Cebu City Tour

Sinulog, one of the most anticipated and celebrated festivals in the country, was flocked with tourists once again. And this year, ehem, I was one of them. Though visiting the historic Cebu was one of my wishes, going there the soonest was never a plan. It was one unexpected and unplanned tour which the primary purpose is to accompany a friend who was applying for a job.

I then informed Aki, a forumer friend in Cebu, about the plan and so generous of him, he offered to tour me around Cebu’s tourist destinations. And so aboard Cokaliong Shipping Lines for 11-hour sea trip from Surigao to Cebu, the wish was finally realized.

It was Sinulog season so as expected a lot of things have happened since my first day. And if I have to narrate it all, I may appear so boring like doing a storytelling to kids. All I can is that it was a burst of fun! So to cut it short, I just list down the places I’ve gone to…

The first destination was the cluster of century-old structures that are located in the same area near the pier.

Basilica del Santo Niño

This is where we agreed to rendezvous with Aki. This 16th century church was jam-packed with devotees but I have managed to take photos inside and outside the basilica. I was neither amazed with the antiques nor with the golden-cloaked figure of Santo Nino but rather with the devotees waving their hands to Him. Such a modest gesture of devotion.

Magellan's Cross

This small octagonal chapel just outside the south exit of the basilica housed the Tindalo cross that according to historians encases the original cross planted by Ferdinand Magellan on that very site on April 21, 1521. The chapel’s ceiling was painted with a depiction of Magellan's arrival in the island.

Fort San Pedro

Just a few distances away from the Santo Nino Basilica and Magellan’s Cross lays this Fortress built on 1565 under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. According to Aki, if this served as a bastion against the attacking Morons before, now it serves as a place for filthy exhibitionists at night. So I presume Cebu's population is flooded with kids named Peter. After the name of the fortress where the baby making was done.

Because they are interconnected, we toured these three historical landmarks on foot. All of them I noticed were built out of bricks with attributes like that of a coral stone and adobe. Indeed, they symbolize Cebu as country’s oldest city.

Starving and sweating, we proceeded to the nearby SM Mall Cebu to refresh and have our lunch. SM Cebu is just one jeepney ride from Fort San Pedro. There we met Aki’s board mate Dennis who also went with us to our next destination.

Philippine Taoist Temple

Located in the wealthy residential suburb of Beverly Hills about 6 km. north of the downtown, this spot is frequented by Koreans. Dragon replicas placed on the roof, structures and canvasses adorned with red, green and gold colors, pagodas standing still, rooftop with curling tips, Buddha displayed in the altar, and everything in the temple gave us the feel of mystic China. The whole of the temple was striking; thus, leave us nothing to take photos with.

Tops Skyline Garden

From the Taoist Temple, we hired 2 single motorcycles at P150 each to bring us back and forth the Tops Skyline Garden. We paid P100 each for the entrance fee and entered the façade floored with beehive pattern. Tops Skyline is situated in Cebu’s highest elevated mountain peak. It is P10 close to heaven and a good escape from the humid downtown with its cold air. Did I say cold? Yeah, the place is good for, uhm, heating. I mean dating. Hehe. A friend said the city is best viewed during the night so we waited for the dark to completely take over. And as the downtown slowly lit up, the luminous panoramic sight of Cebu looks perfectly beautiful. We stayed for a moment and left.

By the way, Bohol can be visible from there in clear skies.

The Columbary

Just below the Tops Skyline lays the lofty tower of The Columbary which glowing light is visible from the city proper at night. Aki said the columbary serves as the necropolis of the cremated bodies of wealthy people in town. Tourists going there in broad daylight used not to notice it. Lucky that we went down exactly as the skies appear in total darkness.

Destination the next day… Cebu’s adjacent island, Mactan.

There are 2 ways to go there: by land via Mactan Bridge 1 and Marcelo Fernan Bridge, and by sea via motor vessel at P10 only. Mactan Island is a bit far and going there by land is time consuming, so we took the sea transport. In 15 minutes, we were already there. From the wharf, we walked the street crossing the park and church till we reached the highway leading to the Liberty Shrine.

Liberty Shrine, Mactan Island

There are two main attractions in the park, the land marker marking the spot where the fight between Lapu-lapu and Magellan took place and the gigantic statue of brave Lapu-Lapu facing the sea. I was fascinated. I can’t believe I was standing on the very place where the brave Lapu-Lapu ended the life of conqueror Magellan. It was not an imagination anymore of the depictions only printed in books. I was on the actual spot. After spending a moment celebrating the serenity of the park, we had our lunch in the STK restaurants within the nearby souvenir shop stalls.

Mactan Church

A Hispanic hat inspired modern church fronting the affluent barangay hall. With its distinct design from a usual church, you will mistake it as a hotel.

Marcelo Fernan Bridge, Lapu-Lapu City

Also known as Mactan Bridge 2, it was the world’s longest center span extradosed cable-stayed bridge. Did I stammer? This bridge, which was opened on 1999, connects the cities of Mandaue in Cebu City and Lapu-lapu City in Mactan Island. Don’t mind the picture with me in the center island. It is forbidden and extremely dangerous from the raging vehicles. It’s just that I broke rules and took risks for myself.

A trivia given by our historian Aki, Mactan Island is said to be a reef. There is no presence of mountains that’s why Cebu’s International airport is located there. Not only that, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island serves as the economic hub of Cebu’s province where big companies ranging from canning factories, oil depot, and international companies such as the Big Foot and Timex is located.

Just as the dusk broke down, we went back to Cebu City via motor vessel again. Time for nightlife.

Paseo

Mango Square along Osmena Boulevard sets the trend for night entertainment. It is a compound of clubs and bars. Nevertheless, we were not there. We have our night in Paseo.

And the next thing that happened the following days was literally A Walk To Remember.

From the congested streets of Colon down to Pier 1 and from Colon to Fuente Circle. Then on the Sinulog day, from Katipunan to Fuente, when major routes were closed for the street dancing.

Fuente Osmeña Circle

My last night in Cebu was history of fun-filled drinking, laughing, and dancing in the Korean-owned and frequented Sunflower City Disco Bar.

Provincial Tour: Road Trip 1

Destination: Municipalities of Sison, Tubod and Mainit in Surigao del Norte

With the promo collaterals of the province in hand, we traveled the national highway southward outside the city's vicinity.

First stop: Biyabid Waterfalls in the Municipality of Sison

29 kilometers away from the city, Sison is the first municipality outside the geo-political jurisdiction of Surigao City with its Poblacion located just alongside the national highway. And about 4 kilometers westward from the Poblacion lays the seven-stage cascading Biyabid Waterfalls named after its home place Brgy. Biyabid.

The barangay is primarily accessible by single motorcycles, stationed in the Poblacion, that are rough road tolerant.

From the barangay proper, the waterfalls can be reached by trekking in the lush vegetations at about 10 minutes. Unorganized tour guides who are usually residents of the village are available upon request from the amiable and accommodating barangay chairman. The service is for free for now but a token in the form of one bottle of Tanduay will likewise show the appreciation.

In spite being underdeveloped, I especially like the fact it retained its natural aspect where you got to walk in the mud (when its raining) or trek the green meadows under the shades of trees before reaching the falls.

Second stop: Songkoy Cold Spring in the Municipality of Tubod

36 kilometers south of Surigao City and 88 kilometers away from Butuan City. From barangay Rosario in Tubod just beside the national highway, one can take the local means of transport 'habal-habal' to fare you from the rough road. But a 30-minute trekking could be a fun experience too. Chit-chatting while heading there.

Songkoy Cold Spring is a favorite destination during Summer because of its reputed cold spring water. It will practically chill you to the bones. Families and groups of friends alike used to hang out and have picnic in the nearby huts around this rock-bordered natural pool.

Third stop: Mainit Lake in the Municipality of Mainit

Home to infamous pidjanga or freshwater gobi (which my mother used to cook with coconut milk wrapped in Gabi leaves) and other freshwater fishes such as tilapia. The lake, which is named after its location, has an approximate area of 14,700 hectares and a 50 km stretch lakeshore and is known to be the deepest and the fourth largest lake in the country.

Boating and game fishing are among the activities that can be enjoyed in the lake. Limestone islets also resided within the lake that added beauty in the panoramic view seen from above the highway on top of the mountain. Travelers passing by take notice of this beautiful scenery always.

Concerned residents of the municipality are now initiating a move to protect and preserve the lake from alarming danger of the janitor fishes invasion and quarrying.

Photo credit: nasipsite (flickr)

The lake can be reached by taking public transport at the overland terminal in Surigao City. The travel time is about 45 minutes. It is about 44 kilometers away from the City of Surigao, traversed by the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway for 39.5 kilometers then turning right to the Mainit-Malimono Road for 4.5 kilometers leading to the lakeside where the center of the municipality is located.

Conquerring the Cordilleras

Route taken: Manila - Kalinga - Bontoc (via Lubuagan and Tinglayan) - Sagada - Bontoc - Banaue - Manila

Tabuk, Kalinga

Tabuk, Kalinga is a 12-hour chilly bus trip from Manila traversing the Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, and Isabela Route. A jacket enough to keep you warm during the trip is a significant measure to keep you from getting colds thus precluding you from bad trip. If you’ll depart Autobus’s terminal in Espana, Manila at 10:30 pm, you’ll arrive at the Bulanao junction facing St. Williams Cathedral at 8:00 am the next day, per my experience. A left turn after Quezon municipality in Isabela is a sign that you're entering to Kalinga and an arc that reads "Matago Tako Losan"will greet you welcome.

Things to do in Tabuk:

1. Chill out at the Provincial Capitol and enjoy the overlooking view of Tabuk while relaxing. The capitol is just a 7-peso ride from the Bulanao junctions bus stop.
2. Visit to the mini museum. There you will find native artifacts and other memorabilia of the ancient kalingas. Very near also from the bus stop.
3. Test your fear of heights in the gigantic Chico River Diversion Dam. While riding on your way, you will have the pleasure of viewing the nice landscape of mountains buffering the river neatly shaped by erosions.
4. Pasalubong and souvenir items shopping at the market and in Ayatu’s Souvenir Shop. Kalinga Blend and Kalinga Brewed are best pasalubong that you can get while you can choose native kalinga crafts souvenirs in Ayatu’s that came in expensive handwoven and simulated textile products. The cordillera is home to coffee trees. And in Kalinga, Nestle has a farm.
5. On accommodations, Davidson Hotel and Kalinga Hostel are the popular.

Bontoc, Mountain Province

The Kalinga- Bontoc route is practically “the road less traveled”. The narrow road passable by vehicles one at a time is seldom taken by travelers. But if you’re adventurous enough to face the thrill of its deep shoulders, the route is your choice. The reward? Endless sight of rice terraces capped with fogs along Lubuagan and Tinglayan and the experience of surviving without the effort of fighting. Successfully finishing the 8-hour heart-pounding trip is like an accomplishment.

Views within Lubuagan and Tinglayan, Kalinga

Kalinga-Bontoc trip leaves 6:00 am via Isabela-Ifugao route and every 7:00 am via Tinglayan route daily. Now if you’re run out of cash, Bontoc’s only ATM machines provided by PNB and LBP can help you out. Up in Sagada, cards are useless. So bring enough cash for your food, lodging, tour guide fee, and souvenir shopping.

Sagada, Mountain Province

Connecting ride with a jeepney for Sagada was another journey adventure. The serpentine road endlessly going up to Sagada is like an endless journey to the heaven and after 1 hour we reach its community. Last trip is at 4:00 pm.
(I may sound boring telling my stories so you can skip from reading from here. You may find the photos more interesting.)
The first thing we did upon arrival was to look for a cheap place to dine, stay, and cheap charging tour guide. While searching for a place to have our lunner (lunch and dinner), we met Manang Katrina, a tour guide, selling her lemon pies in front of a store. She helped us look for a place to eat while proffering her service at P500.00 and accompanied us to Residential Lodge which offers a friendly rate of P200.00 per person with a communal bathroom equipped with hot and cold shower. No television.

Due to a tiring journey, we were all down to sleep as early as 6 in the evening. We were not able to experience Sagada’s nightlife. As what I’ve learned, there ain’t any. Locales are implementing curfews at 9pm with all establishments shut down. Don’t attempt looking for a bar or something to satisfy your urbane desires; you’re in a place off to preserve their conservative lifestyle.

The morning after, we had our breakfast at Masferre’s Restaurant where we poked fun at the topless women in the black & white laminated photo exhibit displaying the ancient civilization of Kalinga and Mountain Province. Reminder: taking pictures of and with the gallery is strictly prohibited. Trivia: Masferre’s Nikon camera he used to take photos in the displayed gallery is still intact until now.

After breakfast, we looked for Manang Katrina’s house. Then the trail began.

First stop, hanging coffins. Visible from afar. What I can’t imagine and I think made it amazing was the hardship of climbing a steep and sharp rock just to slip the coffin on its cliff. Take note, only dead who were married and with grandchildren during their living can be buried this way.

Second stop, burial cave. I dared not count the organized piles of coffins placed at the wide opening of the cave or touch anything there as warned by Manang Katrina. Photo op was the most enjoyable thing to do.

Third stop, Sumaguing Cave. Along the way flaunt a nice view of rice terraces and pine trees. Taking a pause and striking a pose with these on the backdrop is a normal reaction. On caving, “tourists without headgears and gadgets cannot enter the cave” is a myth. Heeding seriously to the instructions of your friendly tour guide from time to time while inside the cave is the best protection. But if you like to guard yourself because you are careless, gearing yourself wont harm.

Our lesson: There are many tourist spots in Sagada. All these require NO entrance fees but 2-day devotion of trekking. So a 2 overnight stay for commuting tourists is advised for a fulfilling travel.

In our case, which was targeting Banaue as next destination, chasing the 12:00 noon last trip back to Bontoc prevented us from pursuing to other spots. We have to hurry back in order to catch the 3pm last trip to Banaue.

Banaue, Ifugao

Pissed off because we were left out by the last trip, we rode the bus bound for Baguio and drop off at Dantay Junction. Luckily a jeepney routing to Banaue fetched us and instead of dropping us in Bontoc, they suggested coming with them to Banaue. Unluckily, starting from Bontoc’s exit, the mountain was covered with thick fogs stretching to Banaue and the rest of Ifugao. We are thankful a little portion was visible.

Autobus Liners going to Manila travels nightly from Banaue for 10 hours every 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Fare at P400.00.

transportation rates as of December 2007:

Manila-Kalinga = 589.00 Deluxe
(Autobus) 500.00 Regular aircon
Kalinga-Bontoc 200.00
Bontoc-Sagada 40.00
Sagada-Banaue 140.00
Banaue-Manila 400.00
(Autobus

Surfing Siargao Island

Siargao Island popularly known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines is part of the Surigao del Norte province located at the northeastern tip of Mindanao. Its world class right-breaking reef wave that the surfers called "Cloud 9" is the site of the annual Siargao Cup, a domestic and international surfing competition usually held during late October.

Though it is mostly known for surfing activities, there’s beyond surfing that the island can offer.

One is island hopping in three islands shored with white sands. We contracted a motorized boat at P1,000 before, but now that the oil prices is surging constantly I don’t know how much they are charging the service.
Guyam Island – the most photogenic among the three and the one I placed as a header of this blog. Surrounded by white sands and fringe-palmed with coconut trees. On its back are bedrocks where one can spend time seating facing the pacific.

Guyam Island

Daku Island – as the word “daku” literally implies in visayan dialect, the island is the biggest among the three islands and is the only inhabited. A short stroll inside the nearby village in the island will lead you to a developed privately owned resort, which even though quite attractive is not open for public admission. Nevertheless, a couple of hours chasing in the sand and swimming guaranteed you a priceless experience. But I'm sure you would rather spend time aiming the camera towards you. Poses are much even priceless. They are memories.

Daku Island at far view

Daku Island

Naked Island – the smallest among the three and as it literally means, the island is uncovered and submerged in water during high tide.

Naked Island

After the exciting one-day island hopping, a mouthful of affordable dinner in the plaza and a videoke session after is the next best thing to do. They have this bridge in the plaza that supposed to connect to Daku Island which is unfinished. Locals and visitors alike loved to spend a chit-chat there.

My jaw-dropping rendition over the videoke. Look at the foreign tourist, she fell in love with me. Hehe.

Another attraction is the world class Pansukian Tropical Resort, known to locals as Rambeau after owner, which is a favorite hideaway of some famous celebrities. Their restriction in admission, wherein entrance is granted and limited only to in-house guests, draws prestigious attention to the locals. This first class resort and its panoramic photographs landed in the covers of some famous travel books and magazines.

Grabbed from Pansukian website (now Dedon Island)

Grabbed from Pansukian.com

Meanwhile, about 3 kilometers of road trip to the Municipality of Pilar will bring you to the natural lagoon nestled in Magpopongko Rock Formation. The word magpopongko is derived from the Surigaonon word “pongko” after the rock formation in the place where one seems resting on the other. The blue lagoon supplied with water during high tide is bordered with the flat surfaced bedrock that extends to the shoreline where big waves fizzled out.

Magpopongko Lagoon

Magpopongko Lagoon

Beyond those adventures and attractions i mentioned, there are a lot of things to do in Siargao. Like kayaking, snorkeling, trekking, and recently launched game fishing. Surfing areas and white sand beaches are everywhere in the island.

Getting to Siargao:
1. Seair direct Manila-Siargao (ETD 13:15/ETA 14:05), Siargao-Manila (ETD 14:25/ETA 15:15) flight every Monday and Friday
2a. PAL Express direct Manila-Surigao flight (ETD 9:00am/ETA 10:45am) daily
2b. Land trip via fast craft every 11:30 am and RoRo every 12:00 noon daily