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. 

Balamban: Wild Wild West

Check out: https://travellingandbeyond.com/

LOCATION:
Balamban, Cebu (midwest part of Cebu)

FESTIVAL:


FEES: (as of March 2013)
Bus Fare from Cebu South Bus Terminal to Balamban (100.00)
Van fare from Cebu to Balamban (130.00)
Tricycle Fare from Balamban Poblacion to Wild Wild West (10.00)
ATV (150.00 per 15 minutes; 250.00 per 30 minutes; 500.00 per 1 hour)
Fish Feeding (20.00 per pack)
Bike Rental (25.00 per hour)
Horse Back Riding (50.00 per 10 minutes; 150.00 per 30 minutes)
Crossbow (50.00 per 3 shots)
Hamster Ball (100.00 per 5 minutes)
Bumper Cars (100.00 per 15 minutes)
Water Bike (100.00 per 15 minutes)

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:
Mt. Manunggal Camp Site
Adventure Cafe
West 35 Eco Mountain Resort
Costa Roca Beach Resort
Cambuhawe Spring
Casili Spring 
Lucob Spring
Balamban Parish Church
GL HIghland Resort


Last August 08 of 2012, dad and mom decided to take us to Wild Wild West, it was a casual family day. It was my first time to visit the place.

Wild Wild West is located in the municipality of Balamban - a booming municipality in the west coast of the Province of Cebu. If you are from Cebu City, a van or a bus would usually take you to Balamban's land terminal. From there, you may ride a tricycle heading for Wild Wild West.

Wild Wild West was created by the owners of IPI, International Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. It is a 36-hectare land owned by the Lim Family. It was formerly bought and developed for an aquaculture business exporting prawns. Having seen the potential, the owners invested on the property for recreation. Now, it offers leisure activities and is open from 9am to 9pm. Once there, you'll be able to choose from the different facilities and activities. They have various activities like horseback riding, the ATV ride, archery, fishing, car drifting, camping, fish feeding and more. The cottages would range from 250 pesos-350 pesos for 4 hours. Fishing is for free but you may buy the catch, It would be weighed per kilo and it ranges from 150 pesos to 220 pesos.

They have a restaurant, Cowboy's Grill, which caters fish and prawn dishes (I suggest the tilapia and prawn dishes) and their delicious "native" chicken. The restaurant has a variety of food choices which cost 95 pesos to 750 pesos.

 

There is a constant flock of people coming in, but because of the large area, it can't get crowded. Kids enjoy feeding the fish. Adults enjoy the scenery and the other activities. The cottages encircle a large fish pond - which is quite a sight. Since the cottages are distant from each other, everyone still enjoys the silence and the relaxing mood of the place.

 

 

You may contact 09173106582.

Moal Boal: Beach

LOCATION:

Moal Boal, Cebu (southern part of Cebu)

FESTIVAL:

Kagasangan Festival (May 16)

FEES: (as of March 2011)

Bus Fare from Cebu South Bus Terminal (100.00)

Tricycle Fare from Moalboal National Hi-way to Beach Resort (est. 25.00)

Cottage (300.00)

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:

Cave Busay

Panagsama Beach (where most resorts  are established)

White Beach

Matutinao River

Montaleza River (canyoning)

Tipolo Beach

Club Serena Beach Club

Bamboo Inn Garden Resort

Dive Spots

Orchid gallery

Osmeña Peak (trek)

The beauty of the white beach truly overwhelms a tired soul.

March 3, 2011, all of our pals were in Manila for a tour with Doc Tiglao. That left me and Lukring to decide on planning a trip bound for Moal Boal. It was tiring and fun all at the same time. But what we never expected was how we managed to enjoy the trip with just the both of us. The ride from South Bus Terminal to Moal Boal cost us less than 150.00 per person. Arriving in the municipality, a long 8-kilometer tricycle ride was the most exhausting part. We arrived at a Beach Resort. The cottage was only 300 considering there were only two of us. 

 

The waves were inviting. Nothing beats a white beach. 

 

We had a little walk by the shore. The beauty was astounding. As always, it is always relaxing to see nature as it is. No noise. No hassle. No busy street. No pollution.

"WISH YOU WERE HERE - Moalboal" We wanted to show our friends this. :)

 

 

We decided to visit the other municipalities nearby.
We happened to ride a jeep going to Dumanjug, then another jeep bound for Barili. From there, fortunately, we were able to ride a bus going back to Cebu - that part I like most (although we stood for the whole duration of our travel, it was still enjoyable since we were heading home).

Our Budget: 1,500.00 for 2 persons (1 day, inclusive of food) was enough.

Toledo City: Malubog Lake

Check for updates: https://travellingandbeyond.com/

LOCATION:

Toledo City, Cebu (midwest part of Cebu)

FESTIVAL:

Hinulawan Festival (June 12)

FEES: (as of May 2010)

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

Van fare from Cebu Citilink to Toledo City (100.00)

Jeepney Fare from Poblacion to Gen. Climaco Malubog Lake (50.00)

Boat Ride (5.00)

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:

Manguyakuya Falls

Cambang-ug Creek

Cantabaco Cave

Bulongan Cave

The Ranch Resort

St. John de Sahagun Shrine

San Pedro Calungsod Shrine

Ilihan World War II Foxholes

DAS Mines View Park

Lebumfacil Ancestral House

Springpark Mountain Resort

Malubog Lake

Malubog Lake or Malubog Dam is famed for stories of a creature lurking in its waters. The elders, living in this mountainous barangay in Toledo City, tell tales of a monster within these waters, bodies were taken and were never seen, and countless instances of cattle being dragged from the grasslands to the waters. I've never seen the creature but I sure wouldn't want to try and find out.

Gen. Climaco is a barangay in Toledo City (Cebu), an hour drive from the jeepney terminal at the Toledo Public market. The jeepney travels through a distinct route, going up the mountains of Toledo. The fare ranges from 20 to 30 pesos. Upon reaching Gen. Climaco, the view of the lake welcomes everyone.

In one of our outreach activities in 2010, we decided to stroll around the lake after we finished our Teach-A-Kid Program. The lake is not as large as the other famous lakes in the country, like Taal Lake, but the tales of the lake were far more intriguing to us (since we are from Toledo), giving its effect to the people.

Before we even got there, my mom reminded me not to take a dip or to even try to ride the boats crossing the lake. Sorry mom, I did, all of us did (haha). We rode a boat going to the opposite side of the lake. I was afraid (who wouldn't be) but at the same time amazed by the natural beauty of the lake. There were a few Tilapia Farms around the area, but the lake still had this immeasurable beauty. It was magnificent.

The boat ride was only 5 pesos. It was not costly at all and the experience was priceless. It's like winning a lotto sweepstake (just kidding). A lotto sweepstake win is way better (haha). The experience was amazing for a first-timer. They even cater reservations for the floating restaurant they have. The cost amounts to 3,000 pesos, costly, but it is good for 10-20 persons, not sure how many dishes they serve for that amount.