Cebu 2015 Archives - Lakas ng Trip

Canyoneering in Badian/Alegria, Cebu, Philippines

January 30, 2016 by Josiah 4 Comments

It was the day after our visit at Lambug Beach. We woke up at Matutinao Beach Resort and got ready for our Canyoneering Activity. I think I got a little bit excited as I woke up around 6:00 AM when we are scheduled to start the Canyoneering Activity at around 9:00 AM. Luckily, I was not the only excited guy around as Lisa (Pinay Travelista) and Marky (Nomadic Experiences) were awake also.

Matutinao Beach Resort

We first went to the canteen near the Catholic Church of Matutinao. Then we bought some trail food and energy drinks from Kawasan Cooperative. We also bought some loperamides just in case a digestive emergency happens along the activity.

Breakfast

Kawasan Cooperative

The plan that day was to do Cebu Canyoneering and later in the afternoon we would head to Osmeña Peak.

If you’re curious where we availed of our Cebu Canyoneering, we availed the activity with Kawasan Canyoneering. I would highly recommend them as they did a really good job in guiding us throughout the activity. They’re a local business that hires and trains guides from within the Badian and Alegria area. Since they are from the area they know much better than anyone else whether the activity is safe or not based on the local weather and other factors.

STK ta Bay! at Paulito’s Seafood House in Cebu City, Philippines

January 19, 2016 by Josiah 2 Comments

After seeing Kareen (Laagan na Cebuana) on top of Osmeña Peak, I got in contact with her via Facebook in order to meet her again with our friend Kate (Red Maleta). They asked where I wanted to eat (since I am non-Cebu based), I told them I want seafood. They said we should eat at STK ta Bay! I was like is that a serious name for a restaurant? Apparently it was and since I’m getting seafood I never really made much thought about it until now that I am writing about the restaurant.

Tuna Panga displayed at the entrance of STK ta Bay!

Before anything else let us dissect what STK means.

S – Sugba (Grill)
T – Tula (Broth)
K – Kilaw (Ceviche or cooked in lime or vinegar)

Review: Pillows Hotel in Cebu City, Philippines

January 14, 2016 by Josiah Leave a Comment

We were checking out of The Maxwell Hotel and we still have a good 2 nights before our flight out of Cebu. We were looking for something new and unique and when we checked Agoda, Pillows Hotel was just the right type of hotel we were looking for. So we booked and on the same day showed up in their front desk.

Pillows Hotel Experience

We rode a taxi from The Maxwell Hotel to Pillows Hotel. We could have just walked it but I was nursing a flu and was bringing a heavy backpack so we decided to take the easier route.

Upon arrival, we went to the front desk and was quickly asked how they could help us. We told the reception that we have a reservation via Agoda and was told to wait as they verify and arrange the documents. After less than 5 minutes the staff came back to us and told us that they have verified our reservation and the room was now ready.

Tumalog Falls in Oslob, Cebu, Philippines

January 9, 2016 by Josiah 5 Comments

Initially, Tumalog Falls was not part of our itinerary. It was only added when we were researching about the Whale Shark Watching of Oslob that we encountered the really amazing waterfalls. When we researched, it turns out to be Tumalog Falls. The first time I saw the pictures of Tumalog Falls I knew that I had to go there and we did.

Tumalog Falls

Upon arrival at MB’s Sunrise View Resort from our earlier adventure up Osmeña Peak, we decided to have lunch first and take a nap. It was set that we were visiting Tumalog Falls start 3 PM.

Osmeña Peak in Dalaguete, Cebu, Philippines

January 7, 2016 by Josiah 12 Comments

I knew Osmeña Peak was beautiful but I was not sure if we would be able to do a visit due to its challenging logistics. We only knew that travelers could get to Osmeña Peak in Brgy. Mantalongon via Dalaguete Town Proper. On our itinerary we were coming from Badian the next place we needed to visit was Oslob. If we wanted to visit Osmeña Peak, we had to ride a bus for 1 hour and 40 minutes to Carcar City then ride another bus to Dalaguete for 1 hour, ride habal-habal to Osmeña Peak, then back to Dalaguete then ride bus to Oslob. Plus there was also the consideration of our backpacks when we climb Osmeña Peak. Do we climb with our backpacks? It was a logistical challenge with very little options to work with.

Walk to Osmeña Peak

I was really puzzled on how we would do Osmeña Peak to the point of being a pessimist on its possibility.

Luckily, when we arrived at Matutinao Beach Resort we overheard one of the guides that the group who just arrived was heading to Osmeña Peak. We were curious so when he was free we asked him if it was really possible to get to Osmeña Peak from Badian. He answered yes and we could actually do it right after our Canyoneering activity. The rate for the roundtrip habal-habal ride was 500 Pesos/person, quite steep but we could work with it. So that was our plan, do the Canyoneering then visit Osmeña Peak in one day.