I'll be leaving for Bohol today to join Edwin and his family for a short vacation. Edwin and his parents flew to Bohol ahead of me. We don't have a hefty itinerary this time, just a visit to the beach. Which particular beach I don't know yet. It could be the one at Virgin Island or the one at Balicasag Island. Whichever it will be, I'm excited.
This is my first out-of-town trip this rainy season. I hope it won't rain when we go the beach. Haha. Also, I hope I won't have problem working freelance while in Bohol. Edwin said Globe's signal isn't so strong there (he's using a Globe Visibility), but still, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Have a great weekend, friends! Till our next meeting! :)
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This is my first out-of-town trip this rainy season. I hope it won't rain when we go the beach. Haha. Also, I hope I won't have problem working freelance while in Bohol. Edwin said Globe's signal isn't so strong there (he's using a Globe Visibility), but still, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Have a great weekend, friends! Till our next meeting! :)
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Departures and arrivals are two of the things I look forward to whenever I’m airport-bound. I enjoy waiting for my loved ones’ flights as much as I enjoy waiting for my own. Arrivals and departures may have different meanings but for me, they have the same purpose. That is, to be able to realize the innermost desire to see someone or something that the traveler deems important, special or of high value.
As some of you may have already known, my mom and my younger sister are coming to Manila very soon. As much as I want to be the one to fetch them at the airport, I can't. I have my part-time job to think about. Good thing my brother volunteered to do the task. After he clocks out from the office at 5pm, he said he'd be already free to go to the airport. Problem solved.
Speaking of airport-related stuff, do you get airport transfers when you travel ? If yes, do you prefer private transfers, shared transfers or group transfers? I have asked these questions because I came across European Airport Transfers online a while ago. They provide airport transfers at the best rates to most popular destinations in Europe, my favorite city of Paris included. I haven’t experienced this kind of service in all of my past travels so I’m quite curious on how convenient it is.
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As some of you may have already known, my mom and my younger sister are coming to Manila very soon. As much as I want to be the one to fetch them at the airport, I can't. I have my part-time job to think about. Good thing my brother volunteered to do the task. After he clocks out from the office at 5pm, he said he'd be already free to go to the airport. Problem solved.
Speaking of airport-related stuff, do you get airport transfers when you travel ? If yes, do you prefer private transfers, shared transfers or group transfers? I have asked these questions because I came across European Airport Transfers online a while ago. They provide airport transfers at the best rates to most popular destinations in Europe, my favorite city of Paris included. I haven’t experienced this kind of service in all of my past travels so I’m quite curious on how convenient it is.
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Our trip to Cebu for Yves and Merf's wedding two weekends ago wouldn't be complete without sight-seeing. It felt great to see several places in Cebu which were new to our eyes. Our ever-accommodating friends Chivs and Taps showed us around the city once again and took us to some of its tourist attractions. Below are the places we visited (and the new restaurants we dined in), in no exact order:
Tourist Attractions:
Casa Gorordo Museum
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine and Cave
South Road Park
Sun Pride Meat Processing Plant
Dining Places:
Ben's Authentic Cebu Lechon
Mamma Maria Pizzeria & Ristorante
Joven's Grill and Restaurant (Eat-All-You-Can Buffet at P265 Per Head)
It's amazing how much fun that particular weekend in Cebu gave us. We went there solely for our friends' wedding but look at what we have seen and experienced! I'm really grateful to our Cebu-based friends for their hospitality and warmth. Thank you so much, guys. :)
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Tourist Attractions:
Casa Gorordo Museum
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine and Cave
South Road Park
Sun Pride Meat Processing Plant
Dining Places:
Ben's Authentic Cebu Lechon
Mamma Maria Pizzeria & Ristorante
Joven's Grill and Restaurant (Eat-All-You-Can Buffet at P265 Per Head)
It's amazing how much fun that particular weekend in Cebu gave us. We went there solely for our friends' wedding but look at what we have seen and experienced! I'm really grateful to our Cebu-based friends for their hospitality and warmth. Thank you so much, guys. :)
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The last time I went to Cebu was last May, during our Bohol vacation. It was just a side trip. We dropped by the city to visit our friends there. Tomorrow, we'll be back to the Queen City of the South. We're attending a friend's wedding and I'm one of the bridesmaids. It can't be more exciting than that. I'll try my very best to still update this blog while I'm away.
Have a peaceful night, everyone...wherever you are. :)
If you liked this post and would be interested to get updated with The Life of a Breadwinner, bookmark this site or subscribe to my feeds.
Have a peaceful night, everyone...wherever you are. :)
If you liked this post and would be interested to get updated with The Life of a Breadwinner, bookmark this site or subscribe to my feeds.
Edwin and I are traveling to Cebu in August to attend a friend’s wedding. We’ll be serving as bridesmaid and groomsman, respectively. We are both excited because aside from this very important event, we will be able to wander around Cebu again. Traveling is really fun and enriching, especially if you have planned every details of it, from airport transfers to the day-to-day itineraries.
I have always preferred getting car service when traveling, may it be on official business or for pleasure. I remember when we had a whole day tour of Bohol in May, I suggested we hire a private van for comfort and greater accessibility. The same thing applies when we travel abroad for that much-needed vacation. I make sure we get a car service jfk for airport transfers. It could be a share-ride airport van shuttle or a private car, so long as we are comfortable and the rates are reasonable. Deciding which car service to get is simple. I just have to compare rates and check the reputation of the company (fleet of vehicles, years in the business, reliability, customer service, etc.). It is best if the car service has a website and accepts reservations and payments online so I could deal with everything at once.
I have always preferred getting car service when traveling, may it be on official business or for pleasure. I remember when we had a whole day tour of Bohol in May, I suggested we hire a private van for comfort and greater accessibility. The same thing applies when we travel abroad for that much-needed vacation. I make sure we get a car service jfk for airport transfers. It could be a share-ride airport van shuttle or a private car, so long as we are comfortable and the rates are reasonable. Deciding which car service to get is simple. I just have to compare rates and check the reputation of the company (fleet of vehicles, years in the business, reliability, customer service, etc.). It is best if the car service has a website and accepts reservations and payments online so I could deal with everything at once.
I have several favorite cities in the world that I wish to visit before I die. (Of course, that excludes Manila because it has been and will always be the number one in my heart.) They are Paris, Rome, New York, Chicago, Singapore, Hong Kong, Zurich, Moscow, New Delhi, Dubai, Bangkok and Madrid. Among them, New York, for me, stands out from the rest because of its fast-paced, trendy lifestyle and the energy of its people. They say if you want to travel to New York, you have to plan your itineraries wisely so you won’t miss out on the good stuff.
If I am to visit The Big Apple in this lifetime, I’d make sure to get one of those New York City Tours from a credible travel agency. It wouldn’t matter if it’s a day tour or a night tour, as long as I’d get my money’s worth. For me, an ideal New York City tour involves riding on a double-decker bus. Nothing gives the best view of The Big Apple than the top-deck seats of a double-decker. From there, I could see the various New York attractions, shops and of course, the neighborhoods. I’d try hard to take a postcard-perfect picture of the famous Statue of Liberty and the grand Empire State Building as souvenir. As much as possible, I want to feel the vibe of the city and the zest of its people. It’s going to be a blast, for sure. I guess I better start saving up for that dream vacation soon.
If I am to visit The Big Apple in this lifetime, I’d make sure to get one of those New York City Tours from a credible travel agency. It wouldn’t matter if it’s a day tour or a night tour, as long as I’d get my money’s worth. For me, an ideal New York City tour involves riding on a double-decker bus. Nothing gives the best view of The Big Apple than the top-deck seats of a double-decker. From there, I could see the various New York attractions, shops and of course, the neighborhoods. I’d try hard to take a postcard-perfect picture of the famous Statue of Liberty and the grand Empire State Building as souvenir. As much as possible, I want to feel the vibe of the city and the zest of its people. It’s going to be a blast, for sure. I guess I better start saving up for that dream vacation soon.
My 2009 Summer Adventure Series start here:
2009 Summer Adventure No. 1: Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park, Kawit, Cavite
2009 Summer Adventure No. 2: Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan
My 11-day vacation in Bohol and Cebu was awesome. I think that's the best term to describe it. I had fun and felt carefree for 11 days. It helped that my office didn't bother me about work during that short vacation. I consider it one of my best vacations ever, mainly because I was with my mother, my younger sister and my second family, the Techos. I really can't ask for more with a vacation like that. Now, on with the details...
I've been to Cebu City several times already. Now I realize that every time I go there, I never run out of things to do and places to dine in. It's sad though that this time, I only stayed in Cebu for three days. It was at Golden Prince Hotel and Suites, currently my most favorite hotel in Cebu. (Never mind Edel, you'll be back to Cebu this August for a friend's wedding!)
On our brief stay in Cebu, Edwin, Albie and I met with our Cebu-based friends and we strolled around the city. We also dined at three restaurants that were both old and new to me. They were Casa Verde (they serve great-tasting baby back ribs!), Port Seafood Restaurant (they have very affordable, yummy and extensive lunch and dinner buffets!) and Sunburst (they serve fried chickens that are nothing special...oooopps!).
The Bohol part of my vacation, which was eight days in total, had many highlights but the most memorable of which were these three: the San Isidro, Bohol Town Fiesta, a tour of Bohol (they call it "Round Bohol" there, this tour was my second time) and an overnight stay at Whites and Greens Beach Resort in Panglao, Island.
During the town fiesta (feast day of St. Isidore the Farmer), we woke up early and attended the morning mass. After that, we hopped from one house to another to do the traditional pamimiyesta. It was so fun, I tell you. All the houses that we visited were relatives of the Techos. These people were very accommodating. They fed us like there's no tomorrow. I just concentrated on desserts as I was already having goosebumps at the sight of lechons. Every house we went to had lechon on the table. Even at the Techo ancestral house, we had been eating pork almost everyday since the Day 1 of our vacation. I thought I had to take some control.
My moments with my mother and my younger sister were priceless. We spent each night we were together chatting, giggling and hugging. We caught up on each other's life, updates on school, work, crushes, beauty regimens and other shallow matters were brought up candidly. I cherish those times and I'm thankful God gave me the chance to be with them, even just for a while. And I can't wait for next year to come because it'll be the time when we will all be together as family, here in Manila.
The tour of Bohol that we did on the eight day of my vacation was actually my second time. The places we visited are listed as follows:
1. Sagbayan Peak.Aside from the good view of Chocolate Hills that it offers, Sagbayan Peak is both a themed park and a rented venue for various functions.
2. Man-made Forest.In Bohol, there's this what they call a man-made forest. It is actually a joint environmental project of a local government unit and a school. When you pass through this side of the road going to Carmen, Bohol, take a halt, breath deep and appreciate the beauty of nature.
3. Chocolate Hills Park. Here, you get a commanding view of the famous hills. To get to the top where the view becomes breathtakingly awesome, you need to ascend through a more than 200-step staircase. Patience is a virtue.
4. A Tarsier Stop. This was where we saw several Philippine tarsiers in captivity. These cute creatures were very kind and quiet. Anyway, there's no fee to get into the place. It must be because it's mainly a pasalubong store and the tarsiers found here are designed only to attract a crowd. I can say it's effective.
5. Loboc River.Still magnificent with its greenish waters, this river continues to attract both domestic and foreign tourists to this day. It seems to me that the Loboc River Cruise is making the government huge money as evident with its new terminal and improved facilities. Each floating restaurant charges P300 per head for a lunch or dinner buffet with free 1-hour cruise of the river.
6. Baclayon Church.Authentic and charming, the walls of Baclayon church never fails to remind me of Bohol's historic past.
Our overnight stay at Whites and Greens Beach Resort was fun and relaxing. We swam from 4:00 p.m. until dusk. The next day, we took tons of photos around the resort and by the beach.
Edwin and I even had a side trip one sunny day using an ever-dependable motorcycle. We visited Antequera Church and Mag-aso Falls, both are located in Antequera, Bohol, a few kilometers away from where we stayed.
So, there goes my summer adventure in Bohol and Cebu. Happy summer again! :)
I've been to Cebu City several times already. Now I realize that every time I go there, I never run out of things to do and places to dine in. It's sad though that this time, I only stayed in Cebu for three days. It was at Golden Prince Hotel and Suites, currently my most favorite hotel in Cebu. (Never mind Edel, you'll be back to Cebu this August for a friend's wedding!)
On our brief stay in Cebu, Edwin, Albie and I met with our Cebu-based friends and we strolled around the city. We also dined at three restaurants that were both old and new to me. They were Casa Verde (they serve great-tasting baby back ribs!), Port Seafood Restaurant (they have very affordable, yummy and extensive lunch and dinner buffets!) and Sunburst (they serve fried chickens that are nothing special...oooopps!).
The Bohol part of my vacation, which was eight days in total, had many highlights but the most memorable of which were these three: the San Isidro, Bohol Town Fiesta, a tour of Bohol (they call it "Round Bohol" there, this tour was my second time) and an overnight stay at Whites and Greens Beach Resort in Panglao, Island.
During the town fiesta (feast day of St. Isidore the Farmer), we woke up early and attended the morning mass. After that, we hopped from one house to another to do the traditional pamimiyesta. It was so fun, I tell you. All the houses that we visited were relatives of the Techos. These people were very accommodating. They fed us like there's no tomorrow. I just concentrated on desserts as I was already having goosebumps at the sight of lechons. Every house we went to had lechon on the table. Even at the Techo ancestral house, we had been eating pork almost everyday since the Day 1 of our vacation. I thought I had to take some control.
My moments with my mother and my younger sister were priceless. We spent each night we were together chatting, giggling and hugging. We caught up on each other's life, updates on school, work, crushes, beauty regimens and other shallow matters were brought up candidly. I cherish those times and I'm thankful God gave me the chance to be with them, even just for a while. And I can't wait for next year to come because it'll be the time when we will all be together as family, here in Manila.
The tour of Bohol that we did on the eight day of my vacation was actually my second time. The places we visited are listed as follows:
1. Sagbayan Peak.Aside from the good view of Chocolate Hills that it offers, Sagbayan Peak is both a themed park and a rented venue for various functions.
2. Man-made Forest.In Bohol, there's this what they call a man-made forest. It is actually a joint environmental project of a local government unit and a school. When you pass through this side of the road going to Carmen, Bohol, take a halt, breath deep and appreciate the beauty of nature.
3. Chocolate Hills Park. Here, you get a commanding view of the famous hills. To get to the top where the view becomes breathtakingly awesome, you need to ascend through a more than 200-step staircase. Patience is a virtue.
4. A Tarsier Stop. This was where we saw several Philippine tarsiers in captivity. These cute creatures were very kind and quiet. Anyway, there's no fee to get into the place. It must be because it's mainly a pasalubong store and the tarsiers found here are designed only to attract a crowd. I can say it's effective.
5. Loboc River.Still magnificent with its greenish waters, this river continues to attract both domestic and foreign tourists to this day. It seems to me that the Loboc River Cruise is making the government huge money as evident with its new terminal and improved facilities. Each floating restaurant charges P300 per head for a lunch or dinner buffet with free 1-hour cruise of the river.
6. Baclayon Church.Authentic and charming, the walls of Baclayon church never fails to remind me of Bohol's historic past.
Our overnight stay at Whites and Greens Beach Resort was fun and relaxing. We swam from 4:00 p.m. until dusk. The next day, we took tons of photos around the resort and by the beach.
Edwin and I even had a side trip one sunny day using an ever-dependable motorcycle. We visited Antequera Church and Mag-aso Falls, both are located in Antequera, Bohol, a few kilometers away from where we stayed.
So, there goes my summer adventure in Bohol and Cebu. Happy summer again! :)
This is actually a planned trip. I was invited by the Techos to spend a week in San Isidro, Bohol (their hometown). This is in time for the Feast Day of their patron, Saint Isidore. I was supposed to go to Negros to visit my parents but instead of going there, I'll just meet my mother and sister in Cebu and they'll join us in Bohol for the town fiesta. The invitation was extended to them.Cool.
Our itineraries is yet to be finalized but it will surely include a tour of Bohol (it will be my second time!) and an overnight stay in a Panglao resort. We might also drop by Bohol Bee Farm and bask in the glory of nature there.
We're leaving for Cebu tomorrow night and then for Bohol the next day. I'll be back on the 20th. I'll try my best to keep you updated with the happenings.
I heard the weather in Bohol is way better than here in Manila. I hope we have lots of fun during our short vacation there.
Have a great summer, everyone! :)
Our itineraries is yet to be finalized but it will surely include a tour of Bohol (it will be my second time!) and an overnight stay in a Panglao resort. We might also drop by Bohol Bee Farm and bask in the glory of nature there.
We're leaving for Cebu tomorrow night and then for Bohol the next day. I'll be back on the 20th. I'll try my best to keep you updated with the happenings.
I heard the weather in Bohol is way better than here in Manila. I hope we have lots of fun during our short vacation there.
Have a great summer, everyone! :)
I am going to an out-of-town trip this weekend to join the office outing of my Superfriend. This is gonna be the second of my 2009 Summer Adventure Series (you can check out my first here). The place is Hundred Islands located in the beautiful province of Pangasinan. I am so excited right now because I think there's no better way to enjoy summer than the beach!
And while I'm away, let me leave you with a nice photo of Hundred Islands for your eyes to feast on.
Have a lovely weekend, people! :)
Photo Credit: http://wikimedia.org
And while I'm away, let me leave you with a nice photo of Hundred Islands for your eyes to feast on.
Have a lovely weekend, people! :)
Photo Credit: http://wikimedia.org
To get updates on Cebu Pacific seat sales, I decided to subscribe to their newsletter eons ago. Now I'm reaping the fruit of that decision. Last night while scanning the content of my inbox, I chanced upon a seat sale from Cebu Pacific, a kind of pre-summer promo. I never wasted time and bought a one-way ticket for my father who will be going to Manila to attend the college graduation of my younger brother (my first scholar!) next month.
It's funny how Cebu Pacific knows exactly when I need cheap tickets. Of course it's just a coincidence but still, I get to save some bucks and it's always a good thing. So, what are you waiting for? Book your flight now. There are only two days left, so don't say I didn't inform you! :)
IT’S SUMMER OUT THERE!!!
Start your summer holidays early with fares starting from P188 all-in.
What better way to start your summer revelry than with a domestic seat sale! Over 100,000 seats have been allocated across all of our domestic routes.
Fly for only P188 all-in from Manila to Busuanga, Cebu, Iloilo, Legaspi, Naga, and San Jose (Mindoro).
Snatch your P288 all-in fare for Manila to Cauayan (Isabela), Laoag, and Tuguegarao; and Cebu to Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Surigao, and Tacloban.
Only P488 all-in for flights from: Manila to Bacolod, Calbayog, Catarman, Caticlan (Boracay), Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, and Virac; and Cebu to Caticlan (Boracay)
P688 all-in fare is up for grabs for Manila to Dumaguete and Roxas; Cebu to Clark, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, General Santos, Legaspi, Ozamiz, Puerto Princesa, Siargao, and Zamboanga; and Davao to Iloilo and Zamboanga.
CEB offers a P1,188 all-in fare from Manila to Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, General Santos, and Zamboanga.
The promotional sale starts now until February 10, 2009, or until the allotted seats are sold out, for travel beginning February 4 until March 31, 2009. This promotion is non-refundable. Fares quoted are ‘Go Lite’ fares.
‘Go Lite’ fares can be availed by passengers with no check-in luggage. Passengers with check-in bags will just add P200 upon booking.
Hurry, book your flights now through CEB’s website.
It's funny how Cebu Pacific knows exactly when I need cheap tickets. Of course it's just a coincidence but still, I get to save some bucks and it's always a good thing. So, what are you waiting for? Book your flight now. There are only two days left, so don't say I didn't inform you! :)
On our recent trip to Bohol to accomplish an important family task, we paid a quick visit to Bohol Bee Farm in Dauis, Panglao Island, Bohol. It is a sprawling recreational complex where you could experience countryside living at its finest. It is famous among tourists for its bee products, enchanting surroundings and the scrumptious organic food served in its in-house restaurant. (Organic farming is an agricultural practice being promoted aggressively across Bohol province.)
Bohol Bee Farm is primarily composed of a big store (where they sell bee products, organic goodies, native bags and accessories and a lot more), a main function hall with two in-door swimming pools and sports facilities, several small function halls, barns, suites and bungalows ( for room accomodations), an in-house restaurant, spa rooms, open spaces with tables and chairs and a beach which is just a few steps away. (You know how clear Panglao water is, don't you?) It's like a small community where you can have peace and quiet away from the hustles and bustles of the city.
From the main gate where the signage is, Bohol Bee Farm is around half a kilometer away.It's best if you'll come in a private car or a hired van (a must for a whole-day Bohol tour!).Once you get there, you are welcomed by a spacious hall where various native products (hats, bags, accessories,etc.) are displayed. To the right is a quaint, little store where bee products and organic goodies line the shelves.
It was one hot Monday afternoon when Edwin, Albie, Adel, Jick2x, Jan2x and I trooped to Bohol Bee Farm. Most of us are first timers in the place so instead of just having our lunch there, we roamed around and took photos, from the corner of one of the function rooms to the beachfront and under the shady trees.
I learned that the farm accepts guests for an overnight or a three-day stay. It has room accommodations that range from P2,000 to P7,000 depending on package. All room accommodations include free breakfast, roundtrip shuttle from/to pier/airport, air condition unit, hot and cold shower, Cable TV and refrigerator. Having said that, Bohol Bee Farm is ideal for a weekend getaway, company outing, conference and even private functions.
When we had our lunch at the in-house restaurant located at the part nearest to the beach, I didn't expect to get awed. Who wouldn't if you got served with organic food that were not only healthy but also tasted great? Here are more photos to give you an idea:
Bohol Bee Farm is one of the very few places in the Philippines where you could experience sweet serenity. I said so because not only does it make you feel the unique vibes of the countryside, but it also lets you commune with nature and appreciate its wonders. Here, you could spend a day just by being your homey self. You could listen to the chirping of birds, sun-bathe by the beach, get a soothing massage at the spa center, eat gourmet organic food to your heart's content or just sit in one of the benches without a care in the world.
Definitely, I can see myself going back to Bohol Bee Farm next year. :)
Bohol Bee Farm
Dao, Dauis
Panglao Island, Bohol
Contact Person: Ms. Vicky Wallace
+6338 5022288
+63917 3041491
http://boholbeefarm.com
Bohol Bee Farm is primarily composed of a big store (where they sell bee products, organic goodies, native bags and accessories and a lot more), a main function hall with two in-door swimming pools and sports facilities, several small function halls, barns, suites and bungalows ( for room accomodations), an in-house restaurant, spa rooms, open spaces with tables and chairs and a beach which is just a few steps away. (You know how clear Panglao water is, don't you?) It's like a small community where you can have peace and quiet away from the hustles and bustles of the city.
From the main gate where the signage is, Bohol Bee Farm is around half a kilometer away.It's best if you'll come in a private car or a hired van (a must for a whole-day Bohol tour!).Once you get there, you are welcomed by a spacious hall where various native products (hats, bags, accessories,etc.) are displayed. To the right is a quaint, little store where bee products and organic goodies line the shelves.
It was one hot Monday afternoon when Edwin, Albie, Adel, Jick2x, Jan2x and I trooped to Bohol Bee Farm. Most of us are first timers in the place so instead of just having our lunch there, we roamed around and took photos, from the corner of one of the function rooms to the beachfront and under the shady trees.
I learned that the farm accepts guests for an overnight or a three-day stay. It has room accommodations that range from P2,000 to P7,000 depending on package. All room accommodations include free breakfast, roundtrip shuttle from/to pier/airport, air condition unit, hot and cold shower, Cable TV and refrigerator. Having said that, Bohol Bee Farm is ideal for a weekend getaway, company outing, conference and even private functions.
When we had our lunch at the in-house restaurant located at the part nearest to the beach, I didn't expect to get awed. Who wouldn't if you got served with organic food that were not only healthy but also tasted great? Here are more photos to give you an idea:
Bohol Bee Farm is one of the very few places in the Philippines where you could experience sweet serenity. I said so because not only does it make you feel the unique vibes of the countryside, but it also lets you commune with nature and appreciate its wonders. Here, you could spend a day just by being your homey self. You could listen to the chirping of birds, sun-bathe by the beach, get a soothing massage at the spa center, eat gourmet organic food to your heart's content or just sit in one of the benches without a care in the world.
Definitely, I can see myself going back to Bohol Bee Farm next year. :)
Bohol Bee Farm
Dao, Dauis
Panglao Island, Bohol
Contact Person: Ms. Vicky Wallace
+6338 5022288
+63917 3041491
http://boholbeefarm.com
Our weekend in Baguio City was well-spent, awesome and fun. A friend of mine is right when he said that Baguio has a unique charm that draws the attraction of tourists (both local and foreign) and keeps them coming back to the place from time to time. It could be the chilly weather, the pine trees, the people, the laid back atmosphere or the combination of these entities that makes Baguio a favorite vacation spot.
Here, I share a list of 10 things to do in Baguio City (for that one memorable trip, especially for first-timers) in no particular order:
1. Street Walking. Baguio is the place to be when you want to have a good walk, to do some sort of a reflection or just to flex those tired muscles. Street walking is made fun and worthwhile by the sights of the clean and green parks, the busy establishments, the vehicles that come and go, and the non-polluting noise of people on the streets who are either running errands or earning a living.
2. Boating at Burnham Park. I've experienced this only twice, and each time I was gasping with delight. It must be the presence of two or more friends in a small boat, or the lovely scene that a series of small boats floating on a man-made lake make, that gives the high in this one hell of a boat ride.
At Burnham Park, a boat ride costs P60 per hour. Presently, there are seven different operators renting boats (that's according to our rower).
TIP: Rent a boat an hour before closing time (around 7:00 p.m. ) so you get to extend boating time for several minutes for free. Not a bad deal, right?
3. Ukay-Ukay Shopping. No one leaves Baguio without an ukay-ukay item in their bag or luggage. Or so I believe. Nothing beats ukay-ukay shopping in Baguio, particularly at night. Normally, they have this what you call 'ukay-ukay night market' where you can buy an assortment of interesting items, from pre-owned clothes and bags to brand-new shoes, jackets, stuffed toys and home decors.
4. Dining Out. Whenever we go on a trip, we always find time to sample the food of the place we are in. Baguio is fortunate to get the best of both worlds. Its dining scene represents a mixture of local and international cuisines that cater to well, everyone. From street food to gourmet and exotic dishes, Baguio always has something fresh to offer.
For casual dining, there are just so many restaurants to choose from along Session Road. My favorites include Don Henrico's (serves affordable yet delicious pizza, pasta and more), Pizza Volante (serves excellent gourmet pizza and pasta 24/7) Mandarin Restaurant (serves good Chinese food, the best in Baguio!) and Cathy's Fast Food (serves savory, home-cooked meals at tourist-friendly prices)
I would have loved Sizzling Plate Restaurant (known for its sizzling steaks) if not for the poor service. They made us wait for so long (almost like eternity) for our food. We've experienced this twice at two different branches so it really means they have a problem with their service. But still, you decide.
For fine dining, try Mario's Restaurant. They serve lunch buffet during Sundays that costs around P500++ per head. Not bad if you'll get to feast on several Spanish and Filipino specialties in a cozy ambiance.
5. Malling at SM Baguio. This is currently the mall of choice among tourists. Why? It's simply because true to SM's slogan (We've got it all for you!), it's a one-stop shop strategically located in the heart of Baguio. There, you can shop, eat and relax to your heart's content. Also, it's elevated position gives a good view of the city and the neighboring towns. The mall has no air-conditioned units installed because there's just no need for it there. Remember, Baguio has always had a centralized air-conditioning system since time immemorial.
6. People Watching. The different parks situated in almost every part of the city are not only welcoming but they also have a character of their own. Usually, these places are full of people from different walks of life. Do some people watching while sitting in one of the benches at your park of choice or from the comforts of a coffee shop or your hotel and you'll surely have a great time. The laid back atmosphere in Baguio is just so inviting to have some rest or simply do things that are less productive. After all, you go to Baguio for a vacation and not for work.
7. Visiting Churches. I only know of a few, but if you're in Baguio, try to visit the churches. Our Lady of Atonement (a.k.a. Baguio Cathedral) is one of the popular churches in Baguio. Hundreds of people usually flock to this place to pray and hear mass. Of course, taking photos with the church as background is always a part of the visit, especially for the first-timers.
8. Exploring the City Public Market. It may be dirty and dusty on most days, but the Baguio City Public Market is home to a wide variety of goods and services that you won't find in other markets. Aside from the usual market stuff, it is where you can buy fresh vegetables, fresh fruits (popular are the strawberries for reasons you and I are well-aware of), fresh flowers, native clothing and clothing materials, native accessories, wood products, souvenir items, Baguio delicacies and a lot more.
9. Visiting the Tourist Spots. I can name a lot based on the places I have visited. The fun begins when you go from one tourist spot to another and try the many activities offered therein. You might wanna go horse-back riding at Wright Park, enjoy the overlooking view of the city at Mines View Park, watch a silent drill at the Philippine Military Academy, ride a boat at Burnham Park, take a peek of the summer residence of the Philippine President at the Mansion House, pose for a picture clad in Igorot costume in front of Botanical Garden, or simply hang out at SM Baguio (now a tourist spot, too!).
10. Buying Souvenir Items. Usually, each tourist spot has an area dedicated to stalls selling souvenir items. It's always worthwhile to go from one store to another. Have fun choosing items for pasalubong, trying on knitted clothing (especially for girls) and haggling with vendors over prices.
TIP: If possible, buy wholesale to save on money.
I never leave Baguio without buying something for my family in Manila. It's long been a tradition for Filipinos to bring pasalubong for their loved ones from their travels. I think it's a good practice because you do not only get to take home something valuable, but you also get to take home something from a place you've been to that will store memories of your past experiences. In the case of Baguio, it's also your way of helping the local economy by patronizing its products.
These are just some of the things you can do in Baguio City. The fact is, the possibilities are endless. To make the best of your trip, make a list of your itineraries wisely.
Do you have something to add to my list? If yes, share it with my readers using the comment section. :)
1. Street Walking. Baguio is the place to be when you want to have a good walk, to do some sort of a reflection or just to flex those tired muscles. Street walking is made fun and worthwhile by the sights of the clean and green parks, the busy establishments, the vehicles that come and go, and the non-polluting noise of people on the streets who are either running errands or earning a living.
2. Boating at Burnham Park. I've experienced this only twice, and each time I was gasping with delight. It must be the presence of two or more friends in a small boat, or the lovely scene that a series of small boats floating on a man-made lake make, that gives the high in this one hell of a boat ride.
At Burnham Park, a boat ride costs P60 per hour. Presently, there are seven different operators renting boats (that's according to our rower).
TIP: Rent a boat an hour before closing time (around 7:00 p.m. ) so you get to extend boating time for several minutes for free. Not a bad deal, right?
3. Ukay-Ukay Shopping. No one leaves Baguio without an ukay-ukay item in their bag or luggage. Or so I believe. Nothing beats ukay-ukay shopping in Baguio, particularly at night. Normally, they have this what you call 'ukay-ukay night market' where you can buy an assortment of interesting items, from pre-owned clothes and bags to brand-new shoes, jackets, stuffed toys and home decors.
4. Dining Out. Whenever we go on a trip, we always find time to sample the food of the place we are in. Baguio is fortunate to get the best of both worlds. Its dining scene represents a mixture of local and international cuisines that cater to well, everyone. From street food to gourmet and exotic dishes, Baguio always has something fresh to offer.
For casual dining, there are just so many restaurants to choose from along Session Road. My favorites include Don Henrico's (serves affordable yet delicious pizza, pasta and more), Pizza Volante (serves excellent gourmet pizza and pasta 24/7) Mandarin Restaurant (serves good Chinese food, the best in Baguio!) and Cathy's Fast Food (serves savory, home-cooked meals at tourist-friendly prices)
I would have loved Sizzling Plate Restaurant (known for its sizzling steaks) if not for the poor service. They made us wait for so long (almost like eternity) for our food. We've experienced this twice at two different branches so it really means they have a problem with their service. But still, you decide.
For fine dining, try Mario's Restaurant. They serve lunch buffet during Sundays that costs around P500++ per head. Not bad if you'll get to feast on several Spanish and Filipino specialties in a cozy ambiance.
5. Malling at SM Baguio. This is currently the mall of choice among tourists. Why? It's simply because true to SM's slogan (We've got it all for you!), it's a one-stop shop strategically located in the heart of Baguio. There, you can shop, eat and relax to your heart's content. Also, it's elevated position gives a good view of the city and the neighboring towns. The mall has no air-conditioned units installed because there's just no need for it there. Remember, Baguio has always had a centralized air-conditioning system since time immemorial.
6. People Watching. The different parks situated in almost every part of the city are not only welcoming but they also have a character of their own. Usually, these places are full of people from different walks of life. Do some people watching while sitting in one of the benches at your park of choice or from the comforts of a coffee shop or your hotel and you'll surely have a great time. The laid back atmosphere in Baguio is just so inviting to have some rest or simply do things that are less productive. After all, you go to Baguio for a vacation and not for work.
7. Visiting Churches. I only know of a few, but if you're in Baguio, try to visit the churches. Our Lady of Atonement (a.k.a. Baguio Cathedral) is one of the popular churches in Baguio. Hundreds of people usually flock to this place to pray and hear mass. Of course, taking photos with the church as background is always a part of the visit, especially for the first-timers.
8. Exploring the City Public Market. It may be dirty and dusty on most days, but the Baguio City Public Market is home to a wide variety of goods and services that you won't find in other markets. Aside from the usual market stuff, it is where you can buy fresh vegetables, fresh fruits (popular are the strawberries for reasons you and I are well-aware of), fresh flowers, native clothing and clothing materials, native accessories, wood products, souvenir items, Baguio delicacies and a lot more.
9. Visiting the Tourist Spots. I can name a lot based on the places I have visited. The fun begins when you go from one tourist spot to another and try the many activities offered therein. You might wanna go horse-back riding at Wright Park, enjoy the overlooking view of the city at Mines View Park, watch a silent drill at the Philippine Military Academy, ride a boat at Burnham Park, take a peek of the summer residence of the Philippine President at the Mansion House, pose for a picture clad in Igorot costume in front of Botanical Garden, or simply hang out at SM Baguio (now a tourist spot, too!).
10. Buying Souvenir Items. Usually, each tourist spot has an area dedicated to stalls selling souvenir items. It's always worthwhile to go from one store to another. Have fun choosing items for pasalubong, trying on knitted clothing (especially for girls) and haggling with vendors over prices.
TIP: If possible, buy wholesale to save on money.
I never leave Baguio without buying something for my family in Manila. It's long been a tradition for Filipinos to bring pasalubong for their loved ones from their travels. I think it's a good practice because you do not only get to take home something valuable, but you also get to take home something from a place you've been to that will store memories of your past experiences. In the case of Baguio, it's also your way of helping the local economy by patronizing its products.
These are just some of the things you can do in Baguio City. The fact is, the possibilities are endless. To make the best of your trip, make a list of your itineraries wisely.
Do you have something to add to my list? If yes, share it with my readers using the comment section. :)
Tonight, yours truly will be traveling up north to spend the weekend with my friends. Edwin, Albie and I will accompany our two friends who traveled all the way from Cebu City to visit Baguio for the first time. They are the same friends who take good care of us whenever we are in Cebu. It's time to return the favor!
I don't think I can blog from there given the limited time. So, what I'll do is store all the details of the trip in my head and hopefully, write everything when I get back. While I'm away, I hope you guys will still take time to check on my blog.
Happy weekend...wherever you are. :)
I don't think I can blog from there given the limited time. So, what I'll do is store all the details of the trip in my head and hopefully, write everything when I get back. While I'm away, I hope you guys will still take time to check on my blog.
Happy weekend...wherever you are. :)
My recent Cebu trip was truly memorable. I saw new places, met new people and had fun with friends. It was a short yet blissful weekend. Below I listed the 10 things I love about Cebu City in no particular order:
1. Dining Places. Cebu is the only city in the Philippines I know with dining places almost everywhere I look. May they be small eateries, burger joints, pizza parlors, ice cream houses, bars, grills, coffee shops or themed restaurants, Cebu has them all. The good thing about these dining places? They're very affordable and the food is something to rave about.
2. Traffic. In Cebu, traffic is a minor problem. Getting to the airport or to any destination in the city, especially for people on the go, is always calculated. The chance that you end up late for your appointment is very low. It must be due to the small population which translates to less number of vehicles or the good traffic management in the city. Or both.
Photo Credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org
3. Free Wifi. Almost every establishment in the Queen City of the South has free wifi. I always get thrilled at the idea that even if I'm traveling, I can still get connected to friends and family with just a click of the mouse. Knowing that I won't get charged for surfing the net is always a sweet surprise. Our favorite free wifi zone is Mr. Coffee-Paseo Branch located at Paseo Center, Mabolo, Cebu City.
4. People. I don't know with you but I love Cebuanos. They always reserve a smile for everyone. May you be strangers to them or not, they always take time to smile and if you're fortunate, they will approach you and start a conversation. They are warm and hospitable, traits that are very Pinoy.
5. Night life. Cebu is one of the cities in the country that never sleep. People here get cooler and more awesome as dusk approaches. There are hundreds of establishments that cater to people looking for a place to have a good time: hotels, restaurants, bars, bistros, KTVs, spas, clubs and even casinos. You can never go wrong with any of these places. You just have to make sure what kind of fun you're looking for. For me, it's always clean fun. It won't hurt also if you'll be aware of your surroundings. Just like in any cities in the world, Cebu may have some bad elements lurking in the corner. It's better to be safe than sorry.
6. The North Wing, SM City Cebu. Built just a few years ago as an extension of the ubiquitous SM, the North Wing is a posh place where you can dine, stroll around and shop. It has a cool line of cafes, restaurants, boutiques and high-end shops. I find the place spacious and relaxing.
7. Beaches. I've only been to two (Tambuli Beach Club and the other I can't recall now) but I have heard and read a lot of good things about Cebu beaches. Cebu waters are not as pristine as Bohol's or Palawan's, but they have a unique charm that draws the attention and piques the curiosity of travelers, both local and international.
8. Overlooking Sites. It's always a great experience to view the city from above. If you will take a tour of the city by land, you'll be amazed that Cebu has several overlooking sites that can take your breath away. Try visiting Mountain View Park, Philippine Taoist Temple, Tops and some restaurants situated on hilltops and you'll figure out what I mean. Schedule it at night for a full effect.
9. Churches. Cebu is the first province in the Philippines that had been Christianized during the Spanish years. Given that, it's no wonder why it has a lot of churches. The famous of them is the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño in Cebu City where Cebu's patron saint is kept. Other interesting churches include Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Mt. Carmel Church and Sacred Heart Parish. I'm a Protestant but when I'm with Edwin, I get to visit Catholic churches and hear mass. Aside from the physical structure, it feels good to see old relics and people praying to their heart's content inside Catholic churches.
10. Food and food prices. Filipinos are arguably one of the most food loving people in the world. We simply have a penchant for anything edible. In fact, in a Filipino kitchen, nothing is ever wasted. In Cebu, you won't go hungry. Dining places that offer good food at relatively low prices abound in the city. Visit Larsian-Fuente Branch (an open-air grill house), The Burger Joint and Port Restaurant in Lahug for examples. Get more recommendations from friends to have a good gastronomic experience that's affordable and enjoyable at the same time.
All that and more are the things that make Cebu close to my heart. If you're a Cebuano or a traveler who's been to Cebu a couple of times, what keeps you coming back to the city? :)
1. Dining Places. Cebu is the only city in the Philippines I know with dining places almost everywhere I look. May they be small eateries, burger joints, pizza parlors, ice cream houses, bars, grills, coffee shops or themed restaurants, Cebu has them all. The good thing about these dining places? They're very affordable and the food is something to rave about.
2. Traffic. In Cebu, traffic is a minor problem. Getting to the airport or to any destination in the city, especially for people on the go, is always calculated. The chance that you end up late for your appointment is very low. It must be due to the small population which translates to less number of vehicles or the good traffic management in the city. Or both.
3. Free Wifi. Almost every establishment in the Queen City of the South has free wifi. I always get thrilled at the idea that even if I'm traveling, I can still get connected to friends and family with just a click of the mouse. Knowing that I won't get charged for surfing the net is always a sweet surprise. Our favorite free wifi zone is Mr. Coffee-Paseo Branch located at Paseo Center, Mabolo, Cebu City.
4. People. I don't know with you but I love Cebuanos. They always reserve a smile for everyone. May you be strangers to them or not, they always take time to smile and if you're fortunate, they will approach you and start a conversation. They are warm and hospitable, traits that are very Pinoy.
5. Night life. Cebu is one of the cities in the country that never sleep. People here get cooler and more awesome as dusk approaches. There are hundreds of establishments that cater to people looking for a place to have a good time: hotels, restaurants, bars, bistros, KTVs, spas, clubs and even casinos. You can never go wrong with any of these places. You just have to make sure what kind of fun you're looking for. For me, it's always clean fun. It won't hurt also if you'll be aware of your surroundings. Just like in any cities in the world, Cebu may have some bad elements lurking in the corner. It's better to be safe than sorry.
6. The North Wing, SM City Cebu. Built just a few years ago as an extension of the ubiquitous SM, the North Wing is a posh place where you can dine, stroll around and shop. It has a cool line of cafes, restaurants, boutiques and high-end shops. I find the place spacious and relaxing.
7. Beaches. I've only been to two (Tambuli Beach Club and the other I can't recall now) but I have heard and read a lot of good things about Cebu beaches. Cebu waters are not as pristine as Bohol's or Palawan's, but they have a unique charm that draws the attention and piques the curiosity of travelers, both local and international.
8. Overlooking Sites. It's always a great experience to view the city from above. If you will take a tour of the city by land, you'll be amazed that Cebu has several overlooking sites that can take your breath away. Try visiting Mountain View Park, Philippine Taoist Temple, Tops and some restaurants situated on hilltops and you'll figure out what I mean. Schedule it at night for a full effect.
9. Churches. Cebu is the first province in the Philippines that had been Christianized during the Spanish years. Given that, it's no wonder why it has a lot of churches. The famous of them is the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño in Cebu City where Cebu's patron saint is kept. Other interesting churches include Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Mt. Carmel Church and Sacred Heart Parish. I'm a Protestant but when I'm with Edwin, I get to visit Catholic churches and hear mass. Aside from the physical structure, it feels good to see old relics and people praying to their heart's content inside Catholic churches.
10. Food and food prices. Filipinos are arguably one of the most food loving people in the world. We simply have a penchant for anything edible. In fact, in a Filipino kitchen, nothing is ever wasted. In Cebu, you won't go hungry. Dining places that offer good food at relatively low prices abound in the city. Visit Larsian-Fuente Branch (an open-air grill house), The Burger Joint and Port Restaurant in Lahug for examples. Get more recommendations from friends to have a good gastronomic experience that's affordable and enjoyable at the same time.
All that and more are the things that make Cebu close to my heart. If you're a Cebuano or a traveler who's been to Cebu a couple of times, what keeps you coming back to the city? :)
Day 2 (Saturday): Philippine Taoist Temple, Mountain View Park, Mr. A Bar & Restaurant and K1 Family KTV
Note: This is the second of my three-part post about my Cebu trip last 19-22 September 2008. You can read the first part (Day 1) here.
After participating in the Make Your Own Havaianas Event at the North Wing of SM City Cebu, Edwin, Taps and I had a late lunch at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL). I treated them using the P1,000 worth of gift cert I got during a CBTL workshop I attended months ago.
We stayed there for a few hours while waiting for Chivs and John Paul who took us on a South stroll. Cebu City is divided into two congressional districts: Northern and Southern. The former is composed of 46 barangays while the latter has 34.
PHILIPPINE TAOIST TEMPLE
Our first stop was the Philippine Taoist Temple where a group of monks live and practice their religion. According to our friends, it is one of the sites in Cebu City most frequented by tourists. The worship center is located in a high-end subdivision called Beverly Hills, a few kilometers away from the city proper.
Climbing the 99 steps of the grand stairs leading to the main temple is not a simple feat. But go ahead unperturbed and you'll soon be rewarded with a panoramic view of the city.
The place was solemn and you could actually feel it. On normal days, you could light joss sticks and say your wishes. If you're more on the astrology side, you could have your fortune read by the monks. But since it was a Saturday and nearing dusk, we never got around to actually try those things. The guard on duty started refusing visitors when the clock struck six.
Admission at Philippine Taoist Temple is free but I think the monks would appreciate donation from generous people. After all, the place was founded and is being supported by the Chinese community in Cebu.
To get there, you could ride on a habal-habal (motorcycle) or bring your own private vehicle. In our case, we were fortunate to have friends who had cars. It was all a smooth ride.
Philippine Taoist Temple
Beverly Hills, Cebu City
MR. A BAR AND RESTAURANT
We had dinner at Mr. A Bar and Restaurant in Busay, Cebu City. It was a sumptuous dinner on top of a hill shared with good company.
Read my review of the restaurant complete with food photos here.
Mr. A Bar & Restaurant
Sitio Maasmum, Busay
Lahug, Cebu City
(032) 232-5200
MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK
To burn the calories, we strolled some more and got to Mountain View Park. It is an enormous nature park owned and operated by a wealthy business clan in Cebu.
Amenities include rented rooms, camp sites, rope bridges, picnic groves, cottages, restaurants, small eateries, karaoke machines at P5 ($1.08) per song, playgrounds and comfort rooms (built-in and portables), among others.
As the name suggests, the place is also overlooking the mountains and the city. It's quite cold up there so protect yourself by wearing a sweater or a hooded jacket. That night, it felt like Baguio. Or maybe it was just me when my attention was caught by the pine trees standing by the roadside.
Admission fee is P50 ($1.08) which is paid at the entrance gate. Again, the mode of transportation to get there is habal-habal (motorcycle). For convenience though, you might want to consider renting a car or ask your Cebu-based friend with wheels to drive for you.
Mountain View Park
Sitio Gorohe
Busay, Cebu City
(032) 231-5444 / (032) 231-5454
K1 FAMILY KTV
After the awesome view of the mountains, we headed to Crossroads to soak in Cebu's colorful night life. We entered K1 Family KTV and started belting out songs one after another. At first I was shy to sing but several hits later, I finally gave in. I enjoyed each song by not minding the quality of my voice (or the lack thereof).
The rates are reasonable. You pay P250 or $5.43 (Sunday to Thursday) and P375 or $8.15 (Friday and Saturday) per hour. Prices are consumable. One thing I noticed was that the place was full of Koreans. Just like in Baguio City and Manila, more and more Koreans are staying in Cebu City to get cheap ESL education. Tourism-wise, I think that's a good thing.
Before we knew it, it was already past 2:00 a.m.
K1 Family KTV
Crossroads Arcade
Banilad, Cebu City
(032) 412-1111 / (032) 412-2222
The next day saw Edwin and I enjoying the city day life. It was our last day so we decided to make the most of it.
My Cebu tale continues here:
Day 3 (Sunday): The Burger Joint, Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, Magellan's Cross, Larsian Fuente and Chez Andre
Currency Exchange Used: $1 = P46
After participating in the Make Your Own Havaianas Event at the North Wing of SM City Cebu, Edwin, Taps and I had a late lunch at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL). I treated them using the P1,000 worth of gift cert I got during a CBTL workshop I attended months ago.
We stayed there for a few hours while waiting for Chivs and John Paul who took us on a South stroll. Cebu City is divided into two congressional districts: Northern and Southern. The former is composed of 46 barangays while the latter has 34.
PHILIPPINE TAOIST TEMPLE
Our first stop was the Philippine Taoist Temple where a group of monks live and practice their religion. According to our friends, it is one of the sites in Cebu City most frequented by tourists. The worship center is located in a high-end subdivision called Beverly Hills, a few kilometers away from the city proper.
Climbing the 99 steps of the grand stairs leading to the main temple is not a simple feat. But go ahead unperturbed and you'll soon be rewarded with a panoramic view of the city.
The place was solemn and you could actually feel it. On normal days, you could light joss sticks and say your wishes. If you're more on the astrology side, you could have your fortune read by the monks. But since it was a Saturday and nearing dusk, we never got around to actually try those things. The guard on duty started refusing visitors when the clock struck six.
Admission at Philippine Taoist Temple is free but I think the monks would appreciate donation from generous people. After all, the place was founded and is being supported by the Chinese community in Cebu.
To get there, you could ride on a habal-habal (motorcycle) or bring your own private vehicle. In our case, we were fortunate to have friends who had cars. It was all a smooth ride.
Philippine Taoist Temple
Beverly Hills, Cebu City
MR. A BAR AND RESTAURANT
We had dinner at Mr. A Bar and Restaurant in Busay, Cebu City. It was a sumptuous dinner on top of a hill shared with good company.
Read my review of the restaurant complete with food photos here.
Mr. A Bar & Restaurant
Sitio Maasmum, Busay
Lahug, Cebu City
(032) 232-5200
MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK
To burn the calories, we strolled some more and got to Mountain View Park. It is an enormous nature park owned and operated by a wealthy business clan in Cebu.
Amenities include rented rooms, camp sites, rope bridges, picnic groves, cottages, restaurants, small eateries, karaoke machines at P5 ($1.08) per song, playgrounds and comfort rooms (built-in and portables), among others.
As the name suggests, the place is also overlooking the mountains and the city. It's quite cold up there so protect yourself by wearing a sweater or a hooded jacket. That night, it felt like Baguio. Or maybe it was just me when my attention was caught by the pine trees standing by the roadside.
Admission fee is P50 ($1.08) which is paid at the entrance gate. Again, the mode of transportation to get there is habal-habal (motorcycle). For convenience though, you might want to consider renting a car or ask your Cebu-based friend with wheels to drive for you.
Mountain View Park
Sitio Gorohe
Busay, Cebu City
(032) 231-5444 / (032) 231-5454
K1 FAMILY KTV
After the awesome view of the mountains, we headed to Crossroads to soak in Cebu's colorful night life. We entered K1 Family KTV and started belting out songs one after another. At first I was shy to sing but several hits later, I finally gave in. I enjoyed each song by not minding the quality of my voice (or the lack thereof).
The rates are reasonable. You pay P250 or $5.43 (Sunday to Thursday) and P375 or $8.15 (Friday and Saturday) per hour. Prices are consumable. One thing I noticed was that the place was full of Koreans. Just like in Baguio City and Manila, more and more Koreans are staying in Cebu City to get cheap ESL education. Tourism-wise, I think that's a good thing.
Before we knew it, it was already past 2:00 a.m.
K1 Family KTV
Crossroads Arcade
Banilad, Cebu City
(032) 412-1111 / (032) 412-2222
The next day saw Edwin and I enjoying the city day life. It was our last day so we decided to make the most of it.
My Cebu tale continues here:
Day 3 (Sunday): The Burger Joint, Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, Magellan's Cross, Larsian Fuente and Chez Andre
Currency Exchange Used: $1 = P46
Note: This is the first of the three-part post I made about my recent Cebu trip last 19-21 September 2008.
Photo Credit: http://www.wikipedia.org
Last Friday, I went to Cebu City for a weekend. This was actually my fourth time there. I still can't believe that despite that fact, I have only seen a portion of it. Cebu is a big city. With a land area of 291.2 km², it is almost eight times bigger than Manila (38.55 km²).
Annex of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño
There is so much to see and experience in the Queen City of the South. A short weekend is just not enough.
Upon arrival, the first stop was Jollibee-Banilad Branch for the birthday party of Chivs' son Rune Paul. I was with the company of Taps, John Paul and Edwin who fetched me at the airport. It was a fun party hosted by a fab, gay crew. I missed my Jollibee days back in 2001 when I was still a working student. I used to work part-time in a Jollibee store as a service crew and at one point, I hosted Jollibee kiddie parties just like him.
From there, we headed to SM City Cebu where the Make Your Own Havaianas 2008 had kicked off its 3-day event. The venue was jampacked with people. It was only 7:00 p.m. but the entrance had been closed already.
When Taps inquired from one of the Havaianas crew, we learned that they couldn't let more people in because of the super long line at the assembly counter where the crew assembled the flip flop materials chosen by customers on the spot. I was a bit frustrated. I just decided to return the next day.
We had dinner at our favorite coffee shop in Cebu City called Mr. Coffee, the owner of which I met earlier that day during the kiddie party of Chivs' son. His name is Rodrigo Go and he's the boss of our friend Charry. Small world!
in front of Mr. Coffee
Mr. Go was a real gentleman. He was also smart and very accomodating. We talked about various topics, from work and love life to business and economy. He even had the patience to explain to us in layman terms the implications to world economy of the recent catastrophe that befell Lehman Brothers. How is that for a conversation over savory meals and iced tea?
We called it a night at past 11:00 p.m. Mr. Go and Charry were kind enough to send us to our hotel. The next two days were both awesome and fun-filled.
Mr. Coffee Branches:
-Paseo, Cebu City
-Mango Avenue, Cebu City
My Cebu tale continues here:
Day 2 (Saturday): Taoist Temple, Mountain View Park, Mr. A Bar & Restaurant and K1 Family KTV
Day 3 (Sunday): The Burger Joint, Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, Magellan's Cross, Larsian Fuente and Chez André
Last Friday, I went to Cebu City for a weekend. This was actually my fourth time there. I still can't believe that despite that fact, I have only seen a portion of it. Cebu is a big city. With a land area of 291.2 km², it is almost eight times bigger than Manila (38.55 km²).
There is so much to see and experience in the Queen City of the South. A short weekend is just not enough.
Upon arrival, the first stop was Jollibee-Banilad Branch for the birthday party of Chivs' son Rune Paul. I was with the company of Taps, John Paul and Edwin who fetched me at the airport. It was a fun party hosted by a fab, gay crew. I missed my Jollibee days back in 2001 when I was still a working student. I used to work part-time in a Jollibee store as a service crew and at one point, I hosted Jollibee kiddie parties just like him.
From there, we headed to SM City Cebu where the Make Your Own Havaianas 2008 had kicked off its 3-day event. The venue was jampacked with people. It was only 7:00 p.m. but the entrance had been closed already.
When Taps inquired from one of the Havaianas crew, we learned that they couldn't let more people in because of the super long line at the assembly counter where the crew assembled the flip flop materials chosen by customers on the spot. I was a bit frustrated. I just decided to return the next day.
We had dinner at our favorite coffee shop in Cebu City called Mr. Coffee, the owner of which I met earlier that day during the kiddie party of Chivs' son. His name is Rodrigo Go and he's the boss of our friend Charry. Small world!
Mr. Go was a real gentleman. He was also smart and very accomodating. We talked about various topics, from work and love life to business and economy. He even had the patience to explain to us in layman terms the implications to world economy of the recent catastrophe that befell Lehman Brothers. How is that for a conversation over savory meals and iced tea?
We called it a night at past 11:00 p.m. Mr. Go and Charry were kind enough to send us to our hotel. The next two days were both awesome and fun-filled.
Mr. Coffee Branches:
-Paseo, Cebu City
-Mango Avenue, Cebu City
My Cebu tale continues here:
Day 2 (Saturday): Taoist Temple, Mountain View Park, Mr. A Bar & Restaurant and K1 Family KTV
Day 3 (Sunday): The Burger Joint, Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, Magellan's Cross, Larsian Fuente and Chez André
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My Life Adventure in Photos