Cebu: Mga Balak ug Musika

‘Mga Balak ug Musika’ is a get-together of music lovers, word players, and artists to celebrate the gift of music and creativity. It is a night not only produced to raise awareness and support for the children of remote islands, but also to gather educational supplies which will be beneficial to these young learners. It aims to gather in-kind support which will be used to jump start their future as the school year opens.

This event is a celebration of creativity and passion for the arts with one goal - gather donations for the beneficiaries; for the benefit of the children at Carnaza Island, Daanbantayan, Cebu City.

Krazy Ventures recognizes this opportunity for us, as fortunate individuals, to become an outlet for change; thus, the birth of ‘Mga Balak ug Musika’.

Whacky Adventures* support this event. See you there!

ABSOLUTELY NO ENTRANCE FEE. JUST BRING SCHOOL SUPPLY DONATIONS FOR THE KIDS.

 

For more information, please contact Niiru (09334183221) and Osang (09329343164)

For UpdateS, visit the event page -- https://www.facebook.com/events/537131572994586/542181725822904

Brgy Guba, Cebu: ..of hitchhiking, getting lost, and keeping an unfinished business.

Being corporate slaves, one cannot stop but count the days until the weekend. One looks forward to it as it gives them the opportunity to relieve all the stress in the 4 corners of the office and revive the much needed energy to deliver what is expected the following week. 

That has been our weekly routine - temporary escape from reality and feed the travel bug within, whether it'd be within city limits or out of town, as long as we get to flee from all bustles of the city living. In some instances, we go to a neighboring island of Cebu. That, happens when the travel fund's oozing with dough for us to spend. But in most cases where funds are low and time is constrained, we are left to improvise. 

Kawasan Falls, Badian, Cebu: ..of road trips, nature walks and chasing waterfalls.

In my effort to expose my son, Aqui, to the great outdoors, I always see to it that he goes with me on any of my spontaneous nature trips, as long as it's safe of course. I'm doing this because I don't want him to spend majority of his childhood in front of the computer playing video games, or by the television watching cartoons all day. I want him to grow up with a memory of how beautiful the great outdoors is and how amazing Cebu is, if only people would take better care of it.

Whacky Photo: Enchanting Kawasan Falls, Badian

First of the multi-level (series of) Kawasan Falls, Badian has.

Badian, Cebu houses the most famous Kawasan Falls, a series of water drop. The multi-level Kawasan Falls is also considered the most popular tourist destination in the province. It is located about 97.6 km southwest of Cebu City.

Whacky Photo: Cebu's highest peak - Osmeña Peak, Mantalongon, Dalaguete

...view on top.

Osmeña Peak, located between Patong, Badian and Mantalongon, Dalaguete, is considered the highest peak of the island of Cebu at 1,013 MASL. The panoramic view up top showcases Badian's Zaragosa Island to the west, the Province of Bohol to the east, and rolling hills and ridges along the boundaries of Dalaguete and Badian. It was named, perhaps, after one of the most influential political families in Cebu - the Osmeña's.

Surfing at Northshore Cebu. Hecksyeah!

Nestled in the heart of the Visayas, Cebu has not been graced with consistent surfable waves unlike the ones in La Union, Samar, Leyte, Aurora, Zambales, Davao, Ilocos, Catanduanes, Surigao, and many more. A Cebuano must therefore travel either north or south if he wishes to surf. However, this challenge hasn’t stop me from wanting to ride and conquer the waves.

Kabang Falls, Cebu: River trekking and building memories with the kiddo

As a dad, I see myself growing up as a person filled with memories with his kid wandering off together on adventures. Likewise, I want Aqui to grow up having fond memories of the outdoors together with me (during my prime, that is). That is why, as much as possible, I bring the kiddo to places which I thought he would appreciate when he grows up.  I don't want him to grow as a naive technology-dependent kid but rather, a wide-minded nature lover. So, with a bag full of trail goodies and loads of researched stock knowledge on flora and fauna, we set off on guided adventures to build memories. Lesgo! To river trekking we go!

Final words before 2012 ends.

..in my pursuit of happiness.
Photo taken at Mangodlong Rock, Camotes Island.

This is my final piece (on my last day) before I leave the company. It's a bitter-sweet moment I should say. I'm finally free but it entails leaving a company I fell in love with for 3 years. But like what our company slogan, I've got to 'make it happen'. There's no better time than now.

My outlook for 2013 is full of hope and dreams. I hope my plans fall into place. If not, well, I'll have to pick up the pieces and jump back again.

'Coz I'm resilient, like that.

Ayt, enough with the chit-chat.

'Whacky Holidays' y'all!

Taken at Sugar Beach, Bantayan Island, Cebu.

This is the first Christmas I've been away from my little boy, not because I'm overseas or anything but because I thought the world would really end, and that it would be best that they are with my in-laws while I'm at the office waiting for the first meteor to hit our building. But look do we have here, no great flood nor major earthquake Mayans. Puft. Not that I'm not thankful that it didn't really happen but it brought a shitload of worry to me. P*+ah! Anyhoo Scooby Doo, I'm glad that's over which means, we can all move on with our lives.

Happy Holidays 

Beach Bums, Adventure Junkies, Krazy Adrenaline Seekers and Free-spirited Nomads!

Camotes Island: Must-knows, FYIs, etc

Camotes Island is a group of islands located east of mainland (Cebu). It's composed of 4 islands - Poro, Pacijan, Ponson and Tulang. Ironically, Camotes doesn't have kamote or sweet potato as its abundant delicacy, instead, it boasts of to-die-for beach fronts, rich marine ecosystem and fresh cool air.

These islands, though a bit far from the mainland, is not as backward as you think. Many are the international awards they have received because of local's active community involvement. As a Cebuano and Filipino, that's something to be proud of.  

Eat and Smile at Cafe Egao

You'll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile. ― Charles Chaplin

A smile can go a long way. It can make or break someone's day. It can dictate the mood of a person, at the same time, affect the other person through the interaction. And Cafe Egao's all about that.

Columbia Eco Trail Leg 7: the thrill of trail running

Hats off to the winners and runners of the toughest 14Km Run in Cebu - Columbia Eco Trail Run - Leg 7 at  Brgy. Lataban, Liloan last September 16, 2012.

Whacky Sidetrip: Malapascua Island, Cebu

Photo Bum. ay naku, hindi po yan syokoy.

Because it’s summer and the memories are just waiting to happen, we couldn't let any moments pass. 

sunset en route to Malapascua Island.

After our Kalanggaman Island Hullabaloo, a few of us decided to go on a side trip to the Malapascua Island. Dropped of some of our friends at Maya Port then off we go.

We docked at the northern port of the island near Los Bamboos Resort. A clearing with bermuda grass was perfect for us to camp. Hurriedly, we pitched up our tents and cooked dinner thinking that electricity would cut-off soon just like my first time here. Well, boy, was I wrong! The island has a 24-hour power source!

beach bums meet moutaineers.

The night was full of stories and laughter as we share a drink [or was that one too many?]. I was pleased that my EWIT Mountaineering friends are getting along just well with Riz and my highschool friends. These are victorious moments - when 2 different worlds collide but instead of rumbling thunderstorms, positive energy radiate from each individual contributing to the driving energy of the universe. Bow. I believe that says it. The alcohol has already kicked in. Lights out.

Morning came and oh, was it a joy to hear the sound of waves crashing on the beach-break.

Red Arrow indicates our camp site.
Blue Arrow indicates where we went to swim/beach-bum.
salamat Google sa picture.

Whacky Trivia:

Malapascua Island was formerly known as Brgy Logon, a part of the Municipality of Kandaya [now known as Daanbantayan]. The island's current name is derived from Spanish words, Mala Pascua, meaning Bad Easter. It was said that Spaniards called the island such when they got stranded during Christmas due to bad weather. 

Does this look like misfortune to you?

But the island is far from being an island of misfortune. This island is considered as a diver's haven. Its coral array is a sanctuary of different species of marine life, not too mention the infamous thresher sharks and manta rays. The lush underwater life has given a hundred-fold of fortune not only to fishermen but also locals who are into tourism.

This is my 3rd time in the island so it's nice to know that not much has changed from my last visit. By that, I mean, it has not been corrupted with too much of technology. 

After we huddled and agreed to cook breakfast/lunch by the beach, we hurriedly went to the beach around Brgy Langob, the side facing away from Mainland Cebu. The sand is finer compared to the one where the resorts are situated. 

The long shoreline is crude and modest - that with all the seaweeds lying on the sides. It's a residential area so no caretaker is in-charge to clean it. But the water's still clearer and cleaner than the side facing the mainland.

Like fishes about to dry up, we wasted no time. We got into the water and had our dose of saline fix.

ang dolphin dive ni Osang. Verdict=fail.

mali ka. hindi galit si Ton-ton sa sunblock

iwasang mapansin ang makatindig balahibong paa ng iyong lingkod. 

Traced the shoreline and went to 'Bantigue' where there's rock formation and shade. We spent until around 3PM swimming, snorkeling and basking under the heat of the sun.

Osang emote. 

No freshwater readily available to wash the saline out since we didn't book for any of the neighboring resorts. Instead, we had to activate our puss-in-boots eyes and asked locals to give us a go at their deep wells.

It was indeed another trip to remember. I don't think this is my last time. I have to try diving and snorkeling above the sunken ships and shallow coral reefs. I also forgot to ask our local guide, Angel, to bring us to the light house.

Special thanks to Angel for being our tour guide, contact and host.

The Cast

Whacky thoughts:

Though hiring an outrigger to bring us around the island for snorkeling or touring the island's spots [all in one day] would've given us the ultimate high on this Malapascua trip. I realized that it may not be destined for us to do so. For one, we don't have enough time and two, the idea came up as we were about to leave. I'm glad we didn't. Those missed out sidetrips are the reasons that'll bring us back to Malapascua.

Whacky NOTES:

Budget Breakdown:

Transportation from Maya to Malapascua - 80.00

Transportation from Malapascua to Maya - 100.00

Dinner/Breakfast/Lunch - 150.00

Night Socials - 20.00

Afternoon snacks (swaki) - Free!

How to get to Malapascua Island from Cebu City?

1. Ride a bus bound for Maya from the North Bus Terminal. The Cebu North Bus Terminal is about a half kilometer from SM City Cebu. The bus stops at Maya port, which is also the drop off point for the outrigger boats bound for Malapascua Island. Estimated Travel time: 4 hours++
2. From Maya port, take a 30-minute (depending on weather conditions) boat ride to Malapascua Island. 
3. That's it! You have arrived Malapascua Island. ^________^

How did Whacky Adventures* end up in Malapascua? Read the story here:

Cala-Kalanggaman Island Hullabaloo

Getting to Kalanggaman Island.

Whacky Notes: Getting to Kalanggaman Island

Planning to go to Kalanggaman Island? Yes?
..

• Destination: Kalanggaman Island, Palompon Leyte
• ORIGIN 1: Cebu City North Bus Terminal.
• There are multiple starting points - Nailon Bogo, Polambato Bogo, Maya Bagay, or Malapascua Island. You can start by heading to North Bus Terminal after deciding which port to mark your origin.
• If you successfully found an outrigger to bring you to the Kalanggaman Island, then bravo. But if not, haggling is the best option.
• ORIGIN 2: Palompon, Leyte
• Visit their Tourism Office for a schedule and boat contact. They can arrange tour package for you.

• Travel time.
• Usually, it would take 2-3 hours to the island from Cebu [ Nailon Bogo, Polambato Wharf Bogo, Maya Bagay, or Malapascua Island]
• The fastest route is via Malapasua Island. Approximately 2 hours.

• Fares.
• For 20+ heads, daytrip rate is usually around 5,000-7,000 but it's case to case basis. Overnight is another story. It's usually 9,000 or more.

• Accomodation.
• There are no room accomodations or resorts in the island. Cottages are available at 250.00.
• Planning to go overnight? Bring a tent or mat with you.
• Entrance fee are more expensive for non-Palompon tourists. 
• No convenience stores or restaurants. So bring your own supplies and food with you.
• Note: No potable fresh water, electricity but there are changing rooms and comfort rooms.

• Supplies.
• Did I mention that there are no convenience stores in the island?

• Budget Breakdown.
• Expenses good for 25 people. Daytrip.

• Contacts:
• Randyl - 0915.851.6135
• Bogo Tourism Office - 032.434.8583 | 032.251.2001

• Trip Summary. [Day Trip]
  

Whacky Turn-off:

Travelling is undoubtedly fun but we should always be sensitive in conserving and preserving the environment. As I was strolling around the island, I see garbage squattered almost everywhere. Tourists must've dispatched their plastics irresponsibly. This stained the whole idea of isolation.




Whacky thoughts:
If given the chance, I would've preferred to stay overnight in the island. Too bad we were not able to prepare for it. My opinion? Best time to go would be early summer [early Feb or Mar] to avoid the crowd.

Find out the story here....

Cala-Kalanggaman Island Hullabaloo

Geting to Kalanggaman Island.

**********

Cala-Kalanggaman Island Hullabaloo

Here comes the sun... :]

'Naa nami sa bus. Padung nami sa Maya.' Timecheck: 3:00AM. The stars were still out when we got the go signal. It's still months before December but I felt like a kid on Christmas. I struggled to contain my excitement. I've been wanting to go on this trip for quite sometime now.

7:00AM. Osang contacted our boat ride days before and already made arrangements. The 25-head capacity boat that'll bring us to Kalanggaman Island was already on stand-by in Maya Port. Maya port, located on the northern tip of Cebu, is also the drop-off point for tourists going to Malapascua Island. Riz, 5 of my highschool friends and 18 of my friends from EWIT Mountaineering Group boarded the boat all revved up and steaming with excitement; evident through our non-stop laughter and chatters.

It was a good 1 hour and 30 minutes ride from the port to the island. It was a rough ride, with sporadic big waves but the high and mighty sun was out to assure us that we'll have a great time.

Photo taken by Sir Ice of EWIT Moutaineering Group

With eyes set on the horizon, we were all anxious as to when we'll set foot on land. We were busy counting flying fishes on the sides when a small mound of land emerged in the horizon. This made every little nerve in me jump for joy. Finally, after months of planning and waiting, Kalanggaman Island is just an arms length away, well, almost.

fighting the urge not to jump.

A few meters away from land and something in me keeps pushing me to dive on that clear water. The turquoise water is so inviting that I hurriedly positioned myself on on the tip to get a better look. The wide stretch of white sands glimmering against the radiant beam from the sun; I couldn't help but project my widest yahoo messenger smile.

Lo and behold, Kalanggaman Island. At last!

Finally!

I didn't actually fly over the island. [I hope I did.] :] found this online.

Kalanggaman or Calanggaman Island, it doesn't really matter. Both names pertain to one single island. Whacky Trivia: Langgam is bisaya for Bird. Kalanggaman means place where there are birds. Probably that's where the island got its name. It's a bird-shaped island located between Cebu and Leyte. It's part of Palompon, Leyte but you can get there from Cebu. If you google it, you'd be surprise with how many hits this island gem has.


I believe there are no permanent residents on the island, except for the caretakers. But I later found out that this was one of the usual stopover for fishermen scouring the seas for some fresh catch. It's also where migratory birds take refuge from harsh conditions before proceeding in their flight plan.

Like wings of a bird, Kalanggaman Island has white sand bars from each end. I noticed a contradicting wave movement on each side - one side, calm and steady; while the other, rough and energetic much like Isla Manoc. I tried to snorkel around but was not able to find lush greens underwater. All I found were sand dollars, white fishes and fast-moving white sea urchins-like bottom feeders. I probably have to paddle farther to get a better view.

facing the rougher waters.

silent but deadly still waters.

that fast-moving sea urchin. IDK the name.

 

There was 2 signs prohibiting visitors to swim beyond that marker. But we noticed that a lot of tourists swam beyond the boundary. To be safe, we asked permission from the caretaker and got a 'go' signal as long as we be very careful. :]

mandatory jumpshot # 1.

..hanging around under the summer heat.

We tried to circumnavigate the island foot and took us about 15 minutes. I noticed that one side of the island facing Cebu has slabs of rocks squattered. This was also the side where waves are a bit rough. The other side facing Leyte has a long stretch of  white sand beach-break but has a small rocky portion.

..the opposite side of the docking area.

another sand bar.

Went back to our station through a beaten path.

Found this odd-looking kind of fruit. Not even sure if they're edible.

thinking. scheming..

I was surprised to see many outrigger boats from Palompon and neighboring islands docked on shore. I thought part of the island's beauty is its isolation. But then again, it is summer so I can't expect students and families not to be here. It was just disheartening how some tourist neglect their responsibility to keep the place clean from human waste. I'm not talking about turd, just to be clear.

3:30PM. It was time to leave the island. We need to get back to the mainland as some of us are going back to the city that same day. Seeing Kalanggaman Island in the distance made me realize how lucky we are to have a lot of island bounties. Bid the bird island goodbye with a promise of my return. Next time with my beach bum friends.

But the trip didn't end there! I did mention something about Malapascua Island, right?

Whacky Thoughts:
I suggest stacking on some supplies and camp overnight on the island to experience the sunset. Let me know how it went. Ayt? :]


Uber thank you to:
Osang and EWIT Mountaineering Group for squeezing us in your boat arrangements. :]
Jammylat for her snaps and Sir Ice of EWIT for some pic grabs.


Whacky Notes:


Cala-Kalanggaman Island Hullabaloo
Geting to Kalanggaman Island.

*******