South Cebu - 500 Peso challenge

1/29/2018 Family Reunion
Yung 9:00 AM flight namin delayed na move siya to 1:00 PM.

3:00 PM Arrived at Mactan international airport.
Walang kwenta, kami lang na move samantalang un ibang kamag anak namin with same flight number hindi delayed. What sorcery is that? I asked for explanation but not clear information from them. Pati sila clueless. Kaya nagpa chicken joy nalang sila, sayang nga kasi konting oras nalang free flight na sana yung kapalit.

Exploring South Cebu | Sample itinerary

This is not my first time visiting Cebu. I already explored north Cebu (Bantayan Island) that's why I was excited when my Auntie told me to make another itinerary for our family trip in South Cebu. 
Hindi lang ito basta basta trip kundi isang malaking reunion na rin for our family since it's been ages since the last time we saw each other.

Here's the itinerary I made before our trip.

February 17 2018 - Hongkong virgins Part 3 / NgongPing and City Gate

February 17, 2018 Hello NgongPing and City gate!
Left hotel at 9:30 AM then ate breakfast on a nearby restaurant.
Akala ko sopas yung naorder ko pero walang lasa, medyo nadismaya ako pero ganun talaga. Looks can be deceiving.

NymPH Launch - Masasa Cleanup drive

Who would have thought that on a fine random day will start a serious advocacy like this? An organization that aims to make a difference. An organization that hopes to have an impact to the world.

How travel changed my life

"In a fast paced world it's not a sin to stop or at least slow down, savor every moment and breathe."

                                                     - The Lakwatserang Negra

I stumble upon Traveloka’s blog writing contest earlier today while I was scrolling through my Facebook feed. I am not really planning to join but the theme played and challenged me to think about how travel changed me over the years.

Talisayen Cove with the Girls

WHAT: Girls of Gopro Users Philippines' first year anniversary

WHERE: Talisayen Cove

WHEN: October 15 to 17.

Chasing turtles - Apo Island

Day 3: August 20 2016

This was probably the highlight of our trip. Finally I will be able to put another Done on my To-Do list. As animal lovers we were both 100% excited to be able to swim with turtles and my partner was very vocal about it. It was the first time I've seen so much excitement in his eyes, it was seriously glowing. Biruin mo sa apat na taon naming magkasama ngayon ko lang siya nakitang sobrang SAYA.

Negros Oriental - Siquijor Expenses

Hi Loves,

Please see detailed expenses from our previous trip. :)

Siquijor-Dumaguete-Apo Island-Manjuyod Sample Itinerary

Hello there papel!

I am now on the most crucial phase of my pre-trip ritual which is the creation of our travel itinerary. I personally call this as the make or break part because poor planing could lead to chaos. I need to make sure everything are planned properly but at the same time keeping in mind that of course not everything will turn out as planned.

Exploring the northern part of Aurora - Dinadiawan hits

2 hours away from Baler you can find the tranquil shore of Dinadiawan.

No filters needed :)

The Island Born of FIRE - Camiguin

Day 4 - December 14 2015 (Monday) - Just turned 25!! :)

1:00 AM Check out to Amarea travel lodge

Rode a motorella going to Agora terminal

FARE: PHP 10.00

Terminal Fee: PHP 3.00

At first we hopped on a non-air conditioned bus bound for Butuan because the AC is already full but when we were about to pay our fare the conductor told us to transfer to the Air-conditioned one since it’s faster. It’s kind of odd because in manila the regular buses are faster, I even call it killer bus or roller coaster bus.

FARE: PHP 148.00

2:40 AM Off to Balingoan Port,

4:30 AM After almost 2 hours of head banging we finally arrived to our destination, If you will be traveling alone please make sure that you will inform the conductor that you will need to drop off to Balingoan bus terminal because the bus will stop over there but in case you missed it, you’ll find yourself in Butuan.

We rode a motorella to bring us to the port which is located across the highway. You can walk too if you want it’s just few meters away anyway.

FARE: PHP 10.00

6:00 AM Off to Camiguin

FARE: PHP 170.00

Environmental Fee: PHP 15.00

7:15 AM Touch down Benoni Port (Camiguin)

A man from the ferry approached us if we wanted to rent a motorbike, we told him that we wanted a scooter type and luckily he found one.

RENT: PHP 500 (24 hours) additional PHP 50.00 for succeeding hours.

We went ahead to GV hotel and checked in; their rate is really low for an air conditioned room with TV. We rested for a little bit then at 9:15 AM we decided to take our breakfast.

ROOM RATE: PHP 580.00

We went to Viola’s snack bar. I ordered Spaghetti and Chocolate cake while my partner decided to have burger.

BREAKFAST: PHP 160.00

9:30 AM on the roll,

Sunken Cemetery

Old church ruins

Sto. Nino Cold spring

Tuasan falls

Bura Soda spring – unfortunately it’s closed.

Walkway to the old volcano – We only made it until the 9^th station, we don’t know how it felt on the top because the stations is 14. We were both tired so we decided to go down.

It was fun because we were talking about what we'll do if the volcano erupts. 

2:00 PM Off to white beach had to pay PHP 450.00 for the pumpboat and PHP 20.00 for the user’s fee.

2:15 PM White beach, you can actually see the white beach from the terminal. The island itself is already alluring from afar and man! I was so mesmerized; the moment I felt the white sand and clear waters on my feet it makes my heart so happy. This place is amazing. We stayed for half an hour basking in the sun since it doesn’t have any shade there but hell yeah, who cares this place it so lovely!

3:00 PM back to the mainland and had our late lunch/early dinner at Rocky’s famous check point.

Day 5 - December 15 2015 (Tuesday) - Leaving a paradise

6:40 AM Back on the road now.

8:30 AM Arrived at Kibila Giant Clam Sanctuary
To be honest it is still heart-melting to know the some locals were concerned to the welfare of the marine life. Giant clams were properly taken cared off.This place also helps raise awareness to the tourists about clams and other animals. I would really recommend this place to visit because all your donations/entrances will proceed to the projects for the animals on this sanctuary specifically to the clams.

It was my first time to see a real live giant clam in person and they must be really majestic in the wild.

9:30 AM Arrived at Mantigue pump boat terminal

FARE: PHP 550.00

ENVIRONMENTAL FEE: PHP 20.00

9:40 AM off to Mantigue Island

9:55 AM Arrived at Mantigue Island

We are in a rush that's why we just wander around the rain forest and head back to the boat. This place reminds me of Balicasag Island in Bohol where in you have to pay on all the activities that you plan to do. 

11:00 AM back to the GV hotel, prepared to leave.

12:00 NN Arrived at Benoni Port

Returned the motorcycle and paid for the additional fee PHP 250.00

I am a bit sad because we didn’t able to visit the Katibawasan Falls and Ardent hot springs.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM arrived at CDO, traffic is also bad in that city that’s why we decided to check in at Win Min Inn which is situated inside the terminal. They also offer per hour basis (but should be minimum of 3 hours but not more than 12 hours)

Their room isn't that really bad, wifi is strong and the room is clean.

ROOM RATES: PHP 780.00

We supposed to be eating dinner at High Ridge but unfortunately it rained really hard, looks like we could also feel the wrath of Typhoon Nona even if its center is in Visayas. Good thing Jollibee saved the day; we ate our dinner and went back to the hotel to rest since we have to leave early tomorrow for our morning flight back to manila. I am still not ready; I guess every time I go to a trip going back to my old grind is the hardest part. I don’t want to go back, makes me want to think that I don’t see my future working my ass off, kissing my Boss ass doing things repeatedly, living a monotonous life.

This is trip was a breakthrough, we conquered Mindanao and was able to get back in one piece, It doesn’t really that bad, maybe people just gave it a bad impression thru word of mouth. I am looking forward to explore more of Mindanao in the future.

Related links:
* CAGAYAN DE ORO - BUKIDNON - CAMIGUIN itinerary

* EXPENSES: CAGAYAN DE ORO - CAMIGUIN and BUKIDNON

* Entering the Northern gate of Mindanao:Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental adventure-Settling down 
* Adrenaline filled day in CDO and DAHILAYAN Adventure Park
* Experiencing a bit of Cagayan De Oro
* The Island Born of FIRE - Camiguin <<<---- YOU ARE HERE

Watch our Camiguin trip here 

Experiencing a bit of Cagayan De Oro

EXPLORING CDO

Day 3 - December 13 2015 (Sunday)

Woke up around 6:00 AM and by 8:30 AM we already headed to the town of Cugman via Jeepney.

FARE: PHP 12.00

9:30 reached Cugman, rode a Habal Habal (motorcycle) going to Mapawa Nature Park.

FARE: PHP 35.00/pax (one way).
ENTRANCE FEE: PHP 50/pax

By the way do not forget to tell your driver what time is he going to pick you up because the place is far from the highway and walking is not advisable.

Since we are on a tight budget and we don’t have enough time, instead of trying the park’s activities we chose to ride a horse going to the view deck or what they called “the pinnacle”. 

Took us half an hour to reach it and damn it is breathtaking up there.

HORSE RIDE PHP 125.00 (half hour)

TIP FOR THE GUIDES PHP 100.00

After almost 2 hours of exploring the park our driver picked us up and we stop by Gardens of Malasag eco-tourism village, we just took a photo of the entrance.

10:48 AM Off to circa 1850 restaurant, Rode a jeepney back to CDO proper

FARE: PHP 10.00

11:00 AM Arrived at circa, by the way it’s no longer Tune hotel they changed the name to Red planet.

We ordered:

Fish and chips PHP 350.00

Sirloin steak PHP 550.00

Choco Lava PHP 100.00

Dalandan Juice PHP 80.00

(PLUS 5% SERVICE CHARGE)

I am a type of person with weird taste buds but you can trust me on this, their steak is really mouthwatering. I do really recommend this place if you don’t mind spending a little bit on food.

1:00 PM Back to the hotel via taxi

FARE: PHP 65.00

Well, I guess not taking dinner every time we are on a vacation is becoming a habit already lol. So we took our siesta and skipped dinner.

Related links:
* CAGAYAN DE ORO - BUKIDNON - CAMIGUIN itinerary

* EXPENSES: CAGAYAN DE ORO - CAMIGUIN and BUKIDNON

* Entering the Northern gate of Mindanao:Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental adventure-Settling down 
* Adrenaline filled day in CDO and DAHILAYAN Adventure Park
* Experiencing a bit of Cagayan De Oro <<<---- YOU ARE HERE
* The Island Born of FIRE - Camiguin 

First climb never dies - The Pico De Loro adventure

It was way back in 2011 when we decided to conquer the summit of Pico De Loro. 

It was my first hike but I am not hoping it would not be the last though.

It was indeed a fun hike but remembering that this mountain broke my heart and at the same time taught me the most important life lesson that all of us should do; to love yourself more creates a bitter smile on my lips. 

I don't want to go into details but I'll never forget the things that I've learned as I sweat going up and conquer the summit.

You know what's stopping us from doing the best things in life? Fear. 

Go out, explore and takes risks.