Everything you need to know about CebuPac Piso Sale 2016!

Cebu Pacific Air - a Philippine based low-cost airline, serving to almost 60 destinations worldwide is periodically giving out seat sales including the famous Piso Sale. I had my share of trying out their promos and yes it is not a walk in the park. As we all know, you have to go thru some challenges of scouring their website, finding the best dates, patiently completing the steps up until the payment option only to experience system downtime and you have to go thru the same hurdle all over again. But if you gone thru the payment option and made it to your itinerary, Congratulations, you have successfully booked a flight.

Ok seriously please follow these easy steps if you are really on a budget for that piso seat because why not;

1. Keep on refreshing the page, yes, like 20x or even more.
2. If you have no fix destination or you just want to take advantage of the sale then look for the route less traveled.
3.You might want to check the site at 4 o'clock in the morning while everyone is sleeping but not guaranteed.
4. If you are really that desperate then take a leave out from the office and stay in your room checking the site every moment within the sale period (yes, im serious!)
5. And lastly bring some extra patient like lots of them.
6. The number 4 is just a doomsday scenario just kidding hehe.

Now for the best part, expect some late arrivals, flight changes, delayed and worst cancelled flights, but that would be another blog post. Cheers and please make sure to come back later!

Here comes Barili..

It was a sunny sunday when we decided to go up south with my workmates when we notice a sign along the way saying, 'this way to mantayupan' so we pull over and take a look. It was the unnotice Mantayupan Falls of Barili a town before Moal-boal which was our destination. Barili is a bustling municipality 61 kilometers southwest of Cebu City or just about 1hour bus ride.

The word Barili comes from the name of a local grass called balili. The municipality was founded in 1632, though the parish of Barili was established in 1614. A cross was planted bySpaniards led by Captain Juan Juarado at their arrival at 1602, and still exists today. (wikipedia)

The falls is best accessible going to the town proper where roads are paved and cemented all throughout. Public utility vehicles are also easily accessible.

Hotel room discount!

Whether your skipping town this month or just to distress yourself from office stuff and hide away somewhere this special discount will got you covered. This is my way of saying 'thank you' for visiting my blog.

"A couple of months ago we started the Friends and Family program, giving insider access to special low hotel rates. This included all 4,200 of our hotels around the world across all seven of our brands: InterContinental, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.

The programme's been really popular with around 65,000 bookings made by people taking advantage of the special rates in just two months. There's been so much demand that the programme's been extended indefinitely for bookings made up to 50 weeks in advance.

I'm making this special insider deal available to you, and all you have to do is comment anything about 'cebu', please include your email so I will send you the promo link."

**by the way the author work for Intercontinental Hotels Group

Royal Vista Resort

The Royal Vista Resort and Functions Center at Imelda Aroma Mountain Paradise is the only resort of its

kind in the Visayas and Mindanao islands. It is a total water park recreational facility for enjoyment and relaxation. This Theme Park is equipped with very large swimming pool, waterslides, a turn-around river (Lazy River Cruise) situated on the mountain top, landscaped by 16 units affordable air conditioned cottages with telephone, television, and mini refridgerator. It has a full service air-conditioned restaurant that offers a wide variety of food selections.

We cater all types of functions (at the resort only), like: birthdays, company picnic and party, wedding, seminars, thanksgiving party, group gathering, etc. at a very reasonable rates. Our friendly staff will help you turn your imagination and dream occasion become a reality. Contact us for more details.

On your next visit to the island of Cebu, Philippines, or want to get away and have a relaxing vacation, experience the best and visit the beautiful Paradise with an eye-catching Royal Vista of its class.

We are very confident that you'll enjoy and experience much intriguing, view of the resort.

You can be assured of a service that you won't regret.

"Our business is to give you the best service."

FOR MORE INFO and INQUIRIES

Email us at: info@royalvistaresort.com

or contact us directly at (63) (32) 430-9346 or 430-9441

details here: http://royalvistaresort.blogspot.com/

Check here Royal Vista Room Rate

taken here: moryja.multiply.com/journal

CarCar & Argao: Southern Charm

church of st. michael the archangel

carcar dispensary

st. catherine's academy

leon kilat monument

A drive down the southern coast of Cebu offers relaxing views of mangrove beaches, arching roadside acacias and old architecture. Here are lomographs from our latest trip, some with my new Diana+ (http://www.lomography.com/diana), a lomographic reissue of a 1960s toy camera famous for its unpredictable blurring and dreamy vignettes.

Carcar City--the newest city in Cebu--is one of the oldest towns as well. Known for its shoe industry (home to the uncredited largest shoe in the world) and mouth-watering chicharon (pork crackles), it is also a heritage city. The city has around 50 houses built during the mid 19th century to early 20th century, like the Balay nga Tisa, Noel House and Don Mercado House.

Farther down south is Argao, my mother's hometown. Recognized for its baroque-rococo Church of St. Michael the Archangel that boasts of detailed ceiling frescoes and a grand 'retablo', all within the well-preserved colonial town plaza, we've frequented this place for years for quick vacations and to visit relatives, both living and dead.

One of the surprising finds in this quaint town is the recent rediscovery just weeks ago of an 18th-century chapel for unbaptized dead children, across the Church.

The author Edgar Alan Yap says "since the best things in his life came in surprises, he'll just feel his way around and enjoy the ride", you can get a peek of his travel blog here eazy traveler

**no photos in this article may be reproduce or republish by any means without prior consent from the author

Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort

Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort live up to its name hence it is literally hidden inside San Fernando's rainforest. The lush vegetation surrounding the area makes it verdantly interesting too. And the panoramic view of San Fernando and its neighboring towns completed the whole mountain resort thing.


Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort Traffic Rate Effective January 2008

Executive Family Room ( 4 pax ) P 3,500.00 Free breakfast for 4 pax
H&C, Aircon, Ref, TV,

De Luxe Room ( 2 pax ) P 2,500.00 Free breakfast for 2 pax
H&C, Aircon, no TV

Standard Room ( 2 pax ) P 1,500.00 Aircon

Native Room (2 pax ) P 600.00 Fan

Family Native Room ( 6 pax ) P 1,400 Fan

Dormitory Room ( 10 pax ) P 3,500.00 Aircon, (free entrance for 10 pax)

Dormitory Room (mini) ( 4 pax ) P 1,500.00 Aircon ,(free entrance for 4 pax)

Extra bed P 150.00

Entrance Fee:
Adult P 100.00
Child 4 - 8 yrs old P 50.00

Cottages:
Native Hut P 300.00
Table/Umbrella P 150.00

Social Area:
Sunflower P 1,500.00
Orchid A P 1,500.00
Orchid B P 1,500.00
Rooftop P 6,000.00

Function Rooms:
Sampaguita P 3,500.00
Sunrise A P 8,000.00
Sunrise B P 3,000.00

Amenities Rates:
Videoke P 150.00 / hour
Billiard P 75.00 / hour
Dart P 75.00 / hour
Trekking P 75.00 / person ( minimum 5 pax per group)
Camp Fire P 500.00 /event

Other charges
Grilling is free of charge (charcoal is P25.00)
Cooking Charge P 75.00 / kilo

Shuttle P 3,500.00 city-resort/vice versa

Corkage
P 200.00 / lechon
P 100.00 / case softdrinks
P 300.00 / alcoholic beverage
Room Rates :

Check –In Time: 2:00 P.M. Check-Out Time: 12:00 noon


Here's a sketch to get there:




For reservation and booking:

Please contact their Booking office at 032-4112690 located in Geson Bldg., D. Jakosalem St. Cebu City and look for REZA.


**all photos courtesy of Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort
*these are reference info only, all prices are subject to change without prior notice

Experience Nature, Experience Kawasan

photo courtesy of pamela

Kawasan Falls’ three-level cascade waterfalls lie secretly in the tropical rainforest of Southern Cebu. It is where a river falls steeply down the hills above the town of Matutinao. Its unique formation brings wonderful view to those that have experienced it. And not to mention the cool water, fresh air and tropical surrounding that you will only find in Kawasan.

How to get there:

Kawasan is 100 km southwest of Cebu or that is 2-3 hour ride, if you’re bringing your car you no worry because parking area is now available at the foothill. Before you can reach the falls you need to walk 30 minutes along a narrow path and cross 3 small bridges, well that’s already an experience. If you want to go there on your own, take a bus from SouthBus Terminal going to Badian and drop by at Matutinao church that cost P70-P80.

What to expect:

Please be reminded that Kawasan has three waterfalls, the biggest one is the most crowded, if you want to experience the other two you just have to climb uphill for 10-15 minutes. Kawasan is nature at its finest so apparently what you can expect is to savor what it has to offer. You may rent a raft to take you around or have nature massage you thru the falls therapeutic falling water. Restaurants are available and you can also bring your own food. Should you want to spend a night, resort rooms are available or you might go camping if you’re on tight budget.

Pls leave a comment should you have any question about Kawasan..

Choosing the right accomodation!

Whether it is a five-star luxury hotel or a pension house don't assume they offer the best accommodation that will reasonably justify the price you will pay. If you know which hotel you want, skip straight to the cheap-hotel section. If not, you need to pick a venue, within your budget, that's not a damp squib; and this involves cutting through the vast arrays of disinformation. Moneysavingexpert says, "The hotel star system is a mess; there's limited standardisation within countries, nevermind worldwide. Stars may be given by Governments, review organisations or even the hotel itself. Package tour operators tend to be overly generous; often a star higher than independent reviews. Yet they still provide a rough start point. It's important to understand that stars usually indicate the facilities available, not the quality of the hotel, so usually the higher the star the higher the price."

Here are some guidelines you might want to consider:

1. Lastminute.com sells top secret and very discounted room where you can't find booking directly in a hotel.
2. Check the reviews on TripAdvisor and customer's feedbacks on some online travel agent like expedia and travelocity.
3. Just because it's a 5-star it has a very nice accommodation, i tell you it doesn't always follow, try consider 2-3 star hotel, a hostel or even apartelles that has very good review.
4. Book in advance at least 6-8 weeks before your check-in date.
5. Compare prices from other online travel agent and from the hotel itself.
6. If you are booking a flight you might as well consider booking it as a package since most online travel agent give discount in package reservation.

That's it for now!

Camotes Island: "The Lost Horizon of the South"

photo courtesy of miggy

Camotes they said as the “Lost Horizon of the South” are loaded with fun-filled activities and attractions. Activities include spelunking /caving, snorkeling, diving, fishing, trekking, camping and a lot. Camotes attractions will surely wow your hungry-for-nature appetite like the “Bukilat Cave”, Lake Danao and Buho Rock.

How to get there:

Pumpboat ride (max of 4 hrs.)

via Ouano Wharf (near Mandaue Hospital and Mandaue Sports Complex)

Cebu-Camotes 1PM (everyday) (ETA: 5PM)
Camotes-Cebu 4AM (everyday) (ETA: 8AM)

via Danao (ETT:2Hours)

Danao - Camotes: ETD is 6AM; ETA is 8AM
Camotes - Danao: ETD is 1 PM; ETA is 3PM

Boat ride (max of 4hrs.): M/V Melrivic (Aznar)
Point of origin: Pier 1

Cebu-Camotes 12NN (everyday) (ETA: 4PM)
9PM (everyday) (ETA: 4AM)
Camotes-Cebu 12NN (everyday) (ETA: 4PM)

Or you can start at “Green Lagoon” in Compostela they have a ride to Mangodlong Resort by the way these two resorts are own by just one person, you can contact them at (632) 3458599

*Boat/Ferry cost: P250-300

* if you want to bring your car, catch the 12NN trip (Melrivic). fee is around P1,500 (per car).
* airstrip is still being renovated.

Accommodation:

Little Island Hotel
aircon: P1,500/rm
- 13 rooms
- can accommodate 3 in a room (extra bed: P500)

SeaView Pension (town area)
- fan: P200/person
- 2 rooms
- can accommodate 3 in a room

Costa Verde Beach House (a few kilometers from the town area)
- fan: 250
- 2 rooms
- can accommodate 4 in a room

Santiago Bay
- aircon: P500/person
- 4 rooms
- 2 persons per room
- fan: 300/person

Mangodlong Rock Beach
- aircon: P500/person
- 8 rooms
- 3 in a room

Cafe Z
- fan: P250/person
- 4 rooms
- 8 in a room
- aircon: P 1,500/room
- 1 room available
- 6 in a room

The Food:

Restaurants and carenderias abound in Camotes, some resort hotel has restaurant on it and serves food upon request. You can even go fishing and have them cook it for you serve hot, fresh from the sea for just a little amount, how about that?

Please be reminded that these are reference information only, it’s subject to change. Please leave a comment should you have any question and/or suggestion.

Thanks to unofficialplayer for some of the info.

Kitchie's Islands Banca Cruises Experience

Hi guys! I frequent Bantayan like it's just Mactan-- Tried going there 4 times (all weekends) last August and for this year, I went there like 4 times too.

The last time I went there which was last weeekend, we took The Islands Banca Cruises all the way from Mactan.... It took us less 5 hours and grabeh ang experience! Islands Banca Cruises is a new Pumpboat company wherein you can rent a big ass boat for a minimal amount and the services on deck are terrific! You can buy beer, soda and water from the crew! Where can you buy ice cold drinks in the middle of the sea right? 5 hours going there is just like driving all the way from Mactan.... but this is better coz you already get the feel of the ocean and thats what you've been looking forward to from the start of your trip, right?

On the way there, we passed by Sogod and we saw a pod of Risso's Dolphins!!! Truly Magnificent!! And accdg to the net, dolphins sightings in this area only happens by CHANCE!

We always stay @ Budjong Beach Resort (0923.3314.367, contact Vina) every time we go to Bantayan coz for us it is the best resort in the island--- not only its affordable but the beach in front of the resort is just so perfect. Plus currently, for the summer, there is a floating bar right in front of Yoonek.... very very cool!

Check out the pictures:






The contributor is the queen B of eternal happiness who believes that traveling is an essential factor that makes up your soul. You can reach her at kitchieuy at gmail dot com.

Bantayan Island Trip

photo courtesy of vanie

Hey there, I’m here again. Thanks for all the comments and suggestion and about backpacking Bantayan that you requested, here it goes. But I would like to remind you guys that Daanbantayan and Bantayan Island are two different things. Daanbantayan is a municipality somewhere in the northern part of Cebu while Bantayan is an island composed of small municipalities.

The most economical way to get there is to spend a 2-hour bus ride from NorthBus terminal to Hagnaya wharf in San Remegio then take a fast ferry going to Santa fe, approximately it will cost you P250-P300 including bus, fastcraft and motorcycle ride. If you go there during the Holyweek, you need to have earlier reservation unless you go on camping which I find exciting.



photo courtesy of tsin

Where to stay there?

Sugar Beach, Kota Beach, Marlin Beach Resort, Sta. Fe Beach Club, Budyong Beach Resort, Ogtong Cave Resort and there are lots of small cottages or houses that are for rent for transient travelers. Price range from P500-P2,500

Ferry Schedule*

Island Ferry Schedule

Hagnaya–Santa Fe/Santa Fe–Hagnaya

6:30am/5:00am
10:00am/8:00am
12:30am/9:30pm
2:00pm/12:00nn
5:30pm/3:30pm

FastCraft Schedule

8:30am/10:15am
11:30am/12:45pm
3:30pm/4:30pm

*During low tide the ferries are anchoring outside of the port and the passengers will be transported to the ferry by a small motor boat.

Update ferry Schedule here (2011) : Ferry Schedule

Internet Connection

Unfortunately guys I go there to chill and relax so I never got the chance to find available café offering internet service but my friend said SmartBro (Wifi) internet connection is already available in the island and some resort has broadband connection too on an hourly rate basis.

The Food

There are plenty of restaurants to choose, from international to local cuisine. Resort hotels also serve food upon request. For backpackers, carenderias are everywhere and for just 30 pesos you already have a sumptuous meal.


Contact Information:

Sta. Fe Beach Club + (63-32) 438-9090, 438-9107
Ogtong Cave + (63-32) 438-0165, 438-9129
Sugar Beach + (63) 917-7167182
Kota + (63-32) 4196135
Budyong + (63-32) 4385700

Backpacking Moal-Boal

My bad! I haven't posted the past few days. Anyways I want to take you down south before Badian where white sand is almost the same as Boracay. Moal-boal is just a few minutes away from the city where you can relax and indulge with fresh lemonade instead of capuccino. The sea was calm when we get there and the sun though excruciating complimented the whole backpacking thing. Resort abound in Panagsama, Moal-Boal like the popular "qou vadis" and "basdako" or so i thought. You might as well try Victor's, Hannah's and Sumisid Lodge. Price range from 1t-3t per room and can accommodate up to 6-10 people. If you're really on a tight budget there are small "kubo" and cottages you can get from P500-P800. Moal-Boal is also perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Bargaining at Taboan

Who says “Taboan” is just for the common tao? Maybe before but today Taboan is one of the most visited market in Cebu City by tourists and locals alike. It is famous for their “danggit buwad” or dried danggit and other special delicacies. It offers variety of dried fish and cured seafood stuff like “nukos” (dried squid), “hebi” (dried shrimps) etc. Dried fruits like the best-selling dried mangoes are also available in Taboan. Don’t worry your wallet will not get dry in there since their price is very reasonable, especially if you buy in bulk. Just don’t forget to demonstrate your bargaining strategy and you’ll get the best deal of the day.

Old Cebu

Evidence of old Cebu is predominantly present in the “carbon area” from Greco-Gothic architecture to old churches and century-old fort. You might not notice it in the front view but when you’re seeing it on top of a building numerous old structure are very apparent. Here are some photos I have taken on the top floor of MCWD building except for the Basilica del Sto. Nino.

Magellan's Cross

It took me 20 years to realize that Magellan’s cross located in front of Cebu City Hall is not the actual cross although it really stands to where it is situated right now. What you are seeing is actually just the replica of such cross since the original cross is protected by the government from people who are chipping it believing it has healing power. But some people just can't give up the faith that easy they still regularly visit the cross praying, asking for healing. Some consider it as an altar while other dropped by lighting some candles. Some might still even think it's the genuine cross. Whether it’s original or not I still believes it has power to remind us of Cebu’s historic glorious past.

Misilak na'ng Adlaw

The sun brilliantly scattered its light painting the sky indigo red as we get nearer the port area when someone at my back saying in an undertone voice “misilak ng adlaw”. I was reminded of a new start after my Lola died few weeks ago. The sun shines again after darkness struck my life. The sea was calm and the melancholy of the sky vanished. And after I set foot I look back and remember her death once more and leave it behind. The sun rises, so shall I.

Holyweek Alta Vista Pardo Way

Okay, holy week is coming to town, again. Usual stuffs are rushing in from beach vacation to mountain isolation. Some just spend it watching tv while other chooses to reflect. But I prefer going to the beach and spend worthwhile time with some friends. After all it’s the only time your boss forced to give you some break unless you’re working in a callcenter.

Cebu has a lot to offer for Holy-Week bakasyunistas, from beaches to old churches, mountain resorts and a lot more. Cebuano’s has religiously preserved Holy Week traditions so even if you're spending your time in some part of the city it will still be a pleasurable divine experience. But if you want your once in a lifetime 5-day off heavenly affordable and gratifyingly sacred I suggest you try visit Alta Vista Golf and Country Club absolutely for free*, located in Pardo, Cebu and experience quite time with God on a higher level.


*surcharge will apply for using club/resort ammenities like swimming pool, etc..

Rock Climbing at Lutupan

We get there never thought the place was very isolated. Isolated enough that I'm deafened by the silence of muted surrounding. The Barangay is walled by these majestic rocky mountains with sunset copper sky as the backdrop. Consist of rocky hillside perfect for rock climbing afficionado.

Rediscovering Fort San Pedro

Fort San Pedro is a military defense structure built by Spanish for protection against violent sieges during the 1500's. Located at the heart of the city, Fort San Pedro is usually most tourists first itinerary. Entrance fee cost P15.oo ($.35). A small portion of the Fort was made into a museum which houses, Spanish legacies, preserved artifacts, documents written in Spanish, paintings, sculptures and a lot more. Nowadays Fort San Pedro is popular for wedding pictorials, tourists and dayschool fieldtrips. It has a restaurant in it and souvenir kiosk.

Urban Trippin: North Reclamation Area

NRA (north reclamation area) is probably synonymous to SM, Whitegold, Cebu Port Authority (Pier 1-7) or those vandals on some fences and walls. Have you notice the high-fenced Chinese cemetery along whitegold filled with non-sense graffiti and vandal? It kind of irritates my eye every time I passed by going to SM but not until last week when I saw some kids painting the walls with rainbow-colored level-up character inspired murals. I dropped by and took some photos and watch those pips passionately complete the details. They told me they where commissioned by Level-up, Inc. to do the thing for a competition by April or may. But whatever they were being told, I love what they are doing. And I will never think of NRA that way again.