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: 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.

Whacky Photo: San Juanico Bridge

..connecting lives.

Mt. Manaphag a.k.a Pan de Azucar and the islands of Concepcion, Iloilo

Mt. Manaphag a.k.a Pan de Azucar

The Iloilo-Guimaras trip was about to reach a big finish but we couldn't let it pass without getting a good look of Pan de Azucar. Plus, I still have an unfinished business with Sandbar Island Beach Resort as I have not gotten any peak of the bed of corals. We were still hopeful though, hoping that there's something good in store for us before we head home to Cebu. So, off we go to location # 2.1 before we finally give this trip a close.

Sandbar Island Beach Resort, Concepcion, Iloilo Sidetrip: ..in search for the bed of corals

After a roller coaster of emotions at Guimaras, we we're still hopeful that there's something good in store for us before we head home. Off we go to location # 2.1 before we finally close this chapter of our trip and head on back to Cebu.

We passed by a plaza on our way to Jordan Port. We were so amazed by this unique Rizal Monument. We couldn't help but stop for a quick group picture. The difference? Let the picture speak for itself.

With the oh-so tanned Rizal.

It was about 10:00 AM when we reached Iloilo Proper. I read somewhere that Iloilo's known for their batchoy. We couldn't pass that chance to pig out and try the famous Ted's Batchoy. (Only to find out weeks after that Ted's has a branch in Cebu. lol)

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!

1 of 365: A fresh outlook for 2013

Testify.

I originally planned to make a year-end post of the things that happened in 2012. But considering my backlogs, I felt like it would be best that I save those pictures for the future. 2012 was a year of ups and downs. It was a challenging year for my career, what with the turn of events in the later part of the year, brought about my decision to leave a wonderful company. Regardless, it was still a year worth celebrating. 

As I look back, I couldn't help but smile at my (our) adventures (misadventures). These memories serve as lessons in life and stand as an evidence that a chapter in life was spent taking risks and believing in people.

Now jobless, broke and temporarily experiencing financial drought, I look ahead and see a challenging 2013. Challenging in a sense that there are a lot of planned trips which entails funding. I am not a luxury traveler but money is required to set these plans into action. I don't see myself jobless until the end of the first quarter though. Resilience is a value I hold dearly. I will stand back up, gather the pieces and travel further.

2013 is a challenge, a year that would test my values and initiative. Needless to say, it's a year full of excitement and things unknown. I am a person in pursuit of happiness which involves having to sword fight with the unknown. Most people are afraid of the unknown but not me. I don't fear them, I see those moments as opportunities to test myself. 

I am a person in pursuit of HAPPINESS. I am a person who makes it happen. And I will make 2013 my year. Booyeah!

Travel on adventures junkies!

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.

Guimaras: the good, the bad and the ugly side of Alubihod

Parang sea turtle lang, ang laki ng shell. lol

We finally finished our island tour. Though we had so much more spots in mind, it seems like time was not on our side. It was almost dusk. Looking back, we had such a great time contemplating at  Trappist Monastery and Balaan Bukid, munching on oh-so-sweet mangoes, and getting amazed by the history and vista view at Guisi Lighthouse.

Alubihod Beach. Sunset.

It was almost dark when we arrived at Alubihon Cove Resort. We decided to take a quick dip before the sun finally went on a slumber. It was not as impressive as I expected it to be because the sunset was not advantageous to our location. Nonetheless, the sky looked like a play of colors vibrant enough for us to be amazed.

A'wannabe at Cebu Blog Camp Season 3!

Ever since I decided to blog, I've always dreamed of being part of an event where I can meet other bloggers to create connections and learn from their experiences. I think it would be a humbling experience to listen to seasoned bloggers discuss topics and styles to inspire more creative inputs.

These are just a few of the rings I've thought off when I stumbled upon the post of one of the travel bloggers I follow, The Travelling Feet, regarding the registration of  Cebu Blog Camp. I've never been to the camp but I heard about how it can be really fun and educational at the same time. I'm really excited at the thought of this opportunity to learn from other bloggers and experts' point of view. ^___________^

Guimaras: of sweet mangoes and good laughs at Guisi Lighthouse.

All roads lead to...

After a few 'Me' time at Trappist Monastery and Balaan Bukid, our tummies were starting to mumble and rumble like a concert symphony. It sounded more like there was some entity about to start a revolution. So before we could get to the next tourist attraction, we needed to get some quick stop overs to tame down the beasts within.

Guimaras: Balaan Bukid Shrine

PitStop 2: Balaan Bukid Shrine

After feasting on the delicacies made by the Trappist monks and getting a short me-time with Daddy Jess, we proceeded with our next destination - Balaan Bukid Shrine.

Guimaras: Our Lady of the Philippines Trappist Abbey

Source: Mr Wiki

Guimaras is located in Panay Gulf, between the islands of Panay and Negros, Western Visayas region. To the northwest is the province of Iloilo and to the southeast is Negros Occidental. It is well-known for its agricultural crops, particularly mangoes, where some 50,000 of these trees are planted. The island is famous for producing the sweetest mangoes in the world, after Pakistan.




It has been our personal mission to look for the sweetest mango the moment we set foot on Guimaras. I've read so much about Guimaras; about the people, the cool ambiance and it's unspoiled wonders. And oh, for the love of food, did I forget to mention about the mangoes? 

Iloilo-Guimaras: the bitter-sweet escape

Disclaimer:

The contents of this entry are solely based on the author's personal account during this trip. This entry does not represent the thoughts and experiences of the group.

Day 1: Horrid Beasts
It was almost 7:00PM when our plane landed at the Iloilo International Airport. Discussing the activities for the night, we trolled out of the airport while attempting to contact our first who arrived in the province way ahead of us.

Iloilo-Guimaras Hullabaloo [Teaser]

Soundtrack: Starship
Artist: Nicki Minaj
Cast: Rhyzze, Tabian, Pia, Osang, Niiru, Kaye, Jen, Adrian, Whacky Adventures*


LSS na kung LSS. The moment one of my travel buddies sang the song while we were still at Mactan Internation Airport, it instantly itch itself into my consciousness. We  I can't seem to brush that damn song out of my head. So what to do to fight LSS? Create a music video! Props to my travel buddies for being good sports. :]

Enjoy!

Guimaras Series:  of sweet mangoes and memories

Iloilo-Guimaras Hullabaloo [Teaser] 

Iloilo-Guimaras: the bitter-sweet escape

Our Lady of the Philippines Trappist Abbey

View of Iloilo at Balaan Bukid Shrine

Of sweet mangoes and good laughs at Guisi Lighthouse

..the good, the bad and the ugly side of Alubihod

A Sandbar Island Beach Resort, Concepcion, Iloilo Sidetrip

Mt. Manaphag a.k.a Pan de Azucar and the islands of Concepcion, Iloilo

Check out the video we made just to stop that damn Nicki Minaj from ringing in our heads. Talk about LSS. 

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.