Cebu: Queen City of What Now?

 

The first time that I went to Cebu, it was just a short two-day visit. I was not satisfied because the trip was like an overnight stay in Cebu only and then we headed to Bohol. So last week, I headed to Cebu for a 4-day vacation and enjoy the city at a slow pace.

It was a mistake for me that during this four days, I did not go to its outskirts where the beautiful islands are, or as they say, where the paradise is. I stayed in the main city and got easily bored with the scenery. I cannot really relate or enjoy the talks with people there, because they seem so proud of their local roots that they appear arrogant to tourists, especially to those coming from Manila. It was very different from Bohol indeed.

 

 

  

With these four days, I went to visit the ever famous Magellan’s Cross and the  churches (Cebu Cathedral and Basilica Minor del Santo Nino), Fort San Pedro, tops, taoist museum and Crown Regency Hotel’s sky adventure (sky walk and edge coaster). I did try eating at the barbecue place, where I enjoyed the most; even better that Crown Regency’s buffet. I did not go to museums as I believe (and even Paulo Coelho) that I will not learn anything from it. It’s best to explore local culture by interacting with them rather than looking into the old photos and relics.

 

 

 

For a traveler who’s dying to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city, I suggest  to avoid the city of Cebu at all cost. Cebu city is far from a peaceful town or small city because for me, it is even nightmare! I have travelled to different Metropolitan cities and I can say that Cebu is even worse than Manila or Quiapo. What’s even an eyesore are the local women in the constant look for foreign husband and vice versa.       

 

 

With all due respect, I do not generalize that all foreign tourists go to Cebu to look  for Filipina bride but based on my observation, it’s almost like most of them are there looking for wives and girlfriends, and not just for a simple travel leisure. From an outsider’s point of view, this can have a negative implication or that it can give Cebu a negative image. This has given me negative vibes on Cebu, specifically Mandaue City. It’s like the Philippines and Cebu specifically, has become the queen city for Filipina dating or for Filipina girls wanting to marry Westerners. In my opinion, this is just absurd and pathetic.  

I have yet to discover the islands of Mactan, Bantayan and Malapascua. I am  sure that the next time I will go back to Cebu, I will head straight to these islands. And I almost feel it now that the next time I go there, it will be a different experience. I am excited now with my future trip, so that I could write something nicer about Cebu.

 

Till we meet again Cebu…

XOXO

The 10 Best of Everything

 

 

For travelers, photographers, writers and lover of life! Here’s a book that features the best of everything.

 

 

 

This deluxe, entertaining dream guide showcases the experience and savoir-faire of such luminaries as Prince Charles on architecture, Arnold Palmer on favorite golf courses, Luciano Pavarotti on opera houses, and Baron Philip de Rothschild on the best vintages. Scores of experts name the 10 best islands, poshest pubs and polo clubs, best things to do on Sundays afternoons in the world's best cities, and a treasure trove of musts for the high-end traveler or anyone who aspires to be.

The new Grand Tour includes 20 classic adventures, all experienced by the veteran travelers, with lush and enticing journeys to the Amalfi Coast, Great Barrier Reef, Shanghai, the Greek Isles, Antarctica, and more.

Studded with colorful illustrations, cosmopolitan sidebars, and savvy tips, as well as a wealth of options for getting there via land, sea, or air, this elegant and sophisticated book will awaken yearnings for exotic travel in readers everywhere.

 

Singapore is a FINE city

 

 

Recently, there are many people going to Singapore. This is especially true among Filipinos. Many are tourists and there are also those who go there to find work. The good business environment of the place makes it attractive for job seekers from all over the world. This makes Singapore as a fine city. The discipline of people and the penalties there make it a “fine” city. On the brighter side, this makes Singapore highly systematic and literally squeaky clean in all parts. 

 

 

 

 

For people in Southeast Asia, going to Singapore is easy because it does not require any visa. The cheap airfare or travel packages allow them to go back and forth to the city. Singapore is only a small city. You can tour the place in one day. To experience it fully, you can stay there for a week you will be able to explore most what is there.

 

 

When I went to Singapore, Universal Studios is not yet there. Today, this is already one of the main attractions. Visiting Singapore means going to the Sentosa, which is an man-man island resort. It offers a wide-range of tourist activities and facilities. It has gold courses, beaches and hotels. As a matter of fact, the Universal Studios is also housed in here. What I love most in this city is the ‘Songs of the Sea’ or the laser show set at the sea and the Sentosa Luge or the three-wheel cart.

 

 

 

 

 

For the shopaholics, they would also enjoy the city as it  offers luxury boutiques   like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and many more. People here are known for their expensive tastes thus making the stores of luxury goods profitable. The city is packed with malls. Even train stations are connected to malls or shops where people can buy just about anything.

 

 

 

 

I succeed going to Singapore without signing up to any travel deals or travel packages. As I have mentioned earlier, the city is just small that you will not be lost. Plus, they have one of the most efficient transportation system in the world. Their train can reach various parts of Singapore. And in case of you are not confident with the train, you can always go by the taxi.

Singapore is fine!

 

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Breathtaking Bohol

 

Bohol is one of the places here in the Philippines where both tourists and  travelers can enjoy. Unlike other places, it offers almost everything. It has pristine beaches, caves, churches, historic sites, wildlife, extreme sports adventure, the tarsier and the uniquely chocolate hills. For tourists, they will enjoy on the wide range of places to see and things to do. It is undeniable that the attractions are unlimited that on the case of travelers, they can really explore the island and learn more about it – the places, people, culture and its flora and fauna.

 

 

 

The island of Bohol, very cliché as it may sound, is paradise. I have been to the many beaches in Philippines and abroad but I must tell you that the beach in Bohol is one of a kind. It has one of the finest sands that I know. Many places may offer spectacular sceneries or beautiful backdrop of the sunset but Bohol is different. The overall view may be mediocre but the white and very fine sand of the island is something one of a kind. It makes you just want to lay down there all day and night long. Honestly, me and my brother stayed at the beach from morning until 9pm at night. We just can’t get enough of the beach!

 

 

You will not be short when it comes to beaches in Bohol. And all of these beaches  have unique beauty. Different water sports/activities are also here. There are diving and surfing spots in Bohol also. You can hire boatmen who can take you to the spots where you can watch whales and dolphins play. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Among the unique things in Bohol that one must not miss is its chocolate hills, tarsier, floating restaurant and the mahogany forest. The hills in Bohol, which is brown in color during the summer, is a major tourist attraction in the province. Experts say that there are thousands of hills in number. So you can just imagine!

 

 

Tarsiers are another must-see in Bohol. They are endangered species which are found in different parts of Southeast Asia. Here is Philippines, they can famously found in Bohol as well as in some parts of Visayas and Mindanao. They are locally known as Maumag and they belong to the family of Tarsiidae. On the way to the viewing deck of the chocolate hills, you will pass a beautiful forest also known as the Mahogany Forest. While it is a man-made forest, you cannot deny of its innate beauty. A butterfly sanctuary is also near the place. 

 

 

The floating restaurant is an added attraction in Bohol. If you want to have a more exciting lunch, you can go on board the buffet boat and cruise the Loboc River for an hour, accompanied by a band. And if you are lucky, you may also witness the heavenly voice of the Loboc Children’s Choir.

 

 

 

 

You can also put on your list of places to visit the churches, museums and historic sites.

 

If you are into extreme sports, Bohol has spots dedicated for extreme adventures also. This is one thing I was not able to do in Bohol that’s why I promised myself to go back to this island. We only stayed for three days and it was not enough. We enjoyed Bohol so much that three days would not be enough. My advise, spend at least a week or more.

 

 

 

 

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Quezon Province Adventure: Puting Buhangin Beach and Kwebang Lampas

 

The Quezon province has one many good beaches in the Philippines. As I  explored this place, I decided to go to one of their beaches known as “Puting Buhangin”. It was good choice for me to go for Kwebang Lampas since I was able to hike and visit a cave also. Before reaching the Puting Buhangin beach, you have to cross a river and hike. And on the side of the beach, there is a small cave named as Kwebang Lampas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The beach was really excellent. Surfers would definitely enjoy this place because  of the big waves. As a matter of fact, the strong waves has prevented me from really spelunking. Before we reached the beach, we passed through a body of water with really really strong waves. I believe it is dangerous to surf there because of the huge rocks on the water. But seeing the waves and the thundering sounds of the splash of the water is an amazing feeling. 

 

 

 

 

 

Going to this beach, we rented a van from Manila already. This is to avoid all the hassles of going through various modes of transportation, especially that we are going home late. We are afraid that we might not catch public vehicles going home.

 

 

 

 

But if you plan to go by public transportation, you can ride a bus from Cubao going to Lucena. You need to get off at the Grand Central Terminal of Lucena and from there, you can take jeepneys and vans going to Pagbilao. So, there you go, enjoy the beach!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are your guide books in travelling Philippines:

 

 

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