Wonders of Oslob

One trip that's long overdue would be a visit to the whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu. More than a year ago, the first sighting of the 'tuki' was made by Koreans on a boat and a fisherman who was with them. From that day on, people were swarming to Oslob to get a chance to see them up close. We desperately wanted to go, but the fear that there would be too many people lining up plus our busy schedules didn't allows us to make time for it until last Sunday when RB finally gave in and went with me to swim in the ocean with the 'tuki'.

Late after work on a Saturday, we prepared our things and decided to head out on the first trip to Oslob riding the Ceres bus. Just so we couldn't sleep while waiting at home, we went out to Mango area to meet up with friends and hang out... but instead fate led us to discover La Taverna and all its sumptuousness(that story on another blog entry). We got some food and drinks for the 2 and a half hour travel and then proceeded to South Bus Terminal around 3AM.

About 2 hours of sleep in, we woke up to a beautiful view of the sunrise, luckily we were seated on the left side of the bus and had the perfect sea and sky coastline to look at in awe. We were then dropped of in Tan-auan, Oslob, Cebu which is a no-miss since you can see so many signs that indicated 'Whale Shark Watching' along the road. About 6:00 AM, we went in BCD's place just next to the barangay registration for the whale sighting activities. We decided that was a better option since we would be well accommodated with showers, chairs and tables, hot water, and a warm welcome by the owners for only P50.00 entrance. 

As early as we were, there were a couple of people ahead of us and out in the ocean already, we registered for P500.00/person for swimming with the whale sharks. We added P550.00 for renting the OLYPMUS Tough Underwater Camera (unlimited shots with CD) which was already a good price for a quality camera, no regrets there. Other rates are as follows (municipality rate): Whale Watching- P300 for locals/P500.00 for tourists, Snorkeling (includes snorkel, life vest, camera fee, photographer/boatman)-P500.00 for locals/P1000 for tourists, Diving (bring your own equipment)- P600.00 for locals/P1200 for tourists.

We headed out after changing and left our things in the counter. There was then a 5-10 minute briefing of the rules when going out for the activities. Then,  It was just the two of us in the boat with two other boatmen. When we anchored alongside the other boats, we then sighted the first whale shark and it was exciting yet scary at first since it was so huge! 

I let RB go in first and then I followed in, anticipating when the whale shark will be near. We were lucky enough to have a good photographer/boatman who not just took pictures but even choreographed our photos, LOL. It was a good 30-40 minute experience with the 'tuki'. I was a bit anxious at first, I couldn't even get a good picture in, blame it on the very 'langsa' ocean filled with enormous fish and little fish following it plus the 'hipon' it was being fed by the roving fishermen. But a few more tries and I was enjoying every minute of it, RB and I had a lot of close encounters with the 'tuki' and I could say they were harmless (when not provoked) and though not allowed to touch them, some would come so close and their tails and fins would touch our feet and elbows. The sea was also very cooperative that day, we had a clear blue green ocean surrounding us that allows us to spot the 'tuki' swimming below us or coming up beside us.

The whale sharks were not what I expected, they were indeed very big and beautiful creatures that we should keep from being endangered. I hear talks that the activities would soon close down, which is sad since I am excited to go back and swim with them again. The people of Oslob were also very nice and blessed to have this kind of tourist attraction coming in. 

Came in face to face!

Leading him to me?

It was about 7:30AM when we hung out by the beach, ate breakfast, and took a good rest as we overlooked the whole activity from the shoreline. We were also able to buy some wild honey from a local vendor for P100.00 only, and mixed it with our coffee... yum! 

We then decided to go to Tumalog Falls since we could ride a motorcycle for P120.00/person going back and forth from the resort. The ride was breathtaking, you could see the view of the mountains and the sea that pictures do not do justice for the sight we saw. We paid P20.00 entrance and drank some fresh buko juice before we did some 2-3KM walk to the falls. It was hot and steep but it was worth it when you have a good view to accompany the track, plus the sight of the waterfalls ahead was so inviting. When we finally arrived, it was a sight to behold, we could not wait to bathe ourselves with fresh and cold water after all that salt and heat!

An hour later, the motorcycle driver came back for us and we walked uphill which was very difficult by the way, and enjoyed the view again as we went back to the resort.

We stopped by across BCD in a small eatery to have our lunch. BEWARE: OVERCHARGING AHEAD! We were not aware of this since they charged us about P250.00 for some squid and we decided to get 2 pieces of fried chicken and eggplant instead so we can save, but we forgot to ask for the price, assuming that it would be cheaper than the squid. I could not believe one piece of fried chicken leg that even had blood in it still was P100.00. I know, yuck! This was the one thing that irritates me when we travel, when fellow Filipino try to cheat on fellow Filipinos. Anyway, karma on them... we just decided to eat so we wouldn't get hungry and went back to the resort for a quick power nap by the beach.

After an hour we changed to dry clothes and headed out to the central area so we could visit the church, the cuartel, and baluarte; these were old ruins of the old structures in Oslob dating back to when the Spaniards were overruling the Philippines. We paid P10/person as we rode the jeep to the 'lungsod' of Oslob. It was a beautiful sight and a good ending to our day trip. We then headed back to Cebu with happy hearts and already planning the next trip!

For all other travelers in Oslob, you can side trip to Sumilon Island or have a mountain trekking activity to see the both sides of Cebu from up top =)

'Til our next trip,

Xarie

La Taverna is Unexplainable Goodness

That's how RB and I felt when we ate La Taverna's Doner Kebab and Greek Chicken Salad. We've tried lots of these from Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, and even in Cebu; but it is their intricate taste of the sauce and use of the quality ingredients that I could say they have to be the best one I've tasted by far. It is by no exaggeration, heaven in your mouth. One bite and we regretted not ordering the bigger serving of the Doner Kebab (we got 2 of the fun size, one chicken & one pork). RB and I found a true-blue hole in the wall worthy of such praise that we couldn't help but laugh while we ate and kept mumbling nothing but good words until we ordered our next dish.

Their menu is based on Greek deli serving gyros, keftedes pita, greek salad, rice kebab, and they even have greek and pinoy platter if you have a hard time choosing just one kind of food to eat. Not only that, they have a few more to be added to their menu in the coming weeks including my favorite, falafels! Best part is it doesn't hurt your pocket, either =)

Greek Chicken Salad for take away, this was eaten about 5 hours after being prepared and it was still so so so good! :) Despite the fact I spilled the dressing :/

Their little shack fronting Mango Square is a no-miss when you reach the area. The couple who own the place will gladly entertain you and even prepare the food with complimentary extra sauce as you please. They have been open for about 2 weeks now and you can see how their customers, including us, absolutely love their food and service. We met the owner who is a very friendly guy from Greece and his lovely Filipina wife who works the counter, and we are so thankful that they opened this place for us to enjoy. I do hope all of you would stop by La Taverna in Mango Square, I can assure that you will all come back for seconds!

La Taverna is open between 5PM-5AM, grab a quick snack or dinner or even take away food after you've had a few drinks, maybe? We surely will!

'Til our next hole in the wall,

Xarie

Cebu Society Revealed

Well, I was contemplating about writing something this week about traveling, eating, and exploring Cebu... then I came across a witty blog about the 10 girls you will meet in Cebu, which was so true it was funny and made me think which one I was... hmmm? Then today I see a link in response to the previous which was The 11 guys you meet in Cebu, which was just as real as the first one =)

I do think there are some personas missing though such as the cute boy from the southern part of town who just didn't get his English right that's why you decided not to date him anymore, or the girl who gets dressed up to everything (yes, wearing heels even to a tree planting activity in school). True Story. haha

Okay well that was a good read on the social side of Cebu, 'til next time... I promise to catch up on my writing! 



Xarie

It's more fun in the Philippines, indeed.

Before I continue on my posts about beautiful Cebu, let me share to you this video I came across. It shows us how it truly is more fun in the Philippines.

I haven't even been to half of what is being shown here, and it makes me feel sort of guilty for wanting to travel abroad when there's still so much for us to explore in our own motherland. Its been amazing going to Camotes Islands, Moalboal, Camiguin, and Bantayan, Alcoy and so much more.  I can't wait to experience Vigan and the windmills of northern Luzon, go as high as Mt. Pulag and as low as Lake Sebu, dive into the islands of Amanpulo, Balesin, Boracay, El Nido and cross over to Coron, or ride a boat from my city to Malapscua island, and even swim with the whale sharks in Oslob. You can go for an adventure in Danasan Eco Park where you can rappel and wake board in or visit Danao, Bohol where you can muster up the courage to plunge or zipline if you're not up for the more scarier activities.There is so much to do when you go from one place to another, you can visit cold springs, hot springs, hills, caves and volcanoes. 

How wonderful would it be to indulge in the delicious delicacies, it would be different and always scrumptious every time you visit another city or even just cross another border in town. 

We also have the most exotic animals that could not be found anywhere else just like our National Bird, the Monkey-Eating Eagle. 

Isn't it amazing that we speak so many languages? Although we could not comprehend it all, we are assured they always mean hospitality.

Lastly, we have the best fiestas in the world celebrated in so many ways from flower fiestas, rice fiestas, giant fiestas, MassKara Festival, and of course how could anyone miss our very very own Sinulog.

Now don't let me keep you from watching the celebration of our country filled with 7,107 beautiful islands that makes non-Filipinos want to be Pinoy and Filipinos proud as ever.

Video Credits: DOT PHILIPPINES 

Enjoy! I can't wait to share with you all the places we've been to. Check out my blog for a lot of travel and food posts from all over :)

Xarie

What do you fast on?

I know Lent is over. But ever since I gave up meat before Easter came, it has been a constant in my life to give up something for some time. For my diet and health i gave up rice right and alcohol after Easter... now that I am accustomed to it, I've been thinking of something else to fast on. Then I realize its not only things you should give up, sometimes its a person, a habit, or a compulsion perhaps.

Now I know what to fast on starting tomorrow. Too much of anything is bad right? Just like alcohol, meat, and rice which is delicious for me but has made me gain a lot of weight since I have it everyday. I hope this new fast will bring me peace, health, and success!


Wish me strength and guidance from the Holy Spirit :)



Xarie

Wish I Was Jaded

It saddens me when people say one thing and do another. Broken promises create a a heavy heart. Anxiety is brought about uncertainties, unstable ground. Confusion when I try but it ends up to no use.