Jobs in Dubai

Hello All,

I am posting this in behalf of a friend who is now recruiting for pre-opening hotels in Dubai, UAE.  I am not paid to do this, however I am doing this as a favour to help my friend as well as help those that are looking for jobs right now.

Vacancies :

Bartender

Waiter/Waitress

Hostess

Restaurant/ Bar Supervisor

Steward

Commis 1

Commis 2

Demi Chef De Partie

Chef De Partie

Housekeeping/ Public Area Attendant

Housekeeping Supervisor

Laundry Attendant

Front Desk Agent

Concierge

Lobby Butler

Bellman/Doorman

Butler

Reservations Agent

Ken Fix It Technician

Handyman

Lifeguard

Pool / Spa /Locker Room Attendant

Kids Zone Attendant

Spa Therapists

If you are interested to apply for the vacancy above please send your resume to Mukesh Talwar on email : mukesh@soeg.in.  Goodluck!

Tumalog waterfalls, Oslob Cebu

For the lack of things to do here in Oslob, we were ready to jump from a cliff if we find one.  The guys from the resort told us about a waterfalls 5 killometers where we are, so we thought of checking it out.

After touring the Church and ruins, we drove back to the resort and on the way back we saw a sign that reads Tumalog waterfalls. Getting there was easy, there were not so many people too, so it was great.  The road was in very good condition, newly cemented, you can make out that the local government really took care of it. There is a car parking area just as you take the turn from the mainroad. There are locals that looks after the car, ofcourse for a minimal fee.

We walk down, what seems like a very steep downhill road, under the blazing sun. It was really hot that I was so ready to dive into the waterfalls.  There were a few people on motorbike offering us to take a ride for 20 pesos (50 cents US) each person. But what the hell, we continued walking and cursing at the sun at the same time and pretending we know where we were going, we were pretty sure there were signs on the road, but we were wrong. Everyone else were covering themselves and we were crazy walking like it was a normal day. Actually it was really hot.

As we were walking downhill we already made up our minds to go by motorbike on the way back.  Yeah it was really steep.  There were no signs on the road, we figured we arrived when the motorbikes that carried some tourists stopped and pointed people where to go, so we just followed them. When we got into a footpath, we could already feel the mist of the water and we can already hear the water movements.   

When we reached the waterfalls, we were fascinated with it.  It was really beautiful but on the other hand we were disappointed that there was no area to be able to swim like how it was in kawasan falls in Badian. But we made the most of it so we enjoyed sitting by a rock and feel the mist of the water on our faces while the sun was shining daggers at best.  We didn’t stay long, so we had to find somewhere else to spend the remaining of the day in Oslob.

Oslob Church and Cuartel Ruins

One of the many landmarks in Cebu that really tells us the Spaniards were here was the Church of Oslob - The Immaculate Conception Church and the Cuartel (barracks) ruins.  It was said that the church was built in 1830 made out of cut out coral stones and the construction lasted about 18 years, some parts of it was added later on including the bell tower which was added in 1858.

This landmarks like many towns in Cebu or perhaps in the Philippines one can tell it was built during the Spanish era, if you notice the Spaniards will always establish a town with church, plaza, library, market and city hall close together.

It indicated that the church was destroyed during the second world war in 1945 and was successfully restored in 1955.  We didn’t have information of the Cuartel ruins but we were told that it was unfinished and was supposed to be for the Spanish soldiers.

Amazing to see a 100 year old building that stood still in time and looks really well preserved.

Other blogs about Oslob Church and Cuartel Ruins

Oslob Old Church by Reid Magbanua 

Oslob Church by Paul Perez

Hello again Oslob

At last we arrived in the town of Oslob, Cebu after driving about 2 hours .  Google map suggested that the drive is less than an hour but we practically moved like a snail so we can enjoy the view, but we ensured we get to Oslob before sunset.

This is the town famous for the whalesharks sightings in the Southern Cebu.  It made headlines a couple of years ago when this sleepy town were flocked with tourists to see the whalesharks in Barangay Tanawan, Oslob.

Oslob used to be a fishing village, the town is abundant of small sardine fishes during a particular season each year however, whale sharks would take a portion of it and leave the fishermen with less catch.  So the fishermen started to assign a couple of them to feed the whalesharks with krill while the rest would catch some sardines and they would divide their catch at the end of the day.  This tactic had been effective for them until one day a juvenile whale shark had followed one of the fisherman wooden boat to shore, probably thinking that the boat was the source of food.

The residents saw this gigantic fish on shallow water, it became a sensation, the media came and so as the tourist.  From then the locals in the town begun feeding the creatures with krill and the whale sharks have been in the area every morning to feast on the easy food. Sometimes as many as 20 can be seen in the area in a day and everyday there is always a sighting of this gigantic fish. 

Although it is against our principle to feed the whale sharks since we believe that they should be left on their own to hunt for their food in their natural habitat but it is always amazing to see these giants and even more amazing swimming with them. So even if we been here before, it never grows old. 

Overnight at Kawasan Waterfalls

We climb up to the waterfalls early morning.  From the resort where we stayed overnight, it was just around 15 minutes walk and we got to the first level of the waterfalls. The water was really cold it was almost impossible to swim when we got there, and there was hardly anyone around so we figured it was really early for us to be there.  The good thing was everything looked really fresh and indeed smelled fresh.  The walk wasn’t tiring at all it was refreshing.

First level waterfalls

There is a restaurant at the first level of the waterfalls, so we decided to have breakfast.  The menu was for lunch but then they can do whatever you request as long as the ingredients are available.  We are not picky eaters so fried rice, eggs, hotdogs and noodles were fine for us.  We enjoyed the early morning scenery at the falls, it was so peaceful, perhaps the most peaceful breakfast we’ve ever had in years.

We chatted with the owner of the place who invited us to stay overnight for a reasonable price, but we couldn’t decide at that time so we just told them we will let them know later in the day.  After breakfast we decided to climb up further, it was mostly climb, some were steep and some were just going up on a footpath.  We thought that if it rains it would be difficult to climb up coz it will be really steep. The second level waterfalls was shorter but it looked safer to swim, but the water is still very cold. Like the first level there are small shops and some cottages for rent at a minimal price and there are also rooms for rent overnight.  By the time we decided to go up to the third level waterfalls we were half way deciding to stay overnight. We were thinking mostly of an evening swim. Although the water was freezing cold but we are excited how it would be like at night.  It would definitely feed my adventurous side that I’d probably mellow for a couple of days. 

Second level waterfalls

The climb to the third level was even steeper than the second but when we got to the source it was amazing.  It was also noon time when we got there that the only thing you can think about was to plunge into the cold water. Although I must say that despite the hot weather, the water was still so very cold that we have to keep swimming so we don’t feel cold.  The third level didn’t have small shops or a place to stay overnight but there were wooden huts one can rent to sit or leave things while swimming. I would have loved to stay there overnight.

rooms we stayed overnight

We swam a bit and then we decided that we should stay overnight but first we have to go back to the resort before sunset so we could get some stuff and inform the hotel our plans. We climb back to the waterfalls and I had to say goodbye to my online activities for a day.  We got back to the second level waterfalls, there are rooms for rent overnight for just P3000 (66USD), so we took two rooms. The people are really nice and friendly, they cooked for our dinner, we had pancit (stir fried noodles) and fried chicken, the whole meal was cheap.

third level waterfalls

Around 8pm, we decided to have a quick swim at the waterfalls, the people that work at the house where we rented were so nice they were standing at the edge with a torch just to ensure we are safely swimming.  We had to get out of water quickly, we didn’t want them to stay there for long.  It was really very thoughtful of them.  We sat on one of the cottages drinking until very late, it was a bit chilly but very peaceful.  The sound of the water was therapeutic that we felt our stress went away.  The only thing was that there were a lot of mosquitos even if you already put on repellant.

I woke up so refreshed that I didn’t want to leave but we had to continue with our road trip, we really enjoyed staying at the waterfalls, I wish we had more days.

La Playa Resort, Badian Cebu

We drove another 15 to 20 minutes and we arrived in Matutinao, Badian.  Initially we planned to go to the waterfalls and stay there overnight but we realized we will not have a phone signal or internet if we stay there overnight.  Life nowadays - internet is very important so, it was no brainer we had to find a place to stay where we can have internet signal and near the matutinao church where the walk to the waterfalls starts.

We found a small resort called La Playa just a few meters away from the church, luckily it is a week day and the place is empty.  They have just around 10-12 rooms and we are lucky that most of it is available. So we took the option of having a bungalow with two floors, 2 bedrooms, bathroom and it is also air conditioned, plus it is a beach front and only for P4000(89 USD) per night.  Considering we are 5 people, this is very cheap and is just walking distance from the waterfalls, so we could just leave the car at the resort, while we are at the waterfalls.

They also have a small store that you can buy snacks or even order food from their simple menu and prices are cheap.  Or you can also opt to cook your own food, either you do it in their kitchen or they can lend you a grill so you can do it just on the beach outside your villa. But like most resort in the area this one is really simple, just rooms and the beach, but it is everything you need.

Check it out if you ever visit the kawasan waterfalls in badian.

Lambug Beach, Badian Cebu

The next on the list from the ‘trisikad drivers” recommendation was Lambug Beach.

image is mine

From Badian town market, we drove about 10 mins.  At first we missed out the turn so we had to go back and look for the turn, there was no indication on the road which way to go.  We were only told to take the turn towards the Golf Hotel.  So we had to drive slow to search for the sign of Golf Hotel. 

When we found the sign we were also confused as there were no arrows that indicates where to turn so we just had to cross our fingers and decide which way to take, same as when we reached a forked road, we just have to make a choice, unfortunately we took some wrong ones and we had to back track again.  I guess this is part of the adventure, its continuously discovering places as we go along, whether we are lost or on the right track.

After a few wrong choices we found Lambug Beach.  There were no hotels or accommodations on the beach area, just some wooden huts that can be rented for a day, more like a shed than a room.  There are also no shops to buy food or snacks or even drinks in the area, so this trip has to be planned ahead.

It looks like heaven – isolated white beach! Not a single person was on the beach apart from us. We thought it would be good to have a tent and sleep over night, but we were not equipped for such an adventure.  So, we just stayed there for an hour and left.

We thought we would come back here another time and just sleep under the stars.   

Searching for the Sunfish in Bali Indonesia

the photo is not very clear taken at 47 meters underwater

A very good friend of mine went in Bali, Indonesia and told me that they saw a sunfish.  That summer I was not able to go with them due to some work commitments but I told myself that I will go look for it myself.  So, when I was able to clear my schedules I convinced my travel partner, to go with me to Bali Indonesia to search for the sunfish.

He thought it was ridiculous but he gave in anyway.  We went to Nusa Lembongan it is an island about 30 minutes away from mainland Bali.  The timing was off season, the dive masters we talked to about it told us that it will be luck to see a sunfish in that time of year.  Normally they see it between August and October, but we went in November.  So, everyday for the last 3 days we been diving I kept asking the dive master where have the sunfish hide and they just tell me it’s in the camera. And we just laugh about it, but I was really hopeful.

After the 4^th day, there was no sunfish at all, we decided to make arrangements to leave and come back another time during season in the future, whenever that is.  So, we settled out bill with the resort but we couldn’t get a ticket for the speedboat to go back to the mainland since we decided a bit late.  We got stuck on the island so we decided to go diving for the last time.

Guess what? We saw a sunfish!!! I almost run out of air underwater coz I refused to surface. Hahaha, it isn't a joke and I don't encourage anyone do what I did.  It was very deep over 40 meters deep.  PADI (scuba association) allows recreational diving for advance divers at only 40 meters and I went down 47 meters (this is what’s registered in my dive computer).  So, I broke a rule just to take a better look at a sunfish.  I didn’t regret it, but the only problem I had was my underwater camera casing broke.  It was only good for 40 meters pressure underwater.  Anyway, it doesn’t matter since I got what I came there for.  Life is great! And I don’t like people telling me I can’t do things, if we don’t stretch ourselves we will never be able to know what we are capable of doing.

Ocean Safari Dive Center Moalboal Cebu

About the author

A friend of mine who has been scuba diving in Moalboal recommended we pay a visit to this dive center if we are planning to dive in pescador island and around Moalboal, Cebu.  So on our first day at Moalboal, we actually went straight there.  Our timing was good since they have daily dive schedule and they were just preparing for a dive.  Most of the dive excursions in Moalboal are boat dives, this means that you will have to take a motorized wooden boat or a speed boat to the dive site and jump from the boat.  One of the famous dive site in Moalboal is pescador island.

Since we are not just dive enthusiasts, we are also very excited to visit pescador island, going to this dive center is a happy event. The dive center is easy to find, apparently it is owned by the Vice mayor of the town named Nelson so this dive center is also known as Nelsons Dive Center.  And not only that it is also the cheapest among the dive centers in the area.  If you dive without gear and you need to rent full equipment it will cost you P1200 (26USD) per dive per person.  If you have your own gear they only charge P900 (20 USD).  This is cheap considering that you get on a boat and you have a dive master or instructor with you.

Their staff is not just professional but also fun, they sing and laugh out loud, never boring, very helpful and accommodating.  We really had fun with them. I would recommend them to friends and other divers. They are located in Panagsama, Moalboal.

Sima Cold Spring Badian Cebu

Just a couple of meters away from the town market of Badian is a cold spring the locals hang out or swim.  One should follow a foot path, so people wouldn't notice it and there are no signs whatsoever that tells you there is something there. It is natural fresh spring under several huge acacia trees that looks like centuries old. However no one that we asked know exactly how old those trees were.  The spring is adjacent to the lagoon that leads to the sea. It is called Sima. No one knows how it was called by that. 

The locals from long time ago constructed huge stones around the spring to make it look like a huge swimming pool, I think it’s brilliant.  There is actually two of it, one is deep around 10 – 15 meters and the other is shallow, we didn’t try the shallow one as there were ladies washing clothes inside it.  I guess it’s free water.  There were some school kids swimming, we figured they were practicing with their coach for a swimming competition. We were told those kids always top the regionals, I guess because they have this great resources to practice from.

The spring is fresh water not salty water, no one can tell us where the water comes from but they said it’s been there since they were born so no one knows.  It was really cool but the water is very cold, the locals said that they only swim there during noon time when it is hot so they don’t feel the chill of having to swim in cold water.

After swimming we ate our roasted chicken and bread, it tasted as good if not better than the one we had in Moalboal.  We were happy campers.

And we are in Badian, Cebu

When we arrived the town of Badian we headed to the town market, we know that we can perhaps interact with more locals and get information where to go and what to do.  The market was bigger than most markets we saw in the previous towns and it is a bit modernized compared to the others.  It indicates that the town is more developed.

We bought some fruits and explored the market a bit.  The vegetables and meat looks really fresh. We saw an area with some roasted chicken for sale and we chose the one with many people lining up to buy.  For sure the locals prefer it than others so we thought perhaps it’s the best one in town.

 We got some bread too and we were hoping it is as good as the one we had in Moalboal – fingers crossed.  Then we asked around some of the “trisikad“ drivers that we saw. Trisikad is a 3-wheel bicycle that locals use as public transport within a short distance.

So the trisikad drivers gave us some recommendations where to go.  We love to go where locals go, instead of where tourists go.  It is more fun to mingle with locals and get to know the place better.

When visiting a place, do you go where the locals go or you go where the tourists go? 

On the road to the South

Today we decided that we dive very early and hope we encounter a hammerhead shark if they still exists in the area, and then after the dive we would get back on the road and explore more places further South of Cebu.  The sky was a little gloomy today, so visibility underwater is not as clear as yesterday, and it rained when we head back to shore and we DIDN’T SEE HAMMERHEADS!!!

The next town to us was Alcantara but there was nothing special about the place to visit, well if they do then it is not advertised, or we just haven't heard about it yet. The town after that is Badian - this is a famous town for its waterfalls, a golf course and a nice resort island 20 mins away from the main land. The waterfalls is one of the best in the country.  I actually visit this place whenever I am in town. 

It would be another hour or less on the road from Moalboal until we reach Badian.  The mobile signal was on and off as we drove.  The good thing was that we had two different telecom network that we subscribed to, and when one is down the other is the strongest.  I guess this is to avoid competition.  

I can’t complain much.   The only issue I have is the internet signal that I have in this part of Cebu, it goes on and off along with the network that I subscribed with.  But when this happens I go back to playing something on my phone and no it is not flappy bird and it’s not plants vs zombies either.

Flavour of the road - home made ice cream

It is funny how this term came across.  We were sitting by the road side eating pizza on a small cafeteria in moalboal opposite the church when suddenly there was a peddler pushing a cart with what we could make out a steel cylinder can.

image by pixabay

There was bell ringing from the peddler and suddenly most of the kids ran up to him and they all shouted “ice cream”.  So, they all called out to the roadside for it.  The guy pushed the cart to their direction and yeah indeed it was ice cream - what seems to look like a huge cylinder barrel.    

My companions were really curious what it looked like so we approached them. Amazing he had about 4 different flavours in the same barrel. I remember when I was younger the peddlers only sell one flavour.

We all decided to get 4 different flavours and then sat back in the car with our ice cream.  It still tasted like how it was when I was young except that there are more varieties now. One of us said we should call it “flavour of the road” and everyone laugh.  It does makes sense though.  It’s a homemade ice cream and sold by peddler on the road, hence the name. 

The taste is great, you should try it. Although it is not guaranteed that you wont get a bad stomach from it, so this is not recommended for those with sensitive tummy. 

Buying a land in Moalboal Cebu

For the lack of activities in the resort where we stayed at and perhaps some drunken conversations we tossed in the idea of buying a beach lot in Moalboal so we could have a dive center one day in the Philippines and then we could dive every day, if this makes any sense at all.  But It was not a bad drunken idea so we thought why not asked around.

One of the dive masters that took us diving told us that most beach lots in Moalboal are not available anymore. Majority of which are owned by foreigners he referred to as Americans, but we already figured that when the locals say American it means foreigners and this applies to any foreigner with whit skin.

He also added that if there are lands for sale we have to be very careful since the agents in the area or the owner sometimes would sell it twice or more times to different people.  Most of the land in the town is only a declaration documents this means that the lands doesn’t have a title.  Actually I don’t know the difference but he said that it is a long process to have a title for a land in Philippines.

He said that there is a huge parcel of land in Moalboal that is having dispute in court since there are more people that now showed up and claimed their land despite that it was sold to foreign investors.  So he told us to be very careful about it.  Not that we have the money to buy but it is good to know.  Sometimes crazy dreams come true.

Changing Foreign Currency in Moalboal

I always thought that anywhere you are in Cebu it would be easy to exchange money, means changing your foreign currency into Peso.  My travel partner and I didn’t change much when we left the city.  

When we got to Moalboal most places that we come across including the resort that we stayed at charged 3% more if we settle in credit card, considering that there is 5 of us that are travelling that means the expenses that we incur will be 5 times as much, so if you do the maths 3% is a lot.

So, we decided to exchange our foreign currencies, however we were disappointed to find out that the exchange rate is 1 Peso lesser than in the city for USDollars and in some places P 0.50 lesser for Euro.  We had to go to a couple of exchange centers to get a good rate but it was never good enough I guess.  Then we had to blame each other for not thinking ahead or for not finding it out before.  But we are already here so perhaps useful information for the future whenever that is.

So if you are heading to the southern Cebu, I would suggest you make sure you change your foreign currency in the city for better exchange rate.