marc7 travels |
This island is a popular diving destination in the Philippines. It is the only place known where thresher sharks can be seen regularly because one of its shoals serves as its cleaning station. The island is a diver’s paradise. But if one is not a diver, how will you enjoy this island located north of Cebu? This is what I came for when I finally ticked off of my bucket list destination this 2024 - Malapascua Island. Just a bus and boat ride away from the city, Malapascua Island is located at the northern tip of Cebu Province. The island was a popular beach destination for its white sand beaches and it was in the 90’s that the island started getting popular as a diving destination. Our guide, Bunso, shared with us that the name Malapascua was a shortened version of the phrase “malas sa Pascua” that translates to bad luck during Christmas. He says that the island experiences rainy weather or bad weather during the Christmas season hence its name. Now the island has reaped the benefits of its popularity as a diving spot with most of its livelihood rooted on tourism. It is a diving destination but the great part of it is that the island can be enjoyed by any kind of tourist, whether you are a diver or not. Bounty Beach Despite the rise of popularity of Malapascua as a destination, development in the area is relatively slow. Bounty Beach is the most developed tourism beach front on the island. This is where you will find most of the upscale restaurants and accommodations that cater to mostly foreign guests. This is where you will also find evening parties and gatherings although expect it to have a more laidback vibe. Bounty Beach was the first spot that made Malapascua Island famous. Its white sand beach shore stretches around 2 to 3 kilometers. The sand is not as powdery as other drstinations but its beauty and its laidback vibe remains to be its biggest draw. The spot where the beach curves to the other side is a perfect place to catch the sunrise. You get to enjoy the morning sounds of nature while enjoying the warmth of the morning light touching your skin. North Beach North Beach is THE most popular beach spot north of Malapascua. It is the ONLY attraction where the boat and land tours converge as it is a part of the itineraries for both tours. Unlike Bounty Beach, this one kilometer strip of white sand shoreline remain laidback with only a few commercial establishments by the beachfront. The white sand shoreline of North Beach is a perfect spot if you just want to bum around the beach. It boasts of powdery white sand shoreline matched with the azure-colored waters. It is a picture perfect spot where you can enjoy a nice drink or meal without the usual crowd. You can walk along the beach and find your own cozy spot to enjoy your own beach vibe. I got to enjoy North Beach under the sun and under a downpour. Our morning boat tour gave us our dose of the sun while we enjoyed a nice grilled brunch along one of its local’s stores. Our afternoon land tour met us with a heavy downpour but that did not dampen our spirit to enjoy the warm waters of the beach. We got to enjoy the sun and the rain against the white sands of North Beach. Under The Waters of Malapascua For non-divers visiting Malapascua, you can still enjoy the surrounding waters of the island. There are locals who offer boat tours that give you a glimpse of the island’s underwater bounty with just a snorkel. The tour usually runs for 2 to 3 hours that covers 5 stops around the island. It is best done in the morning. Dakit Dakit Island Dakit Island is a small rock formation just a couple of meters from the shoreline of Bounty Beach. The island looks unwelcoming with its sharp rocks jutting out from the sea. If you want to step on the island, you would have to deal with its steep walls and sharp rocks. It is void of sandy shores and is not the place to enjoy the sand, sea, and sun. The real beauty of Dakit Dakit Island lies under the waters that surround it. It is teeming with life with its coral formations and amazing underwater ecosystem. The salty waters come alive with its coral gardens bursting into life with different colors. It was a beauty to watch. The reef is often affected by strong currents and it is also a diving spot in Malapascua. It was our first stop and the sea was calm when we snorkeled in the area. The tide was low when we arrived and my foot hit a formation so I donned my life vest to make snorkeling easier. It was a real beauty to just float around as I enjoyed the underwater view teaming with color and life. Baby Shark You don’t need to be a diver to enjoy shark watching. Just a few meters from Dakit Dakit is a spot where baby sharks enjoy a quick swim. The shallow waters off the shores of Tepanee Beach is a spot that baby sharks frequently visit that the spot was called “Baby Shark”. Don’t worry, the baby sharks just swim along and have no intentions to take a bite at you. The real challenge is catching a glimpse of these baby sharks because they are fast swimmers. Our guide had to tow us around the vast area using a floater while he tries to look for these baby sharks. We were lucky to catch a glimpse of one as it swam gracefully underwater. It was exhilarating to watch one in their natural habitat and in a place that is known where you can interact with these gentle sea creatures. Lighthouse Shipwreck This was probably THE most memorable snorkeling activity that I have done to date. This was the first time that I was able to enjoy the underwater view of an actual WW2 shipwreck. The best part of it was we did not have to go far and dive for us to enjoy the view. A snorkel was enough for me to explore the wreckage. Located in the shallow waters off the coast of the lighthouse, the shipwreck was a Japanese World War 2 Landing Craft. It was bombed as it was about to deliver cement shipment intended for an artillery structure. The hull broke apart into two as it sank. The ship and its shipment sank where it remains to this day. From the boat, you can already see the shadow of the wreck underneath the waters. I slowly slid into the water as our guide told me not to jump into the sea since it was low tide and I might hit the wreck-turned-reef. It was amazing to watch the boat’s outlines as I floated around the area. Nature has already claimed the ship and has turned it into a home for other sea creatures. The Lighthouse Shipwreck is one spot where you get to enjoy the underwater beauty of Malapascua without the need to dive deep into its waters. Coral Garden After our brunch stop at North Beach, we headed to the eastern side of the island to enjoy the underwater scenes of the Coral Garden. This underwater garden is teeming with marine colors and life. The beauty of this underwater spot is that it gives non-divers a glimpse of the under the sea bounty and beauty of Malapascua. The Coral Garden comes alive in different colors. Armed with my snorkels, I got to enjoy the beauty of its corals and sea life. I got to enjoy the views of different fish swimming along the vast and vibrant ecosystem. It is not surprising that Malapascua is a paradise for divers with its relatively shallow waters are teeming with life. If this is what you can enjoy a few meters off its shores, I wonder what beauty lies on the deep waters around Malapascua. Above the Ground of Malapascua Despite being a prime tourist destination, Malapascua’s road network still needs a HUGE improvement. The only means around the island is by foot or by motorcycle. The roads connecting the barangays is a mix of narrow dirt and cemented roads. These networks are often shared by motorcyles and those on foot. This means that you can also explore the island on a motorcycle. Malapascua Lighthouse Standing on a hill at 18 meters above sea level, the Malapascua Lighthouse is a major lighthouse in the country that guide seafarers along the Visayan Sea. The 10 to 15 minute trek to the lighthouse is easy. The trail is relatively established passing through a small resort with its own beach front. The lighthouse faces the Japanese shipwreck that’s part of the boat tour’s itinerary. The original lighthouse was built in 1913. A modernized and solar-powered structure now stands replacing the older one, standing guard to the waters of the Visayan Sea. The ruins of a cemented structure is evident in the area. It indicates that a bigger structure probably stood there previously and was destroyed by a very strong typhoon. More than just a functioning structure, the lighthouse is now part of the island’s tourism structure. We had the whole area for ourselves at the time that we visited which allowed us to freely explore the place. Sadly, there was no trace of the original structure that once guarded the northern waters of Malapascua. Lapuz Beach Weaving our way through the island, we found ourselves in a beach strip that has sandy shores on both sides - Lapuz Beach. It is very rustic and picturesque with its white sand shorelines with the blue waters of Malapascua in the background. Motorized boats are parked along its shores. It is a secluded beach spot where you can enjoy a peaceful vibe away from the crowd. At the end of the strip stands what remains of an old resort that was damaged by the typhoon - Los Bamboos Resort. You can actually see how the resort flourished during earlier times with the skeleton structures of its villas. The resort sits on a rock foundation of Lapuz Beach. A landing was constructed by its rocky shoreline on one side that gives you an amazing view of its surrounding blue waters. The west side of the resort also sits on rugged and sharp rick formations. It gives you an amazing view of Lapus Lapus Island. Adventure junkies can get that extra adrenaline rush by jumping off a cliff into the cool waters of Malapascua. The challenge is getting your way back to the platform because you need to navigate onto the sharp rocks of the cliff. It’s sad that the owners of the resort were not able to recover from the calamity. This beach spot offers the best of both worlds where you can enjoy both the laidback vibe of the beach and the adrenaline rush of jumping off a cliff in one spot in Malapascua. The best part of it is that you can enjoy both without the usual crowd. Bantigue Beach Bantigue Beach is another beach spot where a resort suffered the same fate as that of Los Bamboos in Lapuz Beach. Sitting adjacent to North Beach, we walked our way to this beach spot as our last stop for our land tour. One needs to navigate through its trail where a portion of it had sharp rocks and was a challenge since I did not wear my slippers. So take my advice, wear slippers if you are planning to visit Bantigue Beach. The beach spot’s main attraction is its white sand cove. Although it was a mix of rock and sand, you can enjoy the peace and tranquility the spot offers because it is secluded, that is, at present. The beach was once part of a resort that was, according to our guide, Bunso, was one of the popular resorts during its time. Now, it is a secluded cove where you can enjoy your own space and time with nature. I explored the place and I can only imagine how the resort buzzed during its good days. It had a nice bar atop a hill that has a great view of the cove and sea. The rooms looked spacious judging from its size. I guess those who have stayed here must have had a great time, fusing communing with nature and having their time of their lives in one spot. POST TRAVEL NOTES Malapascua Island has been a buzz on my radar for years. Surprisingly, it still has to take on in building its tourism infrastructure despite its popularity. It definitely has a lot to offer for both divers and non-divers alike with a lot of similar activities but only with varying degrees of experience. What struck me the most is having to see establishments closing down as this also meant livelihood opportunities lost for its locals, especially since majority rely on the tourism industry of the island. I really hope that the LGU can focus on building up its tourism for its locals. It is interesting how we get a certain perception of a place only to be surprised with how different it would be when we finally get to explore it. Malapascua is an actual case of reality vs expectations but it was in a good way. I loved how it was able to keep its laidback and rustic vibe. I just hope that the popularity of this diving destination can translate to improving the lives of the locals in Malapascua. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: Major local and international airlines have direct flights to Cebu. You can take a cab to the North Bus Terminal where you can take a Ceres bus to Maya Port in Daangbantayan. From the port, you can take a ferry boat to Malapascua. For habal-habal and boat tour arrangements, you can contact Bunso at 0975 2454060. For an affordable beachfront accommodation at Bounty Beach, you can check out HMC Guesthouse.
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The first time that I visited this town was during a Sinulog side trip in 2018. We wanted to conquer the highest peak in Cebu and we did with ease. 5 years after that experience, I found myself back at the top but only this time I had more time to explore the town. Dalaguete (pronounced as Dalaget) did get me the second time around. Just 3 hours away by bus from Cebu City, Dalaguete is a laidback town that rolls from the mountains to the sea, with a pinch of history to share. The name Dalaguete (with a silent e in the end) was derived from the word “dalakit”, a huge tree that locals believed to be inhabited by entities and diwatas. The tree served as a common area for locals where they can gather under its shade, do trade, community activities, or celebrate festivities. The place was known as dalakit for a long time before it evolved into its present name of Dalaguete. It is believed that the location of the Spanish-period Dalaguete Church was once a community gathering place with a dalakit tree as its landmark. Osmena Peak Let us explore Dalaguete starting from the highest point. Standing at 1013 MASL, Osmena Peak stands as the highest point of the whole island of Cebu. The peak stands along the boundaries of Dalaguete and Badian but access to the peak is on the side of the former. This is why Osmena Peak is closely associated with the tourism of the eastern municipality more than the western side. You can climb to Osmena Peak with ease as the drop off point can easily be reached by vehicles and motorbikes. In our case, we hired a habal-habal from the town and it took us about 30 to 40 minutes to get to the jump-off of the peak. It was a cold early morning ride along the dark paved road because the plan was to capture the sunrise at the peak. From the registration area, one would need to take another 15 to 20 minutes hike to the Cebu’s “roof deck”. Please make sure that you bring with you a flashlight or headlamp if you plan to hike during the early morning or in the evening. The early morning light was starting to appear on the horizon when we got to the top. Since we were the first to get there, we had the whole area for ourselves and it was easy to find our sweet spot. I took the highest point, of course. Unfortunately, we were not lucky to catch the sunrise because clouds rolled in from the north that covered our view of the sunrise. But this did not dampen our spirits because we were treated with amazing views of the rolling hills of Dalaguete on one side and the overlooking views of the eastern coastal side of Southern Cebu. Osmena Peak is great spot to watch both the sunrise and the sunset but you really need to time your visit around the summer time to get enjoy it. The views of the coastal areas of Badian could easily relax you especially when it is matched by the cool breeze blowing. For a guy like me who loves views, the peak of Osmena was a perfect start for my day. As we walked back down the trail, we were treated with the views of the mountain farmlands of Dalaguete as locals start their day tending their vegetable plots and harvesting their crops to be brought down to the markets of Cebu. Osmena Peak does not only treat you with amazing landscape views but also gives you a peek of the local’s daily lives. Lugsangan Peak Just a short habal-habal ride away from Osmena Peak is another peak that offers a different kind of view of Dalaguete - Lunsangan Peak. Standing at 1003 MASL, the peak is also known as Casino Peak as reference to the owners of the land where it is located. It is often dubbed as the Chocolate Mountains of South Cebu because of its view that is similar to that of the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol. The trek to the top of Lugsangan Peak is more challenging compared to that of Osmena Peak. The trail is shorter but really steep, with a portion of the climb angling close to 90 degrees. The trail gives you amazing views of the surrounding vegetable plantations, the coastal areas of Badian, and the mountains south of Cebu. The last stretch of the trail gets more exciting as you clamber over sharp rocks. If you are afraid of heights, this can be quite a challenge with its dizzying heights. The Lunsangan Peak offers an amazing panoramic view of the hills of Dalaguete that reminds you of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills. The hills are not coned-shaped perfectly and it is more shaped like a tobleron with its pointed peaks. But it does give visitors the same vibe. The 360-degree view of the mountains and the coastal towns are amazing. You get a more closer look at their own chocolate hills. It is a perfect backdrop for your pictures especially with the Philippine flag waving with the wind as your foreground. Obong Spring Pool and Baluarte Ruins Moving downhill, the Obong Spring and Baluarte is an attraction that is mostly known among locals than tourists. These two attractions stand side by side along the coastal area located south of the town proper. Obong boasts of a natural attraction and a touch of Philippine history. Obong Spring Pool is a hidden attraction of Dalaguete. The huge pool sits along the coast of Obong and its water drains into the sea through a mangrove area. It is one of the spots where you can still see a huge dalakit tree that is believed to be centuries old. The spring water source is close to the tree and is enough to keep the spring pool at a good depth for swimming. A spot is deep enough to cliff jump. The spot was already developed by the LGU with the construction of picnic huts along the banks of the natural pool. Judging from our visit, the Obong Spring Pool is a popular leisure spot to cool down by locals on weekends and hot days. The water is really cold and refreshing when you go for a dip. The water is clean and clear. You can even see schools of small fish along the base of the dalakit tree. It was a refreshing dip after our trek to the peaks of Osmena and Lugsangan. Tucked alongside the mangrove area of Obong is a small fortress ruins that was part of a Spanish-period communication system to protect the coastal towns of Southern Cebu from Moro Pirates. The Obong Baluarte is one of the series of baluartes built along the coast of Southern Cebu during the time of Fray Julian Bermejo Horabuena. These baluartes would send out smoke signals to warn neighboring towns of the presence of Moro Pirates. This system of war communication prepared the town for battle even before the pirates could land on their shores. The system stretches for 96 kilometers from the town of Carcar down to Santander. While most of these baluartes are now in ruins and disarray, the Obong Baluarte is one that stands almost intact. The LGU has taken efforts to secure the area develop it as an attraction with minimal changes on the original structure. The baluarte is a beauty to see with the mangroves in its background. I just hope that the LGU can also invest on improving the area as a tourist attraction while protecting the original structure. Dalaguete Roman Catholic Cemetery Dalaguete is an old Cebu town, pre-dating the arrival of the Spaniards in the country. So it is not a surprise that the town has its own collection of Spanish-period structures. The Dalaguete Roman Catholic Cemetery, along the National Highway, traces its roots from a Spanish-period cemetery and still has preserved remnants from centuries past. There are two heritage structures that still stand in the cemetery - the Cemetery Arch and the facade of its old Simborio. The Cemetery Arch has withstood the test of time. It probably has seen countless tears of grief and shared smiles from memories of those who have departed for centuries. The arch was probably made from coral stones and adobe. What makes its distinct are the stone carvings and the latin inscriptions on the arch. The arch has latin inscriptions - “paternoster” or “The Lord’s Prayer” and “requiescat in pace” which translates to “rest in peace”. A skeleton carving can also be seen under these latin phrases. A few steps away from the arch is a newly built chapel where the facade of the Spanish-period simborio was converted into the altar. The heritage structure is also made of coral stones and it was great to see that the new chapel was built around the preservation of these structures. Casa Real de Dalaguete The Casa Real de Dalaguete is another remarkable well-preserved Spanish-period structure. Built around 1832, the Casa Real served as the seat of governance from the time of its inception to the present. The original structure was believed to be L-shaped with its walls built from coral stones and clay tiles roofing. The walls remain to be from its original state with the canopy at the front being added on at a later time. The structure has seen the glory days of Dalaguete and the horrors of war. It was attacked and occupied by rebels during the 1898 Philippine Revolution where the rebels burned important documents. But the victory was short-lived after the capture and the execution of the rebels. The Casa Real also served as the headquarters of the Japanese Constabulary during World War 2. Captured guerrillas from Dalaguete and neighboring towns of Alcoy and Boljoon were imprisoned at a cell located at the back of the Casa Real. The Casa Real de Dalaguete remains to be the seat of governance to this day. The local government was able to preserve the structure while keeping it in use. I was lucky enough to be allowed entry into its hallowed halls, even on a Sunday, to be impressed by its interior. The design was patterned to a bah-na-bato design complete with a grand staircase at the lobby of the munisipyo. They also have an exhibit where one is walked through the history of Dalaguete through its collection of artifacts from different time priod. Simbahan ng San Guillermo de Aquitania At the heart of the town of Dalaguete stands a heritage structure that captures the Spanish-period influence to the town - the Simbahan ng San Guillermo de Aquitaina. The parokya was established in 1711 but the present church complex was built only in 1802 and was completed in 1860. The church is one of the church fortresses built during the Spanish-period that protected the coastline of Southern Cebu against Moro Pirates. It was part of the communication system built by Fray Julian Bermejo Horabuena that ran along the coast from Carcar to Santander. The church was built from coral stones and follows earthquake baroque architecture. The facade of the church is three-tierred with stone carvings. A bas relief emblem of Castilla and Leon indicates that the church was built with royal funding. The second and third level has windows that probably served as lookout stations of locals from Moro attacks. The plain design of the church was more functional as the church served as a lookout post and refuge during pirate raids. The church’s interior is one thing that will put every visitor in awe. The ornate three-tierred retablo will capture your attention with its intricate designs. It seems like it mirrors the facade of the church. The paintings in the ceilings by Canuto Avila will keep your eyes glued to the beauty of its ceilings. The tiled floors, the painted ceilings, and the altar complement each other giving the church a warm and homey feel. The intricate beauty of its interior completely contrasts the simple facade of the church. Walking around the church complex, one would also be amazed by the church convent and belfry. Both structures are also made from coral stones. A small mortuary chapel can also be located inside its complex. A Heritage Well and a monument honoring Ruperto Sarmiento is located just right in front of the kumbento. The Simbahan ng San Guillermo de Aquitania was recognized as National Historical Landmark in 2004. Its role in Philippine history cannot be undermined as part of a complex fort system along the southern coast of Cebu. It is one of the few well-preserved fortress churches in the country that clearly gives us a glimpse of how the Catholic church, not only spread Christianity, but also served as a refuge for locals both figuratively and literally. Dalaguete Baluarte and Boardwalk The Dalaguete Boardwalk is a huge sprawling park located right in front of the church. The park is a perfect way to enjoy the afternoon sun and breeze as it gives you a panoramic view of the Cebu Strait. It is complete with benches where you can relax while enjoying a snack or a drink while enjoying a nice cool afternoon. Locals usually flock in the area in tge early mornings or late afternoons to enjoy their walks or just enjoy the view. At the heart of its boardwalk is the Dalaguete Baluarte. This octogonal watchtower is part of the defense fortress of Dalaguete and the a system of communication created by Fray Julian Bermejo Horabuena. It is the first line of defense of the town from Moro Pirates. An old Spanish cannon is on display to give guests an idea on the artillery used to defend the town from pirates. The baluarte was re-purposed as a small cafe of the park. POST TRAVEL NOTES Dalaguete is small town that kept its buzz for centuries. From the mountain tops to its waters downstream, it has a unique collection of attractions that will keep any kind of traveller up on their toes exploring and enjoying its nooks and crannies. Its history can be seen in all its corners that helps weave a story where we get to understand how the town of Dalaguete survived and thrived. There’s more than just Dalaguete’s peak. It is a place where you can enjoy a day or two where you get to share stories and adventures with friends and its locals. We are often times enamored by attractions that are commonly associated with a destination that we oversee the other attractions of the place. We are focused on conquering what the place is known for that we set aside other spots that complete the whole experience. Don’t be the usual tourist when visiting a destination. Explore beyond the usual and enjoy the total experience of the place. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas #SamaSamangBabangonMuli Getting there: Major local and international airlines have direct flights to Cebu. You can take a cab to the South Bus Terminal where you can take a Ceres bus to Bato via Oslob. Tell the bus ticket teller that you will be going down the Poblacion of Dalaguete. You can then hire a habal-habal to explore the Dalaguete’s peak and a trike to explore the poblacion and its lowland attractions. For habal-habal arrangements, you can contact Kuya Nic Nic at 0936 1849442. There are a number of beachfront accommodations in Dalaguete. I highly recommend Nadelmar Hotel and Resort (https://www.facebook.com/nadelmarhotelandresort) located along the national highway.
A photo that says that it was the tallest waterfall in the province of Cebu piqued my interest in visiting the place. It was just an hour away from the city and, since I had a day to spend, a little adventure would good on a Sunday. With a pinch of adventure, we chased the water trail in Barili. The town of Barili is the midpoint that connects the southwestern side of Cebu to rest of the province. Its landscape rolls from mountains to farmlands to the sea that gives the town a unique collection of attractions. However, most of these attractions fall under the shadows of the high-adrenaline adventures offered by its neighboring towns. It is more popular as a quick midway stop for buses to and from Cebu. Similarly, a quick stop in Barili will surely give you an adventure that will complement the thrilling adventures of Southern Cebu. Mayana Falls Mayana Falls was not in our radar until our habal-habal driver mentioned it to us. The falls is within a private compound that was converted into a resort that offers a peaceful nature escape. Our guide told us that it was also their first time to visit the resort and the falls as they have never been there because it was privately owned. The resort offers cottage accommodation along the downstream flow of the falls. Each cottage has its own spring pool. Mayana Falls is tucked well within the hinter area of the resort. You need to traverse down the resort’s pathways to get to the falls. Water cascades along a huge boulder creating a steady stream on the sides of its rock face into a series of shallow pools. One can enjoy a quick dip in its cold waters and enjoy communing with nature. The falls itself is not as majestic but the overall ambiance of the place makes it a cool place to disconnect from the humdrum of city life. Mayana by Blue Space perfectly created a nature space. Since the place is private, expect to pay an entrance fee to access the waterfalls area. Oh… and don’t forget to interact with their resident monkey. Mantayupan Falls Mantayupan Falls is the tourism icon of Barili. Standing at a height of 98 meters, it is believed to be the highest waterfall in the province. The place was developed by the local government so access to the waterfalls is easy with its walkways and bridge. The hanging bridge form part of the attraction because of the added adrenaline thrill as you trek to the first waterfall. There are two levels that are accessible to the public. The first level of Mantayupan is just a few meters walk from the entrance. Surrounded by dense foliage, three cascades break out from foliage into a shallow pool from a height of 14 meters. The hanging bridge on the left side give the spot that additional flair in pictures. The main cascade of Mantayupan Falls can be accessed by crossing the hanging bridge. Water cascades from a height of 98 meters into a shallow basin. One can enjoy a cold dip in its waters at the designated swimming area. Visitors spends more time here because of the beauty of its cascade surrounded by greens, not to mention that it has more idyllic spot for photos. It was good to see that Mantayupan Falls was developed for tourism. It offers complete facilities for its guests so visiting the falls is easy and convenient. This spot is a great spot to explore when you make a quick stop in Barili. You get to enjoy the beauty of nature in Barili that would complement your south west Cebu adventure. Sayaw Beach From the cascades of Barili’s mountains, we headed to enjoy the seawaters of Barili. Sayaw Beach is one of the popular beach spots in Barili. This beach spot can easily be accessed because it sits along the main highway and it is just a couple of minutes away from the bus stop. The beach sits in a cove and has white sand shoreline. It is a private resort and there are available huts for day trips and cottages for those who want to spend the night in Barili. There is an adjacent beach cove that is connected by a concrete pathway. There is also a small port for small boats to dock on. There is a store in the resort where you can buy snacks and drinks. Sayaw Beach was a peaceful sanctuary if you are looking for a quick beach escape. I enjoyed getting tanned while enjoying the afternoon sun by the shore. Unfortunately, the beach is a bit rocky so you need to wear the right footwear if you intend to swim. There are basic facilities that you can use in the resort. What I liked best is the chill vibe of Sayaw Beach as I enjoyed the afternoon sun and the cool sea breeze. POST TRAVEL NOTES More than just a bus stop for travelers, Barili is a destination that is worth a day or a few hours of visit. The town is also blessed with natural beauty that you can enjoy. These attractions may be under the shadows of the other famous attractions and activities in the area but it can definitely complement your planned adventures. I suggest that you travel early so you can enjoy a couple of hours to discover Barili. There are a lot of pass-through or bus stop destinations in the Philippines that deserve a second look. These “stops”, if seen from a different angle, can give your trip a different vibe that can complement and even enhance your adventure. All we need is to make a stop, explore the area, and enjoy what the place has to offer. I guess, it is time for me to also start checking out these “quick stops”. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: Major local and international airlines have direct flights to Cebu. You can take a cab to the South Bus Terminal where you can take a Ceres bus to Bato via Barili. Tell the bus ticket teller that you will be going down the Poblacion of Barili. You can then hire a habal-habal to explore the waterfalls and the beach spots.
A Spanish-period church once caught my attention to mark this town on my list. But it took a “dinosaur egg” to finally convince me to take a 2-hour ferry ride from Cebu to Bohol so I could meet an “asindero” who told me how an influencer managed to help revive the tradition of salt-making in Bohol. Yes, may asin pa din ang Alburquerque. Alburquerque, or more commonly referred to as Albur among Bol-anons, is a small town that is about 20 minutes away from Tagbilaran. It was once called Segunto when the parish was separated from Baclayon and was later renamed to Alburquerque in 1861. Although the town has its own attractions, it is often overshadowed by the more popular spots of the province. Let me share with you two heritage destinations that would make Albur a worthy stop when you visit Bohol. Sta. Monica Church and Convent (Simbahan ng Alburquerque) The church majestically catches one’s attention as you breeze through the circumferential highway of the province. Its stands out because it is not the usual look of a Spanish-period church here in the Philippines with its rectangular-shaped facade. It is not a tourist stop because it is often overshadowed by the more popular Baclayon Church in the nearby town. But the church has its own beauty and story to share to those who make a quick visit to the church. Initially established under the parish of Baclayon, it was in 1869 that the Sta. Monica Church was inaugurated under the stewardship of the Augustinian Recollects. The first church was like a shed that was made of wood and bamboo. The construction of the present-day church started in 1885 and the upper walls and tower was completed in the 1920s. The murals on the church were done in 1932. The church stands out differently because of its box-type structure. An overhead bridge connecting the church to the convent is a unique feature that is absent in other Spanish-period churches in Bohol. The impressive structure looks unfinished and the coral foundation behind the grotto may support my observation. The adjacent kumbento is said to be one of the two similar structures built in the area that served as the “Escuela de Ninos”. The interior of the church is grand and beautiful. The first to catch your attention are the painted ceilings of the church that depicts biblical narratives. These paintings were done by Ray Francia. The wood foundations that line the navel are also unique as this is the first time that I have seen this feature. The wooden altar stands elegantly with the image of Sta. Monica as its centerpiece. Two beautiful altar sits adjacent to the main altar. The church was declared as an Important Cultural Property in 2013 and its historical marker was installed in August 27, 2014. It suffered minimal damage during the 2013 Bohol Earthquake making it one of the few intact churches after the tremors. It is worth a quick stop for those who are in Bohol to enjoy its beauty and its history. Asin Tibuok This was a story that brought me to Bohol even for a day. I was lucky enough to have met one of the few Bol-anon “asineros”, Kuya Resindo Datuy, who gladly shared with me how these “dinosaur eggs” are made. From his humble salt factory, we shared how he learned the century-old traditional way of making asin tibuok, why he stopped, and what made him comeback to this art. Asin Tibuok is a product of a heritage tradition in Bohol that started during the Spanish period. The name translates to “unbroken salt” because it is whole piece of salt that resembles a dinosaur egg. This artisan salt is used as a final seasoning by dusting it over food and desserts to give it that added smokey salt taste. Kuya Resindo shares that he likes it over his chocolate and dessert. It is one of the rarest and expensive salts fetching around Php600 a piece in the market. Interestingly, it is a tradition that is being revived by the Bol-anon asineros like Kuya Resindo. The process of making asin tibuok is tedious process that takes around 5-6 months. The first step is to soak coconut husks in saltwater. This is the longest step to process as it takes 4 to 5 months for the husks to be completely soaked. Asineros soak husks by layers to help them produce asin tibuok regularly. The soaked husks are then made into strips, sun-dried, piled, and fired using coconut wood. The furnace is controlled by pouring saltwater into the fire and the end product of the process is a crusted mix of salt and ash called “gasang”. The gasang is then loaded into large funnel-shaped bamboo storage and saltwater is then poured onto the gasang. The process would drain away the “burned” salt creating a brine called “tasik”. The tasik is then collected from underneath the funnels and it is now ready to be cooked. The final step in making Asin Tibuok is cooking the salt over a furnace. Salt clay pots are lined by the furnace and the “tasik” is then slowly poured into these pots. The water evaporates leaving the salt crusted inside it. They continue pouring the “tasik” over the crusted salt until the bottom of the pots break indicating that the salt is already cooked. The final product is a crusted salt taking the shape of the bottom of the pot that resembles a dinosaur egg. The production of this artisan salt runs from December to May when the salinity of sea water is highest. Kuya Resindo shared with me that art of making Asin Tibuok is not for the lazy as cooking the salt takes months of preparation and about 4 to 5 hours just to bake it. He also said that he took a “break” from making this heritage product and only resumed the art after interest on Asin Tibuok picked up, thanks to a feature by Erwan Heussaf. This renewed attention to this artisan salt brought market prices up reviving a livelihood opportunity for the asineros and breathing new life to the century-old tradition of salt making in Bohol. POST TRAVEL NOTES Heritage is not just about century-old structures and cultures. It is also about products produced from century-old practices like the Asin Tibuok of Alburquerque in Bohol. It is a product that gives you a glimpse of the past, not for the product, but the arduous process of making this artisan salt that was and is passed on from generation to generation. Our support to these cottage industries would also mean being able to keep a century-old practice alive that would give our palate that extra flavor to enjoy. Talaga naman na may asin pa ang Alburquerque! It is a destination that would make you appreciate the hardwork and sweat that go with heritage and tradition. The long journey of building the Sta. Monica Church is similar to the long process of making the Asin Tibuok. It takes time and patience but the end product is one that can withstand time and calamities. It will remain strong and standing in the years to come to show us how unique and resilient Filipinos are. You can also watch my Youtube travel video on Albur here: #ByahengOffTheGrid Alburquerque #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas #SamaSamangBabangonMuli Getting there: There are direct flights to Panglao International Airport from Manila and other key cities in the country and Asian cities. In my case, I took an Oceanjet Fastcraft from Cebu City to Tagbilaran Port. The ferry ride takes two hours. From the airport or seaport, you can take a trike to the Tagbilaran City Square where you can find the jeepney terminal to Alburquerque. Travel time from Tagbilaran to Alburquerque is about 30 minutes. There are tricycles that you can rent to get around Alburquerque.
2023 was a travel year that had a balance of new and old destinations. I was discovering and exploring new spots while revisiting and discovering new attractions in old destinations. I was enjoying the cold wind atop Mount Pulag to swimming with a sea turtle in Tingloy. I was chomping on Carcar lechon to immersing myself into the cold waters of Tumalog Falls. 2023 gave me a wide spectrum of travel experiences that is for the books. As I have done in the past, here are my top three destinations for 2023: Mount Pulag Mount Pulag tops 2023’s list both literally and figuratively. Exploring the highest mountain in Luzon was one for the books. It was physical exhausting and it was REALLY cold. Needless to say, the views, the sunrise, the sea of clouds, and the experience was the best reward after four hours of trekking to 2,928 meters above sea level. If I were to sum up my Mount Pulag in one word, I would say it was REWARDING. We took the easiest trail to the peak - the Ambangeg Trail. We started the hike from the Babalak Ranger Station at 1am. It would take us about 4 hours to get to the peak. We traversed the trail in the cold and pitch black covers through the pine forest, mossy forest, and open grasslands. We were treated with a nice view of light trails of hiker’s lamps along the trail with the stars twinkling in the background. The last stretch proved to be the toughest for me because I burned extra energy when I went off the usual trail. But I am glad that I kept pushing. The view of the early morning light breaking through the horizon was just majestic. The view of a day breaking is different from the usual beach mornings. It was a perfect reward from all the huffing and puffing. The view of the sea of clouds is better seen by the naked eye rather than in pictures. Exploring the “playground of the gods” taught me that pushing your limits can get you further. You can read about my Mount Pulag here: Pulag Sa Katotohanan Or you can also check out my YT travel video here: Carcar City, Cebu I have FINALLY explored the city of Carcar in Cebu. This is the city that I have passed through a lot of times and has piqued my interest because of the old houses that line its main highway. Of course, who would also miss out on the known fact that the city is known for its tasty and juicy lechon or roasted pig. My renewed interest in history and my love for lechon placed this city on my list for quite a while now. A work-related trip gave me the opportunity to finally do a quick tour of this city. Just an hour away from the Queen City of the South, I was totally amazed by its heritage houses from the Spanish and American period that lined its street. The city gives you a glimpse of the town’s colorful and painful past from the hands of colonizers, spanning centuries, and how the community interacted with them. There are only a few towns that has managed to keep these historical structure intact through the years. And then we have the lechon! Hands down to the juiciest lechon that I have ever tasted. Cebu trips was not complete without having a mouthful of lechon but Carcar has redefined this usual itinerary to no trips to the south of Cebu is complete without a quick lechon stop in Carcar. No doubt, I had my mind blown away and tummy stuffed after visiting the heritage town of Cebu. You can read about my Carcar history and food adventure here: Quick Bits and Eats of Carcar Or you can check out my YT Carcar travel video here: Sinulom Falls, Cagayan de Oro A “plan B” trip led to my most REFRESHING discovery in Cagayan de Oro. I consider the city to be my hometown and I have always had CDO as a whitewater rafting destination. But the urban expansion of the city has led to new “discoveries” and one of that destination is Sinulom Falls. The city is now more than just a white water rafting hotspot but a destination that offers a wide range of activity for any kind of traveler. This spot in the hinterlands of the city is popular for two attractions - the Sinulom Falls and the Bolao Cold Spring. The waterfall is unique because it literally lies along the boundaries of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon. The waters cascade along the rock walls of Bukidnon into the Cagayan River but the best view point of Sinulom is on the side of Cagayan de Oro. The falls is a series of cascades over a steep rock wall and vegetation. From the vantage point, it would seem that the mountain is shedding tears into the river. A separate cascade flows down the mountains into a series of pools upstream. This is the Bolao Cold Spring. The resort is a great way to chill down after enjoying the views of Sinulom. I got to enjoy cooling down from the afternoon sun in its cold waters. The “discovery” of Sinulom is an example on how development helps us discover new attractions that was once enjoyed by the locals. You can read about my Sinulom Falls adventure here: The GOLD Tears of the Mountains of De Oro Or you can check out my YT Sinulom travel here: POST TRAVEL NOTES: #RoarIn2024 I am very excited to usher in 2024 with a new set of destinations that I want to explore. I could see that i would having more plane rides this year as my work has also expanded that would allow me to regularly fly to may happy place - Cebu. This year is going to be roaring with the following destinations on my list: Sorsogon - One of the last 14 provinces that I have yet to visit to complete my #GOT82 project. I am thinking of going for a backpack trip so I can enjoy the rush of moving around. Biri, Northern Samar - Rustic and beautiful. I would like to see the rock formations face to face. I have had several attempts, it has got to happen this year. BaSulTa - Stands for Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, Mindanao is one of the prime destinations in the Philippines. We need to give its natural and cultural beauty more spotlight. The world needs to see it. Aloguinsan, Cebu - I have a new project that puts Cebu on the spot. I am visiting one municipality or city at a time. Aloguinsan is on my list this year. I would like to camp out like a hermit. Jomalig, Quezon - Another destination on my list that I need to cover this year. Time to for gold this summer. I am positive that 2024 is going to rock. I want to get my rhythm back in traveling so I can finally complete the last 14 PH provinces of my #GOT81. This year I going to be exciting and I want to bring you with me to more exciting PH adventures. Welcome to 2024! #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas #SamaSamangBabangonMuli
This day trip adventure turned out to be one of my funniest adventure this year. What started out as a search for a giant’s cave ended with a dirt trail ride to a closed attraction and a swim in a clear pool to amusement of locals. From a place made popular by the pastry, comes a trip that had us bawling in laughter over the stories and adventures in Argao. Argao is one of the baking towns of Cebu, together with Liloan and Santander, and is THE “Torta Capital of Cebu”. The torta is a local pastry that stems its roots from the town’s Spanish roots. Coming from this gastronomic perspective, the town is rich with stories that give you a preview of its vibrant past. Its outskirts have natural attractions that will give you an opportunity to share a smile and an adventure with its locals. The fusion of its stories and adventures make the town a perfect spot to enjoy, even for just a day. Baluarte de Argao Let me start the our Argao adventure with the Baluarte de Argao. Let me first put some context on the significance of the baluarte. The south side of the Cebu, the coastline facing the Cebu Strait, is lined with baluartes that was commissioned by Fray Julian Bermejo. These watchtowers, that are lined along the coast from Carcar to Santander, are part of an elaborate system that warned locals of an impending Moro attack. Some of these coastal watchtowers are in ruins while some, including that of the Baluarte de Argao, were “rebuilt” for re-use. The Argao Watchtower is located inside a private resort aptly called Baluarte de Argao. The ruins of the baluarte were incorporated into a modern structure that functions as a wet restaurant/cafe. You won’t get to see any semblance of the baluarte in its current state. You would only know that it was once a baluarte from the pictures displayed showing its ruined state prior to the construction. Part of the watchtowers base were incorporated into the new structure. You would get to see part of the ruins when you enter the room on the first floor. As much as we would like to appreciate the attempt to put some value on the baluarte ruins, it has lost its heritage value with how it was re-used by the private owners. Argao lost an opportunity to have it recognized as a national treasure considering how the baluarte is part of an elaborate system of military communication during the Spanish period. This is a solid example on how we need to improve on how we value our history and heritage as Filipinos. Puerta Marina and Puerta del Sur There are two “gates” that lead to the town center. The Puerta Marina is the gate that faces towards the sea. The “puerta” sits within close proximity of the baluarte and, with the width and breadth of the gate, it probably served as a structure for defense of the town against Moro raids. There are two other gates that stand opposite each other in the town center. Both gates leads to the front of the church. These gates probably served as the entry point if you are coming from the adjacent inland towns. The three gates seemed to stand as safe keepers of the church and the local government. The area could have been fortified during that time as most of the heritage structures within the gates have been well-preserved. Capella Murtuario Standing adjacent to the Puerta Marina is a small chapel - the Capella Murtuario. Made from coral stones and lime mortar, the small chapel is believed to be the same age, or even older, as that of the Argao Church. There are two versions as to how the church was used. The first as a mortuary chapel for highlanders hold wakes, even those of criminals, before being laid to rest at the cemetery. The chapel is also believed to be used as a house of prayer for stillborn and unbaptized babies. This belief is strengthened by the relief of St. Michael the Archangel rescuing a baby from the mouth of the devil at the top of the chapel’s facade. The chapel is adorned with intricate reliefs depicting flower arrangements and the purple hue of the altar, depicting innocence, all indicate that the chapel was for the used as a latter. How the chapel was used can still be subject for discussion but what is certain is that it served as a mortuary chapel as shown on the skull with an hourglass relief atop its doors. The chapel was kept hidden for 40 years and was only “revealed” after a hospital structure was demolished. The great things about this discovery is that it did not suffer a similar state of the Baluarte de Argao. The Capella Murtuario was restored to its former glory giving as a glimpse of the beliefs and customs of locals during the Spanish period. Argao Church Complex The heritage block of Argao is composed of two areas - the church complex and the government complex. At the center of the church complex is the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Michael de Archangel. The Argao Church was established in 1733 and a first church was built in 1788. The present stone church and the convent were built from 1803 to 1836. The church structures, made of coral stones, were fortified to serve as a fortress during Moro raids. The facade of the church is adorned by intricate stone carvings of angels with the image of St. Michael as its main centerpiece atop the church’s doors. Three windows openings are located on the second level of the church which I presume served as lookout stations during raids. The belfry, completed on 1830, stands adjacent to the church, dominating the skyline of Argao. The church and the belfry stand majestically facing the sea, as if it was a guardian protecting the quaint town. One thing that really struck me was the beauty of the church’s interior. The church stands out for its beautifully painted ceilings of biblical stories by Cebuano painter, Raymundo Francia, and a Boholano painter. The altar stands in golden hues with images of the archangels. St. Michael Archangel, the church’s patron saint, is the centerpiece of the altar. There are smaller altars on the transepts of the church. The plaza is surrounded by a coral stone fence. There are small altars mounted on three corners of the plaza where one can offer a prayer. One unique feature of the coral fence is the 14 stone relief depicting the Via Crusis. This feature is unique to Argao. Argao Government Complex Just a stone-throw away from the church complex is the well-preserved Argao Complex. The open park fronting the Casa Real is home to a collection of memorabilias from the Spanish period. An old community well once served as the only source of potable water, news, and gossip in town. Old Spanish cannons, that dates back to the 1600, are on display at the park. These cannons were mounted on the protective walls of the pueblo to protect them from Moro attacks. The Casa Real is located on one end of the park. Built in the 1880s, the structure follows a bahay-na-bato architecture where the base and first floor are made of coral stones and the second floor is made from wood. It is the oldest municipal hall in the province and has been under rehabilitation when I visited Argao. The first floor is being utilized as a government offices while a large part of the second floor is under rehabilitation. There are some artifacts on display that showcases the heritage value of Argao. Adjacent to the Casa Real is another heritage structure that now serves as Argao’s Hall of Justice. The structure was built during the last century of the Spanish occupation and was originally used as an “Escuela de Ninos”. It was later used as a barracks during World War 2 where it was damaged. It was repaired after the war to become a school and later the home of the Regional and Municipal Trial Courts in Argao. The well-preserved church and government complex of Argao gives us a snapshot of the town’s colorful past. The arrival of the Spaniards has strengthened its position in the local economy that paved the way for the building of these infrastructures. It is great to see that a large part of its heritage has been kept intact, largely driven by the strong partnership of its community and the local government. Balay sa Agta From the stories of its colorful past, we ventured inland in search of a local folklore where a giant is believed to have once lived in the mountains of Argao. The giant is believed to have homed inside a giant cave along the Argao River. This spot has once become an attraction but was closed by the LGU because of a freak accident that claimed a life. The search for this cave started at the town market where we met a habal-habal driver who was familiar with the place. We had to endure a 40-minute ride through cemented, rough road, and dirt trails to the jump-off point. We then had to do a 15-minute hike through a trail covered by foliage. This is where we found out that this attraction was closed to the public after a hiker died after falling off a steep cliff along the trail. Yes, you need to be extra cautious during the hike and our guides were nice enough to keep us safe along the trail. We were able to get close enough to the huge opening of the cave. The huge opening could fit a giant and that was probably why we had that folklore going around. We were not allowed to venture any further for our safety. Our guides even joked that the giant were no longer welcoming with guests as it had placed snakes at the entrance. Sadly, I hope the LGU would reconsider opening this attraction to give Argao two different stories to enjoy and explore. Bugasok Falls A few minutes away from Balay sa Agta is another attraction - Bugasok Falls. Running along the Argao River, this falls is void of the majestic high water drops or the lush foliage that gives it a dramatic vibe. But its rustic vibe and peaceful surroundings, make it a perfect place to just relax and unwind. We viewed the waterfalls from the top and it gave us a good view of its small cascade. Our guide said that the base of the pool is deep and that they use to jump into it when they were younger. I got to enjoy dipping mg feet into the cold waters upstream. Bugasok Falls may not look majestic or instagrammable but the rustic ambiance is enough to make one enjoy getting close to nature. Tubod Spring Community Pool One thing that really caught my attention when reading about Argao was it has a lot of spring pools. Our guide even shared with us that one of Argao’s attractions was a mountain resort known for its spring pools. I am not a huge fan of “commercial” resorts that I opted to visit a lesser known spring pool that surprised, not us, but the locals. Imagine the shock and amusement of local Argwanons when two “Tagalog” explorers show up in their community pool thinking that it was a tourist attraction. They were doing their usual household chores like taking a bath and doing their laundry when we show up to take pictures and swim into the pool. The look of amusement on their faces as we enjoyed the cold fresh water is one for the books. In no time, locals were slowly streaming in to check on the “tourists”. The Tubod Community Pool is a small pool that is about a size of a badminton court. The sides were cemented for easier access and convenience for locals who use the pool for their everyday chores like bathing and doing their laundry. The headwaters spring from an underwater source and flows through to the sea. It is not an attraction but functions more as a community water source for everyday use. Something that city guy and gals don’t see and experience regularly. Interestingly, there are a lot of these pools in Argao and in the province. These pools serve as community nerve centers where you get to do daily tasks while sharing the latest news and gossips in the community. While the bigger pools have been opened to tourism, the smaller ones are more for communal use of the communities. These community pools, like Tubod, shows us what we are missing in the city and making us realize that the best things in life are indeed free. POST TRAVEL NOTES Argao is one of the largest and oldest municipalities in the province of Cebu. Its existence pre-dates the Spanish occupation so it is not surprising that it has a collection of stories to share, from local tales to historical annotations. It is one of those places that are often passed through but seldom given that highlight as a tourist destination. However, given the chance to be captivated by its beauty, one would agree that it is one destination that is “agaw eksena”! There were two things that I have picked up during my visit in Argao. The first is the possibility for an LGU to work hand in hand with the community in creating local tourism opportunities within its jurisdiction. We can keep the stories, whether historical or folklore, alive that were created in the past for the present and future generations. The second lesson is that the community proves to be a focal point in making these initiatives come into fruition. If the LGU and the community come together, they can create tourism projects that will resound to both local and international tourists. I hope Argao takes on that challenge. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas #SamaSamangBabangonMuli ***This Cebu City blog series is a personal project that will have me getting around and re-discovering the Queen City of the South. Walking while exploring Cebu City is a great way to sweat it out just before the holiday celebrations. Talking about sweating it out… Anytime Fitness is set to open its next club right at the heart of Cebu City - Anytime Fitness Robinsons Fuente. Check out their social media pages for more information and to get the best membership offers: Getting there: Major local and international airlines have direct flights to Cebu. You can take a cab to the South Bus Terminal where you can take a Ceres bus to Bato via Oslob. Tell the bus ticket teller that you will be going down the Poblacion area of Argao. You can walk or take a trike to the heritage area of Argao. If you are planning to take a trip to the cave and falls, you can hire a habal-habal stationed in the Argao Public Market.
The establishment of a colony in Cebu marked that start of the colonization of the Philippines under Spanish rule. Cebu City was the first to be colonized. In no time, business and commerce got stronger in the first established Spanish-period city. The buzz created a bustling business community in Cebu - the Parian. The Parian District of Cebu was once the business center of the city. Its streets were often busy with day-to-day trading. The grand homes of the affluent families once stood side by side showcasing the lavish lifestyles of the rich. Although business activities have slowly expanded in different areas of Metro Cebu, the district has maintained its business temperature, similar to that of Manila’s Quiapo and Sta. Cruz, and a historical core that gives you a glimpse of the district’s glorious past. Cebu Cathedral The Parian District once had three churches sitting at close distance - The Minore Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu, the Cebu Cathedral, and the Parian Church. Only the first two churches remain standing today while the third church was demolished to avoid further conflict within the parian community. Established in 1595, the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is also known as the Parish of St. Vitalis and of the Immaculate Conception. It is the seat of the Archdiocese of Cebu and is the center of the Catholic faith in the region. The church stands in all its grandeur just a block away from the Minore Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu. Its white-washed facade stands prominently along the Parian district giving us a full look of the Cebuano’s faith through the years. The interior of the church gives it a sanctuary vibe. The high ceiling and the solid wall creates a sense of security inside the church. One will also be amazed by the grand beauty of its altar that radiates in gold. The church is a silent witness to the birth of Christianity in the Philippines making it one structure that is significant in both religion and history. Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu Just right beside the Cebu Cathedral is a heritage structure that serves as the repository of religious artifacts of the archdiocese. It is an ecclesiastical museum that features the architecture and artifacts of the region. It gives its guests a glimpse of the rich past of the region when it comes to the growth of the Catholic faith in the Visayas. The museum is housed in the former rectory of the church that was built in the mid-1800s. It is one of the few Spanish-period structures that was spared from the devastation World War 2. The structure was built under the bahay-na-bato architecture with a huge courtyard. Officially opened in 2006, it aims to be an instrument to spread and strengthen the faith in the region. The first floor houses a chapel, a patio, and the courtyard. The chapel features religious artifacts collection from some of the old churches in the region. Its main draw is the chapel that features the relics of saints on display where you can also offer your prayers. The patio, with a small fountain at the center, opens to the courtyard of the museum. The old surviving bells of the cathedral are also on display at the courtyard of the museum. The second floor of the museum features exhibits artifacts on the humble beginnings of Christianity in Cebu. It also gives a detailed description and analysis of architectures of churches and cemeteries that highlight the influences of these designs, from cemetery chapels to church courtyards. Personal effects of former church leaders are also on display giving you a glimpse of how they lived humbly during their terms. The exhibit gives you a brief on the lives of religious leaders as they lived in their times. The Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu is a great way to look into the roots of Christianity in the country. It gives you a better understanding of the Catholic faith that should strengthen your faith to the Lord. In the end, the objective of the museum is to strengthen one’s faith through its exhibits. It is meant to make its guest realize how one’s faith can and will surpass time. Colon Street A five-minute walk from the Cebu Cathedral brings you to the oldest street in the Philippines - Colon Street. The “Dalan Colon” traces its beginnings when the Spanish Conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, established a colony in the 16th century. Colon was built in 1565 and was named after Christopher Columbus. The 1.17-kilometer street connects the Parian District to the Spanish colony complex during its early years. This historical street was later developed as a business and commerce district of the old Cebu. As the city developed and expanded, it has been run down and is now referred to as downtown. We could say that, at present, its is similar to the Quiapo and Binondo area of Manila where old businesses still thrive. An Obelisk now stands on the end of the street where a historical marker and a old photograph of the street was installed to indicate its historical significance in the development of the city and the country. Heritage of Cebu Monument Located at the heart of the Parian District, the Heritage of Cebu Monument stands as a majestic representation of Cebu’s historical significance. It is a tableau of the significant points of history that older the city and the country - from the Battle of Mactan to the Cebuano’s faith to the Santo Nino to the inauguration of the first Cebuano President, Sergio Osmena, to the canonization of Pedro Calungsod. The monument is the Cebuano’s story in one huge artwork. The monument historically stands close to the site where the third Parian Church, St. John the Baptist Church, once stood. The monument was made from concrete, bronze, brass, and steel. It was a collaborative work by sculptor Eduardo Castillo, Architect Heradio Espanol, and Architect Ildefonso Santos. The Heritage of Cebu is the centerpiece of the Parian Park and serves as a welcome icon to the city’s Parian District. 1730 Jesuit House I have visited and explored the city of Cebu numerous times BUT the 1730 Jesuit House was my BIGGEST discovery in this trip. Who would have thought that hidden behind an unassuming warehouse is the oldest Jesuit House in the country. I accidentally stumbled on this gem after seeing it on google map while in the area and, after checking it out, got me VERY interested. The old soul in me had giddy to explore the house. As shared by the guide, the house was part of the property that was bought in the 1960s to serve as a warehouse and office of the Sy-owned business. There were indications that the house was old, including an engraved medallion bearing the year 1730, however it was only in the 70s where the family found out its religious and historical significance. This marked the beginning of the restoration process of the oldest known Jesuit House in the country. It has now become a repository of historical artifacts and personal effects of the family passed on from generation to generation. There are two buildings in the compound. As you enter Building A, you will be walked through a brief history of the house where you will be given a brief on the house’s significance and discovery. Historical artifacts, excavated during its restoration, are also on display, indicating how the structure aged very well. There have been some renovations done in the house but a large part of the house, foundations and flooring, remain in its original state. The upper floors have become a repository of personal effects of the Sy family giving you a glimpse of their life in different periods. These personal effects include furnitures, old photographs, and fixtures that were in use during their time. What is interesting is how these stories are weaved into the house’s history. You literally walk through different time periods inside the house. Of course, there are also paranormal stories that were shared that usually forms part of the colorful history of heritage structures. Building B is believed to be the old house’s balcony which has been converted into an office and residential area. The old house was also believed to have a watch tower when it was under the Jesuits. It was great to see that the Sy owners were quick to keep the house intact even when they could have torn it down for business. They kept it close to its original design thus keeping its heritage and cultural value. The 1730 Jesuit House, despite hidden from plain site, gives us centuries of stories that helps us understand how our history was molded - from the Spanish period to the present. Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House Another popular ancestral house to visit in Cebu is the Yap-Sandiego House just a block away from the 1730 Jesuit House. It is one of the oldest houses in the Parian district and is believed to have been built in the 1700s by Chinese merchant, Don Juan Yap. The bahay-na-bato house was built from coral stones and wood giving you a glimpse of the parian architecture during that period. It is often referred to as the “Balay nga Bato ug Kahoy” by locals. The ancestral house has been converted into a museum by the present Yap generation. It has served as the repository of family heirlooms and guests can view these period pieces that gives you a glimpse of the lifestyle of the Yap family spanning 8 generations. From antique furnitures to glasswares to religious images, the collections will overwhelm you with its beauty and history. The house also features traditional dance presentations on special days at the garden area. The wide collection of artifacts and heirlooms of the Yap-Sandiego House can be overwhelming since it is tightly displayed in a limited space. It is also still in use by the present owners and is also the venue of an annual dance celebration. It is one of the oldest houses in the Parian District and worth visiting to give you a feel of how the old Cebu looks and feels like. Casa Gorordo Built in the 1850s, Casa Gorordo Museum was once the home of the Gorordo clan who were originally from Spain. The house has been the home of the Gorordo’s since 1863 and has also once been the home of the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu, Father Juan Gorordo. The house has survived two revolutions and World War 2. The house have undergone some changes brought by the changes in time and beliefs and yet it has managed to keep its identity as an example of Cebuano architecture. The house was designed under the bahay-na-bato architecture with a huge lawn and azotea. The design and its size are a strong indication of the power and wealth of the Gorordo’s of Cebu. The heritage structure was turned into a museum that features the colorful cultures and practices of the parian district and the lifestyle of the families like Gorordo’s during that period. The first floor walked us through the Parian district’s life during its heydays. From its humble beginnings to the way of living to the religious practices, each section gives you an overview of how it was to live during that period. The second floor gives us a preview of the lifestyle of the Gorordo family. Each room was curated to show visitors how each room was utilized. From the receiving areas to the prayer room to the dining area, it showcased the beliefs and practices during that time. How each item at home is weaved into the story of the house. I was amazed at finding out that the banga that lined the windows at the azotea served as a coolant to the wind that blew over from the sea. The Casa Gorordo is the most updated museum among the galleries that I have visited in Cebu. You can opt to choose to have a guided tour or a tablet-guided tour. It gives you a complete experience that immerses you in the story visually and auditory. I recommend that you take the time to really understand the narration to get a better understanding of the Parian District of Cebu. POST TRAVEL NOTES: The Parian District of Cebu outlines the role of the Chinese and Meztizo in the development of Cebu to what it is today. It was once center of business and commerce and has been the home of prominent and rich families of Sugbo. It is amazing how the remaining structures give us a glimpse of how life was for these families during that period. The mirage of cultures and traditions that we try to recreate at present is just a nip on how grand life was back then. There will always be one destination that we will never get tired of visiting again and again. We don’t get tired exploring the old and, in the process, discovering something new that will make you fall in love more with the place. Cebu has this appeal that strikes me. I guess the old soul in me gravitates towards this city because of its old town charm and its natural beauty while I get to still enjoy living in a fast-paced environment. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas #SamaSamangBabangonMuli ***This Cebu City blog series is a personal project that will have me getting around and re-discovering the Queen City of the South. Walking while exploring Cebu City is a great way to sweat it out just before the holiday celebrations. Talking about sweating it out… Anytime Fitness is set to open its next club right at the heart of Cebu City - Anytime Fitness Robinsons Fuente. Pre-sales is set to start on September 15, 2023! Check out their social media pages for more information and to get the best pre-sales membership offers: Facebook: AF Robinsons Fuente Instagram: AF Robinsons Fuente #ChangeGetsYouMoving #GetFit4Life #BleedPurple Getting there: Major local and international airlines have direct flights to Cebu.
When Cebu City is mentioned in a conversation, the first things that come to my mind are the Santo Nino, Magellan’s Cross, the Cebu-Cordova bridge, Fort San Pedro, the Sinulog, and its amazing cityscape. I love the city because it fuses the rustic rural vibe and city rush perfectly. It is like I am in the city but not in the city kind-of-feel. Most of its visitors enjoy being part of its cityscape but little is known on the mountains that serves as its backdrop. From the usual attractions of Tops, Temple of Leah, and Taoist Temple, the mountains of the city remain untouched by most tourists. It is safe to say that a large part of its mountains have become the locals sweet and quick escape from hustle of the city, without the usual tourist fanfare. Let’s explore the mountains of Sugbo in a day. Celestial Garden / Starbuks Let’s start the day early with a quick hike along a trail that has become popular among locals - the Celestial Garden Trails. The trail starts at Paseo Arcenas where hikers walk along the paved main road passing through the villages and subdivisions. The trail would eventually lead into a dirt trail that snakes through the mountain side where the controversial Monterrazas de Cebu will soon be located. The view of the city landscape gets better as you get higher. I recommend that you start very early so you can catch a great view of the sunrise with the urban landscape of the city in the foreground. The Celestial Garden is located along this trail. This memorial garden stands out for the statues and “amphitheater” that were installed in the vast open area along the hills giving it a cool and unique vibe. It does not send off an eerie vibe that is usually associated with cemeteries. It actually seems more of a park with an amazing view of Cebu City. The sprawling open space and the amazing views of the city makes it a perfect spot to relax and catch your breath before continuing your hike. The views of the urban landscape become more commandingly beautiful as you get higher through the trail. The trail becomes narrower and steeper but the 180-degree view of the city of Cebu and the fresh air blowing from the sea is enough reward for the hike. At the top of the trail is a series of small coffee shops that imitate branded coffee shops - Starbucks and Kofi Ben. This early morning hike was a great way to start a day of exploring the mountains in Cebu. It was a good way to exercise that gave a rewarding view of the city that you can only see from this side of the Queen City. This was a side that only locals know and it was great to experience it first hand. Sirao Flower Farm Our next destinations would be along the usual tourist trail along the mountains of this city. We hopped on a habal-habal to explore the usual tourist spots. Let's start with the Sirao Flower Farm is one of the popular spots on this side of the city. Tucked along the hillside of Sirao, this barangay is popular for its flower production so it was not a surprise that flower gardens have become one its tourist draws. The Sirao Flower Farm is probably the most famous attraction as it gives you a localized version of Amsterdam. The garden is picturesque from any angle. The flower plots are neatly arranged to surround and impress its guests. It gives you that mood uplift while being surrounded by different variety of flowers. It is a visual sensory overload of colors. Structures were built in different spots of the garden to give the garden a more IG-worthy feel. The aesthetics of the garden complements the amazing mountain views that surround the garden. The beauty of the Sirao Flower Farm has made it to the list as one of the attractions to visit on this side of Cebu. It has managed to create an attraction from nature’s bounty and infuse a shot of creativity. Its appeal transcends across all ages. Temple of Leah Commissioned by Teodorico Adarna, this “temple” was built in honor of his late wife - Leah Albino-Adarna. The “temple” symbolized his undying love and devotion to his wife. It was a declaration of 5 decades of fruitful marriage. The structure started its construction in 2012. It was designed in Greek architecture and has 24 chambers. The chambers were designed to house an art gallery, a library, and a museum but these chambers remain inaccessible to the public still. You can take a peek from windows on how these rooms look like. A 10-foot statue of “Queen Leah” stand as the centerpiece of the temple’s receiving hall. The queenly image has been an attraction among its guests. The attraction sits along the hillside of Busay and gives a panoramic view of Cebu City and the Mactan Island. I personally think that the panoramic view of the metro is the biggest pull of this attraction. I enjoyed getting lucky with the view of a plane landing in Mactan with the Metro Cebu in the foreground. Cebu Taoist Temple Located inside a posh village in the city, the Cebu Taoist Temple is an attraction that has become part of its city mountain tours. This attraction is popular for its peaceful and serene vibe within the urban setting of Cebu. Beyond being a place of worship, the temple is more than just an attraction but a symbolic structure of Chinese influence in the Cebu. The Cebu Taoist Temple proudly displays Chinese architecture as you climb up the stairs to its main temple. The lawns are perfectly manicured that complements the serene mood of the temple. There are smaller chapels where you can light up incense and offer a short prayer. There are wishing pools where you can toss a coin to make a wish. The main temple is a beautiful centerpiece of the Cebu Taoist Temple. Please respect that taking pictures of the interiors of the temple and chapels are not allowed. The temple does offer a quick refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city while giving you a mild taste of China. You get to enjoy a panoramic view of Cebu City while enjoying the serenity of the place. I think that the best time to visit it is in the late afternoon to get that different glow of the city with the late afternoon sun. Just be mindful of the noise and those who are there to offer their prayers because, at the end of the day, the place remains to be a temple. A perfect spot to end the day with gratitude for a great time of safely exploring the mountains of Sugbo. POST TRAVEL NOTESThe mountains of Cebu is one of the less travelled destinations in Cebu City. Apart from the usual tourist routes, there are still a lot of off-beat attractions that remain hidden from tourists but enjoyed by the locals. I have heard that there are hiking trails that allow you to traverse through the mountain side of Cebu that gives you access to amazing city views and waterfalls. This is going to be my future travel endeavor - exploring the mountains of Sugbo! Locals are known to offer information on great spots in their community that are not along the popular tourist trail. More often than not, these are enjoyed by locals because it does not have the usual crowd and remains untouched by commercialization. I enjoy these spots because you get to see how locals see it before it hits mainstream tourist. I guess that is a badge that I would like to wear for most of my travels. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas #SamaSamangBabangonMuli ***This Cebu City blog series is a personal project that will have me getting around and re-discovering the Queen City of the South. Walking while exploring Cebu City is a great way to sweat it out just before the holiday celebrations. Talking about sweating it out… Anytime Fitness is set to open its next club right at the heart of Cebu City - Anytime Fitness Robinsons Fuente. Pre-sales is set to start on September 15, 2023! Check out their social media pages for more information and to get the best pre-sales membership offers: Getting there: Major airlines and ferries have regular trips to Mactan International Airport, Cebu City’s gateway. You can take a cab to Paseo Arenas, the jump off point to the trail to Celestial Garden and Starbuks. For the more popular mountain attractions in Cebu, you can take a habal-habal from Robinsons Fuente or at JY Square Mall for a half-day trip.
The start of the Philippines as a nation started when one voyager unintentionally landed his fleet in the one of the islands in Samar. The series of “island hops” eventually led to the conversion of locals to Christianity which gave birth to one of the grandest Philippine celebrations - the Sinulog. This trip will walk us through how the evolution of the Philippines as a nation from its humble beginnings in Cebu City Sugbu or Sugbo was the ancient name of the Queen City of the South. It was a major trading port long before the arrival of Magellan. It is believed that its present name “Cebu” was derived from the old Cebuano word “sibo” which roughly translates to “trade”. But, it was the arrival of Magellan in 1521 that placed the city in the map of colonizers and it took decades before another expedition was able to establish a colony. This colony, established in 1565 by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, would be called “Villa de San Miguel de Cebu”. Raja Humabon Monument Let’s start our history walk by honoring Raja Humabon - the first Filipino leader who embraced Christianity. His warm reception of Magellan’s fleet led to his baptism, together with his wife and 800 locals. This marked the start of colonization of the Philippines through religion. He was given the Christian name Carlos while his wife was named Juana. As a symbol of their conversion, an image of the Child Jesus was presented to them as a gift and this marked the start of the Sinulog story of the Cebuanos. A small park tucked between the road fork of P. Burgos Street in Cebu’s downtown honors this Cebuano leader. A monument depicting the strong leader and a NHI historical marker is its main draw. A smaller pylon monument honoring the leader stands at one end of the park. As mentioned, two of Cebu’s icons served as the pact of friendship between Humabon and Magellan - the Sto. Nino de Cebu and the Magellan’s Cross. Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu At the heart of the Cebuano’s Catholic faith is the Holy Child of Cebu. The whole province dances in celebration every 3rd Sunday to celebrate their faith to the Senor Santo Nino. The image was a gift to the wife of Raja Humabon, baptized as Juana, as a symbol of their conversion to Christianity. It has become an iconic symbol of the city. The Senor Santo Nino is housed in the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu. It is located two blocks away from the Raja Humabon Monument (not the church adjacent to it) and is one of the three original churches in the downtown or parian area. The present stone church was completed in 1740 and was built on the spot where the image of the Sto. Nino was found after colonizers, headed by Legazpi, burned down the village. The church is nearly 500 years old and it is the center of the celebration every 3rd Sunday of January. The church and convent stand majestically with its simple facade made from coral stones. An image of the Santo Nino was carved atop its arched doors. Its belfry stands adjacent to the church. An iron-cast bell with the inscription “Santo Nino del Zebu” is on display at the base of the belfry. The basilica’s gold altar is one of the grandest that I have ever seen. The four-tier retablo looked magnificent with the saints lined up on the upper tiers. The image of the Santo Nino and the Crucified Christ stands as its centerpiece. A smaller altar adjacent to the main altar bears the original image of the Senor Santo Nino. Pilgrims and visitors can get an upclose look at the image. Most pilgrims pray their petitions to the image. Interestingly, devotees of the Santo Nino wave at the image, like a child waving, as a form of respect to the revered image. The church complex houses the convent, a pilgrimage center, a museum, and a library. It is one of the most visited church in the province for its history and for its faith expression. The Senor Santo Nino is symbolic in both history and religion as it signaled the start of the country’s nation building and the spread of the Christian faith in the Philippines. Magellan’s Cross Just a stone-throw away from the Minor Basilica is another symbol of faith and colonization - Magellan’s Cross. The story of Magellan’s voyage more than 500 years ago is a common story in our history classes. The wooden cross was planted by Magellan along the shores of Cebu during the mass where Raja Humabon was converted to Christianity. The cross is a symbol of Christianity’s beginnings in the Philippines. Magellan’s Cross is housed in a small chapel just a few steps from one of the gates of the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu. The location is the exact area where Magellan planted the wooden cross. The Tindalo wooden cross that we see today encloses the original cross. The paintings on the ceilings of the small chapel outlines the story of what happened during that fateful day. Devotees and tourists flock to this tourist attraction that has become one of the icons of this city. Fort San Pedro and Plaza Independencia The arrival of Magellan was the first recorded contact of “Filipinos” with colonizers from the west. However, it was 4 decades after Magellan’s death that the Spanish colonizers was able to establish a colony in the Philippines. It was Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established the colony and was called Villa de San Miguel de Cebu. This marked the start of the development of the oldest city in the Philippines - Cebu City. Unlike Magellan’s voyage, Legazpi and his crew were met with hostilities among the locals. This was the reason behind the construction of one of the oldest forts in the country, Fort San Pedro. This small triangular fort was intended to protect the colonizers from night-time attacks coming from the sea. This is the reason why two sides of the fort face the sea while one side faces land. We don’t get to see that beach side of the fort nowadays because of the reclamations done in the area. The fort is the smallest Spanish fortress in the country. It was built using stone mortars and has 3 bastions - La Concepcion, Ignacio de Loyola, and San Miguel. The entrance to the fort stands on the side that faces the city. The fortress was the nucleus of the first Spanish colony in the Philippines. Fort San Pedro and Plaza Independencia is now a sprawling park in the city. The fort has its own museum and a courtyard that can be used for events. Plaza Independencia is a Spanish-period public space that has been developed and also recognized for its historical value. The plaza also has a monument honoring the Spanish Navigator and the first Governor-General of the Philippines - Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. National Museum - Cebu The recently inaugurated National Museum Cebu Component makes its home in the historic structure of the Old Custom House of the Cebu Port Authority. It was under the leadership of Former President Rodrigo Duterte that the heritage structure, designed by William Parsons and constructed in 1910, got the support for its re-use to showcase Visayan history and culture. The first floor of the National Museum has three galleries. The first gallery showcases the natural resources and wonders of Cebu and the Visayas. The second gallery walks you through the early days of Cebu City, giving you a preview of its rich pre-colonial past. The third gallery features the existing culture and way of life in the region. The three galleries give you a deeper understanding of the rich history and heritage of Cebu and the Visayas. The second floor is a gallery of creativity. You get to marvel at contemporary art pieces, from 2D to 3D, by local artists in the region. The gallery opens with a huge painting of the “Battle of Mactan”. On exhibit are art works that would test your own brand of creativity. The component museum is a good start to know about the history, culture, and creativity of Cebuanos and the Visayans. The move to create this learning institution in the city, where our story as a nation began, was a good one as it brings both locals and tourists into the heart of the action. It makes us understand the stories behind the sights and sounds of the city’s attraction. POST TRAVEL NOTES Cebu is my happy place. It has a unique and homey vibe that fuses urban and provincial life in a perfect blend. It is a city that I would never get tired visiting over and over again. With the opportunity to revisit the city’s rich culture and history again, it gives me more time to discover something new and appreciate the uniqueness of the city that has long charmed its way to my heart. This is just the start. History is a good way to start understanding our present. Understanding how it started gives us a clearer picture of the whys. In the same way, we need to go back and see how we started as a nation. How it all began. Knowing the past can give us a deeper learning on how we can be better Filipinos. Next up… Cebu City’s Parian District. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas #SamaSamangBabangonMuli ***This Cebu City blog series is a personal project that will have me getting around and re-discovering the Queen City of the South. Walking while exploring Cebu City is a great way to sweat it out just before the holiday celebrations. Talking about sweating it out… Anytime Fitness is set to open its next club right at the heart of Cebu City - Anytime Fitness Robinsons Fuente. Pre-sales is set to start on September 15, 2023! Check out their social media pages for more information and to get the best pre-sales membership offers: Getting there: Major local and international airlines have direct flights to Cebu.
When you have got a free day in Cebu, where do you go? You can choose to go around the city or choose to explore the nearby destinations to enjoy the sights and sounds of the province. In my case, I decided to head south to explore a town that has become a tourism icon for its animal interaction. Only this time, I am exploring the town for a quick shower, walk through its history, and a quick saltwater swim. This is Oslob! Just a 4-hour bus ride away from the Queen City of the South, Oslob is a small coastal municipality facing the Bohol Sea. This destination is known as the home of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country and for its collection of historical structures. However, it was the controversial “taming” of the whale sharks that eventually paved the way for this small town to become a tourism icon of Cebu. This blog will not feature “tamed” sea creatures but it is about going back to what Oslob has long been known for. Tumalog Falls Tucked along the mountains of Oslob is one of the most beautiful waterfalls that I have ever visited and seen - Tumalog Falls. Getting there is quite easy as you can hire a “habal-habal” to get to the jump-off point from the main highway. At the jump-off point, you can go for a 15-minute downhill leisure walk or ride another “habal-habal” to get to the entrance of the park. We chose to go for the faster and more thrilling ride downhill. The nature park has basic facilities like a restroom and picnic huts for its guests. A Php50 entrance fee is charged by the LGU at the gate. Dirt trails lead up to the base of the falls. There are a lot of good vantage points to see the full beauty of Tumalog. Of course, there’s the popular view spot that you have seen on socmed but you need to line up (a really long one) and give a tip for that human drone shot. In my case, I chose to own my view point rather than go for the usual, giving me more time to enjoy the view and the waters. Two things that will immediately catch your attention when you come face-to-face with Tumalog Falls are the shower-like cascade and its turquoise waters. What makes Tumalog unique is its shower cascade unlike others that have a strong single cascade. You can literally stand at the base and enjoy a very cold shower as its spring waters cascade along its umbrella-like rock formations. It is like taking a quick shower under a strong rain. It shocks your body with very cold water while giving you a hard and soothing shoulder and back massage. The waters of Tumalog Falls cascade from a height of about 80 meters into a small and shallow basin. One can swim and enjoy the waist-deep turquoise waters of the falls while enjoying the views of its surrounding forests. Word of caution, though, because of Oslob’s popularity, this nature destination can draw a crowd on a weekend so make sure that you bring a lot of patience when visiting Tumalog Falls during the peak days. Habal-Habal Rate: Php150 per head roundtrip from main highway to Tumalog Falls Jump-off to Cangcua-ay Private Beach Resort. Make sure to arrange the time you want to be picked up at the jump-off. Tumalog Jump off Habal-Habal Rate: Php50 per head roundtrip. Tumalog Falls Entrance Fee: Php50 per head. You can rent out a cabana at Php300 if you plan to stay longer than usual. Beach Spot: Cangcua-ay Private Beach With the exception of Sumilon Island’s white sandbar, Oslob’s coastline is composed of a mix of rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. It does not have a a long beach strip where beach bums like me can just relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. The beach strip that they have does not allow swimming as its “tamed” whale sharks are just a few meters away from the shore. In fact, my habal-habal driver cannot recommend any beach spots when I asked him where we can swim and enjoy beach bumming. BUT… the beach person in me wouldn’t go home without getting tanned and salty so, from a suggestion of a traveler friend, we discovered and explored the Cangcua-ay Private Beach in Barangay Tan-awan. Expect to walk down the 254 steps from the entrance to the private beach enclave. You get to enjoy the views of the Bohol Sea, Sumilon Island, and Siquijor as you traverse down the steep steps to the beach. Cancua-ay is a perfect spot to beach chill. We got to enjoy the waters of Oslob without the crowd even if it was a Sunday. It was rocky cove with portions of white sand shores that gave me a much-needed beach break. You can enjoy lazing around on the hammock while immersed in saltwater, go for a quick swim, or challenge your fear of heights by jumping off the platform. The entrance fee of Php150 allows you a day trip access to the beach where you can us the cabanas without extra charge. You just have to make sure that you have everything with you when you go down as you don’t want to tire yourself up traversing the steps. I must agree Cancau-ay is a perfect spot for beacb day trip to disconnect and recharge your mind and body. Entrance fee: Php150 per head for a day trip Daanglungsod Baluarte Ruins Baranggay Daanglungsod holds a historical treasure that is often overlooked by visitors of Oslob. Reading through the town’s history, the present-day location of the town center was not the first location. In fact, it was at Daanglungsod where the first community was established hence the name of the barangay that roughly translates to “old town/city”. This location stands about a kilometer south of the present-day town center. Just like any old Spanish town, watch towers or “baluartes” were built to protect and warn the town and its people from attacks of Moro pirates. The ruins of a huge baluarte stands as the only mute witness to the original community of Oslob. It hides conspicuously behind trees, vegetations, and modern structures along the highway. If you are not aware of its existence, you would probably miss out on it. I just hope that the LGU would also give ample attention to its preservation for its historical value. Church of the Immaculate Conception Completed in 1847, the Church of the Immaculate Conception, or more popularly known as Oslob Church, is one of the heritage structures around the towns historical core. The church is made coral stones and reinforced by lime cement. A 30-meter bell tower stands adjacent to the church that was built in 1858 under Father Apolinar Alvarez. Natural and man-made disasters have damaged the church but the faith of the locals of Oslob would always rise above to rebuild and restore their beloved church. The Oslob Church is a dominant structure in town. The simple and yet imposing facade exude a vibe of protection over the town of Oslob. The interior of the church exudes the same simplicity with only the image of the Immaculate Conception as the centerpiece of its altar. The church is simple and elegant as if telling us that faith need not be complicated. All it takes is for us to simply believe. The church complex is home to a number of historical structures. The church wall and gates are being re-constructed to complement the church. The walls served as the church’s protection from pirates. A small coral chapel stands just right across church while an old Spanish well can also be found within the church grounds. Trike fare from Cancua-ay Beach: Php50 per head Calle Aragones Running along the left side of the church is the oldest street in Oslob - Calle Aragones. The street served as the main processional route of the church. A historical marker was mounted by the LGU that recognizes the historical value of the street. It still serves as a vital link of the main highway to the adjacent streets and the businesses in the area. This is where you would find the Oslob Municipal Hall and its community center. It still serves as the main access to the town’s historical attractions from the national highway. Cuartel Ruins The Cuartel Ruins stands at the end of Calle Aragones. The construction of the cuartel or barracks started in the 1860s and were suppose to be the residence of Spanish troops. However, the arrival of the Americans halted the construction of the cuartel leaving it at its current state. The cuartel is made up of thick coral stones from the ruins of the bell tower. The foundations were built strong that it has withstood time and natural calamities. It is the most photographed historical structure in Oslob. The structure is dramatic and walking along the corridors of the Spanish ruins challenges your creativity as you try to capture the drama the unfinished Spanish structure in your photos. Cuartel Beach and Baluarte Ruins Cuartel Beach is the “baywalk” area of the town. Located at the back of the Cuartel Ruins, this reclaimed area was converted into a sprawling open park that gives one a calm view of the Bohol Sea. What makes this bay park really unique is the clear and clean waters of its beach which makes it quite tempting to jump into. You can even enjoy watching schools of fish lounge around its breakwaters. You can also find the ruins of a Baluarte or watch tower on one end of the park. The Baluarte is one of the 12 watch towers built in Oslob to protect the town from pirates. A monument honors Father Julian Bermejo who spearheaded the construction of these baluartes which totaled to 40 and ran the length from Carcar to Santander. His biggest contribution was the construction of the Oslob Church which he completed in 1847. The park is a perfect way to slow you down after a day of exploring nature and history in Oslob. You can take a seat in one of the benches and just breathe in the view of the sea and enjoy the breeze. I seldom get this kind of views in metro so I really took it in. It was calming and recharging. Oslob was perfect in its simple state. POST TRAVEL NOTES My day trip to Oslob was definitely a much needed pause and recharge for me. It gave me a cold freshwater shower and a quick saltwater dip. It gave me the opportunity to commune with nature while appreciating history. It was like getting the best of two worlds at the same time. It was refreshing and recharging. Oslob, at its basic, is OsLove! Exploring a place, for what it is, is an exciting adventure. You get to see the real beauty of the destination and not what it is trying to adopt. It makes you fall in love for what it truly is. Destinations need not re-invent its wheel to gain tourism traction. All it needs to do is to look within and uncover what they have to offer that they can truly say is uniquely their own. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas #SamaSamangBabangonMuli Getting there: Major local and international airlines have direct flights to Cebu. You can take a cab from the airport to the Cebu South Bus Terminal where you can take a bus to Bato via Oslob. You just tell the ticket seller and the bus conductor to drop you off at the stop going to Tumalog Falls or at the Oslob town proper.
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. Archives
April 2024
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