CEBU

#CebuYess

A good friend went back home from Saudi, who's been there for a year. We decided to go to Cebu and booked a flight last October 2015. Everything was spontaneous, a DIY trip. 

Air fare rates:

January 20, 2016, Wednesday

Manila to Cebu 

(Air Asia)

1,100 pesos

January, 24, 2016, Sunday 

Cebu to Manila

(Cebu Pacific) 

1,280pesos

Good thing we got some promotions from the airlines. If you'll have the cheapest fare, the better.

Day 1

January 20, 2016

Wednesday 

Our flight was at 0715. We were at the airport an hour before the flight. Everything went well and arrived at the Mactan International Airport at around 0840.

We took the white cab (outside the airport) going to the North terminal. The driver gave us tickets for the insurance. Cool!  We paid 170 pesos for the trip. It takes less than an hour to get there. 

From the North terminal, we took a van going to Hagnaya port and paid 150 pesos/head for the trip. It takes 3-4 hours to get there. We had several stop overs, don't you worry. (You can also take airconditioned or ordinary buses from the North terminal to Hagnaya port.)

*I suggest that you bring some snacks in case you get hungry or thirsty. 

Since the van that we took wasn't a direct trip to the Port. (Cause we were in a hurry and didn't want to wait). We still took a tricycle and paid 40pesos/head.

The tricycle that looks like a super mini jeep

We were an hour early for the trip, so we had breakfast just outside the port and had some, ihaw-ihaw, like, chorizo, longganisa, barbecue, hotdogs, chicken and puso /puh- soh/ (rice).  It was an affordable and delicious meal. I was so stuffed and paid 67pesos for the food and softdrinks. Nice, right?

We took a ferry at the Hagnaya Port at 1330. It has a strict schedule, so you really have to catch it on time. We paid 170pesos + 10pesos for the terminal fee. It takes 2-3 hours to get to Bantayan Island, Sta. Fe.

Daily Sailing Schedule at Hagnaya port
(Going to Sta. Fe / Bantayan Island)

*I suggest that you bring some snacks in case you get hungry or thirsty.

*Before the ferry leaves, some Ate and Kuya sell buko juice and bananacue inside 

*There's a mini store on the ferry, where you can buy snacks, drinks, noodles etc.  

From the Port, you can see a lot of men/Kuyas asking to take you to your destination, via van, pickup or tricycle. Since the port is just near our resort/hotel, we took the tricycle and paid 20pesos/head. It takes 10 minutes to get to Beach Placid (Resort and Restaurant).

Another kind of tricycle that we rarely see in Manila

Where we stayed for a couple of days in Bantayan Island.
"Beach Placid Resort and Restaurant"

Our mini air-conditioned kubo
(3D2N: 1,300pesos per head)
1 bed, 2 pillows, 2 towels, 1 blanket, a bathroom with shower, 1 table, 1 open closet & a balcony
Request for additional mattress and other stuff is okay.

DISCLAIMER: 2 friends went to Bantayan earlier than us, so they were the ones who chose the resort and ran some errands. We just got there, less hassle. Special thanks to Ikay & Cheska. 

We took photos, swam and had dinner at the resort's restaurant. The food was awesome! Most especially the sizzling squid which I ordered twice, for dinner and lunch (the next day). We also had a couple of beer inside the resto. Pilsen it is. 

My friends met a boatman and settled an island hopping tour the next day. We rented the boat for the whole day for 1,300 pesos + 100 for the goggles. (We divided the expenses to 6). Since the call time was 9AM, we didn't drink much.

DISCLAIMER: The deal was 1,500pesos for the boat and 100pesos for a pair of goggles. Since we're good at bargaining, we got the boat for 1,300pesos and 2 pairs of goggles for only 100pesos.

Day 2

January 21, 2016

Thursday

We had breakfast at the resto before our 9am call time for the island hopping tour. 

Virgin Island
One of my favorite islands, so far.

Cottages are clean and enough for the travelers, with shower rooms, white sand, clear water, huts, life guards, accommodating staff, floating cottage; where you can go snorkeling, rock formation & a wonderful view. 

Us, invading the beautiful island

Entrance fee at the Virgin Island
Rates: The cheapest cottage rental costs 300pesos

We stopped somewhere to go snorkeling with our boatman. (Kuya Nestor) Preparation for the Oslob weekend trip, snorkeling with the whale sharks ("Butanding" in Filipino).

We got back to the resort to have our late lunch and went sunbathing. 

We had dinner at MJ square and had inihaw party. Barbecue, chicken skin, longganisa, chorizo, chicken wings, grilled pusit and lomi. They offer reasonable price. I think I only paid 100+ for my dinner. Cool! 

Shake me! 

I had large banana shake for 85pesos

Perya.
Ping-pong game 

Too unlucky, I lost a hundred 

Day 3

January 22, 2016

Friday

Check out at 12 noon of January 22, 2016, Beach Placid.

Beach Placid

(Beach front)

RATES: It is one of the hotels in Bantayan Island that offer reasonable price for room rentals. They give discounts and open for requests. They accept debit and credit cards. Unfortunately it didn't work for us. I don't know why. So, you really have to prepare some cash because there isn't any ATM near the place.

STAFF: They are accommodating & friendly, most specially the waiters. They make sure that you'll have everything you need. They also serve delicious food and drinks in the resto. I so love their Mango Shake! 

SECURITY: Security guards are present 24 hours a day. It's safe! 

ROOMS: They have several air-conditioned rooms and kubo with balcony and hammock (duyan). The shower rooms are okay, I mean, not so bad.

BEACH FRONT: with huts and chairs 

FOOD: The price suits its taste. 

LOCATION: Just beside the Anika Resort

RECREATION: Billiards in the resto. It's too short for us. So funny, we didn't play. You can rent a bicycle, if you want to. They also offer a massage service, just inform the receptionist.

SHUTTLE: They provide a shuttle service for land transfer. From the hotel to the Port

There are several "carinderias" or food stand around the Port. We had our lunch there before the 1330 ferry schedule.

Upper deck
It is more windy and relaxing here.
FYI: There is a television in front of us. 

We're tired so we slept on the ferry the whole trip. It takes 2-3 hours to get back to the Hagnaya Port. From the port, we took an ordinary bus going to Cebu proper. It takes 4-5 hours including the stop over, I think + Heavy traffic jams in Cebu. We went to SM Cebu and took pictures lol. We waited for some taxis going to Fuente Pension House, where we'll stay until Sunday. It is where Cheska's (our NFF, Ikay's friend) friend lives. We are so grateful that she accepted us in her apartment. Special thanks to Glezzie, our instant-cool tourist guide! ( I hope you're reading this. :) )

Glezzie brought us to the famous "Ihawan sa Cebu", Larsian

There are several food to choose from. All of them are soooo delicious.
We've been craving for this since Day 1 and now we're here. Fantastic! (I wanna cry)

DISCLAIMER: I ate too much. Had 4 puso /puh-soh/, squid, barbecue, chicken skin, pork and seaweeds (which I tried for the 2nd time, still not a fan #serry)

Seaweeds with tomato and onions, variety of grilled food, puso /puh-soh/ (rice)

ALCHOLOGY, Mango Square, Cebu City
We party like teenagers. lol
3 bottles of Bacardi for a night #BoomBasag

We danced all night and slept all day.
We missed our Saturday Oslob trip and moved it on a Sunday morning.
(I look like a giant in the picture. Eww too tall)

Day 4

January 23, 2016

Saturday

Since we drank too much last night, we overslept and missed our Oslob trip. We decided to go out for a city tour instead. 

We had brunch at the famous Pochero-han, "Abuhan"

BULALO
More cholesterol, more fun
We had "SABAW PARTY" and ordered bulalo (Beef), sinigang na baboy (Pork) and sinigang na hipon (Shrimp)
Some also added, fried rice, tortang talong, chopseuy etc.
(Hangover no more!)

We needed more energy for the city tour that's why we ate a lot. Our first stop was at Basilica Minore del Santo Nino Church and Magellan's Cross.

Basilica Minore del Santo Nino Church
(Front view)
There's an area near the church where you can borrow umbrellas. (The yellow-maroon umbrellas)
Skirts, shorts, sleeveless and daring clothes are prohibited. (DISCLAIMER: We were wearing those prohibited clothes in the church. #HuwagTularan :) )

Basilica Minore del Santo Nino Church
(Inside)
We stayed for a few minutes and prayed, for the good company, safe trip and a happy life.

(Located in front of the church)

The Magellan's Cross
Where you can pray and offer some candles for thanksgiving.
I was so amazed to see this historical cross in person, which I often see in textbooks way back when I was a student.

Next stop was at Tabo-an Market. It is a place where you can buy goodies or "pasalubong" to the peeps you left in Manila lol. Since there's no tricycle in the City, we took a jeepney. (Jeeps have codes, a number and a letter on the roof which is equivalent to the location or destination. You have to know or memorize the codes but since we have Glezzie, we didn't have to worry.) If you're not familiar with the codes, you can ask anyone in the area including the jeepney driver if it'll pass your destination or not. Asking questions is the key for you not to get lost. Good luck!

Danggit and other dried fish
They cost 500+ per kilogram but you can have 1/4, 1/2 etc. It depends on your budget.
You can also buy dried mangoes, piaya, peanut kisses and a lot more.
Remember: These stuff aren't allowed in the plane as hand carry baggage, so make sure that you'll put them in a sealed box and check them in at the counter.

This might be the reason why I smelled stinky right after we shop
P.S. Don't stay too long or else.... you'll smell like a fisherman's wife (just kidding)

We went back to the apartment via cab to drop off the goodies we bought. We smelled really bad so it's a necessity for us to shower and change clothes. Next stop was Mactan.

We took a cab from the apartment to Mactan Shrine. It takes 45 minutes to get there. We paid 200pesos+ for the trip and divided it to the number of peeps in the cab. (Not bad!)

Mactan is the perfect place for you to buy souvenirs.
They have a lot of affordable stuff to choose from. I bought shirts and tank tops for only 100pesos (each; depending on the size and color).
I got a sling bag (50pesos), sandals (100pesos) and keychains (10pesos each)
I also bought 2 ukeleles for 550 pesos each with bags.
My friend bought a guitar with cover that costs 1,800 pesos. (Good quality, low price) Cebu is known for their guitars so I am happy I got my ukelele there.
REMEMBER: You can have your guitar as hand carry baggage at the airport. (Not allowed for check ins)

LAPU-LAPU
A fearless salute for you. 

We had dinner at the "STK ta Bay sa Paolito's Seafood House"
We tried the famous Tuna Panga, breaded shrimp and Tuna kilawin.
We also had the original pork belly and pork belly with oriental sauce. (I forgot to take photos of them, too hungry maybe? :) )

Last stop was the Skywalk Extreme at Crown Regency Hotel, Tower 2

"I am more afraid of losing you than facing this 38 storey building." #choz
Face the heights, not the fear.
DISCLAIMER: I am not afraid of heights. For real. 

The squad.
They faced their fears and enjoyed the walk, maybe. #unsure
It was an extraordinary experience. Another first. (Thank you lord!)

You'll have 3 shots of photos in the Skywalk Extreme. First is the solo pic that I posted, second is "that" group photo and the other one is on the glass-part of the building where we hung our legs.

PHOTOS: 12 photos cost 750pesos (your choice, optional). You can get all the photos you have for 1,000pesos. The files were saved in their USB stick.

RATES: Entrance with one ride (your choice): 550pesos

            Entrance with 2 rides (your choice): 750pesos

RIDES: Skywalk extreme, Edge coaster, Paramount Climbing, Zipline (2 way)

The Edge Coaster
It's better to tilt it harder. :)
DISCLAIMER: Other friends didn't join us so I had to ride this Edge coaster alone. However, Ate, one of the staff, accompanied me and tilted it all the way. It was a fun ride.
Another 3 shots of photos in this ride.

DAY 5

January 24, 2016

Sunday

We got up at 4 in the morning to catch the early bus ride going to Tan-awan, Oslob, Southern part of Cebu. We took the cab from the apartment to the South Terminal. From the South terminal, we took a bus going to Tan-awan, Oslob. We're just on time for the bus ride so we didn't have to wait. The trip takes 4-5 hours including the stop over. (170pesos) *The earliest ride, the better. Save time.*

MB's Sunrise View ResortTan-awan, Oslob, Cebu
Contact number (posted on the picture)
Rates: 500 pesos for snorkeling and swimming with the whale sharks (with snorkeling equipment and life vest)
Additional 100 pesos for the locker & shower rooms

Orientation before the whale sharks encounter

Things to remember:

-Don't apply sunblock or any kind of lotion/cream. It may poison the whale sharks. (If you did, take a shower first before snorkeling)

-Don't touch the whale sharks

-Keep distance, 4m away from the whale sharks

-Don't take photos with flash

-Don't smash the water, it may disturb the sleeping whales #choz

Whale sharks huntingUse a gopro, if you have one, to take underwater photos.
P.S. I recommend that you have to get one for documentation and picture taking. :) Cameras do capture happy moments. #yolo !

FAQs

1. Afraid of the whale sharks?

-You shouldn't be. They are harmless.

2. Can't swim?

-Me too. :) You can wear a life vest though. However, I didn't wear one cause it's difficult to go deep down the water and take nice photos with the whale sharks. I trust my friends too much, I surrender my life to them. #choz They didn't leave me. Thanks guys! (I hope you're reading this)

3. No gopro?

-You can rent theirs for 500pesos (Just ask your contact person for details.)

4. How long is the activity?

-30 minutes

5. Is it safe?

-Yes, I am a living proof

6. Do you have life guards?

-Kuya (boat man) will look after you

7. Can I use my own snorkeling equipment?

-Absolutely. That's way better.

8. I don't want to go snorkeling but I want to see the whale sharks. What should I do?

-Just stay in the boat and watch your friends enjoy hihi (Loser! :p)

9. What to wear?

-swimwear or rashguard

10. Are there a lot of whale sharks?

- YES! More than 10. They are amazingly enormous

11. How can the whale sharks go near you?

-boat men feed them with "alamang"

12. From 1-10, how would you rate the experience?

-10! 10! 10!

DISCLAIMER: Huge waves in the ocean so it was a bit difficult to swim with the whale sharks. #StruggleIsReal

Next stop was Tumalog Falls. We took the habal-habal (twice) from the "Whale sharks area" to the falls.

Tumalog Falls

Us, enjoying the cold-creamy white waterfalls
"Who's happy?, Raise your hands!"

We didn't have much time so we left Tan-awan, Oslob after lunch. Our flight was at 9:35PM. I recommend that you spend a day or 2 for you to explore more islands and waterfalls in Oslob. It was such an awesome experience indeed. :) (God created wonderful things. I am still amazed!)

DISCLAIMER: We didn't shower and rode a bus going to the South Terminal.

We arrived at around 5PM in the Cebu proper and took a shower and rest. Since we're running out of time, we had fast food for early dinner. We left the apartment at 8PM to catch the flight.

Us, saying good bye and thanking Cebu for a roller-coaster ride experience
At the Mactan International Airport (while waiting for the delayed flight)

Cebu Pacific flight was delayed. What's new? :) We arrived in Manila past 12AM and had a super late dinner/ midnight snack somewhere in Las Pinas City.

What to bring:

• clothes (good for 5days)
• swim wear / rashguard
• sling bag (for your valuables) / waterproof bag (optional)
• gopro/camera
• powerbank/cellphones/broadband
• towel
• hygiene kit
• slippers
• malong
• leggings (for the City tour: shrines and churches)
• sunglasses
• sunblock
• id or printed boarding pass (for the flight/ web check-in)
• pocket money, I think I spent 11K for the trip (excluding the air fare) I spent too much, that's why.

You can check out our pictures on Instagram and Facebook. Just click the hashtag (#CebuYess)

Thank you for your time.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter: @akpagunsan

See you on my next trip!

#iamakap