First trip of 2015: Cebu City

I declare 2015 to be the year that I will explore the Philippines and hopefully nearby Asian countries on my own. I will take it one place at a time. 

Basilica Minore del Santo Nino

Last week, I was sent to Cebu to cover the press launch of Cebu Pacific's lifestyle reward program, the GetGo. The event was held at the Movenpick Hotel in Mactan Island at Lapu-Lapu City. 

Since the coverage was only overnight, I decided to extend my stay in Cebu for another night. Why? Because, the truth is, even if it wasn't my first time at the Visayan province, I still hadn't visited Cebu City's touristy destinations, like the Basilica del Sto. Niño and the Magellan's Cross for example!

Fuente Osmeña

But more than that, I really wanted to explore one of the Philippines' oldest towns, dubbed "Downtown Cebu," and immerse myself in the Cebuano community. After all, that's what travelling really is, right?
For my extra night, I stayed at Summit Circle in Fuente Osmena Circle (or the rotunda), and the hotel is just above a Robinsons Mall (coincidentally, both properties are also owned and run by the Gokongwei's of CebuPac).

Checking in late in the afternoon, I immediately went to go to the old town square by taking the multi-cabs that pass by the hotel. The ride was nice because in a way, it was sightseeing in itself. And the driver was kind enough to bring me to my destination. 

First up was the Church and Convent of Santo Niño. One of the oldest churches in the province, the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino was first established in 1565 by Augustinian fathers led by Rev. Andres Urdaneta. 

Serving as Cebu's head church, the basilica had a steady stream of people visiting and praying that day, even if it was a Wednesday. The security guard even told me that it wasn't as much as the crowd on weekends. "Hindi na magkasya ang tao," he noted. 

Upon entering the vicinity, I immediately saw people lighting candles as an offering for their prayers. I lighted six candles myself for six of the most important people of my life. 

And then, I went inside the church itself and there were also many Cebuanos. Younger ones were just sitting quietly, while older ones were practicing older traditions like kneeling up to the altar in prayer. 

Meanwhile, a long line of people were awaiting to touch the image of the Santo Nino, which is really the center of church's faith.

The church had a garden with a beautiful wishing well, as well religious statues. Also surrounding the church are images of Mother Mary, Jesus Christ and other saints encased in glass. 

Acts of faith

And in whatever relic or moment, people were always paying their respects. That was why the agnostic me was really touched by the faith of the Cebuanos. 

Warm smiles

Besides exploring the Basilica, I also chatted with a group of female employees sitting in front of the Cebu City Hall, standing mighty beside the basilica. They readily offered their warm smiles to me when I asked to take a photo of them. 

Unfortunately, the Magellan's Cross was closed for renovation because it was also affected by the 2013 earthquake that hit Visayas.

After that, I walked to the nearby Carbon district. Brave and alert, I actually walked the back streets, which very much looked like Binondo or Divisoria. There were old establishments for trades of all sort. I thought there would be danggit at the Carbon Public Market but there wasn't.

So I walked the area some more to where I could get another jeep to Taboan Market, the famous place for danggit, pusit and other edible pasalubong like the otap and Carcar chicaron. All of the above was included in my must have for my matakaw family.

The bustling district of commerce, Carbon

Hungry from all the walking and photographing, I had to take the cab this time back to Fuente Osmena and straight to Larsian. Oh Larsian! 

Inside, a food haven awaits me

A famous dining destination in Cebu City, I would have not known this place if not from the recommendation of CebuPac's Allan Florendo, head of GetGo marketing. 

From what Sir Allan told me, I imagined Larsian to be a dampa style of dining where you get fresh and raw food, usually seafood, and have it cooked by the food outlets. The difference was that instead of each outlet cooking your food privately, there is a big grilling area right at the center of Larsian. 

Going around, I found a spot that appeared to me, the most friendly to a lone diner. So I sat at the tip of the long table, away from the group of family. While waiting for my local sausage, they simply call it sweet and spicy chorizo, and white marlin to be grilled, three strangers sat near me. 

Alone no more! My dining buddies that night.

Talking, I heard the American tell another foreigner that it would be exciting to eat at the place. It appeared that it was his first time. Ever the madaldal me, I commented I am quite excited as well as it was my first time too. 

And with that, I got the invitation to join them in dinner. And I did because it was the chance to share and hear new stories. As it turned out, the American named Dana was joined by his Cebuana girlfriend Bing, and the other one, Peter, was a Scot who was traveling around Asia for a month. The trio met at the airplane coming from Palawan to Cebu. 

Masarap!

Because we were eating, the subjects of our conversation became food, local delicacies from all over the Philippines, and Scotland's very own cuisine, which was very interesting. We also talked about traveling, of course!

After that, we parted ways with filled tummies and an unforgettable night. 

The next day, it was time to head back to Manila. But there was no getting home until I had my Avatar, an accessories brand originating from Cebu, as well as the famous Cebu lechon, said to be one of the best in the entire country. 

Accessories heaven

The perfect lechon

Fortunately for me, both could be found at the Mactan International Airport so I spent my remaining time shopping and eating, again! 

'Til next time Cebu! There are still so many things to do and see in this Queen City of the South. 

(ALL PHOTOS ARE MINE. TAKEN WITH NOKIA LUMIA 1520)

25 at 2015

OMG, quarter life crisis. 

Kidding! 

But seriously, it's ringing 2015 in a few hours, and I'm turning 25 in a few days. And I couldn't feel more excited, and afraid at the same time. 

Ask why? Because although 2014 have brought me new experiences--I've went to new places, and met new faces--the year passed rather insignificantly in general. But I am not complaining. I'm even very thankful for everything that has happened in my personal life, family and relationship, and of course my journalism career. 

This is, in a way, an acceptance. That even if 2014 became so-so, 2015 I promise will pave way for greater things. This is the year, and the age, that I will get closer to my other, and definitely bigger dream. 

That's why I am excited and afraid altogether. I pray to God, who has always been so kind and giving, to guide and help me. May things fall into their respective places. 

To 2014, I am saying goodbye to you with no regrets. 

And to 2015, I am ready for you so you better be good! 

Discovering Bohol after the earthquake-Part 2

(Conclusion)

After getting familiar with many of Bohol's more popular sights--like the Chocolate Hills, its tarsiers, and the heritage churches--more adventures await first-time visitors of the province. 

As experienced in the "Countryside Tour" by CCT.168 Travel and Tours Corp., the Visayan island has a rich biodiversity, which many local communities have learned to treasure by showcasing its beauty. At same time, they also protect it and earn from it altogether! 

I believe Bohol is one of the best proofs of how eco-tourism can uplift the lives of people. See, it's an example of a beneficial relationship between human and Mother Earth. 

Appreciating nature

A cruise along Bohol's Loboc River

One of Bohol's most famed eco-destination is its Loboc River, a scenic 11-kilometer stretch of deep green freshwater reflecting the lush forests surrounding it. And what makes the attraction unique to Bohol is that the scenic river can be cruised and enjoyed on board floating restaurants.

Filipinos love to eat, especially when boodle style!

Usually, traditional Filipino food is served in a buffet style by different floating restaurants but for the media group, a fun and delicious boodle fight was arranged. Savored were pork humba, grilled seafood, sotanghon guisado (sautéed noodles), chicken inasal, grilled vegetables and hefty servings of rice. Appetizers and desserts were also prepared. 

At the end of lunch and the three-kilometer cruise going inland, waterfalls await at the base of the mountain. A floating viewing deck is available to snap some shots. If you're lucky, there may be locals who will give you a good photo opportunity like this!

My favorite photo from my 3-day Bohol trip

On the way back to the floating restaurants’ port was a quick stop at the riverside Cotozan Balsa Performers Association for songs and dances from the Loboc community.

Touristy thing. 

While Loboc River is best experienced by day, its counterpart Abatan River is magical by night. 

Running along the towns of Cortes, Maribojoc, Balilihan, Antequera and Catigbian, Abatan is Bohol’s third largest watershed. 

It is famous for thousands of fireflies that live in mangroves. Every night, bandong, or small boat, goes to parts of the river for firefly watching.

To further understand nature, our tour guide Joshue Hinay also took us to the Punta Cruz Watchtower in Maribojoc. There, one can see how the earthquake thrust the seafloor previously submerged in water. After the natural phenomenon, about 5 kilometers-stretch of the southwestern coastline was extended to as much as 50 meters. 

The view from Punta Cruz shows how the earthquake thrust up
the seafloor previously submerged in water

For a culinary experience that is also close to nature, enjoy a dampa-style dining outside Tagbilaran’s Manga Market selling fresh seafood bounty from Bohol’s seas.

Panglao’s wonders

Bohol's tourism industry has come a long way. It started off as a diving spot for Europeans as early as the 1980s. By the 90s, the province became a side trip for tourists of nearby Cebu. By the turn of the 20th century, it finally became a stand-alone destination.

Today, the province has opened up not only to the rest of the country but also to the world thanks to its accessibility, as well as its many accommodations ranging from affordable to luxurious.

Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort offers privacy and quiet

For the DOT fam tour, media participants were billeted at the Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort in Panglao Island, which is on the southwestern tip of the island.

Bluewater Panglao's cozy restaurant invites guests
to have a filling breakfast before a busy day tour

Unlike those situated along the island’s famous Alona Beach—also called the “Little Boracay”—Bluewater Panglao offers privacy set amidst a tropical paradise and white-sand beach. Its well-appointed 54 rooms reflect the traditional but sophisticated Filipino design by artist, furniture designer and craftsman Benji Reyes.

Complementing the overall experience is a restaurant offering international and local fare, a poolside bar, the signature Amuma Spa of the hotel chain, and sparkling swimming pools.

The resort also houses a warm and caring staff that makes it one’s “home-away-from-home” when in Bohol.

On why stay in Panglao instead of the mainland, Joshue pointed out its proximity to Bohol’s countryside destinations, like the Loboc and Abatan Rivers. Connected by two bridges to the mainland, it takes about 30 minutes by private or public transport to get to Tagbilaran City, and one to two hours to reach other attractions like the Chocolate Hills. 

Panglao is also the best starting point to the famous diving spots for underwater adventures. One can go hopping from one island to the next, including Pamilacan, Balicasag, and Virgin islands.

Pamilacan Island is home to two sea sanctuaries
that give a glimpse of just how colorful Bohol's waters are 

The media group was able to explore Pamilacan Island, home to two sea sanctuaries. Through snorkeling, I was able to get a glimpse of how colorful Bohol’s waters are. 

The merienda prepared by the locality

An authentic merienda, featuring boiled earth crops and sweetened fruits paired with the locality’s corncob coffee, was also prepared. 

Pamilacan Island is 45 minutes away by pump boat from Bluewater Panglao. The beach resort also arranges and offers island activities, diving, boat tours, fishing, and dolphin or whale watching, among others.

Another discovery at Panglao was the Hinagdanan Cave, discovered by a farmer during the pre-colonial era to be lying quietly underneath his farm. Then, only two crevices in the roof’s cave served as entrance with bamboos as hagdan (ladders), thus the name.

In modern times, a bigger entrance was made when a big tree was uprooted. Concrete steps were built for tourists to easily come and go. Once inside, there is a hidden crystal clear lagoon with eight-feet deep of brackish water.

A beautiful ending

To conclude the three-day Bohol visit, hosts from DOT together with our local guide, brought the media group to a day tour in the Bohol Bee Farm, also in Panglao.

The Bohol Bee Farm opened in early 2000s as a guesthouse-cum-restaurant serving owner Vicky Wallace’s sought-after cooking. Today, it has grown to a 4-hectare property with villas, swimming pools, organic greenhouse farming, and complementary livelihood and pasalubong centers.

Enter the Bohol Bee Farm!

But despite all its progress, its highlight remains to the restaurant that still serves the recipes of the owner, who also concocts all other edible products—from dips to ice creams—sold in the property.

For the media group to have a filling lunch before leaving Bohol, the farm prepared a buffet of its favorites: organic garden salad, Cabcab appetizer, seafood soup, grilled fish, honeyglazed chicken, spare ribs, seafood lasagna, organic red rice, and homemade breads, dips and ice creams.

(Clockwise from top left) Braised spare ribs, Cabcab with pesto and green tomato,
 seafood soup and grilled fish

No trip is complete without pasalubong-buying. The best place to get souvenirs and delicacies is at Apronia Souvenier Shop near the Tagbilaran Airport.

Be it something historical, cultural, environmental or gastronomical—beautiful Bohol truly has it all. 

(Text originally published for The Manila Times. All photos are mine, taken using Nokia Lumia 1520.)