Oslob, Cebu: The Whale Sharks, Tumalog Waterfalls and More!

The second time is always the sweetest.

Surprisingly without any plan, I was back to Cebu again! It was on September 2012, when I first came here and stayed for few days. 

Here are few photos of my 2012 visit here:

Mingling with some kids in Moalboal, Cebu

Boarding to Pescador Island to dive

Discovering more of Cebu City

Why and how I get here?

To cut the story short, I was persuaded by Zev’s approach. Originally, I was planning to go to Siquijor the next day after a taking a short break here in Dumaguete. I was just curious about this rumored mystique island.

But while Zev, Peter and I were enjoying one afternoon siesta at Harold’s, we started talking about these great Whale Sharks of Oslob, locally known as butanding. Zev had already asked the locals on how to get there and surprisingly, it would just take us more than 2 hours or maybe less! Thus, it’s not really that stressful to travel from Dumaguete.

The idea of going there (Oslob) just blew my mind. Maybe I could visit Siquijor someday but I guess, seeing the sharks first just couldn't wait! So the very next day, Zev, Peter and I headed to see these whale sharks.

From Sibulan Port in Dumaguete, we reached Oslob in an hour or less. There were tricycles at the port waiting for passengers. We all hopped in and the trike driver dropped us off directly at the Whale Shark Watching Area.

Arriving in Oslob: Swimming with the Whale Sharks

The sun was already up when we reached the place. I was about to put on some sunscreen but we were warned not to do so because it may harm the whale sharks as we swim with them. We were also reminded during the orientation to maintain a 2-meter distance from them.

The beach in Oslob

Just few meters from the shore, I just couldn't describe what I was really feeling when I saw the whale sharks coming. It’s a combination of excitement, anxiety and a little bit of fear. It’s mixed emotion, actually. With the greatness of their size, I could feel my heart pounding and this feeling made me a little hesitant to dive to the water immediately.  

I was the last one who got off the boat and dove. Surprisingly, these mammals were the biggest yet friendliest I ever seen and encountered in my entire life. I swam with them while comfortably following them as they move from one boat to another and I could say they are 100% harmless. I was kind of worried at first because they might perceive me as food, would swallow and engulf me with their big mouth, but knowing that they just eat plankton and some small marine organisms, this gave me more reassurance that I will be safe.

Photo credits to Zev on this great shot of mine with the whale shark!

Swimming with the Whale Sharks was indeed a priceless experience! I could still remember when I spoke with this backpacker named Johann when I was in Cebu last year. We were talking about his first encounter with the sharks. “I want to see the whale sharks too”, that is what I said. And yes, it’s a dream come true!

Tumalog Waterfalls

Still with these funny, adventure-loving buddies, Zev and Peter, we headed down south and decided to visit more places nearby. A local told us about this waterfalls here that is most visited by tourists and locals alike. It is called Tumalog Waterfalls.

Half of the trip was spent on a 15-minute tricycle ride. We stopped at an intersection where we need to transfer to motorbikes (locally known as habal-habal) that could bring us up to the said waterfalls. The way getting there is awesome. I couldn't forget the breathtaking scenery and the amazing landscape as we went  uphill on this smooth paved road.

Zev (left) & Peter (right)

In just approximately 7 minutes, we finally arrived.

Should I use the word ‘luxurious’ and ‘grandiose’ just to describe this multi-step, cascade waterfalls? For me, it looks similar to a facade of a high-ceiling, Spanish church. Its virgin beauty is incomparable. If you look up, you’ll see the water gushing down the falls like drizzling chandelier crystals glistening against the midday sunlight. Its flowing and splashing sound is very relaxing, like music therapy to the ears.

This trip to Oslob is worth remembering.

I think I am already in love with this place. Cebu is amazingly beautiful. The biodiversity of the land is so rich; the beaches here are perfect; the Cebu sun is stunning; the joyful feeling is always in the air; I love the warm locals...nothing else I could ask for.

Summer Fun in Dumaguete City

Aside from the very restful and fun atmosphere at Harold’s Mansion where I stayed for two nights, there are some things that I enjoyed doing in the city of gentle people: Dumaguete City.

If you are a type of person who enjoy amazing scenery, or you might just want to relax and see the beautiful sunset every afternoon, The Boulevard is a very promising place for you. There are a lot of people here doing the same thing together: enjoying the view, feasting on some seafood at the restaurants nearby, munching on street food, or just walking around.

Also known to be the Bike Town, here I come with my bike I borrowed from the guest friendly Harold’s Mansion.

The Boulevard Biking Experience

Watch my video here

The Boulevard in Dumaguete City

I just couldn't get enough so I think I need to see more places. Here are some beautiful landmarks that I did not forget to document:

The Dumaguete Belfry

Located along Perdices Street fronting Quezon Park, this belfry serves as the city's landmark through the years until the present day. This 17th century structure protects the people by giving them warning on ravaging pirates attacks.

The Silliman University

Few walks away from the famous belfry,  here stands the Silliman University. Founded on August 28, 1901, it is known to be as one of the oldest and biggest American institutions in the Philippines.

My Stay at Harold’s Mansion

Going back to Harold’s Mansion, known to be one of the cheapest hostels in the city, the fun continues as I bumped into these cool backpackers and travelers here.

From the left: Myself (Manila), Rachael (Australia), Zev (California), Francois (France) and Peter (Holland)

I really enjoyed this place especially the cool balcony on top of the building where everyone can relax, enjoy the smooth Dumaguete air and feast on great food from the mini-resto bar here. The staffs were very friendly and helpful too! My two nights stay here at Harold’s was indeed an unforgettable experience!

With Peter and Rachael along with the friendly staffs

Copying what General Douglas MacArthur said: I shall return...

Silay City Heritage Houses: Truly the Jewels of Negros Occidental

The Filipino people are rich people. 

You might say I am bragging again. You might be making faces now—starting to formulate your reactions toward this idea. You might think that I am absurd, vague, exaggerating... (sigh)

Let me explain first.

Overtly, the present economic status of the country (Philippines) is not so stable like some other first world countries. I admit that and we all know that. Though we don't have a lot of sky-rocketing business towers scattered all over each and every region symbolizing a very abundant economy, we are unconsciously keeping some "jewels" from the past which I know it could never be stolen.

My afternoon walk around the city of Silay here in Negros Occidental have just awakened me. I realized that I was like doing a treasure hunt here without the act of digging since the gems that I was seeking for are all out here, scattered around this beautiful city. I am not to talk here about unrealistic diamond studded houses or a gold-plated statue in front of the city capitol, but I am about to share my very short journey of visiting these magnificent work of art—the Silay City heritage houses.

These houses for me are the real jewels. They are rare, one-of-a-kind, timeless masterpieces that are founded and embarked with long lost stories, mysteries, and rich cultural heritage.

Balay Negrense

Hofileña Museum

KSE Rondalla House (Now Office of the Senior Citizen)

Maria Ledesma Golez Ancestral House

Bernardino Jalandoni House

More "Jewels" ...

Lopue's Supermarket in Silay City

After seeing these beautiful architectures; I felt like I am still foreign to my country somehow. I ended up asking myself why I haven't even known that there are priceless masterpieces to find in this area. I realized that not only in Ilocos or in Iloilo City we can find these jewels, but there are some of them here in Silay too! They are all undeniably magnificent.

This is the true richness the Philippines can claim so we must take good care of them. We should preserve their antiquity. Let us give a chance to the next generation to see our nation's pride.

The Ruins: The Legendary Princess of Negros

From afar, I can already see her crown glistening in the middle of the sugarcane field. My heart is jumping with happiness. It's like there's another ineffable feeling rising within me again. My heart is pounding as I draw closer to her. An overflow of excitement suddenly made my knees weak as I took off from the tricycle who brought me here.

______________________

Oops! I forgot. I am writing a travel post not a cheesy love story. I must have been carried away by my emotions!

To give you a clearer picture, I am currently standing at the facade of the ruins of this beautiful mansion located in Talisay, Negros Occidental.

I know it's odd, but for me, this structure stands like a beautiful lady. It would have been like a sophisticated, classic and a grandiose princess that even decades couldn't make her look old. She remained timeless and magnificent throughout the decades. Her beauty would be constant and it could stand any weather. She might had a tragic past but her elegance remained and unforgotten.

This is how I describe The Ruins—The Legendary Princess of Negros.

The first floor of the mansion is now converted into a casual restaurant, which is very suitable for some tired guest who might be looking for good food after a tour here.

The Belvedere: Where the family usually gathers to see the beautiful afternoon sunset 

The Rich but Tragic History

While enjoying my cold coconut shake, I got a chance to talk with one of the tour guides in this place. His name is Roger—a very hospitable, bubbly but very sensible guy. I enjoyed listening to him while my emotions were slowly drowned by The Ruins' heart-breaking history.

"During the war in the 1940's the Javellana family, the residence of this mansion, was advised by the US forces to evacuate. The mansion should be burned down so the Japanese imperial forces can not utilize the house as a headquarter.", Roger started.

So in 1942, the United States Armed Forces of the Far East (Usaffe) guerrilla initiated the burning of the mansion. The first three drums of gasoline used were not enough to burn down the house due to its thick walls and columns which are made with A-grade mixture of concrete and egg whites for stronger bonding. Because of this, the troop then made use of a mixture of used oil and another drum of gasoline for the second attempt. Successfully, they were able to demolish almost everything. The burning lasted for three days until the only thing left was the well-constructed skeletal frame of the house, which became the magnificent Ruins today.

"This place really had a very sad history. However, I am thankful enough because without The Ruins, I might don't have a job today.", Roger smiled.

I agree. I admire Raymund Heredia Javellana, one of the great grandsons of the owners of the mansion: Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson (1865-1948) and her first wife Maria Braga, for exerting all his efforts to revive this long lost piece of art. His courage and perseverance to bring back this piece to life not just landed some job to the people of Negros but it also opened up a new window for the whole world to see how rich our country heritage is.

So in case you find your way down to Negros someday, try to visit The Ruins. I guess, you wouldn't feel ripped off with the 60 pesos entrance fee because just getting the chance to see it is priceless.

Reference: 


The Ruins: Mirage in the Negros fields 
By Abe Florendo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 08/16/2008

Bacolod City: Just Arrived, Ate at Deco's, Walked the City

From Ongbun Pension House in Iloilo, I woke up 5'o clock in the morning...smiling. My feet are still soaring from my tireless walk in Guimaras from yesterday's adventure, but the motivation and eagerness to visit the City of Smiles today is very promising for me. I have not been to this place yet so a combination of curiosity and impending adventure is running through my nerves now.

From Iloilo wharf, I was able to catch Weesam Express (Roro) at 06:30 AM, and arrived in Bacolod wharf at 7:45 AM.

Like some passengers of Weesam Express, my level of excitement to go out from the Roro is high!

I felt so excited as I arrived here in Bacolod early today!

I haven't set my expectations yet, but I know enjoyment will always follow. I plan to visit the Ruins and to see the UNESCO Heritage Houses today. But before anything else, I gotta find a place to eat to fill the my empty stomach. I have not eaten breakfast yet and I guess, here's one good choice:

Deco's Original La Paz Batchoy

After going and eating to Ted's from the past day, I made a good choice to try some other specialties  in this restaurant. Though it's not gonna be the "La Paz Batchoy Part 2", I was already satisfied trying just one yummy meal here that is so good enough for breakfast.

Rice with Sweet and Sour Meatball Toppings

Established on 1938, this restaurant has been maintaining a very cozy and homey atmosphere through the years.

After eating the first meal of the day at Deco's, I am now set to go to the Ruins. But before all that, it wouldn't seem so right if I'll just pass by at these magnificent city highlights without even appreciating its cultural values and arts.

Statue at the City Plaza's Fountain

Above: Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol

Aside from being known to be the City of Smiles, Bacolod received an award before for becoming the cleanest and greenest highly urbanized city in the Philippines. We'll that is very true. I admire how this city maintains the orderliness and cleanliness around.

There are few more things I need to know about Bacolod and I know it's going to be fun as I discover them all along the way.

Time is running so fast and I guess, I need to go!