Here is Part 1 of the series:

Swim with the Whale Sharks in Oslob

Whale Shark Experience in Oslob, Cebu

Hearing the word ‘shark’ can trigger movies of Jaws back in the old days and might make you think twice before taking a dip in the waters. But don’t worry, these whale sharks are gentle creatures! Our friends from Wikipedia says  “Although whale sharks have very large mouths, they feed mainly, though not exclusively, on plankton, microscopic plants and animals.”

Look for the sign in Tan-awan, Oslob

Sightings of these whale sharks (Butanding in Tagalog or Tuki in Bisaya) are well-known in Donsol, Sorsogon in the Luzon area. But you don’t have to go as far as you can immediately experience it here in Cebu.

follow the Whale Shark Code of Conduct

Only a 3-hour drive from the city, you can swim with these whalesharks which is considered by Time Magazine as best animal encounter in Donsol in 2004. The best thing about it is that these creatures have been around for a couple of years and there’s about 15 of them in the area. You don’t have to swim as far as they can already be sighted a few meters away from the shore.

up close

Please note that regulations are ongoing in order to protect these species. Knowing that this is going to be a major attraction in the future, tourists will flock the area and the caretakers are currently coordinating with the marine organizations in order to implement rules that will safeguard these creatures.

Important Points when in the Water:

• Be still if the whale shark approaches you, don’t panic.
• Look at your surroundings and make sure you don’t bump into them.
• No camera flashes

To preserve their nature, please follow instructions to avoid harming the whalesharks so that in turn, other people may also experience this wonder.

a close encounter with these “gentle giants”

Whale Shark Code of Conduct

Please be advised that we should practice caution when swimming with these whale sharks. They are not used to visitors so while regulations are being implemented, we need to educate ourselves so that as much as possible, we don’t harm these creatures:

• Do not attempt to touch, ride, or chase a Whale Shark
• Do not restrict normal movement or behavior of the Shark
• Maintain a minimum distance of 3 meters from the Whale Shark
• Do not undertake flash photography
• Do not use underwater motorized diver propulsions

How To Get There

Ride a bus going South and tell the conductor to drop you off at the Tanaw-an Barangay Hall in Oslob. Walk a few meters back where you can see a blue gate and sign pointing to the whale shark sanctuary.

Expenses:

156 Php – Air conditioned bus (South Bus Terminal to Tan-awan, Oslob)
100 Php – Entrance Fee
200 Php- Boat Fee for 40 minutes*
100 Php – Snorkeling Gear with Flippers

*Fees may change after proper regulations are implemented for the protection of these whale sharks.

Update as of April 1, 2012:

Photos of whale sharks on the nearby town of Boljoon where uploaded online. It showed of people touching the whale sharks, some rode on these whalesharks. Please be reminded that you should be 3 meters away from a whale shark and that they are not to be touched.

Whale sharks are not pets nor surfboards!

Update as of April 3, 2012

Whale Shark Diving: Code of Conduct

To be aware of what you should do when you swim and dive with whale sharks, please refer to the Whale Shark Diving Code of Conduct on the image below. Please practice safe and responsible tourism at all times to protect these animals.

Kuya J Restaurant’s baked scallops at P120 per serving

The province of Cebu is not only known for its famous beaches but it is also in Cebu City where you can find the best places to eat and satisfy your hungry bellies. For those looking for local places to eat but does not need a fine dining experience, you can head to Casa Verde for their humongous baby back ribs. Then there’s also lechon, siomai sa tisa and more. But this article is not about giant baby back ribs nor Cebu lechon. This is about one of the best restaurants in Cebu City that’s hidden to the public.

Our travel junkie friend, whom we shall call Drew, found his feet back in the metro a week after visiting Moalboal, Malapascua and Bantayan just so that he could swim with the whalesharks in Oslob and climb Osmeña Peak in Mantalungon, Dalaguete. On his last night in the city, we learned that he loved grilled food. After considering different places to eat in Cebu, I decided to bring them to Kuya J’s restaurant the next day before he flew back to Manila.

two hungry trippers waiting for their food

I’m also surprised that my fellow roadtripper Ed hasn’t been to this side of town so I was a bit nervous if I’d disappoint them with my choice of restaurant in Cebu City. After fetching Ed at his place, we went to get Drew at East Capitol Pensionne and headed to Kuya J’s, just a few blocks away.

Kuya J’s used to be one of those famous hole-in-the-wall restaurants in the metro where you can simply enjoy good Cebu food as grilled food is one of their specialties. The place used to be an old house turned into a small eatery. It was divided into 2 eating areas which separates those who’d want to dine outdoors and those who’d prefer the confines of an airconditioned dining area.

I finally found my way back in this restuarant after a long time and I was impressed with the renovations that happened over the years. One thing’s for sure though, Kuya J Restaurant was able to retain the taste of their delicious food.

The restaurant has a couple of delectable dishes to choose from and we had a hard time selecting what we’d order. In the end, it boiled down to ordering what we came for – their baked scallops (P120). Then we also ordered sinuglaw (P195) – sinugbang baboy and kinilaw na isda, grilled tuna belly (P150 – P50/100 grams) and calamares (P100).

our food being grilled

the airconditioned dining area

baked scallops, grilled tuna belly, sinuglaw and calamares

Kuya J’s food servings are good for 2-3 heads but be sure to ask them of the serving size too. Ordering those four yummy dishes was just right for a party of three but I wish I ordered one more serving of their baked scallops since they were to die for. If you are not fond of eating dry meals, better order one of their soup-based dishes since Kuya J isn’t your typical eatery-type of restaurant where you can ask for free soup; everything’s cooked on an order  basis.

So, if you are looking for the best place to eat grilled food in Cebu City, you may want to head over to Kuya J Restaurant, a small restaurant hidden within the city which offers great tasting local food. Or you can simply head straight to Larshians or AA’s Grilled B-B-Q but that’s another food trip we can’t wait to embark.

How to Get There:

Kuya J is located at 0394 Orchid St. Capitol Site, 6000 Cebu City, Philippines. If you are coming from Capitol, make a right turn at the intersection where Joven’s Grill is located, across Coco Mall, then go straight. Turn right on the last block and you’ll see it on your right side, just across STK ta Bay!

Hours of Operation: Mon – Sat: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Phone number: +63 32 2531343
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kuya-J/122447207777493

click the image to enlarge

There are a lot of tourist spots in Cebu and you may have a hard time choosing where to go for your upcoming Cebu tour. For starters, there are numerous Cebu City tourist spots if you want to get to know Cebu’s rich cultural heritage. However, you can also get a feel of the best Cebu tourist spots if you go out of the city and travel to the neighboring towns that comprise the province of Cebu.

So in this joyous Christmas season, santa will transform your CebuRoadTrippers into your Cebu Travel Guide and help make you decide where to travel in Cebu.

Yeah. You read that one on top right. In this holiday season, we’ll give you exclusive information on how to go on a 3-town Day Trip to Southern Cebu which will guarantee you an addicting adrenaline rush. With a budget of P1,500 or less, we’ll go on a day trip to 3 towns in the south of Cebu to try 3 simple extreme adventures.

Before we give you this one-of-a-kind adventure trip, you must say YES and consent to all 3 activities, ok?

Itinerary # 1 – Trip to Oslob

We’ll take you to Oslob to swim and snorkel. This should be an easy and fun activity. But if we add gentle whale sharks (commonly known as butanding in Tagalog and Tuki in Bisaya), the longest at 27 feet  in the picture, would you still swim with them?

Itinerary # 2 – Trip to Boljoon

We’ll then visit the quaint and historical town of Boljoon, Oslob’s neigboring town. We’ll check out the oldest remaining original stone church in Cebu and follow Boljoon’s Heritage Trail. Walking the streets of Boljoon is a piece of cake but with the heat of the scorching sun, jumping off the town’s boardwalk and into the open sea wouldn’t be a bad idea, right?

Itinerary # 3 – Trip to Dalaguete

We’ll now go to Dalaguete, the Vegetable Basket and Summer Capital of Cebu. A 30 minute ride on a motorcycle will get us to Mantalungon, the jump off point to the peak. The climb will only take 30 minutes from the foot of the mountain. Oh, did I mention a scenic 2-hour hike going to the foot of the mountain and the possibility of getting zero visibility from the fog when going down the peak? Do you think you got what it takes to reach the highest peak of Cebu?

If you answered YES to all, then stay tuned as we will provide you with information on those itineraries as we visit 3 towns South of Cebu.

The First Resto Adventure in the Philippines

This property, which is owned by Gaas Eco-Adventure Park Inc., has a number of things to do up for every client which are perfect for team building activities and family bonding:

• Zip Line
• Climb/Rapel
• Caving
• Waterfalls
• Stress Wall

They also have a line up of activities that they’re working on such as high elevation rope courses and horse back riding. This is their aim to provide better recreational interests for a more active lifestyle.

young and old, zip line in Cebu is for everybody

There is no need for you to go to Baguio or Tagaytay to experience a colder climate as Balamban can offer that to you and it’s just a short drive from the city.

This is the First Resto Adventure Cafe in the Philippines.

Cebu Road Trippers with Nigel Wenceslao

Wall climb

food

Adventure Café Rates:

ZIP LINE:
Weekdays: Php 100
Weekends/Holidays: Php 150

CLIMB/RAPPEL
Weekdays: Php 75/activity
Weekends/Holidays: Php 100/activity

GUIDED TOURS:
CAVING: 250/ PAX (min. 5 pax)
FALLS: 650/5 PAX
Note: Subject to booking 3 days prior
Contact Number : 09996812339

How To Get There:
Public Vehicles: V-hire at Ayala Center or Citilink. Take Balamban via trancentral highway route
Fare: Php 100/person to Adventure cafe and Php 50/person going back.

Don’t forget to bring a jacket/sweater!

For updates, check out Adventure Café’s social media accounts:

Twitter Account: http://twitter.com/adventurecebu
Facebook Account: Adventure Cafe Facebook

Cebu has many great beaches where you can skimboard like the ones in Moalboal. However, there are two major places famous to those who love to skimboard. These beaches are found on opposite ends. One is in the town of Lilo-an, 2 towns up north of the city of Mandaue and the other one is down south in Argao.

Both beaches have black sands. I’ve never seen how rough the waves of Lilo-an beaches could get. In Argao, the waves are quite big, well not big enough for the real surfing thingy. Just imagine this – you’ll be thrown back to the shoreline if you try to swim in the waters. You’ll definitely have a hard time fighting off those waves if you’re not an expert swimmer.

a local kid finding skimboarding as a past time on a late afternoon

How to get to Mahayahay Beach in Argao?

Just go to the South Bus Terminal along N. Bacalso St. and ride a bus going to Argao. There are airconditioned and non-airconditioned buses available for you to choose from. You can also ride a van for hire (v-hire) if you are in a hurry to go to the place. This you can find at the Citilink Terminal, just a walking distance after the South Bus Terminal. The tendency is with buses, there will be stop overs along the way to get more passengers whereas there won’t be any stop overs with a vhire. When you get to the town proper of Argao, you can ride a trike going to Mahayahay Beach or you can ask the bus/van driver if they can drop you off at the corner leading to the beach. It may take you a 2-hour drive to reach the area when using a private vehicle.

cottages at the beach front

On lean days, weekdays mostly, you can rent cottages like this for less than the standard rate of P200. Depending on your haggling skills, you can haggle for as low as P50 or even lower.

lifeguard house and volleyball net

There’s an area on the beach where incidents of drowning has happened due to the swirling current (“lilo”) which is why it is wise to ask the locals first what part of the beach is safe for swimming and skimming.

a skimboard like this can be rented for P100 a day

If you come to Argao without a skimboard, don’t fret. You can always rent one depending on the availability of the skim boards, the season and the time. Usually, they ran out of skim boards in the afternoon since most kids will be out by the beach playing with the tides too.

cebu road trippers’ foot

there are also surfboards in the area

Here’s a couple of kids skimming in the area…

Skimboarding Competition in Argao usually happens every September so to those who love to go on skimming out there, you might want to check this side of the province if you want to join or if you simply want to check out the competition.

To those who’s not familiar with St. John Bosco, or more popularly known as Don Bosco, he was an Italian Catholic priest who dedicated his life to the betterment and education of young children and employed teaching methods based on love rather than punishment which was why he was given the title of “Father and Teacher of Youth” after he was canonized. He was also the founder of the Salesian Congregation.

For more information of the Relic of Saint John Bosco and the pilgrimage schedule, please refer to the poster below.

For further information, you can also visit godslovetotheyoung.info.

And by September of 2010, Radisson Blu opened its first hotel in the Asia-Pacific region through the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu branch. Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu officially opened its doors to the public last November 10, 2010. Through a friend, we got the chance to experience staying at one of Cebu’s most promising hotel.

the fountain at the entrance of the hotel

Rooms

This hotel has 400 rooms ranging from deluxe, business class rooms and executive suites. Each room has wi-fi access available but when we were there, the wi-fi internet access was so bad.

Deluxe room at Radisson Blu

All of the hotel’s rooms uses a memory foam bed paired with goose feather/down pillows and duvets. I  just didn’t like the smell of those pillows. For those with sensitive smell, you may not like the smell of those duvet pillows at all.

each room has its own 37-inch LCD television with cable channels

snacks and cup storage, fridge and safety deposit box

cabinet and iron board with iron

iPod® docking entertainment system with alarm clock; electric outlets in the study desk with universal and USB outlets

the desk and comfy chair for the business execs

universal outlets are available on all rooms; LAN for free Internet access

the shower room with glass doors

city lights by night from our room’s window

SM City Cebu’s parking lot

a view of the Cebu International Port

The Pool

The hotel has this 800 sq meter pool where one can relax after a long day at work. The pool is open from 6am to 10pm. The pool is also  child-friendly for there are various points in the pool which are suited for kids. The pool’s depth is only 4.8 feet.

the pool area

view of the pool from our room

Lockers

In-house guests can also use the locker rooms provided for those who’d like to dip in the pool or those who want to use the gym. Free use of towels are available and you can use the sauna too.

free use of towels are provided in the locker room

Health Club

Currently, only in-house guests can use the hotels’ gym.  Their Health Club is open from 6am to 11pm.

free use of towels and earphones are provided at the gym.

well-equipped fitness center

The Blue Spa

To those who’s aching for some pampering and further relaxation, you can also check out the hotel’s spa section.

the hallway is dimly lit, adorned by this arrangement of flowers in a big bowl

each of their the Spa rooms are equipped with its own shower

a couple’s room at the Blue Spa

has its own sauna and shower room too

the foot massage room

elevator lobby on the P2 level

The hotel’s Health Club, Blue Spa, Locker room and pool are located at the P2 level of the building

Feria Restaurant

Feri, a Roman word for “feast day” is Radisson Blu’s dining area. There’s a wide selection of food, freshly prepared for you to choose from. We never got the chance to taste their food though but the ambiance of the place will surely make you want to taste all the food prepared there. It is said that this restaurant serves Asian, Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine. The Feria restaurant is open from 6am to 11pm.

Feria’s dining hall

table setting at Feria

Here’s a tour of the hotel…

the very spacious lobby

the front desk

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the main lobby of the hotel

the stairs leading to the 2nd floor where all the function rooms and grand ballroom is located

the bar

sitting area in the lobby

main lobby by day time

4 elevators function on the building to accommodate guests

lobby at the grand ballroom

one of the waiting areas at the 2nd floor

one of the ground floor lobby

The hotel is still new in Cebu. Being situated just beside SM City Cebu and near famous Cebu landmarks and spots makes it an ideal choice for locals and tourists who want easy access to Cebu. The hotel also has very warm and accommodating staff who won’t fail to address any concerns you may have. Don’t hesitate to air out any issues you may have for they will surely address them immediately.

Radisson Blu Hotel by night

Location

The hotel is located right beside SM City Cebu in the North Reclamation Area.

Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu
Serging Osmeña Blvd. corner Juan Luna Ave.
Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines 6000
Tel: +63 32 4029900 / +63 32 505 1700
Fax: +63 32 402 9999
Email: reservations.cebu@radisson.com
Website: radisson.com/hotel-cebu

And with the store’s popularity, Red Ribbon Bakeshop is once again serving new product offerings for avid customers. Here are some of their new offerings together with their very popular cake, the Black Forrest Cake.

Red Ribbon’s deliciously different Crispy Chicken

Fried chicken just got exciting with Red Ribbon’s new Crispy Chicken.

Marinated, battered, and coated in seasoned flour, the choice cutlets are then fried until extra crispy. Instead of the usual gravy or ketchup, Crispy Chicken is served with a unique rich mango barbecue sauce with real mango bits. This tangy sauce is drizzled on the crunchy chicken portions beside a steaming cup of white rice. The result is a deliciously different meal.

For a sweet ending, order the Crispy Chicken with Red Ribbon’s classic cakes. Choose from Black Forest, Chocolate Fudge Cake, or Dulce de Leche. Crispy Chicken is available with a slice of Red Ribbon cake and drink for only P148.00 or ala carte for just P90.00.

For your more than the usual fried chicken craving, try Red Ribbon’s Crispy Chicken along with its other delicious meals, cakes, and pastries available in selected stores nationwide.

Black Forest Cake by Red Ribbon

This well-loved cake traces its roots in the southern region of Germany. Today, kitchens continue to churn different ways of creating, or recreating, the Black Forest Cake.

But if there is a version of Black Forest Cake that Filipinos know, it is the one created by Red Ribbon Bakeshop.   It is made up of three layers of chocolate cake, cherries, and cream.  The cake is swathed and topped with another helping of cream before being garnished with chocolate shavings and brimming cherries.  The result is nothing short of a beautiful and elegant dessert.  No wonder Black Forest Cake is Red Ribbon’s best-selling cake.

When it first opened its doors in 1978 in Tomas Morato, Quezon City, Red Ribbon’s Black Forest Cake is one of the first cakes that debuted on its shelves.  For many years, Filipinos have chosen Red Ribbon’s Black whenever there is an occasion that needs to be made extra sweet.

For a delicious slice or two of Black Forest Cake, visit Red Ribbon stores nationwide or call 8-7777 for free delivery within Metro Manila.  Regular size is P590.00 and Junior size for only P370.00.

The best Chocolate Fudge Cake from Red Ribbon

Red Ribbon whips up a sure comfort food list-topper with the new Chocolate Fudge Cake. Premium chocolate, fresh eggs, and creamy butter are perfectly mixed to make a very moist chocolate pound cake. It is then layered with luscious chocolate fudge filling and generously smothered with velvety chocolate icing. Quite simply, it’s what a chocolate cake should be.

Whether for a special occasion or a simple gathering of friends and family, Red Ribbon’s Chocolate Fudge Cake is sure to make any day delightful. Give in to a slice or two with a cup of brew, freshly steeped tea, or warm glass of milk.

Red Ribbon’s Chocolate Fudge Cake is available in regular size for P495.00 and junior size for only P295.00. Enjoy this and other lip-smacking cakes, pastries, and other specialty treats from Red Ribbon stores nationwide.

If you want to catch these new products from Red Ribbon, you can always head to the leading malls and stores in your area. Red Ribbon also delivers within Cebu City through their phone number at 032 254-8000. For more information, you can also visit their website at redribbonbakeshop.com.ph.

You can also check out more of this product offering here:

• Cebu Red Ribbon Crispy Chicken, Choco Fudge Cake and Black Forest
• Red Ribbon Cebu’s Crispy Chicken Meal, Chocolate Fudge Cake and Black Forrest Cake

You may want to join Ayala Center Cebu’s ECO DASH: The Bottle School Run on November 14, 2010 (Sunday) at The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu at 5:30 in the morning.

To all music lovers out there, you might be interested in joining Ayala Center Cebu’s Think Pink Concert featuring the country’s Soul Siren, Nina on October 22nd at 8pm at The Terraces of Ayala Cebu.

Ayala Center Cebu is now on its 3rd year of celebrating being in the Pink of Health with Think Pink! Think Pink supports the Pink October Campaign and promotes a holistic wellness and lifestyle to our shoppers being that October is also the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

For more information about the concert, visit Ayala Cebu’s Concierge.