Cebu City: My Greek Taverna

September 27, 2015

at Elizabeth Mall ground floor right wing

Before heading home, my sister and I decided to have dinner. We saw this Greek diner and decided to check it out.

I had Gyros and she had the fries. Well, the food is okay, more like shawarma. It's pretty expensive but it was tasty. Honestly, shawarma is really good, the Gyros is good but it costs twice as much as shawarma. I happened to have tried the lamb meat, it was reasonably expensive and tastes better than beef and pork doner kebabs.  So, I recommend the lamb doner kebab than Gyros.

Here's what the interior looks like.

Cebu City: Da Vinci's Famous White Sauce Pizzas

October 07, 2015
at Jone's Avenue

Brother had some pizza cravings. Being a good 'ate' (uhemm), I invited him for pizza dinner. Had full bellies and had a fun night but we wished our sibs were with us. I know they're drooling (lol) over our photos since they love pizza.

Da Vinci's, as Tyrone would put it, has a good environment. Yes, Da Vinci's (Jones) has this warm ambiance - probably because of how the restaurant was painted, plus, it was very spacious. Its design from my last trip there had changed. Nonetheless, they still served the white-sauced pizzas a Da Vinci regular loves.

The first Da Vinci's restaurant operated in June 2003. They serve pizzas and had been adding more food choices in the past years. They now serve chicken meals and pizza buns as I call it (small sized pizzas). They have 8 branches. We visited their branch at Jones Avenue beside Jollibee. Other branches are located at Super Metro Colon, SM City Consolacion, Parkmall in Mandaue City, Shopwise in Mambaling, IT Park in Lahug, Marina Mall in Mactan, and SM City Cebu.

with Tyrone

Their pizza prices range from around PhP100.00 to PhP400.00. Other foods served are for as low as PhP78.00. Their pizza bestsellers include the famous Mona Lisa.

Check the prices.

source: https://www.facebook.com/davincispizzaPH/photos/a.10151284252448352.526099.203439128351/10151284258543352/?type=3&theater

Visit the nearest Da Vinci's near you.
You may check their facebook page for further info and for contact details.

Cebu City: Crazy Crepes

May 01, 2015
at SM City Cebu

DOLE's Labor Day activity had ended at 5 o'clock in the afternoon in a successful gathering of the different labor industries. After sending our colleagues (subcontractors' representatives) off, my bosses decided to visit SM City Cebu. My sole purpose was to buy myself a book for next semester's class. Unfortunately, the book was not available. Instead, I bought a different one. Having done that, I needed to buy a tee and a small cologne so as to make me smell nice.

I could not contact my bosses after I was done with my errands. I was left with no other choice but to wait for them to call. There were no benches around so I had to take a stroll. I decided to have a snack (to finally sit). Well, the main purpose was to finally take a seat, haha, food was just second in mind. 

Crazy Crepes was created by two Coca-Cola Vice Presidents, Greg Petro and Ben Kitay, when they noticed the popularity of crepes among customers including themselves. They scoured Japan to know everything about making delicious crepes. 

(http://www.gotcrepes.com/) 

This US and Japan-famed crepe chain has made its way to the Philippines in 2003. Since its launch in the Philippines, it has become one of the favorites. With its wide range of delicious ingredients (which include fruits and ice cream) and having 41 different crepe flavors, Crazy Crepe will make your mouth water. 

It was my first Crazy Crepe, the Mango Jubilee with a scoop of ice cream, and yes, it was excitingly delicious! I realized my mouth had just made love with it and it was the best ice cream crepe I've had so far.

The establishment offers a variety of flavors with an affordable price range from 90.00 to 150.00 pesos.

 

Visit SM City Cebu Crazy Crepe to have the same mouth-watering experience I had!

Pinamungajan: Tauhai Garden Beach Resort & Spa

Check out:  https://travellingandbeyond.com/

LOCATION:

Tajao, Pinamungajan, Cebu (westcoast of Cebu)

FESTIVAL:

Pamuhuan Festival (May 4)

FEES: (as of April 2015)

Bus Fare from Cebu South Bus Terminal to Tajao (est. 80.00)

Van Fare from Cebu Citilink to Tajao (est. 120.00)

Tricycle Fare from Toledo Terminal to Terminal for Pinamungajan (8.00)

Jeepney or Tricycle Fare from Toledo to Tajao (est. 20.00)

Entrance and Room Rates, contact Tauhai Garden Beach Resort & Spa Facebook Page 

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:

Campalabo Islet

Sinangkulan Falls

Udlom Falls

Looie Beach Resort

Kamangon Cave

Lamac Hidden Valley Mountain Resort

Park Place Beach Resort

Seaside Haven Beach Resort

Ulbohan Spring

Another summer day, another resort to visit, another travel experience!

After a pool visit at The Ranch Resort in Toledo City last April 09, 2015, we seem to have not had enough of swimming. The following day, April 10, we had mom accompany us and head to Pinamungajan (a neighboring municipality of Toledo). Our destination - Tauhai Garden Beach Resort and Spa. 

The resort was like no other resort in the area. It had a different ambiance. The entry was magical - an arched pathway that was surrounded with (i-don't-know-what-kind-of-plant) vines. The place was rather a warm escape from a city. The place brought back memories of my grandmother's old ancestral home - very quiet, very cozy, very warm, very homey.

The garden resort is great for people who love some peace and quiet. It has 4 family suites, 2 family rooms, 2 barkada rooms, and open beach cottages. It has 2 pools which are great for non-stop swimming. Since the resort is very homey, the area can be booked for exclusive events. It is very ideal for garden weddings and wedding receptions. The owner is very accommodating and will be a great help with planning events.

It was a relaxing and rejuvenating day! Everything was just amazing. There were no other guests around so we had the place to ourselves. Tauhai has great food choices for its guests as well. The resort is good for team-building activities too.

You may contact them via mobile phone 0999 881 6049 or 0917 858 9179 or through email tauhai.cebu@gmail.com. Visit Tauhai Beach Resort and experience the same homey experience we had.

 

 

Toledo City: The Ranch Resort

Check out: https://travellingandbeyond.com/

LOCATION:

Bato, Toledo City, Cebu (westcoast of Cebu)

FESTIVAL:

Hinulawan Festival (June 12)

FEES: (as of April 2015)

Bus Fare from Cebu South Bus Terminal to Toledo (70.00)

Van Fare from Cebu Citilink to Toledo City (100.00)

Tricycle Fare from Toledo Terminal to Tricycle Terminal for Bato (8.00)

Tricycle Fare from Tricycle Terminal to Bato (est 15.00)

The Ranch Entrance Fee (100.00)

Farm Tour (75.00)

Farm Tour with Golfcart (125.00)

Horseback Riding (100.00)

Zipline (150.00)

Cottages and Cabanas (300.00 to 500.00)

Standard Room good for 2 (est 2000.00)

Junior Suite Room for 2 (est 3000.00)

Extra Person (est 540.00)

     (for queries, contact (032)318 9599, 0917 3115 881, info@ranchresort.com.ph)

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:

Manguyakuya Falls

Cambang-ug Spring

Cantabaco Cave

Bulongan Cave

Malubog Lake

San Juan de Sahagun Shrine

San Pedro Calungsod Shrine

Ilihan World War II Foxholes

DAS Mines View Park

Lebumfacil Ancestral House

Springpark Mountain Resort

It's summer once again!

In the west coast of Cebu lies the industrial city of Toledo. Toledo, once known to be a copper mining capital in Asia, has developed its industrial zone along its neighboring municipalities. In the midst of continued industrial growth, there are still parts of the city where a relaxing vibe is a "go-to". One of which is The Ranch Resort. Owned and operated by the Gaite Family, the resort started welcoming guests a few years ago. 

 

Summer will never be complete without a cool refreshing dip. In The Ranch, 5 different pools will cater to those needs. The pools are not more than 5 feet deep, suitable for non-swimmers (but boring to most pool lovers). Like most resorts, swimming attires are strictly implemented. Bringing of food from outside is not allowed since they have their own restaurant. Food prices range from 100.00 and up. 

Inside the vicinity, various activities are offered. They have the farm tour (which includes the visit to the aviary, bee farm and the whole ranch), horseback riding, a zip line, trampolines, and biking. The Ranch is suitable for team-building activities.

Cousins from Catmon came to visit last April 09, 2015. The Ranch Resort was what they had in mind for their summer get-away. The whole day was hot - seriously, it was very hot! The heat of the sun was a pain on the skin. The air was humid. I advise you to bring your sunscreen lotions, face towels, and extra shirts. Drink plenty of water to avoid heat stroke. Most of them took a swim while the others kept under the shade. At 4 o 'clock in the afternoon, the sun's rays aren't as painful anymore.

 

We enjoyed our day at the Ranch except for the hot weather. It was a okay and we had a good bonding experience. It was a day worth spending with them. But since it was Kuya Keith's treat, the monetary spending was under his care. Haha.

kuya Keith :)

    

Enjoy your summer like we did!

Asturias: Policios Waterpark Resort & Spa

Check out: https://travellingandbeyond.com/

LOCATION:
Asturias, Cebu (northwestern coast of Cebu)

FESTIVAL:
St Roche (Aug 16)

FEES: (as of April 2015)
Bus from Cebu to Sta Lucia Asturias (est. 150.00)
Sta Lucia Drop-off to Policios (est. 20.00)
Rooms good for 4-6 pax non-aircon (1500.00 - 1800.00)
Rooms good for 9-10 pax aircon (2000.00 - 3000.00)
Pool Usage (150.00)
or visit their facebook page

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:
Cabo San Miguel Resort
Malabago Beach Resort
Sta. Lucia Parish Church
Wakiki Beach Resort
Tubigagmanok (fresh water in the sea)
St. Francis Parish 
Buswang Lake

Under the heat of the sun and with summer's warmest welcome, nothing beats a dip in a pool. It was the annual Visita Iglesia, April 02, 2015. Last year, our route was bound south ending in Aloguinsan (a municipality). This year, our parents decided to head north. So from Toledo City, our target was to reach Tuburan (another municipality). From San Juan de Sahagun Shrine (in Toledo City), we managed to visit another 5 more parishes. Since there is a need to visit 7 parishes or churches, we still lacked one. After our sixth parish in Sta. Lucia, we decided to continue and head to Tuburan. Before we even reached a kilometer heading North, mom saw a newly renovated property. 

Entering the premises, we saw that it had a pool. A pretty sight, this resort has the coolest cottages within the area. Here's what we saw inside. 

 

 

They didn't have a brochure. You can find them on facebook and leave them a message for inquiries. You can also contact them thru 0927 563 8424. They are open 24 hours.

To arrive in Policios Waterpark, from Cebu, you will have to ride a bus (in Cebu South Bus Terminal) bound for Tuburan. There are vans for hire (in Ayala van parking) bound for Tuburan. Fares are not more than 200. You may inform the bus attendant or "konduktor" to drop you off near Sta. Lucia. From the bus drop-off, you may ride a "habal-habal" or a tricycle bound for Policios. The fare would not cost you more than 20 pesos.

If you are from Toledo (like me), you will still have to ride a bus bound for Tuburan. Less fare will be spent. The same drop-off and a "habal-habal" ride will bring you to Policios.

Note that it is very hot in there, but there are a lot of shade.

I have friends who have visited the place and had the worst reviews. First, the resort charges you for the entrance fees even when you avail of the rooms. The fees are 120.00 for adults and 100.00 for kids aged 3 and above. The room, which was claimed to cater 10 persons, only had a double bed (how can 10 persons sleep on a double-sized bed). Additional mattresses were charged 250.00 each, which is too much. The pools were not properly cleaned (it's murky). Also, take note that it is advisable to bring with you OFF Lotion because there are many (I mean, very very many) mosquitoes.