{July 2010} I went to Cebu to apply for my dream job. But much to my dismay, I didn't get that much-awaited callback. So to help ease my disappointment, my friends and I went out for drinks after our 'interview'. And since Marriott Hotel was just beside Ayala Cebu, we walked all the way there with high heels and all.
My friend, Ruth, and I decided to get something to drink at Seattle's Best while we waited for her friend Edz to arrive. And since Ruth and Edz had no prior engagements, we all decided to have lunch at Crown Regency Hotel & Towers. So when my boyfriend arrived at the mall, we immediately left and hopped on the 14A Jeep.
Go out and explore! And while you're at it, bring with you a dry bag that's waterproof, floats on water and folds flat. Wait, is there such a thing? Yes, there is! Such a bag exists and it's definitely a must-have for every globetrotter. It's ideal for people who travel with a lot of stuff (i.e. gadgets, planner, water canteen, etc.). Just like me, I never leave for trips without securing my essentials. That's why I'm happy that I found a product that suits this particular need in the form of an adventure pack called Hull & Stern.
At Laiya, Batangas |
Cebu Island is full of adventures for those who are just willing to go out and explore. Some of the destinations below are suitable for a day trip, and some are perfect for a weekend. It just really depends on how much time you have. But rest assured, you will find the adventure that you're looking for in Cebu. In this post, I will provide you with a north to south guide of Cebu Island, for you to know which spots can be paired together, especially if you're planning a longer vacation.
If I were to describe my stay at San Rafael River Adventure (SRRA), it would be a safe haven. Imagine waking up inside a glass cottage, amidst a garden filled with trees and greeneries, and a gorgeous view of Angat River. You'd want nothing more than to stay and to experience the calmness that the horizon brings, as you embrace its enchanting setting. Truly, this lush sanctuary in Bulacan is an ideal place for that much needed rest and relaxation.
It was my first time to fly to the Visayas area in 2010. I flew all the way to Cebu to pursue my dream job. But when things didn't go the way that I've hoped for, Rubel and I just distracted ourselves with a DIY tour around Cebu --- Plus a side trip to Bohol.
So what did we see in Metro Cebu that was worth seeing? Here's our top choices:
TRYING OUT THE FAMOUS SKY EXPERIENCE ADVENTURE
Sky Experience Adventure with mis amigas Yen and Ruth -- and Rubel! :P |
[Travel post from November 2010] Me being the organized planner, already had our river rafting tour booked even before leaving Camiguin. So when we got to Cagayan De Oro, everything was already scheduled.
THE PICK-UP!
When Sir Gerome, the coordinator of Great White Water Tours said that they were picking us up at 7 am, he actually meant on the dot. In short, we got into the GWWT’s Jeepney pick-up by 7:10 am. We boarded late due to unfortunate events. Sir Gerome got a little grumpy with the ‘tardiness’. But we’ve managed to put him aside since we already extended our apologies. Then again, we weren’t the only ones who boarded the jeep late.
Now, all of us decided to book the Expert Level, instead of the Beginner’s level. We were encouraged to take the former so that we may be able to enjoy what the whole rafting experience had to offer. We were also assured that taking the expert level was something that we could handle despite having no previous rafting experience. So we took on the challenge, and were shockingly challenged out of our wits!
If you’re looking for a beach escape that can be accessed by road from Manila, then head to Playa La Caleta -- an emerging beach destination in the town of Morong, Bataan. This eco-tourism resort with a 100-hectare cove is packed with all sorts of activities. You can swim by its white sand beach, trek by its lush forest, bathe in its waterfalls, or take a dip in Miguelito Island’s famous tidal pool.
For first-time travelers in Malaysia, going on a road trip from Kuala Lumpur to Penang was quite an adventure. We might have gotten lost along the way. But our modes of transport gave us one heck of an experience!
November marked a significant milestone for me as I celebrated my 40th birthday in the vibrant and bustling city of Hong Kong. From indulging in mouthwatering burgers to shopping sprees and breathtaking views, each day brought a new adventure and a reason to cherish this special occasion.
March marked the beginning of our unforgettable 11-day journey through the Land of the Rising Sun, with the first leg of our adventure unfolding in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Despite our late arrival on the first day, the city wasted no time enchanting us with its unique blend of tradition and modernity.
[TRIP from November 2010]
My boyfriend works for an airline company and filing a vacation leave for the month of December is an impossible thing to do (peak month for work). And since our anniversary lies on the 12th month of the year, we decided to book a domestic trip on November instead. We were set to celebrate my post-birthday and our pre-anniversary somewhere far --- thus our first Mindanao adventure.
Anyway, I booked our group a 5D/4N trip. I had the first 2 nights booked in Camiguin, and the last 2 nights in Cagayan De Oro. I also suggested that the first 2 nights be spent in Camiguin so that we wouldn't have to go back-and-forth with all the traveling. So as soon as we landed in Cagayan De Oro's Lumbia Airport, we went straight to Camiguin.
I started my travels when I was about 7 years old. My father, a former NHA employee, would always bring me and my brother to his travel escapades. He took us to several family reunions in Pangasinan and in some parts of Zambales. But the one trip that I will never forget was the one in Baguio. I remember it as one of the most memorable of all the trips that I've been to.
I was never a fan of camping outdoors, so my initial response when my friends invited me to go to Calaguas was, “let me check my schedule first.” I wasn’t too keen on the idea of doing a long road trip, let alone sleep by the beach – devoid of all basic necessities. I've always been the type of traveler who likes comfy accommodations. But my love for my friends was far too great to decline an adventure-packed weekend away from the city. And I’m glad that Calaguas didn’t disappoint.
My brother and I weren't supposed to go to Nido Fortified's Science Discovery Center in Mall of Asia. But since we were already in the area (coming from PAL's Rally to Bali event last Saturday), we opted to meet with my cousins. My niece and nephews also came along so that was actually more fun for everyone.
Anyway, my Kuya treated all of us to free passes (tickets were sold at Php330 for adults and Php300 for kids). We were about 11 people who came into the center. Now, our tickets also came with free popcorn and a Milo drink, plus two Planetarium shows -- one was about the universe, and the other was the One World One Sky: Big Bird‘s Adventure.
YES! A short travel within the solar system for only Php330! How cool is that?!
Anyhow, since we came in a bit late in the afternoon, we opted to start our tour by watching the Planetarium presentations. The first projected show was actually more interesting compared to Big Bird's adventure. But the latter was a more obvious hit for the kids since they enjoyed interacting with 'Elmo' and "Big Bird' all throughout the show.
After the Planetarium, we checked out the Grossology and Smart Media City -- both of which can be accessed on the first floor.
You’ve probably already heard a lot about the island of Boracay and
Boracay beach. After all, it has been consistently named as the top tourist
beach destination of 2013 and among the top beach party destinations of 2012,
it is no wonder why a lot of people consider visiting the island and staying at
one of its many Boracay resorts.
However, some people would not consider it as they think they would
need a lot of money in order to afford and enjoy the beach and all the
activities there. The truth is that it is actually possible to holiday in
Boracay even when you have a low budget.
Getting to Boracay
Since Boracay can be reached by air or sea, the trick is to know how
to get the cheapest mode of transportation.
I've always had a soft spot for enthusiastic, generous and hardworking people, as I've always found them very admirable. They seem to be the ones who persevere despite the changing times, and of course, despite social status. That's why it wasn't hard for me to really like Mrs. Cathy Respicio -- part-owner of Cathy's Homestay at Saud, Pagudpud.
The room at the back was our haven for 2 nights. :] (Please pardon my 'bagong gising' look! Lol) |
I've never been the techie type. So when Supremo sent me to try their latest action camera, I was both excited and worried because it's been a long time since I used one like it. I really felt challenged given the many features that I needed to learn from scratch. But I soon got the hang of it, and I could say that it’s an entry-level camera that you can definitely use on your travels. It’s both hardwearing and affordable. Plus, it has an attractive black matte coating that I absolutely love.
The dynamic “Melting Pot of Central Luzon”, which is a 2-hour drive from Manila, is packed with lots of local sites and exciting activities. You will surely enjoy what Tarlac has to offer, as it features notable and exciting destinations like the Monasterio de Tarlac, Aquino Center and Museum, and Kart City Tarlac. But if you’re looking for a more laid-back escape, you can hit a few golf balls at the nearby Luisita Golf & Country Club, or go kayaking at the beautifully maintained Tarlac Recreational Park. All these and more can be found just in Tarlac.
Hon,
Five years have gone by. But it seemed like it was only yesterday when we first laid eyes on each other. Starting out with an impromptu date with a group of people, which eventually lead to just us two -- sharing sentiments and crazy ideas over hot cups of Caramel Macchiato drinks. I will never forget that official first date. It was a mark of a new and blessed beginning.
December 2007 |