Rancho Cancio Resort of Adlaon Farm, Busay

Rancho Cancio

Rancho Cancio is the perfect place for family or couples' short escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Honestly, this place is really unfamiliar to me and there's not a bunch of photos or information found in Google when you try to search for Rancho Cancio. So there is no proof if its even worth the visit considering  that it is located in brgy. Adlaon, Busay, Cebu, a mountainous and remote area of Cebu province.

Rancho Cancio
Rancho Cancio is a privately owned rest house and was just recently opened to public, but one need a reservation or at least contacted the owner beforehand. The minimum number of guests for an overnight stay is 10 and the maximum is 22 guests. The resort served breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for PHP250 per meal. They not only served Filipino foods, but as well as some international cuisine. Upon booking, the management will give you set of menu to choose from. You can also bring your own food, but of course with additional charges. For accommodation, their standard rate is PHP650 per person. For this rate, you'll get to experience nature at its best and you can use their infinity pool and there is a billiard table in the basement.

Rancho CancioThere is no public vehicle that can take you directly to Rancho Cancio. The trip could take approximately 45 minute from JY Square. The family rented a vhire for this trip, and unfortunately the driver is also not familiar with the place and have to make some stop to ask for directions. For a detailed guide or instruction on how to go to Rancho Cancio, it would be best to ask it from the owner. For the number please drop me a message so that I can give it to you as the owner does not want his number to be placed on public.

Too bad I was not able to see this place when my family had a short escape here. The picture really shows how beautiful and lovely the place is. Kudos to the architect who designed the house. It is simply amazing and just by looking at the picture it made me feel that I am in a foreign place. The infinity pool with the mountains as backdrop makes this place a perfect destination/getaway.

Indeed Rancho Cancio is a perfect for family gathering, team building, summer getaway or just to escape from your busy life and experience the best of nature. I will be looking forward to the day that my restless feet will bring here.

Albay-Caramoan, Camarines Sur 6D/5N Itinerary, Budget and Expenses

Mayon Volcano Bicol Albay
Two months after I finally got the courage to hand my resignation letter to my manager, I immediately packed my bag and had a short jaunt or solo escapade to Bicol region (Albay and Camarines Sur). Bicol specifically Albay is known for the infamous and majestic Mayon Volcano while the latter gained popularity because of wake boarding and the the island of Caramoan which is as well under the jurisdiction of Camarines Sur which became known not only in the Philippines, but internationally because it became the setting of various foreign Survivor TV series.

This was the first solo trip I had in my entire life. Honestly, I was really apprehensive about this trip because I  am slightly introvert and I feared that I might get bored with this trip. In addition to that, I am not really good with following directions and I do not want my time to be consumed just for searching or finding for the specific destination I plotted on my itinerary. This trip made me come out from my cocoon and it taught me to be more approachable and friendly especially with the locals.

I spent my first 2 days around Legaspi waiting for Mt. Mayon to show up its full beauty, but unfortunately she was too shy to show her beauty. On my third day, I traveled from Legaspi to Camarines Sur enroute to Caramoan Island. For a detailed guide to Caramoan you may check on my previous post about this.

Caramoan Camarines Sur
Day 1: Cebu to Legaspi
  • 01:40 - Check in at Mactan International Airport - PHP200 terminal Fee
  • 02:40 - Departure in Legaspi Domestic Airport
  • 03:00 - Taxi ride to hotel. PHP250
  • 03:30 - Check in at Sampaguita Tourist Inn - PHP300
  • 04:00 - Walking tour around Legaspi City and Embarcadero de Legaspi
  • 07:00 - Dinner at Embarcadero - PHP146
  • 09:00 - Went back to hotel
  • Other expenses (water and fishball): PHP36 
Day 02: Legaspi, Albay Tour
  • 07:00 - Hired trike to tour me around Legaspi. Visited Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave in Camalig, Albay and spent almost PHP200 for the guide and souvenir. I also visited Daraga Church, the famous Cagsawa Ruins, Lignon Hill and the Japanes Tunnel. - PHP1000 (trike and Camalig)
  • 12:00 - Lunch at Small Talk (laing, bicol express, ice tea) - PHP340
  • 04:00 - Check in at Sampaguita Tourist Inn - PHP300
  • 07:00 - Dinner at hotel's cafeteria - PHP110
Day 03: Legaspi to Naga City
  • 06:00 - Trike ride from hotel to Legaspi Terminal - PHP40
  • 06:00 - Ride vhire (2 hrs) bound for Naga City and had breakfast- PHP150 + PHP44
  • 08:30 - Arrived in Naga City and transfer bus (JC Liner, 2hrs) bound for Sabang, CamSur - PHP60
  • 10:30 - Arrived in Sabang Port and wait for ferry bound for Guijalo at 01:00PM.
  • 11:00 - Boarded pumpboat (2hrs) to Guijalo Port, Caramoan - PHP120
  • 01:00 - Arrived in Caramoan Port. Met my guide Tope +639185432434.
  • 01:30 - Habal-Habal from port to Caramoan Centro and ate lunch - PHP73
  • 02:00 - Check in at Rex Tourist Inn - PHP800
  • 02:30 - Island Hopping (Matukad Island Group) - PHP1500
  • 06:00 - Dinner at Lutong Bahay- PHP50
Day 04: Island Hopping at Manlawi Group
  • 07:00 - Habal-Habal from Caramoan Centro to Bikal Port. Bring packed lunch - PHP195
  • 07:30 - Boarded a pumpboat to Manlawi group of islands - PHP2000
  • 07:30 to 02:00 - Island hopping tour. Visited Cotivas Island, Matukad Island, and Sabitang Laya island. Bought buko juice and souvenir - PHP100
  • 03:00 - Check in at Rex tourist Inn - PHP800
  • 04:00 - Tour around Caramoan Centro and visited St. Michael de Archangel Parish Church
  • 07:00 - Dinner at Lutong Bahay - PHP50
Day 05: Back to Legaspi and Church Hopping
  • 05:00 - Ride habal-habal from hotel to Caramoan Port
  • 06:00 - Boarded pumpboat to Sabang port - PHP120
  • 08:00 - Arrived in Sabang port and ride Vhire to Naga City - PHP100
  • 10:00 to 02:00 - Church hopping in Naga (Magarao, Bombon, Quipayo) - PHP110
  • 02:30 - Lunch at SM Naga - PHP109
  • 03:00 - Ride Vhire bound for Legaspi - PHP150
  • 05:00 - Trike to Sampaguita Tourist Inn and checked back in- PHP40 + PHP300
  • 06:00 to 08:00 - Dinner Embarcadero de Legspi - PHP100
  • 09:00 - Lights off
Day 06: Back to Cebu
  • 07:30 - Breakfast at hotel's cafeteria - PHP62
  • 08:30 - Walk from hotel to airport.
  • 10:00 - Check in at Legaspi Domestic Airport
  • 10:30 - Departure Legaspi to Cebu
  • 11:30 - Back in Cebu
Total Expenses: PHP9915. Wow! This trip was the most expensive solo travel I ever had. Not bad though for a first time solo traveling.

Negros (Dumaguete and Valencia) 2D/1N Itinerary, Budget and Expenses

Lake Balinsasayao
Every time I want a respite or to escape the monotony of everyday life I always go to Dumaguete, perhaps because of its proximity to Cebu province or because I just fell in love with its quietness, laid-back and serene atmosphere. Apart from that, almost everything in Dumaguete is affordable - this is really a big factor I always look into when traveling.

We want this trip to be spontaneous as possible. We did not research for possible destination, but purely rely on the locals as to which spot in Negros is really worth for a visit. Here are some of the tourist attractions you want to visit in Negros (Dumaguete, Sibulan and Valencia).

The Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao. This two lakes where adjacent to each other and is located 894 meters above sea level at Sibulan, Negros Oriental. There is a partition between the two lakes where a tower was erected for the tourist to see the twin lakes. Aside from the magnificent view, tourist can also enjoy kayaking, swimming or boating. Price for kayaking is PHP100 per hour and PHP250 for the boating. An entrance fee of PHP10 is being collected, perhaps for environmental fee. There is a resto near the lake, but I suggest to bring your own food especially if you are on a tight budget and just eat your meal by the lake. If you want to stay for an overnight, camping is allowed.

Casaroro Falls

Casaroro Falls is located in Valencia, Negros Oriental which is about 10 kilometers from Dumaguete. I have visited this falls twice already and I am lucky to see Casaroro Falls before and after it was wrecked by a typhoon. The trail going to the falls is a bit challenging now because there are huge boulders all over the place unlike before where there is a hanging bridge and the trail is well groomed. Swimming at the basin of the Casaroro Falls is strictly discouraged because there is no life guard here and is only maintained by the locals. Also there are quite a number of tourist who died here!

Pulangbato Falls
The Red River Valley or locally known as the Pulang Bato Waterfalls is also situated in Valencia. "Pula" is a vernacular word which means red while "bato" is a rock. As the name suggests, the water appears red or orange because of the presence of reddish rocks in the area. This is probably due to high sulfur content of the water. Also a few walks from the Pulangbato waterfalls are natural hot spring. This is the best way to recover your tired muscles from heavy trekking!

Where to stay in Dumaguete?
I recommend Harolds Mansion Hotel. They have 4 dormitory rooms which suits best for the backpackers at PHP250 inclusive of breakfast and internet connection. They also offer package tour for Apo Island, Caving in Mabinay and etc. For more of Harolds Mansion Hotel visit there site at Harolds Hotel.

Where to Eat and Hangout?
There is only one place in Dumaguete where you can really enjoy the night. That would be in the Boulevard. There are huge arrays of restaurants and pubs you can choose from.

How much is a safe amount to budget for in Dumaguete?
It really depends on what type of traveler you are. If you really want to make your trip in Dumaguete as cheap as possible, PHP1000 would be a lot. Like I said, almost everything in Dumaguete is affordable and cheap!

Mt. Kapayas Fun Climb

Mt Kapayas Catmon
Mt. Kapayas is the highest peak in the northern Cebu, but contrary to what the municipality of Catmon claimed, Mt. Kapayas is not the 2nd highest peak in Cebu at 700+ meters above sea level. Mt. Kapayas is also known as Lantawan Peak or Torre Peak because the highest point of Mt. Kapayas is made of limestone rocks resembling the peak of Mt. Mauyog in barangay Tabunan, Balamban. At the peak, one can see a 360 breathtaking view of the surrounding including the islands of Negros and Bohol. Another interesting highlight is the Lumanoy Cave for spelunking and Mamig Falls.

Mt. Kapayas is one of the mountain in Cebu that is less trodden by Cebu outdoor groups because of the fear of encountering some "Nice People Around," or perhaps, because there is only few resources in the internet that documents Mt. Kapayas climb. Catmon is located mid-north of Cebu and is about 1.5 hours from the city. Then from Catmon proper, the jump-off point is approximately an hour or more because of its extremely rough road and its a challenge to find a habal-habal that could take you to the jump-off point.

Mt Kapayas Catmon Climb
When I got an invitation for this climb, I easily nodded without any hesitation even though I was supposed to do rock climbing at Cantabaco on that day. I was informed that there were at least 50 signed in for this climb and by far, this is the biggest climb I have joined. Registration fee is only PHP200 inclusive of event shirt and certificate. Transportation from the Catmon proper to the jump-off point was provided by the municipality of Catmon.

If this is your first time climbing a mountain, you need not to worry because the trail is not that steep compared to some mountains in Cebu, but the trail is open meaning you are directly exposed to the heat of the sun. There are also parts of the trail where you have to cross shallow streams and just a few meters from the last stream is the Lumanoy Cave as well as the campsite before the assault to Torre Peak. The challenging part of Mt. Kapayas climb is climbing the vertical rock without any rope. Make sure you have a good footing and grip to the rock crevices especially when going down. Like Mt. Mauyog, there is only less space or area at the peak. It took a while for us to go up to the peak because some climbers are busy photo taking at the summit and we have to wait for them to go down before we could advance. Thanks God I reached the summit before sunset or else there is nothing I could see from the Lantawan Peak.

Mt Kapayas Fun Climb
Instead of backtracking, the local guide suggested to take the shorter and easier trail. When he said that its shorter, I was thinking that it could only take an hour or less to reach the jump-off point, but it takes almost 3 hours for us trekking the dark knee-deep muddy trail. It was already around 8-9 in the evening when we reached the Catmon Municipal Hall. Unfortunately, there were no more buses plying the Cebu route at that hour so we have to wait for the first trip which is at 2:00 in the morning.

How to get to Mt. Kapayas in Catmon:
There are buses at the North Bus Terminal that plies to Catmon on a daily basis. Fare should be PHP70 and drop-off point would be at the Catmon Municipal Hall. For safety purposes, make sure to register at the municipal hall to give them a heads up that you are climbing Mt. Kapayas. They could also provide a guide to your group. Kyno Dumlao (0939-6586473) is the trusted guide in Mt. Kapayas.

P.S. THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this specific post. Images on this blog are copyright to the owner nicnhoj.naadz.

Five Reasons to Travel to Bacolod

Bacolod The Ruins

When it comes to tourist destinations, Bacolod seems to be underrated. While everybody rushes to book flights to Boracay, the quiet yet beautiful city of Bacolod remains as it is – quiet and beautiful, waiting for you to come and visit.

Already I can hear you asking, “But what’s so special about Bacolod?” Well, here are five special things about Bacolod that you will not have anywhere else in the Philippines and in the world.

1. Smiles. In case you’ve been living under a rock, Bacolod is called the City of Smiles. People are warmer than the weather, and they will welcome you like they would welcome the President of the Philippines visiting their home. If you want some feel good travel, you should highly consider Bacolod.

2. Chicken Inasal. Hello? This is where all the yummy goodness started! Bacolod prides itself as the birthplace of the now famous chicken inasal. Make sure you visit Manukan Country for some authentic, and really delicious chicken made the Bacolod way.

3. Mambukal Falls. Instead of going to the beach, opt to go to Mambukal Falls, where you can see seven falls! The journey through all the seven falls gets better and better. The last waterfall is huge, and you can swim in the clean waters too!

4. Masskara Festival. Happening every October, Bacolod holds this huge festival complete with a street party where people wear colorful masks and costumes, and dance to lively music. Naturally, airfare and accommodations shoot up for this event, so if you want to experience it, better book as early as you can!

5. The Ruins. When you see this skeleton of a stone house, you would want to have your makeup done and have a photoshoot in it! The Ruins is what remains of a rich family’s house during World War II. Owners of an abundant sugar plantation, they had their land and everything in it burned before the Japanese soldiers could take over and seize their properties. Smart move right there. And now, what remains of the family mansion stands as a tourist spot that will make you feel you’re in Europe.

You don't really have to learn Hiligaynon or Ilonggo for you to appreciate Bacolod and all its beauty. Just take your curious mind and open your heart to all the possibilities. With a laidback atmosphere, kind and warm people, and smiles wherever you go, Bacolod should definitely be on your list of places to visit. Ready to book your Cebu Pacific flight yet? Watch out for seat sales and book as soon as you see a cheap flight!

Best Summer Destinations in Cebu

Boracay Crystal Cove

Summer has finally made its debut! Look and feel at your surroundings. Have you noticed the rise in temperature? How about the rise of your electric bills due to increase electric consumption (aircon/electric fan). Have you noticed people wearing shades in different shapes and sizes? Or perhaps you have noticed difficulty in booking your favorite beaches or resorts. All of these are indications that summer has finally kicks off!

Summer is my/our much awaited season in the Philippines. I am pretty sure you would agree with me. This is the only time of the year where students take a break/vacation from school and freely do cool things summer has to offer. Basking under the sun in a white sand beach is the most popular activity during this season. So break out those bikinis/swimsuits/shorts, slather on sunblocks and show off those bodies you've been working so hard in the gym.

Here are some of best summer destinations in Cebu you can enjoy.

1. Beaches
Cebu-Summer-Destination

Cebu has a number of beaches that can be prime destinations to cool off the summer heat. Either you'll go north or southern part of Cebu you will never run out of beach to go to. In northern Cebu is where the beautiful Bantayan and Camotes Island is located. Also in the north of Cebu is where you can find the famous diving spot due to sightings of thresher sharks - Malapascua Island. If you do not want to go beyond the mainland of Cebu, San Remegio and Tabuelan (Maravilla or Durhan Beach). In the southern part of Cebu, Tingko Beach is the perfect choice because of its white sand and turquoise blue water. If you want to go farther Lambug Beach in Badian is also a good choice for summer getaway. Here you can expect a less crowd compare to Moalboal which is also a good diving spot in Cebu because of its rich marine life and gorgeous reef. I have a separate post about the best beaches in Cebu.

2. Waterfalls
Kawasan Falls Badian Cebu

Waterfalls like the beach also offer a spectacular summer experience. Kawasan Falls is the most famous among the waterfalls in Cebu. The turquoise blue water in its basin enhanced the beauty of Kawasan Falls. It also has 3 layers and half of the pleasure is trekking up to the main water source. This waterfall is about 3-4 hours from the city and is located approximately 1.5 kilometers from the hi-way. Some waterfalls in Cebu that is also worth visiting are the following: In Samboan (Aguinid Falls, Binalayan, and Dao), Ginatilan (Inambakan Falls), Mantayupan falls of Barili, Kabang Falls in Budlaan Talamban and etc.

3. Osmena Peak/Mountains in Cebu
Summer Destination Cebu

Also in the southern part of Cebu is where its highest peak lies. Osmena Peak is situated in barangay Mantalongon, Dalaguete Cebu and the peak stands proudly at 1000+ MASL. Dalaguete is known as the vegetable basket of the province because of its favorable weather for planting. The town celebrates "Utanon Festival" every 9th and 10th of February which is a form of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. Another highlight in climbing Osmena Peak is its rugged peak. At the peak the fantastic view of the mountain ranges plus the islets (Badian and Pescador) would certainly delight your senses. If you want to visit Osmena Peak and got no idea how to get there, here is a detailed Osmena Peak guide I previously wrote. Note: Osmena Peak can be crowded at times especially during the weekends where Cebuano campers converge in this mountain. There are several mountains in Cebu you can climb for your summer adventure getaway.

4. Cold Springs
Cebu Summer Destination

Where else summer can be best experienced, but in a cold spring. In the photo is where the Dalaguetenos usually spent their weekends with family, the Obong Spring. If you do not want to go far from the city, Uragay Spring or Durano Eco Farm is the nearest cold spring from Cebu city. Other options include Mantawihan and Molobolo Spring in Tuburan, Cambuhawe spring in Balamban, Binaliw Spring in Sogod, and Guiwanon Spring in Tabogon, Cebu.

So there you go...Indeed we have a lot of options to choose for our summer getaway. This only shows that there is no need for us Cebuanos to go beyond our province to experience summer.

How to get to Sagada | Complete Travel Guide

Sagada Philippines

Who would have thought that in this very remote part of the country you will find this small town with so much to offer, may it be eerie burial caves and hanging coffins, chilly waterfalls, gastronomic food, glossy and shimmering lake and cloud-capped mountains...name anything and you can find it in Sagada. Added to these is its bone-chilling weather making Sagada a good destination for summer getaway.

Sorry to say, but there is no direct trip to Sagada from Manila. It can only be reached via these routes (Manila-Baguio-Sagada; or Manila-Banaue/Bontoc-Sagada). Tourist going to Sagada usually took the Manila-Baguio-Sagada route because of its accessibility. Basically all of these routes has the same travel time and fare it only differ on the scenes/views you can see along the way. Here in this post, I will be giving you a complete guide about how to go to Sagada from Manila or Cubao or the alternative routes to Sagada.

1. Manila-Baguio-Sagada Route
There are hourly bus trips plying to the city of Pines, Baguio City from Pasay, Cubao or Caloocan terminal, fare pegged at PHP445 and travel time would take approximately 5-6 hours. It is advisable to travel no later than 12 midnight to that you can reached the first trip bus bound for Sagada at 6AM. The bus terminal in Baguio that plies the Sagada route is at Dangwa terminal which is about 10 minutes cab from Victory Liner Terminal just inform your cab driver that you will be going to Sagada. Non air-conditioned buses (Lizardo or GL Transit) to Sagada  depart daily from 6AM to 1PM. Travel time from Baguio to Sagada could take 6 to 7 hours and fare should be PHP220. Your drop off point would be at Sagada Municipal Hall.
Sagada Cave Connection

2. Manila-Banaue/Bontoc-Sagada
There is only one bus that offers that Manila-Banaue Route - the Ohayami bus line and their terminal is located at Sampaloc Manila. Time of departure is at 9PM, make sure to catch this trip because extra buses would only run on peak season. You can also make reservation beforehand (02)-5160501. Fare is PHP450 and travel time could take 8-9 hours because bus makes regular stop every 2 hours.

At the Banaue bus terminal, there are jeepneys or mini-bus that plies directly to Sagada. This trip would cost PHP300 per person and travel time from Banaue to Sagada is another 3-4 hours. The downside of this route is that jeepneys would not live the terminal until there are 4 passengers. So if you are travelling alone this is not a good option. Alternatively, you can take jeepneys bound for Bontoc from Banaue. Fare is PHP150 and travel time is 2-3 hours. Jeepneys plying this route is stationed at Banaue Public Market, just be there before 9AM to catch this trip. Then from Bontoc you can take another jeepney (1.5 hours) bound for Sagada.

Here is a comparison of the two routes going to Sagada from Manila
Via Baguio
Manila to Baguio - 6hrs - fare - PHP445
Baguio to Sagada - 7hrs - fare PHP220
Total time and Fare: 13hrs; PHP665

Via Banaue
Manila to Banaue - 9hours - fare - PHP450
Banaue to Sagada - 4hrs - fare - PHP300
Total Time and Fare: 13hrs - fare PHP750
Sagada Philippines toploading

Accommodation in Sagada | Where to Stay?
During our visit in Sagada, we stayed at George Guesthouse (Contact #: 09185480406/09206070994). Actually, there are plenty of accommodation you can choose from Sagada and the cheapest you can find cost about PHP250. For the complete list of accommodation in Sagada you may visit www.saggas.org.

Top things to do and see in Sagada
Here are my top list of things you can enjoy in Sagada

1. Spelunking | Cave connection Sumaging to Lumiang. The entire cave connection could take approximately 5 hours. Every activity in Sagada, a guide is required and this can be booked at the SAGGAS office.
2. Trek to Bomod-ok Falls. Unfortunately I have not tried this because there was a certain ritual performed at the time of my visit.
3. Trek Pongas Falls. This is the newest attraction in Sagada.
4. Camping at lake danum or Mt. Ampacao
5. Witnessed the Panag-apoy festival
6. Walking tour at Sagada town (museum, pottery, weaving, Episcopal parish, etc.)
7. Up close with the burial caves and hanging coffins
8. Sunrise viewing at Kiltepan Viewpoint
9. Food porn (Yoghurt House, Lemon Pie House, Log Cabin, pinikpikan, etc)
10. Top loading!

A Taste of Island Hopping in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

Hinatuan Island Hopping Ave Maria

Hinatuan rose in popularity because of Enchanted River and in fact this is the biggest tourist draw to this part of Surigao del Sur. This trip is supposed to be a solo, but my travel buddy Mark decided to tag along and then we drifted to this part of Mindanao. We started our adventure early in the morning to hopefully maximize our limited time and to be able to cover more grounds. As you may recall from my previous post, our first day in Surigao was all consumed commuting from Surigao del Norte to Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur and decided to stay the night at Markys Hostel (09284397785) which is the cheapest accommodation we can find in Hinatuan.

Island Hopping Margaret Island Hinatuan Surigao

As early as 7 o'clock in the morning, we were already off to Enchanted River. The owner of the homestay already contacted a habal-habal driver that could take us to the Enchanted River with a discounted price. When we arrived at the river the water was not that clear because if the downpour the night prior and the water was freezingly cold, so we decided to just walk to the mouth of the river where bangkas are stationed for an island hopping tour (PHP160 per hour). As our boat (bangka) departs it got me very much excited to see the beauty of Hinatuan beyond the famed Enchanted River.

Our first stop is the Ave Maria Beach Resort. There is nothing really speacial here, but a perfectly white sand adorned with coconut trees and some newly developed nipa huts. Our second stop was Margaret Island Peak. This is the best vantage point to see the breath taking panoramic view of the Pacific, but before your eyes could feast the beauty at the top, you need to climb up a 100+ staircases...tiring, but really worth it.

Ponta Cave
Our third stop was the Ponta Cave - this is a privately owned cave famous for its grotto where a huge image of Mother Mary is erected. At the time of my visit, cave exploration is not allowed because they lack safety gears, but this will be opened soon according to the local who served as a caretaker of the area. This is the perfect spot for swimming because of its crystal clear water. Since spelunking is not permissible, we moved to Tinago River. Tinago is a Cebuano word which means hidden. Unlike in Enchanted river where its water is color blue, here in Tinago the color of the river is painted by the reflections of the lush forest mostly of coconut trees. We passed by some stilt houses and some some islets within its (Tinago River) vicinity. I bet this is the main attraction of your river cruise.

Tinago River
Our last stop before heading back to Enchanted River is the Sibadan Fish Cage. This is the perfect place for sea foods lovers. We had a sumptuous fresh sea food lunch here. An interesting activity you can enjoy here is swimming inside the cage with different species of fish is allowed. There used to be sea turtles here, but was later surrendered to government officials

Indeed Surigao Del Sur is blessed with amazing, scenic and beautiful tourist spots.

Sibadan Fish Cage
HOW TO GET THERE: For a detailed guide (transportation details, accommodation and expenses) check out my previous post about How to Go to Enchanted River. Boat rentals are only PHP 160 per hour (good for five persons).  Some sights required a minimal entrance fees.

Sinulog 2013 Photo Contest Complete List of Winners

Sinulog 2013
Sinulog is one of the grandest festival in the country and there is no doubt about it. The crowd is getting bigger and bigger each year and in fact neighboring provinces flew their respective contingents here in Cebu to join the said festival to honor Snr. Sto Nino.

I together with my three travel buddies decided to participate the Sinulog 2013 Photo Contest. We joined for the sole purpose of having or getting an access to most of the Sinulog events (Sinulog sa Kabataan, Festival Queen, etc.) and winning is just a bonus. By the way, this was our first time joining any photo contest.

Here are the complete list of winners for the recently concluded Sinulog 2013 Photo Contest:
Photo Credit: Sinulog.ph

A. Contingent Category:
(1) Elmer Philip Lim; (2) Mikhail Arrogante; (3) Remus Nicolas Doroon; (4) Patrick Henry Uy; (5)
Marcelo Rabosa Jr.; (6) Ariel Salupan; (7) Ma. Elizabeth Macachor Ybañez; (8) Renier Figuracion; (9) Mikhail Arrogante; and (10) Japoi Cequinia.

B. Fluvial/Solemn Procession Category
(1) Gerald Serbise; (2) Gerald Serbise; (3) Renz Edison Tolero; (4) Robo Formacion; (5) Robo Formacion; (6) Aldo Nelbert Banaynal; (7) Henry Yu Jr.; (8) Gary Cortes; (9) Marvin Bonjoc; and (10) Atty. Jan Ralph Ybañez Perez.

Sinulog 2013
C. Float/Higante/Puppeteers Category
(1) Remus Nicolas Doroon; (2) Dr. Lelani Ybañez; (3) Mikhail Arrogante; (4) Ma. Elizabeth Macachor Ybañez; (5) Rafael Salvador Ybañez; (6) Christine Entote; (7) Jose Teresito Ybañez; (8) Christine Entote; (9) Chubby Atillo; and (10) Carlo Somontan.

D. Sidelights/On site Décor Category
(1) Erwin Lim; (2) Val Bonjoc Casuco; (3) Archt. Rene Ybañez; (4) Elmer Philip Lim; (5) Rod Jason Galgo; (6) Rod Jason Galgo; (7) Catherine Angeles; (8) Ariel Armand Ybañez Andrino; (9) Christine Entote; and (10) Teodoro Seclon.

Sinulog 2013
E. Festival Queen Category
(1) Karlo Matuguinas; (2) Kimberly Mendero; (3) Earl Tavera; (4) Vincent Gallarde; (5) 
Frederick Salazar; (6) Dr. Henry Chua; (7) Auxie Boivin; (8) Mikhail Arrogante; (9) 
Michol Sanchez; and (10) Dierrek Crisostomo.

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS
1. Rolando Pascua
2. Robespierre Paderanga
3. Mikhail Arrogante

Sinulog 2013

The winning shots or photos by these photographers will be posted here once the Sinulog Foundation Inc., display the photos at SM City Cebu. As of this moment, photos released were just the top images per category.

Source: http://www.sinulog.ph

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