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.

Jammin' under Maribago Sun!

I find Maribago Blue Water Resort so ironic because the water is so green, laughs! Anyways they have a man-made island that's so panoramic from the main property where we stage our summer outing. It was so beautiful that I wonder if its artificial at all. Maribago has a lot to offer even if you find nothing worth doin at all, you can relax and soak yourself under the sun or feel the tropical breeze snatch your soul.
We decide to isolate ourselves in the island while we're jammin with the riddim of Burnin Culture.Rates valid from April 01, 2007 - March 31, 2008
Package of 3 Days 2 Nights accommodation
Daily breakfast
Rountrip transfer
Rates are inclusive of service charge and prevailing government taxes
Rates are in US Dollar
Children 11 years and below sharing room with parents are free of charge (max of 2 children) Not Valid for super peak seasons

Peak Season surcharge USD20.00 on the following dates:
20 December 2007 - 10 January 2008; Chinese New Year and Holy Week 2008
- Reservation Officers have the right to change the above policies when deemed required.
- Final cancellation policy will be upon the said Officer's discretion.
- Rates are subject to change without prior notice.

It's time every Juan travel!

Cebu pacific continous to offer their Piso-fare* promo after the success of its P10-Fare Promo. Sale and travel period is until April 30, 2008 for all domestic destinantion excluding fuel surcharges, taxes, airport fees etc. However this is non-refundable though and is subject to specific rules and restrictions**. For more info contact your nearest travel agent or visit cebupacific.

TRAVEL TIP: Travel on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for best availability of lowest fares.

*one-way ticket

** Promo-Fare Rule:
-Subject to applicable taxes, fees and surcharges
-Fare, taxes, fees and surcharges will be NON-REFUNDABLE
-Flight changes are allowed but subject to availability and payment of any applicable fees and fare difference.
-Rebooking penalty : PHP 300 per sector per guest
-Guests who failed to show up on their flight or failed to cancel their booking before 1400H the day prior to their scheduled departure will be charged the No-show / Non user�s fee of PHP 200 per sector
-Seats offered at this fare are limited and may not be available on all flights.

Discover Tabuelan!

Its perfect for beachbums, soulsearching, and retreat. If your sanity is on the verge of giving up-just take a 2 hour bus-ride and isolate yourself and relax. Tabuelan offers reasonably priced hideout, fresh food and perfect solitary confinement. Dont forget your paolu coelho book over buko juice it will surely calm your worn out soul.

How to get there?
mini-bus is available in NorthBus Terminal(Cebu)with an hour interval that cost $2-$3. V-hire is also available but very limited at SM terminal area.

Where to stay there?
LaFamilia Beach Resort and Durham is what I reccommend which are reasonably priced at $40-$45.

The Food? The place has lots of restaurant to choose from.

Exploring Plantation Bay!

The first time I went there was when our Team won the company's monthly blitz which was an overnight stay at the resort, free dinner and a buffet continental breakfast. But what struck me the most was their artificial lagoon which covers almost entirely the whole property. I must admit Plantation Bay is very pricey for a backpacker lik me but it's worth it, you kinda paying the true value of their accomodation. And the hospitality man, oh it's very Filipino, without any pretensions or shall we say effective customer service, eh? nah, whatever! We even get a discount since my friend is working there! And did I mention the lagoon, the artificial falls, slides and numerous swimming pools? Those are just few of what Plantation Bay offers.

Lower rates apply for stays of 6 nights or more.
Higher rates apply during these peak periods:
Christmas / New Year - Dec 27, 2007 - Jan 1, 2008
Easter Holiday - March 20 - 22, 2008
Obon Period - August 14 - 17, 2008

Room rates are expressed in US$. Most other prices inside the hotel (except scuba diving services) are in Philippine Pesos.For cancellations during non-peak periods, please advise us at least 7 days prior to arrival to avoid a penalty of 1 night charge per room reserved. Full cancellation charge will apply for bookings cancelled less than 72 hrs prior to arrival. No-show on the day of arrival will be charged equivalent to the total number of roomnights reserved. During peak periods, the hotel's cancellation policy is to charge the total number of room nights reserved.* Please be informed that the photos shown in this website do not represent all rooms in each category. Lay-out and furnishings of the rooms may vary according to location.

for more info visit your nearest travel agent.

Destination Badian!

Badian is a secluded town in the southernmost portion of Cebu where you can find pristine and white sand beaches. Few exclusive resort are mushrooming the area including Badian Island Resort and Cebu International Golf and Resort. Anyways I am not recommending those resorts unless you extend the credit limit of your visa card.

There are lots of ways you can groove your way down there, either thru a bus or a 15-seater van. A van will cost you $2.50 for a 2 hour ride from Cebu City to the town proper. Private villas and beach houses abounds the area ranging from $45 to $95 per night. The one we had rented has a patio/balcony, private loft, 3 bedroom, 1T/B and a shower room good for 6-8 people.

Restaurants are 5 mintes ride to town center since these houses are secluded. But food is not a problem, you might bring some canned goods or you can ask the house caretaker to buy you some fresh stuff and have them cook it for you, serve hot, how bout that?

Nostalgic sunset, calm seabreeze, comfy beachhouse, and good food is somethin Im looking forward the next time I will visit Badian. Ooh, I just cant wait for it.

For reservations: contack erick at this no. 09273157259

My Top Island Destination!

1. Boracay - an island located 315km(200mi) south of manila and just a few miles to the main island of Panay in the Western Visayas(Philippines). It comprises the 3 major Barangay; Manoc2x, Balabag and Yapak. Its powdery white sand and crystal clear water makes it one of the finest beaches in the world

2. Cebu – the queen city of the south is the haven of Philippine mardi gras. Cebu is not only known for its festive Sinulog and sweet Mangoes but with its history and century old landmarks. The UK-based Condenast(travel glossy) named Cebu the 7th best island destination in the Indian Ocean-Asia region in 2007.

3. Panglao - an hour travel from Cebu thru fast craft is one of the finest island destination in the country. Located in Central Visayas and Famous for its narrow coastline and scattered islet. The island has an interesting geographical feature found in Hinagdanan cave which has an underground water source.

4. Puerto Galera – is a coastal town in Oriental Mindoro known for its numerous pocket beaches and snorkeling and diving spots. The area has some of the most diverse coral reef diving in Asia.

5. Palawan - the only Philippine island cited, is rated by National Geographic TravelerEast and Southeast Asia region in 2007, and the 13th best island in the world having "incredibly beautiful natural seascapes and landscapes. One of the most biodiverse (terrestrial and marine) islands in the Philippines...The island has had a Biosphere Reserve status since early 1990s, showing local interest for conservation and sustainable development".(WikiPedia key word: Palawan)