Summer Sunshine 2016: Canigao Island, Matalom Leyte

The initial plan was to go to Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte for Joni’s birthday. However, when we called the tourism office of Palompon, they can no longer accommodate us since the island is already crowded limiting visitors to only 90 heads per day. 

After much research and thought, I brought up the idea of visiting Canigao Island instead to which the group agreed after several exchange of private messages in FB. So, last weekend, three families and long time friends went on an island adventure in Canigao Island – an island which is just 15 minutes away from Matalom Leyte. 

Canigao Island earned its popularity just recently through social media. I’ve heard good reviews of the island and how affordable it is to get there. It was highly recommended by a friend and team mate of my husband who hails from Hilongos. 

To get to Canigao from Cebu, you have to take a boat from Cebu City to Hilongos. There are three shipping companies plying this route: Roble Shipping, Gabisan Shipping and Medallion. We took Roble Shipping which departs Cebu at 9:00 PM. We arrived in Hilongos at around 4:00am, Since it was still too early, the group slept a bit until the sun was already up at 6:00 AM. We had breakfast at the Market courtesy of the birthday girl Joni and waited for the Roble Shipping Office to open so we can purchase our return tickets. 

Friendship Goals

By 7:30 AM, we are off to Matalom, Leyte - the jump-off point for Canigao Island. It was a less than 30-minute ride via a Multi-Cab. When we reached Matalom Port, a lot of people are already signing up for the boat ride. Cottages were already full so we just opted for tent space and a table/chair set. After paying our fare and some waiting time of about 15 minutes or so, we were already on board the boat that will bring us to Canigao Island. We can already see the island from afar so it was just a really quick boat ride (about 15 minutes). 

Jump-off to Canigao Island

Upon reaching the island, we were met with very clear water, powdery white sand and an almost crowded island. People are already setting up their tents, provisions and anything that would make for a perfect weekend. I really didn't expect the island to be this crowded. 

Canigao Island from afar

We bought our provisions in the market - from the freshest seafood, softdrinks, rice, coal and even toiletries. You can even charge your gadget at Php30 per hour. There's halo-halo for sale  just beside our tent and masseuse on the other side. How's that for a good business? 

Anyway, here's sharing some photos of that beautiful weekend at Canigao Island. 

Chillin' with the birthday girl

Thank you Canigao. You were really beautiful but I think whoever is running/operating you will have to do something about the following:

1. Restrooms - This needs major improvement; I wouldn't mind paying extra for a nice restroom.
2. Water Supply - Water supply in the island was a pity. Everyone's lining up to wash up but it would take forever to even fill-up a small pail.
3. More Huts/Accommodation - They need to put up more huts/cottages with restrooms and other amenities. Sleeping in tents, though a bit of an adventure, leaves your muscle sore when you wake up.

Summary of Expenses:

Cebu - Hilongos (Roble Shipping) - Php 370 per head (Tourist)

Hilongs - Cebu (Roble Shipping - Php 270 per head (Economy)

Terminal Fees - Php 25 (Cebu Port) Php 11.50 (Hilongos Port)

Hilongos - Matalom (multi-cab) - Php 20 per head

Matalom - Canigao (roundtrip boat) - Php 95 per head

Tent Space - Php 100 per tent

Table & Chairs - Php 300 per set of 1 table and 4 chairs

Food - I cannot remember how much we spent for food 

Summer Sunshine 2016: Back in Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island

My Summer 2016 is off to a good start as we kick it off at no less than the most beautiful island in Cebu - Bantayan Island. It's the home of the best white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and "danggit". I've blogged about Bantayan Island some 10 years ago and a lot has changed. We were also here last year for my husband's triathlon race but I didn't wrote about it. Booo!!!

So here I am trying to re-live that weekend through this post. The travel has long been planned by me and my sisters - my new adventure buddies. It's an advance birthday celebration for my sister, Anne. She promised to take care of our accommodation and the food. 

A few days before the scheduled travel, my daughters suddenly got sick with fever. I had second thoughts of going coz what if, they'll get sick even more. I had them go through lab tests to ensure that it's not dengue. The doctor gave us an approval to go since it was just viral fever. 

We woke up as early as 4am to make last minute preparations. By 6am, we were already on board the bus. After 3 hours or so of bus ride, we were finally at the Port of Hagnaya. We were just in the nick of time as the ferry to Sta. Fe is about to leave in less than 30 minutes. By 11:30am, we were already in Sta. Fe. 

We took a motorcyle that will lead us to our resort, Budyong Beach Resort. We rested a bit at the restaurant and grabbed our lunch since our room was still being prepped. We wasted no time and immediately changed into our swimming attire, put on some sunscreen and took a plunged in the crystal clear and cold water. The weather was so hot as it was high noon but that didn't stop everyone to take a dip. 

Sharing to you some photos below:

At the port of Sta. Fe - it's tempting to jump 

Look at those crystal clear water

Low tide so you have to walk further

my new adventure buddies - my sisters

These two had a blast!

the cam-whoring was non-stop

Did I just say nonstop? (it's all over my facebook) hehe

Our beachfront villa

Rented two vintage bikes for Php300 for 24 hours

Sunset was breathtaking...

...and so is Sunrise

Big shout out to my sister for such a wonderful weekend. I needed this respite after a very stressful week with the kids getting sick and all. I also need this to face yet another challenging week. 

Thank you Birthday Girl

For those interested, here's a run down of expenses for this trip:

Bus Fare to Hagnaya Port (per way): Php132 (non-aircon) Php160 (aircon)

Ferry to Sta. Fe (per way): Php 170

Terminal Fee (per terminal): Php5

Meals: Php50 (Breakfast) Php 100 (Lunch) Php 150 (Dinner)

Meals is really dependent on your appetite. There are pricier restaurants in Sta. Fe but you could also buy fresh seafood in the market and have your resort cook it for you. Budyong charges Php150 cooking fee for every kilo of seafood. 

If given the chance, I will go back again to Bantayan and hopefully stay there for two nights. Ours was just an overnight stay as we have to go back to the city for work or school for the kids. 

This is just a kick-off to our Summer 2016. There's more to come for sure!!!

Tribute to the Supporters

I really missed this space. There are days when you feel that facebook and instagram have become too mainstream and you feel the need to go back to your roots, to your original sounding board, to that space where only quite a few really take a peek. Today is one of those days and I never felt so guilty to have foresaken this space.

So now, I am making a comeback with a vengeance haha. I've been keeping promises I couldn't really keep like writing in this journal from time to time. I always fail miserably. This is my humble attempt to keep that fire burning. Here we go...

The Cobra Ironman 70.3 happened more than a week ago and it still feels surreal that finally my husband conquered it and had it off his bucket list. The stage wife that I am couldn't be more proud of this achievement. The road to ironman is not an easy feat not only for the triathletes but also to their so-called supporters - wives, partners, girlfriends, children or probably the next door neighbor. In this post, I will not be speaking on the triathlete's perspective but on a supporter's point of view. It may look easy to just cheer on the sidelines but I tell you, we also had our share of "laspag" moments.

We have to endure extreme weather conditions - staying under the heat of the sun or under a drizzle during races just to take good photos of our triathlete. We also get our share of dehydration, tan lines and sunburn (yes, in that order). Our muscles also ache when we are made to carry stuff, a sportsbag perhaps with the triathlete's essentials - water, extra clothes, running shoes, cleats, helmet, bike pump or extra tires. We also get those jitters at the start of the race. We mentally recite the Holy Rosary and call on all the saints to give our triathlete a safe race. Our sigh of relief may not be as loud as our cheer but yes, everytime our triathlete gets out of those rough waters or arrive at the transition area, we give out a huge sigh of relief and thank the heavens above. At the end of every race, we are often the designated driver as our triathlete is way too beat up to even hold that steering wheel. These and more are the many sacrifices that supporters do.

We do this out of sheer love and dedication to our triathlete. We do this because we want them to have a good race and to finish strong. Afterall, they've worked their muscles out just to finish their race of a lifetime. We don't really mind the lost family time during practice and simulations. We can't complain about the heat or how heavy (and expensive) your stuff is on our shoulders. We're not even close to freaking out everytime you get grumpy or stressed prior to race day.

To our dear triathletes, we are your unsung heroes, your staunch supporters, your PA, your prayer warriors, your benefactors (your expensive gears are taking a toll in our grocery budget), your no. 1 fan and WE'RE LOVING EVERY BIT OF IT. We will be behind you every race because accept it, no one else will. Someday, please learn to also return the favor as what Sen. Pia Cayetano once said. We really don't mind a quiet dinner at some fancy resto or a shopping spree if we get lucky or as simple as a kiss and hug after every race. We're not really that hard to please. Cheerio!!! 😃

The Synergy Run

Pardon the silence but I was swamped with so much activities left and right. I felt the need to escape from the entire buzz but there are just things that you can't leave behind and just finish it once and for all.

One of which is the 1st Synergy Run - a half-marathon run organized by the Philippine Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals Cebu (PAS) and the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP). It was a very ambitious project that almost took our time from everything including our sanity. At the start, there were already issues especially with the way both associations do things differently and there came a point when I just wanted to drop everything like a hot potato. But I feel blessed that I had the best team to back me up particularly on the PAS side. Towards the big day though, the committee pitched in and helped in the completion of some remaining tasks. We already felt the so-called SYNERGY. 

The committee goofing around

Well, the turnout wasn't really what we expected. We were short of our targeted number of runners despite the aggressive marketing and promotions. But it wasn't really bad considering the fact that it was a first time for us to organize such an event and despite the competition of runs on the same day. We got good reviews from the attendees with how it was organized on race day itself. And we were truly blessed with generous sponsors. 

Elite Runners in front before the 21k gunstart

When asked if we were to do it all over again, I would still go for it. I believe we have created a mark in the running community and we feel that there's still a lot of room for improvement. The only way to apply what we've learned from this activity is to do it the second time around...or the third and so on. There's actually more gain than lost. I learned so much and my patience was put to a test.

i can still afford a smile despite the pressure

Cheers to the 1st SYNERGY RUN!!!

Boracay Series: Our Accommodation

Before embarking on this trip, hubby made some little research (well, it wasn't just a little research coz he spent sleepless nights on this) on where we could get a cheap yet cozy accommodation in Boracay. We have to thank Google for leading us to some best secrets as told by bloggers http://jenniyawanders.blogspot.com and http://justwandering.org. 

After several discussions with arguments on the side, hubby and I finally decided to book at Namaste Guesthouse less than 5 days before our trip. I called up a number we found in Google and inquired on how to make reservations. They asked for my email address and from there we communicated via email. A certain Net Sacapano sent me a statement of account and where/how I could pay the deposit. We were quoted Php3,000 for a 3-night stay  with breakfast for two - a really good deal. Three days before our trip, I made sure that we already paid the 50% requirement to guarantee our room and sent the deposit slip via email. I was told that after paying, a confirmation will be sent to my email, but on the day of the trip, I still didn't receive the confirmation. But it didn't matter since I have the deposit slip as proof.  

From D'Mall, we walked for 5 minutes to get to the place. There's a small alley right smack in the middle of Station 2 where you can find a compound of guesthouses. We were supposed to stay at Namaste Guesthouse but there were some repairs done on that side of the compound. We were then directed to Tan's Guesthouse still inside that compound. We were told that they have the same owner so we didn't bother complaining especially when we finally checked in to our room...

We were assigned to Room # 8 at the 2nd floor. The room has two huge beds (of course we only occupied one bed *wink*), cable TV, hot and cold shower, a closet and a mini ref. The room is so huge I think it can accommodate 4 people. I guess it's true what they say about the number 8...we felt lucky having that room. Come to think of it, the place is just a stone's throw away or 20 steps more or less from the white beach and very near D' Mall and other restos/bars. 

We had daily breakfasts at the roof desk served before 10am. Nothing fancy though --- we had the usual breakfast menu. My favorite is of course the tapsilog paired with brewed coffee. 

...And now we're set for this Boracay escapade! 

All Roads Lead to Boracay

The succeeding posts will be a blow by blow account of our ultimate travel this year --- our anniversary escape to the island paradise of Boracay. I'm sharing our experience in this blog in the hope that other travelers may also learn from it.

We boarded Cebu Pacific Air bound for Iloilo. As mentioned in the previous post, sometime March I was able to score a piso fare deal and only paid a total of Php1550. This is already good for two passengers round trip. Since we'll be in Boracay for four days, we were bringing a luggage that's already beyond the allocated allowance. I got a tip from some friends that it's better to purchase in advance luggage upgrade coz it's cheaper compared to just paying it at the airport. We paid the luggage upgrade a day before our trip and only paid only Php150 per way instead of Php300 if paid at the airport. 

Anyway, after less than an hour, we were already in Iloilo City. The last time I was in Iloilo City was more than 8 years ago and I am amazed at how big and modern their airport is. It's even better compared to Mactan Airport. 

From Iloilo airport, we rode a van to SM Iloilo and paid Php50 each. From SM Iloilo, we took a cab to Ceres Terminal and paid the taxi driver Php150 (amount in the meter is only about Php120 but the taxi driver was so nice we gave him extra). We immediately boarded the next bus that will bring us Caticlan. Bus fare is Php336 per passenger. 

After almost 6 hours, we finally reached Caticlan. We were dropped off at Jetty Port only to be directed by security to Tabon Port for some reason. We boarded again another tricycle paying the regular fare of Php25 per pax. At Tabon Port, there were 3 counters that you need to approach to be able to board a boat that will bring you to Boracay. We paid the following fees per person:

Terminal Fees: Php50 

Environmental Fees: Php75 

Fare: Php20

Boat ride from Tabon Port to Boracay Port only takes 15 - 20 minutes so we were already in Boracay in no time. From Boracay Port, we took a tricycle that will bring us to D'Mall. Since we already made initial research, we made sure that we only paid the regular fare of Php25 per person. 

After walking a few meters in the sea of tourists, I finally got a glimpse of the beach to my dismay. The beach was totally deserted and waves were really huge. The resorts built these windbreakers and sand screens at the beachfront. It's feels like were isolated from something. But of course, I didn't allow that sight to ruin our vacation. We're finally in Boracay and there's no turning back.

NEXT POST: Our home for the next 3 days

Midyear in Review

Early this year, I wrote in my 2012 Starbucks planner a list of the things I want to do this year. 

Allow me to go over the list and give an update of each item...

* Have at least one plane ride out of Cebu - I've had one already when I attended a convention in Manila last April. I also have two more coming up (Boracay and Camsur) - thanks to CebuPac piso fare!

* Wear heels 3 times a week - I've been wearing flats to work so I think I will have a lot of catching up on this one. 

* Run 3 times a week - Been really lazy and sometimes the weather in Cebu has not been cooperating. But I think running twice a week is already good enough. 

* Call Mamsi and Papsi once a week - check!

* Talk to Magee (my sister in Italy) via Skype once a week - there are weeks when our schedules don't meet but we make it a point to give each other updates from time to time.

* Go on a trip to the beach or the mountains with the family once every quarter - the past 6 months, we've been to the beach on several occasions (Plantation Bay, Imperial Palace, Portofino, Nemo's Hideaway, Bahia's Resort Hotel etc.). Two more quarter and I think we would be able to accomplish this.

* Save Php500 every payday - with my siblings living with me, my expenses really shoot up to the highest level and that my take out pay isn't really enough to cover. That explains why I wasn't able to hit this goal. Sigh!

* Read 10 books this year - Thanks to Fifty Shades of Grey, I was able to somehow catch up. I am now on my 4th book this year and wish I could find time to beat my target. 

* Laugh Everyday - thanks to friends and family who never fail to make me laugh everyday. Check!

* Sing and Dance Everyday - sing in the shower but I haven't been dancing lately. 


That's it...my midyear in review. I will need to check on this list from time to time to see how far have I gone. This list somehow gives me some kind of perspective as to what I want to do with my life this year. But I am not putting pressure on myself and just take this year one day at a time. 

Sunday at Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa

After what seemed like forever, the family finally gets to savor what's left of summer together at no less than at Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa. We had the perfect weather last Sunday and it was the best time to soak under the Cebu sun. We spent the entire day enjoying the amenities of IP from their island pool, waterpark and the children's favorite - the Captain Hook's. I also tried the resort's death-defying slides - the green slide in particular and it was like whoah! I thought I'm gonna die there and then. But it was so much an adventure and the kids had so much fun. 

We also had lunch buffet at their Familia Restaurant and give in to some guilty gastronomic pleasures. I wanted to try everything in their buffet spread but the stomach can no longer take it. Burp!

We capped the day off at 6pm as the kids still don't want to stop swimming...they're such water babies!

Here are some photos swiped from my facebook:

the girls in their new rash guards

zabbie was all-clingy to her daddy

perfect sunny weather in Cebu

husband enjoying one of the slides

tanned

It's the time of year again...

...when my girls turn a year older and so my birthday notes for them are written.

Thank You 2011

It's the time of the year once again when we bid goodbye to one good year and say hello to another year.

2011 was a mixed of happiness, pain, drama, stress, struggles, success, celebrations, hellos and goodbyes. I mentioned in my 2010 post that 2011 will be all about RUNNING. And yes, it was a wonderful running journey and despite the negative stuff, I still survived the year and have a lot of things to be grateful about.

Survived being PAS President and left a good mark to the association (I guess...)

Traveled to the beautiful Palawan and Bohol with my loved ones

Having healthy and beautiful children

Having a loving and supportive husband

Healed past wounds and nurtured friendships

Though the year sucks in many ways, I am still hopeful that everything will be great with God's constant guidance. I am still a work in progress and there's still so much room for improvement. 

...and now here's my wish for myself and everyone I love from the words of no less than, Neil Gaiman

"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.

…I hope you will have a wonderful year, that you’ll dream dangerously and outrageously, that you’ll make something that didn’t exist before you made it, that you will be loved and that you will be liked, and that you will have people to love and to like in return. And, most importantly (because I think there should be more kindness and more wisdom in the world right now), that you will, when you need to be, be wise, and that you will always be kind." -- New Year's Benediction by Neil GaimanCHEERS TO 2012!!!