Valencia, Negros Oriental

Valencia is a first class municipality in Negros Oriental and a few kilometers away from Dumaguete City.

It is a vast land of several water forms such as lake, falls, rivers, hot springs and etc. Few of which are developed under the direction of the municipality's eco-tourism sector. I could not fathom and tell you in details how much I admire the places I've visit in this small town. 

Tejero Highland Resort and Adventure Park

Tejero Highland Resort and Adventure Park is said to be the newest attraction therein to offer relaxation and recreation facility of all ages in your family member. It features a zipline, ATVs, slides, natural pools, hotel and restaurant. 

Are you fond of walking? How about a short distance trekking?

Here in Tejero's, you can enjoy hiking in fresh nature scent while enjoying distant chirping of birds, shwooshing rhythm of the water as it sings a soft whisper. Follow the yellow dots painted on the stones or trees. It will surely lead you nowhere but to stop in the middle.

Hahaha, I'm kidding, oh right!

We kinda lost our way as we follow the other dots up the river's stream. We must have missed out something hidden on the tall grasses therein. In the end, we never finish the trek and end up taking turns at taking each other's  photos.

To get to this resort, we rented a public utility multicab (16 seater) in Dumaguete for Php 2000 to take us to Valencia. Along the road, I noticed that every houses we passed by has Rambutan trees but funny to know, they sell it for Php 50 per kilo (a bit pricy) and Lanzones which they sell for Php 100 per kilo. Can't it come cheaper? 

Casaroro Waterfall

The water that drops by Tejero Nature Camp came all the way from here. After a three hundred plus steps down and uphill the stony and unpaved road is this magnificent view of Casaroro Waterfall. 

In every place I went during this trip, I took a stone as a souvenir. Aside from that, its a way for me to remind myself constantly of the place I see.

As it turned out, the water is too cold in this part of Negros. We didn't dipped our exhausted bodies for too long in this pool of raging turbulent water.  

Below photos shows balanced stone statues. Visitors came to this place and made those. My curiosity is knocking in my brain as to the reason why. My guess, maybe it's a part of their respect for some mythical creature guarding the place otherwise it's just a product of their artistic imaginations.

The environmental fee in this area is very cheap for only Php 10. Manang who cashes out environmental fees from tourists, sells "Mango Float" flavored ice candy. It's quite delicious and worth trying at a price of Php 10 only. Another three hundred plus more steps, we're already heading out Casaroro.  

Smoky Mountain in Valencia?

We are scheduled to go to a hot spring after Casaroro, my friend's brother who knows the place quite well, suggested that we go to Ocean 24. Along the way, we stopped by this smoky mountain. The pungent smell of sulfur is all over the place. They say it's a volcano's crater. Not surprised when they say a geothermal powerplant is nearby.

Ocean 24 - Hot and Cold Swimming Pool!

I thought we're really heading to a natural hot spring but was surprised when I realized where heading to a hot and cold swimming pool. Hot water from the spring is being mixed with the natural water for the hot swimming pool. 

Natural hot springs most of the time are at an extreme temperatures enough to scald off or caused terrible burn on someone's skin. So once you see a hot spring, don't immediately run and try to jump in. Always remember "Prevention is better than cure."

Saying "Chada" Valencia,

Shi E La

Bais City, Negros Oriental

Dolphin Watching at Tañon Strait – Bais City

Bais City is a city of 80,000 population in Negros Oriental province of Central Visayas. The major economic activity is sugar cane growing with a few wealthy families dominating both the local politics and economy. Main tourist attraction in this part of Negros is whale and dolphin watching in the Tañon Strait between Bais and South Cebu. You can reach Bais City by bus from Dumaguete. (Reference: https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Bais_City)

On August 29, 2016 at 06:30 AM, me and my friends head the direction towards Bais from Dumaguete City. My friend’s cousin gave us a lift to Bais letting us save on a bus ride to the city. It was a pre-planned trip. The planning stage gave us enough time to review some blogs and manage to get contact information from people living within the city to arrange us a boat ride. Nearing our destination, we got directions from Ms. Raquel Abanto (mobile: 09394481119) on how to get to Canibol Port where our rented boat (for the day) that could accommodate 15-20 persons is waiting for us.

Tip: If you want to see the Dolphins, be in the port earlier than 7:00 AM because as the sun rises high up in the sky, you’ll get a very slim chance of seeing them. We reach port at 08:00 since it took an hour or more to be there. Slightly worried that we are already late on schedule, the boatman, Kuya George and the local guide assured us that the Dolphins could still be seen far north from our current location. We sat on the boat hoping and patiently waiting that our boatman would announce, “The Dolphins are coming!” hahaha. Kidding aside.

It’s already 9:00 and still no signs of dolphins… by the looks of it, we are nearing Cebu Island’s shoreline. I am already losing hope. But we we’re constantly reminded by the local tour that the dolphins are still out there. We could already see other boats turning back. I was thinking, maybe the dolphins are already on the mode of hiding. Until, the local guide announce that the whale could already be seen. Excited, I stood up from where I am currently seating and head out from the boats shade to get a better view. There it is!

The whales might be too shy to be seen beacuse they hid as they heard our boat is coming! Slightly frustrated, I sat down again. And the boatman said, let’s go to see the dolphins. And then I was like, “oh? More is coming!”. (#excited) 

From afar, we could see boats encircling a certain part of the ocean. From a wider view, I could see some happy jumping and hear happy giggles (imagination) of creatures busy swimming and showing off to their new found visitors.

We savored every minute of being able to see and ride in the waves with the dolphins. We took as much selfies as we could.

After a while, we decided to go back since it's almost 10:30. By means of going back, we did not literally go back and head the port’s direction but instead, we sashayed towards Manjuyod’s White Sandbar.  

Manjuyod White Sand Bar – Bais City

This pristine 7 kilometer stretch of premium white sand can be accessed via a short 15 minute boat ride from Capiñahan Wharf in the South Bais, Bais City Negros Oriental. It is basically an island towards the North Bais Bay in Tañon Strait that emerges only during low tides. On the island you can find wooden houses built on stilts—and which, during high tide, appears to be floating on the water. These cottages could be rented for overnight says and can be booked at Bais City Tourism Office. (Reference: https://www.dumagueteinfo.com/other-destinations/bais-city/manjuyod-white-sand-bar-bais-dumaguete/)

Tourism Office can be reached at (035) 541-5161/402-8174 Fax (035) 402-8181. Boat rate is Php 2,500 for a group of 15 and Php 3,000 for a group of 20. This is already basically for an entire day of use. (Reference: https://www.dumagueteinfo.com/other-destinations/bais-city/manjuyod-white-sand-bar-bais-dumaguete/)

We reached the location in no time but the tides are still high so we can't see the pearly white sand bar. However, we never missed the opportunity to swim under the scorching heat of August sun, eat some huge freshly gathered ocean crust seashells and crustaceans while waiting for low tides to come.

Since the place is a bit becoming popular with tourists, activity such as banana boat ride is also available for Php 500.00 only. For a group of five, you could already take two tours above sea water ride.

After an hour or two, the sand is slowly coming into view. The magnificent horizon allowed us to take some more deep-seated feelings with the place of fresh air, esteemed calmness of the sea and serene fulfillment as we took jump shot after jump shot.

walking above the powdery sand in the middle of the sea

cheers to more happy memories Bais!

Loving more sun,

Shi E La

Siquijor

What could I say? “You’re a real beauty, oh beloved Siquijor!”

When I was a kid, my grandma used to tell me stories of the place she came from—a place of mystic and magic. Stories about a creepy place in Central Visayas where most Filipino long ago would not dare to go. Too afraid of the darkness that they say lies within. Imaginations be told for which only a curious mind and a strong spirit dares to unfold.

Siquijor has a long-time reputation of being the place of sorcery which both attracts and repulses visitors—but it’s mostly the latter. Their festivals mostly focus on healing rituals where incantations are sung while the old folks make potions out of herbs, roots, insects, tree barks and etc. Hearsay, locals share a story or two about folk legends pointing to the existence of witchcraft and witches on the island. As far as I know, they are also known for making effective love potions. Ohh.. intriguing isn't it?

Siquijor is the 3rd smallest province in the country. Long ago, it was part of Negros Oriental. An interisting fact from Wikipedia says that the Spaniards called the island “Isla del Fuego” or "Island of Fire", because the island gave off an eerie glow, which came from the great swarms of fireflies that gathered in the numerous molave trees on the island.

I never told any of my family members that I will be going to Siquijor. My mom would certainly freak out if she knew I will be heading to that coast. But, never in doubt, I wanted to see and know if the stories and the legends are really true. If setting a foot on that place would make a difference. So without much ado, I bought the plane ticket a year advance (much cheaper - since I came from Mindanao), head straight to the airport (on the day), rode a bus (to Dumaguete) and bwalah... Siquijor, your a foot away already.

I could say, the whole planning and travelling won’t be that easy if not for my friend who had lived long enough in Dumaguete. Siquijor is just southwest of Dumaguete. She planned the itinerary for the whole eight days length vacation: two days in Siquijor, four days in Dumaguete, a day in Cebu and the other day was spent inside the plane and transport vehicles. Quite tiring to think but I tell you, it’s really worth every muscle ache and penny.

We are a group of 8 from Dumaguete. We left Dumaguete port at 8:00 AM in the morning and after an hour and a half boat ride, we reached Siquijor at 10:30 AM for a fare ride of PHP 115.00 only.

Before reaching Siquijor, we already managed to contact Kuya Dennis, our #driver #guide #storyteller #professional photographer during our whole stay in the island. It costs us Php 1,800.00 whole day rental fee to and fro any destinations we visited.

At the port, we were greeted by the local drivers and (I guess) the local tourism officers who offered a ride/tour within the island for a price ranging from 600 to 1800 depending on the capacity of the vehicle. They also gave us copies of the map and list of hotel accommodations with numbers.

Kuya Dennis assisted us by showing us the detailed map of the whole island and let us point the sequence of places which was on our bucket list. After the brief discussion, we went to our first stop, St. Francis Church. (photos below are the sequence of places we went.)

Day 1: August 25, 2016 (Thursday)

St. Francis of Asisi Church, Siquijor, Siquijor

I was shocked at first why we are walking and not riding away from the pier for about two minutes since we got there. Well, here's to why... our first stop is few steps away from the port says "Welcomes to Siquijor."

"Welcome to Siquijor" just outside St. Francis of Asisi Church

Guiwanon Spring Resort

Guiwanon Spring Resort/Tulapos Marine Sanctuary

Before going to our next destination, we stopped by at Jo's Inato for a quick lunch.

Cang-Isok House, Enrique Villanueva

This reminds me of my grandma's old house at the farm. Here in the Philippines most houses in the province are made out of raw materials mostly from trees and grasses readily available in the field. Below is a typical huge "Nipa" hut in the province. But what's unique to this house is that it's a century old and still standing amidst natural unfriendly weather it has surpassed.

a century old house - one of the oldest in the Philippines 

Just me across the road to Salagdoong...

 

Salagdoon Beach Resort at Maria, Siquijor

you can jump by the ciff... 

St. Isidore Church at Lazi, Siquijor

St. Isidore de Labrador Church, Lazi, Siquijor 

Church of wooden flooring (inside St Isidore Church at Lazi) 

Just across the street is this beautiful "ancient looking" convent 

Cambugahay Falls

this is the place for tarzan jump shots people!!! 

Century Old Balete Tree

ready to get the taste of toe-tickling kisses of fishes just beneath this century old Balete Tree... 

Tori's Paradise Resort

After a long day of riding, jump shotting, eating, trekking, swimming and jumping in the middle of nowhere, you can enjoy a good view and comfortable sleep at Tori's. Since Siquijor is not yet too much crowded with tourists, most of its resorts are semi-exclusive (for me). Good view of the horizon makes you wish that the day would never end (sigh).

exclusive resort, ain't eh?! 

dip into this saltwater pool 

(warm and soothing for an evening swim) 

Day 2: August 26, 2016 (Friday)

I intend to wake up early, have an early walk and witness the natural changing hues of dawn to sunrise but sad to say, I was not able to catch a glimpse of that particular moment. But here's a photo of the sun high above the horizon which appears to be in the color of sunset (too yellow)--which is odd for me.

The photo below is raw and unedited but since my camera auto balances the light effects it still appears bright in the register. Just well, the sun is still beautiful no matter how bright it is.

Tori's Paradise Resort at sunrise,, beautiful ain't it?

just look at the powdery white sand, kissed by the early waves

savor the exclusive view and the kissed of the morning sun in this semi-deserted island 

(just the place I need...) 

Bandilaan Nature Park

Mt. Bandilaan Nature Park is the well - known hotspot of the Siquijor Province being the highest peak of the Island towering with 557 meters above sea level (MASL).

just... ah... ah... great view, fresh air and feels like I'm on top of the world! 

carefully watch your step as you descend 

Cantabon Cave, Siquijor, Siquijor

want a sip? it's cold and refreshing... 

The whole Siquijor trip only cost me roughly Php 1,800.00 which includes food, transportation (land and sea) and accommodation. The only setback of the trip was the boat ride going back to Dumaguete. I've never been seasick my entire life, but that ride made me dizzy, really!!! Locals said that the time of the day we chose to ride the fastcraft was really time for heavy waves out in the sea. Feels like the boat is somersaulting--gush my head was aching while I hear noises of someone vomited behind my back.

Needless to say, Siquijor is a flaunting riches in natural beauty. Many of its attractions are the powdery white sand beaches which outlines the 102 kilometer coastline, caves, waterfalls, and many more. It's an awesome place that makes you rethink what you have usually believe in the first place. MAGIC? Yes, it is! I'm totally bewitched by its beauty. LOVE POTION? Dude, it's true! You will be magnificently inlove with it too.

Baguio City, Philippines

We head up to Baguio from Villasis, Pangasinan at around 07:30 in the morning. A little bit of dizzy from a lack of sleep the night before, I wanted to take a nap. But my wandering mind is telling me to "Take photos dude!!!" So snap, snap and snap... exactly an hour of tireless journey, I notice were nearing our destination. With a gust of excitement building from the pit of my stomach as we passed by one trees to another, I just shouted, "It's so you, Baguio!" 

Strawberry Farm

Our very first stop. You can harvest your own strawberry and take four baskets of it for only 500 PHP plus unlimited picture taking. Not only were the fresh strawberries were up for sale in the Strawberry Farm of La Trinidad, Benguit but also processed jams, jelly, strawberry ice cream, strawberry flavored "taho" and local made wines out of wild berries by the Igorot's which smells good and tastes sweet.

Mine's View

A spectacular view of the beautiful Cordillera Mountains will surely take your breath away. I remembered when I was in high school, I went to my friend's house and saw a picture of a six-year-old her riding a pink phony and her mom telling me the happy story of their trip to Baguio that day. Never have I imagined, I could actually see a similar phony and have a photo with it on the same spot.

You could also see lots of potted plants up for sale in this area. Some of them are very beautiful and I'm not familiar with. You can also rent out an Igorot costume for Php 20.00 only and wear it all throughout your stay in the park.

You can buy wholesale souvenir items outside Mine's View from keychains, word carvings, dangling dream catchers, sweater and lots more.

 

Baguio Musuem

Just outside Mine's View, beside Island Souvenir Shop is Baguio's Museum. There's no mandatory entrance fee but you can freely donate any amount of cash or buy some souvenir items there. 

Inside the museum, you can see various handicrafts and woodcarvings. They also have different sizes of dream catchers in here. The place was small but I would rather say it was full of facts and history of all Baguio's ancestral natives.

Good Shepherd

They are know for their delicious and of good quality jams that range from a minimum of 250.00 depending on the size of their containers. One of the best sellers is the Ube and Strawberry jams.




Not only were their jam was famous, but they also have one of the most beautiful viewing deck of the Cordillera mountains.

Botanical Garden

Just outside the Botanical Garden is a bunch of locals who would be willing to take picture with you. As you say 1,2,3.... click! tada they would be most willing to have the wackiest post they've got.

Wright Park

The Mansion

Just outside the tall gate... Oops I think I got something on my forehead... Lemme see.. "Welcome to America". Haha... kidding aside. I'm just thinking I was driven way too far out the country not recognizing similar building anywhere in the Philippines.



Burnham Park

You can ride a both for Php200 per hour and row in their huge man-made lake while talking to someone. It's perfect for a date if you want to have an intimate talk with someone.



Aside from the boat ride, you could also rent a bike and do some circles to and fro within the area, take some pictures with the pine trees and etc.



PMA

Never have I imagine that I would be able to step on Philippine Military Academy campus. It was a very clean, peaceful, organized place and I guess the most disciplines campus I've ever been in the entire Philippines. Well, just the name rings a bell?



There's a whole lot more interesting things to see and experience in Baguio. But I just happen to drop by the places I mentioned above. I don't know when could I get back, but I do hope so. Ajah! Until then, sayonara!

Regards,

Shi E La