My 4D Experience at Crown Regency
On my 27th Birthday, Angel and I have decided to spend it at one of Cebu’s highest tower right now, Crown Regency. We’ve been there for a number of times already but this time, we want to try their day tripper promo that entitles the bearer for a free pool assess, eat all you can buffet at the Restaurant, one ride to either of the ride and a 4D experience in their theater.
We went there at almost 10 o’clock in the morning but we had a hard time figuring out what elevator to take to go to the 36th floor, since it’s where we are going to pay for the promo. The security guards do not know their own protocol or don’t have any idea about the promo at all. So we have to transfer from one building to another just to ask on where we really are going. Was so pissed off, it seems because we don’t look like foreigners we were treated that way? I hope not!
We paid for the day tripper trip and was given the ticket that has our meal stubs, ticket for the ride and the theater and access to the pool area, though we don’t have the key to activate the elevator just in case we want to go to the lower floors where the pool was located. Fortunately, one of the hotel crew was with us in the elevator so we reached the level where the pool was located. They do have a nice view of the city from the pool side, but unfortunately it was under renovation, we were not advised nor were we offered to use the indoor pool that is functional. Hmpft! Another bad experience in this trip.
I have to brush it aside in order not to spoil my day. So we decided to have lunch while waiting for the rides to open at 1 o’clock in the afternoon. The food was mediocre, not bad but not excellent either, there’s nothing special to the dishes served. So we just feasted our eyes on the sight of the city surrounding the tower and rested for a while before we explore the rides.
We decided to try the 4D Theater first. This one, I have to say was the excellent part of the trip. It was my first time to experience the 4D and I have to say, it got me screaming during the part that rats came out on the screen with synchronize air blown below your legs giving you a feeling that real rats are really in the area or snakes hissing and spitting there venom with water coming from the front part of your seat. I was scared! Though the movie was short but I love it!
So off we go to the rides. I’ve tried the edge coaster and the skywalk, but I find the edge coaster scarier so we chose to have it instead of the skywalk (the wall climb and the zipline at this time were not yet ready). So we chose to experience the edge coaster again, this time, we planned to have the edge coaster individually so that we get to have lots of pictures in the ride and instead of buying the ones taken by their crew.
From CDO to Camiguin (Day 1)
One advantage of seat sale is we are given an opportunity to travel and explore different places. The last seat sale brought me to Boracay, this time we are heading to Cagayan de Oro.
Our plan, to experience white water rafting and explore the Islands of Camiguin. After arriving at CDO airport, we planned to go directly to Camiguin via Agora terminal and 
rode a bus for approximately 3 hours to Balingoan Wharf. From there, the wharf was only walking distance, so if you plan to visit Camiguin, ignore the tricycle drivers offering you a ride to the pier and start walking and appreciating the countryside.
The schedule of ferry is not really consistent so to pass our time for the ferry to depart, we took pictures and just relaxed in our seats. It could also be a time for you to 
mingle with fellow travelers and ask them to join you on the multicab (which cost 1500 pesos for a day tour) to cut the expenses. Which is what I did, since there was only me and my husband who occupies the 10-12 person capacity cab. But unfortunately, there was a few tourist and most have already booked their transportation.
When we arrived, we took a van for hire (P 50 pax) then rode a tricycle (P 10 pax) to the place we were suppose to stay. But we 
were brought to a different place with almost the same name, though we didn't know about this until we were able to contact the person who booked our room (there was no signal for sun network and we have to use the caretaker's mobile phone, because we haven't brought an extra sim for emergency).
But we opted to spend the night at Gamorot residence for a discounted price and we were the only occupants at that time. Then the following day we transferred at Gamorot 
Cottages. The nice thing about the first place was the shoreline. Even if it wasn't white sand, but you got to enjoy early morning walk at the beach. But the lather has cheaper rates and a much bigger place that can accommodate a whole family or barkada.
We opted to spend the day exploring the place and the community. We dined in the only foodshoppe in Barangay Yumbing that is budget friendly. We made a trip to the rice 
field and just simply refusing to take a ride with any transportation and enjoyed strolling.
After getting a glimpse of the sunset, which is really not the right angle at the place we've stayed, we retreated to our room and spent the night watching television. It was a long day for us, and we know tomorrow would be longer because its scheduled for our day tour in the Island.
Cold spring of Obong Dalaguete
A good place to visit this summer to escape the summer's heat is at
Obong's Spring in
Dalaguete south eastern town of
Cebu. It is a cold spring enclosed in a very big pool with an opening in the sea side. It is a fresh cold spring with traces of salt water due to the intrusion of sea water from the open side of the pool. Just the remedy on this very hot summer days.
The water is really cold, you can even dip your beverages in the water to keep it cold. There are also times that school of fish would visit the side of the open pool and would willingly eat the food crumbs floating.During high tide the water would exceed the platform where the tables and chairs are placed. You cant get away from getting your feet dipped in the cold waters.
For those on a road trip, its a nice quick stop since parking area is bountiful though you have to pay for parking but it doesn't cost much. There is also an entrance fee for a minimal amount too. And in case you failed to bring foods with you, sari-sari store are accessible to the area and food are sold in the vicinity.
Batong Malunhaw at Alegria
One hundred seventeen kilometers south of Cebu City is the serene town of Alegria. I have read that there are a lot of outdoor activities that can be done in this 4th class municipality, unfortunately when I visited the town it was only at Batong Malunhaw.
Batong Malunhaw is a Local Goverment unit operated beach resort, which has a pool and white pristine beach. I got to know that infront this beach resort is a fish sanctuary protected by both the LGU and DENR.
When we visited the place, it was windy and cold, so I wasn't able to get the chance to enjoy the white beach and the fish sanctuary. Though I look forward to visiting the place again someday with less winds. But we were still able to enjoy the serenity of the place.
Their rooms range from 1000 to 1500 and bringing of foods is advisable. And even its infront a fish sanctuary they don't have snorkeling gears for rent, so its better to bring your own. Someday I'll revisit the place and enjoy the corals and the fishes.
Chilling at Mountain View Resort
Another destination to spend a day or an evening with friends and loved ones is Mountain View Resort. It has approximately 180 degrees view of Cebu and its mountains.
During daytime it is best to experience the short walk of their hanging bridge which is over looking the city. And it is best to take some walks to experience the natural beauty of the area. Play grounds and small parks are available in area for kids to safely play.
During night time there are videoke or juke box
in the area. You can sing your heart out for a fee or play nice beat that suits your mood. Or you can just enjoy the peaceful view of the city at some of the cottages that surrounds the area with your loved ones.
Entrance to the park would cost fifty pesos and it is best to bring your own food since available food is expensive. And it is best to go there late in the afternoon before the sun sets and to stay there till late in the night.
Unwinding at the heart of the City
Right at the heart of
Cebu Business Park is a world-class hotel, that house mostly businessmen and employees of multinational companies in conference and seminars. Just recently
Marriot Hotel has re-invented its facade to a sophisticated modern style living.
I have always like there interiors. the staff are accommodating even for locals like us. And the food? They have the best eat all you can breakfast buffet among other hotels that I have tried. Just thinking of there food spread all over the place from cuisine all over the globe, makes my mouth water. Lots of choices are offered and i just wished I have enough place in my stomach to cater to all these menu.
Right beside there restaurant is a pool. And even if its beside the walk way of Ayala Center, you'll still have the
privacy to enjoy lounging and relaxing in their pool area.
Over all the place is worth the price. And they also offer discounts, especially for the locals who want to unwind, right at the heart of a business area.
Maribago Bluewater Summer Escapade
During a summer not so long time ago, we decided to have a beach trip to cool off the heat. It was a beach tripper package at
Maribago bluewaters. The package already included buffet lunch and free use of their amenities for the price of Php 800, if I remember it right.
They have friendly and welcoming staff. And the food was great, it was an eat all you can buffet. With great tasting food and the opportunity to get all you want until you're too full to eat some more, what else would
you wish for?
To maximize our time, we rented a banana boat. It was a blast especially with one crazy driver, and I'll just call her Osh. We made lots of fall but every fall is such a thrill wanting us to have more. And the company was great, very willing to enjoy the day.
This was one of the many summer memories that I cherish. Looking forward to have another escapade like this soon..
Cooling Off This Summer
The sun is scorching hot and the humidity is too high. To beat the summer heat our options are a dip in the pool or drinking our favorite beverage. Lots of options for beverage, like soda, fruit juices or water. And sometimes watery fruits like water melon can help in quenching our thirst.
And how about drinking our favorite fruit juice with some fruit slices or chunks? Not a bad idea right? So here's a fun way of enjoying our juices in a not so conventional way.
Actually, its not something new. I first tried it at Moon Cafe (
another great restaurant worth visiting, I'll write about it some other time) and they call it Sun Coolers. Then I meet the same kind of drink at Aa's, I forgot how its called.
Anyway, the drink is really simple. Its just an orange juice with watermelon, orange and apple slices. And it really taste good! I'm not really a fan of apples but with this drink, I like the taste of apple combined with the other fruits, yummy...
So go ahead and make your own sun cooler and maybe add your own favorite fruit to personalize the taste. Don't forget to share it with family and friends!
The Garden Resort, Montebello
Montebello, a garden resort at the back of Country Mall in Banilad has always been a part of my life. Ever since, I have come to visit the place, either to accompany my mom (my aunt actually, just used to calling her mom) to visit old friends or to attend a family affair with my father (he's working here too).
We use to hang-out here with my siblings to take a dip in their pools. Its also where they learned how to swim with me as their instructor. This is how we used to bond, having the pool all by ourselves all afternoon.
Many guest would consideration this place their home away from home. Staff are friendly and very accommodating. Frequent quest are called by their first names and service are customize according to their needs. Their food taste great and they serve different cuisine. And all this comes at a very affordable price.
A Quick dip in the sea
The easiest venue for a beach outing or gathering is
Portofino Beach Resort, in
Mactan Island. It has white sand beach and crystal clear waters with blooming corals and color fishes below the waters.
Unfortunately, the resort is not wallet friendly. Entrance to the resort is 100 pesos per head and there's a separate payment for the cottages. And there's also corkage if bottled beverages are brought from outside. Though bottled beverages are available in their store for a slightly higher price.
This could be the price for having a very accessible place to enjoy white sand beach within the City. This place is good for impromptu outings or a quick deep in the water to unwind and chill.
