Breathtaking Falls in Tumalog

A view from the newly opened road. Unlike before, one has to go downhill and find the path that leads to the falls but the local government hough of developing this site paving the way for opening a new road that will go straight to the river.

GOING THERE. From the Cebu South Bus Terminal, take a bus (P120) to Oslob and tell the driver that you'll stop at the corner going to Tumalog. There are many habal-habal or motorized vehicle for rent at P40. (Prices are subject to change without prior notice.) Going to the waterfalls is an easy walk (10 minutes). There's already a good road that leads directly to the place.

REMINDER. Do not leave any trash in the area.Help the town preserve this natural wonder.

This little river is the only way to the falls which is just a few feet away.

Breathtaking waterscape

It's like you are in a different place once you arrived at the bottom of the water wall.

Watersports in Dagusungan River

Kayaking in Dagusungan is a two-thumbs up.

The once quiet town of Medellin has finally awakened from deep slumber. Today, Medellin is launched as the “Marine and Eco-adventure Capital of the North”.

And one of the interesting place to start you adventure is going to Dagusungan River.

A discovery made by the mayor himself, Mayor Ricky Ramirez, led to the exploration of Dagusungan River and its magnificent mangrove forest. From the dockside, one can rent a jetski or kayak and check on the two paths that Dagusungan River winds into-- the 1.9 km stretch leading to Asinan Bridge from Caputatan Sur to Caputatan Norte and 2.8 km to the Bangon River from Poblacion to Caputatan Norte. And whatever you will find in the river’s snaking path is always a surprising discovery.

Mayor Ricky Ramirez driving his jetski.

Mayor Ramirez invites everyone to visit Dagusungan. He will personally give you a ride just like what he did with our cameraman, Tanjay.

The Owangan Adventure

We woke up at 5am then head to to the town hall to meet our guides. We arrived in Kabalawan at 6:30 am. This is the best time for trekking coz the sun isn't yet that hot.

It has always been on my list to visit Tabuelan in the northwest part of the island. Fortunately, an assignment came! For three days, we explored the town and was so surprise to know that they have a magnificent river full of shrimps called owang (fresh-water shrimp) and a waterfalls that only few dared to visit.

A bumpy ride to the barangay of Bungon (which can be accessed via Lugo road). If you are from Poblacion, it is 22km away to sitio Kabalawan. From the day care center of Kabalawan, take a 20 min walk ( 1.5km) trek downhill till you reach the river. But before doing this, make sure that you coordinated with barangay officials. They are so gracious and even provide guides. :)

THE TRAIL. It's a good walking...perfect for sweating out  before taking a cold dip in the river. Don'r forget to bring a pair of slippers. 

 Owangan river was named as such because there are many fresh-water shrimps (owang) in it. The locals sometimes place a net near the waterfalls to catch plenty of these shrimps.

Aside from the magnificent view, swimming here is a must after that long trek.

Wild flowers can also be found along the path.

Malapascua Island

Scenes are taken from a vantage point in Malapascua Legend Resort. Breakfast from The Pirates Resto.

Thinking of catching summer before it ends? Make all snug with your best swimwear for a paradise island off the northern tip of Cebu is just a few hours away.

A trip with Pangs and Elmer for an AVP project of Malapascua Island Legend Resort led us to 2 day trip in this island. The first day was greeted with sunshine and were thankful to take enough photos because on the second day, clouds hanged for eternity.

GETTING THERE. Malapascua Island is tucked in the southeastern seaboard of the shores of Daanbantayan, it is 4 hours away by bus (Cebu North Bus Terminal) at P165 and two hours away by private car. Drop off point is in Maya wharf. From there, take a 30-minute boat ride to Malapascua Island (P80). Some resorts in the island offer boat ride and pick-up from the city to guests as part of the accommodation package.

Mode of transportation to the island.

FEATURE. Its powdery white sand beaches and crystal clear waters are at par with that of Boracay Island. For years, this island paradise has become a venue of international convergence primarily to those who share the love and passion for underwater life because of its excellent diving spots. It is very accessible to other breathtaking diving spots like Gato Island, Kemod Shoal and Monad Shoal. Apart from being a world-class diving destination, it is also lures tourists both local and foreign guests who seek fun and adventure or just for pure tranquility.

ACCOMODATION. There are a number of lodging options to choose from depending on your budget. Check online for a list of resorts in the island or you can just make your way to the island and pitch a tent.

TRIVIA. Divers from all-over the world visit the island to see the endangered thresher shark and the giant manta rays that can be found around the island.

Diving resorts.

Locals love to play around...are they are great models too. So ready those cameras! :D

TIP. It is always best to explore on foot but if you want to see more of the island, rent a boat and reconnoiter unto the rock formations that lined the island’s edges especially on the northern seaboard. Just be sure to check weather forecast and take note of the sea tides before visiting the island.

Early morning must be spent walking along the shore and meet locals. 

Aside from the great sites, there are also great food. If you are on a budget, there are little stores available around the island where you can find a full meal at Php 100.

UPDATE

I don't know if someone is visiting or reading this site. It's been awhile since I last uploaded anything here. My busy schedule and laziness working perfectly together. Anyways, my feature editor said that I should write with details, more on what the reader should know... and I guess this site would be a perfect venue to practice.

To those who happened to pass by this site, thank you very much. I'd be creating a nice header image for the title so please, please, please..do leave a comment.

Thank you again! :)

Coffee Love in Asturias

Ready to pick! Sweetness. Oh! Coffee!

An assignment in Asturias took me by surprise when i learned that the town led by Mayor Adlawan is strongly promoting the planting of coffee with the hope that in the years to come it will prosper, an additional income for its thriving corn and rice production. (Mayor Adlawan's core in his administration is agriculture which boils down into food production.)

Anyways, we interviewed the agricultural technologist Mr. Roger Tapdasan and learned facts about coffee. A harvestable coffee is red. Before it ripens, it goes through the color green then it turns to yellow. The colored yellow fruits can be harvested but Roger said that some aren't really that ripen yet so its is best to wait when it turns red.

In 2007, they started the coffee plantation starting with the barangay captains who were also given proper training. In 2008, they purchased the planting materials in Tagum City.

Within 6 years since it started, Asturias aims to fill 500 hectares with coffee. As of press time, they have planted around 267 hectares already.

And so we visited Brgy. Lunas where Brgy Capt. Paulina Buhia shared to us his roasted coffee and took us to her coffee tress. She said she was one of the few who immediately heed the call of Mayor Adlawan to plant. She planted an initial of 400 trees and today she has around 1,000 coffee tress growing. She said it is best to strat plating on rainy season.

She waited for two years to harvest the first fruits and now she is enjoying her morning with freshly brewed coffee. 

To get to Asturias, take a V-Hire ride from Ayala terminal and drop-off at Poblacion. Tricyles will take you to Brgy. Lunas. Just tell the driver to drop you in the barangay captains house. 

(For those who wants to visit Asturias and inquire about their coffee mania. Call the LGU at 4649042/4649106.)

Seedlings located in the town's nursery

When it already ripe, the bean is squeezed out.

It is then dried, roasted and grounded.

Coffee for everyone right from the backyard.

The author, a coffee lover.

And to show more love, here are some intimate photos of my coffee plantation tour:

The flower doesn't necessarily mean that it will bear fruit. For Brgy. Capt. Paulina, she waited for two years.

Oh! If I could only bring it home.

Yellowish.. almost there!

Bundle of joy!

Now, it's ready to pick!

Escape to Malubog Lake

Unluckily, we get to the lake with a not so good condition.

Cruising and fishing right at the heart of the mining capital of Cebu? There is a secluded place in the middle of the thick vegetation and peaceful community in Toledo City that one must discover.

The Malubog Dam, or more popularly referred to as Malubog Lake, is located in Brgy. Climaco of the component city. This man-made lake is still part of and owned by Atlas Mining Cooperation, now under Carmen Copper Corporation. It was finished in 1970 and designed to hold 15 million cubic meters of water. In

fact, it is the largest privately-owned reservoir in the country.

For just P2,500, one can rent the floating restaurant for the day which can accommodate up to 50 people. Guests can also grill their fresh catch or just order fresh tilapia from a fish pen located in the middle of the lake.

The local government of Toledo City is still in the process of improving the amenities of the lake: adding a resort hotel, pasalubong center and more floating restaurants in the future. For the moment, it is the perfect time to enjoy raw adventure in its most basic state.

(Visit Malubog Dam, coordinate with the city’s tourism office or call the Mayor’s office at 3225748 and 3225625.)

Tilapia fish cage

Rain is about to come...

Fishing is one of the exciting activity one can do here in the lake.

A good catch! Will be eating tilapia later.

While they were busy shooting, Densho shared a lighter moment with me.

While they were busy rolling, i took my chance to pose for a souvenir photo.

Saging, init pa, anyone?

Relaxing! I'd love to read a book down here....

Malubog Dam