Siquijor - Isla del Fuego

A long overdue trip. We have been planning it for about a year. We got too excited to a point that we bought 2 Siquijor maps without even knowing. Haha! Isla del Fuego means Island of Fire. This is what the Spaniards called it when they saw this island while sailing at night. The island was full of fireflies causing it to glow from a far. This is what I wanted to see when I get to the island. I don't get to see a lot of fireflies where I come from.

There's no RORO going to Larena, Siquijor so we got into a huge boat - the Montenegro Lines. 

                    Php  780.00   -   motorcycle

                    Php  163.00   -  per head (2)

                         -----------

                    Php 1,106.00 + terminal fees

It's a bit pricey, we were hoping that the fees are as affordable like the Maayo Shipping Lines from Dumaguete - Cebu.

Naruto, all packed and safe

It was bright and sunny when we arrived at the Isla del Fuego. We went to Dumaguete first and spent a night there. In the morning, we bought tickets to Siquijor. It was a 2 hr, rocking boat ride. From a far, the islandl ooks so serene and too laid-back, just the thing I need for a vacation.

We were able to get a room at Hambilica Seaview Resort at San Juan. The owner of the resort is very accommodating and promoted Firefly Watching. Unfortunately, only a few fireflies goes out at night during this time of the year (July). She said to come back during November to March.

We went out and had our lunch at Chekesh Bar and BBQ. This was recommended by a friend. A lot of tourists eat here because of their budget friendly meals and there are a lot of food to choose from. It's also along the high-way so it's easy to locate.

Our plan was to tour around the island. They said  it's smaller than Camiguin. First destination was Lazi, Siquijor! Loving this view! Stayed for awhile on this hill to enjoy the it. You don't get to see a lot of this from where I came from.

view from Campalanas while going to Lazi

Next is the San Isidro Labrador Church. It was established in August 8, 1857. The church was constructed in 1882, and completed by 1884. 

The Philippine National Commission by virtue of the same Presidential Decrees covering the declaration of the Lazi Convent also declares it as one of the historical, landmarks of the Philippines. Like the Lazi Convent, it now invite appreciation and admiration of visiting local and foreign tourists.

 

While walking around the Church, it feels a bit eerie, only a few people were there at the time. Indeed, this island is mystical in it's own way. You have to be there to feel it.

Next stop is Cambugahay Falls. It's just a few meters away from San Isidro Church. Entrance Fee is Php 20.00. And you get to go down the 135 steps. Hahay! I remembered going to Casaroro Falls in Valencia. It had 350 or so steps. I practically felt my knees shaking, haha! At least this one is not that steep. I was smiling while going down as I sent a silent thank you to the Lord ky at least dili ra taas.

and picture picture din pag my time!

they said that Cambugahay Falls is the most famous waterfalls in Siquijor Island

Next is the Salagdoong Beach! But before you get to the beach, you will have to go through the Salagdoong Forrest.  It was so quiet and love the scenery! You can hear the birds singing and tweeting! Will upload the video once I copy it from my mobile phone

Salagdoong beach is one of the most popular beach destination in Siquijor. It is a white sand beach in the town of Maria, A friend from Siquijor told me to never stop at any destination at this town. But, I say "hell no!". I got this far, I am not gonna back down because of some witch gossip. Hahaha! I love this beach, I would love to spend the night here, but we just have 1 day to spend. I will definitely come back when I have more time.

entrance for adults is Php 15 

kids Php 10

Cottage Php 100

Nipa Cottage Php 300

Slide Php 50

Hotel Agripino's room rates ranges from Php 900 to Php 1,600

When we reach the town of Enrique Villanueva, we passed by this amazing view! The boulevard looks so beautiful, felt the tranquility, the calmness and the laid-back of the place.

Our last destination is the Centry Old Balete Tree! Indeed it was very enchanting seeing how big and old this tree is. I googled it and found out it's over 400 years old. Wow!  Below it is  fresh flowing water. You can dip your feet and let the fishes nibble your dead skin! At pra ka nang nag spa! 

Ron's Feet, eee! bakit ganyan ang kulay?!

Pra kang kinikilig while the fishes nibbles you dead skin. You can feel a slight pinch and a tingling sensation. It was a great experience but a bit scary since there are lot of big fishes that swim there too! So when the big fishes gets near you, gagalawin mo lang paa mo so they'll go to the other direction. Haha!

FISH from jloscrib on Vimeo.

Kimo: the dog wanderer!

                        

Kimo the wonderer from jloscrib on Vimeo.

                       

Kimo the wanderer 2 from jloscrib on Vimeo.

Road Trippin' to Simala, Dalaguete Beach Park and Molave Milk Station

Our friends Jovie and his wifey Pinkle  invited us on a Road Trip to Simala Shrine last Sunday- July 7, 2013. It was a beautiful, sunny morning and certainly a great day for a Road Trip.

We got to Simala around 11 AM. I was amazed how Simala has changed over the past year. It looked so simple before and now, it looks more like a palace. Nevertheless, I enjoyed going through the steps with the station of the cross statues in gold.

We then went inside silently and prayed. Ronald and I are thankful of all the blessing we received. Specially since our last prayer got answered. Thankful that our relationship is now more than a decade and we still feel strongly about each other. Thankful of all the blessings, love, understanding and support given to us by our family and friends. Thankful of the good health and after all that we have been through, we are still together.

With half the day spent, we decided to go to Dalaguete. Pinkle suggested the Dalaguete Beach Park. It's a white sand, public beach located just along the Argao-Dalaguete border. About 2-2.5 hours from Cebu City. I was very surprised seeing the white sands, the beautiful shoreline and the silhouette of Bohol Island not far from where we were. I instantly love it! 

I can just sit here and relax, let time pass and let the view sweep my busy life problems away!  I've always been a beach girl. I just love the white sand, the heat, the water and the wind. I have had a lot of great memories at the beach, it makes me want to stay a little bit longer.

Even though it's a public beach, it is clean and well maintained by the government officials. You can get it in with a minimal fee of Php 20.00 and another Php 20.00 parking fee. Their cottage ranges  from Php 150.00 - 250.00. So it's very affordable! A lot of locals bring their mats with them and just sit on the white sand instead.

A lot of people come on weekends - Sunday, but it should be pretty deserted on weekdays. It's like a hidden beach resort that a lot of people don't know about.  Another destination to visit again soon! Maybe we get to stay overnight and sleep on a tent.

After a dip, we decided to stop by the Molave Milk Station for some carabao's milk and ice cream. Since it's out of the way (other side of the mountain), they decided to take the shortcut from Sibonga-Dumanjug route to get to Barili (where the Molave Milk Station is) instead of going back to Car-car and then take the Barili route.

We were in for a surprise when we we saw a sign saying 74 kilometers, silently I computed the distance. If we are running 50 kilometers per hour, it will take us 1 hour and 20 minutes, more or less to get to Dumanhug. We decided to go ahead with the route since we were already half way.

And then it hit us, the cellphone signal started to keep on disconnecting, on and off and on and off. And the road went from cement, to asphalt and then dirt road. We started to think that we should turn around and go back to Dalaguete. We then became paranoid and started talking about the WRONG TURN movie. The guys started talking about the the kids and a few people walking along the road, they were looking at us, in a weird way and the the sun started to come down, it then started to get darker outside. I said "do we need to turn our t-shirts inside out?" just to clear the tension. We started laughing at our thoughts and started joking around. Ron then said to watch out for the people around us, they may start turning into "mananangals". Haha, we then started to think about the Manilyn Reynes movie "aswang". 

It was one hell of an adventure! After an hour or so, we arrived at Dumanhug, and made our way to Barili. The carabao vanilla ice cream certainly is worth the adventurous ride! Thanks for the great company Jovie and Pinkie for being a great sport! Haha!

We headed back to the City and went to S&R for some dinner and shopping. It's our first time there and we were amazed by the menu and the pizza was so good! Someday, magpapa member din kami! They have very yummy pizza and chicken!

As we headed home another unforeseen incident happened, a forenger (foreigner) suddenly shouted at Ronald for being an ASS! The forenger wanted to overtake us but since we were faster than him, he missed the exit. Of course, Ronald, the hot head and always willing to fight back started shouting back at the forenger! Jovie and Pinkie was in for a SHOCK! For me, it was a constant thing, it's always been like that if Ronald is the driver. Good thing the forgener escaped when he had the chance. I'm sure Ronald will not back down. Specially not to a forenger opponent.

What a day! It was definitely an adventure worth telling! Till next time Jovie and Pinkle!