The Travelling Feet

Have you ever seen sea turtles swimming in the wild? I have. But normally, I’d have to look down 30 feet deep with my eyeballs almost popping out then squinting them carefully every now and then to find these elusive creatures swimming in the bottomless reef of Moalboal. Sometimes, I’d silently pray and hope that luck would be on my side just to catch a glimpse of those wonderful creatures. So when an opportunity presented itself to visit a remote island in the Visayas region known as the Apo Island just to see sea turtles, I didn’t think twice and said yes to the invitation. Only 2 of us were supposed to join a family of [free]divers on their quest to discover Apo Island. But after word got out of this road trip down south of Cebu to cross the Tañon Strait to get to Apo Island, more friends enlisted on that small expedition.

After carefully planning everything, eight individuals (Nayki, Rapzkie, Johnn, Earl, Cynthia, Rowell, Carl and I) went on a 2-hr road trip on a cloudless Friday night and headed for the town of Dalaguete. Thanks to Tita Maharlika’s generosity, though feeling bad she couldn’t join us, we got the chance to borrow their SUV and cruised the eastern side of Cebu to their home in Dalaguete where we would be resting for a few hours before heading south to Negros. By 10 pm, we arrived safely at their place and was greeted with videoke by Doc Edwin and his family.

Cynthia and Johnn singing; Earl preparing for bedtime

Our Argentinian friend, Cynthia, and Johnn immediately grabbed the microphone and started belting out songs to their heart’s content. The rest of the gang settled in comfortably too.

Kung Fu Panda noodles

We had to wake up at 4am and leave at 5am to catch the 7am ferry boat that will bring us to the island of Negros. But instead of sleeping immediately to get a good night’s rest, we found ourselves walking towards the 24-hr restaurant in the town and feasted on batchoy, which Cynthia refers to as Kung Fu Panda noodles, to feed our hungry tummies. It was only after 12 that some of us considered getting sleep.

Just before my phone started sounding the alarm clock, I was awakened by the sudden pang of hunger caused by the strong aroma of cooked dried fish. While the stinking scent was irritatingly appetizing, some of us, those who were not accustomed to such vile stench, thought otherwise. hehehe. But the heavy odor was very useful in waking up everyone to make it in time for our 7am deadline. So after preparing all the things we needed to bring for our great Apo Island freediving adventure, a party of 11 adults and 2 kids on board 2 cars pulled out of the Fonghe family’s garage and started driving south towards Santander, the southern tip of Cebu, before heading over to Bato, Samboan (the next town after Santander on the western side of Cebu).

The drive from Dalaguete to Samboan took us 2 hours. We even almost didn’t make it because of a huge tree that got uprooted from the previous night’s rain, which blocked the highway  at the town of Oslob. When we arrived at the port of the Lite Shipping company in Bato, Samboan at exactly 7am, we thought the ferry left without us.

Lite Shipping ferry boat from Bato, Samboan to Tampi, Amlan

We let out a sigh of relief after learning that it’s still in the middle of the sea and will just be a little delayed. Whew! We were supposed to meet up with Edcel at that port but it seemed that he’ll be delayed too and had to find his way to Apo Island instead if he couldn’t catch up with us on time.

inside the ferry boat

As soon as the ferry unloaded its passengers and cargo, we started rolling over the cars inside the boat and headed to the passenger’s deck admiring the clear waters and the fishes swimming beside the boat before it steered away and cruised towards Negros Island. We paid P500 per SUV. That’s P1000 for the 2 SUVs on the one-way RORO trip from Bato to Tampi inclusive of all 13 passengers

arriving at Tampi wharf at Amlan, Negros Oriental

After 40 minutes of crossing the Tañon Strait, we docked at the Tampi wharf in Amlan, Negros Oriental. After skillfully rolling off the cars from the ferry, we started cruising the road of Amlan and Sibulan and made way for Dauin passing by Dumaguete City. We didn’t know where we were going but with the help of a Google Maps app, we smoothly navigated the road going to Apo Island.

signage leading to the jump-off point for Apo Island

Once we entered the town of Zamboanguita, we started paying attention to the road signage in case we missed the marker for Apo Island. When we spotted what we were looking for, we made a left turn and entered the road going to the Malatapay Tabo Market.

I expected to see a busy road filled with locals selling different goods but we only saw empty cottages that lined up the street of the market. I later learned that the market only comes to life every Wednesdays. At the end of the road, we got a glimpse of the sea and finally reached the jump off point going to Apo Island.

Malatapay Port

There was a wide parking area available and as soon as we parked our cars, we went to check on the boat rates going to Apo Island. A large boat costs 3000 and is good for 8-9 heads whereas a medium boat costs 2000 and is good for 4-5 heads. The second car somehow got lost so while waiting for our other companions, I scanned Malatapay’s beach to see what kind of boats they have and to also check on the waves.

the waves of Malatapay Beach

When I saw the waves splashing through the black sandy beach of Malatapay, I realized that we’re really going to experience a rough ride when going to the island. I’ve read from blogs online that travellers going to Apo would have to brace themselves for huge waves. I never fully understood what that meant until I saw the waves for myself. From a distance, I could see white caps, an indication of strong currents ahead of us. I snickered silently at the thought of us going through those waves. I found the idea of holding on to the boat rails too amusing and blocked any thoughts of the possibility of the boat capsizing along the way. Well actually I did and thoughts of wearing my fins ahead entered my mind…just in case. hehe

having brunch before we go to Apo Island

When the rest of the gang arrived, we decided to take our brunch at one of the eateries in the area before we set sail for the island. We haven’t really had the chance to eat a proper breakfast except for some bread we ate before leaving Dalaguete. Now that I think of it as of writing this, eating that time would have been a bad idea  before riding the boat going to Apo Island with a full stomach as it’s a sure way to get the boat flooded with puke for those with sensitive senses. hehehe. But since we were too excited to swim once we reach the island, we decided it’s best to eat first.

Edcel, the one who got left behind was already on his way to Malatapay so to avoid wasting time, we let the bigger boat leave ahead. The rest of us waited impatiently for our friend. 15 minutes after the 1st boat left, our friend arrived and after he bought food for breakfast, we immediately climbed our boat and started the swell ride to Apo Island.

the boat ride going to Apo Island

Our boatman had to secure our bags inside the boat before letting us climb in. The tide was at its peak during that time and it was impossible not to get wet while climbing aboard our boat. I even had to grab the hand of the boat crew to avoid slipping and falling off. Once we were all settled, Edcel started eating his food (rice+dish) while the boatman steered the boat away from the shore with its engine roaring to life as it started heading for the island.

Not long after we left the shore, big waves greeted us. We were like riding a roller coaster and each of us had to get a good grip of any stable thing we could find to avoid falling off from our seats. I was seated on the front part of the boat and I had a clear view of the huge waves that were heading towards us. Then out of the blue, each of us got splashed with sea water. The wavy ride was really something. Suddenly, Edcel was getting free salt juice to what he was chowing down. And since I was seated at the front part of the boat, I had to concede to the sea’s outbursts and welcomed the free salty shower with open arms.

My companions and I had to endure the generous cross fire of the sea for the next 45 minutes. We didn’t mind. We’ve come a long way after driving almost non-stop for 16 hours from Cebu City to Apo Island for one thing only…to go swimming and freediving with sea turtles. And as soon as we got near the docking area, we immediately saw sea turtles swimming on waist deep waters welcoming our arrival. The sight of those sea creatures lifted our spirits and we instantly knew we landed in paradise.

Up next…

The road trip route from  Cebu City to Apo Island…

A) Cebu City B) Dalaguete stop-over c) Bato, Samboan port
D) Tampi Wharf, Amlan, Negros E) Malatapay Market F) Apo Island

Last month, my crazy diva travel buddy asked my help in creating a one-of-a-kind music video for a monthly blog carnival that our Pinoy Travel Blogger Group hosts. It so happened that this travel diva was ‘forced’ beyond his knowledge to host that carnival. With nothing better to do, he accepted the challenge. Soon enough his brain cells started sending electrifying wavelengths on his hairless backbones. If I didn’t know him better, I would have assumed that Emily Rose possessed his body after I received a random message from him in FB. Why do I say this? He suddenly sent me gibberish language which took time for my peanut-sized brain to decipher. Take a look!

I guess being assigned to host a blog carnival would send someone to the looney bin. Well not quite. This diva was just determined to give the best funniest, craziest, dumbest moments of all our travel peers, with him as the main star attraction.

So after planning on where to shoot the video, I willingly agreed to be dragged to the ends of the world different places in Cebu to create the music video.

I’d have to say that it was a fun experience. We filmed on 3 different locations – Camotes Island, Moalboal and Mactan Island. We would have wanted to include Osmena Peak but we ran out of time.

a Korean tourist with one of his failed cliff jumps…ouch!!!

One of the highlights of shooting this film was the funny cliff jumping sessions we did at the Buho Rock in Camotes Island where Koreans invaded the peaceful resort and made a fool of themselves before jumping off the cliff.

Then on our trip to Moalboal, one of our companions almost drowned because I asked him to try wearing fins while in the middle of the sea. The good thing was he didn’t panic. But the diva did!

click the doodle to magnify

See the ugly doodle on top? LOL. To my left, the diva was 150 meters away from me and to his left, 150 meters more was his almost drowning [graduating] friend (sorry jud kaayo Jim, di na mausab. hehehe). There was a fisherman 150 meters away from me on the other side. Jim was having a hard time swimming with the fins and he was struggling to keep afloat despite the not-so-huge waves. I call on to the diva to rescue Jim. But what did the diva do? He didn’t swim to help his friend. Instead he was screaming his lungs out saying “Fisherman! fisherman! Help us!” [no kidding. he really shouted those words! hahahaha]

Being in that situation was totally scary but in light of witnessing what just happened at that time, I couldn’t help but laugh while I swam harder with my barefoot feet just to help out Jim. The diva actually had a traumatizing experience while swimming in the waters of Kawasan Falls two years ago and I didn’t know that that incident left a negative imprint on his senses. I’m just happy that no humans nor animals were harmed in the production of this video…just almost. hehehe.

So what’s the point of this post? Nothing really. Just wanted to share the music video created by the awesomest travel diva, Lakbay Diva!

As for wanting to know how to create a spoof music video? Watch the video and I’m sure you’ll know what to do. Just be yourself.

Travelers as Diamonds from Lakbay Diva on Vimeo. This music video is featured on the article: http://www.lakbaydiva.com/featured/travel-bloggers-as-diamonds-in-the-sky for the Pinoy Travel Blogger’s April Blog Carnival with theme of The Funniest, Silliest, and Dumbest travel moments.

P.S. This video was filmed using Olympus TG-1 and edited by Lakbay using Sony Vegas Pro. Osmena Peak clips were filmed last 2010 using a Canon IXUS 95IS. Location filmed at Kontiki Beach Club, Mactan, Cebu; White Beach Moalboal; Buho Rock and Santiago Bay in Camotes Island; and Ceres bus ride going to Moalboal.

With my newfound passion in freediving, it wasn’t long before my [virtual] friends in FB noticed the gazillion photos I share online about our freediving stunts. And on a fine Thursday night, Jona, a Cebu-based travel blogger who’s a gifted poet (whom I only know in FB and in our FB PTB group) sent me and selected travel/freediving junkies a message asking us to join her in exploring the reef that sits beside the Terra Manna Camping & Resort in the small town of Badian, Cebu.

She accidentally discovered the rich marine life that dwells on the seabed where Terra Manna is nestled when she went snorkeling not long ago. And knowing that we share the same passion as hers – travelling and the love for the ocean – she thought it best to invite us to join her in a little expedition to discover Terra Manna’s marine life. Of course we said yes to the invitation. We could never resist the call of the sea.

So after 3 weeks of impatiently waiting to soak our gills in sea water, me and my mermen friends finally bade temporary goodbyes to our homes and embarked on a journey to surveying the marine life at Terra Manna – a place I would gladly call my second home in the town of Badian, Cebu.

Three hours after dragging our sleepy heads to the South Bus Terminal for that early bus trip to Badian, we finally reached the quaint town famous for its Kawasan Falls. We actually missed the bus stop and had to walk back about 500 meters just to find a trike that would take us to Terra Manna.

the road leading to Terra Manna

Once we reached the resort, a guard greeted us and confirmed our booking. Before allowing us to get inside, we had to follow the customary registration process at their reception cottage where a delicate mandala flower arrangement graced our arrival.

wonderful mandala flower arrangement consisting of locally grown flowers and leaves

Jona was already waiting for us at the resort’s Panorama deck and when we were given the go signal to get in, we started walking towards the gravel-filled drive way and searched for that area. As soon as I got a good glimpse of the entire 4-hectare camping grounds my mind was blown away by the natural beauty of the resort. You could see well-manicured lawns with coconut trees growing on strategic spots.

the resort’s camping grounds

I immediately saw the tents where we will be spending 2 nights and got excited at the thought of camping out in this heavenly paradise. This would be my second time (having to camp out at Nagsasa Cove two years ago in Zamables as my first).

Lantawan, my favorite spot in Terra Manna

The Terra Manna resort is covered with greens. You will see refreshing sight of greenery anywhere you look. From coconut trees, local plants and trees and assorted crops growing in their garden, the resort guarantees a peaceful nature retreat away from the bustling city life that you are accustomed to. And just as you get near the edge of the cliff, you will see the Tañon Strait with the Negros island across it. When you look over at the right side, you will see the Pescador Island of Moalboal. While looking for Jona, I couldn’t help look at the sea. It was terribly calling us to hurry and discover its secrets.

We finally met the fun and free-spirited Jona and we instantly felt at home at the Panorama deck claiming it as our living room the entire time we stayed at the resort, the camping grounds as our bedroom and the sea as our playground.

a glimpse of the alluring view of the sea, our vitamins

After exchanging Hi’s and Hello’s we started getting ready to jump in and bathe in the bewitching waters of Badian. Sea addicts like us can’t afford to dilly-dally when we are presented with an amazing weather and clear blue waters.

Dylan and Johnn gliding happily to get to the reef

It was no surprise how we could wear our freediving gears in a flash. Soon enough, we were wading the sea waters in excitement as we could not wait to see what we’ll discover on Terra Manna’s seabed.

looking back one last time before heading for the reef

As soon as we hit the waters, we immediately discovered the rich marine life lurking beneath the waters of Badian. Huge sea urchins are scattered a few meters away from the sea deck. As soon as we get passed those stingy creatures, we were given a sight of the living corals that surrounds the area.

Jona diving to capture photos of corals

I am happy to see that the seabed of Terra Manna have intact and living corals. They were almost everywhere. The wonderful weather and the good visibility underneath made it possible to enjoy endless freedive attempts.

Dylan surveying the seabed of Terra Manna Camping and Resort

rich and beautiful corals grow abundantly beneath Badian’s sea bed

It probably took us approximately 20 minutes to swim out to the reef where we found more corals. There were quite a number of fishes swimming in there too.

Johnn freediving to the edge of the reef

We took turns freediving to practice and push our limits. With the reef beneath us, it was the perfect place to practice freediving in Badian.

Dylan cruising on top
photo credit by Johnn

 It took us approximately 3 hours to finish free diving and surveying Terra Manna’s seabed. We only stopped swimming when the tide shifted. The current was starting to get stronger bringing with it bad visibility underneath.

couldn’t get enough of the clear waters

But once we reached the sea deck, we took advantage of the remaining time we had left and started swimming in the natural pool beneath us. We couldn’t afford to throw away the perfect weather and the remaining clear waters that was offered to us.

We only went back to the resort grounds when we could no longer bear the sound of our grumbling tummies. Our excitement reverberated the peaceful resort as each of us shared accounts of our dives while having our late lunch. We couldn’t contain the happiness we felt staying on a paradise retreat that is the Terra Manna Camping & Resort.

the sea deck gets a total face lift during low tide

waiting for the sunset

And just as we thought that we had already experienced the beauty that engulfed the resort both in and out of the water, we failed to realize that we will be given the most rewarding gift at the end of the day – a chance to witness a colorful display of orange hues before the last light gets blown away by darkness.

As soon as we decided it’s time to rest to recharge our energy for the next day’s freediving activities with more friends coming over, we figured we don’t want to be stuck in the confines of our tents under the perfect night sky. Instead, we started pulling out the mattresses provided inside our tents and laid them on the camp grounds.

stargazing to sleep

On our first night in Terra Manna, the heavens blessed us with a wonderful weather making it possible to sleep peacefully under the canopy of stars.

The experience of staying in a resort that brings out the beauty of nature with the resort’s simplicity is surreal. If only I could claim this as my home and never return.

Terra Manna Camping & Resort
Lambug, Badian
Cebu, Philippines
Landline #: Globe +63324750296, +63324750297
Mobile #: Globe +639165297014, Smart +639399124252 and +639192282435
Website: http://www.terramannaresort.ph
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terramanna

The photo below may not give justice to the beautiful cupcake that you are seeing right now as I only have a point and shoot camera and I’m not good at taking photos of food. Or perhaps it could also be because my friend and I were too excited to taste the cupcakes we bought when we went on a food trip after a tiring yoga class that I failed to take a decent photo of the cupcakes we ordered; then again it could be because the cupcakes were not that photogenic. But there’s only one thing I have to say about these sinful goodies. Yummy!!!

cappuccino, red velvet and a favorite – the mudpie cupcake

Have you ever tried eating a cupcake before? I’m sure you do. But have you tried eating one only to convince yourself what’s there to like on the cupcake that you just consumed? I did that a couple of days before I decided to pay Sweet Little Things a visit. And I didn’t like the fact that I had to decide whether I like what I ate or not on that other cupcake store.

But with the cupcakes from Sweet Little Things, the moment the cake landed on my mouth, it instantly hit all the right spots. To me, it’s a no fuss cupcake. They just sit on the shelf waiting for their next victim. And when they see you and you willingly try them, you will be captivated not only by how good the cupcakes taste but something deep inside will prompt you to ponder on those sweet little things.

Dislaimer: Nope. This is NOT a sponsored post.

Sweet Little Things
J Block, Apitong St. Cor. Escario (beside taiwan shabu-shabu)
6000 Cebu City
Website: http://www.sweetlittlethings.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SLTCakes/

If you are headed to Cebu or if you live nearby and have no clue on where to go or what to do on your free day, consider a three-hour trip to the charming town of Moalboal, south west of Cebu. Be sure to pack your swim wear, sunblock, sunshades and the rest of your summer outfit for they will be your best friends for the duration of your stay there.

Moalboal, pronounced as Mo-al-bo-al, is best known for its powdery white sand beach, amazing snorkeling spots and home to one of the best diving spots in the world. So get ready and start applying those sun screen lotions and put on your best beach wear for you are about to get kissed by the sun in this ultimate paradise destination in the Queen city of the South.

kids playing along the white sands of White Beach at Brgy. Basdaku, Moalboal Cebu

Moalboal is a favorite destination among Cebu’s city dwellers. It’s the perfect weekend hideaway for families, friends or solo travelers who want to escape the taxing life in the city. Depending on your preference, you have two famous areas to choose from. White Beach, found in Brgy. Basdaku, is the preferred venue for beach bums. Swimming in the crystal clear waters of the beach, skimming, playing beach ball games, sunbathing or simply lying around the long stretch of white sands are the common sights during weekends – things that you too can do on that side of Moalboal.

the waters of Panagsama Beach at Brgy. Basdiot in Moalboal, Cebu

But if you have a knack for underwater adventures, heading over to the Panagsama Beach at Brgy. Basdiot is the best option. That is where you can find affordable rates to go scuba diving at Pescador Island to view the beautiful marine life underneath as well as enjoy the sightings of whitetip sharks and whale sharks. Did I forget to mention you’d get the chance to witness a sardine run? Yes. Millions of those tiny sardines swim the waters beneath Pescador Island. However, their number have significantly decreased throughout these years. Freediving enthusiasts also feel at home with the perfect sea water temperature and the gorgeous marine life scenery of Moalboal, thereby declaring the Panagsama Beach area as their second home.

abundant live corals in Moalboal, south of Cebu

Your adventure would not be complete if you do not get to witness the marine life in Moalboal. But to the few who does not want to cost an arm and a leg to experience Moalboal’s underwater charm, snorkeling your way into the waters is what it takes for you to discover a whole new world under.

cruising the enchanting marine life at Moalboal’s marine sanctuaries

Hiring a boat is the safest choice when you decide to explore Moalboal’s marine sanctuaries, although snorkeling from the shore is also a great alternative. Aside from the Tongo and Saavedra marine sanctuaries, there are other reefs in the region where you get to explore the underwater world. But my favorite’s the Tuble Marine Sanctuary.

Moalboal corals

I am not really into snorkeling but when I saw the divine and vibrant marine life of Moalboal, I became a convert. If only the back of my ears came with hidden gills that pops every time I touch the sea water, with my feet transforming into a mermaid’s tail, I would have disappeared in that world to join those exquisite fishes and other sea creatures.

freediving in Moalbaol is becoming popular in the area of Panagsama Beach

It was love at first sight the moment I plunged my face in those shallow waters of Tuble’s marine sanctuary. If only I would not swallow saltwater and scare those cute little fishes away, I would have screamed my lungs out just to show my gratitude for the glorious sight that lay before my eyes. Instead, I silently screamed and shrieked in excitement while I continuously bellowed ooohs and wooows  in my mind every single minute I swam and explored the marine sanctuary’s perimeter.

discovering cute marine life underneath Moalboal’s waters

Since there are areas within the sanctuary that are too shallow, our helpful boatman slash underwater tour guide made way for our safe expedition without touching the living corals underneath. There were too many of them. The explosion of different colors beneath us was just overwhelming. Corals of different shapes and sizes are scattered all over. You will see hues of violet, blue, red, green, orange, yellow and brown everywhere. There’s one that looked like spaghetti, one that looked like a cabbage and another one shaped like a volcano. Mossy, spikey, fat ones, you name it. Nemo and friends were even playing in there too. There were hundreds of them fishes in different shapes, sizes and colors. It was like seeing a giant aquarium. The experience was surreal.

Moalboal is a haven for freediver buddies like Johnn here

On a cloudless day, be sure to broaden your vision 30 meters under and if lucky, you get to have a glimpse of giant sea turtles or pawikans enjoying their daily swim. But beware, the moment they feel your presence, they will eagerly swim away from you and disappear into the deep blue sea.

enjoying the sights of colorful fishes in Moalboal

Visiting that underwater paradise is like knowing what life must be like for Ariel living under the sea. I never imagined that there’s a different world down there, far more beautiful than one can comprehend. The rich biodiversity together with the diverse coral reef system underneath the seawaters of Moalboal is what makes this fascinating town unique. And just a few swims away would give you a view of the town’s famous drop, an almost vertical abyss extending beyond the normal eyesight.

the reef and finding nemo

It’s just sad seeing that at some areas, there are corals that have died. I could not say if it was a result of the fierce forces of nature or if it was a result of man’s negligence. If the destruction of those corals in Moalboal were due to the locals and tourists visiting the area, my only wish is for the town people to practice vigilance in protecting their marine wildlife. They can tap local government units in case they need assistance. It would be a waste to witness an extinction of the rare gem that Moalboal possess. By taking care of our marine life, we can ensure that our future generations will have the chance to witness the magnificence that lies below the sea waters of Moalboal. This is one legacy worth saving for our future kin.