The City of Gentle People Dumaguete

From the Port of Cebu we sailed overnight across the Straight of Cebu. The waves rocked the boat like a cradle. I was in a deep slumber when the horn of the ship was sounded. A pretty unusual way to be awaken. Somewhat like a huge alarm clock minus the snooze button. I stood up and stretched myself, this is the closest thing that I have to an exercise. I walked through the port hole and at last we were in Dumaguete.

breaking dawn at Dumaguete port

After a quick breakfast, our first stop was the notable Rizal Boulevard. It was a stones throw away from Mickey D's. on the side of the road was a kilometer stretch of paved baywalk that is filled with joggers. It cross my mind that this maybe the time to start jogging to loose the calories I've accumulated from being a foodie, but I quickly changed my mind. There's a lot of thing's to do and we have so little time. So we did a quick stroll of the baywalk, I can't help but admire the old fashioned lamps hanging in the Acacia trees. I think its a great spot to just hang around and stroll.

Seaside Promenade

Rizal Boulevard

After a quick browse of the scenery, something caught my eye. A place that seemed to park at first look turned out to be something different. After taking a closer look I just realized that im front of the most popular school in Dumaguete, Siliman University.

Siliman Hall 

Siliman University Church built in 1914 

Siliman University garden

 A private institution that holds a prime spot in the city that was established by the Americans in 1901, making it the first private Protestant school in the Philippines. Luckily the people in the said institution were kind enough to give us access to the university grounds. The place is so relaxing, teeming with trees and covered by manicured lawns. It really looks like a park masking as a place of learning. I was so relaxed that I was able to get a quick nap on the benches of the amphitheater. The Siliman Hall is the oldest standing structure in the country and is branded as a National Landmark by the National Historic Institute.

University main entrance "Gate of  Opportunity"

Siliman University west entrance "the gate of portal"

A few meters away from Siliman University is Quezon Park. An expansive park placed in the center of the suburb. A modest version of the Rizal Park minus the grand water fountain. The place is so well kept and pretty impressive. Like the Siliman University, the Quezon Park is also packed with Trees and has a well maintained lawn. On the park I also saw a cute, old, crimson fire truck. Placed there for picture taking purposes.

Rizal Monument at Quezon Park

St Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral Dumaguete

        

Dumaguete Cathedral Interior 

Dumaguete Belfry

The Quaint Donsol

We were on a rush to get to the Cubao Bus Terminal. The weather was very humid, there were no clouds in the sky. No chances of rain to cool down the hot Metro Manila weather. We opted to take a cab from Eastwood to the bus terminal to easen the burden of enduring the humid weather. After a few short minutes we finally arrived at the Cubao Bus Terminal, time to ready ourselves (Me and my companion Rey) for the long journey ahead.

After a 14 hour tedious bus ride we finally reached Donsol. A quiet and laid back town in the province of Sorsogon. 

wharf in Donsol

Donsol is famous for it's Whale Shark (called Butanding by the Locals) watching tours. But after arriving late from our Outreach program we decided to set our Whale Shark viewing adventures for the following day. We decided to put up our feet up first in the accommodations that our gracious host Emjay was able to locate for us. Xavmiras Backpackers Inn in Dancalan, Sorsogon, the place is apropos for us since we did not intend to stay long in the room and wanted to explore the town. The Inn is probably the one of the cheapest that I have encountered all thorough out my adventures, and most probably in Donsol. They offer dormitory type accommodations.

beachfront accommodations at Xavmiras

hammock outside our cabin

my bed at Xavmiras Inn

Donsol is a small town and we dont have anything to do after sunset. The sea and shores are just ok, Nothing spectacular, sands are grey and waters are very shallow.

rocky shore of Donsol

Sunset at Donsol Sorsogon

kids playing along the rocky shore

 After settling our things down Emjay suggested to do the firefly watching. He contacted Kuya Boy a distant relative to accompanied us to the river. Kuya Benny Boy also has his own outrigger boat that we rented that night. 

The firefly watching experience is superb.A romantic experience under the twinkling stars. Wish I had my special someone but anyways its a must try in Donsol.


Tips: 

• From the town proper to get to Tourist Center the trike fare is only 10Php
• Shrimps and crabs are sold in the wet market at a very cheap price. Swear!
• It is best to bring your own snorkeling gears and fins. Rental fee is around 200Php
• Giddys is the the only considered high end resto in town

How to get to Donsol:

  

There is a direct bus in Cubao that plies to Donsol daily. Last trip is 5:30pm.Ordinary fare is 550Php while airconditoned is 650Php.Travel time is 13-14 hours.

But since we missed the last trip bound to Donsol,Me and Rey just took the Alps bus bound to Sorsogon for 700Php.We alighted at Putchao then from there we rode a jeepney bound to Donsol for 40Php. 

Another alternatives are the bus going to Legazpi then from terminal there are  GT Express van bound to Donsol or take the bus going to Daraga in Albay. From Daraga there are  jeepney plies around the town bound to Donsol fare is 60Php.

Xavmiras Cabin

Dancalan, Donsol

0916 314 6285

Firefly watching at Ogod River, Donsol

I have never seen a bright stars and clear skies as what I saw in Donsol. I though it was another boring outrigger ride, but it turned out amazing.There were million of stars twinkling above me as we cruised the calm Ogod River. The flashlight of Mang Boy served as our only light on the dark river.

aboard our boat that will take us to the fireflies

Mangrove trees on both sides are glimmering like Christmas lights. Fireflies flicker like there were dancing. Kuya Boy, our bangkero was also kind enough to paddle the boat near the trees so we can get  close to the fireflies. All I can say is wow!  It was an awesome experience.Perfect for couple as it was so serene and romantic. Anyways here is an effortless video I took.

                                                                             fireflies at Ogod River
By the way, we didnt go through the Tourist Center our host Emjay hired a private boat. Kuya Boy is a distant relative of her so we only pay 700php.According to Kuya Boy private boat is okay for as long as the tourist center is aware.



Fireflies Watching Ogod River, Donsol:
1250Php
boat max capacity is 5 adults
It can be arranged at the tourist center.


How to get to the Firefly Watching Dock:

From the town proper ride any tricycle that will take you to Ogod River. Fare is only P10.
 

The waters of Panglao Alona Beach and Balicasag Island

It was a tiring day.My kids are now longing for beach. Who cares if its 7pm? They just want to soak themselves to water.  After i settled our things in the lodge we wasted no time and went straight to the beach. We stayed at Villa Almedilla located at the back of Tierra Azul Resort. It was just a few hops from Alona Beach.

daddy covered with sands

Alona Beach is a stretch of fine white sand in the Island of Panglao.Bars and restaurant are also scattered in the area. The only downside is there are to many bancas anchored in the shore. I find hard to look for a perfect spot in the beach where we can lounge without any interruption.

clear waters of Panglao

We get up early the next day for our Island hopping and dolphin watching. For 1,500 we got a good deal from one of the bangkeros that approached us the day before. Life vest and snorkel set are also included.

aboard our boat =) 

buh-bye Alona Beach 

It was a breezy morning and most of us are sleepy. We board the banca and head  to the sea to look for the dolphins.It took a while, were sailing for almost one hour and a half and havent spotted anything yet.After almost two hours, a flocked of dolphins showed up. We're all excited as they show off their skills. We spent 30 minutes then go straight to Balicasag Island.

sleepyhead kids 

dolphins in action =) 

Balicasag island is approximately 30 minutes away from Alona beach. After chasing dolphins its now time for our island hopping.Usual stop over is the Balicasag island. Clear waters and white sand beach surrounds the island.The island is also home of almost 100 native families. Foods are pricier in Balicasag it is still best to bring your own food like what we did.

Balicasag Island from afar

Island's Lighthouse

After eating our bangkero offered us to snorkel and visit the marine sanctuary.We haggled for 600php for 5 persons, instead of 150php per pax. From Balicasag we transferred to a small paddle boat that will bring us to the marine sanctuary. We spent 2 hours floating on the water and enjoying the corals under the sea.It was a great experience.

Summer Fun! 

xoxo,

Awesome Bohol Daytour Part Two

Burp! It was almost 2pm when we left Loay River Cruise.All charged up Kuya is now going to Sandugo Site and Baclayon Church

interior ceiling

Baclayon Church Facade

Baclayon Church or the Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion was considered as one of the oldest church in the Philippines.Originally it was the Jesuit who constructed the church but the Agustinians Reccolects  affixed contemporary facade. One of the pillar of the church has an image Father Pio.We spent 30 minutes inside the church before we made a quick stop in the Sandugo Site.
I just gave my two school kids a brief history about the church. I'm not sure they understand what is important is they knew something and the church itself played a major role in our history.

cheers!

The Sandugo or Blood Compact happened in the shores of Bohol in 1565.This was to ensure friendship between Miguel López de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna.The famous painter Juan Luna painted the event named El Pacto de Sangre in 1883.We just took some photos and spent fifteen minutes then go straight to Hinagdanan Cave.


From Tagbilaran to Panglao we are almost done with our day trip.Everyone is still energetic and we still have two more attractions to go. 

inside Hinagdanan Cave Panglao

 The Hinagdanan Cave was discovered by accident. The owner was cleaning the surrounding when he saw a tiny hole. He threw a small stone and heard a splash of water. Thus the discovery of one of the tourist spot in Panglao.

mum said smile so I did =)

We spent fifteen minutes inside the cave. My kids felt suffocated it was also hot and crowded. The stalactites and stalagmites formations are just fine.The pond said to be 13ft deep and a mixture of fresh water saltwater. The guide also has knowledge in camera. Overall the experience was just okay. We paid 25php for the entrance fee. 

we're almost done

Finally, the day trip will soon be over.The last destination for the day was Bohol Bee Farm. A private resort located in the cliffs of Panglao Island. Dont expect white sand beach here. But the ambiance and decorations will compensate from what ever its lacking. They also have covered pool nearby the restaurant.  BBF offers a farm tour for just twenty pesos .Raffia making, organic farming are included in our  tour. He als0 gave us a brief history and humble beginnings of the owner.The kids truly enjoyed it.Very relaxing and homey. From the viewing deck we can see the Pamilacan Island. Highly recommended not to mention the foods are mouthwatering.We tried their bakery products and ice cream. 

locally made bags and hats for sale at the shop

BBF garden

unique ice cream flava

It was a memorable trip.I cant get wrong with Bohol, from tarsier to up to the hills,to the man made forest, river cruising then a century old churches, and cave plus the  unique ice cream flavors.I couldn't ask for more.

the viewing deck BBF

Awesome Bohol Day Trip

As the we docked in the wharf of Tagbilaran i felt so relieved. Its been a long day for us.My kids are now tired and sleepy, and we're all hungry. Finally its time to rest, eat and to regain strenght for tomorrow's day trip. Over dinner I briefly gave them a synopsis of what to see and they're all excited.

Nisa's Travellers Inn for 800php with free breakfast

Before breakfast I received a call from Kuya Tatsky advising that our driver for the day tour is on his way to pick us up. We all finished our food and checked out the lodge.

A warm welcome from our tour guide greeted us. He gave us an abrupt information for our itinerary.

staring contest?

Our first destination was the Tarsier Sanctuary, the smallest primate and now an endangered species. The kids were surprised upon seeing the tarsiers.They enjoyed seeing them hopping from one branch to another.By the way there's no entrance fee just a donation./We spent30 minutes in the sanctuary before moving to our next spot.

endangered tarsier

Myths and legends were being associated with Chocolate Hills thus our second destination and the most popular attraction in Bohol.

       The story of Arogo, a giant who fell i love with Aloya, a mortal

       woman. Arogo loved Aloyo so much that when she died, Arogo cried hard

       pouring with tears. The tears believed to be the Chocolate Hills.

       Romantic eh??

Enough about the legends,lets go back to the trip. It was almost 830 am when we reached Carmen, we paid 25php  per head for the entrance fee. My kids are excited! The weather was clear giving us a clear view of the treeless hills. We went up the viewing deck.It was a  tiring trek up the concrete stairs (214 steps).The view on top was spectacular. A picturesque view and nature at it's best. We spent one hour in the viewing deck. It was almost ten am when we decided to leave Chocolate Hills for the next attraction.

 wonders of nature

The Bilar Man Made Forest is a lovely place to have pictures taken.The sun rays that passes through the leaves of the trees make it more breathtaking. We only spend 15 minutes here for picture takings.

Bilar Man Made Forest

The Butterfly Conservation Center is included in our day tour. I had an option to skip this attraction just like what I did with Prony.But, I decided not to. The main reason was when I first got here I was

amused with our tour guide. We paid the 25php for the entrance fee for adults. Luckily we got the same tour guide, he started the tour by showing different kinds of butterflies. The explain the life cycle like a science teacher. Then we went inside the sanctuary and chase the butterflies. We spent one hour inside the sanctuary.

waiting to fly

We spent 20 minutes in the hanging bridge.Nothing really special, just a thrill of passing through the swaying bamboo bridge.We also bought some pasalubongs here.

im not scared ma!

ako takot !

Its almost lunch time.Everyone is excited to eat. I choose Loay River Cruise over Loboc for a change.Less crowded, we lined up and pay 350php for the buffet lunch. The cruise lasted for 2 hours with a side trip to ati tribe. The food was just ok but the view was very scenic. A super relaxing  that made me feel close to nature while cruising the calm river.

calm Loboc River in Loay

cruisng the river

The Ati Tribe

lunch time

Recharged! After smogasboard its now time to visit the oldest church in Tagbilaran and Ill be posting the other half of our awesome daytrip soon. Time to sleep. 

May we all have a safe trip!