BASDAKU, MOALBOAL

Travel

BEACH: BEST ESCAPE EVERYONE CAN HAVE
SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 | MARKMIONDA |ADMIN





Everyone deserves a break. I know it sounds cliché but it’s true. We all want to go somewhere far from the city, from the exhausting school works or just to be temporarily far from reality.




One probable and prominent way of a good escape is the beach. Imagine yourself basking under sun while you mesmerize at the fascinating hue of the sea. Imagine yourself, snorkeling as you wander the natural beauty of the coral reefs.

Can you imagine yourself already? If so, then Basdaku Beach at Moalboal is the best escape for you!




Basdaku Beach, as the bisayan terms “bas” and and “daku” suggest it, is a long stretched of white sand. As what we have heard, it stretches approximately 1 kilometer! What an great way of strolling along the baby powdered-like sand!







Before I also forget to mention, Basdaku does no need to be EXPENSIVE! Yes, you heard me correctly, the beach is quite cheap. The entrance fee only cost Php10.00 and you can rent a cottage for only Php400.00. So if you’re on a tight budget, then the Basdaku Beach is definitely for you.



 Surprisingly, Basdaku is one of Cebu’s popular diving destinations which are true since we experienced it ourselves. Marine life is abundant at Busdaku. We’ve seen at least a hundred types of fish.


Luckily, we didn’t get to encounter some reef sharks but we did see some sea urchins and starfish which are apparently less frightening. If you want to check out the beautiful coral reefs, simply scroll down and you can see a video made by the people behind #atthemomentcebu for you.



Convinced enough? So if you are highly interested to head to Moalboal, just check out these great blog sites for you to be more oriented about how to get to the place:
Have the best beach day!

MANTAYUPAN FALLS

Adventure

Travel

SPLASH IN TO MANTAYUPAN FALLS
SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 | XENIA GONZALES | ADMIN

"to live is to travel"




We’ve been to Oslob and swam with the gentle giants, to Badian’s beautiful Kawasan Falls, and now to Barili’s Majestic Mantayupan Falls. Truly, the Southern Part of Cebu has something to offer for those who want to wander and escape from the everyday stress in the city.





Mantayupan Falls is located in the mountains of Barili specifically in Barangay Campangga. Small developments were made in order to cater tourists to get from the first level to the second level. There are three waterfalls in the first level with the height of 14 meters while in the second level is a waterfall which is 98 meters high making it the highest waterfalls in Cebu.  





What makes Mantayupan falls different from others is that, man-made installations are minimum making it more enjoyable because of its natural beauty. You can either tables with big umbrella tents or you can just squat on big rock formations near the falls just be careful because when wet, it can get slippery. Entrance fee is at P20.00 for adults and P10.00 for children.




HOW TO GET THERE:

By private car: From Cebu City, take any convenient road that leads to Carcar City. After passing the Carcar Rotunda, take a right and go across the mountain road to Barili. Not to worry because the road going to Barili is already paved. When you arrive at the town of Barili, there is signage that would lead you to the Mantayupan Falls.

By public transportation: From South Bus Terminal, take a Ceres Bus Bound for BATO VIA BARILI which passes by the town proper. Get-off at the bus stopover and take a habal-habal ride to Mantayupan Falls that would cost P30.00 per person. The travel time from Cebu City to Barili is approximately 2 hours.


if you want more information about the place, simply click here, here and here!! ENJOY SWIMMING !



WHY EVERYONE SHOULD VISIT CUARTEL, OSLOB CEBU

Cebu
TRAVEL

WHY EVERYONE SHOULD VISIT
CUARTEL, OSLOB CEBU
SEPTEMBER 25 2015 | Mark Mionda | ADMIN



“The WORLD is a book and those who do not travel
 read only one page” – Saint Augustine



 “Get a glimpse of  Spain."

   If you are to visit Oslob, don’t ever miss their famous Cuartel  because it’s  a destination you’ll never want to forget.
 
     
       The centuries-old infrastructure was said to have built for the Spanish troops. However, by the time Americans came, the Spaniards left the country and its construction was discontinued. Today, these infrastructures serve as historic centerpiece and as a tourist attraction. If you take a walk inside the ruins, you’ll get a glimpse of Spain.



“It’s the best place for Instagram pics”

           Cuartel is the best place for those Instagram enthusiasts.The Instagram application have open ed doors to those people who want to showcase their passions and interests of photography. Further, with the birth of VSCOcam (photo editor application), a great number of people have joined the community and that included me.
So if you are one of the many Instagram enthusiasts like me, don't forget to list down OSLOB in your bucketlist.



"take a stop in their park and unwind things"

     The park at Oslob, Cebu is probably one of the most beautiful parks I've ever been to. Not to mention it is situated in front of the pacific which gives it a remarkable view.

There's plenty of more reasons why you should head to Oslob. Just take a sneak peak at Two2Travel for more infos and details. They'll surely give you the best info experience. Enjoy!

WANDERLUST WEEKEND: TEMPLE OF LEAH

Adventure
Travel

Temple of Leah: A Taste of True Love
SEPTEMBER 19, 2015 | AIZY ZAPANTA | ADMIN

"a taste of true love"




Who wouldn’t want to have a man whose love is undying? Who wouldn’t want a man who oath to do anything for the woman who he truly loves even if it is so close to impossibility? Who wouldn’t appreciate a man who stayed as devoted as ever to his wife who left this beautiful world? All of us, and when I say all of us, I mean the entire universe love (maybe an understatement) to be in Leah’s shoes.


"till death do us part"

See that golden statue lady? That is Leah Villa Albino-Adarna, Teodorico Adana’s wife to whom he devoted the temple. Teodorico and Leah were married for 53 years! (Wow, forever is undeniably unquestioned). When Leah died in 2010, Teodorico, Ellen Adarna’s grandfather (thought it would make an additional point), decided to construct the temple as an emblem of his never-ending love to Leah. Today, Leah is a 9-foot bronze statue seated at the heart of the temple that exposes her beauty. She will be forever remembered, thanks to Teodorico.                




Just some piece of an advice, you may wonder why there are bulldozers, some timbers and different machines right after you move in the temple because the temple is still under construction. Despite all the ongoing constructions, most of the major parts are beautifully done. The temple is expected to be fully furnished and to be completed this year, 2015. As of now, they open the place for people who love to see and be amaze with an entrance fee of P50.



As you cross the temple’s threshold, you will eventually feel like you are in Rome! I have never been there, but then again based on some researches Rome has magnificent architectural designs. Some say it’s similar to the ancient Rome for the reason that it vaunts a Roman inspired architecture. The temple has 24 chambers that display all of Leah’s grandest possessions. In the meantime, there is still a limited access due to its ongoing construction.


The place is so dramatic and has a perfect spot for photo-shoots.The best time to visit the temple is around 4-5 o’clock in the afternoon when the sun is about to set. The view from up here is truly breathtaking. The temple has a wide open space in front that makes marvelous viewing deck. 



Temple of Leah is located on top of Roosevelt, Busay Cebu City a few meters from Lantaw Native Restaurant and Mountainview Resort. For those commuters who is excited to visit the temple it can be reached by motorcycle(habal-habal) from the JY Square, as someone who’ve been there I prefer you the motorcycle than a taxi since it has steep roads, it will approximately cost you P75-P100 one-way per person depending on the driver. On the other hand, make sure you find a driver that is harmless to be as your guide. Safety first!



In behalf of the unfinished beauty, I must say the temple is a work of genius, love and art. I assure you that it is worth your time visiting the place. It is beyond your expectations. What are waiting for? It’s just in Cebu!



WANDERLUST WEEKEND: DANASAN ECO PARK

Adventure

TRAVEL

EXPERIENCE THE EXTREMES IN DANASAN ECO PARK
SEPTEMBER 12, 2015|  CHRISTINE DESTURA|  ADMIN

"Trouble is another word for adventure"


photo by biyaherongbarat.com


Everyone deserves a day off. A day off from the dreading traffic, from the inevitable pollution, from the people, from school or work and definitely from having a boring weekend. Sure it’s very comforting to just stay at home, watch television and soak yourself in Social Medias stalking your crush and enemies over the weekend but going away for an adventure won’t hurt too.

One very prominent and accessible place to seek for an adventure alone or with your group of friends is Danasan Eco Adventure Park.

Danasan Eco Adventure Park is Located in Mountain tops of Barangay Danasan, Danao City. They offer a lot of fun activities.  A day would surely be not enough to finish all the adventures but not to worry because they also have compromise varieties of accommodations to choose from.

If highly interested, here are some tips and point you might want to consider before going.

HOW TO GET THERE:

If you live outside Cebu, simply book a flight from the airport heading to Mactan, Cebu International Airport. You can get a taxi from the airport to Phoenix in Mandaue City which is just located at the end of the new bridge for about Php100-Php200.

You can always travel cheap, simply take a cab twice for only P8.  Just wait for a Jeep that heads to Danasan. You can ask the driver/ conductor to drop you off to Danao Public Market for only about Php25-Php30.  The place can be crowded when you arrive at the market but don’t worry because the people there are hospitable and are kind enough to lend a helping hand.

Unfortunately, the ride is not over just yet. You still need to ride a motorcycle before you finally get there. The ride would take about an hour with a fair of about Php200.00-Php300.00 each person. Nevertheless, the long endless drive, the sweat from the heat and traffic, and especially the money are all worth it. 

These are the activities they offer:
  •  Rope Course
  • 3 Levels of  waterfalls & trekking
  • Caving and trekking
  • Advance Caving and Trekking
  • ATV
  • Zip line and Horseback riding
  • Wakeboarding
  • Tyrolean, Rappelling, 3 Levels of  waterfalls & trekking
  •  UTV (Self Drive)
  • 8x8 off-road trailing
  • Swimming Pool






Out of all the activities listed above, I only tried two. Yes it may sound or might sound boring, “bitin” or unsatisfying but to tell you the truth? It was personally fulfilling and it was indeed one of the longest moments in my life. What I first tried was the Zip line.

It was intensely scary at first, especially coming from a person that is severely afraid of heights. What makes it even scary is that I had to literally jump off from the platform because that day the odds were not in my favor since apparently it was still under construction.

I tried to take a video of myself but I was too nervous to do it so, with full regrets, I shutdown the camera instead. To make things even more interesting and ludicrous, I got stuck at the middle of the zip line. What are the odds?





After the zip line, we had to head back to the reception area riding a horse! I should be happy about it but unfortunately I'm a no pet lover.  I would barely touch or even get close to a dog how much more if i ride a horse? 

The experienced was not a bad as i ought to imagine. It was rather, fun. I got comfortable  with the horse but my butt didn't. My butt got sore from the ride, maybe because i'm not used to it.

Since we were running out of time, when we got to the area, we headed immediately to the pool. The pool was completely stunning. I’m pretty sure it’s the only pool that you’ll get to see here in Cebu that has a very nice wide range view of the park. 

photo by www.owrange.com


Its the perfect getaway from all the heavy activities. Soak yourself into the rejuvenating pool and you'll definitely have the relaxing sensation you've longed for ages.

if you’re tired and just want to spend the rest of the night, here are the rooms that they offer:

  • Caida with aircon 5 to 10 pax for only P2,400-P4,800.
  • Mahogany with aircon 4 pax for only P2,000.
  • Kawayan 3 pax for only P1,000.
  • Gemelina with aircon 20 pax for only P6,000.
  • Acacia 10-26 pax P3000-P7,800.

 Lastly for those who want something extreme and are brave enough to conquer the daunting dark night in the park, you rent a tent for only Php300-Php600 and spend the night with the special person/s in your life. Have a bonfire and talk just about anything. Reminisce about all the great and simple things in life. As to how they put it, real conversations start at the middle of the night. 

Well who knows? You might need that night. Like I do… This was actually my plan. I wanted to spend a night in a tent because aside from the thought that it’s going to be my first. I also wanted to have a different night from the City, a night with an owl hooting, a dawn with birds singing and a morning breeze of a cold fresh air.But sadly, our time there was limited. And honestly we are also running out of money because of the fair. Never expected it would be that costly. But still, I had the best out of the day! And it was indeed a day to remember.

If you have any questions and inquiries just add a comment below or you can email us at atthemomentcebu.gmail.com THANK YOU!


TRAVEL THURSDAY: KAWASAN FALLS

Cebu

TRAVEL

FALL IN LOVE WITH KAWASAN FALLS

SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 | CHRYSTAL KAYE LABASBAS | ADMIN



I ask my colleague why she wants to go to the falls all of a sudden and she simply said "Nag maoy ko sa midterms"



     I was never an avid fan of freshwaters. I don't like swimming in lakes, rivers and especially waterfalls. The reason behind my complete and utter dislike of waterfalls may have to do something with my preference over beaches, fear of insects and distaste of long trek. Unlike beaches, waterfalls are often found in steep areas in where you have to suffer an almost seemingly endless trek. However, the universe somewhat conspired me to believe otherwise.



     This happened earlier on August 30, 2015 when my companions had this sudden idea of going to the falls. I hesitated at first but when I realized i have nothing much to do in the house, I accompanied them. By the time we got there, I was completely blown by HOW WRONG I WAS. Of course, unless you can fly, you still cant get rid of the trekking but take my advice that the money, the drive, and definitely the trek is all worth it.
    
     As a famous movie line says, "where do broken hearts go?" Kawasan Falls is surely  a place to consider to perhaps fall in love again, to find love or maybe for the simple reason that you just want to mend your wounded soul from your midterms grades heartbreak.


     If highly interested, here are some tips and points to consider:

HOW TO GET THERE:

     First, you need to head to the Cebu South Bus Terminal. If you are not familiar with the location, you can always grab a taxi for convenience in travel. The fare would only costs you more or less Php80.00. If otherwise, you can simply ride a jeepney head down the terminal for only Php7.00

     Upon arriving at the Cebu Bus Terminal, you can always choose from the three Bus Companies plying for that route. The CERES, LIBRANDO BUS and the ROUGH RIDERS. I personally recommend taking the CERES Bus Lines, but you can take either of the three. Further, either of the buses have the price rates of Php120.00


     The trip usually takes 3 hours or more depending on the traffic and how fast the bus goes. So while you are on the road, relax and take time to enjoy the scenic mountain and seaside views. 

     You will have to stop at Matutinao Badian Church. If you really are in doubt of its location, no need to worry as the bus conductor and drivers are very accommodating and would be happy to drop you off at the exact location.

 "start walking"

     Follow the trail and enjoy the fresh, cool, rejuvenating sound of the fresh cold flowing water. From the entrance you will have to walk uphill for about 1.5 kilometer to get to the first waterfall. It would take 30 minutes for you to get to Kawasan, depends on your pace, of course. 



Along the way, souvenir shops are selling accessories such as beaded necklaces, bracelets, and Kawasan print t-shirts.

I suggest you walk from the main road to the water falls because you can take your time in taking pictures of the scenery you will see and the “habal-habal” is expensive. By the way entrance fee for locals are Php30.00 and Php70.00 for foreigners.



Rentals are available at your convenience. Cottages cost at least Php500.00 depending on the size. Life jackets are Php50.00 and bamboo rafts are Php300.00. If you're planning to stay longer or to have an overnight with your colleagues, not to worry because overnight rooms are available for only Php1000.00 to Php2000.00.

Here are some additional tips you might want to consider:

  • Don’t give your payments immediately. Look for the prices that are written somewhere. Some of them will say that the raft is for 700, life vest/jacket is for 100 but we saw a signage saying rafts are for 300 only and life jackets are for 50.
  • Foods there are quite pricey so I suggests you bring your own food.
  • You may rent a raft to take you around the "pool" or for a refreshing "shower massage" under the falling water.
  • Pack light because it’s going to be a dreading trek.
  • If you don’t want to avail cottages, you can simply find a place where there is shade and put your things in the ground or rock.
  • The pathway may be very dark once the sun sets so it’s best to have a flashlight at hand.







WANDERLUST WEEKEND: WHALE SHARK WATCHING

Cebu
TRAVEL

SWIMMING WITH GIANTS:

WHALE SHARK WATCHING TAN-AWAN OSLOB, CEBU


SEPTEMBER  4, 2015 | Mark Mionda | ADMIN


 “Despite the itchy salt water, swimming with one of the world’s magical creatures was a worthwhile experience”


      O slob, Cebu is definitely a one stop destination for travelers.  It has almost all the places a traveler or a tourist wants to be. It is a place of historical infrastructures, finest white sand beaches and waterfalls. However, what makes you crave for Oslob is their famous “whale shark watching” attraction.  Yes, you heard me correctly, whale sharks.  You get to see and SWIM with one of the gentlest and biggest giants on Earth. How amazing is that?  So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your friends and head to OSLOB!

HOW TO GET THERE:

      From Manila to Cebu: If you are highly interested to visit and experienced the whale sharks, simply book a flight from Manila to Cebu, Mactan Airport. From the airport, you take a taxi or cab to South Bus Central Station. The ride will take you about 30 to 45 minutes depending on the traffic. Further, the taxi fare will approximately range from Php150.00 to Php200.00.  From the South Bus Central Station, you take the Ceres bus to Oslob Cebu. The fare costs only about Php150.00. If you are unaware where the site is, simply ask the bus conductor to drop you off the whale shark site in Barangay Tan-awan, Oslob.

      From Cebu City to Oslob: If you are from Cebu City and is planning to see the whale sharks, you just simply go to the  South Bus Central Station and take a Ceres Bus to Oslob.   
    
      The drive from Cebu City to Oslob takes a three hour drive but it is all worth it. Keeping in mind that there is not many places where you get to see and swim with whale sharks in Cebu or in the Philippines for that matter.  Unfortunately, the whale shark watching is only available from 6am to 12pm so I suggest you get there early. 


       From the site, you together with other tourists will be escorted by a staff and briefly orient you about “the do’s and don’ts” when encountering with the whale sharks. You want an early friendly advice? If you’re planning to wear a sun block lotion, I suggest you don’t because wearing of sun block lotions during the activity is highly prohibited. This is due to the chemicals that can harm the health of the whale sharks.

      The price rates may be high but trust me it is worth it.  For Oslob residents, the fee only cost Php50.00. For local tourists, the fee cost Php500.00 and for foreign tourists the fee cost Php1000.00.

      In addition, rentals are also available such as snorkeling gears or cameras. So if you failed to bring an underwater camera with you or don’t have one, you can rent in the site for as much as Php500.00.


 "After paying for the fee, you are off to the sea. "
       The spot or the whale shark area is not too far from the coast so it’s safe enough.  In each boat or “Bangka”, there will be two staff accompanying you. Take note, the activity has a time limitation. In each group you get to swim with the whale sharks for only thirty minutes so I suggest you make the best out of it to justify your fee.   For an additional tip, if you want to dive in with the whale sharks, better come on a weekday because weekends are completely packed with people.

      Since we were the first batch to dive in with the sharks, we got to spend 45 minutes in the water. It was completely and utterly the best moment I got to experienced. I was little bit nervous at first when I saw them because of their insane size. Not to mention they are wild animals. However, as time passed by, I became comfortable with them and I realized that they are truly the gentlest things I’ve ever encountered. I swear, they’re even gentler than my friend’s cat. Despite the itchy salt water, swimming with them was still a worthwhile experience.

      Now that you have tips and ideas of the place, you are ready to go Oslob. Enjoy and get fascinated in marveling with the gentle giants! 

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