On hiatus

I believe it is safe to say that I am on hiatus. So it took me about 2++ years before I finally found the time and resources but I'm definitely going to be more committed this time.

Cheers to scribbling again! 🍻
Stay tuned adventure junkies!

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.

Whacky Photo: San Juanico Bridge

..connecting lives.

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.

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.