The heavenly beauty of Samal Island

Once again we venture the heavenly white sand of Samal Island at Igacos, Davao... been here every so often whenever I wish to unwind, away from the stressful urban life. Usually it will take you 5-10 minutes for Babak or 45 minutes for Kaputian/ Talikod.

Ways to reach Samal Island: 

1. Bus…just have to wait along Magsaysay park

2. “Lantsa” (motorboat) along Sasa via Babak
3. “Lantsa” (motorboat) along Sta. Ana warf
4. Barge
5. Hired “lansta” (motorboat) for the resor
6. Water taxi

               

With me were my colleagues and their families. This has been part of our tradition in the office…to reward ourselves with a cheap yet blissful and wonderful fellowship in a perfect place. 

We hired a motorboat that will tour us around Samal Island for 6, 500Php good for 40 pax.  In short we only contributed 300php each for the motorboat rental and snacks, plus BYOB food enough for everybody.

1^st Stop: Coral Sanctuary where we stopped for almost 2 hours to give us the chance to dive  and swim.

2^nd Stop: Babusanta where we ducked and stayed for 4 hours to swim and have our lunch.

3^rd Stop: Angel Cove last stop, where we stayed for another 2 hours to dive and swim.

It’s a fun fun fun summer in the Philippines especially in Davao City. We’re so filled with (1) the food…because the letchon completes our meal (2) friendship (3) experience.

Thanks for the gift of nature! Let all of us be genuine stewards of HIS creation. Amen

Cebu to Bohol's Daring Quest

October of 2011 was the first time we traveled outside Mindanao as a family. My son Myer Josef was on his 19th month old, and I thought of availing the free plane-fare for infants below 23 months. Indeed, we only paid 200Php for my son, free from terminal fees and others.

My husband and I decided to visit Cebu, the place was not new to me since I had almost a year experience of living, working and studying here (as a call center agent...from People Support, Convergys, Qualfon...then studied at Cebu Normal University wanting to earn MA in Special Education). 

Yes, I accepted the fact that I will be my husband and son's tourist guide. Just before the travel I make it a sure that everything will be all set...so I paid in advance our accommodation at Capitol Tourist Inn (just along Fuente Osmena) through my friend Winston Jaculan (thanks to him). The place was intentionally favored and chosen, because it’s near Siomai sa Tisa which I really long for (aside from Larsian and food chains around).

Day 1: Davao - Cebu (Oct. 30, 2011)

October 30, 2011 past 5pm we landed at Cebu International Airport via Cebu Pacific with Winston at the waiting area. Was glad to see an old friend way back 2007 (he used to be my buddy during my discernment, self-processing and moving-on year). We hired a taxi heading to Capitol Tourist Inn...and so many things shared while on our way. At the Inn, we just unloaded ourselves from our heavy bags then off to Robinsons for dinner...and chitchats continue. Past 9pm we parted and decided to call it night and rest.

Davao International Airport - Check-In area

Day 2: Downtown Cebu (Oct. 31, 2011)

1st Stop: Sto. Nino Basilica and Shrine just around downtown Cebu

Basilica del Sto. Nino

Basilica del Sto. Nino

2nd Stop: Magellan's Cross along side Basilica del Sto. Nino

3rd Stop: Cebu Cathedral across Sto. Nino

4th Stop: Fort San Pedro walking distance from the Cathedral

 

5th Stop: SM for lunch...good to see Mandarin Tea Garden at SM Cebu

 6th Stop: Asiatown IT Park at Lahug

It was already past 3pm and my son was tired, so we headed back to the Inn (rest mode)...with us was Michelle a good friend from Davao who was assigned in Cebu during this time. 6pm waking time...we only had a takeout dinner at KFC - Fuente for I knew it’s not really safe at all to walk along the streets at this time. After dinner an old friend Beverly with her cousin visited us…completely we hang out at the room reminiscing the past bonding and “kabuang”.

Day 3: Simala Shrine Trip (Nov. 1, 2011)

8am we began the day…a jeepney ride going to EMall then South bound terminal. We took a non-aircon bus bound to Sibonga. For almost 4 hours of travel…we took a motorcycle ride going to Simala Shrine proper…then lunch just outside the Church. Attended the celebration of the Holy Eucharist/ Mass, say our petitions and thanksgiving then venture on the fully constructed Church run by the Marian Monks.

We left the place around 2pm and stop-over at Carcar Rotonda for chicharong baboy and other delicacies for “pasalubong”. Another 4 hour travel…we headed back to the Inn for rest.

Late 8pm when another friend Loloy visited us…another chitchat with him.

Day 4: Bohol (Nov. 2-3, 2011)

The assigned tourist guide for this adventure was Michelle. We took the supercat ride via Tubigon. Well, I didn’t remember much of this travel…I opt not to remember anything because of a not so clear itinerary. Anyway, I still had a great time seeing the place and the uniquely known Chocolate Hills. We stayed at Tagbilan then one whole morning at the city. And headed back to Cebu.

Last night at Cebu…busy packing and last minute purchase of “pasalubong” at Shamrock, Fuente.

Day 5: Going Home to Davao (Nov. 4, 2011)

Early 6am we headed to McDonalds, Fuente for breakfast then off to Cebu International Airport. Had a great time…was not given enough time to say hello to my friends in Cebu but I am and I was happy seeing my son and my husband filled with another experience of culture and tradition as we go around Cebu City.