Overnight in Moalboal: The perfect case for Online Banking

white beach in Basdako, Moalboal, Cebu

I have a spare overnight before coming back to Manila from a work assignment in Davao and Cebu. 

A couchsurfing friend is inviting over to an outreach event in Camotes, but the ship schedules would throw a majority of the spare time to waiting. Instead, I decided to push through with my planned moalboal sidetrip.

After my last presentation, I immediately ran back to the hotel to pack and pick up my stuff. It was not until I was in the van terminal did it come to me that I have only a thousand left in my wallet; 

There was no nearby atm terminal so I asked the van driver if there are atm machines in Moalboal; He said there are two.

It took us more than 3hours to get to  the town center of Moalboal. 

After a quick meal from the pizza house, I decided to get to the atms. 

The (metrobank) atm was inside 'three-sixty' pharmacy. There were a few people queued up, and atm was running smooth. When it was my turn, the screen froze; the security officer said it's normal for the atm, and the cause is the weak data signal. I asked for the location of the other atm, and he said it was just abou 200m away.

I walked out to peep if it's close indeed, but I walked back in anyway and tried the metrobank again. Again, there were a few queud up, and 2 turns before mine, the system froze again. There was no choice but to try the other one.

The other bank (Rural) that has an atm in Moalboal, Cebu

The other atm is of A Rural Bank (name of bank is RURALWAYS), housed in a 2 storey bunggalow. 

I entered my card but there seems to be no response from the machine. Screen reads please enter your card to begin. I tried to hit some buttons, but after I did, it said, 'Sorry this ATM is closed'. My jaw dropped, mind blew empty.,  IM FuCKeD UP! 

I was looking for a number to call, a lookout security staff who's inside but there isn't. There is nobody inside the branch too. I have only a thousand peso left, and it's a saturday; I have to take the flight back too the next day; No way I can wait until monday just to get the card. Besides, the imminent problem is that my cash on hand is only about a thousand.

I went back to the pizza house to check out my baggage is intact; Pulled my cigarette, and phone. 

Luckily, a travel friend is on her way to Moalboal too with her vacationing mom. I asked if she has a BPI atm with her, and she replied positive. I can transfer from mobile banking to her atm. Problem solved!

The next task is to choose between Panagsama and Basdako white beach. 

From what I read, Basdako is the beach area while Panagsama is the dive/snorkle destination. And, since I was told there are dive shops in Basdako too, I decided to go ahead with basdako so we have both the reef and the sand.

We told the tricycle driver that we have yet to hunt for our accomodation, and he said there's a lot there. He brought us to the white beach, which, from the way it looks is like a public beach. There were cottages, but are old and looks stinky.

white beach in Basdako, Moalboal, Cebu

We have an elderly with us, and this is not those usual backpacking trip where cost is 90% of the decision criteria. This time  we had to give some to comfort and environment.

Jimmy, our trike driver, noticed we weren't satisfied with the options. He said if we are not comfortable, we can check out the other resorts on the borders of the white beach.

We ended up with  the one next to Serendra at P1500/night. Serendra would have been very nice for all its complete facilities, but P3,300 a night is too much. 

As we had to be on our way back at 2pm the next day, we woke up early to do our island hopping.

with my travel bud's mom in Basdako, Moalboal, Cebu

reef in Basdako, Moalboal, Cebu

reef in Basdako, Moalboal, Cebu

reef in Basdako, Moalboal, Cebu

reef in Basdako, Moalboal, Cebu

We asked around for the boats and rates were at 2000 and 2500. I asked Jimmy (trike driver) if he knows any fisherman around, and he was saying the best price he can get out of his acquiantance is 1500. And 500/head was just too much.

I waited a bit, and later, a passing by fisherman was approaching. The boat was so small, so before even asking how much he'd ask, i asked him first if his boat can handle it.

He said it can, and he asked for 800. We settled on 600.

The waves were actually huge so sailed close to the coast. Upon reaching pinagsama, I was stunned at the crystal water and thick forrest down there. After almost an hour, we reached the turtle sanctuary. We spotted 1 turtle floating, teasing us with his head as he moves away and dips itself deeper when it sees us steer towards him. I jumped off to the water, to see if there could be any more turtles, but it's all there is.

Then we decided to move ahead to pescador island. Out boatman was saying the waves are probably risky, and everyone of us three began ranting. From where we were it seems as the waves are calmer than when we talked with him at the beach.  We were claiming it was the whole reason why we rented his boat, so we have to find a way.

He looked towards the waters, thought for a moment, and said, OK let's go. We were telling him if he's comfortable with the waves, as we can wait until the tide settles a bit, but he said we're good to go.

We reached the island safely but the trip was really hell of a ride. On my mind, I was thinking about transferring the 2 ladies to the other tourist boats, but all those docked there are done for their trip at our arrival. Everyone was just looking at us with that face that says "Is that how you got here?"

pescador island in Moalboal, Cebu

approaching pescador island in moalboal, cebu

reef in pescador island in moalboal cebu

snorkelling around pescador island, moalboal, cebu

swimming around pescador island in moalboal cebu

We snorkled around and the reef in pinagsama is far better. There is nothing else to do ;-(; We decided to go back and do snorkelling in pinagsama instead.

reef in pinagsama, moalboal, cebu

reef in pinagsama, moalboal, cebu

reef in pinagsama, moalboal, cebu

reef in pinagsama, moalboal, cebu

reef in pinagsama, moalboal, cebu

How to go to Moalboal:

From cebu city, make your way to the south terminal. You can either take the bus or the van. The van would be faster though compared to the bus.

The van will drop off in the town center. From the town center, you can take a trike to your destination (either pinagsama or basdako). We paid P100 in the town-basdako trip. On the return trip, we had to take a tricy that's readily available (instead of jimmy), and he was asking for P150. Then again I told him it's only 100 and we are not uninformed.

After my visit, I realized, it would have been better if we stayed in pinagsama instead. Yes you may have the sand in basdako, but the beach is just too rocky. I would have enjoyed, and taken more time snorkelling in pinagsama, and then do a side trip to basdako.

Food in the resorts could be very expensive, but there are eateries there. Just ask for where they are as they are not so obvious from the beach front.

We stayed in Delgado Cottages with phone nos (0933) 441 6805. Their rates are P1500 and up. Beside delgado is serendra, and on the opposite side is a family that offers some rooms. The family is more flexible when it comes to budget.

Our trike service jimmy's contact no is +63 906 802 8383 or (0923) 843 6945



Travelling Philippines? Follow @CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation below PHP400 (US$9) for easier searches.

white beach in Basdako, Moalboal, Cebu

I have a spare overnight before coming back to Manila from a work assignment in Davao and Cebu. 

A couchsurfing friend is inviting over to an outreach event in Camotes, but the ship schedules would throw a majority of the spare time to waiting. Instead, I decided to push through with my planned moalboal sidetrip.

After my last presentation, I immediately ran back to the hotel to pack and pick up my stuff. It was not until I was in the van terminal did it come to me that I have only a thousand left in my wallet; 

There was no nearby atm terminal so I asked the van driver if there are atm machines in Moalboal; He said there are two.

It took us more than 3hours to get to  the town center of Moalboal. 

After a quick meal from the pizza house, I decided to get to the atms. 

The (metrobank) atm was inside 'three-sixty' pharmacy. There were a few people queued up, and atm was running smooth. When it was my turn, the screen froze; the security officer said it's normal for the atm, and the cause is the weak data signal. I asked for the location of the other atm, and he said it was just abou 200m away.

I walked out to peep if it's close indeed, but I walked back in anyway and tried the metrobank again. Again, there were a few queud up, and 2 turns before mine, the system froze again. There was no choice but to try the other one.

The other bank (Rural) that has an atm in Moalboal, Cebu

The other atm is of A Rural Bank (name of bank is RURALWAYS), housed in a 2 storey bunggalow. 

I entered my card but there seems to be no response from the machine. Screen reads please enter your card to begin. I tried to hit some buttons, but after I did, it said, 'Sorry this ATM is closed'. My jaw dropped, mind blew empty.,  IM FuCKeD UP! 

I was looking for a number to call, a lookout security staff who's inside but there isn't. There is nobody inside the branch too. I have only a thousand peso left, and it's a saturday; I have to take the flight back too the next day; No way I can wait until monday just to get the card. Besides, the imminent problem is that my cash on hand is only about a thousand.

I went back to the pizza house to check out my baggage is intact; Pulled my cigarette, and phone. 

Luckily, a travel friend is on her way to Moalboal too with her vacationing mom. I asked if she has a BPI atm with her, and she replied positive. I can transfer from mobile banking to her atm. Problem solved!

The next task is to choose between Panagsama and Basdako white beach. 

From what I read, Basdako is the beach area while Panagsama is the dive/snorkle destination. And, since I was told there are dive shops in Basdako too, I decided to go ahead with basdako so we have both the reef and the sand.

We told the tricycle driver that we have yet to hunt for our accomodation, and he said there's a lot there. He brought us to the white beach, which, from the way it looks is like a public beach. There were cottages, but are old and looks stinky.

white beach in Basdako, Moalboal, Cebu

We have an elderly with us, and this is not those usual backpacking trip where cost is 90% of the decision criteria. This time  we had to give some to comfort and environment.

Jimmy, our trike driver, noticed we weren't satisfied with the options. He said if we are not comfortable, we can check out the other resorts on the borders of the white beach.

We ended up with  the one next to Serendra at P1500/night. Serendra would have been very nice for all its complete facilities, but P3,300 a night is too much. 

As we had to be on our way back at 2pm the next day, we woke up early to do our island hopping.

with my travel bud's mom in Basdako, Moalboal, Cebu

reef in Basdako, Moalboal, Cebu

reef in Basdako, Moalboal, Cebu

reef in Basdako, Moalboal, Cebu

reef in Basdako, Moalboal, Cebu

We asked around for the boats and rates were at 2000 and 2500. I asked Jimmy (trike driver) if he knows any fisherman around, and he was saying the best price he can get out of his acquiantance is 1500. And 500/head was just too much.

I waited a bit, and later, a passing by fisherman was approaching. The boat was so small, so before even asking how much he'd ask, i asked him first if his boat can handle it.

He said it can, and he asked for 800. We settled on 600.

The waves were actually huge so sailed close to the coast. Upon reaching pinagsama, I was stunned at the crystal water and thick forrest down there. After almost an hour, we reached the turtle sanctuary. We spotted 1 turtle floating, teasing us with his head as he moves away and dips itself deeper when it sees us steer towards him. I jumped off to the water, to see if there could be any more turtles, but it's all there is.

Then we decided to move ahead to pescador island. Out boatman was saying the waves are probably risky, and everyone of us three began ranting. From where we were it seems as the waves are calmer than when we talked with him at the beach.  We were claiming it was the whole reason why we rented his boat, so we have to find a way.

He looked towards the waters, thought for a moment, and said, OK let's go. We were telling him if he's comfortable with the waves, as we can wait until the tide settles a bit, but he said we're good to go.

We reached the island safely but the trip was really hell of a ride. On my mind, I was thinking about transferring the 2 ladies to the other tourist boats, but all those docked there are done for their trip at our arrival. Everyone was just looking at us with that face that says "Is that how you got here?"

pescador island in Moalboal, Cebu

approaching pescador island in moalboal, cebu

reef in pescador island in moalboal cebu

snorkelling around pescador island, moalboal, cebu

swimming around pescador island in moalboal cebu

We snorkled around and the reef in pinagsama is far better. There is nothing else to do ;-(; We decided to go back and do snorkelling in pinagsama instead.

reef in pinagsama, moalboal, cebu

reef in pinagsama, moalboal, cebu

reef in pinagsama, moalboal, cebu

reef in pinagsama, moalboal, cebu

reef in pinagsama, moalboal, cebu

How to go to Moalboal:

From cebu city, make your way to the south terminal. You can either take the bus or the van. The van would be faster though compared to the bus.

The van will drop off in the town center. From the town center, you can take a trike to your destination (either pinagsama or basdako). We paid P100 in the town-basdako trip. On the return trip, we had to take a tricy that's readily available (instead of jimmy), and he was asking for P150. Then again I told him it's only 100 and we are not uninformed.

After my visit, I realized, it would have been better if we stayed in pinagsama instead. Yes you may have the sand in basdako, but the beach is just too rocky. I would have enjoyed, and taken more time snorkelling in pinagsama, and then do a side trip to basdako.

Food in the resorts could be very expensive, but there are eateries there. Just ask for where they are as they are not so obvious from the beach front.

We stayed in Delgado Cottages with phone nos (0933) 441 6805. Their rates are P1500 and up. Beside delgado is serendra, and on the opposite side is a family that offers some rooms. The family is more flexible when it comes to budget.

Our trike service jimmy's contact no is +63 906 802 8383 or (0923) 843 6945



Travelling Philippines? Follow @CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation below PHP400 (US$9) for easier searches.

Read More »

How to go to Cebu South Terminal without taking a Cab?

This is what I was told and did to get to Cebu South Terminal:

Walk to the Departure Terminal where you'll find the Multicabs (You may ask around where to find them). Pay P8 and ask to be dropped in "Simbahan" or Birhen sa Regala Church.

Birhen sa Regala Church in Cebu City

From the Simbahan, Walk towards the Pier and get your ticket. This gets you to Pier 3.

The Pier

Fare in Metro as of October 2012

Getting aboard the Metro ferry to Pier 3

From Pier 3, take 01C/1E jeep and this will get you to the South Terminal already... yay!!!!

Cebu South Terminal

This is what I was told and did to get to Cebu South Terminal:

Walk to the Departure Terminal where you'll find the Multicabs (You may ask around where to find them). Pay P8 and ask to be dropped in "Simbahan" or Birhen sa Regala Church.

Birhen sa Regala Church in Cebu City

From the Simbahan, Walk towards the Pier and get your ticket. This gets you to Pier 3.

The Pier

Fare in Metro as of October 2012

Getting aboard the Metro ferry to Pier 3

From Pier 3, take 01C/1E jeep and this will get you to the South Terminal already... yay!!!!

Cebu South Terminal

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My Retirement Province: Cebu

Starting from my window seat in the airplane, til I got back to Manila, I was just in complete marvel at Cebu City.  One thing I'd always say about cebu after that trip was: If I were to retire elsewhere, it will certainly be Cebu. 

In Cebu, or more generally, within visayas, i thought that people had the heart of a responsible citizen; Main points being proper garbage disposal and Toilet flushing after use. I must admit, back when I haven't started travelling, since the only cebuanos I know were the maids from my neighborhood, I didn't think Cebu would be any better. Not until I got to this province was I slapped shame of my thinking.

Secondly, having travelled from urban cebu then up north to Bantayan, everywhere I looked around, I could see a clear beach with skyblue water; It’s raining beach J. At one point in the trip, next to the road are cane plantation, with occassional coconut trees, and I could see beach on my left and also on my right.

the white to sky blue gradient of the shoreline everywhere cebu

You can be a corporate slave for the whole week, and be a nature geek starting the Friday night. Attractions are endless, in case bantayan island don’t seem to be enough.

Sta Fe Beach, Bantayan Island, Cebu

Third, Bukilat cave in Camotes Island is the best pool cave I've seen so far. The detailed stalactite and stalagmite formation inside treat it enchantingly distinct from the rest that I've visited.

Bukilat Cave, Camotes Island

Fourth, Silion beach in Bantayan Island. This is probably where I'd retire in case lots are still available and not yet converted to resorts. 

Ian Limbonis in Silion, Bantayan Island, Cebu

Fifth, the weather. I did not feel too moist, nor too dry.

The only thing I think I felt short of: Knowing cebuano. I ask people in tagalog, but always get an answer in cebuano; And when I ask translation, I’d barely get an answer.

 

This is my entry to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers’ 23rd Blog Carnival for September 2012 with the theme “The Visayas Roundup” hosted by Ding Fuellos ofThe Pinoy Explorer.

Starting from my window seat in the airplane, til I got back to Manila, I was just in complete marvel at Cebu City.  One thing I'd always say about cebu after that trip was: If I were to retire elsewhere, it will certainly be Cebu. 

In Cebu, or more generally, within visayas, i thought that people had the heart of a responsible citizen; Main points being proper garbage disposal and Toilet flushing after use. I must admit, back when I haven't started travelling, since the only cebuanos I know were the maids from my neighborhood, I didn't think Cebu would be any better. Not until I got to this province was I slapped shame of my thinking.

Secondly, having travelled from urban cebu then up north to Bantayan, everywhere I looked around, I could see a clear beach with skyblue water; It’s raining beach J. At one point in the trip, next to the road are cane plantation, with occassional coconut trees, and I could see beach on my left and also on my right.

the white to sky blue gradient of the shoreline everywhere cebu

You can be a corporate slave for the whole week, and be a nature geek starting the Friday night. Attractions are endless, in case bantayan island don’t seem to be enough.

Sta Fe Beach, Bantayan Island, Cebu

Third, Bukilat cave in Camotes Island is the best pool cave I've seen so far. The detailed stalactite and stalagmite formation inside treat it enchantingly distinct from the rest that I've visited.

Bukilat Cave, Camotes Island

Fourth, Silion beach in Bantayan Island. This is probably where I'd retire in case lots are still available and not yet converted to resorts. 

Ian Limbonis in Silion, Bantayan Island, Cebu

Fifth, the weather. I did not feel too moist, nor too dry.

The only thing I think I felt short of: Knowing cebuano. I ask people in tagalog, but always get an answer in cebuano; And when I ask translation, I’d barely get an answer.

 

This is my entry to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers’ 23rd Blog Carnival for September 2012 with the theme “The Visayas Roundup” hosted by Ding Fuellos ofThe Pinoy Explorer.

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Bantayan Island, Cebu

getting aboard ferry in Hagnaya port to Sta Fe Port in Bantayan Island, Cebu

This trip have proven me to be a travel addict. One, today is the last day of enrollment and i have rather taken the trip than complete the procedure. I'd make an appeal on wednesday instead by the time i'm back in manila.

Two, the day before the trip, the school has called for being shortlisted for the scholarship grant and that i have to attend an interview the ff day, i.e. Day of my flight to cebu.

I was torn. 

Mangrove Forest in Sta Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu

My boss was acting wild that day too such that he'd go mad at every work i do. I was holding my horses the whole day. I would have almost yelled at him back, rather making me willfully push this trip.

Right after the call from the college, my mind went bezerq. Blah blah blah.. Slept for an hour, and Woke up 2am to prepare for commuting to clark airport, thru airphil express.

St Peter and Paul Church in Bantayan Town Proper

I got too early in the gate. 5am, i was ready to board a 7:20 flight. It was exactly 7:20 when we left and we arrived 20mins ahead, 8:20.

On the flight, i did not want to sleep since it's too short to even get my eyes to close. From up, i got an aerial view of mayon and the other islands i've been to, including alibijaban island.

Resto and Bar street in Sta Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu

Tristan's Pizza in Sta Fe, Bantayan island, Cebu

It was late in the afternoon when we got to bantayan. We didn't want to waste any time so we took the motorbike and went to st peter and paul's church and passing through the Mangrove forest. For some reason, there is this feeling of fulfillment when you get to go around unfamiliar town on your own transpo, free to stop whenever you feel like.

Upon reaching the church, from inside, the embellishments would tell you how conservative the people are. After some close look at the church, we went out and explored the Plaza. 

I tried the Carlito's fried chicken with that specialty rice as i was starving. Didn't find much to fancy though as it was a regular fried chicken. What gave me the excitement was having to eat with my hands wrapped in plastic. From there, we were brought to the port, where there was a view of the smaller (seemingly populated) islands. 

We went back to sta fe afterwards. My travel mate was freaking to try Tristan's pizza and offered a treat. We dropped by, and in turn, I volunteered to scout some beer. After that utterly sweet pizza, We went back to beach placid, took a bath, and then we were brought to this so called Route 66 Comedy Bar.

Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort

Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort

Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort

I was expecting it to be like those sawali videoke bars normally along bus stops. Then again, this makeshift comedy bar is not bad enough to think that i am well off the city. Quite an experience. So, without much crankiness, I stood up when asked to go up the stage, answered whatever intruding question they threw, and sang whatever they played on the karaoke.  

The morning after, we rented a scooter and drove towards bantayan and cross towards TAMI AO where Bantayan Nature's Park and pool cave (other than Ogtong is). We struggled in the directions, but the ride was well enjoyed. 

In my mind, i thought it was more like a plaza since it was bearing the 'Bantayan' tag. Apparently, it's a private resort.

billiards use included in the P100 daytour in  Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort 

Cave in  Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort

Cave in  Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort

Fish Spa in  Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort

Then again, for a P100 daytour trip, you get to use their billiards, videoke, and swim in the cave. Not bad after all. I also tried the fish spa which costs an affordable 50/15mins.

It was already late when we left the Nature's park. We were told it's much quicker to take the Silion route. Indeed, in less than 30minutes I guess, we got past Beach Placid. The route was rough but quite scenic.

Hut accomodation in  Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort 

shore of  Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort

Back in the resort, took my beach time.  I also ran out of cigarette so bought in the nearby store..and the only brand they have is WINSBORO.. And i bought it with a smile :-)

Took a bath, then off on my scooter again. Went to a local carinderia, then thought about looking for a tripod in the '168'-like 888 store in poblacion. I knew I was unlikely to get one, but it was more of that finding a reason to justify something you want - just to roam around. And, of course, there was no tripod.

The sun was still quite up so i thought about heading further to madridejos.
What I was thinking then was to have a talk with some locals. I make it a point that I get to hang around locals whenever I visit some place - see their behavior and know some more about the people and place. There was also the buko offer of someone we met in the ferry. So, there we go, I asked him that he take me around madridejos which he did. 

Silion, Bantayan Island, Cebu

the P350/day scooter; headed back to Beach Placid, Sta Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu 

We first head to their main resort where sunset was great. I couldn't quite see the blueness of the beach anymore as it was dusk. Bumming in the sunset though is enough reason to drive 30kms away. 

After that the sun was down, we went to the other beaches though it was dark and there were no lights.

Sta Fe Beach in Sta Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu

Sta Fe Beach in Sta Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu

Sta Fe Beach in Sta Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu

Sta Fe Beach in Sta Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu

I was asking him where we can hang out; again, some makeshift clubs or whatsoever, and he told me about this place where locals come - videoke. I thought I was going to see something I had in Sta Fe, but, this one is evern more simple. It was rather a sari sari store with a videoke machine on a hut next to it. But again, enjoy whatever there is. The singers weren't bad after all.

It was past 8pm, after a shared mucho gold eagle beer that i went back home to beach placid. It was quite dark, no transpo along the hiway, but hell I care. I would have been more scared if I were in the city. Through silion route, I passed by Nature's park again where my tour buddy was, watching the Bantayan Idol singing contest. Everyone's on awe looking at the performer who's even partly covered by a tree in front of the stage. I didn't really want to spend the rest of my time hearing some great voices, so I left. I was more excited seeing the sayawans on the basketball courts. From there, i've stopped and watch portions of 3 sayawans, and 1 teen pageant; Bought several mango shakes, popcorns, all the street food there were.

Hagnaya Port

full itinerary of my 5day cebu trip here

Added notes: 
-Bantayan nature park and resort requires proper swimming attire in the cave. No maong shorts whatsoever; hence, i had to be on underwear; thank goodness I was alone.
-Danggit price in Bantayan is 110/.25kl
-there is an allied bank atm around the  plaza.
-for those renting a scooter bike, plaza is one way. They're also not bothered whether u have a motorbike license or not, as long as there's only 3 passengers per bike all in all.
-commodity price is same as the city price.
-Bantayan town proper is about 22kms away from sta fe.




Looking to travelling to this destination? Talk to me and we'll let's talk about your accomodation, transpo, and tour options

getting aboard ferry in Hagnaya port to Sta Fe Port in Bantayan Island, Cebu

This trip have proven me to be a travel addict. One, today is the last day of enrollment and i have rather taken the trip than complete the procedure. I'd make an appeal on wednesday instead by the time i'm back in manila.

Two, the day before the trip, the school has called for being shortlisted for the scholarship grant and that i have to attend an interview the ff day, i.e. Day of my flight to cebu.

I was torn. 

Mangrove Forest in Sta Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu

My boss was acting wild that day too such that he'd go mad at every work i do. I was holding my horses the whole day. I would have almost yelled at him back, rather making me willfully push this trip.

Right after the call from the college, my mind went bezerq. Blah blah blah.. Slept for an hour, and Woke up 2am to prepare for commuting to clark airport, thru airphil express.

St Peter and Paul Church in Bantayan Town Proper

I got too early in the gate. 5am, i was ready to board a 7:20 flight. It was exactly 7:20 when we left and we arrived 20mins ahead, 8:20.

On the flight, i did not want to sleep since it's too short to even get my eyes to close. From up, i got an aerial view of mayon and the other islands i've been to, including alibijaban island.

Resto and Bar street in Sta Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu

Tristan's Pizza in Sta Fe, Bantayan island, Cebu

It was late in the afternoon when we got to bantayan. We didn't want to waste any time so we took the motorbike and went to st peter and paul's church and passing through the Mangrove forest. For some reason, there is this feeling of fulfillment when you get to go around unfamiliar town on your own transpo, free to stop whenever you feel like.

Upon reaching the church, from inside, the embellishments would tell you how conservative the people are. After some close look at the church, we went out and explored the Plaza. 

I tried the Carlito's fried chicken with that specialty rice as i was starving. Didn't find much to fancy though as it was a regular fried chicken. What gave me the excitement was having to eat with my hands wrapped in plastic. From there, we were brought to the port, where there was a view of the smaller (seemingly populated) islands. 

We went back to sta fe afterwards. My travel mate was freaking to try Tristan's pizza and offered a treat. We dropped by, and in turn, I volunteered to scout some beer. After that utterly sweet pizza, We went back to beach placid, took a bath, and then we were brought to this so called Route 66 Comedy Bar.

Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort

Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort

Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort

I was expecting it to be like those sawali videoke bars normally along bus stops. Then again, this makeshift comedy bar is not bad enough to think that i am well off the city. Quite an experience. So, without much crankiness, I stood up when asked to go up the stage, answered whatever intruding question they threw, and sang whatever they played on the karaoke.  

The morning after, we rented a scooter and drove towards bantayan and cross towards TAMI AO where Bantayan Nature's Park and pool cave (other than Ogtong is). We struggled in the directions, but the ride was well enjoyed. 

In my mind, i thought it was more like a plaza since it was bearing the 'Bantayan' tag. Apparently, it's a private resort.

billiards use included in the P100 daytour in  Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort 

Cave in  Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort

Cave in  Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort

Fish Spa in  Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort

Then again, for a P100 daytour trip, you get to use their billiards, videoke, and swim in the cave. Not bad after all. I also tried the fish spa which costs an affordable 50/15mins.

It was already late when we left the Nature's park. We were told it's much quicker to take the Silion route. Indeed, in less than 30minutes I guess, we got past Beach Placid. The route was rough but quite scenic.

Hut accomodation in  Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort 

shore of  Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort

Back in the resort, took my beach time.  I also ran out of cigarette so bought in the nearby store..and the only brand they have is WINSBORO.. And i bought it with a smile :-)

Took a bath, then off on my scooter again. Went to a local carinderia, then thought about looking for a tripod in the '168'-like 888 store in poblacion. I knew I was unlikely to get one, but it was more of that finding a reason to justify something you want - just to roam around. And, of course, there was no tripod.

The sun was still quite up so i thought about heading further to madridejos.
What I was thinking then was to have a talk with some locals. I make it a point that I get to hang around locals whenever I visit some place - see their behavior and know some more about the people and place. There was also the buko offer of someone we met in the ferry. So, there we go, I asked him that he take me around madridejos which he did. 

Silion, Bantayan Island, Cebu

the P350/day scooter; headed back to Beach Placid, Sta Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu 

We first head to their main resort where sunset was great. I couldn't quite see the blueness of the beach anymore as it was dusk. Bumming in the sunset though is enough reason to drive 30kms away. 

After that the sun was down, we went to the other beaches though it was dark and there were no lights.

Sta Fe Beach in Sta Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu

Sta Fe Beach in Sta Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu

Sta Fe Beach in Sta Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu

Sta Fe Beach in Sta Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu

I was asking him where we can hang out; again, some makeshift clubs or whatsoever, and he told me about this place where locals come - videoke. I thought I was going to see something I had in Sta Fe, but, this one is evern more simple. It was rather a sari sari store with a videoke machine on a hut next to it. But again, enjoy whatever there is. The singers weren't bad after all.

It was past 8pm, after a shared mucho gold eagle beer that i went back home to beach placid. It was quite dark, no transpo along the hiway, but hell I care. I would have been more scared if I were in the city. Through silion route, I passed by Nature's park again where my tour buddy was, watching the Bantayan Idol singing contest. Everyone's on awe looking at the performer who's even partly covered by a tree in front of the stage. I didn't really want to spend the rest of my time hearing some great voices, so I left. I was more excited seeing the sayawans on the basketball courts. From there, i've stopped and watch portions of 3 sayawans, and 1 teen pageant; Bought several mango shakes, popcorns, all the street food there were.

Hagnaya Port

full itinerary of my 5day cebu trip here

Added notes: 
-Bantayan nature park and resort requires proper swimming attire in the cave. No maong shorts whatsoever; hence, i had to be on underwear; thank goodness I was alone.
-Danggit price in Bantayan is 110/.25kl
-there is an allied bank atm around the  plaza.
-for those renting a scooter bike, plaza is one way. They're also not bothered whether u have a motorbike license or not, as long as there's only 3 passengers per bike all in all.
-commodity price is same as the city price.
-Bantayan town proper is about 22kms away from sta fe.




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