CEBU-tiful!

May 25-26, 2013

Friday evening, my bag is packed. I am ready for my 3am flight to Cebu City. I have been to Cebu several times but never had the chance to leisurely roam. Dex picked me up at the airport then we met with his officemate, Jay and their Malaysian guest, CK.

It was already 7am when we took-off for Oslob via Ceres bus at Cebu South Terminal. Sleepless, I took advantage of the not so long ride.

Whale Shark Watching Experience

Three hours away from Cebu City is the town of Oslob (pronounced as Oslo). It is home to the gentle giants of the sea - the whale sharks (rhincodon typus).

Outriggers

We reached Brgy. Tan-awan, Oslob, Cebu at around 10am. First in the activity was the orientation/ briefing.  Tourists were advised to stay at least 4 meters away from the whale sharks to avoid unexpected responses and to protect it as well. Each whale shark has tags by its fins that serves as a tracker. We were also asked to rinse any applied sunblock lotion as it may contaminate the water. We were made to understand that the whale sharks pose no significant danger to humans. They are considered as filter-feeding fish. They only eat plankton and small shrimps/ fish.

After paying the appropriate fees (details below), we paddled towards the interaction area. We already caught sight of the whale sharks as we approach. I repeatedly ask our bangkero whether they are harmless and I always get an assurance.

A school of small fish swim beneath the whale sharks

We cannot contain our admiration as we draw nearer. When we reached the interaction area, we wowed loud and jumped to the water as one whale shark approached. Our 30-minute happiness with the wild began.

Thirty (30) meters below us are divers and a variety of fish. The clear and clean water gave us a great sight of the gentle giant's haven at day.

By lunchtime, the whale sharks went back to the deep.

WHICH is WHICH?: Swimming? It's more fun with the butandings! :)
L-R: Dexter, Kinsy, Jay, CK

Unexpected Meeting

The National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) has its regional branch in Cebu City. I went there without notice. Surprisingly, we were on the same place enjoying the same activity on the same day! They shared us their baon for lunch! Thank you, Boss Edmund and staff for the mangoes, lechon and tinolang isda :)

With NCMB-RB VII Staff at Brgy. Tan-awan, Oslob, Cebu

Tumalog Falls

After lunch, we went to Tumalog Falls. It is just a short uphill ride from Brgy. Tan-awan. At the parking area, there are motorbikes offering a ride down to Tumalog Falls for P50. We were told that the falls is about 400 meters away so we decided to just walk.

We walked on a steep concrete road.

Tumalog falls is different from those that I have seen in Camiguin, Pagudpod and Baler. It is like a live wall paper: aesthetic and appealing. Cold waters caress the mossy rocks. The water drops from different points as if filling a basin then spilling to the other.

lower portion of Tumalog Falls. Photo by: Dexter

We soaked ourselves in the cold waters of Tumalog. It was very refreshing!

Boljoon Church
Patrocinio de Maria Church

While doing some research prior to this Cebu trip, I have read about Boljoon Church (in wikipedia).  It was declared in 1999 by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treasure for being the oldest original stone church in Cebu. This enticed me to visit the place.

Boljoon is about 30 minutes away from Oslob. I am a bit frustrated of what I actually saw. I find it far different from what I have read. The church's facade is painted and no one can ever tell that it is indeed the oldest original stone church. I think it could have been better if the structure was enhanced but not painted. Well, I am expecting its structure to be like the ruins of Cagsawa or Paoay Church. Raw. It is a serene place though. It has a wide lawn and is facing Bohol Strait.

Boljoon Church at Sunset. Photo by: Dexter

We were back in Cebu City by 8pm. With tummies rumbling, we invaded Larsian. I feel that it is the place to dine when in Cebu. I enjoyed their puso rice and grilled viands.

I also learned from CK that they have the same in Malaysia.



The following day, Sunday, Dex and I roam around the city. First, we visited the Taoist Temple at Beverly Hills, Lahug, Cebu City. It is located uphill so we had a view of Cebu at sunset. Picture taking by the altar is prohibited so we only had the exteriors. It is colorful and the architecture is beautiful.

There is no admission fee. The Taoist temple is open everyday from 7am-5pm.

Taoist Temple

Taoist Temple

Basilica del Sto. Niño

Outside the Basilica. Photo by: Dexter

We attended the 5:30pm mass at the Basilica. We were surprised by the bulk of people inside the premises of the church. We thought there was an event but we learned that it was just an ordinary Sunday.

In the morning, the priest celebrates the mass inside the church while in the afternoon, it is celebrated outside.

Interior of Basilica del Sto. Niño. Photo by: Dexter

Magellan's Cross. Photo by: Dexter

On the same Sunday night, NCMB RB-VII is playing for the TIPC Blowling Tournament at SM Cebu. We dropped by and stayed for a while.

L-R: Riza, Kinsy, Ms. Edan, Ms. Ellen, Rey

with the staff of NCMB-RB VII during their TIPC Bowling Tournament

Ms. Rose took us to dinner and drove us back to the hotel.

 with Ms. Rose, Earvin and Ivan

The following day is Monday. I flew and reported back to reality!

Experience Cost:
P155/head Cebu City-Oslob
500/head whale shark watching registration fee for Filipinos
      *inclusions: 30min boat rental, goggles for snorkeling, life vest
1000/head whale shark watching registration fee for our Malaysian friend
      *inclusions: 30min boat rental, goggles for snorkeling, life vest
500 rental of underwater camera
120/head round trip multicab to Tumalog Falls
20/head entrance to Tumalog Falls
25/head Oslob-Boljoon
125/head Boljoon-Cebu City