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!!!

Summer 2015: Bohol Escapade

“Hopping from one island to another with an eternal tan, great company, beautiful sunsets and a mean soundtrack…” Vanessa East

My summer of 2015 has come full swing I am probably out most weekends basking in the summer sunshine. I’ve turned into this “nog-nog” creature but I don’t really mind at all. I love summer and the awesome things that go with it --- sand, sun, tan-lines, beach, unkempt hair, no make-up and laid-back music. I am sharing a few stories of what my summer of 2015 has become…

Bohol Escapade

When I learned that our PAS GMM will be held in the beautiful island of Bohol, I immediately made plans with PAS friends to an early escapade before the meeting. We agreed to visit Anda and stay for a night in Valencia.

First destination is Anda, a small beach town in Bohol. I’ve been meaning to visit this place and it has finally come true. We hang-out for a few hours after what seemed like a photoshoot and camwhoring with the white sand beach as our background. We were there when it was still low tide but nothing can stop the beach babe in me to take a quick dip.  Albeit short – blame it to our driver, who was like a walking timer, I enjoyed our visit just lounging by the beach without a care in the world.

We stayed overnight in Badiang Spring Resort in Valencia Bohol through the generosity of Cathy and her family. We feasted over my favorite food (shrimps, grilled pork, kinilaw, tinap-an, camote, banana and ginamos) in between getting massaged by the spring’s heavy fall and endless talks about life and love. It turned out to be an amazing adventure and laugh trip with Mama Alice, Cathy and Rosella.

The following day, it was yet another journey as PASers experienced first time the beauty and hospitality of Bellevue Hotel and Resort. This deserves another post in this space. Watch out for it!