Camp Netanya: Before the Destruction

Camp Netanya Resort and Spa is known as a “Little Santorini of Philippines”. Many resorts nowadays have their own Greek-inspired architecture, one of them is Camp Netanya. Located at Brgy. Ligaya, Mabini Road in Anilao Batangas. 2-3 hours drive away from Manila. Yes, as a Bisaya, I really don’t know how far does Anilao from Manila. Anilao is known as “underwater photographer’s paradise” because it has many dive sites that offers incredible diversity. Anilao has a large number species of corals, fishes and other sea creatures. But because we only had limited time, we didn’t try to check it though.

We arrived 10am and the sun is scorching hot. Luckily, they have unlimited complimentary drinks. After our travel, we decide to eat our lunch first. As in grabe maka “Jenet Jackson”. 🔥💥

Minutes after we arrived in their lobby, we noticed their chandelier is swaying and the floor is shaking. An aftershock hit the place during that time. It was the following quakes that occurred last April 4 that destruct in some parts of Luzon particularly in Batangas.

My friend attempted to seat on one of the chairs then get up again immediately. She couldn’t take too long to sit there.

After our lunch was prepared, I thought they would serve and bring it down near the pool, where we were staying but, we have to go up again at Greeka Restaurant where we will have our lunch.

What can you say about the view? ♥

Hi Olives! :*

Every details, accessories, the walls, chandeliers down to their plants are Greek-inspired.

April 8, 2017, the day after our visit to the place. A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck the province on the afternoon. Anilao is near to the epicenter of the quake that caused damage to a building in the resort. See the photos below:

Photos from Ryan Valle

As of now, Camp Netanya Resort and Spa is is now temporarily closed for renovation.

How To Go To Camp Netanya

1. Ride a bus going to Batangas City. (Bus Terminals with Batangas City Route are found in Cubao or Buendia).
2. Ask your Bus Driver to drop you off at Batangas Grand Terminal.
3. Ride a jeepney going to Mabini Batangas and drop off at Anilao Batangas.
4. Ride a tricycle going to Camp Netanya Brgy Ligaya.

Travel Fare Breakdown

Cubao – Camp Netanya (Php 310)

• Php 175 / person – Cubao to Batangas Grand Terminal
• Php 35 / person – Jeepney from Terminal to Anilao
• Php 100 / way – Tricycle to Camp Netanya

Camp Netanya – Cubao  (Php 316)

• Php 100/way – Trike from Camp Netanya to Anilao Crossing
• Php 30/ person – Jeepney to Bauan
• Php 8/person – Jeepney to Diversion
• Php 8/person – Tricycle to Batangas Grand Terminal
• Php 170 / person – Bus to Cubao

Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams Tour

It was the first time for the Coldplay to perform here in the Philippines. When I heard that they’ll be having a concert here. I really save a lot. Just a short story here. I remembered April 2016 announcements here and there that Coldplay will be coming and my friend Adrian also wants to go. Then November 2016 came, the announcement of the exact date of the concert and the ticket prices.

Fast forward in buying the tickets, after my work I went directly to SM Cebu but then I didn’t expect that many people will also buy. As the mall opened, people are running, then went ahead to SM tickets near IMAX. As we were lining and given priority numbers, we also tried to check online on our phones then SM online had system shutdown after 4 hours it went back but the tickets were sold out already 😭😔💔. But still we didn’t lose hope. We booked for our plane tickets and for our accommodation. AAAAAND~ March 2017 came the SM Tickets announce that they’ll be selling tickets again. Finally I am holding the ticket! I really want to scream and jump of happiness.

Yehey! Happiness to the nth levels! 😍😍😍

This was minutes before the concert starts. 😍😍

Coldplay is composed of four members namely Chris Martin (lead vocalist and keyboardist), Jonny Buckland (lead guitarist), Guy Berryman (bassist) and Will Champion (drummer).

COLPLAY: A HEAD FULL OF DREAMS CONCERT SET LIST

“A Head Full of Dreams”
“Yellow”
“Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall”
“The Scientist”
“Birds”
“Paradise”
“Always in My Head”
“Magic”
“Everglow”
“Clocks”
“Midnight”
“Charlie Brown”
“Hymn for the Weekend”
“Fix You”
“Heroes” (David Bowie cover)
“Viva la Vida”
“Adventure of a Lifetime”
“Kaleidoscope”
“Don’t Panic”
“Ink” (fan request)
“Amazing Day”
“Something Just Like This”
“A Sky Full of Stars”
“Up & Up”

I had been singing all throughout the concert. When the intro of the A head full of dreams starts to play, my heart beats fast as our xylobands start to light up. As Chris starts to sing, people are cheering and starts to jump. The experience was so amazing. I cried when they sang two of my fave songs of all time Fix you and A Sky full of stars. If there will be next time they will be back again, I’d still go, why not? But on a seat closer to the stage.

Valentine’s Day with my Bae ♥

Last Valentine’s Day, my boyfriend and I went to The Suite Room in their main branch in Ramos. It’s just situated beside Casa Verde. Their second branch is in 4th level garden view area at Ayala Center Cebu’s new wing.

Their ambiance is so nice. We chose the Ramos branch because it was Valentines day then possible that in Ayala will be populated and there might be many people also want to dine in there.

When we got there. There were only four of us (two couples to be exact). See! It’s like we just owned the place. We went there early because my partner has his shift after our date.

Baby back ribs served with shredded corn, side salad and rice, 588php

Bistro steak comes with a rice and choice of sauce, 395php

My partner ordered his all-time favorite Baby back ribs. He never thought that their serving is just as big as that. He thought it’s just the same baby back ribs in Casa Verde but no, they have the bigger serving. The Bistro steak is just the same serving in Casa Verde. All their dishes is served with veggies.

Hi Beb! ♥

Please don’t mind my shoulder 😛

All is well! The ambiance, the food, the price, their service is so perfect! If you are looking for a place for intimate dining together with your love one, add The Suite Room in your list.

The Suite Room – Ramos

#69 Lim Tian Teng Street, Ramos, Cebu City
Operating Hours: 10am – 10pm
Mode of Payment: Cash and Credit Card

Photo Diary: Sohoton Cove | Bucas Grande Island

We traveled 2 hours boat ride from Jadestar Lodge to Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande Island. This is where we waited for our number to called after we registered our names from information center.

As we arrived here, we were so amazed how green and blue the water is. While we stayed in the waiting area, the atmosphere is so serene and calm.

As we were going to Sohoton’s Jellyfish sanctuary, we passed by those trees above while listening to the jokes of Kuya Boatman 🙂

Two of my bubbly friends. Hi Joe and Lynn! ♥

Jellyfishes under our paddle boat.

As we arrived nearer to the heart of sanctuary, we were welcomed some of the jellies. They are sting-less and friendly jellyfish.

See! But some of my friends told me its just a few. There were months that it is plenty of them in the area.

After visiting Jellyfish sanctuary, we went back to the waiting area. Many people visited the place because it was weekend when we went there.

Going to the other side of Sohoton Cove – we passed by Hagukan Cave and some of my friend jumped at the cliff in the Magkokoob Cave.

Go Jatit! 😀

This place is like a paradise. The water is green and everything is so clean. Hoping the people behind preserving and taking care of the place won’t be tired maintaining the natural resources.

For my Siargao itinerary, just click on this link -> Surigao Chronicles ♥

Photo Diary: Siargao

My view during our travel from Surigao port to Siargao (Dapa Port). It takes 2 to 3 hours, but if you take a RORO shipping, travel takes 3 to 4 hours.

Yay! It is sunny when we arrived at Dapa Port.

Friends arrived at Tayangban Cave pool.

If you enter on that hole, you will pass under the road then get out on the other side of the road.

Road going to Magpupungko Pool.

Coconut trees i love ♥

Magpupungko Pool touchdown!

People enjoying the pool. Actually it is so deep yet it so appealing to dip in.

My partner enjoying it.

Cloud9 boardwalk had a surfing lesson.

The famous Cloud9 Boardwalk

Let’s do this!

Friends surfing.

Wave after wave.

Guyam Island

Guyam Island with Chamie 😀

Naked Island

Our view from Naked Island.

Many people visits Naked Island (not only Naked but also Guyam and Daku) because when we went there it was weekend.

During our visit in Siargao island, we can just sight Guyam island from our room in Jadestar Lodge.

For my full itinerary of my Surigao adventure, just click on this link -> Surigao Chronicles ♥

Surigao Chronicles

 

Last June, me and my college buddies went to Surigao Islands. As we booked our tickets last February, from then on, I can’t hide my feelings to be excited since I was always searching and reading blogs about Surigao del Norte and Siargao. Actually our plan was Surigao del Norte and del Sur (Tinuy-an Falls and Enchanted River) but we don’t have much time so we push to another plan.

 

Day 0 – June 17, 2016 Friday
——————————
8:00 – 9:30 AM – Flight from Cebu to Surigao
9:30 – 10:00 AM – Ride a tricycle going to Pier 1
11:30 – 2:30 PM – Going to Dapa Port (Siargao)
2:30 – 3:45 PM – Arrived at Jadestar Lodge in General Luna and ate our late lunch
4:00 – 5:30 PM – Prepare dinner
7:00 pm and up – Dinner. Chill at beach side. Rest.

Tips:
——————————
1. Be careful on choosing tricycles. They may ask too much for the fare. When we were going to the port from the airport the driver ask 30 php for each of us instead of 7 php.

2. Upon arriving in Dapa port, there were drivers who will flock on you to offer some package tours and luckily we choose Kuya Driver (I really forgot what was his name) for our Siargao tour. Same with the tips #1 be careful with the overprice drivers.

DAY 2 – June 18, 2016 Saturday
——————————
6:00 AM – Wake Up Call
7:30 AM – Going to Magpupungko Lagoon
8:00 AM – Stopover at Tayangban Cave pool
8:30 AM – Resume en route to Magpupungko Lagoon
9:00 AM – Arrive at Magpupungko Lagoon
12:00 noon – Going back to General Luna and eat Lunch
1:30 PM – Arrive at Cloud 9
3:30 PM – SURF. SURF. SURF.
4:30 PM – Taking photos and stroll at Cloud 9 Boardwalk
5:30 PM – back to Jadestar Lodge
7:00 PM – Dinner. Chill again. Rest.

Tips:
——————————
1. Entrance in Tayangban Cave pool is 20 php, in Magpupungko Lagoon is 50 php while in Cloud 9 there is no entrance fee but if you want to surf you have to pay 500 php for the instructor and board rental.

DAY 3 – June 19, 2016 Sunday
——————————
5:30 AM – Wake up call
7:30 AM – Going to Sohoton Cove
10:30 AM – Arrive and eat our Lunch in Sohoton Cove
12:30 PM – Finished our Sohoton cove and Bucas Grande tour
1:00 PM – Heading to the island hopping (Naked island, Daku Island and Guyam Island)
6:30 PM – Going back to Jadestar Lodge.
7:00 PM – Prepare for Dinner
8:30 PM – Dinner.
9:30 PM – Going to nearby souvenir shops
10:30 PM – Back to our lodge. Chill. Rest

Tips:
——————————
1. You should leave early in going to Sohoton. It takes 3 hours boat ride going there from Siargao.
2. Avoid going to Sohoton in weekends like us, we waited for 30 minutes for a vacant “bangka” for the tour.

DAY 3 – June 20, 2016 Monday
——————————
3:30 AM – Wake up call
4:30 AM – Going to Dapa Port
5:00 AM – 9:00 AM – Travel going to Surigao Port
9:30 AM – Eat lunch at Gaisano Surigao
10:30 AM- Going to Villa Torre Suites
11:00 PM – Prepare going to Mt Bagarbon Resort
12:30 PM – Start trekking Mt Bagarbon down to Looc-Mabua Beach
1:00 PM – Arrive at Looc-Mabua Beach and time to enjoy the beach
5:00 PM – Start trekking and went to Gaisano Surigao for dinner
6:30 PM – Dinner.
7:30 PM – Going back to Villa Torre Suites
9:30 PM – Videoke in the rooftop
12:00 midnight – Rest.

Tips:
——————————
1. The first trip in going to Surigao is 5am. You should be on time for the ferry will depart also on time.
2. If you want to go to Looc-Mabua resort you have to bring your own food because there is no stores near the beach. In our case, we bought our foods and drinks near Fiesta resort.
3. You are not allowed to collect pebbles.

DAY 4 – June 21, 2016 Tuesday
——————————
6:30 AM – Wake up call
7:00 AM – Two of my friends packed up to go back to Cebu. Eat breakfast.
8:00 AM – Bye bye friend 🙂
9:30 AM – Take a rest again.
12:00 PM – Woke up and prepare for city tour. Eat lunch.
1:00 PM – City tour (Luneta Park, Surigao City hall, Surigao museum, Grandstand, Lovely Pasalubong)
5:30 PM – Going back to the hotel
6:00 PM – Arrive and prepping for Dinner
7:30 PM – Packed up our things and movie marathon
10:30 PM – Lights off.

Tips:
——————————
1. Stroll around the park and try their street foods price ranges from 5-10 pesos.
2. When you want to buy some souvenirs, visit Lovely’s Pasalubong located in the stalls near Surigao Grandstand.

Day 5- June 22, 2016 Wednesday
——————————
6:00 – Wake up call
6:30 AM – Eat breakfast
7:30 AM – Going to airport
8:00 AM – Check in.
9:00 AM – Bye SURIGAO
10:00 AM – Hello CEBU 🙂

 

To sum up our tour. Here’s a video during our Surigao x Siargao escapade. Enjoy! 🙂

Hermit’s Cove

Farmhouse in Aloguinsan it is also there Tourism office

Last February, me and my friends went to Aloguinsan in Hermit’s cove. We gathered in South Bus Terminal and we arrived there at 7:00 am in the morning.

Before the habal-habal driver will bring you to Hermit’s cove, you need to stop over in Farmhouse which is also their Tourism office where the people who will go there (also the people going to Hidden Beach and Bojo River) to fill up something and pay registration fee.

The island across Aloguinsan shoreline is the Negros Island

The road going there is kind a scary and dangerous. The road is littered with loose gravel. If you’re driving a motorbike, please take extra caution.

Arrived the place at 7:00am

When we reached there, we need to attend and listen first to the orientation of Manang Odie who is one of the caretakers. Orientation for rules and regulation of the place. After that we paid the entrance fee 100 PHP.

Let’s start the Boodle fight!

When we arrived there, we directly left our things in our cottage and prepared our food. Some of the gang takes a lot pictures and changed clothes.

Tañon Strait

There were “bangkeros” who urged us to have an island hopping for 100 PHP per person. We accepted it and there we went to Tañon Strait. It is 15-20 mins from Hermit’s cove. We didn’t take too long there so we went back to the beach.

There were also selling foods and viands in the place.

According to Manang Odie, Hermit’s cove the place was discovered by a hermit and his name is Tabogon so the name of the barangay is Kantabogon for short for Cebuano phrase, “Kang Tabogon” which means owned by Tabogon.

Hermit’s Cove
Barangay Kantabogon, Aloguinsan, Cebu
Kantabogon Eco-Tourism Association (KEA) – 09235042066
Aloguinsan Municipal Tourism Office – 4699312
nonella.villegas@aloguinsan.gov.ph
http://www.aloguinsan.gov.ph

Rodeo Grill Barbeque and Sizzlers

Mine and Evelou’s favorites ♥

I had my first visit in their old branch located in Archbishop Reyes Ave. that was near in Ayala Center Cebu at the back of Hotel Elizabeth. Me and my family were loyal customers of Rodeo Grill. Because before most of their crews were my neighbors and their food is affordable. Their interior theme is a Wild wild west or Western like cowboys. The crews wearing red checkered polo and boots. Yes! There was this one time when this girl wearing red checkered polo entered the place, but she didn’t bother anyway, but most of the people there staring at her.

Rodeo Grill’s Best seller – Texas Sizzling Chicken – 169 php

Arkansas Tender Ribs – 269 php for Man size while 199 php for Girl size

Lasso Noodles – 129 php

(Left) Country Chicken Wings meal – 169 php (Right) Rodeo Grill Lechon de Cebu meal – 159 php

Rodeo Grill is certainly the best place to dine when you’re looking for good food, affordable price and large servings. Their meal consists of the main course, two cups of rice and your drink of choice. They prepare your orders in presto and seamless.

So what are you waiting for? Have you tried there? How was it?

 

Rodeo Grill Barbecue + Sizzlers

2nd Level, SM City Cebu
Operating Hours: 10am – 9pm
Mode of Payment: Cash and Credit Card

Rancho Cancio

Rancho Cancio is a private owned rest house which is situated in Barangay Adlanon, Busay Cebu City and just a few meters away from Ayala Heights. When we arrived there, we felt so relaxed because of the place. It’s so peaceful and tranquil that all you can hear were birds chirping and the owner’s dog howling.

Selfie ta oy!

Selfie ta baa! Artiha oyyyy!

Our first picture when we arrived near the infinity pool

That’s our financer *joke* ☺

I really love the place besides that it’s so relaxing, the view is worth a selfie. Actually, that picture above when I took it, I stood in the edge part of the pool. Yes, while my feet is shaking hahaha! ☺ The place was so cold when we got there since it’s in the mountainous part of Busay. And at night it is colder because it was drizzling that time that most of us off to sleep early after we ate our dinner. The things we didn’t like is the food. Before we went there we have to order our food while during the reservation. They have small servings, especially the rice hahaha! (Rice is life.) Luckily, we brought some snacks, cup noodles and coffee with us. Also the map they sent to us. If you will notice the map you can say that it’s just near Ayala Heights but when we went there it’s far from there. There’s no problem for some of us because we rode in their authorize van but we still have colleagues followed us in the afternoon because they still have work when we checked in.

Finally, he owned the pool

Getting there, from JY Square Mall head to Busay thru Transcentral Highway. You can charter a private van from the resort. The owners can also give direct details on how to get there.

We had this place all to ourselves.

Note: The owner prefers that their contact details should not be posted since they want to maintain their privacy and exclusiveness. So if you have questions or want to make a reservation, you may shoot your message to mountainfarmcebu@gmail.com.

LifeDance 2016

Every year before Sinulog festival, there were many events lined-up and one of it was Lifedance. Last January 2016 was our first time me and my friends to attend one. We had plans before to attend, but you know most of us were so busy with our life. And here it is, we really did it!

LifeDance, the country’s first ever outdoor EDM Party, kicked off its premiere event in Cebu; drawing an enormous number of people to the Boardwalk Complex last May 26, 2012. This was followed by another on January 18, 2013 dubbed as Life Dance Sinulog: Circus of Life and May 25, 2013 entitled Life Dance Wicked Summer. Life Dance is inspired by renowned dance parties around the world such as Tomorrowland, Zoukout, Sensation, , ULTRA and Coachella that have garnered a huge following over the years.

We had just drank one plastic cup of beer which cost 100 PHP,  but before we went to the event we drank in 7/11 near to the venue.

Photo op with Korean party pips! 😀

We arrived 10:00 pm at the venue and as expected, there were already tons of people gathered there. Most of them were already wasted, but still hype with the rave. When we arrived, it was Tom Swoon already on the stage.

Right after Tom Swoon, was the most awaited DJ. It’s DJ Snake! Yes, DJ Snake. That time I’m so excited to watch him because of his song Middle with collaboration with Bipolar Sunshine.

The people were so insane. They danced and sung their hearts out as DJ Snake played his songs with matching fireworks on the side. Of course me too, I sang along when Middle was played. I love this song because it’s so smooth and chill to hear. It’s so calm that it fits to listen during cold summer nights.

I took a video of my favorite part of the song and the people too enjoyed it *sorry for my interrupting voice* ☺

LifeDance Sinulog 2016 is co-presented by FOX, Star World, FOX Filipino, Channel V Philippines and Smart. For more updates, check out the event’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Don’t forget to add to your social media posts the hashtags #LifeDanceCebu