This year, Mitch and I decided that we should at least make one domestic and one international tour every year. Talk about extravagance haha! But thank God for cheap airfares and hotel and restaurant deals via discount sites. We were able to book here and there without too much strain on our budgets.
Last Saturday, we went to the Queen City of the South, CEBU. A late birthday and early birthday treat for the both of us. I was actually almost in tears that morning because the rain seems to not be on our side. But seeing that Cebu Pacific hasn’t cancelled any flight that day, I proceeded to Manila and first went to The Getaway Spa to avail of my voucher which expires today. :)
The body scrub was pure delight. I was surprised (for the attendant actually asked if she could go ahead with my private areas), but then again I guess it was part of the package (or her job) so I let her do her thing. I left the place refreshed and ready to face my long-awaited vacation.
I met with Mitch at Baclaran LRT station and from there we took a cab to NAIA Terminal 3. Our flight is at 930PM and we were supposed to land in Cebu at 1040PM. We landed 20 minutes earlier. I felt okay the rest of the trip, considering it was my first time to ride a plane. When you have faith, nothing could go wrong. :)
We spent the night at Ace Penzionne. For P900/night, the stay was definitely worth it. The room was clean, A/C works perfectly, and the wifi connection was excellent.
We left early in the morning to see the Lapu-Lapu Monument. The place was just OK for me. It was there that we brought our pasalubongs like souvenir shirts, sandals, magnets, and others.
Then we returned to the Inn for breakfast and early checkout. We then proceeded to the City to catch the English Mass at Basilica de Sto. Niño. We also went to the Sto. Niño Cathedral and the Magellan’s Cross. Then off we went to Europa Mansionette where we stayed until Tuesday morning.
In the evening, we went to Colonnade Mall to buy our food pasalubongs like otap, peanut cookies, dried mangoes, etc. Then along Mango Road for our massage at Nuat Thai.
It was a first time for Mitch. But she enjoyed it she said. I liked it better in Cebu than my Nuat Thai experience in Eastwood. We promised ourselves that we will go back to that specific branch when we return next year for our Bohol trip (will be returning to Cebu again for we failed to go to Bantayan Island due to limited time).
In the morning, we went ahead early for we are supposed to see so many places that day. Off we went to see the Parian Monument, the Colon Marker, and the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House (Casa Gorordo was closed for Monday was supposed to be their cleaning day).
The ancestral house was AWESOMENESS! Everything there was a sight to behold. The caretaker was also kind enough to answer our questions. The house is now more than 300 years old, and the present owners are actually the eight generation. We were also told that the present owners make it a point to still sleep there every Friday night, hence the room has an aircon and a refrigerator (the only signs of modern times in the house).
After the anncestral house, we went to see the Guadalupe Cave. The image in the cave was said to be hidden there by our forefathers for fear that the Spaniards might take it away with them. It was many years after that it was discovered by a chicken hunter and was turned over to the local church. People in the area believe that the water that drops from the cave has healing properties.
To be able to leave the place, we had to ride the habal-habal. It’s actually a single motorcycle that rides up to 4 people, excluding the rider. We were fortunate enough that we were the only two passengers that time.
Our next stop was at Beverly Hills subdivision, a posh place for the wealthy Chinese in Cebu, which I think could be likened to Forbes Park in Manila. It is there that the Taoist Temple is situated. Public transports are not allowed inside so we walked the many steps to the gate of the Temple, and up the 99 steps to the prayer place. There were three prayer places there and I went to all three. I did that ’stone thing’ and got an answer of ’YES’. I am thankful.
After the Temple, our last itinerary for the day was the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary and Arty Gallery. It was home to our country’s unsung artist, the late Prof. Julian Jumalon. Butterflies are taken care of here, both the alive and the dead ones. You see, Professor Jumalon did his artworks using butterfly wings. It is beyond cool really! We saw all his works but we understood why taking photos were not allowed inside the gallery.
After that tiring day, we decided to go back to our hotel to prepare for our last activity in Cebu. Then we went to RedBox in Ayala Mall Cebu for their primetime deal (buffet and videoke).
The long wait was indeed worth it. Thank you Cebu Pacific, Ensogo, and Metrodeal for the amazing deals. You are all a part of our happiness.
No comments:
Post a Comment