Affordable Vacations in Asia

Malacanang releases list of holidays, special non-working days in 2014 | Sun.Star

2013-09-30T02:31:00.001-07:00

Malacanang releases list of holidays, special non-working days in 2014 | Sun.Star

Holidays in 2012

2012-01-28T19:34:00.000-08:00

Vacation Time!

This is the presidential proclamation on Philippine holidays in 2012.

Feast of Sto. Niño de Cebu 2012: Religious Activities

2012-01-05T07:34:00.000-08:00

The Feast of the Sto. Niño de Cebu 2012 started with a foot procession Walk with Jesus at 4am today, January 5. Around 200,000 devotees brought candles, rosary and the Sto. Niño statue and joined the procession from Fuente Osmena circle to the Basilica del Sto. Niño.

For Novena prayers, click here.

The Philippines: CEBU's Rainforest Park

2011-08-29T22:48:00.000-07:00

Rainforest Park Cebu "is the first of its kind in Cebu of a well-thought unique concept that encloses an inspired mix of entertainment, adventure, recreation, leisure, educational, dining and unwinding for the entire family".

For lack of parks and family outing venues in Cebu City, the opening of Rainforest Park last Aug. 12, 2011, was a welcome development. Located in Ayala Access Road, Panagdaet, Mabolo, the place is very accessible. See location map here. The place is open to the public from 9am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday; so we didn't need to pay anything to get inside the park, it admits everyone and anyone.

To try the rope obstacles at Jungle Adventures, is another story. Entrance fee is at Php250 per person for an hour, or there's a barkada package for 6, at Php1,250.

Looking forward to the long weekend at the end of August AND catching a promo voucher on the internet for group booking, was a bonus! Entrance fee to Jungle Adventures at Php625 for 6persons? What a treat!

So off we went to Rainforest Adventure Park with my son's friends. The Jungle Adventures is fit for kids aged 8 up. There are 9 rope-obstacles kids can enjoy.

Climb up the Cargo Net (1/9) to the zipline platform.

Zip through Zig-Zag, a mini zipline to the Burma bridge platform...not so challenging especially for kids who have tried longer outdoor ziplines. But for younger ones, this is a hit!

Walk on Burma Bridge (3/9), kind of easy to walk on as the ropes provide secure passage on a V-formation.

Walk on the Earthquake Bridge (4/9), a "bridge" made of wood held by ropes, hanging one by one on mid-air. Once you're mid-way, there's no turning back!

Brave girls do it, too! Tests kid's balance, agility and strategy!

After the earthquake bridge, try another knee-wobbling adventure with the Deep Bucket Bridge (5/9), a U-formed rope bridge. This is more shaky than the Burma bridge (v-form).

Wall Climbing (6/9) - A friend's brave little daughter climbed up an artificial wall with artificial rocks.

My son made it halfway on the Wall Climb the first time...

... and made it to the top on his second try! Going down is a breeze, as he only had to rappel down the wall. (Wall Climbing and Jacob's Ladder)

Climb up again, this time on a pipe ladder called Jacob's Ladder (7/9) to get to the Catwalk Bridge...

....and walk across a Catwalk Bridge (8/9), a slim metal bridge, to the next platform ...

From the catwalk, swing, or rather walk on the Vines Bridge (9/9), to test balance and knee strength!

The obstacles take only around 45 minutes to accomplish. The entrance fee, regularly priced at P250 per person, lets you spend an hour inside the adventure zone. But that one hour was enough to make our kids sweat plenty and have minor muscle pains.

My son and one friend completed all the obstacles. Some of the kids in our group skipped some obstacles, from fright, exhaustion or being still too little in physique.

What to wear: long sleeved shirts to protect arms from sunburn, long pants to protect the legs from cuts or bruises, rubber shoes or comfortable footwear with socks, and sunscreen for the face. Bring towel and extra shirts, one to change into after the adventure and one after all the running the children are going to do inside the park.

And don't forget to bring and let the kids drink lots of fluids!

It was time well spent with friends, conquer fears, test physical strength and simply ENJOY!

To borrow my son's words, "It was awesome".

So, what's in the park for adults?

The Philippines: Cebu's Rainforest Park (what's for adults?)

2011-08-29T06:28:00.000-07:00

Rainforest Park Cebu "is the first of its kind in Cebu of a well-thought unique concept that encloses an inspired mix of entertainment, adventure, recreation, leisure, educational, dining and unwinding for the entire family".

Rainforest Park Cebu is in Ayala Access Road, Panagdaet, Mabolo; here's the location map of Cebu's Rainforest Park, as copied from the park's official website:

The park is open from 9am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday, for everyone who wants to take a stroll or look around the place. But the Jungle Adventures (rope obstacles) has an entrance fee of Php250 per person or a barkada package for 6 persons at Php1,250.00.

The website says the park has the Oceanarium Restaurant, Jungle Adventures, Amazon Aviary & Tarzan House, Oasis Spa and Salon and the Zoofari Cafe.

Of these, only the Jungle Adventures is fully operational. This is understandable, as the park is less than three weeks old, at the time of our visit. So I'd like to suggest to the park management to disclose this in their website, as it is misleading. Also, the gallery in the website show pictures that are not from the park...that's too bad. But the adventures are really worth your money, and the fun and memories your children get from the experience!

Around the Jungle Adventures area, there are picnic tables and chairs where the parents and guardians can sit down and watch over the kids while they do rope obstacles. But the number of tables/chairs are not enough...if the park management can just add some chairs, even without the tables, that would be a big improvement.

The Oceanarium Restaurant is only a restaurant for now, no acquariums yet. The gift shop is still wanting of novelty items which can really push one to part with cash.

The Amazon Aviary & Tarzan House is still not open but you can already hear recorded birds' tweets and chirps all over the park... quite misleading, too.

When we went there, Oasis Spa and Salon was used for a seminar or meeting? Need I say more?

Zoofari Cafe was already open but they only serve cakes and coffee blends. We were expecting there'd be sandwiches, especially after the kids did the adventures were really hungry, but were told sandwiches will be available next week.

There are refreshments around though, Hawaiian shave ice cream, water, cold drinks and ice cream.

We'll see if there will be improvements weeks or months from now. I'm expecting the place to be a lot improved, as Christmas is just around the corner, and it really is a one-of-a-kind concept here in Cebu!

The Philippines: CEBU Beach Resorts

2011-08-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

Cebu is blessed with sandy shores and blue waters in the island of Mactan.

Mactan, whose capital city is Lapulapu City is connected to mainland Cebu through Mandaue City. There are two bridges connecting the islands: the First Mandaue-Mactan Bridge and the second one named Marcelo B. Fernan bridge.

Mactan is where the Mactan Cebu International Airport is, Cebu's link to other places in the Philippines and to the world. It is also where most of Cebu's beach resorts are located.

Explore these resorts with me...
Crimson Beach Resort & Spa
Plantation Bay and Resort
Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa
Movenpick Resort & Spa Cebu

More to come...

The Philippines: CEBU's Movenpick Resort & Spa Cebu (formerly Hilton Cebu)

2011-08-25T05:12:00.000-07:00

Movenpick Resort & Spa Cebu is "a tropical captivating escape in Cebu."

We visited this resort when this was still distinctly pink Hilton Cebu. Acquired by Movenpick Hotels & Resorts in 2011, the resort has changed management and will soon change colors but most of the facilities remain the same.

Let's take a look...

Known distinctively for its pink color, the resort is pink from floor to ceiling, with staff wearing pink uniforms, pink jeepney as service vehicles, pink, pink, pink everywhere...

This is the resort's rotunda, in between the two buildings where the rooms are.

Manny O's Wine and Tapas illuminates the marina at night. Located at the tip, it provides privacy and exclusivity to its guests. There are four other restaurants in the resort: Seas Restaurant (serves seafoods!), Vanilla Beach Cafe, Pink Lobby Lounge & Bar and the Sapphire Pool Bar.

This is the resort accommodation's living room. The room we occupied, had a living room with an LCD TV, kitchen with refrigerator and oven, bedroom with a comfy king-size bed and another TV, bathroom with tub.

Making a Santa Claus face out of soap suds...hmmmm...more like reindeer face. What does it look to you?

The resort has pools, fitness center, and a spa. They offer water sports, like banana boat, jetski, tube rides, parasailing, etc. Guests can even snorkel within the marina without going so far out to the sea. Fishes abound within the marine sanctuary, especially as children and adults feed the fish. Diving within the house reef is also available while the more adventurous divers can arrange for a diving escapade away from the resort.

The resort gardens are a beautiful spot for photo ops, even if just among friends. Our photographer friends say, it's not the view but the moment captured in the photos that matter. You won't see these beautiful girl-friends in Movenpick, though...*wink*

A photographer friend posed by the resort's mini-falls.

This is taken at the resort garden that has palm trees, green grass, lounges and umbrellas.

This is taken at the walkway from the garden to the main resort.

Visit Movenpick.

The Philippines: CEBU's Crimson Beach Resort & Spa

2011-08-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

"Crimson Beach Resort and Spa welcomes you to a world beyond your wildest dreams..."

The newest built resort and spa in Cebu was opened in 2010. And it does not disappoint. It gives one a sense of peace and tranquility with its 3-in-1 infinity pool and gardens.

This very simple sight met us at the entrance of the resort.

Going inside, we entered an expanse overlooking a very pleasant view...

... 3-in-1 infinity pool, going down two flights to an adult, toddlers' and childrens' pools.

Wow! Looking out there, I marveled at the sea and sky which seemed to meet. It was beautiful!

This is the Lobby, where the centerpiece is a "sungkaan", a native game played with small shells.

From the beach, this is the view of the main resort, where the deluxe rooms are. The garden rooms and villas are located all over the place, separate from the main resort. The villas have their own plunge pools...perfect for people who can't get enough of the water.... and romantic, too!


Our accommodation was a garden deluxe room, 44sqm, with its own veranda, huge king bed, LCD TV, and surprise...a toilet and bath with its own LCD TV in front of the tub! My son had a great time, luxuriating in soap suds in the tub and watching his favorite cartoon shows, at the same time!


This is the view of the beach from the Azure open bar. Imagine the bar at night, you having a cold drink, staring out to the starry or even a moonlit night, enjoying the breeze, listening to the sound of the waves and soft music ... ohh...bliss!

One of the resort's kid's and kids-at-hearts' activities is the fish feeding. What's different in this fish feeding is you really have to walk around 200meters out to sea on a floating dock, where the fish are and feed them. If you're not afraid, you can dip your feet at sea and have a fish spa! Ha ha..

Another kids' recreation facility is the playhouse where the colorful and educational materials available for toddlers and small children keep their attention for a long period of time, thus parents get some time for themselves.

Day and night view of the fish spouts around the swimming pools.

Night view of the pool from the main resort...peaceful and calming...

Another angle of the pool at night

View of the main resort from the pools

There are many other recreational activities, like water sports facilities, fitness center, and badminton courts for the adventurous and fitness buff.

And of course, there's Aum Spa, where guests can spend a relaxing hour or two under the hands of expert therapists, a perfect way to end your day. Well, this one, we weren't able to try since the spa was not yet opened when we went there...maybe some time in the very near future, that is, if I can afford it (gulp!). And if I do that, I will surely tell you about it!

The resort also accepts guests for day use at a rate that includes buffet lunch and use of the resort's facilities. The weekday rates provide value for money. Try it.

"When you've been treated like royalty, the experience will linger long after your stay." I say "Aye", Crimson Beach Resort & Spa lives up to their name, the color of royalty.

The Philippines: Matahum nga CEBU (Beautiful Cebu)

2011-08-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

Cebu's artists, local vocal and proud, recorded a new song titled Matahum nga Cebu...it means Beautiful Cebu! Proud to be Cebuano!

The Philippines: CEBU's Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa

2011-08-18T07:52:00.000-07:00

"Beyond the usual, beyond the ordinary, beyond your imagination..."

- Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa

This is the site that meets guests at the lobby. After checking in, you may enjoy your welcome drinks in your room or at the lobby lounge.

The Lobby

The lobby lounge

Outside, the resort's waterpark and themed pools await the kids and kids at heart..

Garden pool with a swim-up pool bar in the isle at the middle.

The toddler pool with slides and ater from everywhere

Captain Hook's pool complee with a priate ship and slides

The adventure zone area with a view of the giant slides, for the adventure seekers

Captain Hook's pirate ship up close

Day and night view of the Amazon River Pool, a flowing river pool where you can ride around on inflatables

There is also a wave pool and a beach pool. Lounge cabanas and umbrellas are all over the place for shade and easy relaxation.

Cabana lounge and lounge chairs

Accommodation in the resort are deluxe rooms, suite rooms, and of course, the villa rooms that are perfect for couples and honeymooners with a private pool and jacuzzi. The deluxe and suite rooms are in the main hotel while the villa rooms flank the waterpark.

Villa rooms

Truly, imperial living in the queen city of the South!

The Philippines: CEBU's Plantation Bay Resort & Spa

2011-08-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

"Whether you're looking for romance, relaxation, or family fun, Plantation Bay has something for you." - Plantation Bay Resort & Spa

The accommodations in the resort surround the lagoon and swimming areas. The villas and rooms have great views anywhere.

There are four themed restaurants: Fiji serves the best tempura, Kilimanjaro Kafe provides dining by the pool, Palermo Cafe Bar serves coffee and pasta, and Savannah Grill boasts of the best burgers in the place.

The beauty of this gazebo and lagoon meets the visitor when he is led to his accommodation

The picturesque resort provides the perfect view for a photoshoot, whether solo shots feeling liek a supermodel, whether with your barkada, with special someone for a wedding or a pre-nuptial, one need only to engage his creative mind to come up with that perfect shot!

Perfect place for photoshoots: barkada, wedding, pre-nuptials, family...

We were really pleased with this accommodation. We went to the resort as a group of seven families, complete with kids in tow, and we were booked in this part of the resort. Twas a very pleasant surprise as we practically had the pool to ourselves and we can just peep at the kids swimming from our rooms. Impressive!

If your accommodation is in any of the Piazza Palermo rooms, it would seem like you have your own private pool

Another view of the lagoon

Sunset from the resort's lobby

Night view: serene and peaceful

For a relaxing and therapeutic end to your day, the Mogambo Springs Spa inside the resort will do the trick for you. Massages and treatments await your tired aching body. There is also a beauty salon next to the spa.

Mogambo Springs: The Spa at Plantation Bay

For the active you, there's a gameroom, gym, lots of aqua sports options, firing range and more. Our kids had a blast swimming, wall climbing, playground, cycling, even riding a horse-drawn carriage (calesa).

Kids just wanna have fun!

Calesa: Horse-drawn carriage

See you at the Plantation Bay!

The Philippines: MOALBOAL, Cebu Summer Fun

2011-06-26T06:44:00.000-07:00

Cebu is an island in the Central Visayas. It is dubbed as the "Queen City of the South", being in the southern part of the archipelago. But why queen? Read for yourself...

Cebu Summer Fun Part 1: Bantayan Island

Cebu Summer Fun Part 2: Camotes Island

Cebu Summer Fun Part 3: Tabuelan
Cebu Summer Fun Part 4: Barili and Mantayupan Falls

Thirty (30) kilometers or half-hour from Barili is the town of Moalboal, boasting of fresh produce from the sea, white beach and a diving paradise of Cebu.

Moalboal fishport

For our lunch, we bought fresh produce, both seafoods and meat at the local market and had all of these grilled in the market. For our shrimps, we were very lucky to have a store owner, from whom we bought our drinks and spices from, who allowed us to cook in their kitchen. Then we bought hanging rice (puso) to complete our meal.

Fishing boat on a noon break

We had lunch at Panagsama Beach, a long stretch of white sand beach where one has many options where to go, from day-use cottages to overnight beach resorts.

If you are a diving enthusiast, read this blog that a friend wrote about her encounters with sardines and thresher sharks in Moalboal. And this for more about Moalboal. Even a former president of the Philippines took time off her busy schedule to dive here!

The Philippines: BARILI and Mantayupan Falls, Cebu Summer Fun

2011-06-24T03:57:00.000-07:00

Cebu is an island in the Central Visayas. It is dubbed as the "Queen City of the South", being in the southern part of the archipelago. But why queen? Read for yourself...

Cebu Summer Fun Part 1: Bantayan Island

Cebu Summer Fun Part 2: Camotes Island

Cebu Summer Fun Part 3: Tabuelan
Cebu Summer Fun Part 5: Moalboal

Barili is a town southwest of Cebu province. It boasts of Mantayupan Falls and a great view over the Tanon Strait (body of water between Cebu and Negros islands). This is a worthy stop-over to a trip to Moalboal town.

Mantayupan Falls

How to get to Mantayupan Falls:

From Cebu City, travel south, passing through the towns of Talisay City, Naga, San Fernando then Carcar. When you reach the Carcar rotunda, turn right southwest to Barili instead of going straight south. The town is around 60kms from the city and is 1.5hours away.

Upon reaching Barili town, go straight ahead and watch out for a signboard going to Mantayupan falls, on the left side of the road. Turning left, go straight less than a kilometer and you'll reach the entrance. Entrance fee is P10.

Going the main falls, you'll pass by a foot bridge.

There's a picnic area within the vicinity but you can also bring your own tables and chairs. See the group at the background of this next picture?

Kids enjoy a cold swim in the shallow part of the pool, be wary though, a few feet away towards the middle part, the water gets deeper.

A full view of the majestic falls...

If you start your trip as early as 6am, you get to Mantayupan Falls around 730am, have breakfast (bring your own provision though, no food sold there), have a short dip, take pictures and by 9am, you should be on your way to Moalboal town (remember at the start of this post, Mantayupan is just a stop-over?) and its beaches.

The Philippines: TABUELAN, Cebu Summer Fun

2011-05-28T06:34:00.000-07:00

Cebu is an island in the Central Visayas. It is dubbed as the "Queen City of the South", being in the southern part of the archipelago. But why queen? Read for yourself...

Cebu Summer Fun Part 1: Bantayan Island

Cebu Summer Fun Part 2: Camotes Island
Cebu Summer Fun Part 4: Barili and Mantayupan Falls
Cebu Summer Fun Part 5: Moalboal

Tabuelan is a town on the western part of Cebu. From Cebu City, one travels three hours to this place. Being quite a distance from the city, it is best to stay at least overnight.

It is a very quiet town and one can experience nature's peace by the sea. The "virginal" beach there is so worth the trip. The public beach is very clean, with white sand and clear blue waters. So if one stays in an ordinary pension house in town, a day out on the public beach is an option. One pays a minimal fee for entrance and can rent cottages for day use.

In Tabuelan, we stayed at the Durhan White Beach Resort. Rooms have the bare essentials; airconditioned and non-airconditioned rooms are available, depending on one's preference.

beachfront of Durhan White Beach

my favorite time of the day

coconut trees and the sky

In the nearby town of Tuburan, Cebu, 30minute-drive from Durhan White Beach is Molobolo Springs. Here, fresh water meets salt water. The place is also shaded with big trees and so the water remains cool. The flowing spring keeps the water clean most of the time...

Tabuelan and Tuburan cities are laid back but has nature to offer the weary traveller.

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How much does an affordable Tabuelan/Tuburan get-away cost? A two-day vacation will cost only around USD80 (no airfare, all land trips).
1. Plane fare to Cebu - depends on place of origin
2. Land transportation (USD8 one-way or USD16 round trip)
   a. Taxi from airport to North Bus Terminal near SM (USD5)
   b. Aircon (comfortable) bus from terminal to Tabuelan (USD3)
    Tip: Contact your resort or accommodation beforehand for instructions on how to get from the town

terminal to their location.

3. Hotel/resort accommodation (aircon) - USD40- USD50/night
4. Meals - an average meal would cost USD4.5 so a full day's meal will be around USD13.50
5. Entrance fees - minimal fees (less than USD1)

The Philippines: CAMOTES IS., Cebu Summer Fun

2011-05-18T02:29:00.000-07:00

Cebu is an island in the Central Visayas. It is dubbed as the "Queen City of the South", being in the southern part of the archipelago. But why queen? Read for yourself...

Cebu Summer Fun Part 1: Bantayan Island
Cebu Summer Fun Part 3: Tabuelan
Cebu Summer Fun Part 4: Barili and Mantayupan Falls
Cebu Summer Fun Part 5: Moalboal

courtesy of philippinemaps.ph

Camotes is an island in the northeastern part of Cebu province. It is a small island with a bountiful share of natural resources: white sandy beaches, dive spots, lakes, caves... and during our ride from the island back to Danao City in Cebu, we even got a bonus of a couple of dolphins swimming alongside our motorized banca (small boat) ... the kids were so amazed!

While in Camotes, we stayed at Santiago Bay Garden and Resort, a tourist attraction by itself. The resort is right next to and overlooks a very wide stretch of white fine-sand beach.

This picture is that of the same beach at low and high tides

The wide stretch allows one to wander far off the beach without fear of sudden depth in the sea level. In addition to swimming and snorkelling, one can do kayaking, skimboarding, and riding an ATV.

Another resort we went to, on a tour, was the Mangodlong Rock Resort. This resort has its equal share of sandy beach and rocky shorelines. The resort has a smaller beachfront but still enough for adults and kids to frolic and have fun. There are rock formations and islets lending privacy to those who want it.

Next we went to Lake Danao. This 680-hectare lake is all fresh water,and the biggest in Cebu. The best way to go around the lake is through a "sakanaw" or paddleboat, which can carry around 10-20persons. The sakanaw costs USD12 good for 10persons and in excess of 10 persons, an additional of USD1.10 per person.

On board the "sakanaw"or paddleboat

Birds in their natural habitat

Birds and ducks can be seen around the vicinity. The place is quiet, serene and the waters tranquil ... the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon. Though, if you listen beyond the kids' noisy chatter and laughter, it did feel eerie at some parts of the lake, like some thrilling part of a movie...ha ha ha...but nothing scary really actually happened.

Paradise in the center of Lake Danao

We also went to an underground cave, where water is so refreshing and leaves skin soft and smooth, it's like having had a spa.

To end our day tour, we went to My Little Island Hotel, up the hills of Camotes, to watch the sun set and let the kids enjoy the warm pool.

Fun! Rewind!

Sunset at Camotes Island

We had a sumptuous dinner at the poolside under the moon and the stars and music coming from the hotel lobby. What a perfect and romantic (even with all the kids running around and splashing in the pool) way to end the day!

The Camotes trip was one of our unforgettable summers.

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How much does an affordable Camotes Island get-away cost? A two-day vacation (assuming only two persons share the cost of land transfers/hotel/tours) will cost around USD107 per person (assuming no plane fare, land/ferry trips only) BUT if you are a group of not more than 10, you may split items #4 and #7 (now that is a real bargain!).

1. Plane fare to Cebu - depends on place of origin

2. Land transportation to Danao City (USD6 one-way or USD12 round trip) per person

a. Taxi from airport to SM (USD5)

b. V-hire (van for hire) from SM to Danao (USD1), leaves when the van is 14-pax full or if you want comfort, pay for a seat to be vacant beside you

3. Danao City Cebu to Poro Camotes onboard motorized banca (USD4-USD5 one-way or USD10 round trip) sails starting 530am (boat schedules change without prior notice, it's best to call the shipping lines to confirm schedule)

4. Van for land transfers to and from Poro Camotes to resort/hotel - around USD50 but need to arrange this first with your resort/hotel; make sure you have resort/hotel transfers as the public transportation in Camotes are motorcyles and (very rarely) multicabs

5. Hotel/resort accommodation (aircon) for two - USD45-USD75/night, depending on accommodation

6. Meals - an average meal per person would cost USD7 so a full day's meal will be around USD20

7. Tours within the island -if you arrange this together with your resort/hotel transfers, you will need to add only around USD35.

Another option will be to take the boat from Pier 1 in Cebu City to Consuelo port in Camotes; the whole trip will cost around USD130per person (again assuming only two persons share the cost of land transfers/hotel/tours). Note also that Consuelo port is farther from the resorts than Poro.

Enjoy Camotes!!!

The Philippines: BANTAYAN IS., Cebu Summer Fun

2011-03-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

Cebu is an island in the Central Visayas. It is dubbed as the "Queen City of the South", being in the southern part of the archipelago. But why queen? See for yourself...

Cebu Summer Fun Part 2: Camotes Island

Cebu Summer Fun Part 3: Tabuelan
Cebu Summer Fun Part 4: Barili and Mantayupan Falls
Cebu Summer Fun Part 5: Moalboal

Bantayan Island

Northern Cebu

Bantayan Island is Cebu's beach paradise in the north. The island is very picturesque, from sunrise to sunsets, sea, sand and island life.

map courtesy of philippinemaps.ph

From Cebu City, one can take a bus at the North Bus Terminal near SM City Mall and travel 3 hours to Hagnaya Wharf in Daanbantayan, Cebu. From the wharf, ride a ferry to Bantayan Island. Starting March 1, 2011, Mid-Sea Express flies to the island 4x a week. When you reach the island, your resort service vehicle or a tricycle ride can take you where you want to go. The water at the pier is clean, clear and blue with the sandy shores underneath; one could actually swim there.

The island has three towns: Bantayan, Madridejos and Santa Fe.

Part of Madridejos faces the west and has the best sunset. It is 20-30 minutes away from the resorts in Sta. Fe.

Perfect sunset at Madridejos, Bantayan, Cebu

Bantayan town is the trading place of the island, it is where the famous dried fish and squid can be bought at low prices. It is also where the island's cathedral and local government centers are.

The beaches in Sta. Fe boast of fine sandy shorelines, peaceful and simple life. If you want quiet, peace, relaxed nightlife, this place is the best respite away from the city. If Madridejos has the sunset, Sta. Fe has the sunrise... beautiful sight that greets you in the morning! It's breathtaking and something you don't see in the city.

Breathtaking sunrise in Sta. Fe, Bantayan

that's the sand i'm talking about!

What can I say? They love the SUN!

It's a holiday! Sun, sand and sea!

Pearly shells

Sugar Beach - so called because of its powdery white sands
Bantayan, Cebu

And to cap off our day (or night!), the moon rose out of the horizon...amazing! How cool is that! You don't get to see the moon rise that often...

"MOONRISE"
Photo courtesy of good friend H.Port

To make the most of your vacation, catch the earliest bus out from Cebu City at 530am to Hagnaya Wharf, sail out at 830am on board the ferry boat from Hagnaya to Bantayan Island, and you'll be in paradise at 10am!

Relax in Cebu's Bantayan Island... it's like a muted Boracay.

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How much does an affordable Bantayan Island get-away cost? A two-day vacation will cost only around USD130 (no airfare, all land trips).
1. Plane fare to Cebu - depends on place of origin
2. Land transportation (USD11 one-way or USD22 round trip)
   a. Taxi from airport to North Bus Terminal near SM (USD5)
   b. Aircon (comfortable) bus from terminal to Hagnaya wharf in Daanbantayan (USD2.50) runs every
   hour starting 530am until 230pm (except 930am)
   c. Hagnaya to Bantayan island, onboard ferry boat (USD3.50) sails starting 5am
3. Hotel/resort accommodation (aircon) - USD30- USD50/night
4. Meals - an average meal would cost USD4.5 so a full day's meal will be around USD13.50
5. Land transportation within the island - motorcyle/motorcycle with sidecar/public transportation (USD10/day); however most resorts have their own service vans for guests, which may be arranged.

The Philippines: CEBU Summer Fun

2011-03-01T08:11:00.000-08:00

The Philippines is composed of three major islands: Luzon (on the north), Visayas (in the center), and Mindanao (on the south).

Cebu is an island in the Central Visayas. It is dubbed as the "Queen City of the South", being in the southern part of the archipelago. But why queen? See for yourself...

map courtesy of philippinemaps.ph

BANTAYAN

Perfect sunset at Madridejos, Bantayan, Cebu
(northernmost part of Cebu)

Sugar Beach - so called because of its powdery white sands
Bantayan, Cebu

TABUELAN and TUBURAN

Tuburan, Cebu
(northwest of Cebu)

Breaking dawn at Tuburan, Cebu

Sunset in Tuburan Cebu

CAMOTES

Sunset in Poro, Camotes Island
(see the arrow pointing to a group of islands east of Cebu)

Lake Danao, Camotes Island

BARILI

Mantayupan Falls, Barili
(see the first arrow pointing to southwest of Cebu)

Alegria, Cebu
(see the second arrow pointing to southwest of Cebu)

The Philippines: TARLAC, Pinatubo Spa Town

2011-02-17T08:14:00.000-08:00

Children enjoy this!

From the Pinatubo trek, I can feel my body aching all over! Not used to much physical activity, the trek was a "step-on-the-moon-giant-leap-of-mankind" thing for me.

Pinatubo Spa Town beckons! We arrived at the Spa Town (actually this is also where we registered at the start of the whole Pinatubo adventure) at around 4pm. We got the whole 'spa'ckage which includes a volcanic ash spa, mud pool, and a full body Thai-Shiatsu (super relaxing!) massage, all for only USD23; since the mud pool is free with the volcanic ash spa and the massage. Each service, taken individually, costs USD12 each.

Volcanic ash spa
This takes out toxins from the body by widening pores and drawing impurities out. We were buried under hot volcanic ash and sweated it out for 30minutes. Their brochure said "it is believed to lessen body cholesterol, refreshes and relaxes tired body". Sweating from this spa is like being to the gym and running those treadmills. If you can't bear the heat, you can opt out at anytime.

This photo is courtesy of pinoymountaineer.com.
Since everyone in our group wanted to try this, nobody took our picture.

Mud Pool
Next, the mud pool. Have you ever tried facial mask? The mask tightens on your face when dry, right? This is what happens with the mud pool, except that, instead of just the face, you can rub the mud over your whole body, wait till it dries and play statue! Ha-ha kidding aside, it's really like being a statue. We stayed in the mud pool till our bodies were dry and statue-like all over.

You can feel the tightening of the mud "mask" over your body. After the mud pool, the cold shower to rinse the mud from the body leaves you refreshed and with smooth tight skin! Their brochure says "a pool of volcanic mud to apply all over the body to dry; softens skin and stretches the skin to look younger." Oh if this is only readily available where we live, cosmetic dermatologists will go bankrupt.

We were having fun playing statue

Thai-Shiatsu Massage
Finally, after a final shower indoors, we were ready for our hour-and-20minute massage. The massage area is one big area with a roof but open at all the sides. The exhausting trek, fresh air, the shower and the massage made me drowsy. The expert hand of the Aeta therapist named Janet made the Thai massage in Bangkok pale in comparison. Ironic but true! It depends though, on the therapist coz some of my companions found their massage lacking.

This photo is courtesy of pinoymountaineer.com.
Since everyone in our group had a massage, nobody took our picture.

The Pinatubo Spa Town experience is a must-do after the trek. If we had not taken this, our bodies would have been sore for days from the trek. After the volcanic spa, mud pool and massage, our bodies were refreshed and soothed. And no exaggeration - body aches became things of the immediate past.

Complete your Pinatubo tour/ trek with this unique spa experience!

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Pinatubo Spa Town
Website: www.pinatubospatown.com
Email address: pdcspatown@yahoo.com
Office Number: 63-45-4930031
Mobile: 63-909-9513103, 63-908-8858479
(Attn all Globe users, as of May 2010, there was no signal for Globe in the area)

The Philippines: TARLAC, gateway to MT. PINATUBO

2011-02-04T09:06:00.000-08:00

"The adventures on board the 4x4 vehicle, through lahar lands and lahar-covered mountains, the trek to the crater lake is an adventure by itself. It brings about a realization of how small we are in this world, how much powerful nature is and how God is bringing all things into place and into proper balance. I can truly and proudly say this is THE highlight of my travels, so far, in or outside the Philippines. We appreciate a lot of things we see abroad but this is one work of nature I am really blessed to see in my lifetime, and in my own land at that!"

Who would have thought that two decades ago, in 1991, Mt. Pinatubo destroyed people, crops, and properties?

Photos of the eruption in 1991 (web photos)

Who would have thought that a thing of natural beauty caused so much destruction? Or on the other hand, who would have thought such destruction could turn into this serene, peaceful and breathtaking mysterious beauty?

This is the view from the crater of Mt. Pinatubo, an active volcano taking its majestic place in the borders of the provinces of Tarlac, Pampanga and Zambales.

map courtesy of http://www.camperspoint.com

Mount Pinatubo is most accessible from Tarlac. Our trip started at the Sta. Juliana Tourism Office in Tarlac, crossed town borders and ended up in Zambales where the volcano is nature at its best while asleep.

From the tourism office, we rode a 4x4 vehicle across lahar land and steep mountain climbs up to the point where the trek to the crater lake starts. The bumpy ride would have been for a little more than an hour had our vehicle not stalled...on an uphill steep climb at that! But our very efficient driver remained calm and our rescue vehicle arrived in less than 30minutes. These things happen and our vehicle, driver and guide were all capable and ready for such incidents.

Sights going to the foot of the volcano

There's a space on the way to the trek that is called the "skyway". This was cleared for vehicles to pass through and therefore shortened the way to the volcano. Before the skyway, trekkers had to spend overnight in the mountains before they reach Mt. Pinatubo.

A movie scene? Nah...just our 4x4 vehicles!

We reached the foot of the volcano, where the trek starts. The trek takes 15-45minutes, depending on one's fitness, stamina and physical capability.. this is where I appreciated the tourist guide so much. The tourist guide waited for me, brought my things, and made me feel at ease with the silence of the nature around me. It is advisable to pick a walking stick along the way; it is very useful going to and coming back so don't leave your stick until you come back to the start of the trek.

I was last in our group to reach the crater lake, after a lot of panting and heavy breathing! On the way to the top, I really thought of going back but was glad I didn't coz the view of the crater lake is one you see only once in a lifetime (well at least for me, coz I don't think I can make the trek again!), a trip that I won't ever regret making, one that I'll always remember, one that I will never tire of telling about....

Sights along the trek and the beautiful reward at the top!

When we arrived at the crater lake, we took some photos, breathe in the natural air, and ate the sumptuous lunch we brought with us. This is one place you feel very peaceful and far from the worries of day-to-day living. The water in this side of the volcano is cool and can be bathe in. Kids can have a swim but just don't allow them to go towards the middle - even the guides don't know how deep the water is! One can ride a banca to the other end of the crater - that side is hot enough to boil an egg in! Wow!

After three hours of communing with nature, we decided it was time to head back down. Going back down to the start of the trek, the way is more familiar therefore easier, though harder on the knees. Along the way, we passed by a spring... the water from the spring is cold and so refreshing and of course, natural...it's the best water I've ever tasted!

Again I say "The adventures on board the 4x4 vehicle, through lahar lands and lahar-covered mountains, the trek to the crater lake is an adventure by itself. It brings about a realization of how small we are in this world, how much powerful nature is and how God is bringing all things into place and into proper balance. I can truly and proudly say this is THE highlight of my travels, so far, in or outside the Philippines. We appreciate a lot of things we see abroad but this is one work of nature I am really blessed to see in my lifetime, and in my own land at that!"

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How to get to Mt. Pinatubo and how much will it cost?

1. From Manila, ride the bus going to Capas, Tarlac. This will take around 2-3 hours and will cost USD3 per person.

2. From the intersection in Capas, Tarlac, the ride to the tourism office takes almost an hour and cost us an additional USD22 for one service vehicle carrying six of us. We paid the additional to the tour package we got in #3.

3. Our tour package was from Wendell Mercado (contact numbers +639196084313 and +639323616249), at these rates (1USD=Php45): USD83 for one 4x4 vehicle, USD11 for one guide per vehicle, USD11 for skyway toll fee per vehicle and USD1 per person for conservation fee.

The 4x4 vehicle seats 4-5 persons. If you are in a group of 5, you need to spend only USD22 for an exciting, exhilarating and rewarding experience!

(Computation of USD22: vehicle rental USD83+guide USD11+toll fee USD11= USD105 divided by persons = USD21 + conservation fee USD1 = USD22 per person.)

Foreigners pay an additional USD11 per person.

How many hours do you need to get to Mt. Pinatubo and back?

3 hours from Manila to Tarlac

1 hour from Capas, Tarlac to the Sta. Juliana Tourism Office, where all tourists have to register

(tour starts)

1 hour from the tourism office to the trek (give 30minutes allowance for photo-ops)

15-45minutes trek to the crater

2-3 hours Nature trip at the crater lake

30 minutes going back down

1 hour going back to the tourism office

(tour ends)

On your next vacation, include Mt. Pinatubo in your itinerary... you will not regret doing so!

Next stop is the Pinatubo Spa Town, where all our body aches were given a royal treatment!

The Philippines: ILOCOS SUR, Heritage City of Vigan (Part 2)

2011-01-26T08:24:00.000-08:00

Our three of four stops in Vigan City were Bantay Bell Tower, Baluarte and Grandpa's Inn.

Vigan is the hometown of the 6th Philippine president, Elpidio Quirino, born in 1890 (and if the calesa or horse-drawn-carriage driver is to be believed) inside the provincial jail where his father was working as a warden.

Vigan is also home to Fr. Jose Burgos, one of three priests martyred during the Spanish era, due to charges of mutiny in 1872. The three priests were collectively known as GOMBURZA: Gomez, Burgos and Zamora.

The main church in Vigan is St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral: above the church doorway is an alcove depicting the conversion of St. Paul. Unfortunately, due to politics, the church is tainted with the blood of a politician who was gunned down inside the cathedral.

Historic Town of Vigan (Destination 4 of 4)

UNESCO World Heritage Site

"Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia." (UNESCO)

This "town" is reminiscent of Spanish times and is perfect for time travel adventures. The streets have brick tiles, structures are made of wood and antique shops, selling antique wares and souvenirs, line the streets. Some parts are still well-preserved, while maintenance in other parts are somewhat lacking and will have to be improved to continue the preservation of a heritage. There is no other part of the country like this...old, peaceful, simple, quaint, inspiring and charming.

Calle Crisologo

Antique Shop

This ended our tour of lovely Vigan, Ilocos Sur. If one has the time, it is best to spend a night in this city and enjoy the view in the moonlight.

Part 1 of the Ilocos Sur trip can be read here.

COSTS TO VISIT VIGAN
In Vigan City, the tourist spots are free of charge. One only needs to spend for transportation, food and accommodation.

For transportation, one can go around the tourist places on calesas or horse-drawn carriages for USD3.50 per hour or ride any public vehicle like tricycles or ride a rented van.

For sumptuous Ilocano food, average cost of meals range from USD10-20 per person.

For accommodation, a night would cost around USD50 a night for double occupancy.

Fall in love with Vigan...

The Philippines: ILOCOS SUR, Heritage City of Vigan (Part 1)

2011-01-24T07:06:00.002-08:00

Ilocos Sur ("sur" means south) is located south of Ilocos Norte. The main tourist attraction is the heritage city of Ilocos Sur which can be toured in one day.

Getting around. A calesa (horse-driven carriage) can take one around the heritage city for USD3.5 per hour IF and ONLY IF you did not rent a van for the trip. The calesa will take one around the heritage city - Baluarte, bell tower, clay making, etc. But again, if you rented a van, the van can take you around these same places.

Bantay Bell Tower (Destination 1 of 4)
An old structure in the St. Augustine's Parish Church compound...one can see Ilocos Sur skyline from the bellfry.

Bantay bell tower in the background

Chavit Singson's BALUARTE (Destination 2 of 4)
Open 7am-6pm
"Where animals graze freely and wander around with the humans" - this is one rare sight in the Philippines. A zoo, by itself is a rare thing in this country, much more a zoo with animals that roam together with humans! And what's more, entrance and rides are free! Of course there's a donation box, but nobody is watching if you put in donation or not. In the Philippines, this is impressive.

True to its by-line in their website, Baluarte is "Not just a zoo, Baluarte is an interactive wildlife sanctuary and facility". There are shows scheduled all throughout the day and if one is lucky or can wait for the schedule, one can also watch them for free.

One can ride the "tiburin", a small-horse-drawn carriage and camel for free.

One can take pictures with these white and colorful birds for free! Better try this out in Baluarte...in Jurong Bird Park in Singapore, posing with even smaller birds costs $5!

The deers in the place are allowed to roam around like dogs. Imagine yourself in the streets along with some stray dog, that's the scene in Baluarte, really cute! A deer would come near you and check you out by sniffing, like dogs do!

ostriches, tiburins and deers graze freely

Modesty aside, we've been to zoos in Singapore, Bangkok and Hongkong with an impressive number of animals in custody but it was only in Baluarte that the experience was "interactive" and for free. If only for this, Baluarte is worth the trip!

Grandpa's Inn (Destination 3 of 4)
We had our lunch at Grandpa's Inn, one of the many old brick houses within the heritage city, that is both an inn and a restaurant. The furnitures and fixtures are really antique and with a little imagination, one can be transported back centuries ago.

upstairs receiving area

room accommodation

restaurant

In the next post is our visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site in Vigan...

PHL: CEBU 2011 Sinulog "IMAGES" of the Feast of Sto. Nino

2011-01-17T08:24:00.000-08:00

The Philippines is an archipelago, made up of three major islands: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Cebu is an island in the Visayas.

January is a special month for Cebuanos (residents of Cebu) in the Philippines. Every third Sunday of the month, the Feast of the Sto. Nino is celebrated through religious activities and the SINULOG, a festival that commemorates the events that happened in 1521, when the Sto. Nino was accepted by the then pagan Queen Juana from Ferdinand Magellan of Spain. That marked the start of the Catholicism in the Philippines.

Sto. Nino de Cebu
Photo by Vicmaro

This year, the 12-day celebration of the feast of the Sto. Nino, began Jan. 6. Novena masses were said for nine days from Jan. 6 until Jan. 14. There are 10 masses each novena day...despite the schedule, the Basilica del Sto. Nino was always full of devotees and pilgrims from mass to mass. In the novena masses, the famous GOZOS is always the offertory song.

Devotees and pilgrims flock and fill the novena masses in honor of the Sto. Nino
Photo by Vicmaro

These are the activities and images of the feast of the Sto. Nino:

Jan. 6 - 14 Novena Masses

Basilica Minore del Santo Nino
Taken at 1230nn, in between novena masses
Photo by Vicmaro

Jan. 6 Solemn foot procession from Fuente Osmena to the Basilica
Jan. 7 The Sinulog Foundation kicked off its activities with a mass and a parade from the church to the Cebu City Sports Complex (CCSC).
Jan. 8 Sinulog sa Kabataan - Lalawigan (province schools contingents)

Sinulog sa Kabataan - Lalawigan contingent
Photo by Ariel Aying Salupan

Jan. 9 Cebu City Marathon - the biggest event of its kind to hit Cebu

Aerial shot of the start/finish line
Photo by Arni Aclao of Sunstar Cebu/www.sunstar.com.ph

Sinulog sa Kabataan - Dakbayan (city schools contingents)
A separate presentation and contest, called Sinulog sa Kabataan (Youth) was held for the youth or the students, usually from public schools within the city and province. The winners get the chance to compete in the SINULOG contest on festival day.

Sinulog sa Kabataan - Dakbayan (city) contingent

Photo by H.Port

Sinulog sa Kabataan - Dakbayan (city) contingent

Photo by H.Port

Jan. 12 Miss Cebu 2011 was held at Waterfront Hotel and Casinos
Jan. 14 Walk with Mary (foot procession), followed by Traslacion

Motorcade of the image of Sto. Nino from the Basilica to St. Joseph Parish during the Traslacion
Photo by Vicmaro

Jan. 14 Judging and crowning of Sinulog Festival Queen 2011

2011 Sinulog Festival Queen
Photo by H. Port

Jan. 15 Fluvial Procession in the morning and Solemn (foot) Procession in the afternoon

Fluvial procession, also a re-enactment of the coming of the Spaniards to colonize Cebu
Photo by Vicmaro

Galeon and trade
Photo and text by Sunstar Cebu, Cebu's leading newspaper ( www.sunstar.com.ph)

Despite really heavy downpour, devotees stayed with the Sto. Nino all throughout the procession route
Photo by Sunstar Cebu, Cebu's leading newspaper (www.sunstar.com.ph)

Jan. 16 Feast of the Sto. Nino and the SINULOG Festival

The day starts with a Mananita Mass, followed by the Pontifical Mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Cebu Jose Palma. Again, despite heavy rain, the Basilica square was full of devotees honoring the Sto. Nino.

At the Cebu City Sports Complex, on the other hand, the Sinulog Festival and Grand Parade was declared open by 10am. The SINULOG is the cultural aspect of the feast, where contingents from all over the country perform Sinulog-based and free interpretation dances.

Photo by Vicmaro

The dance steps reflect movement of the sea, its tide and current. SINULOG comes from the word "sulog", a native word meaning sea current.

Photo by Vicmaro

The SINULOG originated as an activity to mimic the movement of the sea, and is basically a two-step forward and a step-backward routine. The sea is relevant in the coming of the Sto. Nino, being brought to Cebu on a galeon ship from Spain.

Photo by Vicmaro

There are many contingents vying to win the prestige of the contest. Since the prize money is usually not enough to cover the expenses of the contingents, it is believed that the performance is more of an offering and more for the prestige than the money.

Placer Masbate won (again!) the First Place in the Free Interpretation Category of the Sinulog Contest
Photo by Sunstar Cebu, Cebu's leading newspaper/www.sunstar.com.ph

The festivities last for more than a week. Nightly, there are activities in the city, both sponsored by the government and private sector. Except for the Miss Cebu pageant and the entrance at the Cebu City Sports Complex, where one gets a good view of the performances from the bleachers, almost all (if not all) activities during the period are FREE! One may not even purchase tickets for the grandstand, since the dancers and their props dance around the city in a carousel route. Watching from the streets gives one a chance to watch the performance for free, in addition to enjoying the festive atmosphere in the streets.

One only pays for hotel accommodation ($20-$100) and airfare or boat fare (depends on where you're from!) coming to Cebu, and the number of days stay in Cebu depends on one's budget. Average cost of meals in Cebu is from $2-$10 per person.

For Sinulog tips, go here.

PHL: CEBU 2011 Sinulog Festival "Grand Parade Route"

2011-01-16T08:24:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2011

Today is the Feast of the Sto. Nino, held every third Sunday of January in Cebu City Philippines. Today, a Mananita Mass was held at the Basilica. The Pontifical Mass at 6am was officiated by the newly installed Archbishop of Cebu, Jose Palma, his first mass at the Sto. Nino as an archbishop. Masses will be held every one-hour-and-a-half all throughout the day from 830am until 7pm, the last mass. After the last mass, the traditional Sinulog dance will be performed by devotees, young and old.

The archbishop also held mass at the Cebu City Sports Complex, where the SINULOG parade contingents will make the "greatest performance of their lives" before the judges. After the Mass, the Mayor of Cebu City and the President of the Republic of the Philippines, made a speech to the Cebuanos and the whole world and declared the SINULOG officially open.

Grand Parade Route (Source: www.sinulog.ph)

The SINULOG is the cultural aspect of the feast, where contingents from all over the country perform Sinulog-based and free interpretation dances. The dance steps reflect movement of the sea, its tide and current. SINULOG comes from the word "sulog", a native word meaning sea current. The SINULOG originated as an activity to mimic the movement of the sea, and is basically a two-step forward and a step-backward routine. The sea is relevant in the coming of the Sto. Nino, being brought to Cebu on a galeon ship from Spain. There are many contingents vying to win the prestige of the contest. Since the prize money is usually not enough to cover the expenses of the contingents, it is believed that the performance is more of an offering and more for the prestige than the money. There are also HIGANTES (giants) and FLOATS joining the parade route. Participants of contingents, higantes, and floats go around the city to dance and perform before the millions of revelers. The route is a carousel, where one ends in the designated starting area.

PHL: CEBU 2011 Feast of Sto. Nino "FLUVIAL AND FOOT PROCESSION"

2011-01-15T22:45:00.000-08:00

January 15, 2011

Today, two processions take place: FLUVIAL, from Ouano Wharf in Mandaue City, traversing sea towards Cebu City. On the spiritual aspect of the celebration, the fluvial procession takes the Sto. Nino, Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Joseph back to the Basilica, from St. Joseph Parish in Mandaue, where the Sto. Nino spent the night, one with the Holy Family (see Traslacion). On the cultural aspect, the FLUVIAL procession re-enacts the coming of the Spaniards on board galeon ships, in 1521, to colonize the island. The sight on the sea is very beautiful and extra-ordinary, as one does not see many ships sail together at the same time, everyday. The sea current called "sulog" is the word from where the SINULOG festival is coined after.

This ship is where the Sto. Nino rides with, as re-enactment of the galeon VICTORIA, Magellan's ship from Spain to the Cebu, when he brought the Sto. Nino image to Queen Juana

On the same day, in the afternoon, the Solemn Procession (on foot) was held around the city. The new archbishop of Cebu, archbishops and priests, were joined by millions of devotees during the procession. Despite heavy rain, the procession was as solemn as ever, devotees unfazed and ever faithful to the Sto. Nino. The procession route was said to be 7km-long, started 1pm and ended 530pm, right after which a Pontifical Mass was held at the Basilica. After the mass, the devotees performed the traditional Sinulog dance in front of the altar, even though drenched and wet from the rain.

Image of the Sto. Nino during the Solemn Procession, cordoned

Devotees and pilgrims joining the Solemn Procession, outside the cordoned area

PHL: CEBU 2011 Feast of Sto. Nino "Route of Solemn Procession"

2011-01-15T08:25:00.000-08:00

January 15, 2011

Today, Saturday, is the VESPERAS or the day before the feast of the Sto. Nino, two solemn processions will take place.

In the morning, a fluvial (at sea) procession, takes the Sto. Nino from St. Joseph Parish in Mandaue City, back to Cebu City. This happens a day after the Traslacion.

In the afternoon, a solemn foot procession takes the Sto. Nino around major parts of Cebu City. This year, the route goes:

Source: http://basilicasantonino.org.ph