Friday, May 24, 2019

Third time around, Cebu! Part 1

It was an awesome two days with the beautiful Bohol and sadly, we had to say goodbye.

We rode a ferry boat going to Cebu. It was almost an hour ride. 

After three years, I was greeted back by the busy streets of Cebu City. It was like hello Manila 2.0!

Third Day
We checked in with the familiar Crown Regency. It was my second time to stay in this hotel and I must say, it didn't change a bit. Not my favorite hotel and hopefully we would not be back again. 

It was nearing evening when we decided to try Crown Regency's famous Skywalk and Edge Coaster. 

The SkyWalk and Edge Coaster take place at the top of the 45th floor of the hotel. It was awesome to see the whole city. 


AJ and I did the Skywalk. The guide explained to us the do's and don't while we walked on the glass floor. 

I fancy heights but I'm not courageous enough to do something death-defying. 

When the guide told us to pose one foot at the edge of the glass, I just looked at the view down and did not try to be WonderWoman.



Did I survive? 

Yes, but I was screaming inside because that was a bit scary! 

I was happy that we were a group and AJ tagged me all along. 



Immediately after the skywalk, my sister and I jumped to our way to the Edge Coaster. It was dark already and the city lights were mesmerizing to witness. 

The ride truly made us at the edge of our seats. To shrugged our fear off, we just laughed while looking at the view. 

I was grateful that my sister was with me because I felt braver. We were just disappointed that we didn't have photos. The camera was not working when it was our time. I probably would do it again for the sake of the souvenir! 


Fourth Day
We were going back to a famous destination in Cebu and it was my third time. 

It was two hours travel by bus from Cebu City to Kawasan Falls. We met the very accommodating Kuya Frank who was all smile when he saw us again. If you want to experience the best adventure in Cebu, I recommend you to follow and book Badian CEBU Canyoneering & Tours.  Here is there Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/frank.BCC.5K/

All smiles before the adventure!

Our tour guide that day was Kin and Clint. These two made our canyoneering trip shorter because they kept pushing us not to think twice just do it. 

I was disappointed with myself. I didn't jump with the two stopovers that I successfully jump over three years ago. But, nonetheless, Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls was still the best adventure that you should not miss when you go to Cebu. 


Will I go for a fourth jump? 

Probably. 


Watch out for the last part of my recent out of town trip. 

Friday, May 17, 2019

Bohol, you make me fall in love! Part 2

Panglao certainly caught my heart with its magnificent beach view and breezy air. And I experienced a lot of firsts, Bohol! 

Second day
It was a jampacked day for us as we rode with the motorcycles we rented going to the famous Chocolate Hills.


It was two hours drive under the scorching sun. We paid 80 pesos for the environmental fee.

I tried ATV for the first time. We paid 400 pesos plus each (forgot the exact amount). It was difficult for me in maneuvering the motorcycle. I bumped a couple of times and the guide had to teach me again.


Yet, I told myself I should work on it. I knew I can do it. And, luckily I did! I drove going back to the station without help and enjoying the ATV!

We went to see the little hills and it was great to view on top. 


They were probably less than 20 hills.


I was expecting them to be truly brown in color like chocolate but they were greenish and it was fine with me.

Of course, our Bohol trip would not be complete without checking out the smallest primate in the world, Tarsiers! We went to their sanctuary which was a good ten minutes or so from the Chocolate Hills.

We paid 60 pesos for the entrance fee.

No flash. No loud voices. 

It was around two in the afternoon when we get there and most of the tarsiers, unfortunately, was sleeping. Understandable.


They were really small and have big eyes! It was an incredible sight to see and I hope that the provincial government would continue to take care of them.

When the clock struck four, we went to SUP for paddle boarding at Loboc River. My sister booked and paid ahead of time, 800 pesos to each person.
That's my sis!

I did my research about it but when I was actually on the board, I panicked. I got scared because I didn't know how to swim. I wore a life vest and there was a rope on my feet that were attached to the board. And still, I cried. 

I was grateful to Manong Nador who was one of our guides. He didn't leave my side while I composed myself and started paddling. I accepted the challenge. We were given an hour: 30 minutes to reach the finished line and 30 minutes to go back to the starting line.

Did I make it to the finished line? 


Yes, I did. 

I was sitting the whole time. I didn't stand up because I knew that I could not balance myself. I rowed the stick right and left. I was over 30 minutes but I was proud of myself. I thought I could not make it. Grabe nakakapagod siya sa kamay! The river was very long and murky.

It was getting late in the afternoon so Manong decided that we need to go back to the starting line immediately.

I would never forget my ATV and paddleboarding experiences because it was my first time. 

Bohol, you make me wanna go back to you soon. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and challenging adventures.

Until next time. 

Our vacation trip was not yet finished and our third day was in the province that was very familiar to me.

Monday, May 6, 2019

Bohol, you make me fall in love! Part 1



When my sister told me that our family friend would be coming home and we would be going on a summer trip, I was ecstatic. It happened after the holy week and though, I was absent for four days, I was grateful that I joined the gang.

Where did we go?

First Day: Bohol
I'm a certified Bohol virgin. I have never been to the place but it had been part of my travel bucket list since 2017.

We arrived at the Panglao Airport nine in the morning. We were very early for our check-in at the hotel so we were quite hesitant that they would accommodate us.

Good thing the friendly staffs of Be Grand Hotel allowed us to stay in our room.

Love this reminder!




Though our room was not in front of the beach, the view from our verandah was mesmerizing enough. 







The room was very clean.  

Do you know what is behind that window?
Here you go!

The bathroom was a surprise! 




There was a mini ref but the cooling effect didn't work well. Sadly, there were ants on the desktop. 

Wonderful perks!

Other than that, Be Grand Hotel was so far the best hotel resort that I've been to!
Best reception area that I've seen so far!




We rest for a while before we headed to Tarsier Paprika to take our lunch. 

The restaurant is inside the vicinity of Donatello Hotel

I was speechless with the overlooking ocean view. Wow just wow! 


The prices of the foods were expensive and not most of the meals tasted good. 

Menu
Complimentary

I liked their Vegetable Salad, Pizza and Sushi. 

This the food that I ordered but I forgot the name.

Mango Banana Shake

The plate of oysters reminded me of New Orleans.

I commended their comfort room! It has a unique mirror and lovely wall. 
Can I bring you home?

The light should be fixed because it gave dim light.

We ended our day going to Hinagdanan Cave. We paid 75 pesos for entrance and swimming fees. 


It was better to go there by morning because the water is cold and not crowded.

Helpful tip: Instead of commuting for special rides every time you go out, there are motorcycles for rent. You have to pay 500 pesos for the whole day. It is more convenient and you would save more.

I can't wait to share to you our adventure pack a 2nd day!

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Is LONGSHOT worth to see?



Since I'm getting older I often see romantic comedy films. Not because I don't want 'kilig' in my life but I think I graduated from the stories that only make your heart flutters and believe in happy endings.

I was glad to see the advanced screening of Long Shot last Monday, April 29 at Sm Megamall Cinema 7.  


Thank you Play FM for the free tickets.

I invited a friend, my cousin and she tagged along with her husband. 

I was hesitant that men were with us because come on; they were going to watch a movie that they don't prefer much. Yet, I was very awed when they were laughing and they seemed not to be bored.

I tried not to spoil the film with the things that I listed below why you should watch it too.

1. Charlize Theron
Photo from The Epoch Times

The 'Goddess', I must say! She was so mesmerizing to see on the big screen. She is Charlotte Field, the Secretary of State of the United States who plans to run for the presidency in 2020. She eyes the seat and will do everything to be the first woman president of the country. There are some points to improve though so her popularity would be increased and one of them is her humor. I like her character, she is sophisticated and respectable as a government official, smart and very focuses as a person but she doesn't date and she only rest a little. You have to see her doing micro napping.

2. Seth Rogen
Not a fan of this comedian because I didn't understand most of what he said. But, I find him hilarious and humorous as Fred Flarsky, the unemployed journalist. 

Photo from Pop Sugar

He knows what he's capacity to do but at times he is reckless and makes some stupid stuff. He had a crush with Charlotte when they were young. Though he falls in love with her, he won't compromise her reputation and her dream of becoming the president.

3. The Supporting Allies
Photo from timeout.com

I hate and like Maggie, one of Charlotte's key staffers because she is protective of her but she is also against Fred as part of their team. 
 
Photo from Product Placement Blog
Fred's best friend, Lance is funny and understanding. And he is the one that made Fred realize to follow his heart and stop being selfish.

4. Advocacy and Dirty Politics
Caring for the environment is Charlotte's main platform for her presidency and it is relatable for what we need at the moment. Sadly, not everyone appreciates it for the sake of the money. 
 
Photo from DailyMotion
They are individuals who become rich with their own agenda.

5. Hello there Manila!
Photo from ET Canada

As part of Charlotte's campaign, she travels as a representative of the US and one of the countries that she visited was Manila. I was giddy that they made research because there was a famous brand in the background! However, they have shown how unsafe our country is with that scene and yes, I felt bad. Yet, they retracted the scenario with the beach somewhere in our country.

PerksBe WithYou Rating: 9/10 (The plot is superb for me and I was laughing most of the time. There were parts though that I found dull.)

Photo from anygoodfilms.com

Laugh your heart out with LongShot and watch it on May 8!