Kawasan Falls, Badian Cebu

One of my good  friend Stephanie and I decided to get out of town, so we went to visit my Grannies place in Badian (southern town in Cebu, Philippines) where Kawasan Falls is located, even thought I was there 3 times in summer this year, it never grow old on me.  I always love going there. The waterfalls always makes me feel like I am in paradise.  Stefi, who was extending her stay in Philippines volunteered to drive us.  So, we packed camping tents, pillows and blankets, we really didnt know where we will stay for the night, but it doesnt matter.  I just want to get out of the city.  We were on the road for 3 hours until we reached the town of Badian.  This town is really close to my heart - this is were my mom was born and raised. 

first level waterfalls

We stopped by at the Badian Public Market to gather some food supplies, at least we know we have something in case we cant find a place for dinner.  Stefi brought her 2 year old kid - Crista with us, so we prefer to be safe than sorry.  The market was a typical town market, with live stocks and mostly home made produce, the good thing is there were a lot of fresh fruits and they were cheaper compared to the ones we get in the City and a much better quality.  When we got to Matutinao (the actual place of the waterfalls), it was almost 5pm, so we decided to find a place near the waterfalls and head to the falls early in the morning.  It would be difficult for us to go up to the waterfalls with a kid when its about to get dark, the road can be slippery and dangerous. It wouldn't be fun.  

second level waterfalls

We woke up very early the following morning, perhaps it was the excitement but I was thinking it was the growing noise of the waves splashing on the rocks just outside our beach front cottage.  But whether it was excitement or not, believe I was itching to go the moment I stood up from the bed.  So, we head to the waterfalls right away, we skirted our way following the source of the river.  Crista was getting excited too, she kept asking if we were there yet.  I could sense her excitement as well as irritation every time we passed on something that resembles a waterfalls in a piled up rocks in the river and she thinks we are there but then gets disappointed that we still have to walk further more.

Little Crista

We walked for about 20 minutes and we arrived to the first level waterfalls, it is beautiful and high, higher than the waterfalls from the other levels.  When we got there, there were already people who reserved cottages and some already started swimming.  We were thinking we will be the first to arrive there and get the best spot - it would feel like we outsmart everyone else, but we were late.  Anyway, we went up further to the second level waterfalls. It was a steep climb and luckily we had Alan with us to carry Crista when it gets really steep.  Although, we were already panting with our tongue out when we reached the second level, we were very happy that we were the first to get there.  I guess people only stay on the first level to avoid the climb.  

Alan and Crista

We swam a bit on the second waterfalls and then decided to go up to the third level.  It was a steeper climb, at some point we had to stop to gather our energy and then walk again.  When we got to the third level, I was about to die.  I didn't know if it was the heat of the sun or my trembling knees that felt like I just climbed Mt. Fuji.  But after a dip in the water, I felt refreshed and energized again.  The water was so cool and the swimming area is much better compared to the other levels. The day went by like a flash and we really enjoyed out time at Kawasan Falls.  And even if I been there many times before I could still go there with excitement many times over, again and again.  The only thing is that there are a lot of mosquitos in the area, so you either keep moving or stay in the water.  Also, there are people local people following you all the time.  It's get very intimidating that it feels like someone is watching your every move and then they keep asking you to try the bemboo raft and then tell you to pay for it, some of them will keep following you and then assume that they are your tour guide and ask you a certain fee.  So be clear that you dont want their assistance in the beginning.  Don't be fooled!

The Kawasan Falls just recently voted as the Best Waterfalls in the Philippines 2016.

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.

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? 

Leaving Bantayan Island for Home of Love

After our very peaceful and sunny beach day in Bantayan Island, we decided to cut our trip short due to the weather report forecasting strong winds the following day or possibly in the next couple of hours.  So, we decided to go back to Cebu City on the next ferry out.  As we were getting ready, "Kulut" (the guy who rented us his motorbike) - came to see us, he was just coming by to check if we need his assistance however, he found out that we were planning to leave.  Although, not in the least happy but he was very understanding and was very helpful getting us to the pier and bought tickets.  We managed to get on a ferry on the last minute, and I guess people rely on weather forecast more in Bantayan Island coz believe it or not - the ferry was full.

Kota Beach

The sea was calm when we left Sta. Fe Port and soon enough we realized that the ferry we were on was slower than the one we came by with however it is bigger compared to the previous.  Half way through the channel the wind picked up and the boat started to rock.  I was a bit scared but pleased that we made the right decision of going back.  I've overheard from the locals chatting behind us that the wind usually picks up in the afternoon and that it is wiser to get on the slower ferry, it is bigger and safer.  I was contented to hear this despite that I felt nauseated the last half of the journey.  When I saw the pier from a distance, I felt relieved.  The ferry - although slightly bigger but it was the same smell of smoke and engine roaring and hammering your head the whole time, much worse coz the floor we were sitting or standing on constantly vibrates from the engine.  It maybe because the boat was large and therefore uses a bigger engine? whether this is right or wrong - the vibrating adds up to my motion sickness. I didn't really know how I survived the trip without complaining or better yet - without getting really sick but I'm happy I manage to keep my cool.

Built like a tank!

We got off the ferry as soon as possible when it we were told it was ok to leave the boat.  Loquito - being so tall and built like a tank, he managed to pull me and our bags passed all passengers rushing to the exit. Size really does matter! As soon as we got out, we collected the car from the covered parking space.  I was praying the drunk guy isn't there, tough luck he was, I guess my prayers didn't reach God in time.  We settled our parking fee and I had Loquito handle the guy.  Hell! - drunk or not - he should be intimidated by the man that's twice his size and also very good at pretending he doesn't speak English! hahaha..this does the trick most of the time.

When we left we decided to drive through a different route than when we got there, and also too that we will visit the Home of Love orphanage.  It was something we been wanting to do since our vacation begun.  According to google map, from Hagnaya Port to Tuburan was 47 kilometers - I hope its not a lie! Coz it doesnt sound like it was that far.  However, it was the first time we took that road, and also the first time to visit the center in Tuburan and we have no clue how to get there but to rely on google map directions.  We drove for about half an hour and I realized we were running out of fuel. I was getting really worried, the road we were on  was mountainous, going up - down - blind curves - and the houses were far apart, there were hardly any people on the street and some road doesn't even have any visible houses by the road side and it stretched on for a few kilometers, let alone a gasoline station out of nowhere.

according to google map

Loquito told me to drive slower so we could conserve the fuel, should be enough to get us to Tuburan town center.  As we got nearer we can see some people walking on the street and I felt relieved, that it felt like we were back in civilization and less of the mountains scenery.  We checked for the gasoline station right away and then we asked around how to get to the Home of Love.  Apparently the orphanage is famous as Pink Sisters coz the nuns that run the center wears Pink!  So after, asking a couple of people we found a narrow road leading to the center.  It was a very steep climb, I was told by the Nuns to leave the car at the foot of the path but Loquito wanted to take it up, so he took over the wheel.  There was no way in hell I could make it up if I were to drive, the center was position on top of the hill. When we got there, indeed we were greeted with the Pink Nun and a lot of lovely children.  Although it felt like we were driving forever and we started to feel tired, but when we hear the kids laugh, it was all we needed to feel good again.     

Night Diving at Palm Beach, Marigondon

As a child, I remembered Marigondon as a weekend refuge from the city life for me and my big family. This is where we usually spend Saturdays, Sundays and all the public holidays specially when the tide is high. We all love the sea so much that we would stay in the water from the time we arrive til its time to go. I would get prune hands it would hurt all night but as a child, it never mattered then.

nudibranch - looking so fragile

However now that I'm crazy about scuba diving, this is how I spend most of my time in Marigondon lately. I didnt realized until now that it has a very vibrant marine life. No matter how many times I dove in this place, there is always something new to see or discover every time. Recently a friend of mine has been asking me to buddy with him for night diving almost every day. And like day time scuba diving there is always something new that we discover. Only that it is more interesting. Night diving is always a different experience, most creatures that you encounter during night time you may not see them during the day, ie. cuttlefish, brittle star, etc. But most of all, we usually feel more adrenalin as it can be a scary thing diving in darkness. I remember my first night diving experience, I almost peed in my wet suit when I was staring at the wall that feels like there is something that will appear ready to eat me alive anytime.

frogfish - so ugly looking yet so beautiful!!!

In one of our dives, we saw a white nudibranch with yellow highlights, which I havent seen before and a frogfish which I thought doesn't exist in this area but with a stroke of luck we saw it a couple of times now. I wish that the local government would protect this area from boat anchors and dynamite fishing, so we can all enjoy this gift of nature. God I love this place and night diving here makes it my top spot in Cebu and Mactan Island. This has become my favorite diving site in the area now, however you have to watch out for the tides, the current can be nasty when its going low. The best time is when the tide is going high or during high tide.

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Why Cebu is No. 1

Even before the Spanish colonization, Cebu already played a vital role in trade and commerce in Asia because the island has been gifted with a natural harbor. Its channel is deep enough to accommodate the flow of goods through international cargo sea vessels, and the Mactan island serves as protection from winds and current.

Cebu’s weather promises to be good for business because typhoon activities are minor and rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year. Moreover, the island is not located within any earthquake belt, there is no known active volcano, and its international airport has been large enough to connect the island to several continents.

The public administrators of the province have been known to be development-oriented, steering Cebu to greater heights by putting in place infrastructure facilities needed for economic growth.

Cebu has at least nine economic zones that offer to cut bureaucratic red tape by providing a much easier system for investors, plus incentives.

It is number one because of good fiscal management: It ranks highest among the country’s provinces in terms of assets and cash in bank.

Most importantly, Cebu ranks number one because of the current unity that has never been seen before in any province: unity among elected officials, unity among business groups, unity among its people, and unity between the private and public sectors.

There are many universities and other educational institutions that serve as magnet to students from other provinces, a major factor of a highly skilled and efficient workforce in Cebu.

Overall, Cebu continues to excel and investors are drawn to Cebu because of the culture of professionalism and craftsmanship among its people, the vast highly skilled manpower resources resilient amid trying times, its fair weather, relative peace and business-friendly atmosphere.
Source : www.cebu.gov.ph

Stop! Dynamite Fishing

Since I was young I've heard about dynamite fishing being practiced in our small island - Mactan.  I never really saw this happening however I've heard from my parents and others.  My mom used to tell me that the fishes sold in the market were caught using dynamite fishing.  I never really know what this means before but since I started diving many years ago, I realized how this method has damaged our reefs.

Dynamite fishing or blast fishing is a destructive way of catching fishes.  The fishermen uses a bottle full of kerosine or gasoline and insert a cloth which serves as a wick and then they light it and throw it in the sea and then it explodes underwater.  Unfortunately the blast kills everything in its way including the corals.  There are some fishermen that aren't lucky and blast their hands in the process.  I know a few.  The fishermen also does not realize that this method leaves them very little fishes for human consumption and most dead fishes are turned into pieces and are left underwater for other species to feed on and yet, kills the natural habitat of fishes to breed.  This is very sad.  Although the government is trying their best to stop this way of fishing, but it is very hard to crack the system.

I thought it has been stopped since the construction of many international resorts on the island has somehow prevented local fishermen to do this around the reefs, however just recently while I was diving I heard blast underwater.  It did sound very near us but we never saw it.  Sound travel fast underwater, it may be very far from us however it sounded so near.  The dive master confirmed that it was dynamite fishing.  I thought to myself, no wonder there are no great reefs around the area and fishes has declined in numbers.  I wish the government will do something to rid this practice, so we have a sustainable environment and nice reefs for us divers to enjoy.

Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino

This one of the worlds famous church, built in 1565 enshrines a replica of one of the oldest religious relics in the Philippines, the Sto. Nino (Jesus Child). As history records, on April 14, 1521, Filipina Queen Juana was presented the Sto. Nino as a gift from Magellan and placed it inside the church. During a ranging fire 44-years later, which destroyed the church, the Sto. Nino was found miraculously undamaged by the fire. Since then, we Cebuanos (inhabitants of Cebu) venerate the Sto. Nino as our patron saint. We celebrate the feast of our dear Sto. Nino every 3rd Sunday of January. His festival last for about 9 days with a novena at the Basilica and a procession on the 3rd Saturday of January. Followed by Sinulog "a mardi gras on the street" on the day of the Feast. This has become a tourist attraction for both foreign and local tourists alike.

Cebu - Queen City of the South

Cebu for the Filipinos are real historic place. It is the country's oldest city. It was here that Ferdinand Magellan claimed the country for Spain in 1521. Founded by the conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1571, Cebu was the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. Magellan found Cebu a highly developed trading society, trading with China, Indonesia and Siam. The fact that Cebu's port is typhoon-free had played a major role in this. Today trading still remains an important role in Cebu, however the development of the Export Processing Zone in Mactan Island contributed to the development of the Province. Tourism is another major source of income. It fits not only in Cebu's hospitable environment, it has also all the ingredients for such a development. Cebu's beaches belong to the best in the country, also it's golf courses, it's nightlife, it's shopping malls and dive sites.

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The Adventure Cafe

Try the Adventure Cafe it is a full loop 500-meter zip line ride or if not you can experience the freshness and splendor of Mother Earth in a breathtaking wall climbing and rapelling! Adventure Cafe is located in Gaas,Balamban. It's a forty minutes drive from Cebu City. It is a fun filled eco adventure place, where you can see the historical Mt. Manunggal - the crash site of the late President Ramon Magsaysay and the panoramic view of the Balamban mountain range.

The place they said gives glimpses of Western Cebu; and a little further across the Tanon Strait is Mt. Kanlaon Volcano in Negros. The Adventure Cafe offers a rare experience, you will be engulfed in the mist that leads to Zero visibility. Mesmerizing!

You can choose to either start or end at the Cafe which offers delicious food from natures best, like native chicken, caldereta; snacks like suman and sikwate "chocolate drink" and the sweet mangoes of Cebu.

This excitement will last half a day, either morning or afternoon! Don't miss it... check it out!