i ♥ Sugbo

Breathtaking Falls in Tumalog

2011-05-27T15:27:00.003+08:00

A view from the newly opened road. Unlike before, one has to go downhill and find the path that leads to the falls but the local government hough of developing this site paving the way for opening a new road that will go straight to the river.

GOING THERE. From the Cebu South Bus Terminal, take a bus (P120) to Oslob and tell the driver that you'll stop at the corner going to Tumalog. There are many habal-habal or motorized vehicle for rent at P40. (Prices are subject to change without prior notice.) Going to the waterfalls is an easy walk (10 minutes). There's already a good road that leads directly to the place.

REMINDER. Do not leave any trash in the area.Help the town preserve this natural wonder.

This little river is the only way to the falls which is just a few feet away.

Breathtaking waterscape

It's like you are in a different place once you arrived at the bottom of the water wall.

Watersports in Dagusungan River

2011-05-25T17:11:00.001+08:00

Kayaking in Dagusungan is a two-thumbs up.

The once quiet town of Medellin has finally awakened from deep slumber. Today, Medellin is launched as the “Marine and Eco-adventure Capital of the North”.

And one of the interesting place to start you adventure is going to Dagusungan River.

A discovery made by the mayor himself, Mayor Ricky Ramirez, led to the exploration of Dagusungan River and its magnificent mangrove forest. From the dockside, one can rent a jetski or kayak and check on the two paths that Dagusungan River winds into-- the 1.9 km stretch leading to Asinan Bridge from Caputatan Sur to Caputatan Norte and 2.8 km to the Bangon River from Poblacion to Caputatan Norte. And whatever you will find in the river’s snaking path is always a surprising discovery.

Mayor Ricky Ramirez driving his jetski.

Mayor Ramirez invites everyone to visit Dagusungan. He will personally give you a ride just like what he did with our cameraman, Tanjay.

The Owangan Adventure

2011-05-14T12:30:00.001+08:00

We woke up at 5am then head to to the town hall to meet our guides. We arrived in Kabalawan at 6:30 am. This is the best time for trekking coz the sun isn't yet that hot.

It has always been on my list to visit Tabuelan in the northwest part of the island. Fortunately, an assignment came! For three days, we explored the town and was so surprise to know that they have a magnificent river full of shrimps called owang (fresh-water shrimp) and a waterfalls that only few dared to visit.

A bumpy ride to the barangay of Bungon (which can be accessed via Lugo road). If you are from Poblacion, it is 22km away to sitio Kabalawan. From the day care center of Kabalawan, take a 20 min walk ( 1.5km) trek downhill till you reach the river. But before doing this, make sure that you coordinated with barangay officials. They are so gracious and even provide guides. :)

THE TRAIL. It's a good walking...perfect for sweating out before taking a cold dip in the river. Don'r forget to bring a pair of slippers.

Owangan river was named as such because there are many fresh-water shrimps (owang) in it. The locals sometimes place a net near the waterfalls to catch plenty of these shrimps.

Aside from the magnificent view, swimming here is a must after that long trek.

Wild flowers can also be found along the path.

Malapascua Island

2011-05-14T10:42:00.002+08:00

Scenes are taken from a vantage point in Malapascua Legend Resort. Breakfast from The Pirates Resto.

Thinking of catching summer before it ends? Make all snug with your best swimwear for a paradise island off the northern tip of Cebu is just a few hours away.

A trip with Pangs and Elmer for an AVP project of Malapascua Island Legend Resort led us to 2 day trip in this island. The first day was greeted with sunshine and were thankful to take enough photos because on the second day, clouds hanged for eternity.

GETTING THERE. Malapascua Island is tucked in the southeastern seaboard of the shores of Daanbantayan, it is 4 hours away by bus (Cebu North Bus Terminal) at P165 and two hours away by private car. Drop off point is in Maya wharf. From there, take a 30-minute boat ride to Malapascua Island (P80). Some resorts in the island offer boat ride and pick-up from the city to guests as part of the accommodation package.

Mode of transportation to the island.

FEATURE. Its powdery white sand beaches and crystal clear waters are at par with that of Boracay Island. For years, this island paradise has become a venue of international convergence primarily to those who share the love and passion for underwater life because of its excellent diving spots. It is very accessible to other breathtaking diving spots like Gato Island, Kemod Shoal and Monad Shoal. Apart from being a world-class diving destination, it is also lures tourists both local and foreign guests who seek fun and adventure or just for pure tranquility.

ACCOMODATION. There are a number of lodging options to choose from depending on your budget. Check online for a list of resorts in the island or you can just make your way to the island and pitch a tent.

TRIVIA. Divers from all-over the world visit the island to see the endangered thresher shark and the giant manta rays that can be found around the island.

Diving resorts.

Locals love to play around...are they are great models too. So ready those cameras! :D

TIP. It is always best to explore on foot but if you want to see more of the island, rent a boat and reconnoiter unto the rock formations that lined the island’s edges especially on the northern seaboard. Just be sure to check weather forecast and take note of the sea tides before visiting the island.

Early morning must be spent walking along the shore and meet locals.

Aside from the great sites, there are also great food. If you are on a budget, there are little stores available around the island where you can find a full meal at Php 100.

UPDATE

2011-05-12T10:00:00.000+08:00

I don't know if someone is visiting or reading this site. It's been awhile since I last uploaded anything here. My busy schedule and laziness working perfectly together. Anyways, my feature editor said that I should write with details, more on what the reader should know... and I guess this site would be a perfect venue to practice.

To those who happened to pass by this site, thank you very much. I'd be creating a nice header image for the title so please, please, please..do leave a comment.

Thank you again! :)

Coffee Love in Asturias

2011-04-14T10:47:00.001+08:00

Ready to pick! Sweetness. Oh! Coffee!

An assignment in Asturias took me by surprise when i learned that the town led by Mayor Adlawan is strongly promoting the planting of coffee with the hope that in the years to come it will prosper, an additional income for its thriving corn and rice production. (Mayor Adlawan's core in his administration is agriculture which boils down into food production.)

Anyways, we interviewed the agricultural technologist Mr. Roger Tapdasan and learned facts about coffee. A harvestable coffee is red. Before it ripens, it goes through the color green then it turns to yellow. The colored yellow fruits can be harvested but Roger said that some aren't really that ripen yet so its is best to wait when it turns red.

In 2007, they started the coffee plantation starting with the barangay captains who were also given proper training. In 2008, they purchased the planting materials in Tagum City.

Within 6 years since it started, Asturias aims to fill 500 hectares with coffee. As of press time, they have planted around 267 hectares already.

And so we visited Brgy. Lunas where Brgy Capt. Paulina Buhia shared to us his roasted coffee and took us to her coffee tress. She said she was one of the few who immediately heed the call of Mayor Adlawan to plant. She planted an initial of 400 trees and today she has around 1,000 coffee tress growing. She said it is best to strat plating on rainy season.

She waited for two years to harvest the first fruits and now she is enjoying her morning with freshly brewed coffee.

To get to Asturias, take a V-Hire ride from Ayala terminal and drop-off at Poblacion. Tricyles will take you to Brgy. Lunas. Just tell the driver to drop you in the barangay captains house.

(For those who wants to visit Asturias and inquire about their coffee mania. Call the LGU at 4649042/4649106.)

Seedlings located in the town's nursery

When it already ripe, the bean is squeezed out.

It is then dried, roasted and grounded.

Coffee for everyone right from the backyard.

The author, a coffee lover.

And to show more love, here are some intimate photos of my coffee plantation tour:

The flower doesn't necessarily mean that it will bear fruit. For Brgy. Capt. Paulina, she waited for two years.

Oh! If I could only bring it home.

Yellowish.. almost there!

Bundle of joy!

Now, it's ready to pick!

Escape to Malubog Lake

2011-04-05T13:43:00.001+08:00

Unluckily, we get to the lake with a not so good condition.

Cruising and fishing right at the heart of the mining capital of Cebu? There is a secluded place in the middle of the thick vegetation and peaceful community in Toledo City that one must discover.

The Malubog Dam, or more popularly referred to as Malubog Lake, is located in Brgy. Climaco of the component city. This man-made lake is still part of and owned by Atlas Mining Cooperation, now under Carmen Copper Corporation. It was finished in 1970 and designed to hold 15 million cubic meters of water. In

fact, it is the largest privately-owned reservoir in the country.

For just P2,500, one can rent the floating restaurant for the day which can accommodate up to 50 people. Guests can also grill their fresh catch or just order fresh tilapia from a fish pen located in the middle of the lake.

The local government of Toledo City is still in the process of improving the amenities of the lake: adding a resort hotel, pasalubong center and more floating restaurants in the future. For the moment, it is the perfect time to enjoy raw adventure in its most basic state.

(Visit Malubog Dam, coordinate with the city’s tourism office or call the Mayor’s office at 3225748 and 3225625.)

Tilapia fish cage

Rain is about to come...

Fishing is one of the exciting activity one can do here in the lake.

A good catch! Will be eating tilapia later.

While they were busy shooting, Densho shared a lighter moment with me.

While they were busy rolling, i took my chance to pose for a souvenir photo.

Saging, init pa, anyone?

Relaxing! I'd love to read a book down here....

Malubog Dam

Inambakan Falls

2011-04-05T11:37:00.000+08:00

Densho & Jessa couldn't help it. Nglumbag dagan paduing sa tubig!

GETTING THERE. A three-hour bus ride from the Cebu South Bus Terminal or a V-Hire ride from Citylink will take you to the town of Ginatilan. Drop-off point is in Brgy. Poblacion where one can find lots of motorcycle or habal-habal (for just P20-P30) that will take you to Brgy. Calabawan.

LOCATION. From the highway, Inambakan Falls is 3.9 km away. There is also a parking area for those who are bringing private vehicles. Enjoy a short trek to the falls passing by the river banks. Once you hear the cascading sound, behold, you are just a few feet away from the breathtaking Inambakan Falls.

FEATURE. The waterfalls drop to about 95ft and into an irresistible pool of blue water surrounded with moss-lined rock formations and lush vegetation. There is no entrance fee when you visit the place but for those who would like to rest, there are tree shades and stone formations where one can relax and admire nature. Shanties can also be found. Just remember not to leave any trash in the place.

The water source is from the river system coming from tributaries in the upland barangay of Mangaco.

To avoid crowd, it is best to visit the falls on weekdays. So for those who have wanted to bond with nature now that summer is here and school is over, take a quick trip to Ginatilan and a refreshing splash in Inambakan Falls!

The short walk to the falls is a piece of cake.

Going back

First Sculpture Garden in The Philippines

2011-04-04T09:57:00.001+08:00

(Right) Arch. Arsing playing with his dog as he welcomed us during our stay in his place. (Top Left) Gallery of his art works. (Left) Guestbook signed bu Billy Abueva declaring his garden as the first sculpture garden in the country.

Tongo, one of the mountainous barangay of the town of San Fernando, kept a garden declared by national artist Napoleon “Billy” Abueva in the guestbook of Arch. Arsenio “Arsing” Abella as the first sculpture garden of the Philippines.

It is located in a family-owned resort, SingLi Mountain Resort –combined name of Arsing and Lilia.

The couple lives in Tongo for 13 years now. They said that they searched for the perfect place where they could relax, unwind and retreat from the buzz of city life.

Arsing’s sculptures were made from scrap metals in abstract designs. His sculptures were his expression from the constraints of his work and freedom to do what he wants with no inhibitions.

“Kung nganong ingon ana ako style tungod man gud sa akong profession nga architect. First, ang architect daghan kaayog constraint, function…dili man ka kabuhat og ingon ani nga irrational or nothing, walay pulos,” said Arsing.

His guest house can also accommodate visitors on special arrangements. It also has a little art gallery where Arch. Arsing displays his paintings in watercolor.

Indeed, this town is not just proud of its sites, heritage and cultural traditions but as well as of the great people that made San Fernando what it is today.

(Left) A unique chair that has also been featured in a local newspaper. (Top Left) Me in a souvenir photo with his artworks. (Left) SingLi, the family's garden resort.

Inside the master's humble abode. Walay kalay kuryente coz he designed it to be sunlight friendly.

Posing with Arch. Arsing

Java's Art House

2011-03-31T15:05:00.002+08:00

In the town of San Fernando, a family full of talent took our attention when were there for a feature shoot.

San Fernando is an artist’s haven. Unknown to many, it is home to two great artists in sculpture (which I will be featuring later) and painting.

The Java Art House located in Brgy. Sangat showcases painting and sculptures of Christopher Java Sr. and of his children, Tope and Isay. A bust of Gov. Gwen Garcia and sculptures of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos and Sen. Sergio Osmeña III were just some of his prized artworks.

During the One Cebu Expo early this year, Christopher Java Sr.’s sculpture of Gov. Garcia in concrete casting was exhibited in the fair.

He is known for his paintings but just last October (2008) he started his concrete casting works.

“Pintor man ko, niya daghan na kayo ming pintor. Dinhi sa Cebu, murag nakit-an nako nga wala na bitaw kaayo ang mga maayo sa sculpture,” said Java Sr.

Adjacent to the art house, the family’s residence is also a work of art with its ceiling made of artworks and interiors decorated with sculpted decors, paper-mâché and paintings.

Self-portrait

Posing with his artworks.

Chasing the Elusive Siloy

2011-03-31T13:32:00.002+08:00

This was taken last October 29 for a support on our feature story about Alcoy.

We traveled to Alcoy one fine morning just to catch this little black bird called Siloy--a rare endangered specie. It is popularly known as Black Shama. Thanks to Nug-as Forest, these birds are thriving and under the watchful eye of forest rangers that were stationed in it. They have a house along the road where one can ask permission to get inside the forest.

We waited for more than an hour and relocated several times but our efforts were paid off when we finally found one. Thanks to our guide who can mimic the bird's sound, I was able to take a few shots. But the bird was located in a branch way, way, way above us. The 70-200mm can't reach that far and so I just contend myself with admiring it from afar.

Sa mga ganahan makakitag tinuod nga Siloy, just coordinate with the local government and they will be more than willing to accomodate you and your group. But most of those who visit here are those ornithologists, students and wildlife enthusiasts. One can also set-up a camp in the forest's outskirts.

Interview with one of the forest rangers

First stop...wala gihapon.

After 45 minutes

The Team. Yep, human sa taas nga lakaw ug pungko2x kay we found one.

We were told that when GMA was there when they featured the bird, they stayed for days to capture the bird in its natural habitat. Our guide said we were lucky, we only stayed for hours and one Siloy took pity on us. Hahahahahaha

Samboan's Binalayan Falls

2011-03-31T12:51:00.001+08:00

This was ages ago but since I am making a directory of the tourist attractions that I have been around the province, I bumped into my Samboan folder and found lots of memories and one of it is our trip to Binalayan Falls. The falls is located in Brgy. Bonbon just along the highway. There is a sign along the road... hehehehehe Or to be sure ask locals when you arrive in the area.

A welcoming sight before going up to the falls.

When you are here, try not making noise and just feel and listen to nature.

Mingkuyod gyud si Maam Marivic (wife of Samboan Mayor Raymond Calderon) namo. Daghang salamat Maam!

Densho can't help but jump in the cold water!

Bahalag tugnaw kay mingsawom gyud ang duha ka ukoy! :p

Tanjay and I just contend ourselves with the view. We can't go swimming coz we are holding the cameras. Haaaay

Hinay Maam!!! :)

Inside Salay Cave

2011-03-31T11:37:00.003+08:00

My visit to Algeria last 2009 was one of those experiences I'll never forget. We went up the mountains and walked for hours and then checked their marine sanctuaries. And one of the highlight of that trip was our visit to Salay Cave. Here's a part of the story i wrote for my Alegria feature:

Caving is one of the activities the town’s tourism officials have been promoting. In 2009, Salay Cave in Brgy. Valencia was featured in a documentary, Planet Philippines, with actor Richard Gutierrez personally visiting the cave.

Across this waiting shed is the path walk to a more or less 20-minutes walk to the cave.

The Salay Cave is accredited by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This means that it is safe for tourists to get inside the cave. A local caving group was also organized to facilitate exploration and spelunking by tourists and other interested parties.

For those who want to experience Salay Cave, Tourism Officer Eric Ybas advises them to secure a permit at the municipal office with a fee of P100 per person. A guide’s fee of P100 is charged on the first hour and P50 on succeeding hours.

To protect the cave’s unique features, entry is limited to only 10 people at a time. This is an eco-tourism requirement set by DENR.

“Ang atong makita dinhi sa mga formation sa stalagmite ug stalactites sumala sa among mga bisita, taga-Manila, DOST ug Department of Tourism, kay unique gyud ni sa ubang mga nakit-an sa mga caves. Ato ning ikapasigarbo ang Silay Cave tungod sa mga formations niini nga wala sa ubang mga caves,” said Ronnie Basia, a local cave guide.

As a general rule in spelunking, strictly no touching of elements inside the caves and most of all to leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures and kill nothing but time.

Passing through giant bamboos. Nindot kaayo ang view padung didto.

Eric Ybas giving us information about the cave and of the rules to follow once we get there.

Philip, our cameraman, filming Eric as he briefed us about Salay Cave.

I am ready!

Posing in the entrance of the cave with Ana (Sugbo TV Intern) and our cave guide.

Entrance to the cave

The following are some of the photos I was able to take. Was really happy that I had my flash with me. We had no enough light to lit the magnificent view inside the cave.

I did't touch anything! :)

This shouldn't have been allowed. Ahehehehehehe

Going out. (Norwin & wife Jenny, me and our guide.)

Eric and his tikwi stunts. Pasagirit!!!

Going back....we found interesting rock formations by the trail.

Denshoooooo!

Si Goat d Wanderpol

Reminds me of farm town in facebook

Huh! Writing this brings back a lot of memories... how time flies! We took this last September 16-17, 2009. Thankful to the local government officials of Alegria for accomodating us!

ABOUT

2011-03-31T09:26:00.002+08:00

FIRST POST. I had been wanting to make a travel blog where I could put all my stories that I wrote for Sugbo and at the same time share my travel experiences especially here in Cebu. I am not much of a traveler but when we talk about the island of Cebu, well, I am proud to say that I have been to all towns and cities and several island barangays. I am thankful of my job, privileged--I must say because it allowed me to visit far flung sitios in the different municipalities. I was able to visit neighboring provinces too.

TITLE. The blog's title comes from the root word "suroy" which can be translated to "leisurely walking". Anyways, posts will come in between work. So, bare with my spellings and sentence structures. From time to time, text will also be written in my native tongue--binisaya.

With thousands of blog created every day, I don't know if someone's get to read my posts but I am hoping that there will be comments soon.

Dali! Manuroy na ta...