Barkota Official Blog

Greetings everyone!

We’ve always wanted more for our online shipping service, and today, we are very excited to announce a new feature on our website that will surely be of help to all travelling passengers.

Today, we are proud to announce our online ticket booking service. As of today, the following shipping companies have partnered with us to provide online booking for their passengers.

a. Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corporation

b. EB Aznar Shipping corporation

With this, you can now book your tickets online for the following routes.

a. Cebu to Manila (vice versa) by Philippine Span Asia Corporation

b. Cebu to Cagayan (vice versa) by Philippine Span Asia Corporation

c. Cebu to Nasipit (Butuan) (vice versa) by Philippine Span Asia Corporation

d. San Carlos to Toledo (vice versa) by EB Aznar Shipping Corporation.

We hope to partner with more shipping companies soon so you could book your tickets online to any destination in the Philippines.

 

The group of smaller islands that comprise Camotes (Poro, Ponson, Pacijan and Tulang) are found in the northeast of mainland Cebu.

You can customize your own tour to suit your schedule and budget.

Guide + day use of a van: P3,000.00

Attractions to visit:

1. Greenlake Park (Lake Danao)

This is the largest natural lake in Cebu.

- have a picnic

-take a boat

-fish for Tilapia and have it grilled by the restaurant

2. Bukilat Cave in Tudela

explore a cave or take a dip in the pool illuminated by sunlight

Truth is, when we arrived at the cave, the water was too shallow to swim in so we just took photos.

3. Buho Rock  (Poro)

or have a picnic at one of the cottages at Buho Rock and dive into the sea

4. Bamboo Weaving (San Francisco)

learn and observe how they weave bamboo for fish traps and baskets

5. Beach

You can enjoy the white sandy beaches at Santiago Bay Garden & Resort or at Mangodlong Rock Resort.

Where to Stay:

1. Santiago Bay Garden & Resort

So YSSP ended up choosing this resort over the other one because of the long and wide stretch of beach in front of the resort. Unfortunately, because we did the tour first and we only stayed for one night, it was already too dark when we got back and although swimming at night seemed fun, it was too dark and risky to stay in the water too long. The following morning was greeted with a low tide as you can see in the photo so we weren’t really able to enjoy the beach as much as we wanted.

2. Mangodlong Rock Resort

(Rates to follow)

How to Get There:

Take the Golden Express Fastcraft from Pier 1 at Cebu City

Schedule

(Pier 1 to Poro)

Departure: 5:30 pm          Arrival: 7:30 pm

(Poro to Pier 1)

Departure: 6:00 am          Arrival: 8:00 am

Most people would immediately think of Boracay or Palawan when you ask where the beautiful beaches are in the Philippines but not a lot of locals (except maybe those living in Cebu) have probably even heard of Bantayan Island, much less know where it is on the map.

Admittedly, it is not easy to get there. You have to endure a 3- hour  bus ride(P110-120 estimate)from Cebu City to get to the northern tip where the port  is located at Hagnaya, San Remegio and then travel for an hour by ferry (P165 estimate) to cross to Bantayan Island.

But the rustic charm of the island with its unspoilt powdery white sand beaches, crystal clear waters ( not to mention the amazing food!! ) make it worthwhile. Plus, you have the beach pretty much all to yourself without all the crazy crowd of people you may find in Boracay.

Gas Station (island-style)

You can also rent a bicycle and explore the island to get the best experience. Then you can burn off all those extra calories from the yummy selection of food and restaurants on the island.

Sugar Beach Bantayan Island

Photo source: http://www.markmaranga.com/sugar-beach-in-bantayan-island/

Paradise Beach only accessible by boat

Photo source: http://wowbantayan.com/wowhome/index.php?page=paradise-beach

Kota Beach, Santa Fe

“WoW”

Photo source: http://kotabeachbantayan.multiply.com/photos/album/1/Kota_Beach_Photos#photo=5

Personally, I really hate long-distance bus trips in the Philippines because you only get one stop to use the toilet (if you’re lucky) and it’s a real pain in the ass  if it became one of those times when nature calls while the bus is on the road and you had to hold it in for an hour or two,  so not funny.  All these places are so out of the way just like Sumilon Island that it makes me wonder why these  shipping companies, especially the fast crafts, don’t offer more trips from Cebu City so tourists can reach these islands conveniently.

Where to Stay:

There are several beach resorts on the island to choose from (including but not limited to the resorts mentioned below). It really depends on your budget but don’t expect 5-star luxury resorts.

Santa Fe Beach Club Resort

Beach front at  Santa Fe Beach Club

Ogtong Cave Resort

mmm…well that isn’t much of a cave

Beach Placid ( with the longest and nicest stretch of beach along Alice beach)

Photo source: http://www.tripadvisor.in/ReviewPhotos-g1218897-d1858775-r84038050-Beach_Placid-Bantayan_Island_Cebu_Visayas.html#28344577

Rates:

Beachfront Duplex(aircon): 3,000-3,500 (good for 4)

Beachfront Triplex (aircon): 1,500-1,800 (good for 2)

Beachfront Native(aircon): 1,300-1,500 (good for 2)

Non-Beachfront Cottages(aircon): 2,000-2,500 (good for 4)

Non-Beachfront Cottages(non aircon): 600-800 (good for 2)

CouCou Hotel

Photo source:http://wowbantayan.com/wowhome/index.php?page=zenith-restaurant

Rates:

Standard: 75-850 (low-high season)

Family: 950-1150

Deluxe: 1050-1250

Mabuhay: 1250-1450

Where to Eat:

Ahhh… this is as important as accommodations itself! Surprisingly, there are several restaurants on Bantayan Island run by expats which offer good international/filipino food, although they may be a little bit pricey. I am getting hungry just looking at these mouthwatering photos.

Blue Ice Bar and Restaurant

Photo source:http://wowbantayan.com/wowhome/index.php?page=blue-ice-bar-restaurant

Coucou Bar & Restaurant

Photo source: http://wowbantayan.com/wowhome/index.php?page=zenith-restaurant

D’Jungle (buffet on weekends)

Photo source: http://www.ivanhenares.com/2010/09/cebu-bantayan-island-island-hopping-to.html

NOTE: WE DO NOT TAKE CREDIT FOR ALL THE PHOTOS MARKED WITH THE SOURCE LINK POSTED IN THIS BLOG.

Camiguin is located in the Bohol Sea just 10 kilometers off the northern coast of Misamis Oriental in Mindanao with a land area of only about 238 square kilometers.  This tiny island was shaped by volcanic eruptions and land movements, which is why it is called as the “Island Born of Fire” and has more volcanoes than any other island in the world, seven to be exact (Hibok-Hibok, Vulcan, Mambajao, Ginsiliban, Uhay, Carling & Tibane).

Why You Should Visit

1. Katibawasan Falls

A thin stream of clear water dropping 76 meters down to a natural pool surrounded by beautiful tropical foliage where you can take a plunge on a hot day or follow hiking trails within the park

2. Ardent Hot Spring

Due to its volcanic nature, Camiguin offers plenty of hot springs, the most popular of which is Ardent Hot Spring. Take a dip in invigorating mineral pools heated by the vents of Mt. Hibok-Hibok.

Another interesting attraction is Tangub Hot Spring, submerged in the sea near the Sunken Cemetery, where water temperatures change respectively with the tides. It is also an  ideal spot for scuba diving.

3.  White Island Sand Bar

Access this beautiful sandbar by taking a small boat from the island of Camiguin with  rugged volcanic mountains as a backdrop.

4.  Sunken Cemetery & other diving sites

A trip to Camiguin will not be complete without stopping by Camiguin’s famous landmark, the Sunken Cemetery. From 1871 to 1948,  successive eruptions of Mt. Vulcan led to the sinking of  part of the town of Bonbon, which used to be the old capital of Camiguin, along with its cemetery 20 feet below sea level. A huge cross was built to mark the site in 1982.

5.   Old  Catarman Church Ruins

Along with the sunken cemetery, the church in the town of Catarman was also destroyed by successive eruptions of Mt. Vulcan.  Only ruins of the old Gui-ob church and the bell tower is left of the old town.

6. Enigmata Tree House

A collection of volunteer artists created this ecolodge tree house / art gallery resort, also known as Tarzan’s Nest Resort

Mosaic of bottle caps line the walls of the library

Recycled wine bottles that give a similar effect to stained glasses at sunrise

7. Lanzones Festival

One of the best things about living in Cebu is that you are never too far away from truly beautiful beaches that have flown under the radar. You never have to pay a lot of money to fly over to other beach destinations packed with tourists from all over the world.

Sumilon Island is one of these best kept secrets. It is  a little paradise that provides you a  retreat from civilization and complete isolation from the rest of the world with all the luxury, comfort and amenities of a world class resort.  It has an area of 24 hectares and was declared as a fish sanctuary in 1974.

See that small island in the distance? That’s Sumilon Island.It is 125 kilometers away from Cebu City so be prepared for 2.5- 3 hour bus ride and then a 15 minute boat ride from the southeastern tip of the mainland at Oslob. However, the blindingly-white sand beach and sand bar as well as the surrounding clear aquamarine waters make it well worth the trip.

Free boat transfer provided by the resort

Upon arrival on the island, you will be picked up by a golf cart to take you directly to your room.

There are only twelve spacious cottages with private verandas lined with bougainvillas with magnificient views of the sea and the nearby Cebu island.

Resort Amenities: As if there aren’t enough activities to do on the island, if you get bored, you can also play pool, take a dip in the pool or borrow some dvds to watch movies in the room.

Restaurant with pool table

Infinity Pool

The island also has a shape-changing sandbar that shifts locations depending on the season.

You can have a picnic for a daytrip or relax and lounge at one of their payag-payag

Or go kayaking on the serene natural lagoon surrounded by high mangroves

Or a romantic walk on the beach..

Take a dip in the clear aquamarine waters

Form sand castlesBe daring enough to climb an old lighthouse with rickety steps and get commanding views on top of the entire island, the sea and Cebu

Whew… I don’t think I’d like to look down… just look at how old and rusty those steps are. I don’t trust them at all! heheExplore the island on your own and go on a walking trail

Find natural caves that fishermen used to take refuge in the past

So Yamashita Cave….who took all that gold?  That actually looks creepy. Who would want to hide in there?  There might be a snake lurking in the dark for all you know.

Other details:

Room rates per night: About P 8,000

Bohol is the tenth largest island in the Philippines with a land area of 4,117.3 square kilometers and a coastline that is 261 kilometers long. Its capital is Tagbilaran City.  It is only a short distance away from Cebu and takes only an hour to travel by fastcraft. Bohol has become a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and its popular diving spots located in Panglao Island. It offers the simple charm of a rustic retreat.

Places Worth Checking Out:

1. Chocolate Hills

This is Bohol’s main attraction: Thousands of  uniquely dome-shaped hills made from grass-covered limestone, scattered throughout the towns of Carmen, Sagbayan & Batuan. It was formed a long time ago by the uplift of coral deposits and the action of rain water and erosion.  The domes vary in size from 98 to 160 feet. Other similar formations can be seen in the limestone regions of Slovenia, Croatia, northern Puerto Rico, Cuba and Indonesia.

2. Beaches at Panglao Island

Panglao beaches are comparable to the beaches in Boracay but much more quiet and sober, with less bars and restaurants although the island has several beach resorts to choose from and several diving spots.  It has been said that there are more marine species in Panglao than in Japan and in the Mediterranean Sea. If you want peace and tranquility, then this is the place to go.

Bohol Beach Club

Photo source:    http://www.bohol-hotels.com/about-bohol/

3. Loboc Floating Restaurants

Enjoy a native Filipino buffet meal while cruising down the Loboc River.

Photo source:  http://www.bohol.ph/picture124.html

Photo source:  http://tinybites.ca/category/food/travel/philippines/

4.  Bilar Man-Made Forest

A 2 kilometer stretch of rainforest of Mahogany trees located in the border of Loboc and Bilar towns. You will feel the sudden drop in the temperature once you enter the forest, being shielded by the canopy from the heat of the sun.5.  Bohol  Caves

Considered by many as a “cave country”, Bohol is blessed with a large number of caves, many of which are still unexplored, used a hideouts during the war. There are more or less 1,400 caves discovered throughout the island to date.

Loboc Cave

Hinagdanan Cave

Photo source: http://www.etravelpilipinas.com/tourism_news/popular-hinagdanan-cave-in-panglao-island-bohol-philippines.htm

6. Philippine Tarsier

The Philippine Tarsier is one of the smallest primates in the world, measuring only about 3.35 to 6.30 inches in height. It is difficult to spot because apart from its size, it is also a shy nocturnal animal. Its favorite diet consists of live insects particularly crickets and grasshoppers but they are also known to feed on spiders, small crustaceans and lizards.

7. Bohol Bee Farm

A farm that promotes healthy lifestyle, nestled in lush greens that serves up the freshest organic ingredients where you can also immerse yourself in a number of farm activities.

Photo source: http://www.boholbeefarm.com/gallery/bee-farm-foods

Photo source:  http://www.boholbeefarm.com/farm-activities-2

8. Baclayon Church

One of the oldest and best preserved churches in the Philippines that was completed in 1727

Photo source:  http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baclayon_church_1596.jpg

9. Eco-Adventure Tour Danao (E.A.T Danao)

Nature + Adventure  = E.A.T Danao

Activities to choose from: Cave trekking, ziplining, rappelling, root climbing, river trekking, sky ride, plunge and so much more

Plunge

Photo source:   http://www.eatdanao.com/2009-plunge.html

Rapelling

Photo source:  http://www.eatdanao.com/2009-rappelling.html

Sky Ride

Photo source: http://www.eatdanao.com/2009-sky-ride.html

River Kayaking

Photo source: http://www.eatdanao.com/2009-river-kayaking.html

Sui-Slide (could mean suicidal slide hehe)

“Feels like I’m Supermaaaaaaan!!!!”

Photo source:  http://www.eatdanao.com/2009-suislide.html

NOTE: We do not take credit for all the photos marked with the source link below the photos.

Manila Ocean Park is the Philippines’ first state-of-the-art oceanarium with an open water marine habitat, featuring 300 marine species found only in the  Philippines and in Southeast Asia. The park also inclues a hotel, a mall and a row of restaurants serving either casual fastfood or fine dining with a fantastic view of the Manila Bay.

Attractions:

1. Oceanarium

Features marine life exhibit and the largest underwater viewing tunnel stretching 25 meters long

Stone Fish – the most venomous fish in the world that resembles a small rock that ejects a deadly venom from the spikes on its dorsal fin

Lion Fish - another poisonous fish with venomous spikes

Cow  “pucker up” Fish -

Strange fishes (I forgot the name.)

Alligator Gar

Photo source:  http://mayniladailyphoto.blogspot.com/2008/12/manila-ocean-park-agos.html (We do not take credit for this photo.)

Tunnel

2. Musical Fountain Show

A spectacular display of laser lights, music, fire with water screen backed with animated marine characters

Start of the show

3. Marine Life Show

4. Jellies Dancing Sea Fairies

Exhibit featuring different jellyfish species from all over the world

Photo source:   http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotos-g298573-d1137283-Manila_Ocean_Park-Manila_National_Capital_Region_Luzon.html

(We do not take credit for this phot.)

5. Aquanaut Voyage

Put on a diving suit and a special helmet to get up-close and personal with 5000 fishes and stingrays

6.Fish Spa

Sit, relax and let the little fishes nibble away those dead skin cells for a truly unique spa experience

Photo source:    http://mayniladailyphoto.blogspot.com/2008/12/manila-ocean-park-fish-spa.html (We do not take credit for this photo.)

7. Glass Bottom Boat Ride

The Oceanarium was a bit of a let down because it was fairly small and you had to pay a separate amount to visit the Jellyfish section.  However, the Musical Fountain Show was fun and entertaining, a bit corny at times with the marine species mascots but it turned out to be the highlight of the trip at the Manila Ocean Park.

Where: Manila Ocean Park is located behind the Quirino grandstand at the Luneta Park

Price: We paid about P500.00 to get into the Aquarium plus the Musical Fountain Show.

NIDO FORTIFIED SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTER

The Science Discovery Center at the Mall of Asia is the country’s first and only hands-on interactive science-technology exhibit & museum, designed not only for children but also for adults’ curiosity.

The center is divided into several themed areas (including but not limited to):

1. Transportation Nation

Fly your own plane and experience flight simulation

See tomorrow’s vehicles (The Segway & The Wheel Surf)

Build your own car using gentle earth-friendly alternatives that make it run at maximum efficiency & learn about the complex technical processes of vehicles

2. Virtual Reef

Interact with a talking fish (Mr. T), have a tour & learn some facts about the Philippine coral reefs and marine life

Photo Source:  http://www.sciencediscovery.ph/sdc/index.php?p=1360 (We do not take credit for this photo.)

In the Virtual Reef

3. Robot Inc.

Features the evolution of robots, from industrial to commercial to famous robots from sci-fi movies

Terminator

Photo Source:  http://www.sciencediscovery.ph/sdc/index.php?p=1349 (We do not take credit for this photo.)

4. Digistar Planetarium

Fully immerse yourself as you travel to outer space and galaxies in the comfort of a dome theater with a 180 degree planetarium screen complete with digital surround sound. The planetarium offers a number of shows throughout the day.

Photo Source:  http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2007/10/sciencediscover.html  (We do not take credit for this photo.)

5. Grossology

Learn how burping happens, how kidneys work, identify different body odors (if you dare to squeeze the bottle and sniff) and play a question-and-answer game about grossness

Photo source:  http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2007/10/sciencediscover.html (We do not take credit for this photo.)

6. Spaceship Earth

7. City Science

See models of the tallest buildings in the world or step into an earthquake simulator platform to understand the impact of tremors on buildings

Photo source:  http://skopun.multiply.com/photos/album/50/Science_And_Discovery_Center_SM_Mall_of_Asia#photo=4

(We do not take credit for this photo.)

8.  Shadow Wall

Bug Rug

Step into an interactive forest floor projection where insects are busy searching for food. Quick movements will scare them away or you can guide baits with the shadows of your hands and feet so the insects will follow to designated traps set in the forest. Then details about that particular species appear on the wall monitor.

Photo source:  http://www.smsciencediscovery.com/sdc/index.php?p=1365  (We do not take credit for this photo.)

Arctic Ice

Help a polar bear cub get back to its mother by blocking solar rays with your shadow which lowers the temperature of the arctic water and helps prevent the melting of the ice lobes

Photo source:  http://www.smsciencediscovery.com/sdc/index.php?p=1362  (We do not take credit for this photo.)

Fear Wall

an interactive freeze or flee response in a virtual environment where the goal is to collect the fruits falling from the tree using your shadow without being seen and eaten by the leopard

Photo source:  http://www.smsciencediscovery.com/sdc/index.php?p=1363

(We do not take credit for this photo.)

The Science Discovery Center was a fun way to pass time at the Mall of Asia. However, we were a little disappointed to find that a few of the attractions were not working properly or not working at all like the piano-playing robot or the earthquake simulation platform.

Ticket price:  P330.00 (including one planetarium show)

Where:  SM Mall of Asia  from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Monday – Sunday)

Last weekend, a colleague and I had a short trip to Manila, just for a couple of days. I’m glad I went because it allowed me to get past my fears due to a  bad experience that happened in Manila a few years back . However, everything went smoothly and we actually had a wonderful time.

We had an early flight and decided to spend most of the morning at Salcedo Saturday Market held in a small park (Jaime Velasquez Park) in the midst of the Makati Business District. It reminded me of the Central Park in New York with much smaller proportions Okay, I’m exaggerating but the park & the market/bazaar were kind of neat.  It was definitely located in an upscale and rich neighborhood.

The Salcedo Saturday Market has around 160 vendors selling all sorts from fresh produce,  fruits, homemade specialties & international dishes, cakes, pastries and bread, fresh seafood, flowers & potted plants, hats, ceramics to even bath salts.

Salcedo Saturday Market

Photo source:  http://www.marketmanila.com/archives/saturday-salcedo-market

Crates of Fruits

Vegetables

Seafood

Flowers

New York Bagels

An International Food Fair

The variety was extensive and just staggering. You can choose from Italian food (pasta, pizza, lasagna) to French (crepes, macarons, french dishes like coq au vin) to Japanese (sushi rolls & wagyu burgers) to a Dimsum cart to Spanish (huge trays of pealla, tortilla, croquettas) to Turkish delights like Baklavas to Indian / Middle Eastern food (curries, koftas, samosas) to Mexican (burritos and quesadillas). The list could go on and on.

Cantonese Home Kitchen’s Dimsum Stall

French  Crepes & Sandwiches

French Food & Italian Food

Japanese  Sushi

Photo source:  http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OZeQ1PcjeuI/SAAeLkY7PvI/AAAAAAAAA_8/_F4yD_JrRYw/s1600-h/Salcedo-Sushi.jpg

Indian Curry

Photo source:   http://www.kitchencow.com/2007/03/26/saturday-at-salcedo/

Gigantic Pans of Spanish Paella

Photo source:  http://www.kitchencow.com/2007/03/26/saturday-at-salcedo/

Lamb & Wagyu Burgers

Turkish Baklava Trays

Photo source:  http://allanko.net/2009/09/18/my-salcedo-market-weekends/

Mexican Burritos at Taqueria Mia

Photo source: http://www.spot.ph/files/2009/08/taq-mia.jpg

Imported Sausages

There’s even something for the adventurous, if you feel like trying Adobong Kamaru (Crickets) & Frogs at Everybody’s Cafe.  I tried the free samples and the cricket ( I had 1 piece) wasn’t THAT bad actually. It was savory and I was relieved that it didn’t ooze with yummy juices when I chewed on it like I half expected would happen.

Adobong Kamaru (Crickets) on the right @Everybody’s Cafe

Photo source:  http://www.spot.ph/files/2009/08/everybody31.jpg

Of course,  the market isn’t complete without Filipino food.  I saw lechon from Cebu, a whole calf roasting, typical filipino dishes and native delicacies like sapin-sapin, biko, puto bumbong etc.

Filipino Native delicacies

Photo source: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OZeQ1PcjeuI/R_34qkY7PNI/AAAAAAAAA7s/6Yt9GMath1o/s1600-h/Salcedo-Assorted+Kakanin.jpg

Dried Fish

Filipino Food

Roasted Calf

Photo source:  http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YW4qNsbbjs4/RnNkqo0r1-I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/EJTSOEZAP8k/s1600-h/salcedo+market+2.JPG

Barbeque

Photo source:  http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr218/recadosfilipinos/2008%20Product%20Album/SalcedoSaturdayMarket_6.jpg

Vegan Treats

I was elated and I felt like I was in food heaven!!! It took me a while to decide what to have for breakfast.  Eventually, I ended up buying Paella and spent P200.00 for a single order. Then I had Pistachio Frozen Yogurt (P80) and Fresh Fruit French Crepes (P90) for dessert.

Paella

Fresh Fruit Crepe

If you want to visit the market, be prepared to spend a lot because the food there is a little expensive and there is so much to choose from. The prices range from P100 – 380 per serving, not that much cheaper than if you go to a restaurant and order the same dishes but the market is absolutely fun to explore and you will not regret it. You can also find something inexpensive like the local meat barbeque on sticks for P35.00.  Drinks cost around P40.00.

Dalandan Juice

If you are a food enthusiast and you love to eat like I do, I would definitely recommend you to visit Salcedo Saturday Market in Makati.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

1. Where is the market located?

The market is located in a small park (Jaime Velasquez Park)  in front of  One Salcedo Place, in Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City.

2. What time does the market open?

The market is open from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. every Saturday.

3.  When did the market start?

Two homemakers from Salcedo Village started the market in May 2004 as a way to bring all the residents together.

4. What to bring?

Your camera, lots of cash and an empty stomach

NOTE: We do not take credit for all photos marked with photo source posted in this blog.

• Basilica del Sto. Nino

This is the oldest church in the Philippines built in the 16th century by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and  Fr. Andres Urdaneta where the image of the Sto. Nino, a sculpture of the Holy Child Jesus, was found in 1565 by the Spanish explorers.

Photo Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Basilica_del_Santo_Nino.jpg

Tidbit: Ferdinand Magellan gave the statue of the Sto. Nino to Queen Juana in 1521 as a symbol of their alliance. However, the natives gradually became hostile as a consequence of the wrongful actions of the some of the Spanish invaders. Due to this hostility,  when Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and his army arrived 40 yrs. later,  they beseiged and set the village on fire. Interestingly enough, a soldier named Juan Camos found the image of the Sto. Nino unscathed in one of the burnt homes. Since then, the local people have venerated it as the patron saint of Cebu, celebrated during the Sinulog Festival every January.

Devotion of the people to Sto. Nino (Batobalani sa Gugma)

Photo source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Batobalani_sa_Gugma.jpg

• Casa Gorordo Museum
  

The first Filipino bishop of Cebu, Juan Gorordo,  once lived in this Spanish colonial house built in the 1860′s. Now, it is open to the public as a musuem housing antique furniture, museum relics and notable paintings during that period.

Photo source:  http://www.fabulousphilippines.com/casa-gorordo-cebu.html

• Taoist Temple

This temple stands 300 meters above sea level with an entrance that is a replica of the Great Wall of China and 81 steps representing the 81 chapters of the scriptures of Taoism, where one can light joss sticks upon reaching the top and have their fortune read.

Photo source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dragonstatue.jpg

• TOPS

About 2,000 feet above sea leavel offering a stunning & magnificient view of Metro Cebu and Mactan Island… best to go at night to view the island with all the lights on

Photo source:  http://www.livecebu.com/artwork/topsnightb.jpg

• Sky Experience Adventure at Crowne Regency Hotel
  

Located at the tallest hotel tower in the Philippines, experience the world’s first edge coaster that tilts at 55 degrees from the 37th floor, the country’s first and only Sky Walk Extreme at 126.55 meters high, a 4D theater  or simply feast on Asian & International buffet at Sparkz Restobar

• Kawasan Falls

A series of three waterfalls with a tarzan swing in the southern part of Cebu where one can enjoy swimming in the cool and deep freshwater and the peaceful lush tropical scenery

• Lapu-Lapu Monument

A 20-meter bronze statue in honor of Datu Lapu-Lapu, a Muslim king who defeated the Spanish soldiers and killed Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 during the battle of Mactan

Photo source: http://tigerboy10.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/04_lapu-lapu-monument2.jpg

• Plantation Bay

This beautiful 5-star colonial plantation charm is the only resort in the Philippines to make the Top 25 Resorts in Asia in the Conde Nast Traveller’s Reader’s Choice Awards

Photo source:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Plantation-Bay-Resort-Spa/

• Fort San Pedro

This is the oldest and smallest fort in the Philippines built by the Spanish to repel seiges by the natives and Muslim pirates, which later on also became a prison for Cebuano rebels. It is now a museum-park that displays ancient artifacts, paintings, cannons, sword fragments and Ming porcelain pieces.

Photo source:  http://philippines-archipelago.com/author/visited/cebu/fort_san_pedro_1.jpg

NOTE: WE DO NOT TAKE CREDIT FOR ANY OF THE PHOTOS POSTED IN THIS BLOG EXCEPT FOR PHOTOS OF SKY EXPERIENCE ADVENTURE & KAWASAN FALLS.