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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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! 😀
The resort is so Instagramable. The colors in their rooms are so cool in the eyes. The place is also clean and cozy.
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?
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 room. Our 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
Before we leave Baguio, our guide brought us in Good TasteCafe 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.
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.
Last September 2015, me and our friends went to the Northern part of Luzon, ILOCANDIA! *confetti on the side* It was my first time to travel without my parents so this must be a memorable trip for me. Our flight going to Manila was delayed so supposed to be it’s 11 pm and change to 2 am. I know what’s your reaction when you experience this. And so we arrive 3am at NAIA, then directly rode to our van because it was already in the departure area waiting for us so we started the 10 hours long ride. Of course, we have also stopped overs in case we want to eat and go to the comfort room. This must be the longest and the most stress land travel I ever had. Because of the delayed flight, we couldn’t follow on what is on our itinerary so my friends and our guide decided if we passed by place which was on our itinerary, we’ll just stop by.
After many hours traveled, when we reached the Ilocos Norte arch some of us jumped of happiness, then we reached also by Paoay Church. It’s 6 pm when we arrived at SM City Laoag. We realized that it’s our time to eat our dinner so we bought food and we’ll just eat in our hotel in Pagudpud.
Another one hour ride, I woke up because I heard some of our friends were frightened because we were lost. We never know that it’s creepy to travel on the evening in Pagudpud. There was no lamp post, especially going to our hotel. We didn’t know that our hotel is also a secluded place. I’m also scared because all we can see outside our van was trees and hanging vines. Creepy isn’t it? Good thing, our guide and the driver were very positive, then there they saw a small signage “Villa del Nico this way” and there was a stranger stand by. Our guide asked him about our hotel, so he told us that he’s one of the caretakers of the hotel. He’s just waiting for us. Finally! Thank you, good Lord!
Villa Del Nico actually is like a rest house turned into a resort. When we arrived here it’s so very quiet to think we arrived here at 9pm and we were so hungry. We directly prepared our food and eat our dinner, then took a bath and sleep. Their air conditioner was useless while some of their air coolers were not working well. The caretakers were so accommodating when they prepared for our breakfast. They also recooked our leftovers when we arrived there. Thanks Ate and Kuya!
Then the DAY 2 begins, it was very a long long day. We had so many places we’ve been. We had so many activities done. First, we went to Patapat Viaduct, then to Bantay Abot Cave then stopped over to Hannah’s Beach Resort at Blue Lagoon we didn’t take a dip on the beach because it was so hot and we’re also lazy to change clothes , Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and lastly to the ever famous Bangui Windmills. We went to those places for just 5 hours. You can identify that you’re in Pagudpud because of the windmills scattered anywhere. There were so plenty windmills around.
After we ate our lunch, we directly went to Marcos Museum and Mausoleum. Inside the Former President Marcos’ mausoleum, you can’t bring phone, gadgets or cameras to take a picture of his remains. There were three guards inside and we have to be silent as we entered there. At first, it’s kind a creepy because of the instrumental music played then it’s also cold inside. Then we also entered to their museum. We seen the memorabilias of Marcos couple. From their shoes, to their favorite “butong pakwan” (dried watermelon seeds) until to their vehicle plates.
The best activity during our Day 2 in Ilocandia was, the 4×4 Riding and Sand boarding at Paoay Sand Duuuunes! Yay! It was so fun and challenging, challenging that it made you crazy. The jeep sometimes will stop on the edge and then the Kuyang Driver will step on the gas so hard and drive you down.
When we head to our hotel in Vigan, we went to Calle Crisologo. They said that it is best to visit the streets during night time than during the day. There were some ancestral house that were converted into coffee shops, restaurants and disco club.
Last day of our Ilocandia Adventure, we woke up early and ate our breakfast. First we went to Pagburnayan PotteryMaking, then to Hidden Garden I bought a fortune plant for my mom :), and lastly to Baluarte. It made myself back to my childhood days when I had my first visit at Cebu Zoo. I was amazed of their talented animals. We also took a selfie with their famous dinosaur figures.
The long drives, butt hurts and back pains were all worth it. Ilocos offers a lot of varieties. It was so fun, thrilling and breathtaking. I was so amazed how people preserved the atmosphere, yet some of it ruined the vintage feel of the place. Thank you so much NSE Travel and Tours for helping and guiding us during our Ilocos Tour. From our accommodations, to our van and to how you managed to handle some circumstances. Kudos to Kuya Charles and Kuyang Driver!
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.
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.
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.
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
Every Valentines’ Day, me and my other half used to give gifts and dinner date anywhere. My bf doesn’t want me to give something for him I don’t know why. HAHAHAHAHA! But usually when I give gifts to him I give it in an epic and funny way. Like for instance, last Christmas I gave him a Bluetooth speaker. I asked his sister to set it up on his room, then he suddenly arrived and entered into his room, his sister played the Minion song (Bababananana!) and to his surprise, he found a Xmas card in the box of the speaker. Then, he immediately thinks of me. He really knew me a lot. Yes that’s me. Crazy huh?
First, on thinking how will I give it to him. I search a lot. I thought of following Ching’s idea on her blog, but I had so little time. So I used the free pitcher which I won in an event in SM Cebu. HAHAHAHA!
Pictures below shows how I troll my guy:
Presto! His team lead helped me because he had a rest day over time during Valentines’. He’s the one who kept and put the pitcher in my boyf’s station.
After our date in Anzani, he directly went to work, then he saw the pitcher in his station. He immediately asked me why pitcher? How will I use this? He really didn’t open it right away because he’s still figuring out on why did I give him a pitcher? HAHAHAHAHAHA! Later on when he opened it, he’s so happy that he will be having a new wallet.
One of the most epic slash fun slash prank I tried to him. HAHAHAHA! How about you? How you guys celebrated the Hearts day? How was it? Me? Well its obvious I really had fun when I’m with him. *Tsar!* ♥