Catmon: Bagalnga Shores

LOCATION:

Catmon, Cebu (northern part of Cebu)

FESTIVAL:

Budbod Kabog Festival (February 10)

FEES:  (as of January 2015)

Bus Fare from North Bus Terminal to Catmon (est. 80.00)

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:
Esoy Hot Spring
Imelda Aroma Paradise Mountain Waterpark
Catmon Stone Church
Huna-huna Beach Resort
Las Flores Beach & Hotel Resort
Catmon Seaside Park Resort
Banzon Beach
Lumanoy Caves and Spring
Mt, Tabayag
Duyan Hot Spring
Binongkalan Beach Resort

If Boracay has white sand beaches, Bagalnga has these brown sand beaches. Well, comparing both isn't really something but if the purpose of visiting the beach is to unwind, these beaches are free for all.

We've stayed in this place for a number of summers and holy weeks. With our relatives around, Bagalnga has never been a boring residence. I have had a lot of first times in this place. Here, I first learned how to partially swim (I'm not a good swimmer, just a couple of breaststrokes and I'm already exhausted, lol). I had my first leg cramps after a long (seems like it) swim. I had my first campfire with my cousins (memorable campfires). I learned how to play mahjong and tong-its (lol we are known gamblers, just kidding) and so much more (more as in I could no longer recall hehe). We held a couple of reunions here as well, which most of the family members do not attend because of derby fights (like I said, our family members are known gamblers, I'm not proud, I just feel like saying it).

I miss Mama Pet (my grandma). I miss everyone. Now that all my playmates have become grown-ups, it is harder to get everyone together. Mishaps and misunderstandings within family members are inevitable, but we believe we are one heart, one blood, one family - Baylon-Jorquia Family.

Dalaguete: Dakong Bato Beach & Leisure Resort

Check out: https://travellingandbeyond.com/

LOCATION:
Dalaguete, Cebu (southern part of Cebu)

FESTIVAL:
Utanon Festival (February 9 - 10)

FEES: (as of October 2014)
Bus Fare from South Bus Terminal to Dalaguete (est. 110.00)
Room Rates (1600.00 - 4900.00)
     Standard Room non-aircon 2pax (1600.00)
     Double Seaview Room A 2 pax (2200.00)
     Double Seaview Room B with balcony 2 pax (2700.00)
     Double Seaview Room C with balcony 2 pax (3000.00)
     Double Room 2 pax (2700.00)
     Triple Room with veranda 3 pax (3000.00)
     Triple Seaview Room with veranda 3 pax (4700.00)
     Quad Room 4 pax (3000.00)
     Quad Seaview Room A with balcony 4 pax (3000.00)
     Quad Seaview Room B (4400.00)
     Family Seaview Room A with balcony 6 pax (3500.00)
     Family Seaview Room B with balcony 6 pax (4900.00)
     Family Seaview Room C with loft and balcony 8 pax (4900.00)
     Family Mountainview Room with loft 8 pax (4400.00)
     Barkada Seaview Room with long veranda 8 pax (4900.00)
      http://www.dakongbato.com/rates.html

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:

Obong Spring

Osmena Peak

Mercado's Peak

Bandera Peak

Kulabyaw Cave

Kampakas Cave

Lagnason Creek

Lugsangan Rock Formations

Gakub Spring
Dingayop Waterfalls
Mantalongon Highlands
San Guillermo de Aquitania Church, Rectory, and Belfry
Casa Real (municipal hall)
Poblacion Watchtower
Obong Watchtower
Archbishop Manuel Salvador Museum
Crispin Almagro Ancestral House
Cristo Rey de Mantalongon (10-meter monument)
Sta. Monica Parish Church

A few months back, my ex-beau gave me a treat - a weekend trip. It was a rejuvenation trip after all the hassle and stressful activities I have had for the past few months. We decided to visit Dakong Bato Beach and Leisure Resort. He has never traveled south before and that was our first time to travel together outside Toledo or Cebu City. 

Dakong Bato which means "big rock" was associated with a famous Visayan folklore - the story of Maria Cacao. She was said to be half immortal who made the "big rock" the docking place of her golden ship. Her ship carried the cacao she brings to different islands. Her being immortal made the rock increase in its size. And after centuries, the stone has been known to have been continually growing (as legend tells it). The huge rock has been identified as a landmark in your entry to the municipality.

The resort is located in Barangay Coro. From Cebu South Bus Terminal, you will need to ride a bus bound south. Buses bound for Alcoy or Oslob pass through Dalaguete. You may ask the Bus Terminal Operators for information. While on board the bus, inform the attendant "bus konduktor" that you are to be dropped at Dakong Bato Beach and Leisure Resort. You may also contact the resort for details. (032) 484-4003 or info@dakongbato.com, you may also visit their website for further info www.dakongbato.com.

 

Double Seaview Room with balcony

From the room's balcony is a wondrous sight. The sea water glistens as the sun touches its surface. The serenity of the crystal waters gives you a moment of awe. The room is well-lit and tidy, with a lamp on one side of the bed and a coffee table in one corner of the room. The bathroom has a hot and cold shower. It had the needed toiletries. The air-conditioning system is functioning fine. The pool is well maintained. Like most resorts, one is allowed to use the pool only in a swimming attire. Cotton made clothes and garments are not allowed. The pool, I believe, closes at 9 or 10 in the evening.

The resort has a restaurant. The walls are painted with yellow and orange - the colors (including red) known to induce hunger for these colors appear more among many foods. The ambiance is amazing. Its location, at the top portion of the cliff, lets you enjoy the view of the magnificent sea. The majestic waves and the clear blue sky de-stresses your mind. They have a variety of food and I suggest that you order their "beef tapa", the meat is tender which somehow melts in your mouth and it has an authentic flavor (couldn't compare its flavor with anywhere else). It opens at 7.30 in the morning (I think) but it surely closes at 8 or 9 in the evening. 

 at the resort's restaurant

Beef tapa

 

 

We were able to visit their parish church before we headed home. From Dakong Bato Resort, you have to ride a tricycle (fare 10.00) going to the church.

You may visit their municipal hall, Casa Real. If you will visit Dalaguete, you will have to check this beautiful architecture. But one thing I hated about the whole travel experience is that it was very, very hot.

Cebu City: Moonleaf Tea Shop

July 13, 2014
(with Roel and Dan)
photo source: www.google.com

 

Roel likes milk teas. He adores this drink. Dan, on the other hand, is not a fan of it but we made him into one. LOL.

It was one of those school days when we have nothing else to do. Studying is something to do but we opt not to think about it (haha). Both guys share the same love I have - my love for food. Moonleaf was a discovery I wanted to share with both guys.

Although not as popular as coffee, the milk tea craze is continually growing over the years. With the increasing number of different milk tea stores that cater a variety of milk tea flavors, this surely proves milk teas are being patronized by many. Most people nowadays try to consume food that is more "healthy", thus the boom of the milk tea industry.

Moonleaf Tea Shop was opened in October of 2010 by businessman, Adrian Adriano, in Quezon City. What started as a small establishment now has 42 branches all over the Philippines with an additional upcoming franchise openings in Indonesia. The brand was easily recognized due to its unique taste and quality. Everyone with the cravings for tea will fall in love with Moonleaf.

One of their milk tea stores is located at Pelaez St., Cebu City, near the University of San Carlos. I live nearby and I get to visit it as often as I want to. You see, it tastes really good. I recommend it.

The price ranges from 70 to 100 pesos - an inexpensive refreshing drink.

It was early in 2015 when the store closed and transferred to a different location.

Catmon: Esoy Hot Spring

LOCATION:
Catmon, Cebu (northern part of Cebu)

FESTIVAL:
Budbod Kabog Festival (February 10)

FEES: (as of February 2014)
Bus Fare from North Bus Terminal to Catmon (est. 80.00)
Entrance (150.00)
Vest (25.00)
Cottage (250.00 - 350.00)
Motorcycle Fare from Hi-way to Esoy Hot Spring (30.00)

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:
Imelda Aroma Paradise Mountain Waterpark
Catmon Stone Church
Huna-huna Beach Resort
Las Flores Beach Hotel & Resort
Catmon Seaside Park Resort
Banzon Beach
Lumanoy Caves and Spring
Mt. Tabayag 
Duyan Hot Spring
Binongkalan Beach Resort

A few of months ago, my cousins and I decided to go out for a trip. It was our first bonding experience since I finished college. Too bad our other cousins were busy and nowhere near the site.

My mom grew up in Catmon. It's a municipality situated in the Northern part of Cebu next to Carmen. From Cebu City, you'll pass by a few municipalities before reaching the center town of Catmon. Next to Cebu City comes Mandaue City, heading north you'll pass by Consolacion, Lilo-an, Compostela, Danao City, and Carmen. If you are from Toledo City (like me), you may travel via different route. Going North, you will pass the municipalities of Balamban, Asturias, and Tuburan. In Tabuelan, there is an intersection, going North and going East. You should head east which is bound for Sogod, once you reach the national high way, travel south, the next municipality is Catmon. 

Last February 16, 2014, we decided to visit ESOY HOT SPRING in Catmon, Cebu - my birth place. One of my cousins had introduced the idea of visiting the hot spring located in a mountainous barangay of the municipality.

Esoy Hot Spring not only has the "hot spring", but also has the river and the falls. The scenery was marvelous. The hanging bridge was what scared me the most (because I weigh heavier than most people and because I'm afraid to fall off of it). You would really think twice about the bridge (I did). You'd wonder if it is sturdy. However, the fun started when I was able to cross the bridge (whew, I was still alive). 

Once you cross it, your adventure begins. 

Along the huge rocks by the river, you need to either move around it or climb it just so you can reach the falls. But even so, I don't recommend you to bring anything else other than yourself. I brought with me my phones for picture-taking purposes (stupid idea), but because I had a hard time climbing over the rocks (I'm pretty short), I had to cross the river and got my phones real wet, as in soaking wet (luckily both still work).

To reach the falls, a 7-minute trek is all you have to endure. Here are some of the photos I took before my phones took a dip.

 

cousins

From Cebu, you may ride a bus going north with a fare ranging from 60.00 to 100.00 pesos. Once you arrive in Catmon, you could ask for directions. The Hot Spring is a couple of kilometers going up the mountains. Although you may reach it by foot, I advice you to ride the motorcycles. The fare ranges from 25.00 to 35.00 pesos. Once you get there, an entrance fee of 130.00 to 150.00 will have to be paid, which is inclusive of the vest. They sell drinks and chips.