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The Quickest Island Hopping Ever

February 4, 2014, 6:00 pm
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Since I took too much of your time when I rambled on about the beginning of the trip, I apologize. This time I will be quick. Quicker than my quickest island hopping ever: Britania Group of Islands in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur.

To get to this group of islands from Cagwait White Beach:
Cagwait White Beach to highway, habalhabal (motorcycle), 5 mins, Php10
Cagwait to Brgy Salvacion, San Agustin, bus, 1 hr, Php40
Brgy Salvacion to MacArthur's Place, habalhabal (motorcycle), 10 mins, Php20
Britania Island government fee Php25
Pumpboat rental at MacArthur's Place for island hopping Php 1000


Hagonoy Island


 
The other side of Hagonoy


Naked Island
Just like Siargao's Naked Island, this is a big mound of sand. Not a tree, a hut, nor a naked person in sight.

Sand all around


Buslon Island

Buslon Island (right) and two islets (left, only one islet visible in this photo) that can be reached by foot during low tide.


Hiyor-hiyoran Island



Any one of the islands (except for Naked Island) would have made a good place for camping but staying overnight and cooking in the islands are prohibited. If one must stay overnight, one can do so at the mainland, where the jump off for island hopping is. There are a couple accommodations to choose from.

We did not say overnight but we chose to rent a boat at MacArthur's Place [0999 991 0845 / 0932 882 3460 / 0939 916 3745]. Actually, Mr Pacheco, the owner of Spacebar Beach Resort in Cagwait knows the owner and was able to negotiate the island hopping fee to Php1000 for me and my friend (it is normally Php1500 for up to 10 persons). The staff let us leave our bags in their sari–sari store while we went to the islands. Coming back, we were able to shower and change—MacArthur's Place has shower rooms and toilets.

We took only two hours to visit these four islands. There's no time limit for island hopping, but we were in a hurry. Time check: 4PM. We were still two hours (plus an hour or so of waiting for bus/van transfers) away from our next stop and we did not want to arrive in the cover of night in an unfamiliar town where we have yet to look for a place to stay in.



Butt–rosying Route:
A Beauty T(r)ip
In the Beginning: Cagwait, Surigao del Sur
The Quickest Island Hopping Ever (you're here!)
(more soon!)
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Hinatuan's Enchanted River

February 6, 2014, 6:00 pm
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A motorcycle (from MacArthur's Place to the highway, 10 mins, Php20), a bus (San Agustin highway to Barobo terminal, 1 hour, Php40), a van (Barobo terminal to Hinatuan, 50 mins, Php40), and a total of 71 kilometers, we arrived in Hinatuan in the dark (it would grow darker after an hour when the electricity in the town goes out—brownout).

We were to visit the Enchanted River, about 15 kilometers from Hinatuan town proper, on the morrow. Arnel [0909 931 8570] would pick us up at 7AM on his motorcycle (Php 300/2 pax/roundtrip).

Day 3. Arriving just before 8AM, we were the first guests at Enchanted River (open from 6AM to 5PM; entrance fee of Php 30). I am glad we got there early; I do not like crowds. But I am not glad we got there early; the water wasn't as clear as I had seen it in pictures. One of the workers said when the tides go out (it was high tide that morning), that's when the river becomes very clear.

Le Rivière Enchanté. An attempt to make it sound captivating.

In my mind, I was expecting the river to be huge, but it wasn't. It was very deep though. I am a very bad swimmer, and a life jacket is in order (rented at Php15 an hour).

Activities at Enchanted River:
♦ swimming — changing rooms are available.
♦ boating — outrigger boats (up to 4 pax) can be rented for Php160 an hour. The boatman can take you to Sibadan fish cage, a cave, and one or two resorts. Each of those places would charge an entrance fee.
♦ diving — if you wanna check how deep this river is. I remember seeing a tarp about diving but I don't remember how much it costs.
♦ picnicking — tables and chairs or cottages can be rented for Php100 to Php200. They also have an area for grilling.
♦ observing the fish frenzy — all humans must be out of the water from noon to 1PM for the fish feeding. Fish have lunch too.


The night before we visited Enchanted River, we stayed at James Pensionne in Hinatuan proper. It was one of the pension houses the lady I was sitting beside in the van suggested. The other one she suggested was full and we took whatever was available at James Pensionne: single fan rooms for Php250 a night (other room types were already booked). These single rooms share a common toilet and bath (separate for men and women) at the end of the hall. I am not certain if the bigger rooms have its own toilet and bath.

James Pensionne
Sullano Compound, Brgy Aquino, Hinatuan
0910 619 5112


A warning: I am not sure if the bed bugs attacked in this place or somewhere else, but I can tell you I got 12 nasty bites at the end of this 6–day trip.



Butt–rosying Route:
A Beauty T(r)ip
In the Beginning: Cagwait, Surigao del Sur
The Quickest Island Hopping Ever
Hinatuan's Enchanted River (you're here!)
(more soon!)
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Bislig's Marvelous Waterfall

February 8, 2014, 6:00 pm
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The beach, the sea surrounding the islands of Britania, the river. If you run me through the wringer, I'd probably fill a barrel. But that's not enough. Off to find another body of water!


Stop #4
Tinuy-an Falls
Brgy. Burboanan, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur

From Hinatuan, it's just a one-hour bus ride (Php55) to Barangay Mangagoy in Bislig City where one can hire a motorcycle to get to the waterfall. Of the many habalhabal (motorcycle) drivers who flocked at the bus terminal in Mangagoy, we picked Dondon [0908 382 5809] who agreed to take us to Tinuy-an and back for Php400 (2pax, roundtrip). From Mangagoy to Tinuy-an Falls, it's 16 kilometers of mostly rough road.

As seen from the parking area... this is not the grand waterfall. Nope, not yet.
This is the bottom level.

Entrance fee is Php50 per head. Tables and chairs (Php100-200) and cottages (Php300-500) for day use are available. There are also rooms (Php600, 2 persons) for overnight stay. Camping (bring your own tent) is also allowed for Php100 per person (on top of the entrance fee).

The grand waterfall

A little bit about Tinuy-an Falls:
♦ Tinuy-an Falls is a three-tiered waterfall: bottom level is 3 meters high, second level (the grand waterfall) is 37 meters, and the topmost level is 5 meters.
♦ It is 95 meters wide and is said to be one of the widest waterfalls in the Philippines.
♦ Tinuy-an is Visayan for "intentional". According to the Bislig Government website, legend has it that "the Magdiwata Mountain settlers were enslaved by cruel tribesmen coming from hinterlands of Agusan. The settlers were forced to hunt with their masters, construct barotos (small boats) and perform forced manual labor. Tired of being slaves, one day, while rowing the barotos boarded by their cruel masters, they intentionally shoved the barotos towards the waterfalls killing all their cruel masters." But this got me thinking...how could they have shoved the barotos without endangering themselves? Did they jump off at the last second? Possible. It is shallow (see left photo below).

At the topmost level

Pay Php100 to get a beating

Activities at Tinuy-an Falls:
♦ swimming - if you don't trust your swimming skills, life jackets and salbabida (life buoy) can be rented for Php30 per hour. Changing rooms are available.
♦ picnicking - as mentioned, there are tables and chairs or cottages for rent.
♦ camping - they have a camp site, but bring your own tent.
♦ hiking - to the upper levels. Guides are there to lead the way; no guide fees but donations are most welcome.
♦ rafting - if you want to get pummeled by the strong waterfall, it's Php100 per raft ride.
♦ gaping - yes, I gaped at its awesomeness.

I thought that guy was the raft master...no, he was just enjoying the mist.

If staying overnight in the city, stay in Brgy. Mangagoy, not Bislig. Mangagoy is livelier—there are more accommodation options and eateries here—than Bislig. Before going to Tinuy-an Falls, we dropped our bags at Tfanny's Inn, where we will be staying a night. Tfanny's Inn is just a 5-minute walk from the bus terminal.

Tfanny's Inn
P Castillo St. Mangagoy, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur
(086) 853 6304 / 0919 470 8998 / 0912 200 8159 / 0930 795 8703


Rooms go from Php 650 (for 2 pax, two single beds or one double bed) up to 1200 (3 beds for 5 pax). All rooms are air-conditioned and have its own toilet and bath. Towels, toilet paper, and soap are provided. Some of the rooms have TV (cable). Breakfast is free and is served from 630AM to 10AM. I can't tell you what they serve for breakfast—we were not able to avail of it because we had to leave very early the next day in order to catch the bus to Cateel, Davao Oriental.



Butt–rosying Route:
A Beauty T(r)ip
In the Beginning: Cagwait, Surigao del Sur
The Quickest Island Hopping Ever
Hinatuan's Enchanted River
Bislig's Marvelous Waterfall (you're here!)
(more soon!)
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Hairy Bungot and the Chamber of Chocolates

February 10, 2014, 6:00 pm
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It was Hermione Go-ranger who spotted this on the walls of the corridors of Pigwarts School of Pigging Out and Chowing Down (where Hermione Go-ranger is top in her class; she is not nicknamed Babe for Food for nothing!):

The Chamber of Chocolates has opened. Wallet of the Hair...beware.

Of course Hermione Go-ranger had to tell Hairy Bungot whom she was sure the message was for. Upon hearing this, brave Hairy Bungot convinced his best friend, Ron Beastly, to go with him to the Chamber of Chocolates, aka The Chocolate Chamber.

When Hairy Bungot and Ron Beastly entered The Chocolate Chamber, the interiors gave them a feeling of apprehension. Not because it looked scary. It looked expensive.

 
The Chocolate Chamber is  filled with jars of chocolate peanut butter, jars of cookie butter, packets and canisters of powdered chocolate drinks, and chocolates by box or by weight.

The menu confirmed that feeling. It was indeed expensive. A cup of hot chocolate for Php150 up to Php185. A slice of cake for Php100 up to Php150. High tea for Php550. Hairy Bungot had to check his trembling wallet.

Click to enlarge menu

The best friends, Hairy Bungot and Ron Beastly, scared of the guardian of the chamber (the manager) and not wanting to be embarrassed,  swallowed the lump in their throat and ordered:

 Hot strawberry chocolate

 
Tablea Old Fashioned cake (top) and Blueberry with cream cheese (bottom)

The guardian of the chamber threw in two pieces of truffles (those two lumps on the center plate in the above photo) and some tidbits about the number on their logo: 1521.

Why 1521? It was the year 1521 when cacao was introduced by Magellan. (Go back to the previous sentence. This time sing it to the tune of the Magellan song.) I made that up, but, fact is, it was a Spaniard who brought cacao to the Philippines.

Count the hot chocolate options on the menu. Is it 21? The Chocolate Chamber offers 21 flavors of hot chocolate. Why 21 flavors? 1521 theme.

Praline buffet
High tea is served at 1521 hours (3:21 PM up to 5:21PM). Why at such an odd time? Yes, still on the 1521 theme.

Hairy and Ron were wanting to try the chocolate drink and cakes they had in front of them, but before they could dig in, the guardian gave one last tidbit: The Chocolate Chamber serves tepid water. For if one drinks cold water with their chocolates it will coagulate in one's mouth.

The best friends thanked the guardian for the pieces of The Chocolate Chamber facts and commenced their eating. Hairy found the Tablea Old Fashioned cake too dry. The blueberry with cream cheese too strong (Hairy is not a fan of cream cheese). And the hot strawberry chocolate delicious. But the free truffles were the best.

The cakes they chose made Hairy Bungot regret that he did not go for the praline buffet instead. The praline buffet was on that day. Sure, it would have cost him Php250 to stuff himself with pralines, but he was sure it would have been better than those cakes. (The praline buffet is not a regular occurrence at the Chamber. One must call ahead and inquire when the next buffet is.)

Hairy Bungot and Ron Beastly left The Chocolate Chamber with a rich chocolate feeling filling in the stomach. The Chamber of Chocolates wasn't so scary, but true to the warning on the wall, it was a threat to the wallet.


The Chocolate Chamber
Quirino St. corner Magsaysay St.,
Mabolo, Cebu City
(0917) 628 7661
Mondays to Saturdays 8AM-12NN and 2PM-8PM



How the Chamber of Chocolates scared the money off Hairy and Ron:
Hot strawberry chocolate Php 150
Tablea old fashioned cake Php 150
Blueberry with cream cheese Php 150
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Cateel Just for Aliwagwag Falls

February 15, 2014, 9:57 pm
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This mustache went a long, long way just to see a huge, huge stone staircase for a short, short time.

Long, long way

We could have gone straight to Davao City from Mangagoy in Surigao del Sur and it would have taken six hours. But we included Cateel, Davao Oriental as a stop and added two hours of road time. (Bachelor Express bus schedule from Mangagoy, Surigao del Sur to Cateel, Davao Oriental: 7AM / 1230PM / 230PM / 6PM; Fare: Php120)


In the small and quiet town of Cateel, we looked for a habalhabal/motorcycle (Php150/2 pax/roundtrip) to take us to Aliwagwag Falls (about 40 minutes from town), but not before having breakfast. I am grateful that the ladies at the eatery allowed us to leave our bags (oh, the kindness of strangers) for a few hours while we went to see Aliwagwag Falls, a giant stairway with cascading waters.


Huge, huge stone staircase

Wiki says Aliwagwag is...
"...a towering waterfall considered by hydraulic engineers as the highest in the country and regarded as one of the most beautiful falls in Mindanao. It is a series of 84 falls appearing like stairway to heaven with various heights among the steps ranging from 6 to 110 feet (34 m). One step is measured 72 feet (22 m) and another is 67 feet (20 m). Overall Aliwagwag Falls is 1,110 feet (340 m) of cascading energy and 20 meters in width. All these in the midst of virgin forest. River at the foot of the falls. 13 rapids to cross."

I agree, this huge stone staircase carpeted by rushing water is a wonder. If I wasn't too lazy, I would have wanted to see all 84 levels. In truth, even if I wasn't feeling lazy, I think I can only cover five levels. If this were a real staircase, one step would take a dozen human steps to reach the next, and some steps would most likely require both hands and feet. Aliwagwag Falls made (and still makes) me feel like an ant.


Short, short time

Ah, but we had to say goodbye to Aliwagwag Falls and Cateel after a few hours. Soon we were back in town to have lunch and to catch the 3PM Mallen Express bus to Davao City (Mallen bus schedule: 5AM and 3PM. Fare is Php250). It's going to be a long six–hour bus ride through the mountains of Compostela Valley.



Butt–rosying Route:
A Beauty T(r)ip
In the Beginning: Cagwait, Surigao del Sur
The Quickest Island Hopping Ever
Hinatuan's Enchanted River
Bislig's Marvelous Waterfall
Cateel Just for Aliwagwag Falls (you're here!)
(more soon!)
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Choose Choux Cream Puffs

February 17, 2014, 6:00 pm
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In a local forum, there are mixed reviews of Choux cream puffs. Some absolutely love it. Some totally hate it. I, myself, totally hated it. At first. That was a month or two ago.

On second try (I have no idea why I tried it again), I absolutely loved it. Maybe because this time it was fresh from the oven and the cream was smooth, just a tad sweet, and oozing at first bite (and second bite, and third. They were very generous with the cream.)

Shou cream Php 38 (1 box/5 pcs, Php 170)
Small Shou cream (1 pack/9 pcs, Php 100)
Fruit shou Php 40 (1 box/5 pcs, Php 180)
Swan shou, which is the same as the Shou cream, just shaped like a swan Php 50 (4 pcs, Php 180)

Creams puffs from Choux are entirely different from Chewy Junior's. I choose Choux for the simplicity and Chewy Junior for the chocolate flavors.


Choux
Gaisano Country Mall, Banilad, Cebu City
(Outside the supermarket)
0915 875 3073
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Pit Stop: Aveflor Inn and Museo Dabawenyo

February 19, 2014, 9:03 pm
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The long bus ride through the mountains of Compostela Valley left me pooped and longing for a bed to sleep in. The bed I found was at the fourth floor of:

Aveflor Inn
108-3 CM Recto Avenue, Davao City
(082) 227 8152 / 0932 466 2802
Room rates: Php 600 to Php 1150


Let's go over the pros and con:
☺ Accessible location. Jeepneys pass the area.
☺ Clean room and toilet and bath.
☺ WiFi available...
☹ ...but only at the third floor, at the stairwell. (This is the only con I can think of.)

Museo Dabawenyo
I didn't plan anything for Davao, and when there is no plan, I send an SOS (Seeking fOr Suggestions) to local friends. Of the long list of suggestions, I only picked two: Museo Dabawenyo, because I like museums, and Marina Tuna, because I like food.

Museo Dabawenyo is a small museum with six galleries full of photos and words! This museum tells about Davao, its history, and its people (the ten ethno-linguistic groups).

If you're too lazy to read (there's a mountain of information to absorb), then skip this place. If not, put your nerd glasses on and go!

Museo Dabawenyo
Corner A Pichon and CM Recto Streets, Davao City
(082) 222 6011
Monday to Fridays 9AM–6PM
Free admission

No cameras allowed in the museum. Bags, too, are not allowed inside, and should be left at the package counter.



Butt–rosying Route:
A Beauty T(r)ip
In the Beginning: Cagwait, Surigao del Sur
The Quickest Island Hopping Ever
Hinatuan's Enchanted River
Bislig's Marvelous Waterfall
Cateel Just for Aliwagwag Falls
Pit Stop: Aveflor Inn and Museo Dabawenyo (you're here!)
Suggested by a Davaoeña: Marina Tuna
Sunset Beach Park and Monfort Bat Colony in Samal Island
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Suggested by a Davaoeña: Marina Tuna

February 21, 2014, 6:00 pm
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Two suggestions I took from a Davaoeña: Museo Dabawenyo (for the brain) and Marina Tuna (for the stomach).

2nd Floor Sky Garden, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City
(082) 285 1783 / 0906 411 6422

Km 8, Pampanga, Sasa, Davao City
(082) 233 2666

 
"Home of the Best Tuna and Seafood"

Clockwise from top left: California maki, sinugbang manok in malunggay sauce combo, tuna sisig, chicken teriyaki

Marina Tuna is supposed to be the "Home of the Best Tuna and Seafood," but we still opted to get some chicken, and the only seafood on our table was the tuna sisig. Of the four, the standout was the tuna sisig. (As it should be because Marina Tuna is the "Home of the Best Tuna" not the "Home of the Best Chicken!") The tuna sisig wasn't anything I have had before (and I have had a ton of sisig in my life: from pork to chicken to squid to tofu to tuna). I think I could eat the whole platter of tuna sisig.

My friend, who has been with me throughout this butt-rosying trip, felt so generous that he decided to pay for lunch. Or maybe he was just tired of all the cheap food we had throughout the trip (with the exception of the finger lickin' good crabs in Cagwait). Whatever the case, thank you, mi amigo! I know this meal cost you a lot. Marina Tuna isn't cheap. Dishes go from Php130 up to Php450, with most of it priced Php200 above.


How a friend's generosity cost him:
California maki Php220
Sinugbang manok in malunggay sauce combo Php148
Tuna sisig Php230
Chicken teriyaki Php220



Butt–rosying Route:
A Beauty T(r)ip
In the Beginning: Cagwait, Surigao del Sur
The Quickest Island Hopping Ever
Hinatuan's Enchanted River
Bislig's Marvelous Waterfall
Cateel Just for Aliwagwag Falls
Pit Stop: Aveflor Inn and Museo Dabawenyo
Suggested by a Davaoeña: Marina Tuna (you're here!)
Sunset Beach Park and Monfort Bat Colony in Samal Island
(more soon!)
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Sunset Beach Park and Monfort Bat Colony in Samal Island

February 23, 2014, 6:00 pm
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Samal Island is part of the province of Davao del Norte but is easily reached from Davao City (Davao del Sur). There are two exit points in Davao City for Samal Island:
♦ Sta. Ana Wharf — motorboats here take passengers to Kaputian in the southern part of Samal Island
♦ Sasa Wharf — the ferry here leaves for Babak in the northern part of Samal Island

There are many beaches in Samal Island but we only visited one: Sunset Beach Park, a short tricycle ride (Php 10) from Babak wharf. There are half a dozen or so resorts in Sunset Beach Park, but whether staying overnight or for just the day, an entrance fee of Php 30 per person is collected.


When we visited most of the resorts in Sunset Beach Park were full and the only one we could find that had a room available was at Jetwave [0942 980 9756 / 0908 229 6574]. We took their 800-peso room. Pricey for a very simple room that had no toilet and bath (only a common toilet and shower), but we were too tired to look for another place.

Other options in Jetwave:
Cottages Php 1200
Open Cabanas Php 600-800
Camping Php 200/tent (bring your own tent)

On the upside, Jetwave keeps their place clean and the staff were friendly.

Left photo: The room is on the right, beside their reception. / Right photo: Open cabanas.

It was crowded and loud in Sunset Beach Park the day we visited. Videoke singers were competing against each other from different resorts. Loud music was playing from two or three bars. Sunset Beach Park is not the place for those who prefer peace and quiet.

Quiet the morning after

Laziness was in our bones those last two days of our trip and we just sat around Sunset Beach Park, only taking a break for an hour or two to visit Monfort Bat Colony, said to be the world's largest bat colony of Rousette Fruit Bats (as of 2006, bat population at Monfort was estimated to be 1.8 million).


From Sunset Beach Park, we hired a tricycle to take us to Monfort Bat Colony/Sanctuary (Php150 roundtrip) and paid Php100 to see them bats. Before going to the cave (no, we don't get to go into the cave, just to the four openings of the same cave where one can already see the bats), a briefing was held. The briefing area also has an exhibit with lots of information about the Rousette fruit bats and the sanctuary.

The bat cave
 
How many bats are there?

Hello bats! Wakey wakey!

Why would I want to pay a hundred to see a million bats? Why? Just fascinated with the thought of seeing the walls of a cave all black because of bats. And fascinate me it did. What I did not expect though was to be overwhelmed...overwhelmed by the smell of them. Boy, do they stink.

There's a special night viewing around 6PM, when they all fly away to hunt for food, for twice the regular price. Would I pay Php200 to see them fly away at night? Half of me wants to, but the other half is afraid that a big cloud of black hairy wings might swoop at my poor lightweight self and take me with them into the night.



Butt–rosying Route:
A Beauty T(r)ip
In the Beginning: Cagwait, Surigao del Sur
The Quickest Island Hopping Ever
Hinatuan's Enchanted River
Bislig's Marvelous Waterfall
Cateel Just for Aliwagwag Falls
Pit Stop: Aveflor Inn and Museo Dabawenyo
Suggested by a Davaoeña: Marina Tuna
Sunset Beach Park and Monfort Bat Colony in Samal Island (you're here!)
Trip expenses (soon)
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Butt–rosying Route Equals...

February 26, 2014, 6:00 pm
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Butt–rosying route equals wallet–draining trip.
As with all my travels, I share with you the expenses.
Hope this helps you plan your own eastern Mindanao trip.




Butt–rosying Route:
A Beauty T(r)ip
In the Beginning: Cagwait, Surigao del Sur
The Quickest Island Hopping Ever
Hinatuan's Enchanted River
Bislig's Marvelous Waterfall
Cateel Just for Aliwagwag Falls
Pit Stop: Aveflor Inn and Museo Dabawenyo
Suggested by a Davaoeña: Marina Tuna
Sunset Beach Park and Monfort Bat Colony in Samal Island
Butt–rosying Route Equals... (you're here!)
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What's in a (Business) Name? Veintisiete

February 27, 2014, 4:00 pm
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Bikes for this digital age
Spotted along ML Quezon St., Mandaue City, Cebu
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Wisdom from the Road #13

February 28, 2014, 6:00 pm
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On ignorance
Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

Had I known about the bus that plunged in the deep ravines of the mountains of Surigao del Sur a day before we traveled the same road (this piece of news from the owner of Spacebar Beach Resort, and according to him, there have been a number of accidents in the past, too), I would have taken the long way round: Surigao City–Butuan–Bislig–Cagwait. I am a scaredy cat like that. But because I did not know about it, I took the road from Surigao City down to Surigao del Sur on the dusty roads through mountains, and I got to my destination faster and, luckily, in one piece (thank you God and thank you Mr Driver sir). Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

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Favorite Sweet Little Things

March 2, 2014, 6:00 pm
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Many cupcake shops have popped up in Cebu, but I have only one favorite: Sweet Little Things.  Sure, their cupcakes are pricey (Php 68 apiece / Php 158 for a box of 3 / Php 298 for a box of 5), but I wouldn't mind spending more than necessary once every few months.

The way I see it, Sweet Little Things gives their cupcakes extra love: they don't scrimp on icing; they put real bits of fruit in their fruit cupcakes; they add a bit of surprise, such as a crisp top (which I have not seen from other cupcakeries) on their Mud Pie. I would like to think that each of their cupcakes is made with care.

There are 11 sweet little flavors. In the photo (clockwise from top left) are Monkey Business, Cappuccino, Strawberries and Cream, Truffle Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Mud Pie, and Lemon Poppyseed. Other flavors are Cinful Apple, Blueberry Crumble, Red Velvet, Triple Chocolate, and Cookies and Cream.

My top three? Lemon Poppyseed, Strawberries and Cream, and Dark Chocolate Mud Pie. Sweeet!


Sweet Little Things
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SLTCakes
J Block, Apitong Street, Cebu City
0922 517 4626

Other branch:
2nd Floor, Northwing, SM City Cebu
0923 869 0609
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I Hate This Vietnamese Kitchen

March 3, 2014, 7:44 pm
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I hate you Phat Pho, you give me fat face! And a thin wallet. Can't it be the other way around: thin face and fat wallet? But really, I hate you so much that I love you.

Of the handful of Vietnamese restaurants I have tried hoping to bring back memories of the flavors of Vietnam, it was you, and only you, who came closest. Pho sho.

 

Phat Pho
Crossroads, Banilad, Cebu City
(032) 416 2442

Sunday to Thursday 1130AM to 230PM / 5PM to 10PM
Friday and Saturday 1130AM to 230PM / 5PM to 11PM

Sorry, Phat Pho does not take reservations.


Don't ask me about the food. I shall not sing praises for, one, I cannot sing; and, two, even if you make me, I will surely switch to a dreamy look, clam up, and salivate all at the same time. So instead, I shall give you a brief, no–feelings–attached description:
♦ Chilled shrimp goi cuon – vermicelli, mushrooms, carrots, white radish, peanuts, herbs, and shrimps wrapped in rice paper
♦ Pho bo – rice noodle soup with beef
♦ Banh xeo – seafood pancake with bean sprouts
♦ Pho xao – stir fried noodles with chicken, prawns, egg, herbs, and oyster sauce

It is up to you to imagine how it tastes like. OR...get up and go get a fat face yourself.



How Phat Pho gave me (and my friends) a fat face and a thin wallet:
Chilled shrimp goi cuon Php 195
Pho bo Php 370
Banh xeo Php 195
Pho xao Php 350


Check out their other phat dishes (click to enlarge menu):


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The Secret Life of Walter Mustachio

March 4, 2014, 6:00 pm
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Movie Title
The Secret Life of Walter Mustachio

Location
Brgy. Cansomoroy, Balamban, Cebu
(032) 411 1600 loc. 1472 / 0923 978 7640 / 0915 345 5661
Contact person: Mr. Raffy Osumo



INT (in scriptwriting, this means indoors) : OFFICE – DAY (or could be NIGHT, doesn't matter, the lights are on)

Cluttered cube. Papers strewn all over. The hairs of Mr. Mustachio's mustache are sticking out in all directions. Computer screen is idle. And then the computer screen pops "You got mail!" Mr. Mustachio clicks on the notice and out comes an email from ASAP, with the subject line "Invite to Aboitizland's Canso X: Soft Launching on Feb. 15, 2014"


EXT (outdoors) : ABOITIZ BUILDING – DAY (February 15, 2014 at 7AM)

Mr. Mustachio arrives and walks to the entrance of the Aboitiz Building in Banilad. He sees people milling about. After a few minutes of chitchat, the lady from ASAP wearing a pink collared shirt asks people to pile into the first van.


EXT : ON THE ROAD – DAY (A few minutes after 7AM. Exact time does not matter)

In the van, Mr. Mustachio glances at his rear view mirror and sees Team Sweetie of Adrenaline Romance directly behind him. Sitting beside Team Sweetie is Baktin Corporation. On the row behind them sit some media people. And the last row are bloggers Lakbay Diva, Bisdak Explorer, and Habagat Central.

One guy requests to swing by McDonald's because he is hungry. The rumbling in that guy's stomach is so loud that Mr. Mustachio abruptly turns the van's steering wheel to the left to McDonald's drive–thru in JY Mall. 


EXT : CANSO X – DAY(...Day of the soft launch!)

The sun is up, all bright and shiny, blazing down on the great green expanse of Canso X. The AVP (Assistant Vice President) of Aboitizland's Industrial Business Unit, Ms. Abad, shows the guests an AVP (audio visual presentation) of Canso X and what it has to offer: biking, hiking, and camping.



EXT : BIKE TRACK OF CANSO X – DAY

While the AVP shows bikers in full gear shredding through the dirt track (see 0:29 of the AVP), scene fades to Mr. Mustachio clad in shiny new biking outfit burning through the dirt track himself. And doing stunts at that!



EXT : CANSOMOROY RIVER – HIGH NOON (but it's dark because of the tree cover)

Scene switches back to the AVP which is now showing a group of hikers following the Cansomoroy River and then rappelling (see 0:38 of the AVP). Scene fades to black and it is now Mr. Mustachio donning the white helmet, orange life vest, and rappelling down (grinning and showing his great white teeth to the camera) to where five people are waiting.

 
Hiking


EXT : CANSO X RESTAURANT AND PLAYGROUND – DAY

Back to reality at the Canso X soft launch, Mr. Mustachio continues watching the AVPat1:06 (showing the restaurant, the food, and the playground), while eating bibingka and budbud, and downing it with sikwate (Cebuano hot chocolate drink).



EXT : CANSO X CAMPSITE – NIGHT

The AVP continues rolling to the scene of a campfire (see 2:17 of the AVP) and while Mr. Mustachio's eyes are on the AVP, his mind wanders to... a cold night with friends and they are sitting around the warm campfire roasting marshmallows, drinking beer, and talking about the day's crazy adventure of extreme biking, hiking, rappelling, and caving. The tents are set up neatly around the campsite with the outhouse conveniently located in case any of them have to do number two. The sky is sprinkled with a million stars. Ah the beautiful outdoors.



EXT: CANSO X GROUNDS – DAY

Mr. Mustachio snaps back to reality, looks down at his crisp white long sleeved shirt, purple necktie, faded denim shorts, and brown slippers with a hole on the right heel, and realizes he is not dressed for any of the activities. He looks forward to coming back to Canso X, this time dressed right for the activities waiting for him at the mountain adventure park, just an hour's drive (v–hires leave for Balamban from Ayala Center Cebu terminal) from Cebu City.



EXT: TRANSCENTRAL HIGHWAY – AFTERNOON

While driving back a vanful of media people and bloggers through the twisty transcentral highway, Mr. Mustachio plots his moves for the next visit:
♦ wear proper clothes for a day with nature (no neckties!)
♦ prepare some money (entrance fee of Php 50 / biking fee of Php 200/pax / camping fee of Php 200/pax / tent rental of Php 350 for 2-3 pax or Php 500 for 3-5 pax, and extra money for hiking, fee to be announced)
♦ bring his own bike and protective gear (Canso X does not have these for rent at the moment)
♦ bring some grub (restaurant may have limited offerings at this time; grand opening is some time April)
♦ and drag along some friends to this mountain adventure park for a weekend pluck and peril!


PS. Do you know what the inspiration for Mr. Mustachio's secret life is?
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Cafe Old Cul de Sac

March 8, 2014, 6:00 pm
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Some private villages have secrets. Sto. Niño Village in Banilad has two, and one of them has been around since 2010 and can be found at the end of Maya Street, the first street on the right upon entering this quiet village. (The other secret is on another street.)


29 Maya Street, Sto. Niño Village, Banilad, Cebu City
(032) 346 1676
Daily 11AM-2PM and 6PM-10PM

Dine al fresco or AC (aircon) fresco :-)

My three friends and I sought this secret out. And we found Cafe Old Cul de Sac deserted at lunch. Though deserted, we had to wait for half an hour for our food. I shall not let you wait like we did. Here's what we had and what each of us thought:


My fish fillet with lemon (Php 200) is just what its name suggests: fish fillet with lemon! Juicy fish, nothing extraordinary, but I liked it. (Maybe because I like anything lemony, like the lemon poppyseed cupcake from Sweet Little Things.)

Mister Baktin had the Osso Buco (Php 320) and he says: "The Old Cul de Sac succeeds by reinventing the middle ground between those high-end restaurants at Crossroads and your favorite hole-in-the-wall at downtown Colon. But those who have been to this hidden gem in Banilad, don't care about Cebu's culinary landscape in the first place. They come here to enjoy the impeccably tender (yet reasonably priced) Osso Buco and other home-cooked meals. They do know now, that good food, especially at the Old Cul de Sac, is finally within everyone's reach." All these words read oink to me, but somewhere in the middle I understood he oinkingly liked it!

Miss Bee's Rhapsody in Blue (Php 220)? "Creamy. I love it." Ah, an insect of few words.

And Mister Libby, the (fake) king of vienna sausages, who had the fish nuggets with tartar dip (Php 200), had this to say: "Cul-de-Sac is that dead end in one of Sto. Nino Village's junctions that I wouldn't mind finding myself at, once or twice in my lifetime. I recommend any of their fish meals and Osso Buco. If there was any of the food I tasted and least liked, it would be their pasta. Nonetheless, taste is arguably relative."Yup, Sir Libby liked his food (better than Libby's Vienna sausage?). Except maybe for the Spicy Tuna Aglio Olio (Php 130).

 
 Spicy Tuna Aglio Olio

Each of the above, except for the pasta, comes with a cup of mushroom soup and a little bowl of mango ice cream.


If our opinions of these dishes do not entice you,
check out their menu (click to enlarge) for other options:

Food

Drinks
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The Three Little Pigs Go to Paris

March 9, 2014, 7:00 pm
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Once upon a time there were three little pigs and the time came for them to leave home and seek food. Before they left, their mother told them "Whatever you do, seek the best food you can because that's the way to get big in the world."

The Three Little Pigs

A light bulb pops above Pig #1's (Babe for Food) head and she declares, "Let's go to France! Paris! Creperie Paris!"

Pig #2 (Baktin Corporation) goes, "The French 'invented' cooking! Paris we shall!"

Pig #3 (Bungoton na Baboy), ever the easy pig, licks his lips and nods his round head in agreement.

All three pigs wave good bye to their mother and they file out of the pig pen. They march their way to Paris—Creperie Paris.

 
Creperie Paris
Sonrisa Suites, Juana Osmeña St., Cebu City
Daily 1030AM-1030PM

In Creperie Paris, the interiors made Pig #2 feel sophisticated and he orders the cheese platter (Php 295, choose three items from about ten options), and a glass of red wine (Php 95-115). Yup, Pig #2 is the "cultured" one of the bunch.

The pigs' cheese platter: parma ham, emmental cheese, gruyère cheese

The three little pigs decide one cheese platter is not enough so they add one savory crepe (made of buckwheat) each.

The first little pig orders La Classique (Php 170; ham, egg, cheese) because...it is a classic!

The second little pig orders La Fermière (Php 185; mushrooms, bacon, egg, cheese) because...you can never go wrong with bacon!

The third little pig orders La Raclette (Php 215; ham, onions, baby potatoes, cheese) because...it's Creperie Paris's owner's current favorite!

(These pigs are cannibals! Eating their own kind! Ham! Bacon!)

 
Savoury crepes

While the three little pigs are digging into their savoury crepes, the Big Bad Wolf comes along and sees the first little pig digging into her La Classique. The Big Bad Wolf goes, "Lemme eat you, lemme eat you, little pig or I'll stomp and I'll chomp and I'll gobble your crepe up!"

Not wanting to be eaten, Pig #1 gives a portion of her La Classique to the Big Bad Wolf. The Big Bad Wolf closes his eyes and forks the La Classique into his maw. A good ten seconds pass before the wolf opens his eyes again and grins. (Is this a good sign?)

The Big Bad Wolf, not satisfied with his small bit of perfectly delicious La Classique, turns to the second pig and goes, "Lemme eat you, lemme eat you, little pig or I'll stomp and I'll chomp and I'll gobble your crepe up!"

Pig #2 follows Pig #1's lead and gives a portion of his La Fermière to the Big Bad Wolf. The Big Bad Wolf forks the La Fermière into his maw and he looks heavenward with a sinister grin on his furry face. (Is this a good sign?)

The Big Bag Wolf is enjoying the crepes but he wants more and turns his eyes to the third little pig. "Lemme eat you, lemme eat you, little pig or I'll stomp and I'll chomp and I'll gobble your crepe up!"

Pig #3 trembles with fear as he tearfully hands over a portion of his La Raclette. The Big Bad Wolf is quiet for a few moments, savoring the awesome flavor of the La Raclette.

Because each of the pigs did not get to eat his entire portion, as pigs go, they were still hungry and want more. While the Big Bad Wolf looks away, the pigs whisper to the server for two sweet crepes: La Chocolat–Caramel (Php 125, salted caramel with dark chocolate or Nutella) and La Caramel Beurre Salé with mangoes and ice cream (Php 145, salted caramel with mangoes and vanilla ice cream). They know they won't be able to escape the Big Bad Wolf, but half a crepe is better than being eaten alive, they think.

 
Sweet crepes

When the two plates of sweet crepes get plunked on the table, the three little pigs frantically slice up the sweet crepes and offer portions to the Big Bad Wolf before he could say, "Lemme eat you, lemme eat you, little pigs or I'll stomp and I'll chomp and I'll gobble your crepes up!"

Fortunately for the three little pigs, that quick gesture seems to satisfy the Big Bad Wolf. The three little pigs heave a huge sigh of relief (and almost jump off their chair with joy) when the Big Bag Wolf declares: "I think I shall never eat a Pig again! These crepes from Creperie Paris are tastier than these three pigs combined!"

And they all live (with bulging stomachs) happily ever after!
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What's in a (Business) Name? Veintiocho

March 29, 2014, 7:00 pm
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Wisdom from the Road #14

March 31, 2014, 7:00 pm
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On magic words
Not abracadabra.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Those are magic words.


Those words will always be appreciated. (Please, of course, is also included.)

When a jeepney conductor handed me my change, he said "you're welcome" when I said my thanks. When I got off that same jeep, he again answered "you're welcome" to my "thank you." Not too many people answer back with a "you're welcome" and that definitely made my day.


For more lessons from the road, please visit Go Learn.


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A Little Piece of Cafe in Guadalupe

April 2, 2014, 7:00 pm
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M Veloso St. Guadalupe, Cebu City
0933 954 5009
Tuesday to Saturday 4PM–9PM


This little piece of cafe is a good place for a little piece of...

Secret
ALPS Cafe is tucked in a peaceful neighborhood in Guadalupe.

Quiet
We were the only ones there on a Saturday afternoon. Could it be because we came in at opening time?
Or has this place remained a secret? (ALPS Cafe has been around for almost a year.)

World
The cafe's theme is travel. Photos and memorabilia the owners have collected over the years of traveling the world are on display in the cafe. 

Snack
ALPS Cafe has more than a dozen items on their menu. Salad, sandwiches, pasta, waffles, brownies, juice, coffee, milk tea. 

Green
We were drawn to green that day. Everything we ordered had something green in it. Popeye's Dip (Php 105) is pesto dip with wheat bread. Matcha Waffle (Php 105) is waffle with matcha (green tea) ice cream and chocolate chips. And a pitcher of Tito Lemonsito (Php 155), which is moringa (malunggay) juice with cucumber and lemon.


The green food we had was nothing great, but it did not make us turn green either. The Tito Lemonsito, though, was positively refreshing and did not have that bitter moringa/malunggay aftertaste. I could down a pitcher of it. Or maybe two pitchers on a very hot day!

Remember there are more than a dozen items to choose from and we only tried three. Do not let my opinions keep you from having a little piece of... 
Sky
ALPS Cafe.
A Little Piece of Sky Cafe.


A little
Bonus
Spotted just a stone's throw from the cafe is Uncle Noodles! Found out that Uncle Noodles has taken his business home after disappearing from Mango Avenue and from Food Choices in Ayala. Indeed, a very happy find! I will surely be back for my two uncles: Uncle Noodles and Tito Lemonsito!


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