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.

Taoist Temple

Taoism is a religion. From China. Defined by temples, adorned with dragons. That is Taoism for me. 

Wikipedia. Taoism (pronounced and also spelled Daoism) is a philosophical and religious tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao. The term Tao (or Dao) originally means "way", "path" or "principle", and can be found in Chinese philosophies and religions other than Taoism. 

I am not gonna discuss Taoism. I am no master to that field. I will just shed you some little learning and pictures from my visit at the Philippine  Taoist Temple in Cebu.

Philippine Taoist Temple is located inside Beverly Hills subdivision. One can go there by simply hailing a cab. Or dare to ride habal-habal. Since it's located uphill, we opted to take a cab.

There is no fee when you enter the temple. Cameras are allowed but no shooting inside the temple. The place offers a breath-taking view of the city.

Dragons are common to be seen in ALL Chinese temples. It doesn't only serve as an adornment but dragons are also regarded as gods by the Chinese. 

Before we left, I felt this itch to try throwing some blocks of woods then utter some wish. But my friend told me that it is something to be taken seriously. Not to be treated like a wishing well or a falling star where we can simply whisper our dreams. The praying area is  to be treated sacredly, just like our adoration chapels.

Going back to the city is quite painful. For there's no public vehicle passing by, we opted (again) to take cab. 

I may say this place is really worth-visiting. Especially those who aren't only after the view, but those in need of time and opportunity to reflect.

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.