DOT Announces 3rd Leg of Phil. Kayaking Series 2009
November 20, 2009
Following the successful first two parts of the Philippine Kayaking Series 2009, Kayak Explore Hundred Islands and Kayak Explore Cavite-Corregidor-Bataan, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is urging all kayak enthusiasts and novices to join the 3rd leg of the series which will be held in Cebu and Bohol on December 4-6, 2009.
Entitled Kayak Explore Cebu-Bohol crossing, the 3rd run will follow the route of Mactan Island to Bohol, where paddlers will cross the 125-km scenic route passing through a motley of islets, coves, mangroves and river deltas. The DOT together with the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) is supporting the event.
“We have 7,107 islands, with infinite possibilities for kayaking adventure. Exploring the span of our clear waters surely opens travelers to the unique splendor of our country,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.
The tourism chief also commended different sectors for their active participation in boosting the eco-adventure package, “The Philippines can undoubtedly become the Kayaking Capital of Southeast Asia with these overwhelming support from the private sector and local communities.”
Eduardo Jarque Jr., Tourism Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions highlighted the country’s bountiful natural waterways, “This unique eco-adventure allows tourists inside secret coves, inlets, channels that lead to stunning views of our mangrove forests, limestone cliffs, unspoiled coastlines and other exciting mysteries around our islands.”
One of the world’s best kayak sites and trails found in the Philippines include, Pinacanauan River, Hundred Islands, Cavite-Corregidor-Bataan, Caramoan Peninsula, Northern Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, Samar, Siargao Island, and Samal Island.
The Caramoan Peninsula offers a view of limestones, rugged coastlines, and white sand-ringed islands, complemented by a stunning view of underwater marine life by snorkeling around shallow waters.
For the high-spending market, the DOT offers Luxury Kayaking in Palawan. Known for its idyllic beaches, lagoons and caves, Palawan enjoins travelers to kayak in El Nido and Coron.
Cebu draws attention to paddling in Hilutungan Island and Marine Sanctuary, Sulpa Island, Olango Island and Mactan Island for moonlight kayaking.
In Samar, the unspoiled waters of Marabut, and Sohoton Natural Bridge Park are featured. While Siargao has Guyam Island, Sohoton Cove, and Del Carmen Lagoon. Samal Island in Davao is likewise a kayak site, promising reefs, mountains and caves along the way.
For inquiries, call (02) 4687091; 0915-435-9321; email philkayaking@yahoo.com or visit www.justgo.ph/kayak; www.kayakphilippines.com.
Travelogue XXI:VISMIN TOUR 1st LEG-Cebu Part II
April 24, 2007The next series of travelogues that I will be sharing with you consist of three weeks worth of vacation, touring parts of Visayas and Mindanao two summers ago. This was the time when both of us were able to scrimp the P40,000 we saved up for this adventure and learned the art of backpacking by experience. Come, join us on our journey and explore the beauty of our country. Maybe next time, we can do a backpack tour of Asia and Europe as well. *crossing our fingers now*
~~~oOo~~~
Come Monday morning, April 11, after a hearty breakfast, we got ready to tour other parts of the city. We hailed a cab and asked the driver to bring us to the Mactan Shrine. On our way there, we passed by Mandaue City and crossed the Lapu-Lapu bridge, until finally, the driver dropped us off outside the shrine.
Cab ride going to Marigondon… Passing by the Lapu-Lapu Bridge…
There were no entrance fees required so we just walked in. It looked like a small park with lots of flower-bearing shrubs and coconut trees. In the middle of the park is Lapu-Lapu’s lone statue standing big and tall, the way Cebuanos generally are (proud and strong). At the other end of the park is a mini museum housing the largest painting depicting the battle of Mactan. It was really huge!
Visiting the Mactan Shrine
What a huge painting!!!
The shrine is near a public beach where kids bathe and play around. We walked there and found this cute bahay kubo standing on the water. Nearby were mangroves which provide greenery in the area. There were also nearby stalls sellingnative handicrafts and accessories.
Checking out the outer vicinity of the shrine…
Having seen everything we wanted to see, we again hailed a cab and asked the driver to bring us to Marigondon beach — a public beach resort famous for its familial and cozy atmosphere. When we got there, there weren’t a lot of people around (t was Monday that’s why). We only paid P20 for entrance and rent of one of the sheds by the beach.
See the beach behind Peter? That’s Marigondon beach.
Honestly, I didn’t expect what we saw — a beach so clean with clear turquoise seawater! It definitely beats all the first class beaches here in Batangas, Cavite and Subic. To think that this is just Cebu’s public beach. Yet, it is comparable to Boracay’s quality of water and sand. Awesome! Since we didn’t expect to see a beach so pretty, Peter and I decided to test the waters. Good thing I was wearing my bikini underneath my summer attire. As for Peter, the security guard saw our intention and gladly lent him one of his shorts (Cebuanos are not only proud and strong, they’re nice folks too!). And frolick we did that early Monday morning.
Travelogue XXI:VISMIN TOUR 1st LEG-Cebu Part I
April 22, 2007The next series of travelogues that I will be sharing with you consist of three weeks worth of vacation, touring parts of Visayas and Mindanao two summers ago. This was the time when both of us were able to scrimp the P40,000 we saved up for this adventure and learned the art of backpacking by experience. Come, join us on our journey and explore the beauty of our country. Maybe next time, we can do a backpack tour of Asia and Europe as well. *crossing our fingers now*
~~~oOo~~~
Enjoying the tourist accommodation… “I’m the queen of the wold!”
Look at the very spacious and sparkling lobby of Superferry 18…
Enjoying the view on their deck…
Anyway, we treated the whole trip like a cruise. Staying at Superferry 18 was a mini vacation in itself. The ship looked like a hotel with a very nice lobby, internet cafe facilities and a restaurant bar comparable to what we have in the city. Peter and I really took advantage of everything the boat has to offer. And the food really aint that bad.
Arriving at Cebu finally! Resting at Tito Ped’s hammock.
Chow time with Tita Anne, Tito Ped and Martin.
We arrived at Cebu the following morning, April 10, Sunday. Tito Pedro fetched us and lunch was served at their cozy newly constructed abode. We had fun!
This is the view from our hotel which Tita Anne booked for us.
That afternoon, we rested bit inside our hotel room, which is by the way, the one just across Ayala Center Cebu. After an hour’s rest, we were ready to explore the city.
Ayala Center Cebu
The Battle at Mactan … this theme is everywhere in Cebu.
We hailed a cab and told the driver to bring us to where Magellan’s Cross is. On our way, we saw this beautiful landmark which is a depiction of the battle of Lapu-lapu and Magellan at Mactan. Finally, we reached the church housing the cross of Magellan.
The Magellan’s Cross
Travelogue XIV: When Pa Went to Town…Exploring Cebu
January 20, 2007Listening to:
Best Days
This is the vacation that we’ve mostly been waiting for. Not only because I’d be turning 28 at that time and that we’d be staying at 5-star hotels, but because Pa will be with us. The day we all arrived in Cebu, we headed to Shangri-la Mactan for afternoon coffee and snacks. Tito Pedro, Tita Annie (Pa’s brother and sister-in-law), Nipsy and Renault (Peter’s cousin and cousin-in-law) were with us. We stayed there the whole evening, dining at their seafood buffet by the beach. It was so gorgeous, classy and marvelous! We had such a great time! Of course, being the practical person that I am, I couldn’t help but notice that when the bill came, it amounted to something like P15,000.00 inclusive of P1,000.00 tip from Pa! And we didn’t even check-in. WOW! NALULA AKO! Hahaha! 
Shangrila Mactan
Me as I was about to order; Pa, Tito Pedro, Tita Anne, Nipsy, Renault and I
Look at all the assorted cakes from the buffet table! Forget about dieting for now…Hehehe!
Happy together…
The next day, we headed to Bantayan Island and stayed at St. Bernard Beach Resort. It’s one of those cozy, more affordable resorts along the beaches of Bantayn Island. It is located only 15 min. walk or 5 min. by tricikad (bicycle with sidecar) from the pier. (*Reservation can be made by E-Mail: bernard@bantayan.dk or by phone +63-9179636162.)
Bantayan Island
Enjoying the amihan season along St. Bernard Beach…
Pa rested for a bit. While he was enjoying the comforts of our nipa hut accommodation, Peter and I went island hopping to Virgin and Hilantagan Islands. Since it was amihan season then, we didn’t experience the full blast of the sun. Nevertheless, the weather was still fine — cool and warm at the same time. And the water was crystal clear like that of Boracay.
Hilantagan and Virgin Islands
Testing the clear blue waters…
Oh, we also had a bit of booboo during our stay at Bantayan. One day, as Peter and I were relaxing by the beach, a local approached us and told us about a certain falls in the area. Being nature lovers, we got excited! I mean, I didn’t even come across that information while researching on the internet about the island. So I said, ok, let’s go there before heading back to mainland Cebu. We encouraged Pa to go with us. But since he just wanted to relax at the beach, it was just Peter and I who went to the nature spot. We rode a habal-habal (motorcycle) and both of us were listening for the sound of falling waters. Weirdly, there was none. Until we reached another more posh and classy resort called the Ogtong Resort. So we went in, paid the entrance fees and asked around for the falls. The reception area pointed us to the direction of the swimming pool. There must be some sort of a misunderstanding. So I repeated : “Ate falls po, hindi swimming pool” to which the lady replied “Yes Ma’am, swimming fols po”. Nyarks!!!! The Visayan accent fooled us! The whole time, I thought theye were talking about a certain FALLS, only to realize that they were referring to the POOL. Hay naku!!!! Anyway, it was a blessing in disguise because inside their resort was a natural cave called the OGTONG CAVE. That’s what we explored instead.
Taking a dip in the waters of the Ogtong Cave…
The next day, til the 20th, we stayed at Alegre Beach Resort at Sogod, northern part of Cebu. We got ourselves an oceanview room with balcony. It was truly a first class experience, waking up to the view of the sun and the beach.. All meals were either buffet or room service a la carte. We felt like royalty! We also went sunset cruising while spotting for dolphins. In the evenings, cultural dance shows were performed. I can get used to this kind of life everyday (if not for the almost P50,000.00 fees we paid for after our stay) I told Pa. Who knows? It might just come true…
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