I don’t know in your country, but in the Philippines, Christmas has been on the air since last month. Christmas lights are everywhere. We hear Christmas songs played on the radio. Big department stores already have their annual holiday sale.
Most Filipinos are Christians with about three-fourth of the population being Catholics. This is the reason why Christmas is a very important holiday in our country.
In the Philippines, we observe Christmas between the months of September and February. Now, that’s a long celebration, don’t you think? We start our preparation for the Yuletide season on the first week of September. We start counting down the days ’til December 25.
At home, during the first week, my mom would retrieve the Christmas tree that we’ve been using for four years. She would then assemble it in the living room and decorate it with an old Christmas light which some bulbs are already not working. She does not want to replace it with a new one because according to her, it’s not necessary. She used to tell us that Christmas is not all about the ornaments but our family to celebrate it together. Because of this, I always make sure to come home every Christmas eve.
Here are some Christmastide traditions we have in the Philippines that every Filipinos always come home to:
— Christmas caroling (singing Christmas carols in your neighbors’ front door and receive some treats)
— Misa de Gallo – a novena of dawn Masses from December 16 to 24 (Christmas Eve)
— Noche Buena (when the family gathers together to eat and share some food)
— Christmas parties and exchanging gifts
— parol (lanterns made from bamboos, woods or recycled materials)
How about you? How do you celebrate the Yuletide season in your place?
Hello, everyone! This post is my second entry to Just Filipino category on my blog. For more information about the qualities of a Filipino, you can click on the category located on the right side of my blog or you can also make use of the search area. 🙂
Pointing with our lips is another distinct quality of us Filipinos. Don’t misinterpret a man or a woman puckering his or her lips to be asking for a kiss. Or else you’ll be in trouble.
We usually point with our lips when giving quick directions. When someone asks for a certain place, we just pucker our lips towards the direction and say “Over there, the next corner.” And please be warned: it means what you’re looking for is quite far from where you are. 😀
Sometimes, when we want to say that something but we are embarrassed to say it aloud, (say something is on your head or shoulder, or your fly is open) we just point with our lips with our eyebrows raised to make you aware of it.
Knowing some of these gestures doesn’t hurt. It’s better to be aware of these to keep yourself from trouble. 🙂
Anyway, ’til next time. Stay in touch to know more qualities of a Filipino. Keep safe!
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. ~ John Muir
Last weekend, we planned to climb the highest mountain peak in the northern Cebu, but the weather got on our way. It would be very dangerous for us to climb because it was slippery and we’re afraid of landslides. As much as we want it, but we had to choice but to cancel our plan.
However, our feet really itched for an adventure. So, we decided to have a dip in a cold spring instead.
Situated in Barangay Corte, Carmen, Cebu is a place where one could take a dip in a cold spring in the middle of a rainforest. I’m talking about Durano Eco Farm Spring and Resort.
If you’re someone who is sick of chlorinated water and wants a natural one that flows from a cold spring, then this place is perfect for you. The water is flowing and not stagnant. After all, there is no refreshing feeling more than soaking your body in the cold, clean water. 🙂
The gang arrived!
How to get there:
Take a bus from Cebu North Bus Terminal, (all northbound buses will pass by the municipality of Carmen) so you can take any of them. Tell the driver’s assistant (konduktor) to drop you off at Carmen Public Market. The fare is 40pesos. When you get off, a swarm of motorcycle drivers will offer you a ride to your destination. Tell them to take you to Durano Eco Farm. The fare is 35pesos.
Once you get there, you have to pay an entrance fee of 60pesos for adults and 30pesos for kids. You can also book your preferred accommodation like cottages, tables or a tree house. Yes, you read it right. You can also stay in a tree house which is also available for overnight use.
One of the cottages and the kids’ pool.
From the reception area, you have to descend towards the swimming area. You will hear the sound of the water flowing and feel the tranquility of life in the middle of the forest.
Kids’ pool.
Activities: The place is not only perfect for friends but also for family bondings as well. The resort has pools of various depths. Kids can have their own time at the two kiddie pools located on the upper part. From there, the water flows down to the adult’s pool, from 4ft to the 12ft.
Ace’s dive!
Team building can also be done in the farm. They have enough space to do team building activities. That is if you’re sick of doing it on the beach.
Ya!
There is also an adjacent river which you can opt to trek. Just be cautioned that the rocks are slippery and the flow of the water is a bit rough. It’s also dangerous to trek it on a rainy weather because of the possibility of a flood.
Green, green, green.
Look at our faces. 😀
Abby, Louise and yours truly.
Your eyes will be amazed at the wonderful rock formations along the way. And you would surely be more in love with nature and swear to yourself to come back.
Awe!
Here’s a photo of me not getting enough of all the wonders.
Me trying to take in all the positive ions. 😀
If the plan does not work, change the plan but never the goal.
Things don’t always go our way, but if we learn to look at them from another perspective, they will surely lead us to something better. 🙂 Our climb to Mt Manghilao was maybe canceled but it did lead us here.
Feeling relaxed.
Thank you for reading ’til here. See yah on our next travel adventure. 😀
One distinct Filipino way of showing respect is using ‘po’ and ‘opo’. When addressing someone older or of higher rank, we affix “po” to the end of phrase or sentence. The word “po” alone does not have a meaning. But when added to a phrase, it shows formality and used as a sign of respect.
For example, “salamat” is thank you in Filipino. So we say, “salamat po” to an elderly if we want to say thank you.
“Opo” on the other hand, is used to affirm to an elderly. It’s like saying saying ‘yes Sir/Maam’.
For example, an elder asks you if you’re okay. You say, ‘opo’, if you are!
“mano po”
The picture above is another gesture of showing respect to our elders. This is our form of greeting or accepting blessing from them. It is similar to hand kissing, we bow and bring our elder’s hand to our forehead and say “mano po” at the same time. 🙂
So, what do you say? Can you share to us how you show respect and greet your elders in your country?
I’m happy to introduce to you a new category on Side by Side. It’s called Just Filipino. I’ll be sharing here 100 distinct qualities of a Filipino from positive to negative.
Let’s start here:
Filipinos(Filipino: Mga Pilipino) are a nation and ethnic group native to the Philippines that share a common Filipino culture and speak the Filipino language or one of the Philippine languages. According to the 2015 Census, there were 100,981,437 in the Philippines and about 10 million living outside the Philippines.
A number of Filipinos refer to themselves colloquially as “Pinoy” (feminine:“Pinay”), which is a slang word formed by taking the last four letters of “Filipino”and adding the diminutive suffix “-y”.
As mentioned, there are about 10 million Filipinos living outside the Philippines, which means they could be near you. However, most foreigners have difficulty recognizing us because we look physically similar to people from other Asian countries. So , yeah, how would you recognize a Filipino?
A tip from a friend: bring all your Asian friends to karaoke. The one who does not stop singing is the Filipino. 😀 Hahah.
I hope you’ll enjoy this category. I’ll see you then. 🙂
Last Sunday, amid our busy days, Ace and I got the chance to visit a colorful town in the Northern part of Cebu to attend my cousin’s christening. The place I’m talking about is Medellin, Cebu. It is 113 kilometers (70 mi) away from Cebu City.
You will know that you reached the town because of the colorful bridges and road signs. You will be welcomed by the shades of purple, green, orange and blue. Everything is just full of colors.
Here, take a look at their municipal hall.
Can you see me? LOL
I was very amazed because all government infrastructures are painted alike. I find it very unique and brilliant.
Public plaza
Unfortunately, I was not able to take a lot of pictures because Ace and I were touring the place by a motorbike. The weather was too hot to stop and take a shot. But, I tell you, the town is worth a visit.
After the christening in church, we stopped by this area.
Bridge of love.
They call this ‘the Bridges of Love’. You can easily see this because it’s by the dockside.
Despite the scorching heat of the sun, I couldn’t help but take a picture of myself here. Sadly, Ace was worried he might get burnt so here, let me just take a selfie. 😛
Across this colorful bridge is a cottage full of colors, too.
Ahh.. I would love to stay longer to explore the place and it’s hidden attractions but time didn’t permit. Anyway, we plan to visit it again after our wedding. And on that time, we will go to the fantastic island which everybody on the internet is talking about. Here, take a look.
It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves. ~Edmund Hillary
Osmeña Peak, achieved!
Climbing the highest peak of Cebu is one of my best achievement this year. So, this post goes to my climbing buddies — Niña, Mapril, Ate Edeza and Ace. If not because of them, reaching the summit of Osmeña peak would only remain a plan. I’ve been wanting to go there since 2014. But we never got a chance to do so, until last Sunday. It was the perfect gift for Labor day!
The starting point of the climb.
It was an unplanned adventure. While suffering from ‘i-feel-crazy-syndrome’, I posted that I wanted to go to O’peak as soon as possible but I don’t have a companion. Out of nowhere, my friend Mapril sent me a message on Skype saying she wanted, too. And so we agreed to go the next day.
We met in Jollibee, Hi-way at 12:30am. We then rode a taxi going to Cebu City South bus terminal. We’re able to catch the first bus trip bound to Oslob via Dalaguete at 1:30am. There was no traffic so the usual 2-3 hours ride became only an hour and a half. We arrived at the Mantalungon junction at 3:30. We rode a motorcycle to the public market which took 30 minutes. We chose to hike from the market to the peak because it was too early.
This photo was taken on our way back to Dalaguete.
Then, the epic failed hike. It was still dark and we forgot to bring flashlights with us. Fortunately, our phones have. But we got lost still. Thanks to the concerned motorcycle drivers who passed us. He told us that we’re on the wrong way. Gosh! We already walked far from the right trail. (facepalm) We just laughed it out and headed back to where the driver said the correct path.
I was the one who insisted to hike from the market instead of starting from foot of the mountain. I never expected it to be that exhausting. I was left behind and Ace was starting to complain about my slow pace. What shall I do? My knees were trembling and would eventually give up if I will force it to keep up with their pace. So, Ace took my backpack and carried it. Until we’re able to keep up with them. (Oh, thanks!)
It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop!
We could tell that we are near because of the thick fog, like almost zero visibility around. We met some locals who were heading to the church for the early morning mass. As we greeted them good morning, almost all of their answers is, “Good morning! Are you heading to O’peak? You’re very early!” Yeah, we are indeed!
The sun trying to shine amid the thick fog.
Despite being lost and my slow pace, the hike to the foot only took us one hour. So we reached the registration area at exactly 5:00am. After paying at the counter, we immediately started our trek because the sun is starting to break.
Look at the thick fog behind Ace.
And finally we reached the crest. And we’re able to catch the sunrise. Isn’t it beautiful to witness the rise of a new day?
Ace — the man who can’t be moved.
Look at those dirty toes. Hey! It’s worth the 4 kilometers hike.
Catching the sun rise.
The view from the top is just breathtakingly beautiful. It made us forget our struggle in reaching it. It’s just amazing that even these pictures don’t give justice.
Mantalungon mountain range.
Because of the fog around, the islands of Bohol and Negros is not visible in the camera. The fog would be gone around 7:30am.
Conquered!
We agreed to go down at 7:30 because we did not bring food with us. And it was starting to be crowded at the crest, too.
Happy faces? or Hungry faces?Feeling accomplished.
The next picture is rated SPG. Please proceed with caution. Hahah 😀
Excuse me.
It was a fun and exhausting labor day adventure. And I’m so glad I’m scratching another place on my travel bucket list. 🙂
VERDICT: Osmeña Peak, you gave me muscle pain, but I would climb you again. Achieved!
I hope you enjoyed this travel diary of ours. 🙂 ‘Til our next wanderlust. Keep safe!
Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So… get on your way! ~ Dr Seuss.
Osmeña Peak — the highest peak of Cebu is another place I scratched on my travel bucket list this year!!! We climbed the peak yesterday and I’m happy to share this travel guide for those who are planning to climb it.
Osmeña Peak, achieved!
Where is Osmeña Peak?
It is the highest peak among the Mantalungon mountain ranges. Nestled in the Municipality of Dalaguete, Cebu and rising approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in the island. It is named after the famous Osmeña clan of Cebu. It gives 360-degree view of Cebu coastline including the island of Bohol and Negros. Just a one to two-hour bus ride from the city.
Mantalungon range.
How to get there?
Assembly time: 12:30am (Why so early? Because we wanted to see the sunrise at the peak.)
You have to be at the Cebu City South Bus terminal and catch the bus going to Bato or Oslob via Dalaguete. We caught the first bus trip at 1:30am and arrived at Dalaguete and Mantalungon junction at 3:30am. (It was very early so there was no traffic, so we arrived early, too.) The fare is only Php101. Tell the driver’s assistant (konduktor) to drop you off at Dalaguete-Mantalungon junction.
You will be greeted by a swarm of motorcycle drivers who will offer you a ride to Mantalungon Public Market for Php50. They can also drive you up to the foot of the peak for Php100 pesos each. Since we arrived early, we decided to walk from the market.
The gang.
What to do there?
It is just a mountain peak, so there is nothing much to do there. But you will be captivated by the 360-degree view of the island and get to enjoy the sunrise with the foggy surrounding. (That is if you are early.) Prepare to be amazed how great is God’s creation. You can have range hopping if you want and just allow yourself to be one with the nature.
Others choose to camp there. There is a camping area set for those who wanted to stay overnight.
Where else to go?
Mantalungon is the vegetable basket of Cebu, so you can tour to the locals vegetable farms. In our case, we went to Dalaguete proper and proceed to Obong Spring.
Travel tips:
Travel light and bring a lot of water. Wear proper climbing attire especially your footwear. If you plan to stay overnight, bring your own tent and make sure to bring a thick jacket or coat to protect you from extreme cold. Beware of the drivers asking you more than the exact fare.
The lot to the crest is privately owned, thus there is a Php30 entrance fee. You can hire a tour guide at the registration area, but the trail to the peak is pretty established so we prefer not to. Just watch your steps. Remember that you are climbing a mountain, some rocks are lose.
And one more thing, wherever you go, always keep in mind the hiking rules ‘Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time and burn nothing but calories.’
I hope you find this travel guide helpful. 🙂 Stay tuned for my next post about our epic adventure to the summit. Keep safe!
Welcome to our Day 2 Camotes Island adventure. You may catch up our Day 1 adventure by clicking this. You can see the list of our expenses at the end of this post. 🙂
So, because it was just a weekend getaway, as much as we wanted to stay longer in the island, we couldn’t because we have to work the next day.
Ace set up his alarm at 6:00am, but I was already up as early as 5:00. I tried to wake him up, but his sleepy head refused to. I went out to check if the girls are already up. Here’s my morning view.
I could wake up to this everyday.
There were already few people in the beach. Just looking at the wide shore, made me want to start the day immediately. But wait, let’s see if Abby and Louise were already up.
Wake up, sleepy heads!
Uh-oh! Not yet. But because I was very excited to hit the beach, I woke them up. Heheh.. After doing so, I went back to our room to wake up the handsome guy. 🙂
We had our breakfast first. The girls wanted to eat some bread. There is a bakery shop nearby, so we took a walk and looked for it. Ace and I, by the way, ate our breakfast in a restaurant by the beach because I wanted to eat some rice.
Camotes Island is known for its beautiful white beaches. On our first day, we went to Mangudlong Rock Resort. But this time, we’re in Santiago White Beach.
Alright, so time to hit the beach.
The photo-bombing bamboo pole. Tsk.Oh dear, you don’t know how thick is the sun cream on my skin.Abby’s signature pose. LOL
The sun was scorching hot. Abby had her face done because of this pose. Haha.
Here’s Louise.
She didn’t want a close up shot. Wish granted.
Our handsome lifeguard.Volleyball.I don’t know how to play it, so the ball is just a prop. LOL 😛Oh!
Now, you know why I love this man. 😀
And why he loves me. 😛
Haha, so much for our love story.
Here’s a fact: Ace doesn’t know how to back float. We tried to teach him but he’s not a great student. Hahah.
Floating ladies.
It was already 9:30, and the sun’s heat was already unbearable.
Goodluck for the tans.
We agreed to stop swimming by 10 because it was already very hot… We went back to our resort and prepared our things because we have to be early at the port to buy our tickets. During peak seasons, tickets are usually fully booked an hour before departure time.
We were supposed to ride the 3pm boat going to Danao Port, but we learned that there is a 1pm ride. So we called Kuya James to pick us up so we can still buy tickets. Luckily, when we reached the port, the 11:30 boat was still there and tickets were still available. So, without second thinking, we agreed to board it. The bus left at exactly 12:00 instead of 11:30 because there were only few passengers. Crews said, it’s the afternoon ride which are usually loaded. Regardless to that, we’re happy to go home without any problems.
Leaving the island.Look who are tanned.
We love to stay longer but we have a work in the city the next day. So, maybe we can during our next visit. 🙂
‘Til we meet again, Camotes. Adios!
Here’s the list of our expenses (Ace and I shared budget but I’m writing an individual expenses for you) :
Day 1
Fare (Mandaue-Danao Port) – Php 30
Boat ticket (Danao-Camotes) – Php 180
Terminal fee – Php 5
Motorcycle fee (Php 600/2) – Php 300
Buho Rock Resort Entrance Fee – Php 20
Timubo Cave Entance Fee – Php 25
Lake Danao – Php 15
Kayaking Fee – Php 50
Paraiso Cave – Php 35
Mangudlong Rock Resort – Php 20
Day 2
Boat Ticket (Camotes-Danao) – Php 180
Terminal fee – Php 5
Pedicab to Danao Terminal – Php 15
Jeepney Fare (Danao to Mandaue) – Php 30
Other expenses:
Tent Rental – Php 350*
Aircon Room at Bella Vista Mare Resort – Php 1450*
* This is where we slept.
** Food expenses are not included here because we have different preferences. Rest assured, food in Camotes Island are of reasonable prices.
I hope you enjoyed our Camotes island adventure! ‘Til next travel! Keep safe. 🙂
As promised, a post about our Camotes island adventure. 🙂
DAY 1
Did you see the white beach yet?
Alright, so we caught the 8:30 ride going to Consuelo Port. While waiting for our ride, here’s some shots we had.
We’re about to board the boat. Yey!
Did you see the excited faces?
And of course, picture upon arrival. This is Abby’s first time to set foot on the island. She was very excited that she didn’t have a wink the previous night.
We were met by our tour guide who was also the girls’ driver — Kuya James. Then we proceed to check in in BellaVista Mare Resort. Abby and Louise chose to stay in a tent instead of renting a room. It’s a practical choice anyway.
This is the motorcycle that Ace and I are using.Their ride with Kuya James.
After leaving our bags in our room, we immediately started our island tour.
First stop is Baywalk, where we eat our lunch. It is located in the town of San Francisco. Their local market is there, too.
Foggy…no! The lens was dirty.Ace, what are you doing? You’re suppose to do the same pose. Hmp!We don’t know where we are going, but we are on our way. 🙂
After eating lunch and taking some photos at the park, our next stop is Buho Rock. This is where Ace, Louise and Abby jumped a 30ft cliff. I didn’t do it because I couldn’t rely on my swimming skills. tehehe
Buho Rock.Look at that magnificent view behind.
Here’s the three of them getting ready for their jump.
No, the one who is jumping behind is not me. 😛
Abby and Louise still had their energy level up after jumping the cliff, and I was still catching my breath for climbing that stairs…we moved to Timubo Cave.
The gang at Timubo Cave.
Did you see the shining stalactites and stalagmites? It’s very nice that they were preserved.
At the bottom of the cave (it’s going downwards), there’s a water which is 5ft deep when low tide and 6-7ft when high tide.
Ace taking a dip.
There were stories about the water inside the cave healing illness. 🙂 I told Abby to take a dip so her heartache will be healed. LOL
Next stop is Lake Danao Park. We had so much fun here. We had our kayaking experience and toured Kanlingiw Garden and Pool.
Lake Danao Park.
Kayaking time…Let’s see…
The gang. Struggling. LOLAceAbby and Louise.
How’s the burnt skin, people?
We were supposed to have horse back riding after kayaking, but we ran out of time. We needed to chase the sunset. 🙂
Nest stop is Paraiso Cave. Paraiso means “paradise” in English.
Where’s the cave? It’s behind us. 🙂
There is also a mini pool inside this Paraiso Cave, but we decide not to stay long because the sun is almost setting and we think, the water inside is not natural like the one in Timubo cave. 🙂
Our next destination is watching the sunset at Mangodlong Rock Resort. We came on the right time. The sun was about to set. So while waiting…let us relax our body.
Me, Louise and Abby.
After we had relaxed our exhausted bodies, it’s time to play. By play, I mean jump-shot…please… We tried the jumpshot for nth time but all failed. Hahah
Jump what?
After trying to perfect our jump-shot we decided to give up. But wait, here’s Ace trying to carry me with the sunset background. I’m so proud of him because he was able to bear my weight. LOL
Sunset at Mangodlong Rock Resort.
After watching the sunset, we went back to our resort for dinner. We planned to have night swimming my it’s a low tide, so we decided to change to some clean clothes and relax in the girls’ tent. They set up their tent by the beach. At first Ace and I were a bit worried for their safety but we saw that there were many people who are sleeping on tents, too, so that’s a relief.
Chillin.
It’s dark because there was a power outage that lasted for 4 hours. But some stores by the beach do have their generators.
I lied on the sand while listening to the people who had karaoke sessions in the nearby restaurants. Because of the day’s activity, I eventually fell asleep. I woke up with Ace in front of me, watching me sleeping and the ladies were already snoring inside their tent. LOL. We didn’t wake them up anymore. We went back to our room. 🙂
It was indeed a beautiful day for us! And the next day was surely another fun day.
Stay tuned for Day 2. 🙂
I hope you enjoyed our Camotes Island Adventure. ‘Til our next travel… 🙂
Thought Diary 