One day at a time. One simple beautiful stay in Tayawan Negros Oriental.
As I stay longer in this place, there’s plenty of experiences to enjoy that don’t have to cost a single centavo. Walk around, feel the place and if you have the courage and want to gain pain then hike at your own risk at Bao-Bao Peak.
Bao-Bao Peak.
As COVID19 still exist, there’s a top destination that circulates on social media about this place ( Bao-Bao Peak) which intrigued me located at Sitio Mambunot, Barangay Tayawan, Bayawan Negros Oriental (lucky me, it is near to where I live – can’t be spending a single centavo haha). According to those who experience the place it can be traveled around more or less 1 hour from Bayawan City (30-45minutes hike to the peak).
Currently residing at Barangay Tayawan, we had a long walked and hike from Purok 4 to Sitio Mambunot with my buddies.
We woke up early (3:30am) and we prepared ourselves to get ready for a trek. We are not familiar about this place. No guide. We are just excited to conquer this place haha! We started walking the rough roads of Tayawan with no lights at all. It’s about more or less one hour we reached the foot of the Bao-Bao Peak, we are not familiar which way to take going up….It’s really our lucky day we’ve seen a house and ask the owner the right way going up (as expected people in the province woke up early).
We just noticed that a lot of motorcycles parked in front of that house. According to the locals that we encountered on the way there’s a lot of people already going up earlier than us (we just decided to take other path rather than following the trail to avoid crowd at the peak).
Bao-Bao Peak is not yet purely developed destination and as I said earlier in my post, hike at your own risk because you have to take good care of your own self while hiking and when you reach the top of the peak, no one will remind you to be careful. You will be responsible for your own self as a tourist, visitor or as a hiker.
As the sun started to rise, we start running up even though we’re already catching our breath just to see and witness the sunrise. We didn’t follow the path of that peak. Instead, we take alternative route(avoiding the crowd at the peak). We didn’t follow the path we make our own trail haha! We take up the highest point, it has a small tower, some animals like dogs(barking on us), carabaos and cows eating grasses (we are on the other side of the peak).There’s a small house/camp too.
Wow! I am speechless when I reached the top! Breathtaking. Peaceful. The calmness of the environment is amazing. After a long walked, I felt I was on top of the world….
When reaching the top, I felt like I was on cloud nine. That experience, relaxing and spectacular view. You can feel and gaze up the sea of clouds.
It is advisable to visit the peak at around 4am-5:30am to see/catch the sea of clouds and witness the beautiful sunrise.
Looking forward to explore and discover more the hidden treasures of Negros Oriental.
P. S. Please don’t leave any kind of trash to protect our mother nature.Just leave your footprints and take only memories.
Negros Oriental is a province in the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. Its capital is the City of Dumaguete. It occupies the southeastern half of the large islands of Negros and borders Negros Occidental.
Just moved in Tayawan – Bayawan, Negros Oriental, due to crisis (COVID19 Virus) my fortune takes me in this place and I didn’t expect that this will be my second home.
Barangay Tayawan
I’ve always wanted to stay in the province because its calmer/peaceful, more relaxing and away from the busy/noisy city (maybe to have my retirement here someday). Living in the province was always been my dream, to have my own family and spent the rest of my life (crossed fingers).
Negros Oriental was never been my dream place but now I am here. This is not final but we’ll see, time can tell haha!
I haven’t had the chance to explore the entire place yet because of this new normal, but I can say now that this place is awesome and starting to love it here.
In my location (Tayawan, Bayawan), it is 62 miles away from Dumaguete City(Capital of Negros Oriental)-“City of Gentle People” (#DARETOBETHERE soon).
Bayawan City, it is a 2nd class city in Negros Oriental. It has two climate seasons, the dry season (January to May) and the wet season (June to December).
The main revenues of Tayawan, Bayawan come from land farming, livestock production, aqua-culture activities and marine fishing.
According to the Asian Institute of Management, the city was recognized as “one of The 10 Best Cities to Live In” in the Philippines (small cities category) under its Competitive Cities Survey 2007.
Walking around Bayawan Boulevard, it is a coastal highway where you can see the beautiful scenery of the city. There are a lot of sprouted establishments along the boulevard catering the needs of the guests or those who might want to have a walk or have a goodtime. But, as the COVID19 still exist and the place was still under General Modified Community Quarantine few establishments are open just like in Maricel’s Place located at the boulevard. We had our lunch with the awesome view of the sea, chitchat then ordered food.
After lunch we leisurely walk into the market and sight-seeing in the boulevard after a heavy meal.
Bayawan (Beach) Boulevard
After that we went to the city center to explore the small town of Bawayan, buy some toiletries and other stuff. Before going back to where we lived(Tayawan), we stopped over on one of the local restaurant “MOONBEEZ”. We are lucky on that day because we’re the only people (4 of us) who was there so we take the chance to have selfies and enjoy the place on our own space. They serve good food, pastries, cakes and others.
MOONBEEZ Restaurant Bayawan City
Bayawan City also have the “Tawo-Tawo Festival” which is yearly celebrated but we didn’t have the chance to witness that festival due to this COVID19 Virus. Tawo-Tawo means scarecrow. (I just seen this signage Tawo-Tawo Festival at the plaza while on our way to the boulevard).
Bayawan City, Plaza
P.S. Bayawan Negros Oriental is a beautiful place to explore, still a lot to dicover but we need to be very careful as the COVID19 still exist and strict protocols are implemented. Some local tourist spots are already open but health and safety are our priority during this time.
Hello there from Negros Oriental, Philippines. Rainy season right now and staying in the province makes me feel so bored staying inside the house. My itchy feet trying/ forcing me to go out and explore under this hard rain. But instead, just watching the rain drops on the ground and watching those animals running into their own shelter……
Chilly surroundings after the rain makes you feel the calm environment and thinking to begin new habits and set fresh goals.
Always praying that life will be beautiful again soon (back to normal and be abnormal again, I hate this new normal). Always think positive and focus on the things that helps you live your best life, enjoyable life, more hopes/dreams and bring out your hidden power to live the life you wanted.
Creating simple thoughts of your past and remembering the good and memorable memories with your family will make you feel happier and healthier.
Reminiscing shared memories and experiences with your family (my greatest love of all), miles away with love will bind us together.
The love of a family is life’s greatest blessing so we must give more importance/effort. Best memories are made with love. Give time and show them that we truly loved them no matter what (long distance relationship with my fam huhuhu).Making connections with them(family) will link your never ending love.
Family will always give the best love, encouragement and support in order to help us make life more meaningful and gives us the eagerness to continue the amazing journey on the road of life…..
Just remembering our family trip to the lowlands just before the C19 Virus (it was unforgettable and desperately missing those days). My family was blessed to be able to explore San Fernando and Bauang La Union and other places before the pandemic hits the Philippines.
#DareToBeThere at Editha’s Residencia. It is a small private beach garden resort where you can enjoy, chill and relax with your family and friends with privacy. It is a small but cozy garden beach resort owned by a family where you can enjoy the homey atmosphere. This resort has Bungalow Cottages, Gazebo and small Kubo Cabanas where you can enjoy that tropical experiences!
Chill and relax with this cozy homey atmosphere. With my mother (who hates the camera), my niece and my older sister. With my gorgeous niece. Precious moments.
If you are looking for other beach resorts and want to do a beach resort hopping, there’s a lot just around the corner. Just like the Long Beach Resort, Bali Hai, TripleAAA Mountain Resort, Flores Beach Resort and many more.
#DareToBeThere at Halo-Halo De Iloko located at Zandueta St. San Fernando La Union. A restaurant that reminds you of what family is all about. It is an ancestral home turned into restaurant serving traditional Filipino cuisine. It is indeed a must visit, it’s not only the Halo Halo but the traditional food they serve and the ambiance itself. Enjoy the food and feel at home because it is surrounded by antique furniture, different decors and its charming rustic interior. When we visited this restaurant we didn’t mind the long lines, we patiently waited to experience the dose of Ilocano culture through their food.
Yehey! Happy moments with my mom. Fried Halo HaloWe didn’t mind the long lines.
Before going back to Baguio City, #DareToBeThere at The Grape Farm.It is a must try grape picking straight from the vines. We enjoyed picking grapes even the kids (niece and nephew) was so happy. We also experience wine testing. Different kinds of wine like bugnay wine and of course the grape wine. In this farm they are also offering different kinds of local products like peanut butter, jams, and other items. We had our Grape picking experience at Orpilla-Obando Grape Farm.
There are five other grape farms in Bauang:Lomboy Grape Farm, Calica Grape Farm, Gapuz Grape Farm, Manguerra Grape Farm and Orpilla-Estigoy Grape Farm. All farms offer pick and pay for their grapes and the best time to visit the site is during summer(harvest season).
Orpilla-Obando Grape Farm with my sister & family.
We had so much fun during the trip…. Memorable. Wonderful!
P.S. As Covid19 Virus hits the entire Philippines please support local products and local destinations to help small businesses and tourism here in the Philippines.
Oslob is one of the most visited beach area in Cebu because of its famous whale shark watching site (locally known as “Butanding”, ) . It is also one of the most beautiful rock formations in South of Cebu, rich in natural seascape and its beautiful refreshing scenery.
Cangcuay Beach resort is considered paradise for me because of its scenic attractions and crystal clear water beach. It is also accessible and affordable. The entrance fee is fair enough because you can use their cottages with no additional fee (first come, first serve basis) and no corkage fee but clean as you go policy.
Things To Do:
* Whale shark watching ( cost 1000 pesos each person, not allowed to touch the giant creature because it’s a criminal offense) , diving and feeding (center of controversy).
* Island hopping tours just like exploring the 24 hectares amazing Sumilon Island located in the southeastern edge of Oslob, Cebu.
* Try kayaking in Sumilon Island Lagoon. Anyone can try this because it doesn’t need full level skills on this kind of sports.You can try it on your own or with a buddy.
* You can also join a cave tour ( so sad because we didn’t have the chance to join the team) which are believed to be the hiding place of ill gotten wealth of former Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos. There’s also a statue of Virgin Mary which turns as a groto and many people go to pray.
How to get there:
Location is in Brgy.Tan awan, Cangcuay, Oslob, Southern part of Cebu.
3- 4 hours away from the city (you can navigate on google maps search Tan awan / Cangcuay Beach Resort)
By bus- from South Bus Terminal near Emall, ride a Ceres bus going to Bato Oslob. Fare is most likely 150-200 pesos one way/pax. The resort is located along the highway you can just tell to bus driver or conductors to drop you off.
Rates & Other Information’s:
Day (10AM-5PM)- 150 pesos per adult / 100 per kid
Night (5PM onwards) – 300 pesos per adult / 200 pesos per kid
Over Night Stays:
Standard room: 2,500 pesos per night, good for 2 pax with breakfast
Deluxe room: 4,500 pesos per night, good for 2 pax with breakfast
Masters bedroom: 6,500 pesos per night, good for 2 pax with breakfast
Camping fee: 150 pesos/head (bring your own tent)
Tent A: 450 pesos/ head, good for 4-6 person with complete set of beddings including pillows and blankets
Tent B: 600 pesos/head good for 2 persons with complete set of beddings including pillows and blankets
Excess for room: 750 pesos per pax inclusive of breakfast
Check in 2PM/ check out: 12NN the day
Swimming Gears:
Life jacket 50 pesos
Snorkel 100 pesos
Floater 200-400 pesos (for sale)
NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without notice.Please message or contact Cangcuay Beach Resort or also known as Villa Modern Deluxe Resort for more updated details.
Contact numbers: 0917-621-7009 (Vilma Fernandez)
Email address: vilma.fernandez44@yahoo.com.ph
Online booking:link and search for “Villa Modern Deluxe Oslob”
Yay! My beautiful hometown. When will I see you again?
The summer Capital of the Philippines, also known as the “City of Pines”. It is the summer capital because of its cooler weather comparing to other regions of the Philippines.
Baguio became part of UNESCO’s Creative City in October 31, 2017.The first city in the Philippines to join in the list.
Baguio is the TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Destination Awards (Asia Category) in 2011 The city is included being among the top 25 destinations in Asia.
Burnham Park, Mines View Park, Teachers Camp, The Mansion and Baguio Cathedral are among the top tourist sites in Baguio.
Burnham Lake January 2020, Burnham LakeBurnham Park December 2019.Photo by Gina May. August 2020, New normal. Baguio Cathedral, January 2020 pic with my family.
Baguio City is highly urbanized city located in Benguet.
The city is in the mountainous area of Northern Luzon, Philippines. The area is located approximately 4,810 feet (1,470 meters) above sea level, cited as 1,540 meters (5,050feet) in the Luzon tropical pine forests ecoregion, which also makes it conducive for the growth of mossy plants, orchids and pine trees.Wikipedia.
It was established as a hill station by the United Sates in 1900 at the site of an Ibaloi village known as Kafagway. It was the United States only hill station in Asia.
The city is a major center of business, commerce, and education in northern Luzon, as well as the location of the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Due to its cool climate and history, Tourism is one of Baguio’s main industries. It is one of the country’s top tourist destinations.
The people from the lowlands prefer to have their vacations or holidays in Baguio City to experience cold temperatures they rarely have in their home provinces. Most people spend Holy week, breaks and holidays with their families and relatives.
One of Baguio’s highlight is the Panagbenga Festival (means The Flowers in Bloom) which is celebrated every month of February. During this festival people from other regions visit Baguio and flocks in the city, it doubles the number of people during those months.
Note: Due to Covid19 virus the Panagbenga festival 2020 has been suspended because of the strict protocols of safety measures in the city. Baguio is one of the model city in fighting this covid19 virus. According to the news, Baguio is eyeing to open for tourist this coming September 2020.For more information http://www.gobaguio.com/
You have Victory Bus Liner located in Pasay in EDSA/712 EDSA brgy 143 Zone 15, Pasay CityNumbers( 02) 833 5019/02 553 8815. Cubao terminal in Quezon City,Caloocan Monumento and Sampaloc. The buses run 24-hour service.For more details https://www.victoryliner.com/
Travelling from Manila to Baguio usually takes 6 hours but we have new express lanes route. TPLEX.Buses and private cars can already take 3 hours to see the Treasures of Baguio City. Victory Liner usually takes the DAU exit located at NLEX or Concepcion exit located at SCTEX.Usually makes one stop at Sison Pangasinan. Their executive buses don’t have stop over because they have their restrooms inside and offer some goodies.
The Tarlac Pangasinan La Union Expressway is now open. Travel time from Manila to Baguio is now reduced from 6 hours to only 3 hours. Photo by DOTr.
Another is Genesis Bus found in Cubao EDSA cor. New York Street and in Avenida in Doroteo Jose cor. Oroquieta St. They also have the JOYBUS buses.For more details https://www.phbus.com/genesis-bus/
Usually the bus ticket cost depends on bus company but most likely 450 pesos per person.
From Manila to Baguio usually takes 6-7 hours before but now we a new route via TPLEX usually takes 3-4 hours depends on the driver haha.
Since Baguio City is located in Benguet I would like also to include La Trinidad Benguet where you can experience strawberry picking.
La Trinidad strawberry farm is located in town of Betag La Trinidad Benguet Philippines, owned and maintained by the Benguet State University (BSU). Strawberries are an important part of La Trinidad’s economy with the strawberry Festival held in the town every March.
Have you experience to have a trip without any plans at all? You just decided to pack bags and go?
Unplanned plans will be one of the best memorable journeys. It is more challenging, it cures boredom, it could turn stress into happiness, expect the unexpected, you learn how to explore and discover new things/places and you can be more creative in different ways to survive on the road. Best memories happen when it’s unplanned.
You will be on the place you’ve never been before and you will experience things you never do in your entire life…. you will be lost but it will give you the feeling of satisfaction.
Philippines is known of its beautiful tourist attractions and one of the best to go to unwind is the beach. Visiting the beach is part of summer vacations for many people.
The vast ocean has its own beauty that we can never resist.The beach is one of the chance to be away from stress and to avoid unforeseen circumstances.
This is the chance to spend more time with friends, relatives, family and even neighbors that you hate the most who have the guts to join the trip (peace) haha!
A chance to enjoy the sand, water and sun rising and setting off the horizon. The beach has its own natural beauty, calming and peaceful effect on your mind. It also improves person’s mood, relieve stress and anxiety.
Before the CoVID-19 strikes we had an unforgettable memories and moments with friends. We never expect that this beach hopping (CORDING CORDING according to a friend going to the beach without paying entrance fees haha!) will be the last thing to do before the lock down due to CoVid pandemic.
We are still lucky to enjoy the summer of 2020, we had a good time in different beach nearby provinces of Cebu Philippines. Cebu was being known for its beautiful beaches but we just spent time nearby just to glimpse the local beautiful scenery of the province.
Travelling with friends is always a good idea to have fun, make memories together, more secure with numbers, more planning tips/ ideas to develop and contribute while on the road.
Every friends we have has individual differences. Some are funny, makes funny moments even the topic is serious and interrupts the conversation in a funny way. Serious one – well I think that’s me, but sometimes funny in corny way haha! Quiet person – a good listener, observant and just keep on smiling to give reactions on what you say. Talkative–a friend who talks too much without thinking of what is coming out on his/her mouth.(sometimes I’m irritated to this kind of people, peace) and others are just going with the flow.
Different behaviors and characters of every person when travelling will make the journey more memorable and memories unforgettable.
In a group of friends (we call it barkada) we always do sharing in expenses so we can buy foods, rent videoke box(we love singing even not in tune – sintonado in tagalog), gasoline bills – we usually use private car and other expenses.
COMPOSTELA BEACH
Our first destination. Feel and chill at compostela. According to the geography, Compostela is bordered on the north by the city of Danao, to the west by Cebu City. Estimated time is 1 hour from Cebu to compostela by private car (depends on traffic).
There’s a lot of private beach resorts in this area where you can break away get away from the city of Cebu. This place is one of the most visited beach becuase it is just an hour away from the busy and hectic life in the city. This is perfect for family bondings/outings, romantic get aways, or just a break/holiday.I will not recommend any beach resorts in this place because we just spent an hour and we didn’t have the chance to enter in this resorts (we don’t want to pay entrance fees haha) but there’s a lot of beautiful resorts around the corner.
First thing we did when we reach compostela Beach, we eat our food packs “baon”. Had one hour swimming, run around the ground, take photos and videos, feel the beautiful and peaceful scenery of the place. Due to unlimited time we need to pack up so we can move and see other part of Cebu province.
DANAO
Second destination, Danao, a third class in the province of Cebu. There’s a lot of things to do in this place just like climbing peaks, hiking mountains and others but we didn’t have a chance to do those adventures because this is not part of our trip. I hope someday we will have a chance and more time to do trekking for more experiences and fun.We have an unplanned plan so during the trip we are always in a hurry to see the different beaches on the province. I can say that this is the craziest things we did this 2020.We don’t even know how to spend and budget our time wisely.
CARMEN
Carmen is Home to famous Cebuanos during the Spanish period but I will not talk about history here haha. This popular place has its natural water resources including falls, streams and rivers. You can try to visit the place so you can enjoy its nature and attractions. We enjoyed the natural views of the sea and rest under the coconut tress. We had fun playing basketball under the shades of the coconut trees. This is one of the most unforgettable beach hopping because all of us had our own space.Spent time in our own. Do whatever we want to do in a limited hours.
Some are playing basketball, reading books, others listening music while talking to their friends/family on social media…… and don’t forget about me – enjoying the view of the beautiful sea, feeling the sweet natural sounds around me,watching the waves of the ocean and playing stones/pebbles on the seashore.
This is what I call life-away from the noisy and busy city.
What a day trip.It is a time well spent. Before going back to the busy city of Cebu, we had a stopover at one of the selfie Corner on the top of the hills. We never expect that it’s too far from the route that we supposed to follow. One of our friend (driver) had a wrong turn so we just decided to proceed and see what’s on that place. It’s almost 2 hours on the wrong way and don’t know where to go. It’s good some locals helped us to reached that unknown destination. At last we’re here, yehey….. Selfie! Selfie! Selfie!
Collect beautiful memories everyday because we don’t know how much time we have left. It can be good or bad. Unpleasant or embarrassing ones, still a moments to remember and a moments to share. These memories makes us stronger, wiser and it inspired us to grow better and makes us more positive as we move forward in life.
Unplanned plans will always be the best way to make friendship grow, trust each other more and that friends will become a family. We may encounter ups and down but if you find true friends that will stick around, then you are the luckiest one.
All the memories we had with true friends will be cherished as we go along our separate ways.
In every walk in with nature one receives far more than he seeks. – John Muir-
It’s more than two months of quarantine, I thank God that I am still alive and kicking.
I had a good walk with my buddy despite of bad weather at the Boy Scout of the Philippines camp. I love connecting with the nature. It deepens my spiritual relationship with it and it gives me more positive views on life despite of those hard times that the world is facing now.
Having connection with nature makes me feel healthier and more focused on positive sides of life. Despite of this negative news about what’s happening around us, we need to balance happiness, satisfaction and contentment.
All of us now are encountering difficulties in life but we should not focused to it. We need to be more positive by reflecting on nature.
According to Dr. Qing Li the author of the Forest Bathing, the sounds of the forest, the scent of the tress, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the fresh, clean air-these things gives us a sense of comfort. They ease our stress and worry, helps us to relax and to think more clearly.
Being with nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us.
Simple being with nature brings you closer to our spirit, relieve all the pain we feel, increases pleasant feelings and reduces anger, fear and stress.
Moving away from the city to the province even you are not sure of your next step….
Need to begin a new life in this hard times and I know change can be scary but it doesn’t mean that it will be the endpoint.
Starting a new beginning is a big challenge for us especially in this hard times of pandemic.
I am hoping that this new life journey will agree on us so we can embrace a new perspective, a fresh look at the future and all the wonderful possibilities it holds.
I Always feel positive and grateful.
Never give up, focus on new things and make life more meaningful.
I always have a doubt in myself because of my mental and emotional anxiety but I need to be strong and keep going.
As I start the new chapter of my life,I need to be determined-keep moving foward and never look back to see the good side even though we are in tough situations.
I will make sure that this new beginning will be exciting and will never focus on the negative effect of this COVID-19 pandemic.
I dare myself to be ready, prepared and willing to accept all the challenges and difficulties in this tough times.
I believe that it will not be the end, just slow down and everything will be fine.
Focus in making priceless memories and do unforgettable moments to share even if we are facing crisis due to this epidemic.
A new chapter to begin and make it unforgettable photographic memories and experiences.
I will entrust everything to our Almighty God that he will guide me, give me more strength and lead me to the right directions, give me more knowledge and wisdom along the way.
I believe that life will be beautiful again soon.
“Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.” – Earl Nightingale –
JZANVybz 