#how to get to Siquijor from cebu

[shellwanders]

Paliton Beach: Siquijor's Best Kept Secret

Paliton Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand and clear blue water located in the province of Siquijor in the Philippines. The beach is relatively secluded and undeveloped, making it a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Traveling to Paliton Beach Siquijor for the first time? This detailed and curated travel guide will make it easy for you to navigate…

[noirlevity]

Happy Birthday Tadashi!

Pairing: Tadaai Fandom: Sk8 the infinity A/N: Tadashi birthday fic!

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For his birthday celebration, Tadashi was given a set of questions to ask Ainosuke. Ainosuke was chosen because he is the closest to him. Staring at the questions, Tadashi didn't really want to do it, but he also didn't want to be a killjoy.

Even his Ainosuke-sama was looking forward to it, so he must indulge.

"First question, what are you to the celebrant?"

"I am his owner," Ainosuke smiled widely.

Miya & Cherry rolled their eyes. Joe & Oka giggled while Hiroomi, Reki, & Langa had deadpan faces as they listened. Tadashi was about to go to the next question when Ainosuke whispered bashfully, "I'm the boyfriend." Clearly conscious of the eyes on him, Ainosuke defensively crossed his arms around his chest & gave Tadashi a petulant look.

Who was he trying to fool?

Ainosuke was blushing up to his ears. His small puckered mouth makes Tadashi smile.

"How did you meet each other? And where?"

"We met at my house. At the abandoned swimming pool."

"How would you describe him?"

"Lovable doggie."

Cherry opened his fan in irritation and gripped it like he could break it in half.

"How do you think he'd describe you?"

"Magnanimous Master," Ainosuke whispers, "Baby, cutie patootie."

"Hey what was that? We didn't hear it," Cherry complained. "Use your mic!"

"Say it again!" Demanded the teenagers.

"The love of my life,"

The crowd goes silent. Tadashi was the one who answered. Cherry got even more pissed off at their shameless PDA. Joe whistled. Miya rolled his eyes again, while Reki couldn't help but have stars in his eyes.

"If you can both go on a vacation, where would you go?"

"Siquijor, Philippines. Maybe Cebu. Just the two of us."

"Really?"

"You want to visit there right? Let's go in the summer."

"Next question please!" Cherry interrupted, brows knitted. Damn these two love birds. Who even came up with this question-and-answer portion? Are they trying to shove these two's relationship at Cherry's single ass?

"Is he the jealous type?" Ainosuke thought for a few seconds. It never crossed his mind.

"I'm not sure. What is there to be jealous of? I only have eyes for him."

"So Adam was just playing with my feelings?" Langa commented. Reki was the only one who heard his remark.

"You took him seriously?"

"No... but, it feels as if I got betrayed."

"Don't worry, you still got me!" Reki declared.

"Are you the jealous type?"

"Not really." A pause. Ainosuke adjusts himself in his seat. "Maybe just a bit,"

"Ainosuke-sama, I only have eyes for you too."

"NEXT!" Cherry bellowed. Joe giggled next to him, amused at how impatient he was to get this portion over with.

"What feature of the celebrant do you find the most attractive?"

"His hands.

"I like your face and your beauty mark but I love your hands the most. The way you just know where to touch~"

"FYI! There are minors here." Cherry interrupted again while he rolled his eyes.

"What feature of yours do they find most attractive?"

"My legs."

". . ." Tadashi was speechless.

"Silly puppy, you think I won't notice?" Ainosuke leers at him. Obviously guilty, Tadashi pressed his lips together in defeat, shoulders hunched downward in embarrassment, ears as red as the roses at the Shindo mansion.

"This pair is something else." Joe commented. "Shamelessly kinky. Damn even I'm a bit jealous!"

"Shut up! Can't blame Tadapi. I find Adam's legs attractive too." Joe stared at Cherry dumbfounded.

"What?"

"Nothing, I was just surprised."

"Finally, please say a message to the birthday celebrant." Ainosuke cleared his throat.

"Happy birthday puppy~! We'll be together for the rest of our lives. Love you!"

Ainosuke stood up from his seat. He took something behind the podium and rushed to where Tadashi sat. With a bouquet of red roses in his hand, he lifted Tadashi up as he hugged him tightly, startling the other man. He kissed him in front of everyone and offered him the roses with a childish grin. Cherry and Joe watched their friend with gentle eyes. The look on Ainosuke's face was full of bliss. He looked so content and happy as he held Tadashi in his arms. The love he has for Tadashi was so apparent and precious that it was jealousy-inducing.

"He was the one who set this portion up." Cherry deduced.

"He did.

"He has been preparing for this party behind Tadapi's back and was very nervous about it. Isn't it cute?"

Cherry hid his face behind his fan. "Not gonna lie, it is."

Hiroomi looked at the couple with admiration. He wished he could get the same kind of love too. Oka couldn't stop himself from feeling content.

Here was true love. And it was beautiful.

Reki ran to the stage dragging Langa and Miya with him. He encouraged everyone to take a group picture. He already set up the camera for the shoot. Everyone huddled together with Ainosuke and Tadashi at the center and took a picture.

When the picture developed, everyone's eyes widened with surprise. Tadashi smiled so sweetly at the camera that everyone felt like they got slapped in the face. So he had a reason he was scowling all the time: it was to save everyone from having a heart attack every time he flashes his charming smile. Ainosuke's affection towards Tadashi had been difficult to comprehend, but now they understood where he was coming from.

[elbertoko]

[itsjanetimbengan]

Siquijor and its Exquisite Charm

It was a cold, rainy, and cloudy kind of morning when we arrived at Dumaguete Airport. After a peal of thunder, we decided to take a tricycle going to Dumaguete Port. We touched down Siquijor after an hour of ferry ride and rode a tricycle again to reach our hotel.

Palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, fresh air filled my lungs and my eyes felt refreshed with the lush of greens around me. Siquijor might be notorious for black magic, mystic, and sorcery, but I got a sense of serenity in this place.

For an island known for witchcrafts and folklores, Siquijor boasts its exquisite charm with its unspoiled palm-fringed beaches, scenic water wonders, and laid-back setting.

HOW TO GET THERE 

We booked our flight to Dumaguete because this is the closest airport with frequent flights from Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.

From Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, charter a tricycle or a cab to get you to the port. Several ferries like Oceanjet, Montenegro Lines run as early as 7:00 am until 4:30 pm going to Siquijor which fare ranges from P130 to P240.

From Siquijor Port, there are a lot of tricycle drivers you can rent to bring you to where your accommodation is. Tricycle is the usual mode of transportation in the area so tourists normally prefer to hire tricycles for the island tour.

WHERE WE STAYED

Located in San Juan area, Eastern Garan Seaview Resort offers an amazing cliff top views and not to mention a super chill vibes with its outdoor swimming pool and beach front view (and incredible sunset!!!).

PLACES TO VISIT

Siquijor, located in the Central Visayas, is the third smallest province in the Philippines, thus can be toured in one day only. It is locally known as “Esla del Fuego” because of its mystical fireflies.

We rented a tricycle for the whole day tour around the island.

CENTURY-OLD BALETE TREE

Believed to be enchanted up to this day, the 400-year-old Balete Tree lies in Lazi which is considered to be the oldest and biggest in the province of Siquijor. Apart from being said that mythical creatures live in Balete Trees, what makes it really mystical is that a natural spring flows right underneath the tree. If you’re up for a quick foot spa, just dip your feet and let the fish doctors nibble around your feet!

There are stalls that sell some souvenirs, voodoo dolls, and love potions!

CAMBUGAHAY FALLS

Less than 200 steps going down, you will be mesmerized by Cambugahay Falls’ clear and turquoise warm water originating from natural spring. Lots of locals and tourists go here and enjoy making their sway to the falls.

This falls has a three-tiered level, the top and middle which usually serve as swimming areas and the bottom and the largest as the jumping site. It usually gets crowded in the afternoon but just a tip, the top tier is the least crowded area where you can do unlimited swings for only 20 pesos.

SALAGDOONG BEACH

Ahhh, I have to say that this is my favorite place in Siquijor! You will be lured with its magnificent stretch of translucent blue waters and fine white sand. Salagdoong Beach is also famous for its cliff diving area with almost 35 feet high, waiting for adrenaline junkies and daredevils to take the plunge straight into the water.

GUIWANON SPRING PARK

Guiwanon Spring Park is a mangrove preservation and protection area which is managed by the fishermen and environment organization in this community. 

A minute of walk on wood and bamboo bridges, you will be led to an open area or seminar hall which offers a magnificent view of the sea with a crisp, fresh air, surrounded by a lush mangrove forest. This sanctuary is a refreshing stop with an entrance fee of 10 pesos and in fact, there are small cottages you can rent if you want to stay overnight.

PALITON BEACH

The giant palm trees lined up at the shoreline, the powdery white sand, and the sparkling blue waters make Paliton Beach a nice spot for basking under the sun. 

It was 3 in the afternoon and the sun shone brilliantly, making the water in the ocean glitter invitingly. Definitely a perfect tour-ender – we just unwind and chill by the beach until it’s time to go back to our hotel.

Other tourist spots in Siquijor:

Saint Francis de Assisi Parish Church

Hapitanan Cafe Restaurant

Lazi Church and Convent

Lagaan Falls

Capilay Hot Spring

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[pauonabudget-blog]

Siquijor 2019

Tada!!! After 7 (??) years, I am back doing my first love - blogging. So for my first entry (again), I wanna share with you my solo travel adventure to Isla de Fuego aka Siquijor Island. It’s my 2nd solo travel for this year (6th overall) and I must say it is one of my favorites! (PS all photos are mine unless stated otherwise hehe). Btw I went to Siquijor June 16-18, 2019. All currencies stated are in Philippine Pesos

HOW DID I GET THERE?

Since I am always on the look out for piso fares, I got my roundtrip tickets Manila-Dumaguete-Manila for roughly 1,600.00 during Cebu Pacific’s snap sale (99.00 base fare). Not bad.

From Dumaguete airport, there are tricycles/habal habals (single motorcycles) that can take you to Dumaguete Port. If you don’t have that much of luggage with you (or if you are still not so sure on your haggling skills), it’s best that you find your preferred mode of transportation OUTSIDE of the airport since the drivers on the airport  tend to overcharge. 

Okay so once you have hailed a driver, tell him to drop you off at the ticketing counter of your preferred ferry going to Siquijor, So in my case, I told the habal to drop me off at Oceanjet ticketing office. Ticketing office is walking distance from the port entrance. To be on the safe side also, you can purchase your return trip ticket as well to avoid hassle on the day you’re going back to mainland Dumaguete.

<Schedule and ticket price of June 2019>

Oceanjet from Dumaguete port to Siquijor port is roughly 50 mins to 1 hour. Just a reminder: Dumaguete port is really wavy. I don’t get dizzy easily but man Dumaguete port tested me lol. Before stepping inside the port, you need to pay P13.00 (I forgot what is it for lol but there is a window beside the port entrance). The port itself is clean and spacious by the way and there are kiosks there for those who’ll go hungry while waiting for the scheduled boat trips.

Once you arrive at Siquijor Port, there are tricycles/habal habals waiting outside the port. Up to you what you’ll take. Being a solo traveller and having just one backpack, I contracted a habal to take me to my accommodation and tour the whole island. Kuya Elbert (my habal driver/ tour guide. VERY NICE) and I have agreed for P800.00 for a whole island tour plus him bringing me to my accommodation and to the port. I also paid for his lunches and snacks. Kuya Elbert  +639068382558

<Arrival at Siquijor Port (the water is so clear that I wanted to jump right in)>

<Outside of Siquijor Port>

WHERE DID I STAY?

I stayed at JJ’s Backpackers Village (As recommended by the British solo traveller I met on Siargao). They have bunk beds there for 400/night. One dorm room contains 6 beds (2 single beds and 2 double deck beds) and a bathroom (decent, clean, well maintained, working flush lol). The hostel also has its own in-house restaurant and bar so there’s no need to worry of going hungry lol. But the real selling point of JJ’s Backpackers is the killer beach front since it is along Solangon Beach. It’s very chill and relaxing that I can just lay in the hammock all day and do nothing kind of vibe. 

<Beach front of JJ’s Backpackers>

<Do not disturb mood>

<Dorm room 400/night> PS bring your own padlocks for the lockers.

You may contact them at +639989704452 or go to their Facebook page

WHERE DID I GO?

Siquijor Island is so small that you can tour it in less than a day. There are even some travellers that do daytour and then goes back to Dumaguete. Here are the highlights of my habal tour:

1. SALAGDOONG BEACH

This is where the famous cliffdiving site in Siquijor is located. For those who want that jolt of adrenaline rush on the body, this is your place to go. I chickened out the last minute because the jump site is so high and scary hahaha so I opted to stay on the shore and swim. There is an entrance fee going here (I think 30 pesos but correct me if I am wrong).

2. PALITON BEACH

The beach where you can find the instagram worthy palm tree shots. When I was here, I can’t believe how chill and peaceful it is here. There are also locals who is standing by the famous palm tree that is ready to assist you on your creative instagram photo (just don’t forget to give them a tip - I gave P50.00). My favorite beach of all beaches!! Free entrance!!

3. CAMBUGAHAY FALLS

I fell in love with Cambugahay falls. The water is unbelievably blue like it will take your breath away. So for this destination, Kuya Elbert stayed on the motorcycle parking as there was a designated tour guide going down the falls (it has different levels btw). We went there as early as 7:00AM (normally there is an entrance fee but when we got there, the collector was still not on his post so that means it is FREE again lol). So yeah trying going there early plus also to avoid large crowds as it gets pretty crowded around 9:00 am onwards. So after frolicking in the blue waters and braving the tarzan swing, time to go up again. I gave my guide P100.00 plus I paid the motor parking P10.00

4. CENTURY OLD BALETE TREE AND FISH SPA

I did not try the fish spa since I am a ticklish person but the fishes were big so no thanks lol. The tree looks enchanting tho but I like the one in Baler. There is also a souvenir shop beside it. You can buy shirts, ref magnets, voodoo doll keychains and the infamous love potion in a bottle. 

5. HAPITANAN CAFE AND RESTAURANT

I didn’t do the famous broomstick photo because I was not in the mood lol. But I did chill for a little bit on their backyard.

WHERE TO EAT

So for 3 days, this is how I survived lol

DAY 1

Breakfast - Cinnabon sticks and coffee from the airport (<300.00)

Lunch - 2 pcs chicken with rice and bottled water bought from one of the Dumaguete Port kiosk (P80.00)

Dinner - A hearty plate of gnocchi from Dolce Amore. This is the first time I tasted Gnocchi and it was da bomb!!! (plus their homemade chocolate cake and homemade coconut gelato - shared by us 3 roommates). My plate of gnocchi was P180.00 but it was so worth it! The desserts cost were split between us 3. (Spent around 285.00 for my meal)

<Me with my roommates Elo (Brazil - jumper) and Maria (Spain - red top)>

DAY 2

Breakfast - Leftover cinnabon sticks (I still have 4 sticks left lol) plus coconut juice (40.00 for the coconut juice of Kuya Elbert and I)

Lunch - Kuya Elbert and I ate at an eatery at downtown. Hearty lunch for 2 is at P200.00

2 cans of beer - P120.00

Dinner - Beef burger with homemade patties at JJ’s (P180.00)

DAY 3 (I took the first trip of Oceanjet back to Dumaguete 6:00 AM since I have a 10:15am flight back to Manila)

Breakfast - Sansrival Bistro Dumaguete  (continental Filipino Breakfast) - (P220.00) *walking distance from Dumaguete port*

Lunch - Since our flight was delayed for 2.5 hours, we had free lunch from Jollibee (FREE)

TAKE NOTE

1. Bring sunblock and cap

2. INSECT REPELLENT IS A MUST. Mosquitoes there are annoying as f*ck. Off lotion will not be enough

3. Always make sure to have your phones and powerbanks fully charged since there are schedules of power interruption on the island.

4. Be friendly to the locals and also to your fellow travellers.

5. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR RUBBISH ALONG THE BEACH. Throw them properly.

To end my post, I won’t be able to give exact amount but I can give you my DIY itinerary. I think 5,000.00 will be enough for 3 days as long as you have prepared your expenses. Let me know if you have questions.

Siquijor became one of my favorite destinations. Mark my words: I will be back!

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twenty-eighteen

I’m going to be downright honest here: from a superficial review of my year, it seemed as if 2018 was my worst year yet. I have to remind myself that this is an annual sentiment, especially when I don’t sit down to truly evaluate the year that has passed. 

Beneath the suspicion of 2018′s goodness and wonder, I know how well I have been treated by whatever powers I still believe in. So here’s a monthly review to remind me of the good and the great:

JANUARY

passed the DCAT (AB-CAM)

passed the ACET (AB COM)

started my last semester in UPIS (shet eto na talaga???)

FEBRUARY

received a notification about getting 500 likes on Tinder HAHAHAHA

mounted our last #MCLive as #MC2018

went to UP Fair Cosmos 2018 and finally heard Munimuni and Ben&Ben live!

Attended my cousin’s wedding (where I looked hella good heh)

Opened a bank account (#adulting)

MARCH

Interned at M&P!! (learned a lot and realized where I could plant myself and make roots)

Traveled to Laguna with the family during Holy Week!!!!

Decided that it was finally time to move on (with a letter na hindi naman na-send to boot HAHAHA)

APRIL

Watched a movie on my own for the first time!! (I watched Never Not Love You pls don’t judge me HAHAHHA)

Got nominated for indiv awards for Parangal 2018 but got rejected for all of them hahaha

Produced a video and teaser for MC Channel!!!!!!

Received my grad pics (totoo na talaga!!)

Passed the UPCAT!!!! BA Broadcast Communication, wouldju bilib? (sa wakas, my family can finally say “lahat kami taga-UP” because it’s now true huhuhu)

MAY

Received an award for best thesis with my fellow thesis kweens!!

Received an oven from my parents (haha ang aga but what the hell, this is bitch is baking!!)

Had our last #MC2018 party (what a ride it has been with these people and I am thankful for the home we have built huhu)

Made videos for my brother for some summer cash hahaha (waw is this my future as a BC student HAHAA)

JUNE

Attended a photog workshop!!

GRADUATED AFTER 6 YEARS IN UPIS!!! (I started off hating my new school before I was even accepted but ended with a love for my alma mater which will surely bring me back no matter how far I go.)

Attended my Grad Ball (from Eastwood to Katip real quick HAHAHAHAHA PERO SARADO NA PALA WALRUS SO ANEK???)

JULY

Registered for my first sem in UP waaaaah

Caught up on all the books that I put on hold for goodness knows how long

AUGUST

STARTED MY FIRST SEM IN UP!!!!

Decided to run for FST council (hahah kala ko ba pagod ka na, H?)

celebrated my grandfather’s 90th birthday!!!!!!

Found myself missing my friends but also made new ones hehe

 SEPTEMBER

Performed during our Culminight and realized I liked to perform (if I could muster enough courage haha ty to my blochandlers, UP SAMASKOM!!!!)

Watched Anim Na Tauhang Naghahanap ng May Akda with Sneakies

Attended my first rally and realized that my silence gives no comfort to others

Applied for UP BroadGuild!!

Had a mini-reunion with HS batchmates

OCTOBER

Celebrated my 19th with the sneakshitsss and my bloc mates waaah <3

Became a member of UP BroadGuild (huhu I love this org so much?????)

Went to UPM instead of attending an ACLE HAHAHAHA

Went to Kidzania during Adults’ Night with my brother HAHAHA 

NOVEMBER

Facilitated Tagisan 2018 with BroadGuild!! (My first event as a mem!!)

Watched The Dressing Room!!

Survived hell week huhuhuhu

DECEMBER

Closed my first semester in UP with a 1.1 GWA (Univ Scholar si bacclaaaaaaa)

Drafted the Konse Constitution with my councilmates!!

Traveled to Cebu, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental with my family!!

 MISCELLANEOUS (wow parang school fees lang????)

almost daily lunches with my blocmates!

nights out with my HS batchmates and barkada

random catching up in hallways haha

lunches with people I haven’t seen in months/years

lots of takoyaki hahaha

random landi na di nagtagal but I had fun anyway, sana sila rin charot hahahahaahahahhaa

visits to my Eng/Fil Dept moms and titas in UPIS HAHAHA

hosted different events!!!

baked goods!! (and the datung I got from selling my baked goods haha)

new music, books, and films!!

a shit ton of selfies

pictures from my travels and what not

In hindsight, the only thing I was missing in 2018 was an attitude of thanks. 2018 was a great year, but it took a bit of reflection to realize that. Shit happened. I learned more than I thought I could in a year. But despite (and because of) everything, I want to give thanks for every bit of good that I have been given the pleasure of experiencing in 2018.

This 2019, I start the year with an understanding that happiness is fleeting. It is a luxury I can only borrow and not own. This gives me hope that I may learn to love things as they are in my grasp and not try to keep what has already gone. I pray that I may learn to have joy beyond fleeting happiness. I pray that I may give thanks before it’s too late.

Happy New Year, self! You have yet to give back to the world. 😊

[yahooin-travel-inspirations]

12 insider tips for first-time travellers to the Philippines

Travelling to the Philippines for the first time? Guess what? You don’t have to spend a fortune to indulge on an epic trip in this Asian hub. As long as you play your cards right, and travel like a local, you can have a blast, and experience all the charms and eccentricities of the country, without breaking the bank.

Here are a few local travel tips that will definitely give you a memorable, smooth yet affordable trip in the Philippines.

Travel tips for first-time visitors to the Philippines

Source: Kai Lehmann, Flickr

1. Don’t squeeze everything in one trip

Unless you’re paid to travel, you can’t see all the best sights and tourist destinations in the Philippines in just one trip. Remember, there are over 80 provinces and 7,600 islands in this archipelago. In other words, it will take you a year or even more to see all the recommended spots in the Philippines.

For a smoother and more affordable trip, pick two to five destinations only. It is a vacation, not a laundry list you need to tick off. Take it slow and enjoy every moment of the holiday.

2. Pick a base city or island group

The Philippines is essentially divided into three major island groups – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Each island group has a major international airport that connects Singapore to the country.

From Singapore, you may arrive in Luzon via Ninoy Aquino International Airport or Clark International Airport. To get to the heart of the Visayas region, book a flight to Mactan Cebu International Airport. As for Mindanao, there are daily commercial flights from Singapore to Davao International Airport.

Picking a base is an important step when planning a trip to the Philippines. Not only will it set your travel budget, but it will also let you pick the destinations that best suit your preferences. To help select the right base and destinations for your trip, we’ve listed down the best places to visit for every major island group in the country.

Luzon:

Vigan

Banaue

Batanes

Laoag

Sagada

Visayas:

Cebu Island

Iloilo

Bacolod

Apo Island

Bohol

Siquijor

Mindanao:

Bukidnon

Davao

Cagayan de Oro

General Santos

Surigao city

Camiguin

3. Sort out your logistics

Traveling around the Philippines can be a little overwhelming for Singaporeans. Well truth be told, even local travel junkies may find it difficult to navigate through the country, with its undeveloped rural areas and a multitude of transportation options available. That’s why you need to plan your trips diligently, and sort out your logistics carefully.

Check out ferry schedules, bus routes, and fares for every form of transportation. Better yet, reach out to the best travel bloggers from the Philippines, and get some informative tips on how to save money on your logistics and transportation.

4. Brush up your Filipino

There are more than 130 languages and dialects across the Philippine archipelago. Yikes! But the thing is, you don’t have to memorize all the important phrases of each dialect to experience the country like a local.

English is widely spoken in the country, and you’d rarely bump into a Filipino who can’t understand English. In fact, English is taught in daycare centers and schools, as one of the country’s two official languages, ensuring that even little kids can understand you here.

Nevertheless, learning a few important Filipino (the national language of the Philippines) words and phrases may come in handy in several situations. Not to mention, vendors and locals will be friendlier and even praise you if you try to talk to them in their native tongue. Who knows? You might get a good bargain or a freebie by just speaking a couple of Filipino words at food stalls or a flea market.

Important Filipino words and phrases:

Magandang umaga: Good morning

Magandang hapon: Good afternoon

Magandang gabi: Good evening

Pasensya na po: Excuse me/sorry

Tulong: Help

Magkano po to: How much is this?

Kamusta: How are you?

Salamat: Thank you

Hindi: No

Saan ang..: Where is…?

Paalam: Goodbye

Opo: Yes

Pwede pong magtanong: May I ask you something?

5. Learn how to talk to strangers

Address the Filipino men as pare (buddy), pogi (handsome), kuya (a Tagalog term for older brother or any older male), chief (for policemen and security guards), and bossing or boss. When speaking to female, call them ate (a Tagalog term for older sister or any older lady) or simply “miss”.

6. Jeepneys as your main modes of transportation

Source: Bernard Spragg, Flickr

For a Southeast Asian country, Philippines is fairly developed, with a wide variety of options, when it comes to transportation. From buses and trains to carpools and taxi rides, there are plenty of ways to get around the major cities in the country with ease. If, however, you’re looking for something cheaper that will give you a taste of the local life, look no further than the colorful jeepneys.

Sure, they aren’t the most comfortable way to travel, but they only cost PHP 7 to 50 (S$0.20 to S$1.39) per ride per person, depending on the distance of the trip. On average, the taxi flag-down rate in the Philippines is PHP 40 (S$0.84), and PHP 2.50 (S$0.70) for every 2 minutes of waiting time or 300 meters.

7. Tone down the tourist accessories

Once you are in the Philippines, you will most definitely want to take pictures of your trip. But, if you really want to blend in with the locals, you need to tone it down a bit. Having a big DSLR hanging on your neck, wherever you go, is like wearing a placard saying that you are a tourist and an outsider. Moreover, it can attract skilled thieves.

Don’t get us wrong – cameras are an absolute must for Singaporeans travelling to the Philippines, especially for first-timers. But, try to keep it under wraps, and don’t point your camera where it’s not welcome. The same goes for your other travel essentials and gear, like guidebooks and fanny packs. You may bring them, but always keep a low profile.

8. Opt for cheap accommodations

From lavish beachside resorts to opulent 5-star hotels, the Philippines has no shortage of incredible accommodations to offer to Singaporeans. While these options are great and fabulous, they can cost you around PHP 4,000 to 50,000 a night (S$111 to S$1,394).

For those who are on a tight budget, though, there are inns and backpacker hostels in every major destination in the Philippines, with prices ranging from PHP 300 to 1,000 (S$8 to S$28). What’s more, there are Homestays that cost around PHP 150 to 500 a night (S$4 to S$14).

As with the rest of the world, Couchsurfing is also a viable and great option for Singaporeans travelling in the Philippines.

9. Traveling during the low season

Most travellers avoid the Philippines between the months of June and September. Prices for flights and hotels drop significantly during these months. According to a survey conducted by Lonely Planet, booking a room between these months in the Philippines will save you 20 to 40% on hotel costs.

10. Avoid the festive or holy weeks

To keep your Philippines holiday cheap, avoid the Holy Week, or the Lenten Season, as much as possible. In general, the Filipinos are religious and they place great importance on the preparation and celebration of these holy festivals. As a predominantly Catholic nation, the festive periods create a high demand on tourist centers, flights, and transport services.

Consequently, charges for local services tend to skyrocket during these periods. If you want to save cash on your holiday in the Philippines, don’t visit during the New Year, Christmas, and Lenten season times.

11. Book early

You get better and cheaper deals on flights, when you book your flights early. Just make sure to use a reliable flight search engine, to score great flight bargains.

When booking your travel to Philippines, use your travel credit card for hotel bookings. This will earn you bonus rewards as well. The DBS Altitude Visa Signature Credit Card, which gets you 3 miles for every S$1 spent on hotel and flight bookings, is one card you can use.

12. Eat at market and street food stalls

Just like Singapore, most major cities and destinations in the Philippines have an eclectic mix of restaurants with an array of mouthwatering treats to offer. But to save big bucks on food during your trip, make market and street food stalls your source of daily meals. For PHP 100 (S$2.79) or even less, you can enjoy a hearty and tasty meal (good for two) in markets and street food stations.

BankBazaar.sg is a leading online marketplace in Singapore that helps consumers compare and apply a credit card, personal loan, home loan, car loan and insurance.

[shellwanders]

Kawasan Falls and Caves Siquijor: A Must-Visit Destination for Nature Lovers

Kawasan Falls and Caves is a stunning natural attraction located on the island of Siquijor in the Philippines. The site boasts a series of waterfalls and caves that are sure to take visitors’ breath away. Traveling to Kawasan Falls and Caves Siquijor for the first time? This detailed and curated travel guide will make it easy for you to navigate your way inside, save money, and maximize your…

[phgq]

Metro Cebu to get Covid-19 vaccines in February: Andanar

#PHnews: Metro Cebu to get Covid-19 vaccines in February: Andanar

CEBU CITY – Residents in Metro Cebu can expect to receive their vaccines on the third or fourth week of February, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Tuesday.

Speaking during a government-initiated information drive in the cities of Cebu and Mandaue, Andanar said Metro Cebu, along with other metropolitan areas such as the National Capital Region and Metro Davao that have high coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) attack rate, is listed for the vaccination rollout.

Andanar said healthcare workers, senior citizens, and indigents will be prioritized. The program targets "two million Filipinos by April".

“The government does not have any policy which favors a specific vaccine brand or country from which it originates. With our current negotiations, we have ensured that we will receive at least 137 million doses and this may expand to 172 million doses by next year,” he told participants of the Pagduaw 2021, PCOO’s communications plan where the vaccination effort of the national government is explained to the public.

He said the event here was a rollout of the national information drive aimed at easing the worries of the people about the Covid-19 vaccines.

The PCOO, he said, will continue to operate the Laging Handa information and communications campaign “to assure the public that the Duterte administration is on top of the Covid-19 situation".

The PCOO chief said the government is now considering challenges in the national rollout of the vaccination program, citing reports of death or injuries of individuals abroad after getting inoculated because of mistakes in managing the vaccination programs of their governments.

“We can learn from their mistakes,” he said, adding that one of the challenges is to manage the logistical and storage needs for the vaccines to avoid spoilage.

Combating fake news

Undersecretary Ramon Cualoping III, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) director general, said the PCOO will work hard in explaining to the people the truths in the vaccination effort.

“We go beyond informing the people. Informing the people is a basic step but if they don’t understand what the problem is all about, misinterpretation kicks in and the people’s trust (on the vaccination program) starts to loosen,” Cualoping told the participants of the Pagduaw 2021 at the Bayfront Hotel.

Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Assistant Secretary Jonji Gonzales, meanwhile, urged the Cebuanos not to rely on fake news if they want to know the facts in the government effort to inoculate the people against Covid-19.

“Let’s be ready because the vaccines are coming already. Let’s plan on how many doctors, nurses, and barangay health workers we need. Where will we bring the vaccines for storage,” Gonzales said in Cebuano.

Andanar will also lead the PCOO team for another Pagduaw 2021 town hall meeting in Siquijor on Wednesday and in Dumaguete City on Thursday.

Thanking the gov’t

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, in his welcome remarks, thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for sending the PCOO team to Cebu to educate them about the national plan in addressing the Covid-19 crisis.

Cortes called for collaboration and cooperation among government and private entities for effective interventions against the deadly virus.

Speaking on behalf of Mayor Edgardo Labella, Cebu City Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia said the Cebuanos are very thankful to Duterte for sending Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases chief implementer Roy Cimatu and his deputy, Melquiades Feliciano to this city to establish means to combat the coronavirus disease here.

The presence of the national government, he said, has contributed so much to the downtrend of Covid-19 cases in the city, which became a hotspot of the crisis in the region in June last year. (PNA)

  ***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Metro Cebu to get Covid-19 vaccines in February: Andanar." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1127883 (accessed January 20, 2021 at 02:47AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Metro Cebu to get Covid-19 vaccines in February: Andanar." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1127883 (archived).

[theonewherejgoesonajourney]

Detailed: Cebu – Tagbilaran – Danao – Panglao – Oslob – Badian 7D6N Itinerary

Waddup, waddup! I am writing this travel blog to share with you guys how I spent P19,000.00 for an all-in Cebu-Bohol-Cebu travel package for 7 days and 6 nights! Yes, all-in! This includes my roundtrip airfare, accommodation, private tour transfers (yeah, read that right, private!), meals, souvenir shopping, pasalubong and etc.! But if you’ll deduct my personal expenses like souvenirs, snacks, pasalubong and such; y’all can just enjoy this itinerary for just P16,200.00 or lower!

Now, let’s go by each day as I show you guys the itinerary I made, the what’s, where’s, why’s, when’s and how’s of this trip!

If you guys wanna skip to the breakdown, click the link below:

the link below

xxx

This all started when a good friend mine, RC, shared that there was a seat sale in AirAsia. So last 09 March 2019, we purchased the tickets for a 7-day trip in Cebu! Our trip was also a celebration of our 10th year of high school friendship with 2 more friends. Before booking the ticket, we still don’t have an itinerary and the initial plan was just for around 4 or 5 days, but upon a very short discussion and unreasonable impulse, we took the 7-day flight instead!

The initial itinerary I made was Cebu-Badian-Dumaguete-Siquijor, but checking our time and budget, I created another itinerary that will suit our requirement!

1 night in Cebu with city tour, 1 night in Danao after a city tour in Tagbilaran, 2 nights in Panglao after a hike and an adventure in Danao, 2 nights in Badian after a city tour in Panglao then water adventure while in Badian. With this itinerary, we have more chances of not being sun kissed during the earlier days thus having better aura photos! Tan lined photos are more acceptable in the latter days where we will be spending a lot in the beach and Visayas water!

xxx

DAY 1 – Private Cebu Twin City Tour

Our flight was at 0825h, estimated time of arrival in Cebu was at 1025h. This is my first time going to Cebu and our first time to travel all together as one! I got my roundtrip airfare for only P1,855.18! We got a free ride from my papi so that’s additional pocket money for us! But if you’ll be coming from Pasay, taking a metered taxi or a grab would approximately be around P250-P300 per vehicle (good for 4 pax with 1 hand carry luggage each).

Upon arrival at Mactan airport, I was shocked with their airport’s beauty! We all rounded up and met Sir Jubet from New Californian Rent a Car at C11, I am then again surprised because I was advised that our private car hire for 10 hours was an Innova but we were upgraded to a Hi-ace van!

Before we start the tour, we asked Sir Jubet to drop us off somewhere nice for lunch. He drove us to a sutukil (SuTuKil is a combination of the Cebuano words sugba (grill), tuwa (stew), and kilaw (eat seafood raw). We had our lunch at Fredz Sutukil, this restaurant was the pick your seafood and we’ll cook it for you for free type (but do not be deceived with this line, because we are not sure if all sutukil’s are like this, but they charged us 15% for service charge! Wow, even a hotel or a high-end restaurant has a lower service charge than this one!), honest review, we paid for too much, P679 to be exact, for 3 pretty plain and limited viand and a rice platter. I personally just enjoyed the buttered shrimp though some are over cooked, I was disappointed with the grilled squid and baked oysters (they only used margarine instead of cheese). The platter of rice seems like it’s only good for 3 pax. Also, always check your bill because we were charged higher than the total; lucky us we had a friend that is good in Math!

After lunch, we headed straight to Mactan Shrine & Lapu-Lapu Monument to start our DIY twin city tour. I highly suggest you guys to hire a tour guide if you’re into historical stories because historical markers are not present in every place you’ll be visiting. We only did a short visit and photo op here since we didn’t have a tour guide and the weather seems gloomy. Afterwards, we went to Alegre Guitar Factory, (this is where I bought my travel momentum!), on our way, it rained hard, until we reached the place. We had the chance to witness how a guitar is made from scratch! Upon entering the place, we were welcomed by one of their staff and he gave us a glimpse of the factory. There is a wall of guitar bodies there that is made from different woods, I asked what wood is normally used in their guitars and he told me that it was mahogany. In their shop, there were different kinds of guitars that they are selling at more or less that P1,000-P2,000 and above. A nice classical guitar is at around P4,000 plus.

We then went to Cebu city, the rain stopped while we were at the Alegre Guitar Factory but upon leaving and while we were on the way to Cebu city proper, it started to rain again, then stopped when we were approaching Heritage of Cebu Monument (the weather here is crazy!). The Heritage of Cebu Monument is just in the middle of the road, it’s a nice sight for locals residing in the area! And since we still don’t have a tour guide, sadly, we did not get the story behind this monument. I’m just not sure if there was a historical marker because it was too hot to stay. Yap – San Diego Ancestral House is just walking distance from there, an entrance fee of P50 per pax will be collected upon entering, this comes with a brief background of the house from their staff/local house guide. They will also accompany you around the house and explain the antiques around, there was this very old radio there that is still functioning! They also have a garden there with a harp player who plays both classic and modern music!

Next stop, Magellan’s Cross and Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino! We first visited the church, there was a school beside it and since it was Thursday, we encountered kids during their dismissal. I believe that when you visit a church for the very first time, make a wish because it will come true. I always do this, and I can vouch that two wishes of mine had already come true! The church has a path going straight to Magellan’s Cross, this was a surreal moment for me (but nothing has still topped my encounter with Mt. Mayon!), this famous cross was just once in my history books but now here I am and surrounded by my very good friends! It’s actually just very simple, it was small and solemn (though there are lots of candle ladies in the area starting from the church selling prayer candles). While taking photos, we saw a guy doing this shot that we copied, that was copied by other people we were with as well! Lolz. See the photo below!

We got hungry so we skipped Fort San Pedro and the running tour of Colon Street, Fuente Osmena Circle and Capitol Site though our driver said that Colon street was what we passed going to the church. Before going to Larsian (it’s a big barbecue/sutukil place located in Fuente Osmeña Circle), we went shopping for dried mangoes at 7D factory (it’s a little far from where we were), it’s cheaper to buy their products there than the mall or market (since it’s a little far, you should buy a lot! The difference of their price from retailers is around P20-P50). We then went to Larsian for an early dinner, we ate at Smiley Best BBQ and this really is a comeback from our limited lunch earlier! And with just a difference of P34 per person from our lunch budget, we had: grilled boneless bangus, baked oysters, chorizos, bbqs, 2 cups of rice each and a liter or soda! I will vouch that your money will be spent here with satisfaction! A definite “go-back-to” in Cebu! (Also, they don’t have service charge and Smiley Best BBQ gave us a discount!)

We then called Sir Jubet so that we can now go to Fort San Pedro, seeing it earlier, seems like the place looks better at night, and I was right! Since there was a park outside it, the light decoration was pleasing to the eyes! But since we had limited time, and because it rained (again), we just had a few photos outside and just had a rolling tour instead. Our place to stay that night wasn’t far from Fort San Pedro and the pier going to Bohol, so I highly recommend The Sampaguita Suites Cebu. We got the Triple Sharing Room so we had to pay P200 for the 4th person plus a security deposit that is refundable upon checkout at P500. We just combined the beds (the room has 3 single beds) so all of us can fit. The room is just enough to what we paid for: it is air conditioned, there is a vanity table, enough outlets (I suggest you guys to bring a Multiple-Port USB 2.0 Hub so that you and your friends can charge all phones and power banks/gadgets easier), private bathroom, soaps and towels, and Wi-Fi!

We ended the night early, we settled at around 2000h and lights were out at around 2200h because we have an early itinerary tomorrow bound to Bohol!

Like and subscribe MJ’s Youtube channel and check our our vlog for Day 1 below!:

Vlog: Cebu City Tour | DAY 1

Suggestion/s:

Take an early     flight where you will arrive Cebu at 0600h or 0700h so that you can visit     all tourist spots before it goes dark.

There were a     lot of buffet restaurants around the area upon exiting Mactan Airport,     better take your lunch here. Saw some at P300 per pax.

Hire a local     tour guide, you help them have income, they’ll help you know Cebu! You can     ask one from your transport supplier or if you’re gonna take a tour     package, have your travel agency book you one!

A tip goes a     long way! Don’t forget to tip your tour guides/drivers!

There’s a lot     of per kilo dried mango in Tabo-an Market in Carbon. We bought some before     heading back to Manila from Badian. The price is half the branded ones,     the taste is still good! There’s also branded products there (7D products     are P20-P50 higher than the factory price). It is better to buy pasalubong     here than what we did on the first day since we had the struggle of     carrying them all throughout our tour.

Bring a Multiple-Port USB 2.0 Hub for multiple charging     and power banks! Extra phone connector will also help for just in case     scenes.

Bring a tumbler! Be hydrated always, you guys! You can     fill it at the airport and restaurants you will visit. This is my way of     lessening my cost in water since my tummy is not water conscious as well     and lessen your use of plastic bottled water!

Supplier/s:

New Californian     Rent a Car – Sir Rico: 0945 132 9178 / 0917 167 4247 / 0921 204 4322

Sampaguita Suites Plaza Garcia – (866) 266-3306; we     booked via Agoda.com

Expense Breakdown: open image in new tab for clearer view for all expense breakdowns

Reference/s:

Definition of Sutukil - www.tagaloglang.com › TAGALOG-ENGLISH DICTIONARY

xxx

DAY 2 – Private Bohol Countryside Tour

We need to wake up early because our ferry transfer is at 0700h. We fixed up at around 0530h (we all took a bath last night then took a half bath in the morning to save time). After fixing up, we bought our breakfast at Mc Donald’s that’s just across our hotel. We then hailed a taxi for our transfer out to the pier (since it’s less than 10 minutes from our place, we didn’t hire a private transfer anymore that costed P500 per way), unfortunately, the taxi driver contracted us at P150 and declined to use the meter (knowing that we weren’t locals, a sad foreign scene) and since there were no taxis in the area at 0600h, we took it. Upon arrival at the pier, we were charged P10 if we wanted the taxi to enter the area (to ease the drop-off of luggage).

When we entered the area, we were then advised that we should check-in our hand carry luggage because we cannot take it with us inside the ferry boat. Each luggage is at P50 each, up to you if you want to check-in your other bags as well, we didn’t. The trip will take 2 hours so you guys can have a quick snooze from your early wake-up. They play a movie inside for the guests, we took the tourist class ticket so I’m not sure if there is also a movie streaming for the business class tickets.

Oh, we traveled in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak so we were very careful of our actions and distance with other people. We arrived at Tagbilaran, Bohol pier at around 0900h and met with Sir Julius from Bohol Car Van Rentals & Tour and immediately started the Countryside Tour. We first went to Blood Compact Site, and again, since we didn’t hire a tour guide, we just had a photo op with the statue there and had a quick sightseeing of the area. We then went to Baclayon Church, there is a museum there that has an entrance fee of I think P30 or P50 per pax, we skipped it and went directly inside the church (the façade was being built when we were there, Sir Julius said that the damage was still from the 2013 earthquake, and the restoration took place just recently). Upon entering the church, there is a basket of scarves there that anyone can use if they are wearing skin revealing clothes to pay respect and shall be returned once you exit. Again, I made another wish here because it’s my first time here! The sun was really high that day so we didn’t stay long. What I like about this church is that it faces the sea, so every time you finish praising the Lord, you get to see this beautiful scene! What a view!

Afterwards, we went to Bohol Lemur Butterfly Park, the entrance fee is at P70 per pax. This comes with a staff/local house guide. They will also accompany you around the place and explain the different animals you’ll see plus an instant photographer! I forgot to ask for his name but shoutout to you Kuya! There’s a lot of animals there, not just butterflies; there’s also an alligator or crocodile there (I wasn’t listening then hehe), different birds, lemurs, and snakes. Next stop, the famous Man-made forest, did you know that this is the first and only man-made forest in the Philippines? Awesome, huh? It’s actually just a regular road where bus, motors, tricycles pass by to get to the other side of the road. Y’all need to park beside the road and wait for the perfect time where there are no vehicles passing by to take that perfect photo. We spent more than an hour here because of the latter! We practiced a lot of jump shots here! The place was really mesmerizing, you’re surrounded by lush green with calmness of its serene silence. When you view it from below, the way the branches and trunks of the trees form is like they’re comforting you with a big warm hug.

Lunch time! We skipped one of the highlights of the Countryside Tour, the Loboc River Cruise (buffet lunch here is at P650 per pax with live entertainment), because of the COVID-19 outbreak, we opted to have lunch in a less crowded place instead so Sir Julius drove us to Mayang Maye restaurant. The place was really cozy and homey, they also have fruit shakes! Fun! We badly wanted one after a tiring morning tour. They had a boodle fight menu and because the photo looked promising, we ordered one, it was named Meat Lovers, that was good for 3-5 persons. Initially we planned to invite Sir Julius to join us in the boodle fight, but when our order came, honest review, it wasn’t like the one in the photo. It looks like it was only good for 3 persons, so instead, we ordered a solo meal for him but he declined it. And just like with our day 1, our lunch is not a happy meal, but comparing it to our Cebu lunch, our stomachs were satisfied here somehow. Another unhappy moment was our fruit shake, it was presented to us in a large cup showing that the shake is not full, maybe they ran out of the right cup size for what we paid for?

Moving on, we skipped the Sipatan Hanging Bridge (it’s P30 per pax entrance fee, this is just a photo op and like the Man-made forest, this bridge is used normally by locals to pass) and the Bohol Python and Wildlife Park (since we already saw a snake in the lemur butterfly park, we decided not to go there anymore). We then went to Bohol Enchanted, and finally, my first time to see a tarsier! We got the chance to see three of them, and because they are nocturnal creatures, silence is a must when you lurk to look for them clinging on the branches of small trees. There were also butterflies there and different animals there. My friends did their souvenir shopping here, there’s a stall selling goodies and Bohol merchandise.

Upon checking them online, I saw a lot of bad reviews because the place we went to is not the regular place to see a tarsier. Seems like the one we went to is a zoo where the animals are well, indeed in a cage, though the tarsiers are not; I believe the regular place to see a tarsier is at Tarsier Conservation Area (Loboc).

We then went to Sotera's ATV Rides, we took the second trail that takes up an hour to travel and would have the view of the chocolate hills for photo op. We went there at around 1400h and damn, the sun is really high! They will be lending you a pair of rain coat and rain pants to protect you from the mud that will really stick! If you’re into a dirt adventure, you can decline to borrow it, but since we aren’t, we all took it and we are all glad that we did because the place was really muddy when we took the trail! We also swapped our sandals to their slippers, take them too, cleaning is way easier after the adventure! As expected, I crashed, again lolz; hey, at least now it’s on a tree stump not a person! It was a lot of fun though I think that the price is too much? Not sure, just comparing it to my Mt. Mayon ATV ride. We had a little mechanical problem here and there but no fear because their staff/local house guide always helped us and was our instant photographer too! He has all these photo manipulating tricks so just follow it! Just not sure if all of their local house guide does it. After fixing and refreshing up, we then went to our last stop, the wonderful chocolate hills! Again, I was taken away because these hills were just once in my history book but now, here I am, facing them! We encountered green hills because it wasn’t summer time yet, so if you guys want to see their chocolate form, visit around dry season. You have to take a steep ladder to go to the viewing point of the chocolate hills and while going there, the wind will really ruin your hairdo. The sun was calmer when we were there because it is already late in the afternoon, there is a souvenir shop here as well so if you haven’t bought anything yet, you can here. I bought this tarsier scrunchy for only P50!

We left around 1645h and arrived at Danao at around 1800h, we will be staying the night here because we will be waking up early the next day for our Sea of Clouds adventure! I opted to have us stay in Danao instead of Tagbilaran so that we can wake up at around 0500h instead of 0300h and travel to Danao for the hike. We stayed at this amazing place called Gonzaga Legacy Fairytale Hostel, I connected with Sir Carlo and he was very accommodating! The place was beyond my expectation, it has this rustic vibe where you would rather chill in their common area either in the first or second floor, there is a swimming pool, a garden, stray puppies and of course, the touch of province life, “tukos” or geckos. We lounged at the second floor’s common area that has this breathtaking view of mountains, with the right mellow music, drinks and friends, damn, this is the unwinding you need from your metro work life. A quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Manila. The hostel has no restaurant though I think you guys can cook because there is a kitchen area on the first floor, I’m just not sure if there is a fee. The nearest restaurant that is still open was the one in the Danao Adventure Park, there’s not much means of transportation in the area, especially at night time, so we asked Sir Carlo how to go there, he told us that it is a 10-minute walk from the hostel, but he then offered us a ride on his motorcycle, we took it and paid him for the service; we made 2 trips, each trip has 2 passengers plus the driver with no helmet! (A dangerous experience so better get insured and have your life protected!) We made it all in one piece to the restaurant, luckily, they were still open because we didn’t have any stored food if they weren't. The dinner here is also a comeback from our lunch, we are finally for the first time on the budget for our meal! I just initially budgeted P150 per pax per meal assuming that we will be having solo meals every time, but since we’ve agreed to do ala carte, I suggest you guys to have a meal budget of P200-P250 per pax. When we were done, we walked back to the hostel, assuming that we can take it since it’s walking distance. While walking back, we’re all afraid because there’s no vehicle, no street light, nor people passing by, so upon reaching the curve road and seeing that the road ahead is still long, we all went back to the restaurant and tried reaching Sir Carlos. We tried for some minutes and when we went through, (thank God), 2 motorcycles will fetch us!

We got the Family room that has 2 double beds with kulambo each, there’s also no security deposit here. Rooms here are very simple: it has a stand fan, a table, enough outlets, private bathroom and towels, oh, they also have water dispenser!. The water pressure is weaker than the city’s. But hey, the whole place is great with its amenities and our stay there also includes light breakfast for 4 pax so that’s another plus! Plus there is Wi-Fi!

We ended the night at around 2200h and fixed our stuff for tomorrow’s hike to see the sea of clouds!

Like and subscribe MJ’s Youtube channel and check our our vlog for Day 2 below!:

Vlog: Bohol | Chocolate Hills, Man-made Forest, ATV | Day 2

Suggestion/s:

There is also a 0600h ferry schedule that you can take so that you can have more time doing the Countryside Tour. But if you guys won’t be going to Danao for the hike, either 0700h or 0800h trip will be fine.

There is a     buffet restaurant inside the Bohol Enchanted, you can save time if you opt     to eat here if you decide to visit the tarsiers in their place.

Hire a local     tour guide, you help them have income, they’ll help you know Bohol! You     can ask one from your transport supplier or if you’re gonna take a tour     package, have your travel agency book you one!

A tip goes a     long way! Don’t forget to tip your tour guides/drivers!

You can swap     the ATV trip with the Chocolate Hills so that it won’t be too hot when you     rie through the ATV course.

There’s a lot of souvenir shops in the places that we     visited, cheapest one I saw was the one in the Chocolate Hills viewing     deck.

Bring an insect repellant, since the hostel we stayed in     Danao is surrounded by trees, bugs might visit.

Bring a Multiple-Port USB 2.0 Hub for multiple charging     and power banks! Extra phone connector will also help for just in case     scenes.

Bring a tumbler! Be hydrated always, you guys! You can     fill it at the place your staying at and restaurants you will visit. This     is my way of lessening my cost in water since my tummy is not water     conscious as well and lessen your use of plastic bottled water!

Supplier/s:

Oceanjet Fast Ferry – we booked     via Klook

Bohol Car Van Rentals &     Tour – Sir Sherwin: 0926 710 3220 / 0956     153 1337

Sotera's ATV Rides - 0946 721     5056; we booked on the spot

Gonzaga Legacy Fairytale Hostel – Sir Carlo 0956 160     4241; we booked directly

Expense Breakdown:

xxx

DAY 3 – Bohol Sea of Clouds (Mt. Puntaas) and Danao Adventure Park

Need to wake up early, again, because we need to do a hike. As per Sir Carlo, it is best to be on top at around 0500h-0600h so that we can view the sunrise as well while hiking. We fixed up at around 0400h, and again, we all took a bath last night to save time. After fixing up, we informed Sir Carlo and his friend that we are ready. A huge tip, don't drink too much water before going out or take a pee first because the hike is a little long especially if you're not much of a hiker (or not into exercise). Each motorcycle that we rented still carried 2 pax plus the driver, it took us more or less 20-25 minutes before arriving the foot of the mountain. Since I have a little bladder, I needed to go and there is only one available comfort room there, it is located in a local's house and there is a fee of P5 per pax. Expect a provincial type of comfort room with the little toilet and no lights available.

There is an entrance fee of P25 per pax, we were guided by an elder going up the mountain with Sir Carlo and his friend, she was stronger than me! I needed to take a pause now and then but nanay just hiked continuously, she's amazing! The hike we took was the long way so we reached the top after 30 minutes with lots of break haha. Unfortunately, because the wind was strong that day, we only saw very thin sheets of cloud, but nontheless, we saw the beauty that is behind the clouds that swim in the area! We also saw rice terraces while hiking and we climbed a chocolate hill! Yes! A chocolate hill! Who would've thought? The moutain top is not that broad, during our hike there were few people there and one group even brought a dog! There is also a little store before you reach the top of the hill where they sell champorado, snacks and drinks (the champorado was really yummy!).

We stayed around 30 minutes for picture taking and viewing. The view was amazing, we even saw our hostel from there! Going back down, we took the shortcut that was maybe around 10 minutes shorter that our earlier route. We stopped at a market place before going back to the hostel to buy some stuff and food.

Upon reaching the hostel, we all took a quick rest before breakfast and explored the place more. Sir Carlo upgraded our simple breakfast to a rice meal with eggs and hotdogs! That I believe should only be bread and coffee. Yum! Afterwards, we then went to Danao Adventure Park that was just less then 5 minutes away. There was an entrance fee of P40 per pax and the ride choices were sold separately and by pair/package. I didn't try any ride because it was extreme for me since I have a problem with my back and I haven't cleared extreme activities yet from my doctor. But my 3 friends all took The Plunge and I recorded them all! Based on their screams in the video, the ride was heart dropping! The ride was at P700 per pax and it lasts less than 10 minutes from dropping you to pulling you back in. See below prices of their other rides.

We then took our lunch at the same restaurant where we had dinner last night. Restaurants in the area is very limited, even up to none because the place is not actually high in tourists. This park is their main attraction so far. After lunch we went back to the hostel, took a bath and fixed our stuff to transfer to Panglao, Bohol. Oh, we also had the chance to meet the owner of the hostel! If I remember correctly, he's Dutch. Before leaving the place, there was this freedom wall near the stairs where we left a message!

From Danao to Panglao, it took us around 2 hours via private car. We arrived at Bohol Sea Breeze Cottages and Resort at around 1500h, do note that this not a beachfront property, you need to walk for a minute before reaching the beach. Though this property is cheap and can accommodate 4 pax comfortably. We got the Economy Quad Room that has 1 bunk bed and 1 double bed. They also provided us with towels, soap and dining stuff. There is also a water dispenser in the garden area with free water and a cooking area (with charge). There is no security deposit and the front desk associate was very nice and helped us to our little house. Rooms here are like houses that are side by side.

We wandered by Alona beach after freshening up and just enjoyed the view, (honestly for me, the beach was okay, I prefer Calaguas beach though) we decided to swim tomorrow since we had a very tiring day (plus the earlier tiring days), we lounged near Namaka Bar where we had our early dinner. There are not much water activities here than Boracay, what the vendors offer are city tour, whale shark encounter and island hopping tour. The beach is calm and there is a rope dividing it where the tourists can only swim, I guess?

After several days in land, starting today until our last day, we will be spending it by the beach! We took lots of photos here, good thing the weather is nice unlike in Cebu lolz. We also decided to cancel our Panglao City Tour tomorrow because we are all tired from a packed 3-day tour. Good thing Sir Sherwin is flexible to our request of last-minute cancellation. (in my itinerary, the city tour will cost P510 per pax)

During dinner, we treated ourselves with cocktails since the bar had a promo. We had pizza because in the area, the restaurant available is a Chinese restaurant that is very pricey and Namaka (we didn't explore much because we are tired). The price is kinda expensive, though the food tasted good. There was a fire dance as well at the restaurant.

After dinner, we walked by the beach and discovered that there were more restaurants there that serves rice! Hahaha. Now we know, we will be taking our meals in the area tomorrow. We stumbled upon a henna booth there where we all got inked! The price ranges from the design you want and the color, the regular ones is at P100 each. There is also a shop in the area for snacks and stuff.

End of day 3! So far our best sleep because we had a comfortable bed, air-conditioned room and a decent big bathroom! There is also a vanity table and television, but we didn't use it all throughout our stay hehe, there are enough outlets, water dispenser in their garden area and Wi-Fi!

Suggestion/s:

If you want to     witness the legit sun rising and sea of clouds, better hike at 0500h so     that you'll be on the hill at around 0530h. Since the view depends on the     weather (the sea of clouds appears if it's not windy and rainy), y'all got     to pray for it to be there because even the predicted weather online     varies in real time. The view is still pretty without the sea of clouds     but it'd be nicer if you'll witness them!

Wanna try all     the rides at the Danao Adventure Park? Save up! During our visit, for you     to enjoy all of it, it'll cost you P3,640 (with entrance fee). They also     have an accommodation here if you opt to stay in the area.

Hire a local     tour guide, you help them have income, they’ll help you know Bohol! You     can ask one from your transport supplier or if you’re gonna take a tour     package, have your travel agency book you one! (In this tour though, I’m     not sure if tour guides are available – for us, since we had a very     friendly contact person at the Fairytale Hostel, he served as our local     tour guide. Though we didn't gather much information of Danao itself     since Sir Carlo was new to the area. We paid him for the motorcycle rides     since there is no form of transportation that is on plain sight available.)

A tip goes a     long way! Don’t forget to tip your tour guides/drivers!

There’s a     souvenir shop at the Danao Adventure Park.

A GoPro is     very essential so you can capture yourself while doing the extreme     activities! But a phone is fine to if you can hold it steady while     dangling in midair!

If you opt to     have a beachfront hotel, you can explore other options than what we stayed     at there are lots in the line of Ivywall Panglao (though maybe the price     is high since the hotels are directly by the beach)

Bring lots of     snacks, buy some while en route to Panglao because the stores there sell     limited snacks.

Since there is     a whale shark encounter here already, you can also opt to take it here     than in Oslob, Cebu.

Bring a Multiple-Port USB 2.0 Hub for multiple charging     and power banks! Extra phone connector will also help for just in case     scenes.

Bring a tumbler! Be hydrated always, you guys! You can     fill it at the place your staying at and restaurants you will visit. This     is my way of lessening my cost in water since my tummy is not water     conscious as well and lessen your use of plastic bottled water!

Supplier/s:

Bohol Car Van Rentals &     Tour – Sir Sherwin: 0926 710 3220 / 0956     153 1337

Bohol Sea Breeze Cottages and Resort – (038) 502 9036; we booked via Agoda

Expense Breakdown:

xxx

DAY 4 – Free at own leisure / Beach day!

Since we cancelled our Panglao City Tour, this is our first day to wake up a little late in the morning haha and we have extra money for food for today! We had our brunch at Aquatica Beach Resort (they also have an accommodation here, they're beachfront!) The food here is super nice! The value is equal to the food quality that's why we had our dinner here as well. For today, we just went back to the beach and just relaxed, swam and took photos. The sun wasn't that high so it was really a good day for a swim! Unfortunately, I didn't last long in the water because I got a skin reaction. We were out until late sunset and settled back at the hotel early since we have an early ferry transfer to Badian, Cebu tomorrow.

Suggestion/s:

Sunblock and stay hydrated! We’re lucky that the weather there was calm that time.

If you got extra money and energy you can do the city tour that will cost about around P500 per pax with a group of 4 pax. You can also do the tours offered by the vendors by the beach!

Got more extra money? Try the amazing restaurants by the Aquatica Beach Resort, some offer international cuisine! (fruit shakes are expensive here though, the restaurant at the Aquatica Beach Resort is my best pick for budget friendly and quality food! They got cheap fruit shake too!)

If you’re a diver, there is this dive shop near Namaka bar where you can schedule a dive!

There are limited souvenir shops in the area where we’re at.

Bring a tumbler! Be hydrated always, you guys! You can fill it at the place your staying at and restaurants you will visit. This     is my way of lessening my cost in water since my tummy is not water conscious as well and lessen your use of plastic bottled water!

Supplier/s:

Bohol Sea Breeze Cottages and Resort – (038) 502 9036; we booked via Agoda

Expense Breakdown:

xxx

DAY 5 – Oslob Whaleshark Encounter

Another day to wake up early again! Today we will be going to Oslob, Cebu then to Badian, Cebu! We need to be at the pick-up point (Rona’s corner near Mcdo) around 0500h since there is a scheduled port transfer by Apekop Travel (this is included in the ticket you’ll be buying). For easier transaction, better contact them directly via cellphone so that they know that you are already in the area since you’ll be with other guests in the shuttle. From our hotel, Rona’s corner is less than 10 minutes away via car/tricycle. You should contract a tricycle the day before because there are none in the area roaming at 0500h, we tried scheduling one but didn’t push through since the fare is “special” because of the time of pick-up. One tricycle can carry 2 pax with luggage at P150 per way. We asked the front desk if they have a friend who uses a tricycle and could help us pay a lower rate, unfortunately all charges are higher since there are no passengers that can be picked up early in the morning. Fortunately, we are very lucky to be offered a ride by the owner of the hotel via their minivan! We paid P80 for the ride and lots of thank you!

The shuttle transfer is kinda long, around 20 minutes from Rona’s corner. Once you arrive, y’all be signing a waiver at their desk, the boat arrived kind if in the middle of the sea (since it’s low tide) so we need to walk for around 5 minutes before reaching a boat that will take us to the main boat. The travel time to Oslob, Cebu is 2 ½ hours so you can take a quick snooze from your early wake up, life vests will be provided as well. Minutes before we reach Oslob, rain came pouring down again while sun was high (crazy Cebu weather is here again) so we got worried coz maybe the tour will be canceled because of the weather. Fortunately, again, the sun was high up when we reached the Oslob Whaleshark Encounter venue! I contacted Ms. Alice from BCD’s Place to rent a van that can transfer us until Badian, Cebu. She gave us a special rate of P2,000 per van per way (that was at P2,500 originally). BCD’s Place also has accommodations if you opt to stay a night instead in Badian, Cebu!

Before riding the boat to the whale sharks, their staff will be conducting a short seminar about whale sharks, the do’s and don’ts during the encounter and some reminders. If you’re not wearing rash guard, better use a sunscreen protector because y’all be spending 30 minutes in the open sea (though you’re not that far from the shore). We got the boat all to ourselves with 2 boatmen, they have snorkeling gears that you can borrow that is inclusive in your payment (though I suggest you guys to bring your own snorkeling gear (the eye mask with mouth piece is better than the whole face gear for me. It’s more hygienic too, since the rented our gears are used by any one and every one). Bring aqua shoes too, it’s safer than plastic slippers. There’s lots of shops in the area where you can buy snorkeling gears, aqua shoes, bathing suits, souvenirs and other essentials!

It'll only take you some minutes before reaching the area where the whale sharks are, a lot of people were there but you won’t bump into each other coz I think limited boats are allowed in the area. The boatmen were really helpful, they took most of our photos in videos! Life vests were provided, but if you can swim, you can opt to not take the life vest. In our case only RC and SL can swim so MJ and me can be seen mostly by the boat’s outrigger/float. The struggle and anxiety of drowning is real for me, knowing that the area we’re at is really deep with big whale sharks swimming around. These gentle giants of the sea live up to their names, since they are domesticated, they are aware of the tourists in their surroundings. They never charge to the people and just eat the fishes that the boatmen throw. I got the chance to see some even if I was scared the hell out! I even got to have a video with one! Looking at them on top of the sea, their size seems manageable but once you look at them down the sea, damn they are really big! We started at around 0900h and ended around 1030h. Before going to Badian, Cebu, we stopped by a bakery to buy some breakfast! (This is a hack we just thought off after eating! To lessen your cost of breakfast, you can substitute it with bread! You’ll get a full stomach too!)

The travel time was around an hour to Matutinao Beach & Cottages, and when we reached the place, all of us got the last but not the least moment! Now this is the best accommodation we got! The whole place is very cozy starting from their welcoming area up until their rooms! You’ll have the metro hotel vibe in their rooms because of their modern design from the beds, amenities up until the bathroom! We got the Triple Room, we just combined the beds (the room has 1 double bed and 1 single bed) so all of us can fit, there is no security deposit here. The room is more than enough to what we paid for! It is air conditioned, there is a vanity table, enough outlets, private bathroom, towels, bottled water, television, cabinet, very comfortable beds and Wi-Fi! The whole area is also a big plus with their accommodating and friendly staff!

The hotel is also just facing the Kawasan Falls entrance! Like literally just 10 steps from the property’s gate! There is a restaurant inside the area of the hotel and they got lots of options to choose from! We spent all our remining meals here before going to the airport! Their food serving is enough for 2-3 pax per order and are very tasty! The best part here, (yeah, there’s still more), we got a beachfront property! Each room has chairs and a table in their veranda y’all can just chill while looking at the sea or chill by the shore, listen to the waves and birds passing by. A phrase that describes all of this for me? “This is the life!”

Since we do not have any activities left for the day, we had the whole afternoon to just relax and enjoy the place!

Suggestion/s:

Hire a     tricycle beforehand if you want to take this itinerary, tricycles are not     available early in the morning in the area where we’re at in Panglao.

If you took     the Whaleshark watching in Panglao, you can directly go to Badian, Cebu     already and take the Badian Kawasan Falls Tour if time permits.

A tip goes a     long way! Don’t forget to tip your tour guides/drivers!

There’s a lot     of souvenir shop at the Oslob Whaleshark venue.

A GoPro is     very essential so you can capture yourself while swimming with the whale     sharks! But a phone is fine to if you can risk brining it in the open sea!

BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION AT     MATUTINAO BEACH & COTTAGES! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE PLACE!

Early booking     is a must in there though since they only have 8 rooms that is a     combination of twin and triple sharing room.

Bring a Multiple-Port USB 2.0 Hub for multiple charging     and power banks! Extra phone connector will also help for just in case     scenes.

Bring a tumbler! Be hydrated always, you guys! You can     fill it at the place your staying at and restaurants you will visit. This     is my way of lessening my cost in water since my tummy is not water     conscious as well and lessen your use of plastic bottled water!

Supplier/s:

Apekop Travel – 0917 880 1464; we booked via Klook

BCD’s Place – Ms. Alice: 0917     799 5330; we booked directly

Matutinao Beach & Cottages – 0916 537 4168; we booked directly

Expense Breakdown:

xxx

DAY 6 – Kawasan Falls (without canyoneering but you should do this with it!)

Since we are literally just in front of Kawasan Fall’s entrance, we decided to do the tour at around 0830h. This tour normally comes with canyoneering where you guys should really take if you’re into extreme adventure! You’ll do water rafting, climbing, and jumping off a waterfall! In the original itinerary I created, we should all really be doing the canyoneering, but, since I am not physically okay to do such. Unfortunately, we then all decided not to take the canyoneering totally and just visit the Kawasan Falls.

You need to trek for around 30 minutes before reaching the turquoise watered falls, along the trek you will encounter mini falls, a long walk on a rainforest, old bridges and more! We had a tour guide during this tour so we learned that, yes, a lot have died in the area because they opt to swim without life vests. It is better to go to the falls early so that you’ll have plenty of time to take pictures without a lot of extra people in the background.

The water there is deep and very cold, locals put a rope where travelers can only swim, strictly with life vests. Thanks to our tour guide, we got lots of photos together in the water! We spent around 2 hours there before having lunch in a karinderia near the entrance with our tour guide.

Since we only have a half day tour, we got the chance to enjoy the day with photo shoots and really take a break from all the tiring days earlier. There’s not a lot of places to explore in the area, but we heard from a group that is staying at the hotel that there are bars in Moalboal (30 minutes away from Badian).

The place is really relaxing, calm sea and a very serene view! Again, need a place in South Cebu? Go to Matutinao Beach & Cottages!

Their restaurant sells alcoholic beverages (limited choices though), but there’s a shop near the church that sells food and drinks too. The hotel doesn’t charge any corkage fee for outside food, eat it by your veranda while enjoying the view!

Suggestion/s:

To fully enjoy the day, I really suggest you guys to do the canyoneering! But if opt to just swim in the falls, then you’ll have half the day of relaxing!

You can also include Osmeña Peak if you have extra budget with this tour. It’ll cost you P700 per pax (rate given to us by Matutinao Beach & Cottages last 2019) for a group of 4 pax.

Hire a local tour guide, you help them have income, they’ll help you know South Cebu! You can ask one from your transport supplier or if you’re gonna take a tour package, have your travel agency book you one!

A tip goes a long way! Don’t forget to tip your tour guides/drivers!

There’s a lot of souvenir shops inside the Kawasan Falls proper.

A GoPro is very essential so you can     capture yourself while swimming! But a phone is fine to if you can risk     brining it in the water!

BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION AT MATUTINAO BEACH &     COTTAGES! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE PLACE!

Early booking is a must in there     though since they only have 8 rooms that is a combination of twin and     triple sharing room.

Bring a Multiple-Port USB 2.0 Hub for multiple charging and power banks! Extra phone connector will also help for just in case scenes.

Bring a tumbler! Be hydrated always, you guys! You can fill it at the place your staying at and restaurants you will visit. This is my way of lessening my cost in water since my tummy is not water conscious as well and lessen your use of plastic bottled water!

Supplier/s:

Matutinao Beach & Cottages – 0916 537 4168; we     booked directly

Expense Breakdown:

xxx

DAY 7 – Pescdor Island Swimming, Sardine Run and Turtle Watching

Last day in Cebu and we’re going back to reality by tonight! Today, we will go to Moalboal to swim in pescador island and with sardines and turtles! We were fetched by a tricycle (that fit all 4 of us) at around 0800h which was a great touch to today’s tour! We traveled for almost 30 minutes going to Moalboal and upon reaching the municipality, we bought some bread (breakfast hack!) for breakfast then went inside their tourist registration office. We were presented with the background of Moalboal and the do’s and don’t’s during the tour.

And yet, again, with the crazy weather of Cebu, rain starts to fall when we were waiting for our boat. We walked towards the boat since it’s low tide, a fun walk because a lot of starfish were scattered! We got the boat all to ourselves with 2 boatmen, they have snorkeling gears that you can borrow that is inclusive in your payment (though I suggest you guys to bring your own snorkeling gear (the eye mask with mouth piece is better than the whole face gear for me. It’s more hygienic too, since the rented our gears are used by any one and every one). Bring aqua shoes too, it’s safer than plastic slippers. If you’re not wearing rash guard, better use a sunscreen protector because y’all be spending 2 hour or so in the open sea There’s lots of shops at the boat waiting area where you can buy snorkeling gears, aqua shoes, bathing suits, souvenirs and other essentials!

The boat ride to Pescador Island is around 30 minutes, where you’ll have the chance to see corals and different fishes! Life vests were provided, but if you can swim, you can opt to not take the life vest. We spent around 30 minutes before going to the sardines!

Y’all know when your near because the strong scent of salty fish will welcome you! Remember the courage you need to put up with swimming with the whale sharks? The struggle and anxiety of drowning is way bigger for me here! Not only knowing that the area we’re at is really deep but I can literally see a dark pit without any sea floor, yeah, that’s how deep it is. You’ll witness a lot of swirling sardines that are bigger than the ones we eat! Unfortunately, we don’t have any videos for today’s trip because we lost the memory card when we were packing. We also some divers deep down, so if you are one, you can be closer with the sardines!

With 2/3 activities, we are already exhausted. Last stop, sea turtles! This is the highlight that I have been waiting for since day 1! We went to the area where sea turtles normally stay, but, sadly, since the water is still shallow for them, our boatmen told us that they are swimming in the deep areas at that time. We did see one though a little far from our boat, he’s just looking around popping his head in the open air.

We then went back to land and traveled back to the hotel. Exhausted and hungry from swimming and snorkeling! We arrived the hotel a little around 1130h, had lunch, fixed up and enjoyed the view one last time. We left at around 1400h via private car and made a detour to Tabo-an Market in Carbon to buy more souvenirs. I suggest you guys to buy here instead if you’re not into branded food. We reached Mactan at around 1900h so we decided to have dinner at the famous Rico’s Lechon where here, we experienced a legit baked scallop that’s only for P200 per 8 shells! We had 2 rounds!

Wrapping it up, with bags full of souvenirs and dirty clothes. We left Cebu with lots of new and treasured memories! Indeed, a way to sum up a 10-year long friendship of ups and downs, makeups and breakups, tears of joy and sadness!

Suggestion/s:

You can opt to stay the night before in Moalboal instead of Badian to save time going back and forth.

Hire a local tour guide, you help them have income, they’ll help you know Moalboal! You can ask one from your transport supplier or if you’re gonna take a tour package, have your travel agency book you one! (In this tour though, I’m not sure if tour guides are available)

A tip goes a long way! Don’t forget to tip your tour guides/drivers!

There’s a lot of souvenir shop at the boat waiting area in Moalboal.

A GoPro is very essential so you can capture yourself while swimming with the whale sharks! But a phone is fine to if you can risk brining it in the open sea!

Bring a Multiple-Port USB 2.0 Hub for multiple charging and power banks! Extra phone connector will also help for just in case scenes.

Bring a tumbler! Be hydrated always, you guys! You can     fill it at the place your staying at and restaurants you will visit. This     is my way of lessening my cost in water since my tummy is not water     conscious as well and lessen your use of plastic bottled water!

Supplier/s:

Matutinao Beach & Cottages – 0916 537 4168; we booked directly

Expense Breakdown:

Extra tip: If you’re fine to get a little sunkissed in Bohol, you can do this itinerary as below, it’s a little jam-packed though:

Day 1: Cebu Twin City Tour

Day 2: Travel to Moalboal, Cebu (etd 0400h) – Pescador Island snorkeling, sardine run and turtle watching – transfer to Badian, Cebu

Day 3: Badian Canyoneering with Kawasan Falls Tour – Osmeña Peak (if time permits though this is better done during sunrise) – transfer to Oslob, Cebu

Day 4: Oslob Whaleshark Encounter with Tumalog Falls (if time permits) – transfer to Panglao via fast ferry – Panglao City Tour

Day 5: Bohol Countryside Tour – transfer to Danao

Day 6: Sea of clouds and Danao Adventure Park – transfer back to Panglao/Tagbilaran (if via Tagbilaran, get last ferry bound to Cebu)

Day 7: Depart via Panglao or Cebu airport

[euphoricwander]

Tan-awan, Oslob, Philippines 2017

Sitting at the airport waiting for our flight in an hour and a half...thought I'd blog. So a quick update, I went on a weekend adventure with my friend/co-worker to the islands of Siquijor and Cebu. The photo above was taken yesterday. Woke up at 5 am to see this gentle giant. We were at the shore by 6 am, and swam with the whale sharks for 30 minutes but I think our boat extended a couple more because of the foreigners we were riding with. I tried so hard to get that shot but failed a lot of times as 1) i cant swim deeper because idk how to 2) the water was pulling us up, maybe it was too salty

I did say hi to one of the sharks. Got a good shot, though half of my body's above the water :)

I got pushed towards the shark by the boat man and I swam away faster than i swam my whole life because 1) it looked scary with its mouth open 2) i dont want to touch them because there's a 4m rule which I believe the guides themselves follow but im trying to be a good human, following the rules and all as they might be hurt

Overall, this was a good experience! Everything was in our favor. The weather? it wasn't raining, the sun's all out but it wasn't scorching hot..perfect timing!! The gentle giants were out and eating and didn't mind us swimming with them. There were no annoying people from other boats ruining our photos like what happened with my officemate's. The boatmen/guides we were with were nice and assisted us with trying to get pictures and videos. I want to be back!!

[kuyarexdelsdiaries]

1043 FM2 at 2: Celebrating Two Years of Mega Manila's Hitback Music Nation

It's been two years since Philippine Broadcasting Service launched FM2 at 104.3 MHz the Number 1 upscale FM Station in Mega Manila. Here's how FM2 Started.

Beginnings

On July 2016, Bong Aportadera known as "Sonny B" resigned from Tiger22 Media Corporation, including his station 99.5 Play FM along with Carlo Villo known as "Carlo Jose". Then, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar appointed Aportadera as Director General of Philippine Broadcasting Service.

A month later on August 2016, Carlo Jose reunites with former Play FM DJ Aportadera as the Deputy Director and the head of the PBS FM Division. Aside of this, he also serves as the program director of 104.3 FM and 87.5 FM.

In late-2016, PBS announced that Business Radio will have its name change. First announced as "Radio 2", it was later changed to FM2 to avoid confusion with BBC Radio 2 in the United Kingdom, with the launch date set on February 2, 2017.

On January 15, 2017, Business Radio quietly signed off for the last time without any formal sign off and it was off the air for more than a week due to technical adjustments.

On January 24, 2017, the station went on air for test broadcast playing the ‘80s and ‘90s music, a 3-song minimix along with pre-recorded teasers carrying the "New Republic" tagline. Sonny B, Carlo José and George Boone had their warm-up 3 days after its test broadcast.

FM2 is Born

On February 2, 2017 past 5:30 AM during Sign On time, It aired a 90s Version of Lupang Hinirang (by Koro Pilipino) then, an updated Sign On-notice by Sonny B replacing Bon Vibar during Business Radio era.

George Boone started the inaugural broadcast at 6am with Huey Lewis & The News’ Do You Believe In Love. He has a great music selection, with songs heard on RT & Kiss before. He used to host Fresh during Weekday mornings. Fresh played a mix of retro music and hot hits, which is similar to Kool 106. Every 55th minute of every hour in the morning, Grace (newscaster of Zoo 101.9) brings the latest news through Live @ 55. Aside of Grace, It added more newscasters Shay, Claudine & Anjanette.

At 9am, Bob Novales went on air, using his old name The Bug. According to him, he’s known and unknown as the insect on our ear. He used to host Perk Avenue during Weekday afternoons.

Jun Sta. Ana took over this high noon. He used to host Morning Grooves during Weekday mornings. Some of the songs played that morning were played again in his program. Unlike the other DJs, Jun didn’t talk that much.

Since 3pm, FM2 played only automated music for the rest of  the day. Sonny B. supposedly to go on board but he was in Baguio with the PCOO officials. The BR mainstays reigned FM2’s 1st day of broadcast.

The following day, Monica went on air come 4pm. She was supposed to board an hour earlier. She didn’t talk that much, just like Jun Sta. Ana. Since then, Monica can be heard from 3-6 PM.

Sonny B. went on air, this time calling himself Sonny. He was the only DJ on board at that day. Unlike during the time FM2 was on test broadcast, his voice was now deeper, probably like the time during his stint with K-Lite.

Yesterday was the day all the 6 DJs went on board. And come 9am, Carlo Jose went on board. His playlist is similar to Friday Madness of Magic 89.9, with him boarding on this day.

Also two more DJ from the defunct 99.5 RT joined the FM2 roster between February and April 2017, North Andrew and Jeremiah Junior with their shows, The North Andrew Show and Jeremiah Junior Plays, respectively.

There three FM2 music segments every hour namely, Double Play, Super Sweep and OPM Push. Double Play plays two songs from one artists, Super Sweep plays three songs in a mix and OPM Push, It plays two OPM songs from various artists.

Along the early months (February-June 2017) of FM2, There were three stations when it faced competition with Retro 105.9 DCG FM, which the latter claimed to be "Mega Manila's First and Only Real Retro Station", 100.3 RJFM and 103.5 K-Lite which played 90s during Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Weekends and Past Forward during Wednesdays.

On July 2017, FM2 gets a fourth competitor when Aliw Broadcasting Corporation's 97.9 Home Radio - "The Home of The Millennials" became 979 Home Radio - "It Feels Good to be Home" as a retro-leaning Easy Listening Station with "Emotions in Motion", Plays the 80s and 90s love songs and Sunday All Day Classics plays the 70s to 80s Love Songs. Also George Boone resigned from the station.

In late 2017, FM2 gets another DJ from the already declining Retro 1059, Joey Pizza he can now be heard during Saturdays 3-6PM. Also, for the first time in the history of government radio, 1043 FM2 was ranked by Nielsen as the #1 station in the Niche (A, B, and upper C) market displacing Retro 1059 which continued to this day.

On December 2017, PBS retired its old callsign DWBR in favor of DWFT as it appeared on its website and now being used on sign-on and sign-off notices. The said callsign change is made to reflect the new branding, serving as complement to the newly launched sister station 875 FM1.

During the first months of 2017, Sonny B and Carlo Jose were the voiceovers of FM2. But since December 2017, Carlo Jose is now the official main voiceover of FM2.

Claudine, one of the initial lineup of newscasters became a DJ and was replaced by Carissa from Play FM. Also George joined the FM2 DJ lineup after leaving 103.5 K-Lite.

During Fridays, FM2 has two special shows namely, Friday 24K and Dance Republic. Friday 24K plays 80s-only playlist from 6 AM to 6PM then Dance Republic plays 80s to 90s Dance Mixes from 6 PM to sign off at Midnight.

During Sundays, FM2 airs Nicest of the 90s, which plays music from the 90s. It’s named after the slogan of Magic’s defunct all-90s program Saturday Slam.

There are three soft music specials heard on FM2:

Rhythm N' Booze - premiered in 2018, plays soul, R&B, funk & jazz facing competition with 105.1 Crossover

Sunday Suave - which airs easy listening music from the 70s to the 90s. Which will face competition with 979 Home Radio and 96.3 Easy Rock (formerly WRocK Manila)

Decompression Session - aired during Weeknights 9 PM to Sign off at Midnight, plays easy listening songs without DJs. Like Sunday Suave, It will also face competition with 979 Home Radio and 96.3 Easy Rock (formerly WRocK Manila)

In Boracay, FM2 can be heard on 106.1 MHz.

Here are the current and former DJs of FM2 as of 2019

Current:

Eric Tipan 2017-Present (from Jam 88.3) Jun Sta. Ana 2017-Present (from DZXX, WXB 102 & Mellow Touch 94.7, The only holdover from the Business Radio era) Monica 2017-Present (from the 1st 99.5 RT, the 1st 103.5 K-Lite & 101.9 Radio Romance) George 2018-Present (from the 2nd 103.5 K-Lite) Sonny B. 2017-Present (from 99.5 RT/Hit FM/Play FM, The 2nd 103.5 K-Lite & Davao’s 105.9 Mix FM) North Andrew 2017-Present (from the 1st 99.5 RT) Jeremiah Junior 2017-Present (from the 1st and 2nd 99.5 RT, 101.1 Kiss FM, Zoo 101.9) Joey Pizza 2017-Present (from the 1st 99.5 RT, KY 91.5, Blazin’/Retro 105.9 & Citylite 88.3) Claudine 2017-Present (from the 2nd 103.5 K-Lite) Jason on the Radio 2017-Present (from the 2nd 103.5 K-Lite)

Newscasters:

Grace 2017-Present (from Zoo 101.9) Carissa 2017-Present (from the 2nd 99.5 RT/Play FM, Citylite 88.3) Anjanette 2017-Present (from Retro 105.9 DCG FM)

Former:

George Boone (February-July 2017) Bob Novales (February-April 2017, resigned to return to ABS-CBN announcing School) Cadillac Jack (2017-2018)

FM2's Future

Although FM2 is Manila-only station, FM2 can be expanded throughout the Philippines just like FM1 did to Davao. PBS should utilize unified programming of FM2 Nationwide will be from Manila similar to ABS-CBN's My Only Radio Nationwide.

LUZON

Baguio & Cordillera Region - 106.3 FM (it will face competiton with 91.9 Easy Rock and Memories FM 107.1) CALABARZON (unreachable portions) - 104.7 FM (relay of DWFT 104.3 FM) Dagupan & Pangasinan - 105.5 FM (relay of DWFT 104.3 FM) La Union - 104.3 FM (relay of DWFT 104.3 FM) Laoag & Ilocos Provinces - 104.3 FM (relay of DWFT 104.3 FM) Legazpi, Albay & Sorsogon Provinces - 104.3 FM (it will face competition with 923 Home Radio) MIMAROPA Region - 104.3 FM (relay of DWFT 104.3 FM) Naga & Camarines Provinces - 103.1 FM (it will face competition with 951 Home Radio) Nueva Ecija - 107.3 FM (relay of DWFT 104.3 FM) Pampanga - 100.7 FM (relay of DWFT 104.3 FM) Tarlac - 104.3 FM (relay of DWFT 104.3 FM) Tuguegarao & Cagayan Valley - 104.3 FM (relay of DWFT 104.3 FM) Zambales - 104.7 FM (relay of DWFT 104.3 FM)

VISAYAS

Bacolod, Negros & Siquijor Islands - 104.7 FM (it will face competition with 105.5 Easy Rock) Cebu - 104.3 FM (it will face competition with 96.3 WRocK, 102.7 Easy Rock, 1067 Home Radio, Memories FM 89.9 and 103.5 Retro) Iloilo & Panay, Guimaras Islands - 104.3 FM (it will face competition with 895 Home Radio and 92.3 Easy Rock) Tacloban, Leyte and Samar Islands - 105.5 FM (relay of DWFT 104.3 FM) Tagbilaran & Bohol Island - 104.3 FM (relay of DWFT 104.3 FM)

MINDANAO

Butuan - 103.9 FM (relay of DWFT 104.3 FM) Cagayan de Oro - 106.3 FM (it will face competition with 935 Home Radio and 96.9 Easy Rock) Davao - 104.3 FM (it will face competition with 105.1 Easy Rock, 987 Home Radio and Retro 95.5) General Santos - 104.7 FM (it will face competition with Gold FM 103.9 and 983 Home Radio) Iligan - 105.5 FM (relay of DWFT 104.3 FM) Ozamiz City - 104.3 FM (relay of DWFT 104.3 FM) Surigao Provinces - 104.3 FM (relay of DWFT 104.3 FM) Zamboanga Peninsula - 104.3 FM (relay of DWFT 104.3 FM)

Most people opted not to use cellular data to avoid higher cellphone bills. So, Mr. Aportadera should open the FM2 and FM1 textline to text requesting a song and shoutouts.

In some areas, PBS/BBS needs to relocate the main transmitter site from Visayas Ave., Quezon City to Antipolo, Rizal to strengthen the radio signal and add relay transmitters along Pangasinan, La Union, Pampanga, CALABARZON, Bicol Region and other areas in the Philippines in order to reach the oldies music to the Philippines.

Depending on the funding from the General Appropriations Act (Annual National Budget) and sales from blocktimers and advertisers, FM2 can air 24/7 signing off on Monday Midnight. In order for FM2 to become the #1 FM Station in the Philippines dethroning ABS-CBN's MOR, MBC's Love Radio, RMN's iFM and Bombo Radyo's Star FM.

(DISCLAIMER: This post is for factual basis and is to be veirified at the soonest possible time by some sources including from PBS and PCOO. Don’t be assured yet, but it is just for the contributor’s point of view.)

(NOTE: The contributor of this post is Carl Veluz, a good friend of the EIC/Publisher of KRD.)

KRD Welcomes everyone who can contribute to ‘The Blog that tells Stories and More’. Send in via email: kuyarexdeldiaries@gmail.com with the subject ‘KRD Contributor’ with your draft as attachment, and your details of your work. You may include your personal details, but we respect your privacy if we opt to include some other details or not depending on the individual’s request. You can also send in as private message via Kuya Rexdel’s Diaries Facebook page (fb.com/KRDOfficialPH).

[shellwanders]

Explore the Mysteries of Sambulawan Underground River Siquijor

Sambulawan Underground River is a natural wonder located on the island of Siquijor, in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. It is considered as one of the island’s hidden gems, as it is not as popular as other tourist destinations on the island. Traveling to Sambulawan Underground River Siquijor for the first time? This detailed and curated travel guide will make it easy for you to…

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Important Island Hopping Recommendations

If you are a nature fan, you will love every second of your visit and actions: great bright sand shores, excellent and yummy meals, and breath-taking sceneries. You may also enjoy a myriad of water activities activities: scuba, parasailing, surfing, surfing, and more. What might you do with mactan island hopping islands in a single place? Discovering a number of them could possibly be an obvious reaction, if time is on your side. At the very least, that is probably that which you could possibly be doing during your forthcoming trip to the Philippines. When you have went Philippines island-hopping, grab an item of paper and write down a plan. Allow it to be true, possible, and flexible. As you'll opportunity out in international territories, ensure that you contain program B within your general program since sometimes the ferries run late, the airplane may possibly delay, and a bunch of different not known factors due to Mother Nature. Time is an essential element to take into account in your plan. Let's say you want to go to Cebu, a province of the Philippine for island-hopping. Supposedly, upon your birth from the USA, you stay at a resort in Manila, the capital city. It will require about 45 moments to obtain from Manila to Cebu by air. All things considered, once you get to Cebu Town, Cebu, you might want to sleep a bit and start your island-hopping trip another day. In all chance, you need a day or higher to move from area to the next. In your trip, you will use domestic flights, small vessel, known as bancas for brief trip, roro ships, and ferries for longer types, if needed. On area, you could have to take public transport, such as for instance buses, taxis, and vehicle-for-hire or hire a personal car with driver at very affordable cost. You will have a lot of food and drinks to satisfy your needs nearly everywhere. These shouldn't be a large concern to you. Be sure that you hold your personal potable water or consume water from sealed water containers only. You can plan to island-hop the following locations once you are in Cebu Town: Bohol, Mactan Area, Negros Oriental, Leyte, Siquijor, and also more. For the sake of the controversy, among these five islands, I will reveal just how to island-hop Bohol and Leyte only. It is simple to do the others on the basis of the first two, applying exactly the same proceedings and principles. Let us proceed. Make sure you check always the Philippine Schedule for breaks as these can reduce your tour. You ought to journey very light. Use comfortable garments and water-proof shoes. You need to take a light backpack and a water-proof camera, when you yourself have them. Don't count on ATMs or banks; therefore, you should carry income or Philippine currency. On a typical, you should invest about 1100 Philippine currency or pesos or $26 daily on island-hopping or maybe more, and that should cover transport, food, and miscellaneous. From Manila, the capital Town You should get a two-way flight ticket in Manila at Ninoy International Airport. From Manila, have a domestic flight to Cebu Global Airport, which is located in Lapu-Lapu Town, Cebu. You have an option of resorts in Lapu-Lapu City. The journey from Manila to Cebu Mactan International Airport in Lapu-Lapu Town requires around 45 minutes.

[phgq]

DOLE, PESO managers in CV ready for new normal

#PHinfo: DOLE, PESO managers in CV ready for new normal

CEBU CITY, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas (DOLE-) received the nod from almost 100 Public Employment Service Office (PESO) managers who attended the recent online gathering, to get ready and embrace the “new normal” in the delivery of their employment facilitation program and services.

With the “new normal,” DOLE-7 Regional Director Salome Siaton said there is a conscious need to re-engineer the way things are carried out at the DOLE and at the PESO, as emerging ideas have been introduced to help both institutions to keep up with the fast changing times.

“One of the things that we are now looking into is the conduct of the virtual job fairs at the local government units through their respective PESO,” Siaton added.

DOLE-7 introduced and first launched the virtual Trabaho, Negosyo at Kabuhayan (TNK) job fair in December last year.

“We understand that there are still a lot of issues and concerns at the level of the PESO in so far as the conduct of the virtual job fair is concerned. However, together, I am confident that we can sort them out as we go along. Given the demands of the times, we in government also have to graduate from the usual way of doing things and explore something new that can better address the requirements of the new normal,” explained Siaton.

The virtual job fair was one of the topics presented and discussed in detail during the two-day Regional PESO Managers’ Year End Planning and Assessment Cum Congress 2020 held last week.

Siaton said she appreciated all the PESO managers who are actively engaged in the activity, speaking up and raising substantial questions on the topics presented.

“We are grateful for all their inputs and willingness to explore these new possibilities. The many clarifications they raised demonstrated how concerned they are on how to effectively implement new programs the moment the same are being rolled out in their respective LGUs,” the DOLE regional director said.

DOLE Assistant Sec. Dominique Rubia-Tutay thanked the PESO managers for their contributions as the DOLE’s partner in implementing the employment facilitation program.

Tutay said there is a budget set aside for the PESO programs as he emphasized the government’s blueprint for decent employment and entrepreneurship in the “new normal.”

The government is prepared with a recovery plan in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and other partner agencies, added Tutay.

Dubbed as NERS or National Employment Recovery System, the employment recovery initiative includes four components: (1) Economic Activities with policies and guidelines for the safe reopening of the businesses and the safety of the workers and consumers; (2) Restoration of Business Confidence, consumer protection, and a rebooting package for the MSMEs; (3) Upgrading of the skills of the workforce through skills training; and (4) Labor Market Access Facilitation such as the conduct of Job Fairs.

According to Siaton, she is optimistic the PESOs in the region are capable of leveling up and expanding the existing employment facilitation service machinery that they currently have.

“Of course, the DOLE will be with them in every step of the way. We will provide them with the right support in everything we can. We’ve in fact requested them to signify to give this Virtual Job Fair a try in their LGUs. To ensure that the technical aspect of the Job Fair is easily addressed, we have a service provider that is tasked to focus and look into the technical aspect. The same assistance will also be extended to them when needed,” added Siaton.

Also taking shape during the Virtual PESO Congress was the idea of new training programs that can be incorporated with the Life Skills Trainings (LSTs) that the PESOs could offer to job seekers.

Executive Director Maria Criselda Sy of the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) discussed the “Work Ethics of a Productive Worker” and also brought up the idea of their office closely working with the DOLE and the PESOs in terms of the provision of trainings to job seekers and to the PESO managers themselves.

Also giving inputs during the said gathering were representatives from other partner agencies, who each presented the updates of their respective programs.

Present were representatives from TESDA, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, National Reintegration Center for OFWs, Social Security System, the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC), and the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE).

Maria Vilma Yorong, Regional PESO Managers (REPESOM-7) president said, “Of the recently conducted REPESOM YEPA cum Congress, I am so amazed of the support and cooperation shown by all the PESO Managers of Region 7 led by their respective provincial PESO presidents. The activity surpassed the level of success we are expecting and I thanked DOLE-7 led by RD Siaton and all the men and women of TSSD-EWW headed by Marites Tanquiamco for making it possible and successful. Thank you and congratulations!”

The event was attended by the various PESO managers from the provinces of Cebu, Negros Oriental, Bohol, and Siquijor. (jsme/PIA-7/with reports from DOLE-7)

***

References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "DOLE, PESO managers in CV ready for new normal." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067019 (accessed February 17, 2021 at 09:01AM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "DOLE, PESO managers in CV ready for new normal." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067019 (archived).

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Greek Island Moving - Famous Area in Greece

Several outdoors activities may be more exciting than island-hopping if in the pipeline right. In this informative article, I will protect some ideas that may manual you through the network of Philippines island-hopping and the manner in which you and your spouse may have a gratifying time performing it. So, let us vacation to the Philippines and read the probability of island-hopping there. You will enjoy fun-filled scuba mactan island hopping , delicious meals, and pristine coral reefs blanketed with colorful fish, and even more. Philippines Island-hopping is 2nd to none since the Philippines, as an area, is composed of 7,100 islands located in Southeast Asia. What makes Philippine island-hopping in that area heaven even more attractive is that you it won't set you back a supply and a leg. If you should be a nature partner, you will relish every second of your visit and activities: fine bright sand beaches, exemplary and yummy dinners, and breath-taking sceneries. You will even enjoy all kinds of water activities activities: scuba, parasailing, searching, surfing, and more. What can you do with 7,100 islands in one place? Exploring many of them could possibly be an obvious reaction, if time is on your own side. At the very least, this really is possibly that which you might be performing through your forthcoming trip to the Philippines. Because you have decided to go Philippines island-hopping, seize an item of report and make note of a plan. Allow it to be actual, manageable, and flexible. As you will opportunity out in international territories, ensure that you contain strategy W within your overall strategy since often the ferries run late, the aircraft might delay, and a bunch of other as yet not known facets caused by Mother Nature. Time is an essential element to think about in your plan. Let's say you wish to go to Cebu, a province of the Philippine for island-hopping. Allegedly, upon your arrival from the USA, you remain at a resort in Manila, the money city. It will take about 45 minutes to obtain from Manila to Cebu by air. Everything regarded, whenever you arrive in Cebu Town, Cebu, you may want to sleep somewhat and begin your island-hopping trip another day. In every likelihood, you need a time or maybe more to move from area to the next. In your trip, you will use domestic flights, little ship, called bancas for brief journey, roro ships, and ferries for longer types, if needed. On land, you could have to take community transportation, such as for instance buses, taxis, and vehicle-for-hire or employ a private car with driver at very reasonable cost. You will have a lot of food and drinks to satisfy your requirements nearly everywhere. These shouldn't be considered a big matter to you. Ensure that you take your personal potable water or drink water from made water containers only. You can want to island-hop the following locations an individual will be in Cebu Town: Bohol, Mactan Island, Negros Persian, Leyte, Siquijor, and also more. For the sake of the controversy, among these five islands, I will reveal how to island-hop Bohol and Leyte only. You can easily do others based on the first two, using exactly the same proceedings and principles. Let's proceed. Ensure you always check the Philippine Calendar for breaks as these can reduce your tour. You must travel really light. Use comfortable outfits and water-proof shoes. You should carry a mild backpack and a water-proof camera, if you have them. Don't count on ATMs or banks; thus, you must take income or Philippine currency. On the average, you should invest roughly 1100 Philippine currency or pesos or $26 per day on island-hopping or even more, and that will cover transport, food, and miscellaneous. From Manila, the money City You should obtain a two-way airline solution in Manila at Ninoy International Airport. From Manila, take a domestic trip to Cebu Global Airport, which is located in Lapu-Lapu Town, Cebu. You have a choice of accommodations in Lapu-Lapu City. The flight from Manila to Cebu Mactan Global Airport in Lapu-Lapu Town takes around 45 minutes. When in Cebu, the very first important things you should do is collect all the data on ferry schedules: fare, date/time of departure and get back for the destinations. Also, you should make a hotel-room reservation beforehand if you intend to keep over night in one single location. Question your hotel desk's secretary for the data you seek.