Sohoton Adventure

Sometimes when work seems to get boring, we opt to look for some inspiration to go on. We need an escape from reality, hence, thoughts of taking a break come to mind. But a usual weekend is not enough for road trips so we have to wait for a long weekend to make such travel plans possible. Then came National Heroes Day!!! Tadaaaaa! Behold, one of God's obra maestro in the Eastern part of Mindanao, Sohoton Cove in Socorro, Bucas Grande Islands, Surigao del Norte! :)

It's more than 400 kms away from Davao and traveling itself took us half a day. But when you see the crystal clear waters of Surigao, you'll shit bricks. Hahaha. Swear, it's worth the time! :) We had an excursion to Butuan City since we still had the whole afternoon to do just anything. Stayed overnight at Revlun Pensionne in Claver, and left early the following morning to Hayanggabon Port. And the adventure began! We basically spent only a day in Bucas Grande Island so we made use of our time as wisely as possible. Bahala nag maabtan sa ting balud pagkahapon sakay lang sa lancha. YOLO na ni! Ginusto namin to e. Hahaha.

From Hayanggabon Port, it takes around 45 mins to an hour to reach Bucas Grande.

That seemingly tiny opening is the entrance and exit to Sohoton Cove. So it's not advisable to take a tour when it's high tide.

Dagongdong Wall

Horse foot/tail... When you see it, you'd know you're on the right track. Pag wala na, saag lang sa mo. Haha!

The Hagukan Cave. When it's low tide, you don't need to dive just to enter. Higda lang besh choks na pero pag taas kag ilong, ayaw nag dare. Masangit na for sure. Haha!

When inside the cave... Bahalag blurry basta happy. 

Stalagmites

Since pa high tide na, there's no way but to hold your breath for like 3 sec and dive your way out.

Magkukuob Cave. Another cave, means another adventure.

Did a little "wall climbing" after this pose, oblivious of the challenge life has to offer a few minutes after. Lels. Just like life, the trail was also scary. But unlike life where there are circumstances that call you to let go, the trail teaches nothing but to hold on even when you're hurting. Chos. Hold on as your life would be at stake when you let go. Pili ka, masamad lang ka or magkapiang piang jud ka? Gotta choose before the day ends. Hahaha.

The struggle of whether to let your emotions out, or just keep to yourself.

Mga dramang, "Kuya, nakulbaan man jud ko uy," ug "Relax lang ma'am. Hangad, tan-aw sa layo, inhale, exhale." Haha. It's only 15 ft but to us who aren't that adventurous enough, it's like life and death!! Even at this time, you still had to decide whether to willingly jump whenever you're ready, or wait hantud itulak ka sa tour guide. Which is less scary though? You decide coz you have no one to depend on but yourself only. #RealLifeLessons Hahaha!

Ani diay dagway sa mga nataanggalan ug stress! Lels.

Stingless jellyfish. It comes in different sizes and colors.

Crystals inside the Crystal and Bolitas Cave

After our tour, we went on an island hopping for the rest of the day and spent the night at SIFAI Cottage which is managed by Sohoton Integrated Farmers Association Incorporated. Lucky us, we were the only guests at that time so it's like we own a rest house. It is ideal for barkadas. No wifi and almost no signal at all. :)

Trying to strike a pose candidly. Haha!

SIFAI Cottage

A well-spent 3-day vacay with the fambam. Spelunking at its finest! :) I've just added another two provinces in my list--Agusan del Norte & Surigao del Norte. More to gooooo! :)

LaBoracay Adventure

Had my first ever out of town trip with colleagues and this isn't just our ordinary getaway for summer's sake, but it's something we'll all treasure and happily look back to. :) We arrived at Iloilo International Airport around 9 in the morning on May 1 and traveled for about 9 hours to Caticlan, including the stopovers for pasalubong, restroom and lunch breaks. I'm quite regretful for not being able to take photos during our long overhaul travel. Problems with not being on a window seat. Oh well. We stayed in Boracay until May 2 in the afternoon, then went back to Iloilo in the evening for our early flight back to Davao on May 3. Oh such a limited time yet it felt like a week of fun and adventure! :) I just can't believe I've been to 3 different provinces in just 3 days! Iloilo, Aklan and Antique are now my 21st, 22nd and 23rd on my list! :) Though we weren't really able to explore everything but still we stepped foot at some places in these provinces. :)

At the pre-departure area at Davao Airport and arrival at Iloilo Airport with CebPac's freebies :) 

Walked along the shoreline and had dinner at La Carmela de Boracay.

White Beach, Boracay

Went on an island hopping the day after, snorkeled and dropped by at Poka Beach. I always get fascinated with crystal clear seawater plus white sand! ♥

Here's one of the highlights of this trip... Helmet diving!!! It costs us Php600 to go 15 ft underwater for 15 minutes and it's all worth it. That helmet actually weighs 30kg and becomes 2kg under. And yes, using that you can still normally breathe. No stress. Haha! I never thought it could be this fuuuuun! I'd definitely go back for this. :)

If we dared to go feet below, we also braved parasailing! Woooh! I never imagined chilling meters above sea level is also possible. Hahaha! It's worth a thousand pesos but it's worth the experience though.

Dinner in Kalibo and spent our last night at Gohotels Iloilo.

It's the best time to just thank the Lord for His wonderful creation! It's amazing how people intellectually and creatively conceptualized all these kind of superb activities. These places aren't meant to be visited once. I'll definitely be going back here in the coming years and spend more time to explore! :) Makabitin ni nga laag. Haha!

Memory Lane Monday: Whale Shark Encounter

What made this trip unforgettable is that this was my first out of town adventure for this year. Our whale shark experience with family made it extra special! Though I've had some encounters with other sea creatures like sting rays, but this time I swam with them—the whale sharks! It wasn't scary after all. :) 

We left Talisay at exactly 4 AM on that day because it takes more or less than 4 hours to get to Tan-awan, Oslob, and the whale sharks usually show up only in the morning and we can't afford not to see them!! So despite the sleepless night due to excessive bonding with the long-time-no-see relatives in Cebu, we managed to get our sleepy butt up and prepare our things all for the love of whale sharks! :) We rented a van for 5k good for 10 people (back and forth). If you only want to see the sharks but don't want to swim with them, you only have to pay Php300 but if you like to see them in action underwater and take a SEAlfie with them (Nyehehe), it's Php500, inclusive of snorkeling gears.

This became controversial because of animal rights but actually they have set several rules for the guests to follow and also to protect the aquatic resources. Guests are discouraged to put on whatever kinds of lotions, are not allowed to touch the whale sharks, and are advised to keep a certain distance from them. They have some professional divers hired to check on the whale sharks from time to time as well.

I therefore say that we have special family ties with sea creatures to go back to. Hahaha! They all love water and I'm actually no longer as fond as they are. I'm now conscious with my skin. Charos! Hahaha! Seriously, I've just started taking care of my skin. I now use body scrubs, papaya soap, moisturizer for my face and lotion after I take a bath. I'm gonna be using facial scrub soon. Lelz. ;) For those who are very fond of soaking their bodies into the waters under the heat of the sun, I think it's advisable to use skin care products. There are a lot to choose from at Zalora. I have just stumbled upon that page while window shopping over the net. ;) Patty herself as a lot of advices on her blog too you might want to take a look. :)

January 3, 2014

Tan-awan, Oslob, Cebu