SkimChix - island life

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.

I've read about a lot of post in Facebook about Bubble Bee Tea House and that got me interested with the place. Good thing I don't have to wait that long to visit the place since during our dine out with high school friends we decided to spend the time after dinner at bubble bee tea house.

The place is located at North Reclamation Area, across Cebu Doctor's University. Its after Park Mall if you're coming from Mandaue - Mactan Area. One of the things that you notice about the place is their interiors. They have a very relaxing and cozy feel of their interiors and that would even include their rest rooms. Such a nice place to hang out and just enjoy the evening talking at the same time enjoying there refreshing beverages.

Aside from these iced beverage, they also serve solid foods. One of those that I've tasted was my favorite, Nachos with beef and cheese, which was also delicious. Maybe I'll be back to taste some of the other foods offered.

Boljoon church is of ancient architecture made of white limestone and has withstand storms and typhoons. It has work of art painted on the ceiling but I chose not to enter the place since I wasn't dress appropriately. So I stayed outside and just took pictures of those that are interesting.

Boljoon Town may have been far from the city but they are also tuned to the new technologies. And as proof, they have free Wifi connection in their town plaza. Not a bad idea for a small town like this one.

I also love the location of their plaza, its beside the sea. Lots of greenery and some place to sit down and relax when the sun is out. Its a nice place to settle down when one decides to retire because most house are in between the road and the sea. Or am I just speaking for myself? :D

To complete our visit in Boljoon town, we visited the plaza, the old church and the kampanaryo. Unfortunately when we arrived at the town proper the Boljoon Parish Museum was already closed for lunch break. But never the least we were able to enjoyed our quick tour of the town.

The kampanaryo provided us an excellent place to conduct an impromptu photo-shoot. We got good ambient light from the wooden stairs with the added view of the intricate design of the handles of their stair case. On the top, we were greeted by black birds whose name i can't properly pronounce but quickly fled when they notice our arrival.

The bell tower provided us the view of Boljoon from the top. We had a 360 view of the town, from the church, the plaza, the surrounding mountains and the blue sea. It was a refreshing view to see Boljoon this way.

On our way out we notice a vacant room and the bell man told us it was a prison during the Spanish era. It looks scary, and you can just imagine the people who were jailed here. It has tall windows that only a few light can pass and it would really isolate you from the world outside. So enough for scaring ourselves, we move to the church and the plaza.

Are you tired of dating inside malls, or movie houses? Then its time to be find another spot for dating. One of the places that I suggest especially those living south side of Cebu is the Naga Boardwalk. Its actually a public place at the back of Naga's Municipal Hall and it has a wonderful view of the sea, the mountains and a power plant surrounding it.

Its also a nice alternative for a stop over on a road trip for some lunch or dinner. During lunch time, seafoods and some native cuisine are some of the dishes that I suggest. Seafood are really fresh and cooked deliciously, while the native cuisine would remind you the comfort from home. At night time, street foods are abundant. You can chose from either grilled pork, fish and chicken or some spicy siomai and ngohiong coupled with Cebu's pride, the hanging rice. There's a lot of stalls to chose from and it doesn't cost much. So go ahead and satisfy your cravings.

The best time to stroll would be before the sun sets till night time. A lot of interesting scenery are seen during these times. And it also offers a lot of recreational activity for the active people. They have a tennis court, a badminton court, some play ground for the kids, and it is also a nice place to jog. Its another alternative to the usual dating offered in the city.

In the middle of Camotes Island sits one of the largest lake in Visayas and Mindanao, Lake Danao. A park has been built for visitors to savor the beauty of this serene lake. A small dock has been constructed to let visitors get a closer look of the lake. A speed boat was also rented when we arrived and maybe for a quick tour in the lake.

The park itself has a wide area for kids to play or for groups to rest for a while after some traveling done in the island. And the entrance to the park is ten pesos and you can enjoy the calm beauty of the lake.

I have promised myself that I'll be going back to Alegria to explore the place. I have heard that Alegria has a lot of things to offer when it comes to Eco-tourism. They have white sand beach, fish sanctuary, caves and mountains.

This time I went back to climb and explore Mt Lanaya one of Alegria's mountain, traversing Legaspi trail. From the main road we traveled approximately 45 minutes to the foot of the mountain. From the foot to the peak of the mountain, it was an all assault trail. With very loose sand and gravel. Some would even sort to crawling the loose ground just to make sure that they wouldn't slide to the bottom of the mountain. Trees were of little help since there's only a few that can be use as support.

We fought the sun's heat as we continued to climb the mountains with wild bushes on our sides. Lunch were eaten during our small breaks. And even with 3 liters of water, it was not enough to quench our thirst.

But it was all worth it when we reach the top. It feels I'm on top of the world. In front of me is a breath taking view. I got to see the neighboring Negros Island, the sea that separates Negros and Cebu, and the surrounding mountain range.

The air is fresh and the feeling is revitalizing. These are the very reason that attracted me to climb mountains.

I am a beach lover, I like to spend my down time at the beach, chilling, relaxing and unwinding. And I have always looked forward to learning different sports and activities done in the beach. One of those that stick to my heart was skimboarding.

I have been skimboarding for almost 8 years, though I'm not doing it to become a pro. And I'll be glad to teach you how its done.

When you already have a skimboard (for beginners its best to borrow or rent), go to the shore, look for an isolated spot away from the crowd to avoid accidents. Watch for the rhythm of the wave, pick a specific wave that you'd like to ride. Before this reaches the shore, you have to run, catch it when it arrives the shore. Drop your board and ride it.

Easy right? Just be careful because anyone who wants to learn how to skim board is not spared from bruises and injuries. But don't worry you'll surely enjoy it once you'll learn to ride the waves..

Summer has started and its time to flaunt our curves hidden behind our everyday jeans and tank tops. Their are some who are not comfortable wearing swimsuits or with their bodies, but its time to get out of our shells, at least we have an excuse, because its summer!

One technique of wearing swimsuits is to be comfortable with our own body. I don't have a perfect 6 pack abs body, but I am comfortable with it. I also try my best to keep my body fit by getting into sports, running and boxing.

I enjoy boxing the most, especially if I want to trim some fats the soonest time possible. I used to box at Metrosports with an annual few of approximately Php 7000, relatively cheaper compared to other boxing stadium in the city. But due to time constrains and the accessibility of the place, I have to discontinue my membership with Metrosports and started boxing at Abellana sports Center with a Php 50 per session. It may not have the complete equipment for boxing but at least I still get to practice the skills I've learned, at my most convenient time.

Boxing, ease away my stress and at the same time fuels my competitive side. Its a satisfying feeling to survive 5 rounds of sparing and some more rounds of abs exercise.

That's how I keep my body fit and hopefully you'll be able to find the sports right for you.