There are just days when breaking free is the best option available. When I finally got a chance to take a quick break from all of life’s drama, I am glad to have spent it in some of my favorite destinations in the south.
Stop 1: Zaragoza, Aloguinsan, Cebu
Just 15 minutes from Carcar rotunda on board a habal-habal and we were already in this sleepy barangay of Aloguinsan. We visited a former officemate, Jam, and her family is gracious enough to feed us. Haha
I love their place as it is very quiet and everywhere you look, the calmness of green plants with flowers and fruits would greet you. It was made even more fun with the kids around.
Stop 2: Boljoon Church Complex, Boljoon, Cebu
 |
| Ice cream + Park + Church = Happy Heart |
We left for Boljoon a little after lunchtime. The sun was already setting when we got to Boljoon so we aborted the mission to get up Eli Rock. We just took the time taking pictures at the Escuela Catolica, century-old cemetery, and in this little pine tree corner.
In all the thousand times I’ve gone to southern Cebu, it was the only time I ever stopped at the church grounds. It was well worth it.
Stop 3: Issa’s Haven, Oslob, Cebu
 |
| Chubby is the new sexy. |
For the night, we retreated at Cebu’s little Santorini. Okay, manage your expectations. The white and blue colors do resemble Santorini but apart from that, everything else is typical Filipino bed and breakfast. I don’t mean that as anything bad though for, in fact, I like it better that way.
The pool is deep so it is not for non-swimmers like Gracia and I. There is a smaller and shallower pool and that’s practically where we spent our time “swimming”.
The staff of Issa’s Haven is accommodating. We ordered dinner but since we were still a bit full, we ended up having it heated for breakfast. All for P300. Haha
 |
| This sunrise is one for the books. <3 |
 |
| Where oh where is Gracia? |
 |
| Oh coffee... |
We stayed at one of the backpacker’s rooms and were more than glad that only the two of us would be staying for the night. There was a common CR and bath outside while those who rented rooms probably got better amenities than we did. But then again, our motto is: travel like a soldier and spend less.
Stop 4: Cuartel Ruins, Oslob, Cebu
Why are all my contributions to the itinerary always the historical kind?
The Cuartel is memorable to me because it is one of those places I covered during my internship for Sugbo TV. I easily fall in love with all things and places with history and this one is no exception. When we got here for that 2009 coverage, it was already night time so I never got the chance to truly marvel at its beauty.
I have quite a memory of this place, too. That coverage was a cocktail party. After a grueling 15-hour coverage from Naga to Oslob, all my body wanted was to drink water but surprise, the waiter said there’s none and so he handed us punch instead. I drank two glasses and ended up tipsy for the rest of the ride back to base.
Finally, after almost a decade I got to visit it again. I am not tipsy this time. I am happy to see it as part of the itinerary of History 1 field trips.
Stop 5: Samboan
Capping the weekend’s adventure is spending time with some good friends for Samboan’s fiesta. We never missed the chance to light candles and pray of course but the sun’s just too much to handle that day.
Always thankful to our hosts, the Belongilots, for a fun time to catch up, laugh, and do silly things.
PS
Please don’t tell my mom I drank beer.
PPS
Would you believe we spent less than P2,000 for this whole trip?
Hello everyone out there, help me Thank Dr UGO! My name is MRS LINDA from Netherlands. I am here to give testimony on how I got my ex husband back, my husband left me for no reason 6 Months. He moved in with another woman, I felt like killing myself, my life became very bitter and sorrowful. Then 1 day, a friend of mine told me about a great spell caster that is very good and she said that he told her all about her life history and the problem she is facing, I didn't believe it because I've worked with so many of them and it didn't work. She begged me further so I decided to try this great spell caster called Great Dr UGO. I still didn't believe, but inside me I wanted to give a try and as God will have it, I used the spell solution he gave me and the next day I received a call from my darling husband Romero last month. He apologized and came back to me. I'm very happy now with my family it worked for me and I believe it will work for you too just give him a try and follow up this is a clear truth from a testifier. Thank you Dr UGO once again, if you want to reach him via email:(dr.ugo.temple@gmail.com)
ReplyDeleteI just lost my man about three months ago though he is back again full of love and passion with the help of great man Dr. IKHIDE. I NORAH PEDRO from Norway, have been into a relationship with daniel mark since I was 22 years old and I am 28 now. I so much love him but I could not show the love, it was very difficult for me to prove my realness to him because I thought to prove my love to him might make him look down on me and go after other girls. for over six years Daniel has given me all that I ask of him. I always threatened him with break up each time I want to see his level of love for me because I was told if I threaten him, he will propose to me and then will get married to him before I can show my love despite his complains of him not sure of my love I was responding to him with negative words. though I was suspecting he has another girl in his life, I did not border to ask him about that because I was so sure of his love despite my attitude. on the 8th of September a day to my birthday he came and gave me so many lovely gifts like never before claiming to wish me a happy birthday in advance with his words and behavior I expected him to propose to me on my birthday night then I will also tell him of my pregnant for him. I wait for him on my birthday he did not show up not even a call, I tried his number and it was not going through I refuse to go check on him because the anger in me six days later I went to his house and I found nothing not even a sign of my Daniel once live there. I was disappointed, frustrated, confused with so many thoughts on my mind like hanging my self if I did not see him again because I can not my parent about the pregnancy when the man responsible for it had disappeared. our religion's against that, my family will be disappointed in me, I have brought them shame. I look for daniel everywhere till I could chat with him on social network, he warned me never to disturb him again because he already had found another girl that he wants to live his life with, after a while, he blocked me from all access then I could not tell him of my pregnancy for him. so, I needed help from all corners of life, I decide to check to google my self or read some write up on-site on how to coup with my pain because I could not tell anybody about it not even my friends were aware of my pregnancy. I keep reading to cancel my self till I find how Dr. IKHIDE helps so many persons from different walks of life with their testimonies. then I decide to also contact him with dr.ikhide@gmail.com. Because I do not know much about contacting a spell caster, I was not sure he can bring my Dan back but I decide to give him a try though his requirement was another problem I meet with a friend for help because I could not the items that he needed I have to plead with Dr. IKHIDE to help me get the items because really need my man back to take away my shame. just two days after I send him the requirement Daniel calls me, plead for forgiveness. just yesterday he propose to me and I am so happy. you can also contact him with dr.ikhide@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of Sapa, Lao Cai, Vietnam bordering Luang Namtha, Laos.
ReplyDelete