Artisan Shops in Cebu

Remember when traveling meant seeing sights and taking photos? That was long before the travel revolution. Now, traveling is much more of an experience rather than just a simple trip. A true traveler knows that to have a rich experience, he needs to expose himself to culture and to unique things he won’t find anywhere else. 

Take for example Cebu. It is a simple city in the Visayas that boasts or lechon and Magellan’s Cross. But would you really spend three days and two nights just for that? Up your experience by visiting artisan shops that will give you a good glimpse of the unique culture that is in Cebu.

The Fair Trade Shop 

Although the main thrust of this shop is to promote fair trade in the Philippines, it is a great place to find great products such as organic food and handcrafted souvenirs. Find gourmet coffee, dried fruits, jewelry and decorations for your home at the Fair Trade Shop. 

Address: 102 Jose R. Martinez Building, Osmena Boulevard 

The Cebu Design Company 

For more than 35 years, the Cebu Design Company has been providing custom-made furniture and home décor for fans of high-quality and artistic work. How are they able to provide such a service for 35 years? Well they don’t do it alone. They source artists and skilled craftsmen from all over Southeast Asia to ensure that no piece of furniture goes out imperfect or tasteless. 

Address: Talamban, 2nd Flr, Building B. Piazza Elesia, Talamban Road 

A Café 

One of the most celebrated restaurants in Cebu, A Café was created by the Abaca group. The interiors will welcome you warmly, and the food will satisfy yet make you want more. It’s that good! The restaurant boasts of their Angus Burger and Herb Roasted Half Chicken. So instead of going to Mc Donald’s for your quick dinner, go to A Café and have a sumptuous, carefully prepared dinner. 

Address: Crossroads, Banilad Road 

Alegre Guitar Factory 

For three generations, the family-owned Alegre Guitar Company has been making good music in Lapu-Lapu City. It is one of the most celebrated Cebu icons, what with excellent handmade guitars that have unique sounds. Because they are made by craftsmen instead of machines, each guitar has its own distinct sound. Shopping for one might take you time, but just enjoy the experience. You can even tour the factory and observe how the guitars are made. Make sure you ask them to pack your guitar right so you can easily handle it as you fly out from the Cebu Airport. 

Address: Pajac Abuno, 6015, Lapu-Lapu City

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Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa, Cebu in Maribago, Lapu-lapu City

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa is located at M.I. Quezon Highway, Brgy. Maribago, Lapu-lapu City is owned and developed by the Philippines BXT Corporation, a PEZA registered Tourism Operator / Developer. The project is a foreign-funded investment and was a response to the call of the Philippine government for more investments on the tourism sector. 

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa offers 556 elegantly furnished rooms for your enjoyment, with 128 Deluxe rooms, 380 Suites, and 48 Pool & Jacuzzi Villas. All rooms are furnished with only the best materials available, designed to give guests the utmost in luxury, comfort and relaxation.

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa can also provide and accommodate for business meetings, exhibitions, conventions, team building or company outing and other special functions. Has four collapsible meeting rooms ranging from 109 to 840 sq. meters. They have also a fantastic Grand Ballroom that can seat up to 600 persons. All meeting rooms provided with high speed internet broadband access and are quipped with built-in LCD screen. 

You can try their Caracalla Spa which offers total care and very relaxing mind and body with luxurious spa rooms and highly trained therapists. 

Imperial Palace Waterpak Resort and Spa has a lot to offer, has several options for any occassion which requires outdoor venues. You can Enjoy their exhilarating Marine Sports. The one and only Waterpark in Cebu, providing unlimited adventure and fun for all locals and nationals.

Php3,500 for tourist and Php2,500.00 for Local Resident's Discounted Rate. The rates include free towel rental and changing room. With lunch buffet in Familia or dine-arond/dinner set menu in any of the following restaurants; Cheon San, Maru, Cafe Amiga or Coral Seaside. Free use of the Waterpark. Foreigners living in the country need to prevent proof of residency to avail of the local discounted rate. Children 12 years old and below can avail of a Php1,000.00 discount. Children 4 years old and below accompanied by at least one paying adult is free of charge (maximum of 2 children). Food and beverage items from outside sources MAY NOT be brought and consumed in the Hotel. 

Waterpark Adventure coupons are available at the Waterpark Counter from 8AM to 6PM only.  For reservations and inquiries, please contact them at (63-32)494-5000.

Have a nice Adventure and be Safe! 

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Kayangan Lake Coron, Palawan Philippines

I stumbled and truly fascinated with what I have found in Coron Palawan. Last year (December 1-4, 2013), I visited Coron Palawan to visit one of the best lakes and one of the several magnificent hidden lakes you will find in the island of Coron in which Coron Island is the third-largest Island in the Calamian Islands in Northern Palawan and has also been listed or featured in the Forbes Traveler Magazine's top 10 best scuba diving in the world for the aquatic views of the sunken Japanese Shipwrecks from World War II that can be seen within the Island.

My first time to set foot in Palawan Province, was one of the most memorable trips I ever had. One of the most exciting and amazing lakes I have ever seen in my entire life is the Kayangan Lake in Coron Palawan. The natural surrounding of Kayangan Lake is simply stunning, where locals and nationals can enjoy snorkel and swim from cool, clear and blue waters and surrounded with large and granite rock formations. Kayangan Lake, dubbes as the cleanest lake in Asia.

Swimming in Kayangan Lake is a must but make it sure to bring a life vest specially if you do not know how to swim. The water is so deep and be careful while swimming because you might step and bump on sharp rocks.

Indeed, I had a wonderful experience in Kayangan Lake, was really great. Swimming in the crystal clear waters made the whole experience an enjoyable and priceless adventure.

Come and visit Kayangan Lake - a must see place in Coron Palawan. The place is great and fantastic and you will surely appreciate and enjoy the beauty of nature.
 

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Osmeña Peak/Traverse to Kawasan Falls

In every scenario of our lives happened with an immense purpose and it was started when some of my friends invited me to join on their Osmeña Peak expedition. Indeed, it was a favorable situation because I have nothing to do on that day and it was my day off and I want something adventurous activity at this time.

Osmeña Peak is situated in Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu also known as the “vegetable basket” of the province where most of the vegetable displayed in the market is freshly harvested. This mountain was named after the Osmeña’s family, an influential clan in the province. Thus, Osmeña Peak is proudly standing 1013 Meters Above Sea Level (MASL) and dubbed as the official highest peak of Cebu province. At the top of the mountain you will astound on the 360 degree breathtaking view in southern of Cebu, blue skies that perfectly reflected on the water, fresh mountain breeze, and the rugged peak formation of the mountain just like the chocolate hills of Bohol - it was incomparable.

We trekked for about 150 minutes from the jump off point going to the campsite and about 2-3 minutes from the campsite to the summit. The trail from Mantalongon going to the mountain is like walk-in-the-park because it is not steep and the trail is well established. We pitched. We cooked. We ate. We talked. We sleep. Unluckily, we were awakened at night by a ghastly sounds of the winds, lightning flash, roaring thunder followed by a heavy downpour of the rain. Furthermore, when we checked our backpack to get some extra clothes to change on the other day we were all shocked because it was all wet. Disappointment stroked – Courage fail off but there’s no time to think about that. "The show must go on" even in the presence of difficulties, we need to pursue what we had started in order for us to attain it.

The terrain was difficult going to the waterfall because it is very steep and slippery at that time. We lost the trail completely, the trail was so bad that we lost it many times, you need to grasp any vines and branches to keep your balance along the trail. With the help of the locals there, we arrived at Kawasan Falls unharmed and bear in mind that "safety must come first".

Unfortunately, local and foreign tourists are not allowed to visit Kawasan Falls at that time as mandated by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia of the ongoing development and demolition of the spot for the natural restoration of the said place. We asked the locals if we can still enjoy and swim on the river/brook and they said "YES". Yahooooo! at last we can swim one of the most visually spectacular natural spring of Cebu (Kawasan Falls), particularly in Badian for us to which in turn, can help relieve muscles pain and stressed joints. Undeniably, we were happy and enjoyed the natural spring of Badian, Cebu "Kawasan Falls".

A BIG thank you to all the locals there and good to know  that they are willing to help us.

Happy Climbing Everyone.

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Camiguin Island - Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort

After exploring Katibawasan Falls we headed off to visit the Natural Hot Springs Resort or the Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort with my travel buddy Gino Go. It is one of the main attractions and one of the most popular natural hot springs in Camiguin Island. The hot spring is specifically situated in Esperanza Tagdo and 6 kilometers Southwest of Mambajao.

Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort is surrounded with beautiful landscapes, decorative plants and huge tropical trees. Six Natural Hot Swimming Pools are available with different water temperatures and could actually reach up to 39 Degrees Celsius. It is hot because of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, this is an active volcano of Camiguin Island. They called as Catarman Volcano and it is part of the Pacific ring of fire.

Ardent Hot Spring offers bar and restaurant, kiosk (canteen), cottages, picnic sheds and tables, camping ground, papillon garden. An air-conditioned rooms are also available.

 Facilities and Accommodation Rates

Facilities are also available for rent at Ardent Hot Spring: For grill station you have to pay for Php20.00 only. Family Size shed Php150.00 for first 3 hours and Php10.00 per hour in excess of 3 hours and Php70.00 for Regular size shed/table for first 3 hours and Php10.00 per hour in excess of 3 hours.

 For accommodation packages, Php1200.00 per room/day for air-conditioned duplex cottage (4 units) with own CR this is only good for 2 persons and Php175.00 per head for an extra bed. You could have their family rooms valued at Php2750.00 per room/day, good for 5 persons. Dormitory rooms (4 units) are also available at Php3080.00 per room/day, good for 7 persons.

 Pool Guidelines

The pool opens 24/7 and swimmers are encouraged to wear proper swimming attire for women should wear a bathing suit or short pants and for men should wear a swimming trunk or short pants. Children without guardians are not allowed to use the pool and use of any soap or shampoo at the pool is strictly not allowed. Avoid eating, drinking and smoking at the pool.

An entrance fee of Php30.00 for adults and Php15.00 for kids. For more inquiries, you can contact Ardent Hot Spring Resort at +63 (088) 387-0948.

It was unfortunate that we were not able to enjoy the hot spring due to scarcity of time and another exciting attractions await for us. So go, enjoy soaking with their natural hot springs, very peaceful and verdant surroundings.

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Goodbye 2012 - Thank you for the Sweet Memories and Happy Moments

A quick recap for what I have accomplished during the year and hoping to accomplish more travels and blessings in the coming year. My short list of all time favorite places ever and accomplishments over the past year.

January - First time in history to witness Sinulog Festival in Cebu City honoring Senior Sto. Nino. The Sinulog Festival is held every year on the third Sunday of January and is one of the grandest and most colorful festivals in the Philippines. 

February - Celebrating my first year in Academic Forward Thinking, Inc. Congrats to me! Hehehe. 

March - Bio Challenge, in celebration for Earth Hour. Earth Hour observed in cities all over the world since 2007. The aim for this event is to raise an environmental awareness about the need to take action on climate change and we should protect our Earth and the environment in a small things but a huge impacts in our daily lives. I am so happy to be part of this event and I learned new things for this challenge.  


April - Exploring Bohol - Bohol offers so many great tourist spots like Chocoloate Hills, White Sand Beaches, Scuba diving, Watching Tarsiers, Sagbayan Peak, Mag-aso Falls, Baclayon Church and Loboc River.  

May - Canigao Island, a little paradise in Matalom, Leyte. Enjoy the Island that is surrounded with white sand and clear sea water. 

June - Puka Beach - is located on the Northern tip of Boracay Island. A beautiful beach, white sand as you can see. I really love this beach in Boracay. 

July - Gibitngil Island - A Funtastic Island or the untouched paradise of Medellin. Jump High with their 30-40 feet cliff diving. A funtastic day with my UBers family.  From Left to Right; Jhoncin, Gino, Me, Tin-tin, Erchel, Ryan, Aaron, Atty. Glenn, Steph and Kim.

August - Company Anniversary at Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa Cebu, Phippines. Imperial Palace is located in Mactan Island. For more info you can visit at http://www.imperialpalace-cebu.com. 

September - Hundred Islands in Pangasinan - Amazing Islands in Pangasinan Province and situated in Alaminos City. A great escapade for the month of September and a close encounter with the snake... Hehehe. 

October - Mt. Kanlaon- I conquered Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Oriental the country's largest active volcano and Visaya's highest mountain and  it stands at an elevation of  2,435 Meters Above Sea Level. Unfortunately, we were not able to reach the summit because the weather was misty. Still hoping for the next climb and reach the Peak of Mt. Kanlaon. 

November - Mt. Lanaya (Kalo-Kalo Peak) - is located in Barangay Legaspi, Alegria, Cebu. Towering around 720 Meters Above Sea Level. An exhilarating and breathtaking climb I've ever had and I've been here twice. 

December - Calauit Safari Park- Dubbed as the little African Safari in the Philiipines and is located in Calauit Island, Busuanga, Palawan. Covering an area of 3,700 hectares and was declared a game preserve and wildlife sanctuary in 1977.

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Absolutely Stunning Katibawasan Falls in Camiguin Island

Finally, I had a chance to explore the great falls (Katibawasan Falls) in Camiguin Island. This is my first time to visit in Northern part of Mindanao particularly in the Pearl-shaped Island commonly known as Camiguin Island. 

In history, Camiguin Island is derived from the native word "Kamagong", a species of the ebony tree in which can be describe as a dense black wood or heavy woods and obtuse enough to sink in water. Camiguin Island was part of Misamis Oriental and it became a sub-province in 1958. In June 18, 1966, was made into a separate province. Camiguin Island was formally inaugurated in 1968. Mambajao is the capital Municipality of Camiguin Island.

By visiting Camiguin Island also requires that you make a few choices. Camiguin Island is excellent and many attractions including Ardent Hot Spring, Sunken Cemetery, Church Ruins, White Island, Mount Hibok-Hibok and Katibawasan Falls.

Considering, Katibawasan falls was my first stopped for this trip. Permit me first to explore and share my great experience for this Falls. Like everyone said, Katibawasan Falls is absolutely stunning and clear waterfall plunges about 76 meters. The falls is surrounded by wild ferns, huge trees, ground orchids and boulders. A magical place to all locals and nationals, a very relaxing falls and has its unique beauty. You can really feel the water splashing on you.

Katibawasan Falls is an ideal place to cool off during summer as it provide a very cold water, a refreshing splash and there is no reason to not go swimming because the falls really invites you to go and swim and Yes! I did, I swam for about 10-15 minutes for me to experience the extreme cold water of Katibawasan Falls. Hehehe.

Indeed, I was really impressed and it was an awesome experience. It is pretty cool to visit Katibawasan Falls and you will have a better experience.

An entrance fee of Php15.00 for adults and Php6.00 for children.

Thanks for this picture Mr. http://www.mynomadichabits.com

How to get there

From Cagayan de Oro City, you can take a bus located at the Agora Market and take a bus bound for Balingoan and travel time is about 2 hours. At Balingoan, you can walk towards Balingoan ferry terminal and take a ferry boat bound for Camiguin Island. It will take an hour before you can reach Benoni Wharf of Mahinog, fare is Php170.00.

You can contact Camiguin Provincial Tourism Office at (088)3871097 loc. 119-120.

Daily Schedule of Trips

From Balingoan (M/V Yuhum)

05:45 AM

06:45

08:30

09:45

12:30 PM

02:15

03:30

From Benoni (M/V Kalinaw)

05:00 AM

05:30

08:15

09:30

11:30

01:00 PM

02:00

Enjoy Katibawasan Falls.

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Itinerary for Mt. Lanaya (Kalo-Kalo Peak) via Legaspi Trail Alegria, Cebu

Mt. Lanaya (Kalo-Kalo Peak), Alegria Cebu is towering around 720 Meters Above Sea Level (MASL). To reach Mt. Lanaya, climbers enthusiast have to board a Bus from South Bus Terminal going to Bato-Samboan. Just tell the bus driver to drop you off at Barangay Legaspi infront of Barangay Hall and this is your entry point to reach Mt. Lanaya.

Day Trek Only

0100 - Meetup South Bus Terminal

0200 - Take bus from South Bus Terminal to Alegria

0500 - ETA Alegria

0600 - Registration for free (Barangay Hall)

0630 - Breakfast (Bring your own Food)

0700 - Start Trek via Legaspi Trail

1100 - ETA Mt. Lanaya Kalo-Kalo Summit, picture taking.

1200 - Lunch at Summit

1300 - Off to Barangay Lumpan

1400 - ETA Barangay Lumpan, ride Habal-habal to Alegria Proper

1500 - ETA Alegria (Snacks)

1600 - Off to Cebu City

2000 - Home sweet Home...

Estimated Expenses

South Bus Terminal - Alegria - Cebu City (Php296.00)

Habal2x from Lumpan to Alegria Proper (Php15.00)

Food and Snacks (Other expenses) Php (Php150.00)

Guide Fee (Php500.00) per day

Total Estimated Budget = Php 961.00/person.

Note: If you are in a group you can save for the guide fee.

Carefully pick your climbing clothes before venturing Mt. Lanaya.

What to Bring/Things to Bring/What to Wear.

Food (Breakfast and Lunch)

Water (2 Liters each)

Trail Food

Bandana or small hat to keep off the sun

Sunglasses

Good hiking socks

Close shoes

Poncho/Rain Coat

Camera

Happy Climbing and be Safe. :)

Gibitngil - The Funtastic Island of Medellin, Cebu

Where I have been at this time?

If you are an adventurous kind of person and you are not afraid of heights like me?... I will take you there in Medellin and let us explore their famous island (Gibitngil Island - also known as Funtastic Island). You can spend some quiet time alone on this Island with your friends and with your family. Here, you can do zip lining, kayaking, cliff jumping or just merely swimming and enjoying the crystal clear waters.

The island is gorgeous, so calming and with affordable cottages you can choose from. Small cottages ranging from Php50.00-Php150.00 and big kiosk on top is Php250.00 only. If you want to have a medium kiosk with diving board you can have it for Php200.00, so do with medium cottage with grilling area for Php200.00 only. An entrance fee of Php10.00 per person. There is no resort in the island. Gibitngil island is only using solar energy as source of electricity. I advise all visitors to bring their own foods, no restaurant available at the island as of this time.

For those seeking breathtaking adventure in Northern part of Cebu? Gibitngil Island is right for you. Try their cliff jumping (30-40 feet high). Though, it sounds fun but also a little scary. So worth it.

I could not believe that some people actually jump off the cliff. And you would never believe that I had a great time and I survived their tombstoning for 8 times. Hehehe. For your safety, make it sure that the water is deep enough. Safety must come first.

I would personally say that Gibitngil Island has it all and is an ideal place or funtastic place to be.

How to get there

From North Bus Terminal one could take any bus (Ceres Buses) heading to Medellin and is approximately a three-hour ride from North Bus Terminal. You can take and an airconditioned or  non-aircon bus. Php150.00 fare for an airconditioned and Php 143.00 for non aircon bus.

From barangay Kawit, Medellin you can hire a pumpboat for Php 1500.00 good for 20 people. 

 Enjoy the Funtastic Island...

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