Home Blog Page 238

Basdaku Beach: A Little Paradise in the South

Whenever we wish to take a break from our everyday lives, we are presented with a lot of options to choose from — top on the list involves the sun, the sand, and the beach.

 A perfect example would be the Basdaku White Beach, nestled in Moalboal in southern Cebu. For only ₱10-20 (depending from where you enter), you can experience Basdaku Beach’s wide shoreline and its crystal clear waters and pure white sand.

moalboal basdaku white beach 2
Photo by Jubert Valmores

A little trivia, the term ‘Basdaku’ is derived from two Cebuano words “bas” and “daku” which means ‘sand’ and ‘big’, respectively. The name literally describes the kilometer-long coastline of the beach.

What are you waiting for? Go and revel in one of Cebu’s finest beaches.

Basdaku Beach Moalboal (1)
Photo by Jepoi Lazaro
Basdaku Beach Moalboal (3)
Photo by Jepoi Lazaro

Fees

  • Estimated Bus Fare: ₱150-180 per head (one-way)
  • Tricycle: ₱30 per head (one-way)
  • Entrance fee: ₱10-20 per head only
  • Tent: ₱100 per tent (bring your own tent)
  • Tent rental: ₱500 to 2,000 (depending on the size)
  • Cottage fee: ₱300 to 2,500 (rates vary from one resort to another)
  • Tent Rental: P500 – P2000 *Rates may vary depending on the size

When it comes to looking for a place to stay, Basdaku absolutely got it all for you.

For travellers who prefer to sleep on the sand, witness the gracing sunrise or magnificent sunset and enjoy the chilling vibe — which is something every backpacker dreams of, there are definitely areas for camping.

You need to take note that some areas allow you to camp for FREE, however, for some, they have a minimal fee of ₱100-200 (exclusive of tent rental).

moalboal basdaku white beach 1
Photo by Jubert Valmores

How to get there?

Exact location: Basdaku Beach, Moalboal, southern Cebu — approx. 3 hours away from the city.

From South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Moalboal via Barili or Badian. Then ask to be dropped off at Gaisano Grand Mall Moalboal or Moalboal town proper. Another option would be by van, which is also available at One Citilink Terminal. Travel time is 3 hours depending on traffic conditions.

Once you’ve reached the town of Moalboal, you can hire a tricycle to take you to Basdaku or White Beach.

Where to stay?

If beach camping is not your thing, you may choose from this list of low-priced accommodation options and cheap apartments:

Rositas Cottages



Rosita’s cottages is a great place to take a break for either short-term or long-term travelers. It offers a fully equipped kitchen and rooms that have their own porch area, making the guests live like home.

0916-920-5618
Starts at 500 PHP
CHECK RATES
HK Beach Resort



This place offers a wonderful beachfront view, basic amenities and rooms that would make every guest’s stay worth it. This beach resort also comes with a restaurant that serves delish food selections.

0919-476-6385 / (032) 511-2499
Starts at 700 PHP
CHECK RATES
Susan’s Seaview Resort



This resort is nestled at a great location that is close to many restaurants. Also, it offers a restaurant that has a nice terrace where guests can sit and enjoy the sea view. Susan’s Resort’s area is also popular for cycling or even just a short walk along the beach.

Starts at 500 PHP
CHECK RATES
Turtle Bay Dive Resort



Located in Tongo Point, Basdiot, this resort is best known for how it caters the needs of the guests and aiming to make them feel at home away from home. Definitely one of the hotel that stands out.

(032) 316-4133 / 0917-631-4261
Starts at 1,000 PHP
CHECK RATES

Experience this Giant Floating Cottage in Cordova, Cebu

Passing through beautiful and pristine waters, we often thought of taking a dip or staying and just hang out right at the center of it.

Photo from Super Hiyong Floating Cottages in Cordova Facebook Page

Well, now you can do that and more conveniently, you won’t have to go far as it just here in Cebu.

Super Hiyong Floating Cottages in Cordova is as its name states is in Cordova, they can easily be found as they are found right at the Cordova port.

This giant cottage can fit a whole lot of people so that everyone can have the time of their life swimming and playing in the water. Whether it’s a big family gathering, barkada reunion, team building, or even birthday parties, you will all sail out into the middle of the sea and have it as a neighbor for the whole day.

Photo from Super Hiyong Floating Cottages in Cordova Facebook Page
Photo from Super Hiyong Floating Cottages in Cordova Facebook Page

You can just roll over the side of the cottage when you feel like its getting hot and enjoy the wide view of the sea and its sparkling color while eating good food and drinks surrounded by the people that you love. You can even go kayaking as they have them for rent and of course the ever-present videoke set to every Filipino gathering is also available for rent.

The giant floating cottage will give you that privacy and exclusivity that you seek for these intimate celebrations without it lessening the fun.

Photo from Mark Cuyos
Photo from Mark Cuyos
Photo from Mark Cuyos
Photo from Mark Cuyos

Service inclusions:

  • boat transfer from port to cottage (and vice-versa)
  • BBQ grill
  • CR / changing area
  • free use of life vests
  • mini pool with net (safe for kids!)
  • second floor with view deck & diving platform
  • hammock
  • table and chairs
  • rentals: kayak, videoke set

The cottage is an owner operated vacational rental guest accommodation so they are asking for consideration on following the terms & conditions set for the your safety and upkeep of the cottage.

Photo from Mark Cuyos
Photo from Mark Cuyos
Photo from Mark Cuyos
Photo from Mark Cuyos
Photo from Mark Cuyos

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES:

  • EXCLUSIVE USE: P3,500 (30 pax capacity), WHOLE DAY
  • Down payment: P1,000
  • ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
    • Check-In: 7:30AM/ Check-Out: 5:00PM

OTHER INFORMATION:

  • Corkage fee: None
  • Contact numbers: 
    • 09556231734 (Vilma Degamo)
    • 09776128171 (Jeffrey Tajanlangit)

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Cordova Roro Port, Cordova, Cebu

BY BUS: Ride any bus/beep/jeep bound for Cordova. Tell the driver to drop you off at Cordova Port.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Cordova Roro Port” in Cordova. Parking space is available.

19-year-old Italian proposes to his 76-year-old ‘Soulmate’

They say that at this day and age, true love is hard to get by. In this fast-paced world, a lot has jumped from a relationship to another, as quickly as they change clothes. Some would say that the “hookup culture” is very prevalent for this generation, but that doesn’t seem the case for one 19 year-old teen from Italy.

Photo from Giuseppe D’Anna

Giuseppe D’Anna, a 19 year-old teen from Italy admitted that he is now engaged with his 76 year-old “soulmate”. Via the popular video-sharing app, Tiktok, D’Anna posted a video showing asking his partner her hand for marriage. The heartfelt proposal swept the Internet and as of this writing, the Tiktok video has now more than 75 million views.

Posted last May 23, a video montage was posted as a Tiktok by D’Anna showing him and his now-fiancée (who he chose not to reveal her name yet to the public) sweet moments they shared. The montage included a photo of D’Anna kneeling in front of his partner while both were kissing, indicating that it was the moment the latter said “yes”. The video also included pictures of lavish gifts, including the presumably wedding ring, with a large diamond on it.

D’Anna captioned the video “la nostra promessa” which translates to “our promise”. Along with the caption is a green heart and the infinity symbol.

However great the news was, netizens all over Tiktok had mixed reactions regarding the news. Some commended the 19 year-old teen with his bravery declaring his love for someone much older than him, others have mentioned that the young man may have not been thinking things clearly and just infatuated. Some even said that it was all just a publicity stunt, that the account used “shock value” to gain likes and increase their following.

Photo from Giuseppe D’Anna

Prior to the proposal, Giuseppe D’Anna uses his Tiktok account by posting videos of him and his partner sharing sweet moments, doing Tiktok trends, eating food together, sharing quality time, and news clips where they were featured in local Italian news. The account has now 390.1k followers and a total of 12.9 million likes.

This staycation house in Davao City offers New Zealand-feels

This article was originally published on VisMin.ph.

Visiting New Zealand is every traveler’s dream. Imagine waking up to its fresh breeze, green mountains, and cold weather which makes you want to sip your cup of coffee while snuggling close to your loved ones. 

Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page

What a way to relax, right? But while it remains a lifetime away, how about traveling to a version of it in the Philippines? 

Yes, you read that right! Your Maori dreams can be fulfilled in Lopez Highlands in Davao City. 

Lopez Highlands

Situated in Barangay Baganihan in Marilog, Davao City, Lopez Highlands is a stunning villa open to the public for staycations.

Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page

Like New Zealand, it is surrounded by lush greens accentuated by the cloudy, blue skies — making it a picture-perfect addition to your Instagram feed. 

The two-story house can accommodate up to 15 people and is packed with amenities including a jacuzzi and two swimming pools, a wide kitchen area, three bedrooms, and an outdoor swing. 

Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page

Guests may also request a one-time bonfire where they can share stories while disconnecting from their phones. 

Note that there is no Wi-Fi connection in the villa. Cellular data is also limited. 

Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

ROOM RATES:

  • Whole House (Mondays to Thursdays) – P9,000
  • Whole House (Fridays to Sundays) – P9,000
  • 1 Bedroom with Loft – P4,500
  • Second Floor of the House Only – P7,000

Note: all room rates are applicable for overnight use. No day tours allowed.

Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page
Photo from Lopez Highlands Facebook Page

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao City, Philippines

BY BUS: Take a bus bound to Baganihan Barangay Hall if you are from Downtown Area. Average bus trip time is one and a half hours. Ask the driver or conductor to be dropped off at Sitio Katandungan, Barangay Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao City. Once you are there, you can ask the locals where Lopez Highlands is as you need to trek the mountaintop rest house for a few meters.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Lopez Highlands” in Marilog District, Davao City. Parking space is available.

This article was originally published on VisMin.ph.

SPAM outs new Tocino flavor to thank Filipino consumers

0

I think we’re all familiar with the word SPAM. It’s a Filipino favorite.

Spam to those who doesn’t know it, which I very much doubt, is a brand of canned cooked pork distributed by The Purefoods-Hormel Company Inc. in the Philippines. Its popularity transcends economic class as it is present in the homes of the poor, the rich and everyone in between.

Photo from Shopee

Now, it might level up its favorite status though as a token of love for Philippines, they have created a Filipino Flavor — SPAM Tocino.

SPAM making a whole new product with the much beloved Filipino tocino as well is just a chef’s kiss to the consumers. Tocino is a popular breakfast dish already and also means a little different in the Philippines, as it refers to sweetened and cured pork belly not just bacon.

This new SPAM Tocino has just the right mixture of sweet and meaty to satisfy our cravings for these flavors especially those living outside Philippines.

It comes in a 340G, 12Oz SPAM signature can and consumers have commented that it taste like SPAM light but the sweet version of it. They also recommended to fry fried it in very low heat.

Photo from Shopee

It is very in demand and quite difficult to come by in the shelves of groceries so better order them online either in Shopee or Lazada.

SPAM is used in a variety of Filipino dishes so we might expect this new product to come up in our future dishes as well.

Filipino fusion cuisine dishes using SPAM

  • Spam burgers
  • Spam spaghetti
  • Spam nuggets
  • Crispy Spam Steak
  • Spam Garlic Fried rice
  • Spam menudo
Photo from Shopee

There are at least ten different varieties of Spam currently available in the Philippines.

Sea Mansion in Carmen: Affordable Stay in a Huge Mansion by the Shores

Everyone has heard of or encountered trending videos of celebrities, models, or insanely rich people, in general, doing a tour of their insanely huge mansions. YouTube pages like Architectural Digest even have these kinds of videos as their main content.

Photo from Sea Mansion

Have you ever seen these videos and thought to yourself how it would feel like to live in a mansion? Well, you do not have to wonder anymore, because you can stay and sleep at one by the shores of Carmen, Cebu for a very affordable price!

The Sea Mansion: Pool, Beach, and more

The Sea Mansion in Carmen is an enormous mansion located in Carmen that you can book in Airbnb. It can host up to 15 guests, or even more at an additional cost! The place has tons of features that one can dream of in their fantasies.

Photo from Sea Mansion
Photo from Sea Mansion

If you like the salty waters of the sea kiss your skin, you can swim at the beach, but if you want to just chill around in calm waters while sipping a cold glass of iced tea, you can lounge around at the private pool. If the water is not your type, you can hang around with nature at the Sea Mansion’s Garden.

ROOMS AND SPACES

  • 3 Air-conditioned bedrooms (5 pax per bedroom)
  • 3 toilets and 2 baths inside the house
  • 2 toilets and 1 bath near the pool
  • 1 toilet and 1 bath close to the beach
  • Kitchen with refrigerator, 2 burners gas stove for cooking, drinking water with dispenser (cold), coffee maker (bring your own beans), microwave, pots, pans, and dining utensils
  • 2 Garages
  • Living Room
  • Washing Machine
Photo from Sea Mansion
Photo from Sea Mansion
Photo from Sea Mansion
Photo from Sea Mansion
Photo from Sea Mansion
Photo from Sea Mansion
Photo from Sea Mansion
Photo from Sea Mansion

RECREATIONAL FEATURES

  • Private Pool
  • Beach
  • Patio
  • Backyard
  • Outdoor Tree Swing
  • Indoor Video Karaoke (Unlimited)
  • Living Room Smart TV with Netflix and YouTube
  • WIFI Access (Globe 25 mbps)
  • Table Tennis
Photo from Sea Mansion
Photo from Sea Mansion
Photo from Sea Mansion

Dining in spacious areas in the Sea Mansion

There are a ton of views which are good for collecting your thoughts or pictures for Instagram. Feeling hungry? The Sea Mansion boasts a glamorous kitchen complete with appliances like stoves, a fridge, and more. If you feel like grilling some barbeque, they also have a grill. If you are feeling lazy, the staff can do it for you! Be sure to tip them.

It is a perfect place for groups of people with the Cebuano souls that love beaches, pools, good food, and comfort. If you are planning a large event like family gatherings, barkada hangouts, alumni reunions, and more, look no further than the Sea Mansion. There are even garages where you can park your cars.

Photo from Sea Mansion
Photo from Sea Mansion

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL FEES

  • P200 per head after 15 pax (note: no additional beds will be provided)
  • Living Room has 2 AC units exclusive of the booking package. Turning it on costs P100 per hour.
  • Charcoal for grilling: P15 per pack

Note: Inform the host if you have more than 15 pax for price adjustment.

OTHER INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: National Road, Carmen, Northern Cebu — approx. 1.5-2 hours away from the city.

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal. Most buses pass by Carmen, but make sure to ask the conductor or driver. Tell the driver to drop you off at the Sea Mansion in Barangay Puente, Carmen, Cebu. If it is unfamiliar to them, tell them that it is a few meters after Alegarbes Beach Resort.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Sea Mansion” in Carmen. Garage with parking space is available.

LOOK! The Weekend Carbon Food Market in Cebu City

Carbon Market is an open-air night market offering a wide selection of locally produced goods, right in the heart of Cebu City. It provides numerous opportunities for market vendors to sell their products, including Cebu delicacies, Sutukil food, and a variety of food stalls.

This was made possible by Cebu2World, a subsidiary of Megawide Construction Corp., the company behind the Carbon Market Modernization Project. There are free eco-friendly e-trikes that will take you on a tour of the night market in various locations throughout downtown Cebu. To complete this colorful experience, acoustic bands are invited every Sunday night to serenade the crowd.

The Carbon Market is situated along M. C. Briones St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, specifically Quezon Boulevard, next to the Senior Citizen’s Park, which houses the new Sto. Niño Chapel.

Photo from Brandon Vallecera
Photo from Brandon Vallecera
Photo from Brandon Vallecera
Photo from Brandon Vallecera
Photo form Carlo Andrew Oltiano
Photo from Jesson Morata
Photo from Jesson Morata

How to get there:

  • From Mactan-Cebu International Airport – You may hop into a taxi going to Carbon Market; fare is ₱180 (estimation from worldtaximeter, 2020)
  • Using a private vehicle – Waze or Google Maps can be utilized, just enter “Carbon Market Parking”
  • Walking distance from Magellan’s Park and Freedom Park

Opening Hours:

Saturday & Sunday – 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

However, tenants may close early or stay long depending on the place’s Foot Traffic.

Food stalls:

The classic stalls of Zagu, Santino’s and Fruitas are present in Carbon Market. Meanwhile, new stalls have been added. Here are a few examples:

  • The Coffee Mobile
  • Seaside scramble
  • Ate Silay’s Kandingan
  • Happy Sundae
  • Nine Tea Milktea
  • Momma shawarma
  • Sutukil stalls (Sugba, Tuwa, Kilaw)
Photo from Jesson Morata
Photo from Jesson Morata
Photo from Nona Rowena Ubas
Photo from Jesson Morata
Photo from Jesson Morata
Photo form Jesson Morata
Photo from The Chocolate Chamber Facebook Page
Photo from Jesson Morata
Photo from Jesson Morata
Photo from Jesson Morata

Looking for food stalls and market options that will give you the full BisDak experience? Spend your Friday and Saturday nights at Carbon Market!

Jollibee P. Del Rosario near USC Main Cebu bids goodbye after 23 years

Food trends sure do come and go, but Jollibee is a staple in a Filipino’s diet. Although it’s not as healthy as our home-cooked meals, Filipinos, especially Cebuanos, still love their fries, burgers, and Chickenjoy!

Photo from Christine Monteclar

Just like other businesses, even the most popular fastfood chain could come to its end. However, eventhough some have closed its doors, people still manage to hang on the nostalgia attached to them.

Take for example one Christine Monteclar. A flower vendor outside P. Del Rosario.

Photo from Christine Monteclar
Photo from Christine Monteclar

On June 5, she posted her memories on Jollibee P. Del Rosario branch. This was the last day this famous fast-food chain is opening its doors to its patrons.

“Una mi sa linya sa imong opening day. Una sad mi ni linya sa imong closing day,”

SHE SHARED ON HER FB PAGE.

She added, “For 23 years first ever flower vendors with stall area has been approved by Jollibee management with electricity and water.”

Photo from Christine Monteclar
Photo from Christine Monteclar

However, to the customers of the flower shops along the area, their stores are still open even without the bida ng saya, Jollibee.

Beach stay for P500 per night at this resort in Panagsama, Moalboal

Panagsama beach is not your ordinary summer destination. Located in Moalboal, Cebu, this small strip of land differs from the powdery, white-sand beaches the coastal town boasts.

Photo from Arnico Lumangyao Cartalla

But never underestimate it — for the beauty of this quaint beach lies in the rich aquatic life beneath its waters. 

A paradise for marine divers, Panagsama beach is best known for its stunning underwater world which includes its lively reefs, fishes, and the infamous sardine run. 

Photo from Twin de los Reyes Facebook Page
Photo from Twin de los Reyes Facebook Page
Photo from Twin de los Reyes Facebook Page

Where to stay?

Among the popular rental places in Moalboal is FFG EDEN Beach Resort in Basidot. One quick search would yield hundreds of results —  from photos, vlogs to videos showing the stunning resort located right next to the Pinagsama beach.

Photo form FFG Eden Resort Moalboal
Photo form FFG Eden Resort Moalboal

It is packed with amenities and is strategically located near the essential places in the area such as the town proper and the public market.

Not only is it accessible but the beach resort also offers affordable rates for solo tourists and groups of guests who want to relieve their stress through a beach break. 

For as low as P500, FFG EDEN Beach Resort can accommodate up to two persons for 2 days and 1 night. 

It also has discounted rates for friends and families who want to celebrate their special day together — making it an ideal place for relaxation, dates, wedding anniversaries, team building, Christmas parties, family getaways, Barkada adventure, reunions, and even company outings. 

Rates & Other Information

Room Rates:

  • Sardines room: ₱500 per night, good for 2 persons
  • Kitong room: ₱1,200 per night, good for 2 persons
  • Barilis suite: ₱1,500 per night, good for 2 persons
  • Lumod suite: ₱2,000 per night, good for 2 persons
  • Butanding suite: ₱3,000 per night, good for 4 persons
  • Pawikan cove: ₱10,000.00 per night, good for 6 persons

Other Information:

How to get there? 

Exact location: Sitio Talisay, Basdiot, Moalboal, southern Cebu — approx. 3.5 hours away from the city.

BY BUS: Take a direct flight to Cebu through the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. From there, take a bus going to Barili/Bato and get off at Moalboal. Tricycles going to Panagsama beach are available there for no more than P100. 

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “FFG Eden Resort” in Moalboal. Parking space is available.

Stay in this resort in Malapascua Island for as low as P500

A trip to Cebu wouldn’t be complete without visiting the famous Daanbatanyan Islands. 

Malapascua island, daanbantayan, philippines | Photo from Unsplash

Tucked in the northern part of the province, its pristine white beaches are always a go-to for travelers who want to bask under the sun for their much-need vitamin sea.

But what if I tell you that you can enjoy one of its islands for less than P500?

Here’s your budget-friendly guide to Malapascua Island: 

Malapascua Island is synonymous with Thresher Sharks. With its clean and deep waters, the friendly giants are known to frequent visitors of the area where they also dive and swim with tourists.

Photo from DIVE7 DOTCentralVisayas Facebook Page

The pelagic thresher sharks can be spotted in Malapascua all year-round so you don’t need to worry about not seeing them during your visit. 

Apart from ThresherShack Beach, other destinations on the island are Hippocampus Beach, Ocean Vida Beach, Devocean Dive Shop, Japanese Ship Wreck, and the North Beach Langub.

Also must-sees are Bantigue Cove, The Ruins,  Dakit Dakit Island, Corals Garden, and Bounty Beach, which is considered the liveliest part of the quaint Island.

Malapascua island, daanbantayan, philippines | Photo form Unsplash
Malapascua island, daanbantayan, philippines | Photo from Unsplash

Where to stay? 

Malapascua Exotic Island Dive Resort | Photo form Jed Manayon

There are plenty of hotels and resorts on the island but if you don’t want to break the bank, Malapascua Budget Inn is a good option.

For as low as P499, you can rent their air-conditioned rooms for 24 hours. They also have complete amenities including a bar and a restaurant where they serve mouth-watering dishes such as seafood bila-o and Mango Daiquiri.

Photo from Malapascua Budget Inn Facebook Page
Photo from Malapascua Budget Inn Facebook Page

Room Rates

  • Bunk Bed (Shared): P399 per person per night with common toilet and bath
  • Private Aircon Room for 2: P1,200 per night with own toilet & bath, good for 2 persons
  • Private Aircon Room for 4: P1,600 per night with common toilet & bath, good for 4 persons
  • Private Aircon Room for 4: P1,800 per night with own toilet & bath, good for 4 persons
  • Barkada Aircon Room: P3,500 per night with common toilet & bath, good for 10 persons
  • Barkada Aircon Room: P4,900 per night with common toilet & bath, good for 14 persons

Other Information

How to get there?

Exact location: Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Cebu — 4 hours away from Cebu City, and 30 minutes away from Maya Port.

From the North Bus Terminal at SM City Cebu, ride any bus going to New Maya port in Daanbantayan. Fare is approximately P220 per person. From the port, you can ride a ferry going to Malapascua Island for only P200.