After i discover my passion in travel, I go on monthly trips. This time I choose one of the undeniable great destination in Visayas the Queen City of the South Cebu City. Took six months of planning and a lot of schedule adjustment, and hmmmmmp better not to mention at all. but it was definitely worth it, especially after I saw the untamed beauty of Cebu. Unlike my usual flight before this time I flew in a larger plane that give me a panoramic night view of Cebu even I was sitting one part away at the window “ Papalapag pa lang ang airplane sa airport ng Mactan Cebu yung excitement ko nagbabaga na grabe ang ganda ng sea of lights na nagbibigay liwanag sa bumabalot na dilim ng paligid”.
DAY ONE
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First stop was the Magellan Cross located at the heart of
the city “Magellan's Cross is a Christian cross planted by Portuguese and
Spanish explorers as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan upon arriving in Cebu in the
Philippines on March 15, 1521. It is one of the popular and must see landmarks
on the island.
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When I started walking the history of the past play in my mind,
giving me hints and ideas as to how the Spaniards exist, Magellan become famous
and Lapu-Lapu name as a national hero of the Philippines. It is as if each historical event was an
actor playing an important role today? The imagination in my mind becomes more
vivid as I look a mural showing the first mass has been painted on the ceiling
of the pavilion, making me more involved and interest in the Philippines
History. And believe it or not travelling the Philippines intently makes me
almost witness the history of the past. Blame it on craziness, but when you’re
travelling and exploring one places
every day, month or annual of your life and sharing them with those
who’re interested you actually proud and
dreaming more place to visit.
About ten minutes from Magellan Cross is Fort San Pedro a military defense structure in Cebu, built by the Spanish under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi during Spanish rule 1738, the Fort was meant to protect the city from Muslim raiders.
I see old artifacts, replica of Santo Nino at the main entrance of the fort and cannons throughout the perimeter, I'm glad I went because the place is simply breathtaking it's a great piece of interesting view and history during
Spaniards.
Spaniards.
There is a Museum inside the port but I didn't get a chance to go in- the gate is closed. "masyado pa palang maaga" -laugh! Fair enough. still there are areas within the port that seem to be crying out for an attention, such as Malacanang sa Sugbo, Veterans Park and Plaza Independencia.
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But Before to continue exploring around the metro I thought
it was best to go first at the JL Suites, The JL Suites is my home for the next few days.
 
When I arrive at the JL Suites It’s so easy for me to feel at home at the JL Suites, everybody is friendly and accommodating. I enjoy my very comptable room.
and how can I refuse an afternoon nap in this very nice room.
After rest I'm ready to continue my explortaion within the city, This time I'm going to the biggest mall of Cebu the SM Seaside, That mall gave me a very dramatic experience I was "wow" at the 4th floor of the mall because of the stunning 360 degrees view of the city, The magneficent skyline, the cinematic mountain and ocean view.
Above the heavenly feeling when you see the entire city at the top of SM seaside when you go down to the next level you can find everythning what you need, from fine restaurant, shopping boutique, accessories, groceries ,fun and entertainment all of these are found at the mall.         
About 45 minutes from SM Seaside mall you can reach the Colon Street a historical street in downtown Cebu City that is often called the oldest and the shortest national road inthe Philiipines. It is named after Cristobal Colon
My first visit in Cebu is never complete without trying to experience walking this busy street of the City. This Street is very popular and during month of January you can see a lot of people at the side walk watching the street dance parade of the most grandest festival celebration in the Philippines the Mother of all Festivals " The SINULOG"
After the walkathon trip I end my night with the serving of Cebu original barbeque taste. Larsian is the home of the most famous barbeque places of the city. And because i love grill and barbeque ever since I should never missed to eat the best tasting barbeque of Cebu. The Cebu barbeque is suacey and tasty difinetly not to sweet and not to salty it's just a right taste that I want to have some more to eat a barbeque. And the price hmmmmp very very affordable as in mura talaga! -this time i started to fall in love with Cebu na higugma na gyud ko niya. <3 <3
  
Day Two
In this day trip I’m going to take you to a serine, breathtaking and relaxing tour to one of the best and beautiful Island in Northern end of Cebu the Bantayan Island. Smiling faces, white sand beaches these are at the heart of Sta. Fe covering Eastern part of Bantayan Island the most beautiful Islands in
the world because of its grandeur and of course because of the Bantayanon
people who are charming, smiling, hospitable and approachable love by traveler. For being a place of relaxation, fun and good times. From Cebu City Bantayan Island is just approximately four
hours of travel. 2 1/2 to 3 hours going to Hagnaya port through bus or van or taxi
depend on your budget. and from Hagnaya port another 1 hour for ferry boat
going to Sta Fe port where Sta Fe port
is the port of entry.
So for this trip I start my day to wake up at 3:00 am preparing my stuff, have a quick bath and leave the hotel then ride a taxi going to Cebu South Bus Terminal and take the bus headed to Hagnaya port. I know it was a long trip going to Bantayan Island but i don't let this fact stop me because i know this trip is definetly worth every miles.
   
My "RORO" experience going to banatayan island offers a scenenic view and exhilariting ride along across the tanon strait. It's difinitely one of my best trip experience that I enjoy so much.
    But before I embark to the trip I'll make sure I took the time to taste and enjoy the most divert FIlipino breakfast "Ang Tapsilog" at the Sta. Fe. Tapsilog is a meal composed of Filipino beef jerky, fried egg and garlic taste fried rice. The name was derived from the ingredients. "TAPA" is the beef jerky "SINANGAG" is the garlic taste fried rice, and the "ITLOG" is the filipino term for egg. Tapsilog is mostly serve in breakfast and very common in all over the places of the Philippines and it has taken with widely different version depending on which city you find your self in. But in Bantayan Island Sta. Fe they probably have all the version of tapsilog but they also have there own version and it is known "DANGSILOG" Danggit "Dried Rabbit Fish", the sinangag and the itlog or egg. This version serve in all carinderias and fasts foods chains in Bantayan Island.  
And after a great breakfast with a lot of choice I also took a few minutes to enjoy walk to keep up my fitness routine which is very important to keep even if I'm not in gym and on the road. And after a minutes of walking since this is my first time in Banatayan Island so I decided to go the best places and most recomend resort of the island. My trycycle driver kuya Ronnie though it would be best to bring me to Ogtong Cave Resort which is about a 15 minutes drive. As i get off to the trycycle I immediately feel the hotter climate and the sea breeze which about 100 meters away. Ogtong Cave Resort is a beautiful tiny resort but this is a big reason why hundred of peoples love the resort, this is one of the place that you should not miss to visit if you are planning to have a vacation at Bantayan Island, trust me I had a wonderful experience at Ogtong Cave Resort.
      
The resort gets in name from the underground cave and guest can enjoy taking a dip into the a natural fresh and cooling water. It's a small cave so everyone can't really do a lot. Aside from the cave the resort also set some magnificent landscape of lovely tropical flowers, they also have a small front beach even it's not as stunning as the beaches near at Sta. Fe, Ogtong front beach area and water are still nice, the resort has 2 swimming pools, the main which is open for public and walk in guest and another one by some of the cottages and I guess that pool is strictly use only for check in guest. Another thing that I enjoy in Ogtong Cave Resort is the food "kakagutom talaga bumiyahe" and if you really want to learn more about the island you must try the food of Bantayan Island. Yan daw ang way to know the culture of the place hmmmmp! bakit kaya sa pagkain? but anyway!
First on my list ay ang "SINUGLAW" whish is a very similar to kinilaw a popluar Pilipino dish. The Siniglaw is made of raw oysters, vinegar and spicies it's a unique combination taste of a sweet sour and I must admit it was really good.
Another food that must try to eat at Banatayn Island is the Beefy Mushroom Toppings the dish is made of beef chunks and a seafood with mushroom mix into sa very spacial sauce toppings to rice and for me it was just a perfect match. If you want a dining experience in Bantayan Island that you want to remember try this awesome dish.
For refreshment Strawberry Shake is perfect match for the hotter feeling, they serve right strawberry shake that required my taste
Travelling to Bantayan Island is one magical experience, After a fun full day as I'm trying to check on my note, I almost forgot so many plan for the next day are on the list, I know this Island has more to offer but with the limited time sad to say i have no chance to explore all of them. then I fix myself and Packed my bags and ready to leave the island.
My Bantayan Island escaped is a great experience to remember even it just a short trip it's all worth it. I'll going back there, I promise!
Day Three
Yesterday I visit Bantayan Island and spent limited time there, maybe I need to plan another book to that Island as soon I can go back to manila. And after I fall in love in some of the beautiful island at the southern Cebu this time on my third day I will conquer my fear to the Southern part of Cebu as I about to meet and encounter the famous gentle giant in Oslob. I'm sure you heard about the whale shark " Oo ang feymoz na Butanding" so tara let us beggin the tour.
My tour begin's at Dunkin Donut shop in Cebu South Bus Terminal with some great coffee and muffins. After I finish breakfast, I ride the bus head out to Oslob our bus started out of Cebu City at 3:50 a.m., Before going directly to Oslob I went first to Dalaguete for one great trekking adventure experienece it's nearly two our trip from Cebu. And from Dalaguete Junction I ride habal habal going to Barangay Mantalongon the jump off point to Osmena Peak.
Osmena Peak is the highest mountain of Cebu and because of it's pictureque view and stunning beauty of the mountain many hikers love and favorites to hike in this peak.
6:15 a.m and I'm ready for the exciting hike, The trek begin at the Multipurpose house where you can ask for assistant or a guide. If you are a solo traveler and a firstimer in that peak don't climb without a guide better to hire to avoid any instances. As we work our way up to that majestic peak, I be in disappoint as I watch the scenery nothing but fog. Don't worry Though the scenery will change once we get through in this area. Ate Vilma "my guide" said that to me. Upon reaching the bottom we stop for pictures along the big rock formation pero ma hamog pa rin.
   
After a few minutes, we finally reached the top of the peak I had been warned by ate Vilma that it could get freezing cold beause of the high elevation. In fact, Osmean Peak is similar to Baguio where you can experience coldest weather.
I had such high expectation from this hike but I was disappoint. My envasioned of Osmena Peak didn't go excatly as what i saw in picture of many travelers posted a perfect photo of Osmena Peak. Celebratory jump shots with 360 degree view of majesctic nature background, selfie with the awesome landscape. I know that's not the essence of being a mountainer. It should be about the experience, the journey and the passion. But I'm not one of them, I'm just an ordinary climber wanted the perfect sunrise instead of heavy fog and a blast of wind to see the beautiful creation of God from up above the mountain.
Despite the disappointment and harsh weather, I still managed to smile. I guess this is not the perfect time for me I wouldn't give up and promise to myself to comeback here.
Going down one can take an alternative route to Badian town where Kawasan Falls is located. I used the same route heading back and dropped by Dalanguete Junction. And from there I took a bus for another 2 hours ride going to Oslob. This time I was in good spirits as i see the sky was clear and the weather seemed perfect. "Alam ko mapapawi ang dismaya ko kanina" I didn't take a single photo during a long trip from Brgy. Mantalongon going to Brgy. Tanawan Oslob Bad trip pa rin kasi ako.
Tanawan Oslob is a town famous of it's a marine transient the whale shark " Butanding" in Filipino the biggiest fish in the world. Oslob is for a sea lovers like me it is a paradise where people can interact the whale shark also know as the gentle giant.
As I arrive the Tanawan I was welcome by the sight of many foreign and local tourist. I spoke one of the driver of habal habal at the entrance going inside the club house where you can settle the payment. He explain me why a lot of local and foreign tourist comes into this place it's beacaus Oslob is one of the top destination in Cebu, tourist come to that place because of it's famous Whale Shark locally known as "Butanding".
      
Another unforgetable experience in Tanawan is biking around the town. Riding around the Tanawan gave me a expand breathtaking view of ocean. I also drop by at Marias Batchoy a restaurant that should not miss to visit in Tanawan located at the heart of Oslob. Marias Batchoy claim they have the best batchoy in town. They serve also classic local dishes. If your going to ask me if delicious? Yes! the taste did not disappoint me.
  
Each travel plan should always be memorable and unique , and my trip to Southern Cebu is difinitely a place that I love to visit again and again.
Day Four
It's my last day in Cebu but I still have more places in my list that I wanted to see and visit, But this time on my trip I would not travel alone, Jorlene will be going with me as she love to explore and discover more around the city of Cebu. Firts on my list is the Temple of Leah.
In the year 2012 the Temple of Leah was build as a symbol of undying love of Teodorico Adarna for her devotion to Leah Vila Adarna. Teodorico Adarna is the owner of Queensland motels, And the father of sexy actress Ellen Adarna.
Because of it's magnificient view that it feels like your in the ancient greece visiting this place would be great suffice and extra ordinary experience. I don't need to take one, two or three years of saving to be able to afford to go to Greece.
     I want most of my trip a birds eye view of the places, so my next destination is the highiest peak of the mountain in Busay, about 15 minutes motorcycle ride from Temple of leah. The popular landmark name "Hill Tops" is one of the cebuanos favorite hang-out places. From Hill Tops you can see the stunning beauty of the entire Cebu City.     
Another place that you should not miss to visit in Busay is The Sirao Farm. If you are a fan of a romantic movies or if you are familiar of korean novela "Lavander and Endless Love" for sure you also should love to visit our next destination. Sirao Farm is one of the colorful places in Busay because of the different colors of flowers planted all over the farm.
   
After the romantic and lovable experience in Sirao Farm our next destination is place of worship the Taoist Temple. Taoist Temple built in 1972 by Cebu's substantial Chinese community. The temple is one of the famous attraction of Cebu open to public even you are not parctitioners of Taoism.
   
This unforgetable city tour experience is not made possible without kuya Rudy the habal-habal driver and at the same time our tourist guide. He manage all the trip From JY mall up to the last tourist destination. But before the end of our tour I tell kuya rudy to drop us to the nearest souvenier shop as requested by jorlene, she want to buy a tshirt as a pasalubong sa kanyang daddy at kuya.
At the front side of souveneir shop I'm so happy to see a small tindahan ng "Puto maya sikwate" The puto maya sikwate is one of my favorite breakfast when i was in Ormoc. the last time i eat puto maya sikwate was 7 years ago.. Yes call me carzy but that is the truth. kaya nga nanlaki talaga mata ko pagkakita ko sa Puto maya sikwate.
I'm glad to have that again after a long long years. And it's jorlene first time also to eat and taste the puto maya sikwate. After finish eating puto maya and sikwate I ask her how was the taste and she said it was delicious. Yam! Yam! Yam!
  
So after that we decided to go back to the hotel. The time is around 11 O'clock a.m and we still have one hour left to check-out. Me and jorlene are not staying in the same hotel, I'm in JL Suites and she is in Robe's Pensionne about 50 meters away from my hotel, as I arrive to the hotel, I take a quick bath then prefer all my bags as I'm ready for check out any moment.
10 minutes before 12:00 nn I check out to the hotel, but I ask a favor to the receptionist of the JL Suites if it's ok to leave my bags until 3:00 pm. She ask me the reason, then I tell her that I will buy a pasalubong. I was feeling lucky when she say yes. Then I take a deep breath and thanks to her.
As we started our trip again me and jorlene was looking a restaurant to eat for lunch
and we found the Cebu's original lechon belly.. Original lechon belly of Cebu is grilled with perfection and it's different flavorable sauce was a unique appetizing treat. Another highlight of this restaurant is the Beef stew with the authentic beef taste that dish was quite delicious.
 
After that delicious meal we decided to go to Crown Regency Hotel to experience the skywalk adventure. Crown Regency charges visitors to go to the 38Th floor of the hotel. where sky walk, sky edge ride is located. The entrance of sky walk, sky edge and zip line is not include to the charges of the visitors going up.
I immediately sense how efficient and well design the 38th floor of Crown Regency hotel, and I could easly predict that one even one hour of stay in Crown Regency is nothing but fun, excitement, thrill and full of adventures.
The skywalk is required me to wear a full gear before i start to sending, It might fell a whole body shaking and complicated feelings. But our guide assure as that walking at the edge of that hotel is difinitely worth and memorable experience.
   
It's about time for us to going back to JL Suites, haaay! in just a couple of hours balik sa realidad na naman!
As we arrive at the JL Suites I go directly to the reception area to get my bags.
Me in Cebu and a total of 3 nights and 4 days in the Island then to me it though that was a perfect duration. It was enough to gave me a much needed break from the busy life, and also short enough for me to miss all my experience in Cebu City. I promise to visit the queen city of the south again.
As I say goodbye to cebu as always sweet and memorable because it's a place very not difficult to fall in love.. NA HIGUGMA NA KO NIMO CEBU <3
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