Gibitngil, One Of Best Beaches in Northern Cebu: Exploring and Conquering High Cliff Jumping at Funtastic Island

Do you know that feeling when you are so tired of city life and you want to go away but you just cant? Well, this is exactly how I feel.

I can't go because I have CLASSES

I can't go because  I don't have enough MONEY

I can't go because  I WORKED weekdays and weekends.

If I have the  MONEY, where should I go?

If I have TIME, who's gonna go with me? 

This is just the basic question I have in mind when planning to go on an adventure. I know there are lots of things that we need to consider when doing an adventure, regardless of what kind of adventure (mountain or sea adventure), such as, the place, money, weather and of course SAFETY, this should be our main concern YES?

CEBU, as we all know, is composed of stunning and adventurous places. Regardless of which part of Cebu province (east, west, north or south), adventurous and instagramable places are everywhere in which you and your friends may want to wander around. 

I've been to different places in Cebu South but not much in  Northern part of Cebu. Northern Cebu has lots of beautiful white beaches such as Virgin Island in Bantayan, Gibitngil or commonly know as Funtastic Island and many more. 

A DIY Travel : Exploring the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City

Baguio can be reached by bus from Metro Manila. It roughly 250 kilometers from Manila and it may take 4-6 hours travel time depends on how heavy the traffic is. 

Baguio is known to be as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, owing to its cool climate since the city is located approximately 1,540 meters (5,050 feet) above sea level in the Luzon tropical pine forests eco-region, which makes it conducive for the growth of mossy plants and orchids. 

Where to Stay in Baguio? 

There were heaps of hotels and travel inns in Baguio City where you can stay during your visit. If you are not tight in budget then you can go to a deluxe hotel but if you are a poor traveler like us then you can stay in a cheap travelers inn but of course, you need to consider its safeness and cleanliness. 

A DIY Travel in the Province of Ilocos Norte: 13 Must-see Tourist Spots in Ilocos Norte - the Northern Coastal Province in the Philippines

Aspirant traveler? 

Why not visiting Ilocos Norte? I know most of us want to be a traveler for being a traveler is amazing but having the required budget can be pretty tough. Nowadays, there were heaps of air flight promos that may tempt you to go and travel to other places. 

Are you planning to visit Ilocos Norte?  Or, if you don't have a vacation destination in mind yet, why not considering visiting Ilocos Norte the beautiful northern coastal province in the Philippines? If you would check the internet, there were heaps of splendid places that you may want to see.

The province of Ilocos Norte is about 500 km (8 hrs and 43 mins) via MacArthur Hwy/Manila N Rd.  There are a lot of popular tourist destinations that you may enjoy during your visit to the province of Ilocos Norte. Some are man-made and some are created by nature. Some tourist spots that are man-made are: The Sinking Bell Tower, Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino,  Malacañang of the North, Paoay Church, Marcos Museum and Mausoleum, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Bangui Windmill, Patapat Bridge

Some tourist spots that are made by nature are Lapaz Sand Dunes, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Kabigan Falls.

This article will go over 13 of the most popular tourist destinations. They're all definitely worth the trip.

A DIY Travel in the Province of Ilocos Norte: Exploring the Beauty in the Province of Pagudpud

The next day after strolling Calle Crisologo in Vigan City, we had prepared our selves for another adventure in the municipality of Pagudpud. Despite of a very tiring and exhausted day after wandering the City of Laoag and Vigan, we have to have a great power and energy, lol to explore the beauty of Pagudpud. 

About Pagudpud

Pagudpod is known to have a lot of beautiful beaches. Pagudpod can be reached by bus. It lies 74 kilometers north of Laoag City, the provincial capital and is roughly 550 kilometer and the travel time may take roughly 12 hours from Metro Manila.

A night before going to Pagudpud, I contacted Kuya Noel - +63 921 248 1578, a tricycle driver and a tourist guide from the municipality of Pagudpud. Pagudpud can be reached out via minibus for only P67.00 (regular/non-air-conditioned) and P81.00 for the air-conditioned bus. 

The travel time to Pagudpud from Laoag may take roughly 1 hr and we officially start our Pagudpud tour at 1030 am. 

A DIY Travel in the Province of Ilocos Sur: Wandering Calle Crisologo Vigan City

So right after, we discover the beauty of Laoag City, we went back to the place where we stayed and have our selves cleaned up. Vigan can be reached via buses, there are a lot of buses heading to Vigan so you have nothing to worry. It will cost you P137.00 for an air-conditioned bus. 

About Vigan City

Vigan City is located before Laoag City, it is on the western coast of the large island of Luzon, facing the South China Sea. Vigan City is one of the few town left in the Philippines and it is also one of UNESCO World Heritage Site whose old structures have mostly remained intact, and it is well known for its cobblestone streets and a unique architecture of the Philippine colonial era. Vigan City is also the birthplace of the 6th President of the Philippines, Elpidio Quirino.  Together with Beirut, Doha, Durban, Havana, Kuala Lumpur and La Paz, Vigan City was officially recognized as one of the New7Wonders Cities last May of the year 2015. 

Vigan City is located roughly 400 kilometers from Manila. The same with Laoag City, Vigan can be reached by bus or by private car. It is not difficult to go there since there are lots of buses heading to Vigan from Manila.

A DIY Travel in the Province of Ilocos Norte: Laoag City the Beautiful Northern Coastal Province in the Philippines

We never took a long time in Venice Grand Canal, shortly after we eat and wander the mall we went back to Cubao wherein buses heading for Laoag City is located. A regular air-conditioned bus without comfort room will cost you P797.00 per head. They also have student and PWD discount, just present your ID. 

Heading to Laoag City

We are very lucky when we arrived in Partas Terminal because there was a bus ready to go to Laoag City at 5:00 pm. Unfortunately, we have to re-book our trip from 8:00 pm trip to 5:00 pm and we have to pay the re-booking fee for P89.00 each ticket. 

The travel time to Laoag may take 9-10 hours if traveling during night time and may take within 11-12 hours if traveling daytime due to traffic. The advantage in traveling during daytime is that you can enjoy the scenic views while you are on your trip. 

We arrive in the Laoag City at 4:00 am. We met Kuya James, a tricycle driver in the Partas Terminal, he brings us to Viewport where we stay for a night. We also agreed to hire James as our driver for the day and bring us to the tourist spots in Laoag City. It cost us P1000.00 for 4 pax, actually it was only P900.00 but since he's kind then we have added something to the fee. 

Where to Stay in Laoag City? 

There were heaps of hotels and travel inns where you can stay during your visit in the province. If you are not tight of budget then you can go to a deluxe hotel but if you are a poor traveler like us then you can stay in a cheap travelers inn but of course, you need to consider its safeness and cleanliness. 

During our visit, we stay in Viewport, there is no specific check-in time, your check out time will depend on what your check-in time is. 1 room will just cost you P450.00 good for 2 pax and P50.00 per additional person. The room is clean enough, air-conditioned and with hot shower.

A DIY Travel: Exploring Venice Grand Canal Mall before Ilocos Norte

Traveller? ....

Wanderer? ....

There are a lot of flight promotion that you may want to take advantage with. Air Asia has its own red-hot sale once every year. Recently, during the writing of this article, AirAsia has a red-hot sale in which I booked for a flight in Cebu - Davao November for next year. lol! Since I have a tight budget, I have to book my travel a quite sometime before the actual date so that I can have ample time to have savings. 

Of course, we have to have enough budget so that we can enjoy our trip so much.  Your laag will still depend on the place where it has flight fare promotion. Travelling in a very short time can be a bit stressful and exhausted for which we can't have enough rest. Yes, it is based on my past experience. 

During this laag, it was my first time riding a plane and the first time going out of Visayas. lol! And yes, it was very exciting knowing the fact that almost everything is my first time.

Carmen's Mt. Mago : Meet and Greet to a Newly Found Friends

Laag is the best way to kill the boredom and laag with new people and new friends is a lot better and funnier. It is really nice to go to the place that you've never been with good people around you. 

Cebu, as we all know, have a lot of splendid mountains and peaks that you and your friends may enjoy in wandering. One of these peaks is located in the municipality of Carmen Cebu northern part of Cebu, Mt. Mago. 

About Carmen Cebu

Carmen lies approximately 42 kilometers North of Cebu City, travel time may take within 2 hours depends on how heavy the traffic is. There were lots of things that you can do and enjoy when visiting the municipality of Carmen, you can go swimming in Durano Eco Farm and Spring, you can also enjoy the nearby pool with flowing water from a spring, river trekking and enjoy the soon to open Safari - the 100 hectares animal zoo own by Michel J. Lhuillier. Everyone is excited about it, I know right? Lol

About our Laag

So here's what happened, everyone is so excited especially the first-timers, however, for some valid reason I have to postpone this laag due to the typhoon and basically, there is no clearing yet and the way going to the starting point is so slippery, muddy and very risky. So, for everyone's safety, I ended up postponing the activity a week after the intended date. 

There were 30 heads who join this trek, some are hardcore and some are first-timers. Before it was postponed, there were more than 50 heads who will join the activity but due to conflict of schedules, some joiners have to back out.

A day of chilling with awesome mates in the company

Most of the people around do love beaching, especially during summer. Chilling in a crystal clear and blue water with white fine sand is everyone's dream.  It may be not easy to go outside of the City especially if you are working person but as what others said: "Kung gusto may paraan, Kung ayaw may dahilan". Despite of my hectic schedule, I do manage to have a little break just to balance my lifestyle. Lol. Few days before this event, I was imagining myself, setting up a tent, laying in the sand my with my wave music album in Spotify is played and a cold beer on my side. That imagination came to reality when I and my classmates (Angel, Vince, and Denise) went to Lambog Beach in Badian.

About Badian

Badian is located in the western part of Cebu province. It is 106 kilometers away from Cebu City via Cebu S Rd/Natalio B. Bacalso S National Hwy and Santander - Barili - Toledo Rd. There are heaps of tourist attraction in Badian that you may want to visit. Kawasan Falls is the most popular tourist destination in the municipality of Badian, it is one of the most visited and crowded for its magnificent and amazing waterfalls. Aside from Kawasan Falls, there is also other tourist attraction that you may want to add to your list, like the Lambog beach, Kansanto spring and much more. Trekking to Kandungao peak from Badian is also possible, but it may be a kind of costly trip since you have to have a ride a single motorbike going to a small village where the jump off is located. 

About our Laag

We went to Badian right after my Saturday shift via Ceres bus. Despite of very hot day, I have no choice but to ride an unairconditioned bus because my mates are afraid of having seasick in the middle of our travel. We safely arrived in Badian around 12 nn which is lunch time, so from Badian national road, we have to ride a tricycle going to Lambog beach. There's nothing to worry about the foods, accommodations and taking shower because you really have a super easy access in the place. There is no need to bring foods for there is small sari-sari store in the place wherein you can but food or eat. If you are microphone lover then you can have a sing along with your favorite track. The people there are really helpful and approachable.

A friendly hike and camping in Mt. Kabuwan, Naga City

Adventure is like love. We already knew the risk and possible outcome but we didn't mind it and we just go for it anyway. Adventure can be memorable through struggles, through happiness or both. They say, 90% of trekking is struggles and 10% is happiness. This is somehow true or maybe depends on the trail.

Setting of Facebook event

Before the said event, I made a facebook event via my facebook page @laagbisaya. That was the very first time making/organizing a Facebook event. Most of the time, I go laag just a day before the actual date but this time it's different. I intentionally made this event to meet new friends and I am so glad that there were heaps of person who got interested and join in the event. I had 12 acquaintance along the trial, some of them are hardcore in terms of hiking but mostly are first timers.

A new friend (Win) and hardcore in terms of hiking

A Fellowship Day Hike to Mt. Mauyog Balamban

Laag away from the stressful city life is everyone's wish, especially when you're so stressed with your work or with the people around you. This would be the case if you're working too hard or even not but has a stressful work environment. In some cases, others went laag just for picture taking purposes, to have a little adventure and to see another world. For myself, I have those reasons plus to relieve my stress. It's been a long time since my last laag. Now my feet are itching for a long hike and craving for a new adventure. Among the many peaks Cebu, we decided to go to Mt. Mauyog.

About Mt. Mauyog

Mt. Mauyog is located in Brgy. Sunog under the Municipality of Balamban western part of Cebu Province. Mt. Mauyog is known to have a rock formation in the peak that looks like a human brain. It is just a few mile away from Mt. Manunggal the crash site of former Philippine president, President Magsaysay. Most of the wanders including me, thought that Mt. Mauyog and Mt. Manunggal is just one mountain but actually they're not. As per locals/guide, Mt. Mauyog is owned by a private individual but I'm not so sure the legitimacy of the information.

Panoramic view at Mauyog Peak

About our Laag

As always, we do our laag minute before the actual time of our laag. We do love unplanned laag for it is funnier and adventurous. Basically, we decided to have a little adventure in Balamban just a day before the actual date and 2 hours before our graveyard shift ends, we do a little research so that we will be able to know the rights stop points.

Anda's scared to death jumping spot, Cabagnaw Cave Pool

Anda is indeed a place with beautiful and amazing spots. Though the town of Anda is pretty far from Tagbilaran City, but as previously mentioned in my other post about Candijay, the long travel is all worth it. The good thing about long travel is that you can enjoy the sightseeing with other places along the road, meet new people or friends and explore different places.

I know, today's environment is very stressful, the reason why most of the people are looking for a place to chill and stroll with.  Though long travel may need a little extra money, but one thing that I can say is that, the experience is something that can never be bought by money. It is something special that you may treasure and will last forever.

Cabagnaw Cave Pool

Anda, aside from magnificent white sand beach, Anda de Boracay, there is also another stunning spot that you may love to wander with. Just a few distance from Anda Public Market, there was this interesting and not so develop Cave Pool. It is located somewhere in the middle part of the meadows and coconut trees. It is not fully developed yet because the place has no fence yet for everyone's safety (both animal's and human's safety), no safety ladder for those who will go down and up.

Cabagnaw Cave Pool has a semi salty water because it is connected to the septic tank to the houses nearby hahaha haha, I'm just kidding. The reason why is the water is salty because it was connected to the sea underneath.

Exploring Bohol's finest and white sand beach, Anda de Boracay

To wander or to stroll? Nah, its just the same. Bohol, as we all know had lots and lot of places that you may want to wander with. Our 2 days and 2 nights stay in Bohol is indeed amazing. We did visit a lot of places that you didn't hear always about Bohol.

As I've mentioned in my recent post about Eleuterio's Can-umantad Falls and Rice Terraces Resort Inc., the excitement and fun will not end in just one place.  After we wander and explore the beauty of Candijay, we went to Anda, a nearby town of Candijay Bohol.

 

About Anda

Anda is located in a small peninsula at the eastern tip of Bohol, 99 kilometers from Tagbilaran City. Anda has 16 barangays in total and it's under the 3rd district of Bohol. It is indeed, far from Tagbilaran City but surely you will enjoy and you will be wowed to the magnificent beauty of Anda Bohol.

 

Accommodation

After exploring and enjoying Candijay Bohol, we went directly to Anda, of course, to wander around. It is more likely 2 hours travel period from Candijay to Anda. Before we went to Anda, my friend contacted someone there to ask for a help for our accommodation. AS soon as we arrive in Anda Public Market, we went directly to J&A Travellers Inn wherein we stayed our night. We're actually lucky that time because the village together with owner of the Inn was celebrating their annual feast, also a Sinulog Festival so our dinner was saved. Boholano's, even if we are a total stranger in the place but still they don't hesitate to invite us together with the other guest to join their dinner, that is just how Boholano's work, they're so kind and hospitable.

Candijay Bohol's stunning Rice Terraces

The excitement and fun in Eleuterio's Can-umantad Falls and Rice Terraces Resort Inc will not end at Can-umatad falls for there is also  beautiful site that you may enjoy with you colleague or team. The place has also this amazing and stunning rice terraces.

The Candijay's Rice Terraces

Rice terraces in Candijay is compose of huge hectares of land. Farming, however, is the town's number one way of living. Candijay, it is just the same with our town in Bien Unido, farming is also our number one way of living, secondly, in fishing . People of Candijay are so lucky for they have the unlimited supply of water for their farming, unlike with our place and other places in Bohol that will depends only of the rain.

The making of Rice Terraces

Kuya, the one who guide us in the place told us that before, the land (rice terraces) is just like a normally or useless lot, no plants or rice plant that can be planted for no water that will be stocked in the land because of the slope form the of land. Before, the only thing that you can see in the area are the tall and wild grasses. The owner of the land, think of something to develop the land into something useful until they come up of carving the hills. They make small boxes or container that will blocked the water from rain or irrigation. I seriously, asked Kuya if they use any form of machine in carving the terraces because for sure they will be heaps of hard-work if they manually carve it by them self. But Kuya told us that they carved the hills with their bare

Candijay Bohol's famous Can - Umantad Falls

NOWADAYS, people want to get rid of stress and explore new places.  There’s a new breath-taking creation for you to enjoy located in Cadapdapan, Candijay, Bohol. Recently, I wrote a blog about the magnificent Kawasan Falls in Trinidad Bohol. AS mention, there are heaps of falls in Bohol, however, I don't know them all. Another falls that we're visited with friends was the falls in the Candijay Bohol, the Can-umantad Falls. The actual name of the place is Eleuterio's Can-umantad Falls and Rice Terraces Resort Inc.

About Can-umantad Falls

Can-umantad falls is located in Cadapdapan, Candijay, Bohol. It is approximately 12 kilometers from the highway of Lungsod-daan Barangay of Candijay. Quiet far from Tagbilaran City but one thing that I am sure is that, your long travel is surely worth it. Can-umantad falls is said to be the tallest falls in Bohol and has 60 ft in height. Sounds terrific right?  I saw it myself and it was splendid. I know you guys are eager to go to this stunning water fall. Upon reading this blog post, you will be able to know how to get there. As per my research about the location of the falls from proper Candijay, it is 30 minutes travel from the Poblacion of Candijay and you’re going to see this amazing and stunning water fall. You will be in awe in Mother Nature’s Beauty. It’s clean, clear and cold water will surely entice you to enjoy swimming.

The place is very perfect for a family picnic, team outing and other fun activities like river trekking and swimming with your loved ones. Have a free back massage with the splash of heavy flowing water. You will have a kind of a long hike from the reception or center area of Eleuterio's Can-Umantad Falls and Rice Terraces Resort Inc. It was like more or less 30 minutes descend to the highlight of the place. Note, please take extra care in the place, don't be so hasty for the way around or go down is slippery. After the almost 30 minutes hike going to the highlight, we're awed by the terrific and amazing falls. The water fall is so tall indeed. Every deep breath and sweat going down are all worth it seeing the falls. The experience is priceless if you visit and swim to this highest falls. Aside from the waterfalls; Candijay has still a lot more to offer.

Bohol : Trinidad's Magnificent Kawasan Falls

Bohol, as we all know is a beautiful island and has heaps of stunning and amazing nature spots, like for example the chocolate hills, beaches in Panglao and etc. Some are man made spots like man-made forest and others. I believe that there are still heaps of hidden or maybe undiscovered but beautiful spots in Bohol. I've been in Bohol always since Bohol is my home town but to tell you honest, I'm not really good at directions and spots in Bohol because I did not traveled often to other/many places in Bohol. The spots are bloody far from our Town.

Stunning Kawasan Falls

Bien Unido, a Spanish word meaning “well united”

I lived in the town of Bien Unido, Bohol for more than 20 years. Bien Unido is just a small town, before it was just a Barangay under the municipality of Talibon and they call Bien Unido as Brgy. Baha-Baha before. But since many family already  living in Bien Unido, they made it as Municipality or town. To tell you frankly, there is no beautiful place/s in our town that I can bragged with. Lol Except for the under water grotto. Under water grotto is located between the island of Bilang-Bilangan and Sagasa, as far as I know, the statue of Sto. Niño and Mother Mary is placed 18ft under water. I never tried to dive there yet or going in the area, I just saw it when it was featured in a TV show or news before.

Boljoon - Eli Rock : A man made Viewdeck with 137 steps

Escaping from the City is everyone's desire  especially when you are so stressed  from work or from whatsoever reason. There are heaps of beautiful places in Southern part of Cebu that you may want to visit  and chillax. I've been visited lots of places in the South, some are in the mountain part and some are in Beaches. 

I don't know if you guys already heard about Eli Rock in Boljoon.  The firs time I've visited Boljoon, was during our Educational tour in University of San Carlos. Boljoon church was our last stop back then. It was for Humanities subject though, we visited the old churches, from the municipality of Carcar, Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete and finally church in Boljoon. Unfortunately, due the age of our tour I already lost the photos I had taken during the said tour.

VL Team in Eli Rock Viewdeck

The Municiality of Boljoon

Boljoon is a 5th municipal income class municipality in the province of Cebu, Philippines and is under 2nd District. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 16,344. In the 2016 electoral roll, it had 10,216 registered voters. Boljoon has 11 barangays of which six (including Poblacion) are coastal, and the rest inland.

Antig Tingko Alcoy : Island Hopping

This story is just a continuation about our Laag in Dalaguete Beach Park. Supposedly, we will go to Mountain Coal resort after Dalaguete Beach park, however, for some reason the lady's changed their mind, well lady's always changed their mind. Lol. So instead of Coal Mountain resort, we went to Antig Tingko Beach in Alcoy. 

Antig Tingko Beach is a popular getaway located in Daan Lungsod, Alcoy in the province of Cebu, Philippines. It is the most common and popular beach in Alcoy. Alcoy is located in the southern part of Cebu next to the Municipality of Dalaguete. It is 90 kilometers away from Cebu City. You can reach Alcoy via Ceries bus or Sunrays. In our trip, we traverse from Dalaguete Beach Park to Alcoy via tricycle for 30 php per head. 

Tingko is great for families or team outing  because of its wide and sandy beach and shallow waters that offer relaxing environment and fun activities to do.

Mabad - on Reef - Snorkeling area

The white sand Beach

There are several things that are FREE in this beach…

Sand, sun, sea water, and entrance but not anymore... They will collect, I think 10-25 php per guest, its that much though maybe this is just for the maintenance of the beach.

Dalaguete: The Epic Mis-Routed Laag with so much Ninja Moves

Hello. Summer is about to end so soon and I'm so thankful if it will end na 'cause its not easy to struggle everyday with the damn hot sun. Escaping from the city is everyone's desire nowadays due to high/hot temperature. We had this pretty amazing and epic trip in Dalaguete Cebu when unexpected things happened. Actually, we didn't plan for this trip and no preparation at all unlike with the other Laags.  It was our lunch time when Felimae and Jessa (my workmates) decided to go to Dalaguete. The next day, right after our shift's Friday the 5th of May we went to Southern part of Cebu. It was really my intention to go somewhere far from the City because I was so stressed after my midterm exams. You know being full time student and full time employee is not that easy. I really  need to have a life style balance the reason why I went out far from the city often times to relieve my stress. Other person can just relieve their stress just by eating something, go window shopping or etc but I'm not that kind of person unfortunately.

Municipality of Dalaguete

I don't know if you guys already heard about Dalaguete Beach Park in Dalaguete Cebu. This article is basically something about Dalaguete Beach Park and our epic ninja moves. The municipality of Dalaguete is located 84 kilometers away from Cebu City proper and the travelling time will take more or less 3 hours via sunrays or ceries bus. Guys, when you hear about Dalaguete, first thing that will come out into your mind is Osmenia Peak, I am pretty sure to that. Other stunning peak that is located in Dalaguete is Kandungao Peak. It was a few miles away from Osmenia Peak. I actually wrote a short story aboutour laag in Kandungao peak, you may check it here. 

Dalaguete Beach Park

In this Laag we didn't went to Osmenia Peak or any mountains in Dalaguete, we went to Dalaguete Beach Park and as per agreement we will go to Coal Mountain Resort the next morning. We spent our night in Dalaguete Beach Park, of course brought our sleeping gears (tent, pillows and etc). Before we went to the beach to set up our tent and to sleep, we stayed in Bart's Resto grill just a walking distance from the beach, to eat our dinner and we also had a budgeted drink. Lol! And of course we had so much fun in everyone's favorite part, the videoke. lol! We stayed there and had fun until 12 midnight and sooner went to Beach Park to set up our tent but the fun didn't end there because Rhona brought one bottle of RH. hahaha. We had a little drink in the beach and I took a walk in the shore. Sooner, the guys fell asleep and I am the one standing. I swum/wade in the sea around 1 am alone, its a little bit creepy knowing that someone died in the place because he/she was drowned.

Chasing sun rise

The place is really good for camping because you can definitely see the sun rise early morning. We are not the only group who wanders the place since there were also a few groups who stayed and spent their night in the beach. I don't exactly know what is the scenario during day time or during normal operation time since we left the place before 6 am. 

Tabogon : Featuring Archt. Raagas's Rest House

G’day mate! How was your summer so far? Mine is so stressful due to a hectic schedule, char Lol. But seriously I was busy with my studies and at the same time for my work. I wanna share something about what I’ve experienced in Tabogon in the Northern part of Cebu. As we all know, living in the city during the summer season is not easy, especially when you’re stuck in the middle of the traffic, it is very stressful and can cause frustration to people around. Stressful in a way that we are experiencing a very hot season and that is why we need to hang out sometime or “kung may time”, go to a place to relax or to cool yourself down. I am pretty sure that I’m not the only one who is craving for a place to relax with magnificent cold water such as cold spring or a water falls or even sea water. But for me, beaching is not a good idea because of the very hot temperature. But of course, it will depend on your preference.

Municipality of Tabogon

Tabogon is one of the municipality under 4th district in Cebu province. It is more likely 90 kilometers away from Cebu City proper and the travel period will take more or less 3 hours depends on the traffic. One spot that I know in Tabogon is their enchanted Guiwanon Cold Spring. It is located in a few distance from Tabogon proper. Guiwanon Spring is almost the same with Ubong Spring in Dalaguete (Southern part of Cebu). The spring is connected directly to the sea and of course, the water is kinda salty and most especially the attractive and enchanted Balete tree.

Balete Tree

Balete tree (also known as Balite or Baliti) are several species of the trees in the Philippines from the genus Ficus that are broadly referred to as balete in the local language. There are heaps of freaky story about balite trees but for me, all of them are just fairy tale and was made by old folks. Guiwanon Cold Spring is 4 feet in depth when low tide and has estimated the depth of 7 feet when high tide. We went there early in the morning because we’re expecting that no guest yet during early morning but unfortunately we are wrong, absolutely wrong! A weekend trip is not an ideal time when visiting the place because there are heaps of tourists from other or different places.

Badian Day Trip: Ang Paglukso sa Kansanto

Hello pepz!

Gday? 

Its been a long time since I have posted something on my blog due to a hectic schedule, 'cause you know celebrity life hahaha. Bitaw oi, I was very busy being half student and half employee but I can manage because I do believe there is no busy person, it is just a matter of balancing one's time. hehe. 



Anyways, you heard about Kawasan Falls right? I dunno where are coming from if you know nothing about Kawasan Falls lol but seriously the reason why I wrote this article is to share the experience we had in the place. When we say Badian, I am pretty sure that the first thing that will come out to your mind is Kawasan Falls right? I know right? lol.

Story sharing in Liloan Ibabao Mountain Resort

Working in the BPO industry is not easy especially when you are not into English thing just like me lol. Actually, even if English is not my thing but because of English I was able to survive in the chaotic world and was able to sustain my daily needs. As we all know, most of the shifts in a call center company are night or graveyard shift. Why, simply because some of the clients or customer are from the United States and we have different time zones, "so kitay mo adjust". 

There are also call center company that is supporting Australian account which is more convenient since they have day shift. Working as call center agent is one of the most stressful work as far as I know and as what I've experienced before. Stressful in a way that you have no sufficient sleep since you have to adjust your body clock for the graveyard shift, stressful in a way that there are heaps of calls and irate customers, stressful in a way that you are not happy with the environment, people around and management, stressful in way that you have a bunch of disputes during pay day, stressful in a way that you have to catch up or maintain the required metrics  and so on and so forth. 

They say call center job is just a very easy, maybe in conversing English but take note being call center agent is not only about English. You will be a technical support even if you're not IT expert, you will become a banker, compute or process bills if even if you're not an accountant, it's not easy to listen and apologize to an irate customer when you have no fault at all these are some of the things that is not easy in a BPO industry.

BPO Industry

I've been in this industry for almost 3 years and I can say that it's not an easy job, though we're just seating in front of the computer and headset put on, but we also need to consider the stressful factor that was mentioned previously. Sometimes, call center agent needs to hang out to relieve stress, some went beaching, mountain adventure, and so on. Most of the time I do mountain hiking with some of my colleague in VL Philippines Inc. I've been in VL company for almost one year but we only had a hang out together with the team once and that was boxing day, a holiday in AU and NZ.

Ibabao Mountain Resort

Ibabao Mountain Resort is a newly-established property for those who want to relax and escape from the stressful environment in the city. Ibabao Mountain Resort is good because you can relax but not really far from the city and has less expense.


The location of this resort provides its guests wonderful views of the surrounding, nearby and distant places, including the panoramic view of Cebu and nearby towns which are visible through the sparkling lights at night.

BADIAN DAY TRIP: ANG KABUGNAW SA KAWASAN

Kawasan is the most popular destination in Badian. Kawasan Falls is a must-see attraction while you’re in town, it’s a three-layered waterfall system located at Barangay Matutinao Badian. Kawasan Falls is the most popular tourist destination in the town. It is well visited by both foreign and local tourists. 

The first level of the falls is the most crowded place, it is also the place where you can see the highest waterfall among the 3 waterfalls. Before it was allowed to jump in from the very top but its now prohibited because there was a number of tourists who died for doing such adventure. 

If you are taking a bus you may inform the bus driver assistant (conductor) or the bus driver that you are going to Kawasan Falls, they know the place. In our case, we ride a bus then we stop in Badian Public Market since we visit Kansanto Spring first. From Badian Public Market we ride a tricycle for 25.00 per head going to Brgy. Matutinao where Kawasan Falls located.

Bocaue Peak : first time 9 hours hike

For me trekking is the best outdoor activity ever. In trekking you can absolutely see how beautiful our mother nature is. You can see how god made the earth with its beautiful creation. You can relax, breath fresh air, find the  extraordinary experience that you can never find in the city. In trekking, you can have new friends, meet locals in different places, see different mountains and rock formation.

Last year, when I was employed in ValueLabs Philippines Inc in Cebu City, I met Char and Jick who is also fun in doing mountain trekking. Char has a friends who are hardcore in mountain hiking or a pure mountaineers. Char invited me and Jick to join with them in hiking going to Napo Towers, Bocaue Peak and RCPI Towers. Ever since, I really love to join mountain hiking so I was so happy and excited when I got the invitation from Char. It was a week after I was confined from the hospital but that's not the issue since my case is just a minor issue. Me, Jick and Char agreed to meet up in Ayala PUJ terminal then we will go together to Guadalupe Church area wherein we will meet with the other group. Before I met the other group, I just thought that they are just a normal hikers but when I finally saw them it was like "whoooaaa hold on, ma OP tas out fit" because me and Jick are just wearing running shoes not a trekking shoes and a Jan sport backpack. But they don't actually care, they are good and friendly and as long as you can hike with a heart then you are good. Lol. 

Napo Towers

Before we went to the starting point which is in a small village in  Sapangdaku we bought first the things that we need during trekking. As the first timers, me and Jick just bought 1 liter of water that's it. After we prepare everything in Guadalupe Church area we walked a little going to the habal-habal waiting area to ride going to the starting point. We start our hike at exact 9:00 am, it was perfect sunny day during our trekking. After most likely 30 minutes of hiking we had our first break/rest under the shed of the big mango tree, we had a small talked and knowing each other. After 5 minutes we continue our hike and we finally saw the first tower in the middle of meadows. But before we finally arrived in the first tower, we passed by a roses plantation, though when we passed in the place there were no flowers blooming yet but its kinda amazing seeing those lovely stems. The trail going up is so steep, so we had our second break under another big mango tree and a few minutes after, we continue our hike then rest. We need to rest most likely every other 5 minutes because the trail going up is so steep so basically our air has been easily drained. Lol.