Author: Josiah

Visiting Cebu: Santo Niño Basílica

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We’ve covered Cebu many times here on Lakas in the past, and today we are going to revisit one of the city’s most celebrated tourist spots, the Basílica Menor del Santo Niño de Cebú commonly referred to as Santo Niño Basílica. Its full name means Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu in English.

Santo Niño Basílica is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the entire Philippines and was built in 1565. It was later made into a basilica in 1965 when Pope VI visited, declaring “it as the symbol of the birth and growth of Christianity in the Philippines.” Due to Cebu being the first island that was colonized by the Spanish, it wasn’t long before they built a church. Although, as history states, the church has been destroyed twice through raging fires, but rebuilt both times in the same spot.

The Santo Niño Basílica is revered here in the Philippines and regarded as the “Head of all Churches” in the country. Regardless of your religion, the church has great cultural significance, and is home to the annual Sinulog Festival, which is “the biggest religious parade and street party in the Philippines,” according to the Culture Trip.

from wikipedia

But for tourists coming into Cebu for the first time, the Santo Niño Basílica is a wonderful and indelible cultural landmark that must be visited. If you live in a different part of country such as Manila or are an international traveler, you’re in luck as Cebu International Airport welcomes approximately 27 flights from NAIA everyday. It takes around 1 hour 25 minutes to get a direct flight from Manila to Cebu, which means the Philippines’ second biggest city has never been so accessible, especially for travelers wanting to get a glimpse of Santo Niño Basílica.

When in Cebu: Diners and Food Places that You Should Try

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Cebu, a province in the Philippines’ Central Visayas Region is one of the country’s top tourist destinations. Heralded as the “Queen City of the South,” tourism numbers are high here; in fact, it draws about two million foreign tourists year in and year out. In line with this, the number of travel packages and deals to Cebu are booming.Cebu, Philippines

Wondering what attracts tourists to this province? Well, it’s the white-sand beaches, spectacular diving spots, and good food! Simply put, it’s a haven if you’re a foodie who wants to indulge in mouthwatering meals that only the province of Cebu can offer. The question still stands, though: where should you eat if you head over to the “Queen City of the South?” Worry no more since we’ve got you covered.

Carcar Lechon

Remember, your Cebu escapade won’t be complete without a taste of lechon de Cebu and what better place to try it than in Carcar Lechon, which is known among locals as the Queen of all lechons. Their variety comes packed with mouthwatering flavors since their pigs are bathed in broth as well as drippings before being cooked. While there, treat yourself to crispy golden red skin, tender meat, layers of fat, and so on. Mouthwatering indeed!

lechon

Gibb’s Hot Wings

Are you a chicken lover? Then rejoice! Gibb’s Hot Wings is just perfect for you; in fact, it can give Dear Manok a run for their money! Traveling with your squad? Grab some craft beers and go for the spiciest level of wings challenge. Worrying if they’re too hot for you? Then you’d be happy to find out that they serve a special beverage for the burning sensation. If you are faint-hearted, then just try their tacos, potato wedges, and carbonara, among others.

Basco Lighthouse and Naidi Hill in Basco, Batan Island, Batanes

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Basco Lighthouse and Naidi Hill in Basco, Batan Island, Batanes

After our visit from Vayang Rolling Hills our van went to the top of Naidi Hill where the Basco Lighthouse is located.

Basco Lighthouse was constructed on March 2003 to help on the navigation for local fisherman and ships and a the same time for tourists to visit.

By the way, this tour was the Batan Island Tour by Wakay  Tours where we get to appreciate lots of places in Batan Island.

Here is what happened during our visit to the lighthouse.

11:51 AM We arrived at Basco Lighthouse

6 minutes travel time by van from Vayang Rolling Hills.

It was still drizzling when we arrived at Basco Lighthouse but that did not stop us from visiting. In Batanes where there is a drizzle there is wind and it was fun and challenging, especially when you can’t stabilize your camera when holding it up in the air.

Here is a photo of a sign which tells the history of Basco Lighthouse.

Basco Lighthouse and Naidi Hill in Basco, Batan Island, Batanes

There’s a wide area with benches where you can sit and look at the lighthouse or Batanes Bay.

Basco Lighthouse and Naidi Hill in Basco, Batan Island, Batanes

Vayang Rolling Hills in Basco, Batanes

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Vayang Rolling Hills in Bsaco, Batan Island, Batanes

We were all sleepy after breakfast since we all had to lack sleep due to our early morning flight from Manila to Batanes, we all first went inside our rooms and took a nap for the long day ahead. We had a lot on our schedule for that day and the first place we will be visiting would be Vayang Rolling Hills.

11:12 AM We were picked-up by a Van going to Vayang Rolling Hills

Approximately, around 1 hour 30 minutes of sleep, which I was very happy to do.

Weather in town was drizzling with a bit of wind. According to our guide it was the normal weather in Batanes on winter season (we visited on December 2017).

We passed by the Capitol of Batanes and some churches then slowly the building became sceneries of green grassland. Most of the trip was uphill with great views.

The picture above does not show it but it was drizzling.

AirSWIFT Flight: Manila to Basco, Batanes

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Naidi Lighthouse in Basco, Batanes

I was thinking that our Boracay honeymoon 2 months ago was a bit short that was why when the opportunity came for us to visit Batanes we delightedly said yes for a second honeymoon. Batanes is one of my dream destinations and I was very happy to have it arranged by Wakay  Travel and Tours, a Batanes based tour service provider.

Note: We traveled here on December, which is winter season in Batanes.

Here is how our flight went.

3:21 AM Arrival at NAIA Terminal 4

We arrived at NAIA Terminal 4 for our flight with AirSWIFT. Checked in. Dropped off our luggage. We were given a sticker which would make their staff in the predeparture area know that we are riding with AirSWIFT.

Our flight departure time was 5:15 AM from Manila to Basco, Batanes.