A Historic Visit to Oslob, Cebu | South Cebu Tour

Two weeks ago, we found ourselves in a historic municipality of Oslob, Cebu. We were on our South Cebu Tour but we stayed in Oslob – which was also our jump-off point. Why not? We’ve heard so much about this municipality, though 4th class, its tourism is thriving.

Nowadays, historical places are famous destinations in almost everyone’s bucket list. However, we are not doing this just because it’s a bandwagon. We’ve been interested in history since HISTORY was introduced to us. I’m just saying so…

History is not was, it is! ~ William Faulkner

Let’s take a look at what the place has to offer:

*Church of Immaculate Conception  

Immaculate Conception Parish

This Immaculate Conception church was among the oldest churches in Cebu. It became an independent parish in 1847. It was burned down during the Second World War liberating Cebuano guerillas against the Japanese in Oslob in 1945, and 1955 but was eventually restored.

The entrance door.

In 2008, another fire gutted the 19th-century church’s interior, including the altar and adjacent rectory, but it spared the image of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, which was inside a glass case, and the 73 other icons near the door to the bell tower.

The church was closed during our visit, so we were unable to take a look at the interior of it. 

*Bell Tower

Church bell tower. 

This bell tower adjacent to the church was built in 1858. It fortunately survived the fire that gutted the church twice.

*The Cuartel Ruins

The Cuartel Ruins

Located at the front right of the church is this ruins of an unfinished cuartel. It resembles a Spanish-era barrack and was intended as barracks for Spanish soldiers or guardia civil but was halted during the arrival of the Americans.

The structure was made of coral blocks from the remnants of the collapsed floor of the bell tower.

The back view of the cuartel.

*Baluarte

Baluarte

Baluarte means watchtower in Spanish. This is among the seven fortifying watchtower built along the coastline of Oslob. This fortress provided a safe place for guards to observe the surrounding area. This defense strategy effectively dispelled the Moro raiders of the past.

*Museo Oslob

This museum is located at the back of the cuartel ruins. The locals told us that other remnants of the town’s history is inside.

But it was also closed that time because it was a Sunday.

Entrance door of the museum.

Our short visit in Oslob brought us back to the past. It’s overwhelming to look back to what made us today, to not just live and enjoy the ruins but to know the story behind them. Each places has its own story. Most might be painful but it is what made the place. History is not just the past. History is the present.

History despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage need not be lived again.

Over to you: do you find interest in your place or country’s history, too?

Continue following our South Cebu Tour story.

‘Til our next destination!

Keep safe!

Love, Ace and Demi

 

Ace and Demi went South 2016

With only four days to go before Christmas, we’d like to send everyone our hopes of a “merry Christmas”. This is indeed a season to be jolly! 

As we prepare our homes and selves for Christmas day, allow us to share this post about our South Cebu Tour last weekend. This trip was made possible by RoadWavesTour – a travel agency dedicated to give an outstanding and adventurous travel experiences. They have travel packages that give value for money and fit for those who want to travel on a budget. You guys should check it out.

Ace and Demi went South!

To celebrate our second year anniversary, we decided to go South of Cebu. Thankfully, RoadWavesTour has the package that suits our plan.

Oslob

• Whale Shark Encounter

Whale shark encounter

• Sumilon Island Sandbar

Sumilon Island sandbar

• Oslob Church  – The oldest church in Cebu 

The Immaculate Concepcion Church-Oslob

• The Cuartel Ruins

The Cuartel Ruins

Samboan

• Binalayan / Hidden Falls – also called the Three-Drop Falls

Santander

• Sanayon Site

Santander

Ginatilan 

• Inambakan Falls

Inambakan Falls

We will have separate posts for each major destinations — Whale Shark encounter and Sumilon Island, Inambakan Falls, Binalayan Falls, Sanayon Park, and Oslob Heritage Park. While we are still drafting them, kindly stay tuned.

‘Til our next destination!

Love, Ace and Demi

For some reason, I can’t retrieve our photos of the Cuartel Ruins and Sanayon Site. 

*Cuartel Ruins photo credit to WayPointsDotPh

*Sanayon Site photo credit to Laagan nga Bata

Mt. Naupa, Naga | The Climb

Stop talking about your mountains and start climbing.

We just did!

We’ve heard so much about Mt. Naupa from some of our friends from the blogosphere. It just ignited our curiosity and yeah, just last Saturday we decided to see what the fuss is all about.

With a staggering height of 584 meters above sea level and ranked as the 8th highest mountain in Central Visayas, one cannot question it’s popularity.

So, let’s see what Mt Naupa has to offer:

Our original plan was to start the climb at 5:00am to witness the sunrise but we sadly missed it because we came late. (Filipinos, yah know.) Anyway, we took a bus from South Bus Terminal and got off at Tungkop, Minglanilla. From there, we rode a motorcycle to take us to Brgy. Cogon. And we started our trek from the chapel where kids are waiting to offer themselves as guide to the mountain.

We had William and Kent, both thirteen-year old as our guides. These kids really knew what they’re doing because according to them, they climb the mountain every weekends. They even knew how to entertain us and they served as our photographer, as well.

Kat-kat pa more!

We made a research about the mountain, beforehand. We had to make sure the climb would be easy because we didn’t have any minor climbs but Osmena Peak.

The climb to the mountain is indeed for beginners. The trail is easy and pretty established. Except during rainy days, the soil could be muddy and slippery. The kids said, the climb will not take an hour if we have regular pace. After 45 minutes, we arrived at the campsite.

Let’s get those feet rested.

We had a few minutes rest and ate our snacks at the campsite. The view from there was already stunning. We couldn’t help taking photos with all the lush greeneries around.

It’s a plane, no, it’s a bird!

Oh, and we almost forgot…we climbed Mt Naupa together with these three cool sisters — Louise, Daisy, and Ann. These three are awesome! (More climb, girls!)

The gang on the losse!

When we thought, this is the only campsite… the kids told us that this is just the lower campsite. Now, that made us wonder where is the mountain we’re trying to conquer.

The upper campsite is this hill behind us…. 🙂

Upper campsite as our backdrop. 

There are no trees to give shade when the sun would be scorchingly hot except this small make-shift hut made from bamboo and recycled tarps. But it looked broken and no longer taken cared of. 😦

So, where is Mt. Naupa?

There is Mt. Naupa! 

When we reached the upper campsite, the kids told us that Mt Naupa is the eminent mountain in the area. We asked them if we could climb it, but they said it would be dangerous because it’s rocky and the soil is loose. So we have to just settle on the camp area and just look at the mountain while it’s standing proud in front of us. Sigh!

It’s better in the mountains. 

We were just fortunate to have the mountain solely. We were able to take pictures to our contentment. We even had the trending “mannequin challenge” at the top which was posted on Facebook by yours truly (if you’re following us).

After an hour of resting, the sun started to get hotter… we decided to pack our things and go down. When another kid came and told us that there is a waterfall near. Us, feeling hot and wanting to take a dip in a cold water, immediately headed to the falls following the kid.

After 3 mountains. 

We came across corn fields and other forms of vegetations. The first 30 minutes was fun and full of talking… when we noticed we already passed three mountains and we did not arrive to the said falls yet. Guess what???? Yeah, you’re right.

We were lost!!!

And yeah, it’s another story! (ahahah) Know what happened on our next entry. 🙂

Despite being lost and going around all the mountains in Naga, Cebu…we still went home with CONTENTMENT and FULFILLMENT in our heart. These pictures may not tell you how happy we were with our adventure we know in our selves, we had so much fun!

 

Expenses: (Below are the general expenses, food expense is not included for you may have different preferences.)

Bus fare: Php60/person  (minimum for airconditioned bus) 

Motorcycle Fare: Php50/person (going up)

Motorcycle Fare:  Php50/person (going down)

*Guide Fee: Php300/5 people (according to guests’ account)

Bus Fare: Php60/person (airconditioned bus) 

 

We hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as we had fun climbing Mt. Naupa. Stay tuned for our next entry.

‘Til next climb!!!

Love, Ace and Demi

 

 

 

 

 

 

First in Cebu — The Sky WaterPark

Beaches are a whole lot of fun. After all, who does not like the feel of the salt and the sand, resist surfing the waves, hopping islands or just go circles on a jetski? But sometimes, all you want to do is drop down a nice water slide and into a pool with a big splash.

Finally, the country’s first and only waterpark built above ground and on top of a mall — The Sky Water Park Cebu. Located in an open-air space on the 6th floor of J Centre Mall, Mandaue, adjacent to the 583-room Toyoko Inn Hotel. This new leisure place offers panoramic views of Mandaue, Lapu-lapu and some parts of Cebu city. A perfect destination for people who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle on the ground.

Happy Birtday, Ate K!

Before we proceed, I’d like to greet this cute little girl — Krexea Maurel a happy, happy birthday!!! If not because of her, this post wouldn’t be possible. Special thanks also to Xelanne and Mark for letting Ace tag along. I wish I was there. You guys are awesome! 

Note: I wasn’t personally there, so I’m just relying on my husband’s telling and a little bit of Google’s help, too.

Ate K at 3.

This sky waterpark covers 4,200 square meters/45,208 square feet of rooftop space. The resort features a water playground with pool and a water house complete with water slides, climbing nets, a giant tipping bucket and other interactive water elements.

Ace feeling like a kid.

It has also an infinity edge pool with jacuzzi. They have sun loungers and cabanas for resting. They also offer food and beverage service by the pool area.

When viewed above, the main pool was actually shaped like Cebu’s famous guitar. Too bad we don’t have a drone to show you that. 😀

The resort also has a dining and entertainment area, a gift shop, spa and other concessionaire outlets.

Waterparks are very popular in Asian countries like Japan and Korea. It’s great to know that Cebuanos are embracing booming theme parks like this. This waterpark as well is the second resort-type development in the city after the Westown Lagoon in Mandaue Reclamation Area.

Here are some photos Ace took at the place:

The infinity edge pool overlooking the city. 

Hubby and Ate K with the Toyoko Inn Hotel on the backdrop. 

Hubby having a good time at the water house. 

With a location in the middle of the bustling metropolis, this Sky Waterpark is a destination you shouldn’t miss. It’s also an ideal place for social functions, corporate events and other special events.

The Sky Waterpark Cebu. 

For other details and queries, visit SKYWATERPARK CEBU website by clicking here. (Click me!)

Location: 6th Floor (Roof Deck), J Centre Mall, 165 A.S. Fortuna Street, Bakilid Mandaue City 6014 Cebu, Philippines

Tel. Nos: + 63 32 350 9111 or + 63 32 350 9552

Email: info.skywaterpark@gmail.com

Happy Splashing! 

Love, Ace and Demi