Surigao Chronicles

 

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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
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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:
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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.

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DAY 2 – June 18, 2016 Saturday
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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:
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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.

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DAY 3 – June 19, 2016 Sunday
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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:
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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.

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DAY 3 – June 20, 2016 Monday
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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:
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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.

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DAY 4 – June 21, 2016 Tuesday
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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:
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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
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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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There were also selling foods and viands in the place.

IMG_4545According 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

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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.

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Rodeo Grill’s Best seller – Texas Sizzling Chicken – 169 php
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Arkansas Tender Ribs – 269 php for Man size while 199 php for Girl size

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Lasso Noodles – 129 php
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(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.

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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

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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.

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Selfie ta oy!
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Selfie ta baa! Artiha oyyyy!
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Our first picture when we arrived near the infinity pool
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That’s our financer *joke* ☺

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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.

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Finally, he owned the pool

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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.

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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

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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!

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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.

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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.
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Photo op with Korean party pips! 😀

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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.

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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

Be Happy at BE!

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Last November, me and my boyfriend celebrated our first at BE Resort Mactan. We availed of their Day use promo because we had a work on the night that day. It was worth 3487 PHP inclusive of room accommodation, use of resort facilities, set of lunch (appetizer, main course and dessert) and one round of drinks but if without the room accommodation it’s only 899 PHP per pax. When we went there, we were the only customers there. We really own the place. Thank you BE! 😀

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We stayed here – BE CHIC. Photo Credits: cebu-bluewaters.com

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The resort is so Instagramable. The colors in their rooms are so cool in the eyes. The place is also clean and cozy.

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This was so unexpected. Honestly, my boyfriend always teases me that he will never give me flowers because its just a waste of money but there “TADA”!

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Most of the furniture in the resort are creations of famous Cebuano Mr. Kenneth Cobonpue.

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About his verdict? He was also happy how we celebrated our day. Hi lablab! ♥

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Be Resort gives a tropical feeling and a budget  friendly than other resorts that I’ve been. Its simplicity and elegance made me decide to certainly go back here and try to stay for a night. Maybe this summer? How about you? What’s your plan this summer?

 

Be Resort Mactan

Punta Engaño Mactan Lapu-Lapu Cebu, 6015
Phone Number/s: +63 32.236.8888
Email: mactan@beresorts.com
Mode of Payment: Cash and Credit Card

Bucket List

  • make a blog
  • get a passport
  • zipline
  • bake a cake on my own
  • learn how to play billiards
  • ride on an air balloon
  • join a fun run
  • buy my own camera
  • go skydiving, scuba diving, parasailing, skimboarding, canyoneering and surfing
  • snorkelling and finding Nemo 
  • Travel somewhere nice in the Philippines:
    • Baguio City
    • Benguet
    • Bohol
    • Panglao Island 
    • Camotes Island
    • Coron
    • Pagudpud
    • Bantayan Island
    • Manila
    • Vigan
    • Dumaguete
    • Negros Island
    • Isla de Gigantes
    • Silay City
    • Tagaytay
    • Siargao
    • Batanes
    • Surigao
    • Boracay
    • Siquijor
    • La Union
    • Bacolod
  • Tour in another country:
    • Singapore
    • Hong Kong
    • Thailand
    • Malaysia
    • South Korea
    • Paris
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • Dubai
  • take a music class
  • climb a mountain
  • volunteer a charitable works
  • ride on a cruise ship
  • yoga
  • camping
  • love ♥

How about you? Share your bucket list and life goals to us! 🙂

bucketList

City of Pines – Baguio City

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After our Ilocandia Adventure, we directly went to the City of Pines – BAGUIO! From Vigan to Baguio is 4 hours and 30 minutes land travel. We left Vigan at 3 in the afternoon. As usual in the van we just took some rest. We stayed in Callalily Pension House and Apartment for 2 days and 2 nights. Our room was nice, it’s an apartment-like roomOur room has 4 beds and many extra mattresses. You can cook and they have also a small kitchen and a balcony to the pines outside.

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Friends for keeps ♥

Two of our friends didn’t join our tour for our first day in Baguio because the girl was not feeling well probably because of the weather condition. So they just stayed in our apartment.

Day 1 of our Baguio escapade started going to La Presa. Yes, in La Presa. We traveled 30 minutes from Baguio Cathedral. I noticed there were many people in Baguio then they have also a version of their traffic yet you are safe in crossing in pedestrian lanes. Good drivers!

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Familiar isn’t it? Actually it’s Agnes (Liza Soberano)’ house in drama series “Forevermore”

When we went to La Presa, I’m so happy because there were not so many people visiting there not like what I have seen from some photos maybe its because of the weather. There were so many stalls selling souvenirs, foods, and shirts anywhere in the place.

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When you want to take a picture wearing the Igorot costume you have to pay 20php.
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The actual name of Sitio La Presa is Sitio Pongayan.

After La Presa, we went downside in Fort Gen Gregorio H. Del Pilar. It’s known as PMA Academy. When I was young I want to be an army. I don’t know why maybe its because I’m too much addicted watching action animes and movies before. Yea that’s me! 😉 but my mom said that girls weren’t allowed there. Hayst.

If you want to go to PMA Academy, you have to wear closed shoes for the men and strappy sandals for women. Slippers and short shorts were not allowed if you want to tour inside the academy. The place was so quiet. Yes, because it’s an academy of our future armies and they had also classes on going even if that time was Sunday. We were so late when we went there, we’re not able to watch their formations. 😦 The students were so disciplined. When they passed by and walked outside their rooms, they were so silent. Even if we took pictures with them, they were so silent.

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Philippine Military Academy – Melchor Hall
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Fort Gen Gregorio H. Del Pilar Field

After in PMA Academy, we went also to Bell Church, Camp John Hay and Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad. This was the first time I tasted strawberries. I thought it tasted sweet, but I was wrong. It was so sour. I’d rather eat the ice cream and “taho” than the fruit itself. Then we also went to Burnham Park. We stroll, we rode a trike because I don’t know how to drive bikes and we tried also row a boat.

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Bell Church
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We just took a selfie outside Butterfly Sanctuary.
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Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad
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Strawberry you like?
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How about strawberry ice cream?
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or the strawberry Taho? ♥
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Row row the boat at Burnham Park
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Pool of Pines – Wright Park

Ending our day 1 tour in Session Road, we ate our dinner in Mang Inasal, SM Baguio. Because of my craziness, I really asked one of the guards in the mall do they still turned on the air conditioners inside the mall. The Kuyang Guard just laughed at me. HAHAHAHA! After our dinner we went to Night Market in Harrison Road.  They have lots of varieties there from street foods, ukay – ukay, souvenirs, and flowers. For me, this was my cheapest ukay-ukay experienced. I saw 3 for 50 PHP sweaters. Big traveler bag for 50 PHP and they’re also their RTW’s way cheaper than mall prices.

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The Mansion

Our Day 2 in Baguio and our last day, we woke up early and ate our breakfast in 7/11 store. There were so many 7/11 stores around Baguio. Our first stop was in The Mansion, we didn’t take so long there. We just took a picture near the gate. One of their guards is a Cebuano. We were shocked he suddenly asked us, “Taga Cebu mo? Taga Labangon bya ko.” Wow! Then after the photo op we crossed the street, then took a picture of the famous Pool of Pines in Wright Park. Wright Park is just fronting the main gate of The Mansion. Riding ponies are the most favorite among people but not for me. I feel pity for them.

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Mines View Park

As our last day, we bought some souvenirs in Mines View Park. Because most of the people usually recommend to buy souvenirs there because it’s cheaper than the other, but a trip to Baguio will never be complete without bringing home ube and strawberry jams from Good Shepherd and it’s near in Mines View Park. We also had a quick visit at Baguio Botanical Garden and took a selfie with those Igorot Lolas ✌.

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Peace yo nigga! ✌
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Last family picture together with the Lolas

Before we leave Baguio, our guide brought us in Good Taste Cafe and Restaurant for our lunch. We’re a little bit doubt of possible prices of their food because the ambiance was like a restaurant in a hotel. Yet when we were checking their menu me and my boyfriend ordered Beef Curry Rice and Fried Rice with Chicken for him and iced teas. Then when our orders arrived, were so shocked of their big servings that we paid 200+ for us two. You should also try their famous chopsuey and buttered chicken.

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Lion’s Head – Kennon Road

Lastly, a tour to Baguio won’t be complete without photo op with the Lion’s Head in Kennon Road. Just beside the lion head are a few small stalls of selling woodcarvings and other handicrafts.

Baguio offers a lot of attractions and destinations that promotes its heritage and its indigenous culture. The place is highly-urbanized. Yet they still epitomize it’s culture by representing it though traditions that are celebrated through festivities and maintaining its culture as a part of their modern society. I hope people can save it from becoming a congested tourism.

Thank you Baguio! ✌

Sizzling Pepper Steak

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My friends working near in Ayala introduced me to Sizzling Pepper Steak because it opens early in the morning, then when we tried it, it’s also affordable. Me and my friends tried their group meals offered.

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We went back again but with my other half. We ordered the breakfast meal for two. The meal includes the choice of soup, the sizzling of your choice and iced tea drink.

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When I had my first time here I’m so curious about what that gray tube is. Then when our sizzling orders arrived, it turned on so eventually I realized its an exhaust. ^.^

Their location is in Ayala Center Cebu, The Terraces. Just right beside Breadtalk and The Pancake House. When we arrived there, we were the only customers during that time because it’s still 7 am in the morning that time.

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Egg drop soup
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That’s my order, Beef Pepper Rice ♥ *My favorite!* ^.^
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My date ^.^ ♥

I love their place. Their food is so affordable. Price ranges from 150-600 PHP. So what are you waiting for!

Sizzling Pepper Steak is a casual Japanese themed steak restaurant, steaks served on a hot plate. It is a sister company of Pancake House and Teriyaki Boy.

 

Sizzling Pepper Steak

Ayala Center Cebu, The Terrace
Operating Hours: 7am – 10pm
Mode of Payment: Cash and Credit Card