Siquijor TravelSeries : Kagusuan Beach

I love beaches, there's no denying. Siquijor is known for white sand beaches and I wouldn't pass the opportunity to explore this wonderful place.

Getting to Kagusuan Beach is a bit tricky; no signages from the main road and uncleard path (it seemed like we had to pass a little forest like the ones you see on Alice in Wonderland).  I swear you'd get lost if you'd be travelling at night. You have to climb down a narrow concrete pathway before getting to the beach. Good thing our guide is excellent at his job. 

Siquijor TravelSeries : San Isidro Labrador Church and Lazi Convent

I am into old churches and getting to the old town of Siquijor which is rich in culture and heritage, visiting centuries-old churches is a must.

Our next stop after the fish spa experience at the Enchanted Old Balete Tree was the San Isidro Church in Lazi. 

The church according to history was built in 1884 by the Spaniards using coral stones and hard wood. It was beautiful from the outside, much like  my province's century-old church in Baclayon. 

I feel in-love with the church's belfry. The way ferns and weeds flourished among its stone walls made the whole scenery beautiful.

Siquijor TravelSeries : Salagdoong Beach

Salagdoong  Beach in Maria, Siquijor is good for thrill-seekers and daredevils.  A cliff-jumping site located at one of the cliffs were manned by the local police and lifeguards to ensure safety of the tourists.  There's also a man-made slide on the other side of the developed cliff.

 The water is surprisingly clear, you could even see what's underneath.

Siquijor TravelSeries : Cambugahay Falls

Second tier of  Cambugahay Falls 

The next stop of our Siquijor island tour is the majestic Cambugahay Falls. Just a few meters from the San Isidro Labrador Church lies the magnificent view of a clean and cool waterfalls.

Siquijor TravelSeries : Enchanted Old Balete Tree

The centuries-old enchanted balete tree is one of the famous tourist destinations in the island.  The tree believed to be about 400+ hundred years old. The way its roots and branches covered the main tree gives off an eerie feeling to the visitors.  

        

                                       

The tree stood as high as about 20 meters which provides a cool shade to tourists. Balete trees are known to hold  mysteries like homes of the mystical  tikbalang (horse demon) or huge bearded-smoking kapre which resides on huge and old trees. This 400-year old tree is known to be the biggest and oldest  in Siquijor. 

Siquijor TravelSeries : Lugnason Falls

       

Lugnason Falls was the first stop of our journey in exploring the majestic island of Siquijor.  Situated about a few kilometers from San Juan  highway, getting there was challenging. 

After a about 15 minutes in a tricycle, we were greeted by locals who accompanied us to the waterfall. We had to walk a steep, rocky walkway down to the falls. The local who acts a lifeguard would assist you. In order for you  to get to the waterfall basin, you got to walk down in a man-made steps to enjoy the cool water. 

I have a thing with waterfalls; it's like a drug to me.  Its roaring sound is like music to my ears, the water mist that greets me makes me happy. The waterfall is made up of limestone  to which I learned that it  is multi-tiered and is newly-opened for public. 

Where to Stay when in Siquijor : The Bruce Luxury Private Cottages

Getting to Siquijor is very tiring. I remember getting on a Ceres bus from Cebu to Liloan, Santader port at 2:30am in the morning and  arriving at the mystical island of Siquijor by 11:00am, the exhaustion was overwhelming that lying in bed was the first thing on my mind that day.

Most of the resorts are found at the coastal area of San Juan. Our guide was kind enough to introduced us at The Bruce  Luxury Private Cottages. We checked in at a cottage (P1,200)  fronting the beach, non-aircon, with hot and cold bath, built-in kitchen and a veranda.  

Things To Do In South Cebu

I fell in love with South Cebu
Tumalog Waterfalls, Aguinid Falls, Kawasan Falls, Oslob Beach,Cangcuaay Beach, Oslob Whaleshark Watching

I felt the sudden need to travel.  I was longing for the beach and a lot of trekking. I was packing my things with one destination in mind : South Cebu.

I've been living in the wonderful island of Cebu, my second home where I spent most of my time after college graduation. It would be a shame that I won't be able to explore this paradise before I die. Together with Mark, along with his brother Mario and girlfriend Lica, we are about to find out what South Cebu has in store for us. 

Be with someone who comes from a broken family

Children from a broken family are often misunderstood. Judged as being different, some people taught they are difficult to deal with. Though statistically speaking, children who came from a broken family manifest disturbing behaviors growing up. Though it takes time, some of them managed to prove themselves that being in a broken family is a blessing, not a curse.

And here’s some of the positive side of them.

Camiguin : The Island Born of Fire

Mt. Hibok-hibok, an active volcano seen along the highway of Camiguin

February 20, I had to wake up early for an early flight to the Island Born of Fire, Camiguin.

After about 45 minutes, a bit earlier than the usual arrival via Cebu Pacific RP-7252, a twin-engine ATR brought us from Mactan Cebu Aiport to Mambajao Airport. It was a fine sunny day, perfect for exploring the island we picked for a  two-day vacation. We had arranged our place to stay at Pabua's Cottages at Yumbing Mambajao, about 10 to 15 minutes away from the airport and a walking distance from the port to the White Island.   

Day 1 was intended for the island tour and our local guide, Kuya Jojo Ocular (09059566288) was kind enough to show us around some of the top tourist spots in the island. He picked us up at the airport and have ourselves checked-in at Pabua's and off we went to the usual spots in Camiguin. Our tour started at about 8:00AM and ended about 4:00PM. All tourist destinations in the island are maintained by the local government so the entrance fee to each spots only costs about P30 to P50 per person. The places were much different from the other Philippine spots I've visited, could have  improved but it gave me a feeling of being in an island untouched by commercialization, an island protected by locals. You may click the links of the featured spot for full photos. 

First Stop : SUNKEN CEMETERY  

Amazing Sunken Cemetery 

The community cemetery which sunk during the 1871 volcanic eruption lies below the marked cross in Catarman. By the viewing deck, the sea was a bit calm and when the clouds cleared up from a cloudy-state, I took a lot of photos of the cross and it produced a lot like this. The dramatic Sunken Cemetery's aura captured my heart.

Go Slow

photo by Sky Lacea, Hwaseong, South Korea

Why going slow helps you get through Life?

Monday. As I was enjoying my usual cup of coffee, some people I’ve been working with seem to be in a stressful mode. So stressful that it affects me. I have come to realize that sometimes, the faster we try to go, the slower we can go. This leads to the usual frustrations, stress and restlessness.

So why “going slow” helps us to get through Life?

The New You for the New Year

(photo credit : Sky Lacea, Instagram)

New year. Fresh start. New beginnings. New challenges. New  you.

People may  be  tired of hearing the words "new year resolutions", an overrated words most people use every time a new year approaches. But hey, making  new year resolutions is not that bad though, after all, keeping and maintaining your promises are  reflections of your character.   This year, I won't use those words but just listing out a few improvements or easily doable bucketlist for the incoming year and these would sum up in four words --- Enjoy.  Improve. Convenience. Explore.