ISLANDS BANCA CRUISE: Gilutungan Island & Pandanon Island, Bohol

Before my sister and her family went back to UAE, we had a short trip to Cebu last March 4-7. The highlight of the trip was the Islands Banca Cruise.

There are actually two packages that you can choose from: Islands Buffet (3 islands package) or Islands Banca (2 islands package). We wanted to get the islands buffet package but we were not available on the said dates so we chose the latter instead. Each package is inclusive of the following: Boat Rental, Steward Services, Use of Towels, Life Jackets and Corkage Fee. The total cost is P5,547.00 for  11 persons (9 adults and 2 children).  Please take note that this amount is exclusive of the entrance fees for the islands and snorkeling gear. I also advise that you should book early because we only had an outsourced boat (no bean bags & ipod docks) since we booked late.

Estimated Time of Departure: 11:00 AM

Meeting Place: Kawayan Marine located in between Shangri-La and Hilton Resort in Punta Engano, Mactan. 

Since it was almost lunchtime, we decided to eat first. We were lucky that my aunts bought lechon, liempo, puso and pancit. However, I tried not to eat too much to avoid having an upset stomach.

Eating Time inside the Boat! :D

A few minutes after we finished eating, we finally arrived in Gilutungan Marine Sanctuary. The entrance fee is P100/person. I actually find it funny how there was an entrance fee when we were just in the middle of the sea, hehe. A few of us snorkelled while the rest fed the fishes.

My nephew Nichos and my brother-in-law Ramon


Say hello to the fishes!


Me, myself and I


My sister Larla and I getting ready to go back to the boat.

After that, we had some fun posing for pictures in the boat.

Posing with my mother


My cousin Arvi and I imitating Jack and Rose in Titanic :D

It was quite a distance to Pandanon Island, Bohol but the wait was worth it. The place is really beautiful with its white sand. ^_^ The entrance fee is P150/person.

The boat stewards helping my niece Nichole to go down the boat. :)


My mom and Nichole wore matching hats for the day. :)

When we got to the beach area, I realized how the island is like a private paradise. Though there were many visitors that day, it was still not commercialized and had a genuine feel to it which I really liked. :)

It was a good thing that my sister had an underwater camera so we were able to take some underwater shots like the pictures below.

Nichos


Me

Of course, we also did not forget to take a final group shot before we left the island at 4:00 PM. :)

Though I am not fond of going to the beach, I really had fun that day. I guess part of the reason is that we rarely go on outings like these and going on a banca cruise was a new experience for us. :) I also would like to commend the helpful boat stewards who assisted us in any way that they can. They were very attentive right from the start up to the very end when we docked in Kawayan Marine. ^_^

Kudos to Islands Banca and its wonderful staff! I hope there will be more wonderful trips in store for Islands Banca! :)

Cebu: Skywalk Experience at Crown Regency Hotel

I am really afraid of heights. In fact, I once attempted to slide down a swimming pool but chickened out at the last minute. I was already there at the top but seeing as how high it was, I went back down again. So I don’t know what possessed in me to try the skywalk experience. An experience that would have me walking through the outer rim of the 37th floor of Crown Regency Hotel!

Before our group (cousins Jace & Arvi, Kuya Soc and I) started the Skywalk, we had to change into our orange jumpsuits first. Being petite, I was given a jumpsuit for children since the next size would be too large for me. My jumpsuit was really bodyfit and the length was a bit short. It was as short as Capri pants, hehe. :D I was glad that Arvi had extra socks with him so I did not have to buy socks anymore.

Kuya Soc, Me, Arvi & Jace pretending to be Brave Ninjas!

While we were changing into our jumpsuits, there were also two children with us. I found out that they were siblings vacationing from Tacloban. I was impressed that they were not accompanied by their parents in the skywalk. I felt ashamed that I was so nervous yet these two children, who were only 11 and 12 years old, were so brave.

Since the skywalk experience would be by group, the two children were not with us. We were only accompanied by two staffs: the guide and photographer. Aside from the no jewelry policy, we were also not allowed to bring our own cameras so the photographer would be the one to take our pictures.

Honestly, my heart was beating so fast when I stepped out into the skywalk area. I saw how the first few steps would have us walk on a curving outer rim with both edges exposing the area. I even cried because I was so scared! The guide had to lead me and walk with me for a bit.

See the curved outer rim? That’s why I was so scared to walk on it.

After the first set of group picture taking took place, I already managed to compose myself. Although I was walking quite slow, I was thankful that Kuya Soc was at my back to assist me. During the solo picture taking, we were asked to stand at the edge. I was still a bit afraid so notice that I was only standing near the middle, hehe.

Since we walked in a circle around the hotel, we had to walk past an area where visitors can view us through the glass windows. There was a funny moment where Arvi and I were waving at my mom and aunt and two Chinese women were the ones who waved back, hehe. :D Before the skywalk experience ended, there was another set of group photoshoot.

After the skywalk experience, we had the option to choose if we wanted to have our pics printed or have it burned in a cd. The cd was a better option since it would be more expensive to have every pic printed. For the cd, we paid 900+. It contained a total of 18 pictures, 2 solo pictures of each of us and 10 group pics.

Though I was scared, I was really happy to be given a chance to experience this. I knew that if I wouldn’t try, I would forever regret my decision. It was also cool to receive a certificate like this:

So for all those living in Cebu or is planning a trip to Cebu, try to visit Crown Regency Hotel. You will surely enjoy the skywalk experience and other attractions like Edge Coaster and 4d Theater. For rates and schedules, please refer to the official website: http://www.skyexperienceadventure.com/main/rates-and-schedule/.

YOU’LL NEVER GO HUNGRY IN CEBU

Not only is the food in Cebu delicious but it is also cheap! I think I gained a few pounds during my short vacation in Cebu, hehe. :D If ever you are in Cebu, you might want to try these restaurants:

1. Port Restaurant - Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City

For only 199 pesos/person, one can already avail of the eat-all-you-can lunch buffet of Port Restaurant! Though the area’s choices are quite limited, the food is still good and who can complain with this price. Make sure though to reserve a table before going here. The restaurant can get pretty crowded as it is a popular place.

2. Casa Verde - 69 V. Ranudo Ext., Cebu City

My favorite restaurant in Cebu is definitely Casa Verde. We always dine in the original branch which has a homey atmosphere. Aside from that, what I like about Casa Verde is that the food is truly value for money. Here are some food pics during my last visit in Casa Verde:

Southwest pasta reminded me of Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta.

A visit to Casa Verde is never complete without ordering Brian’s Ribs. ^_^ The price is only 168 pesos for 2 huge slabs!

Death by Chocolate is really huge! I’m glad that I had my mom and Kuya Soc to help me finish it. The three of us were so full afterwards!

My mom was actually surprised to learn that our bill was only 600 pesos+. She said that if it was in another restaurant, we would have paid a thousand+ pesos for the food we ate.


3. Hukad sa Golden Cowrie -Level 2 The Terraces, Ayala Center, Cebu Business Park


We had dinner here on our first day in Cebu. I was quite nervous since my uncle was the one ordering the food and being a picky eater, his choices were not my type. So I was compelled to try foods that I do not usually eat.

Baked Scallops (123 pesos) - One of the standouts was definitely the scallops. The first time I tried to eat scallops was in Mesa restaurant and I did not like it. I was hesitant to try the scallops but since I had few choices, I tried one. I ended up eating three scallops that night, hehe. :D

Fried Tadyang (115 pesos) - The other noteworthy food here is the beef tadyang. Normally I do not like beef as I find it “malansa” and leaves an aftertaste but in Hukad, the beef is well-done and crispy. I also like how the rice was wrapped in pandan and it is unlimited! ;) I’m thankful that my uncle took us to this restaurant as I was given the chance to eat and like something unexpected.


4. Handuraw Pizza - 460 Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City

The cheesy cheese pizza of Handuraw is really yummy. I also like how your pizza can be split and have two different flavors as long as the higher price is followed. I’m sorry if I don’t have any pics to show as I was really tired when we went there since it was our last day.

CEBU: TAOIST TEMPLE

If you are planning to commute to Taoist Temple, please make your taxi driver wait for you or else, you will need to hike a long way down. It’s because the temple is located uphill in Beverly Hills subdivision where there are no passing public transportation vehicles.

You will also need all the energy you have to walk up the stairs to the temple. I admit that my mom and I were practically out of breath by the time we reached the main temple area, hehe. :D But we soon forgot our tiredness when we saw how beautiful the surroundings are. Here are some pictures:

I hope that I can bring my nephew and niece to Taoist Temple next year. I know that my nephew will really enjoy looking at the dragons.

CEBU: A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST IN PARIAN DISTRICT

Parian District was once known as the old Chinese District in Cebu. Though the district has changed so much, there are still traces left of the old Parian with the remaining ancestral houses. For me,a trip to Cebu would definitely not be complete without visiting here.

Heritage of Cebu Monument

As soon as you enter the district, you will be greeted by the Heritage of Cebu Monument. It highlights the important places and events in Cebu’s history.

It sits on the original plaza of Parian. In the past, the St. John Baptist Church also stood on this site.

Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House

Only a few steps away from the Heritage of Cebu is the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House. There is a 50 pesos entrance fee serving also as donation to the maintenance of the house. I like how there is a guide to tour you around and give important facts.

On the first floor is the dining area

This is a “paanakan” during the old days. However, only the rich can afford this type of chair.

This is a picture of the current owners of the Yap-Sandiego House. Before the house was opened to the public, it served for several years as a boarding house until they decided to restore it.

Before going up to the second floor, you have to wear shoe mats to preserve the floors.

Behind us is a painting of the old Parian District

As you can see, we were standing under a boat that was used to place plants. This concept is pretty neat!

The tour will end with a picture taking at the sala. If you’re a boy, you can even wear a hat and pose with the cane. ;)

Other ancestral houses in Parian District that you can visit are Casa Gorordo and Jesuit House. Make sure though that you do not go to Casa Gorordo on a Monday as it is closed on that day.