Summer Break at Puerto Princessa and El Nido, Palawan

Figuring the best way to spend our summer vacation and celebrate my birthday, Chill my wife, and I decided to go on a tour to have our fill of sea foods and enjoy the amazing sights off the islands of El Nido, Palawan.

After arriving at Puerto we headed to the streets right away to have a taste of the famous Vietnamese soup "Chao Long" which was introduced in the region by refugees from Vietnam. After that we went on a butt aching (I mean it) 6 hour ride to El Nido and stayed at Biolina Guest House whom the owner, kuya Ronnie is also from Cebu and was very game in helping us cook our food the Sutukil way to make us feel at home.

The next day was the start of our tours with kuya Alvin which introduced us to a lot of amazing sights such as: Tour A- Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach. Tour C- Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Colosa Beach, Secret Beach and Cadlao lagoon. We also got a treat when our boat was visited by a family of playful dolphins who jumped and toyed with us until docking.

The trip was really worth the miles for we experienced all that is El Nido, great sights, pristine waters, amazing reefs teeming with life, loads of seafood reeled in from the town market and of course, met new friends along the way.

We capped our trip by spending the whole afternoon by the white sand beach of Los Cabanas and had a glimpse of their famous sunset minus the annoying crowd.

The rest of the story is told in these amazing shots. If you're rooting for the best and unforgettable trip for the summer season I'd say El Nido, Palawan should be TOP on your list. 

@ The Puerto Princessa Airport, Palawan

The Immaculate Conception Cathedral- Puerto Princessa Palawan.

The Palawan Provincial Capitol.

If you're planning to stay in El Nido, then Biolina Guesthouse is the right place to go. Certainly first class accommodations, friendly people and above all- an affordable price!

Always have a snorkel and underwater camera in hand to get the best views underwater.

The Matinloc Shrine

Sunset at Los Cabanas, El Nido Palawan

Cebu Urbano 

Spending Lent at the Ramon Durano Foundation in Danao City

 

As part of our lenten trip to some of the most interesting holy sites in Cebu, Me and Chilly figured to drop by one afternoon and spend lent at the famous Ramon Durano Foundation (located in the outskirts of Guinsay, Danao City, Cebu) for a quick look and take some shots with the new cam that we've tagged along.

I've known this place from one of family trips in my childhood years and it feels so good to visit it again after quite a long time. The foundation notably has holy scenes of the 14 stations of the cross, the last supper, the nativity and other depictions for you to appreciate and marvel.

The place still hasn't lost its beauty despite of paints fading, weather damage and  some of the statues missing an arm or leg.

What saddened me is that vandals have managed to write graffiti on the walls and wrecked this beautiful place. It seems like no one is guarding or attending to the welfare of the place which I believe used to be the landmark that comes to mind whenever Lenten season approaches in the north.

Given that the owners or the civic minded people of Danao City will restore this place back to its former glory would make it a great addition to the pilgrimage and tourism sites, this side of the province.

Here are the other great photo sorties that we took from the place:

 

If you're planning to visit this wonderful place, all you have to do is take an hour+ ride from Cebu City via bus, mini-bus or Jeepney (fares range from 30- 40 php depending on the type of vehicle you're riding) at the North Bus Terminal or at the Carmen- Sogod PUJ Terminal in White Gold Club.

You can easily spot the foundation as it is just sitting beside the highway at Guinsay, Danao near the border of the town of Carmen. 

     

 

 

Cebu Urbano

A promise to bring change for Cebu- Hilario Junjun Davide III and Agnes Magpale

The author is one with the Cebuano community in wishing all the best for Governor and Vice Governor hopefuls Hilario Junjun P. Davide III and Agnes Magpale. 

Looking forward to Cebu's bright future with both of you driving the wheel to fulfill your promise of good governance, transparency, accountability and above all bring change that we've all been hoping for in our officials. More power always!

 Hop in and join the bandwagon. Visit the official website @    www.davidemagpale2013.com and sign up today!

 Cebu Urbano

  
 

Christmas Village of Hope 2012- Big yuletide greetings from small wonders

 

Here's one good treat for those who savvy miniature collections, art collectors  or just want to while their time away with family and friends after a quick break from all the shopping at SM City Cebu. 

Currently on display at their Ground Floor, Northwing Atrium is the Christmas Village of Hope 2012 where hundreds of miniature and scaled establishments, houses, cars and trains are on display.

This endeavor aims to support children with cancer thru sponsorship of each piece showcased. Private individuals and companies are encouraged to donate and in return, have their names labeled on each one all throughout the holidays. 

I rummaged through the display last Monday and had a grand time checking them out. Happy Holidays! 

Check out the Youtube slideshow below, featuring all the photos from this exhibit.

Cebu Urbano

A Visit to the Shrine of the Blessed Virgen dela Regla, Lapu- Lapu City

 

November 18, 2012 - In celebration of her birthday and to pay homage to the upcoming festivities of the Blessed Virgen dela Regla, me and Chilly figured it best to visit the shrine at twilight so we could avoid the mass traffic of people who will be going to the shrine by way of ferry from Cebu port. 

Going to Lapu- Lapu City by land at this time (especially nearing their fiesta) is certainly not recommended as one will only be met by bumper traffic jam at the bridge and of course a load-full of headache.

On our way, the weather was cooperative and the sea was smooth. We got to the Island in roughly 30 minutes and proceeded right to the church to attend mass and pay our respects to the Blessed Virgin.

After one waaay long line and push- throughs with the faithful crowd, we finally got our chance to witness the mother of our faith in glory and it sure was a very rewarding experience to have witnessed another testament that makes up the Filipino spirit.

Below is a Youtube slideshow of our pics taken from the trip. Enjoy!

Cebu Urbano

Make it Kalanggaman Island- One total getaway to outdoor and beach fun for everyone!

 

 

November 3, 2012- After one boring week spent on the thanksgiving holidays, me and Chilly decided to spend the remainder for a great time at the beach and live outdoors. And we were not disappointed for our good friend Rans Cabigas invited us to tag along with friends and his crew of outdoor enthusiasts from Cebu and head out to Kalanggaman Island, Palompon Leyte’s renowned island attraction of which I heard from friends and some reads on the net that the place rivals that of Boracay- minus the great population of beachcombers.

I figured this sure is one good trip and curiosity in tow, I packed in the essentials such as the tent, canned goods, water containers, swimming gear and of course lamps as we were briefed that the place don’t have the comforts of handy fresh water. The place also has no electricity so all the bulky gadgets will just have to be left behind.

We rode the morning CBL bus trip which lasted a butt- aching four hours to the Port of Maya, Daanbantayan and boarded the awaiting motor Bangka or “Kumpit” which took us to island.

The ride lasted around two hours with some minor complications as we were met by bad weather just as were crossing the channel. In the middle of the tempest or “Unos” and heavy rain, we lost sight of the island and the boatmen had no choice but to stop the boat until visibility is back and thank heavens the sea calmed down after a few minutes and we continued on our way and boy we were stuck in awe to the sight that greeted us as we’re docking.

 

 

 We proceeded with searching for the most suitable places to settle in our gears and tents then hungrily proceeded to a late lunch after setup.

All the day’s dizziness vanished after we’ve had our tummies filled and we went frolicking to explore the Island’s sceneries and of course while the time away with it’s pristine waters and ivory white beaches.

We also found an interesting discovery in the island and that is the double- crowned coconut tree. 

The rest of the story is told in these amazing photos set in Youtube (below) that we took in our sojourn. Recomendación? Definitely I give Kalanggaman Island an All thumbs up! This

200 meter patch of sandbar in the middle of nowhere is a must place to visit for every beach junkie whose looking for one good time to while away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. 

                

Cebu Urbano

Random Musings- A fill of the best wines and alcoholics at Shopwise Cebu

Just for the sake of the curios', after a feast of grilled pork, chicharon bulaklak (deep fried pork intestines), linguas (that's pork tongue for the exotic savvy) and the ever popular Siomai at Tisa, Labangon, Me and Chill figured to cap our Friday evening with a sip of alcos. Having heard from friends that Shopwise opened its newest branch in the city at N. Bacalso Ave., Basak San Nicolas, we decided to check the place out.

We surely got a treat as the place is in full stock with all items one can think of buying. What got my nod btw is their winery and beverage section that is full of the best alcos and party poppers (both local and international) and all are sold at reasonable prices! 

Figured for the wine enthusiast, this place is a must try as some rare items from abroad are in stock.

To make the story short, after scanning around we abruptly settled for some rhum and a liter of ice tea as chaser (to diffuse all the fat we've eaten i hope) and went off to Fuente circle to enjoy the time. Cheers! 

Cebu Urbano