awaits them, what souvenir items are worth-bringing home, what places are not to be visited, what festivities are worth-joining and not to be missed.

Everything's been set for us. It's our DIY travel book (or Idiot's Guide to Traveling -name of place- .. haha!)  We don't need to buy expensive travel books or maps (even compass!) Have your eyes glued on the net, search on travel blogs and voila! There you go.. You can feel your hands are itching to click on every blogs you see, checking all the places these people have been, jotting down all their travel adventures (or simply print a copy - less hassle) What is left for us to do is pack our things and off we go to a new adventure. 

That's what I did when I booked myself a flight to Cebu. With the help of my travel buddy ChinChan of juanderfulpinoy.com, we spent countless days looking for the cheapest yet enjoyable trip to Cebu. My idea of a Cebu trip was focused mainly on the city. I did not know that Cebu offers the best beaches, too! I didn't have the slightest idea that Camotes, Malapascua and Bantayan Islands were neighboring islands of Cebu. I've realized that the other provinces of Cebu, just like the city proper, has much to offer. My eyes feasted on amazement, my tummy's on the delicious foods and my mind's on the over flowing of thoughts as I am witnessing a beauty that no one will dare miss.

I tried to write down, as vividly as I can remember, all the places we've been, the activities we did and the moolahs we've shelled out to finance our travel. Much as I tried to cut down the cost by taking public transportation, I can't help but take cabs (for fear of getting lost..) Cebu jeepney's are making me crazy, with all the letter-number combo that you have to watch for.. I just find it complicated (sigh) We just made bawi na lang sa foods. I didn't fancy the numerous restaurants. Carinderia will do for me.  CnT and Larsian.. the best! Delicious and very affordable! We didn't even miss taking advantage the free breakfast offered by the inns. Sayang!

We could have won the tipid travel challenge if not for these lavish cabs we took going to-from. And another culprit, the hotel/inn where we stayed. I'm not picky when it comes to choosing the room to stay but, oh my, I can't stand a day without a TV. Room must be well-ventilated. No a/c? Fan will do. Clean sheets. Cabinets/drawers for storage and clean restroom. I even tried picturing myself staying on a dormitory-type of lodging.. but I love privacy! I want privacy!  So, hotel/inn on a tipid travel challenge: failed! Pasalubong? I narrowed it by spending just 500 pesos, no more, no less. 

This challenge thought me lots of things. I can't do everything what others can (much as I want to believe in myself that I can do this!) I can only do so much.. :)

But I'll do better when my next travel adventure comes. I will "try" to save more and spend less while enjoying the trip!


Sunday, March 20, 2011

Skywalk at Crown Regency

This is so far the biggest challenge I've encountered. Facing my fear of heights!


Our last stop: Cebu. Bago umuwi sa Manila. Madaling araw pa ang flight namin,  to kill our time, we've decided na magpunta sa Crown Regency, di para mag-check in, kundi para i-try ang Skywalk. Kahit mejo mahal sya, 550php, inclusive of a shirt, go pa rin kami. 


Bawal magsuot ng accessories, even watch. Kailangan naka-rubber shoes, kung  di ka naka-rubber shoes, meron silang pinapahiram, bibili ka nga lang ng medyas for 20php. 


May konting chikahan with the tour guide and some photo ops sa loob at labas. The challenge is iikutin lang naman ung Crown Regency at magpo-pose para sa picture.


Akala ko madali lang. Kasi may harness naman at guide. Pero iba na yung feeling when you're there. Lalo na nung lumakad ako sa glass floor. OMG. Gusto kong masuka. Halos maubos ang boses sa kakasigaw, para ma-release yung tension, kaba at nerbyos!






Saturday, March 5, 2011

Ocean Jet ferry ride

Hala..

1 hour ferry ride papuntang Bohol.. At pabalik ng Cebu.. Akala ko 10-15 mins lang.. Halos namutla ako sa nalaman ko at gusto kong himatayin. Ang dami kong tanong na halos bumara na sa utak ko. Ito kasi ang unang pagkakaton kong sumakay ng ferry.

Kayanin ko kaya ang byahe? Kayanin ko kaya ang walang makita kundi tubig lang? 

Paano kung lumubog ang ferry? Sagipin kaya ako ng mga kaibigan ko?

May makikita kaya akong pating sa dagat? O sirena kaya?

Masuka kaya ako sa hampas ng alon? 

Meron din bang mga crew na magtuturo ng safety tips? 

May cute kaya kaming makasabay sa pagsakay ng ferry? Makikipag-kilala kaya sya sa akin? (kalandian ko lang yan.. )

Nakasakay na pala ako ng ferry, Pasig ferry ride nga lang. Sa river lang yun naglalayag, pero ito sa dagat! omaygad..














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