SkimChix - island life

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.

Sun Set at Kota Beach, Madridejos, Bantayan Island

The far end of Bantayan Island is the town of Madridejos. Third and last town in the island. Its actually an hour ride from Sta Fe Pier to Madridejos. One of the places that is worth visiting in this town is Kota Beach Resort.

It has a board walk leading to a small tower in the middle of the sea during high tide or corals during low tide. Situated at the far end is a lighthouse still in the middle of the water. Such a nice place to stroll and unwind after tiring day in the island. During low tide, sea water would fill the holes with marine life of varied sizes forming small pool or ponds. Colorful fishes are trapped and it seems you are looking in your own pond.

The sky can create beautiful hues before and after sunset. Plus the added beauty of a magnificent light house. I am dreaming of having another photo shot with this same spot someday. Because this has been the best place for sunset watching in the Island.

During Holy Week when everyone in the Catholic community would fast and refrain from eating meat, people in Bantayan were exempted from this by the Vatican. During these times, its a feast in Bantayan.

One of the awaited event during Holy Week in Bantayan is there station of the cross procession on Good Friday. They have life size statues and are grandiosely decorated with flowers. People who follow certain carriages would be give free t-shirt of the same print by the owners of the carriage.

The houses that are situated along the way of the procession will gladly welcome visitors who wish to see the carriages at eye level. It was a privilege to know someone in the place since we get to experience seeing these statues at a very close range. And even with a lot of people in the procession, it was still very solemn.

Have you ever though of spending a long weekend to Boracay but doesn't have enough resources to go there? The good thing of living here in Cebu is we have easy access to white sand beaches that doesn't cost much and would still feel like you're in Boracay sand.

Sta Fe, Bantayan Island boost a long stretch of white beach like Boracay Island. The main difference is that it has not been commercialized like Boracay Island. You can still experience the laid back feeling and have the beach all by yourself.

Access to Bantayan is convenient and doesn't cost much. From the city you can ride a bus in North Bus Terminal to Hagnaya for a fare of 150 pesos, maximum. Then a ride to Sta Fe for an hour with a ferry for 100 pesos.

You'll be welcomed with white sand beach and crystal clear water at Sta Fe Wharf. There are a lot of choices for resort that can offer very affordable rate, to name a few there's Sugar Beach, Rummel's, Ogtong Cave, Mayet's Place and Sta Fe Beach Club.

It is best to bring tent and some food to save for accommodation and unlike Boracay, restaurants and food shoppe are scarce. But you can always wait for fishermen as they duck there boats and buy some of there catch for a seafood treat. The fish is fresh and it will really make a good meal.

You'll also get to experience the island life since fishing village are within the area.So why deprive ourselves with white sand beach? Get out and get some tan!

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..

Last April 1,2010, Good Friday, Sugar Beach Resort held a skim boarding competition. I am a big fan of skim boarding and I look forward to watching how the pros do it.

Luckily, since there were a few participants, I was encourage to join the competition, for the sake of overcoming my fear of joining such competition.

I was the only female skim boarder. And I was enthusiastic for the adrenaline rush that it gave me. And now I'm officially a skim chick!

Every time I went out with my bestfriend our restaurant destination is always Moon Cafe, first was their branch in Ayala and then at Parkmall, maybe on our next day would be at their IT Park branch.

I love their food, they serve Mexican food like nachos, quesidillas and chimichangas. They got big servings and the price is affordable. I can also consider their food healthier than other restaurants, due to a lot of veggies added to their dishes.

So if you're in the mood for Mexican or a healthier food that's light in the stomach and on the budget, then this is the place to be.

I have always dreamed of having my own house with some space for a lawn. I love to be surrounded by greens and some space for my future kids to play. I have started planning on both the interiors and exteriors of the house and have been looking for great designs.

One of the things that I like would like to have is a window box outside my kitchen window, over looking at the kids playing in the lawn. Such a refreshing appeal on my kitchen while I'm cooking, isn't it?

I love to plant it with tropical flowers of vibrant shades of yellow and lots of greens to go with it. The window box would look good in white and just below the kitchen window. Now I'm getting so excited to order some of these but not just yet. Let me wake up from this wonderful dream and start working for my goal.

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.

Wearing sunglasses has been a fad both for young and old. I myself could not go outside the house without bringing my sunglasses, but in contrary to wearing it for fashion, i know the benefits of wearing one, and this I'd like to share with you.

We all know that UV rays is not only damaging to our skin but also to our eyes as well especially to the cornea that is integral to one's sight. The eyes is also considered as one of the sensitive areas and our body and this is usually where the first signs of aging occurs, at the eyes and the area around it. Thus wearing sunglasses can help in preventing wrinkle formation around the eyes and the surrounding skin.

As an added benefit it also protects us from dirt, wind, glare and other external agents especially for motorbike drivers and cyclist. And it is a good way of concealing our big eye bugs after late night partying.

Just some cautions in buying sunglasses is to refrain from purchasing low quality lens that is also detrimental to the eyes. It is best to shell out a few extra bucks for eye protection.

I have always believed that we are here in this life to enjoy the beautiful creations of our creator. My best friend once told me that there is no other person who is passionate about living and experiencing life than me, and I believe her. I have never stopped from discovering the magnificent beauty of the Philippine Island.

Aside from exploring the beauty that nature has to offer, I have also learned to love and experience extreme adventures first hand. But wait, before we jump to such extreme activities, let us bare in mind the risk that it takes. That's why it is best to get a life insurance for emergency and for the future.

It is best to have a universal insurance while we are still young. Especially at this age, that we are very impulsive to the adventures that is set in front of us. I have bought an insurance after I got work, knowing that it's cheaper when you bought it at a younger age and at the same time, accidents do come unannounced. I don't mind buying another best rate insurance because I know it will be used when I need it the most.

It gives me peace of mind every time I travel or if I engage myself to such extreme sports.

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.

Last March 27, 2010, at 8:30 in the evening Ayala Center Cebu joined the world in celebrating Earth Hour by turning off their lights. I was there to witness the event and to take pictures of the place with lights off.

Special thanks to a friend who invited me to join there group, CebuPhoto.Org, in witnessing this activity.