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!!!

Turning 37

Week before my birthday, my husband and I had a fight and was on cold war the entire week leading to my birthday. It was a petty thing but pride and unnecessary anger get in the way as always. I really didn't have any grand plans for my birthday except to escape the city for a bit while nursing a broken heart (*insert Whitney Houston song "Where Do Broken Hearts Go?") hehe. 

A day before my birthday, I raised the white flag and said sorry. I don't want to be brokenhearted forever, you know. Still, he failed to greet me on the morning of my birthday and even went out for a long ride with his bike. Again, my heart broke and proceed with the plan of escaping the city. 

With my daughters Alex and Zabbie, sisters Anne and Matet and nephew Leon in tow, we went for our greatest adventure and roadtrip so far. We took a v-hire from Mactan and another v-hire to our first stop. 

my adventure crew

First Stop: Simala

I've lived in Cebu for 20 years now and I haven't been to Simala ever. Entering Simala is like entering a different country or world. You'll be met with castle-like structure. Thousands of tourists and pilgrims flock to Simala to pay homage and offer petitions to the miraculous Virgin of Simala. It was a perfect opportunity for me to offer my gratitude to the Virgin Mary for another year in my life and for the blessings received all these years. I also raised my personal petition of letting me patch up differences with my husband.

Simala

Simala

Second Stop: Tingko Beach, Alcoy

Since we've been on an adventure mode, we decided to head further down south to Tingko Beach in Alcoy. Despite being very accessible and just along the highway, I haven't been to this beach as well. Tingko Beach boasts of powdery sand and crystal clear blue waters. The weather was cooperating as it was really bright and sunny. While there are a lot of locals and tourists hanging out by the beach, we still enjoyed the beach nonetheless. The kids had a blast playing in the sand and was even complaining why we have to leave early like two hours after. 

quick dip

having a blast

At around 4pm, we decided to end our adventure and waited for the next ride back home. If not for the almost 3-hour traffic in San Fernando on our way back, it would have been really an awesome roadtrip. We reached home past 10pm and celebrated what's left of my birthday with my parents. 

My husband? He had other plans on my birthday and celebrated on his own. Duh!

Happy 37th Self!!! Here's to more roadtrips and adventures!!!

Getting Inked

I'm not sure if I mentioned it here and probably somewhere that one of the items in my bucket list is getting a tattoo. I know there'll be eyebrows raised whenever I mentioned this especially to the older folks, my parents included. But getting a tattoo is really something I want to do for myself before I get old and wrinkled. I am also in no competition with my husband who has several tattoos in most parts of his body. He also didn't prod me to get one or go against having one. It was more of a personal desire. 

So, last Saturday, I finally used all the courage I have and got myself inked at my back just below my nape. I chose a Lotus design after considering probably about 20 designs from Pinterest. I've researched further and found a deeper meaning of a lotus tattoo which is a symbol of strength and truth. The Lotus is also associated with Yoga and there's even a yoga pose named "lotus". I have been practicing yoga for almost one year now and I felt that the lotus is something meaningful to me and to my yoga practice. 

the stencil

I think it's true that when you've experienced giving birth, all the other pain in the world is nothing compared to it. I never really experienced intense pain which I often heard from those who already have their tattoos done. Or probably I have high tolerance to pain. The session only lasted for an hour and 30 minutes. If not for the tattoo artist taking his sweet time and cigarette break, we will probably be done in less than an hour.  But I have to give credit to the tattoo artist as well, Philippe of House of Shredding Art (HOSA) Tattoos for doing a great job and making this dream possible. 

the artist behind the tattoo

almost done

They say that once you have a tattoo, it will be a vicious cycle and your body will continue to crave for more. I think I would have to agree to that coz even now, I am already planning to getting one or add an extension to my current tattoo. 

my beautiful lotus tattoo