A Mesmerizing Encounter with Gentle Giants: Exploring Oslob's Butanding Haven

Venturing into the azure waters of Oslob, Cebu City, for a rendezvous with the majestic Whale Sharks, locally known as Butanding, proved to be an enchanting experience. With the Feast of St. Valentine just around the corner, I embarked on a journey that promised an intimate encounter with these gentle giants, and I was not disappointed.

Oslob, nestled south of Cebu City, beckoned with its promise of adventure, merely a three-hour road trip away. As I set foot in Brgy. Tan-awan, the gateway to this marine wonderland, anticipation mingled with awe at the proximity of these magnificent creatures to the shore – a mere 200 meters separating us from the vast expanse of the ocean where the Butanding gracefully roamed.

The sight of these majestic creatures, their colossal forms gliding effortlessly through the crystal-clear waters, left an indelible mark on my soul. Their sheer size juxtaposed against the serene backdrop of the sea was a sight to behold, evoking a sense of humility and reverence for the wonders of the natural world.

Guided by knowledgeable locals, I immersed myself in the ethereal beauty of this underwater realm, swimming alongside these gentle giants as they gracefully navigated the depths. Witnessing their graceful movements up close was a humbling experience, fostering a deep sense of connection with these magnificent creatures and the fragile ecosystem they inhabit.

Whale shark at Tan-awan Oslob Cebu

  

I rode a bus to Oslob

                 

Budget list

Credit: Wanglee Romero

Balay Indang Cavite Philippines

Balay Indang is a hidden gem nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Indang, Cavite. Located along the scenic Indang Mendez road, this charming retreat center offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

During my recent visit for a department retreat, I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty of Balay Indang. The ambiance was simply enchanting, with lush greenery and picturesque views providing the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation.

The facilities at Balay Indang are top-notch, making it an ideal venue for various events such as training, seminars, and team-building activities. The spacious and well-equipped rooms ensure comfort and convenience for guests, while the serene surroundings create an atmosphere conducive to learning and reflection.

One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the grounds and taking in the natural beauty of the surroundings. Whether strolling through the gardens or lounging by the pool, there are plenty of opportunities to unwind and soak in the tranquility of the environment.

Overall, my experience at Balay Indang was nothing short of delightful. From the stunning scenery to the impeccable facilities, it's clear that this is a place where guests can truly escape the stresses of everyday life and find peace and serenity. I would highly recommend Balay Indang to anyone looking for a serene retreat or a venue for their next event.

Balay Indang

A Personal Experience through Vikings Luxury Buffet

My recent visit to Vikings, nestled near the vibrant Mall of Asia in Pasay City, was nothing short of a culinary adventure. As I stepped into the grand dining hall, I couldn't help but marvel at the opulent ambiance that greeted me. The promise of a sumptuous buffet experience loomed tantalizingly in the air, and I was eager to partake in the feast that awaited.

                                    

Like many buffet restaurants in Metro Manila, Vikings boasts an impressive array of cuisines from around the world. From Japanese delicacies to Filipino favorites, Italian pasta to Chinese stir-fries, there's something to satisfy every craving imaginable. The diversity of options was truly remarkable, showcasing the culinary expertise of the kitchen staff.

Throughout my meal, I found myself continually impressed by the quality and variety of dishes on offer. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, meticulously crafted to tantalize the taste buds and ignite the senses. From the fresh seafood to the succulent meats, every dish was a testament to Vikings' commitment to excellence.

But what truly set Vikings apart was the impeccable service and attention to detail. The staff were warm and welcoming, ensuring that my dining experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Their dedication to providing top-notch service only enhanced the overall ambiance of the restaurant.

As I indulged in the feast spread before me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction wash over me. Vikings had exceeded my expectations in every way possible, leaving me with memories that I would cherish for years to come.

My visit to Vikings Luxury Buffet near Mall of Asia in Pasay City was a culinary journey like no other. With its exquisite ambiance, diverse selection of dishes, and exceptional service, it's a dining destination that truly stands out from the crowd. Whether you're a food enthusiast seeking new flavors or simply looking to indulge in a night of culinary delights, Vikings is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Gastronomical Adventure

Dining

 

Carving Station

Desserts

Sushi

Pagatpat Seafood Restaurant at Matalom Leyte

Pagatpat Matalom Leyte

Karong adlawa December 31, 2014 miadto jud mi sa pagatpat. Nagsidecar ra ming magpamilya from Hindang-Hilongos - Matalom nagjeep. Mihunong mi sa Baranggay Santa Fe. Miabot mi quarter to 11 sa buntag. May halong excitement pagnaog sa jeep pagkakita ko na pagatpat na. Diretso dayon mi sa sulod.

Adto dayon mi sa kahera. Ag uban namo kauban labi na mga bata dagan dayon sa mga kubo kubo nga natarok sa mga manggroves. Duha pa ka table ang occupied pagabot namo. Wa pa mangabot ang mga nagpareserve.

Ang ahong ate ug usa ka igsoon ang nakipagdeal sa kahera. Bisan pa nga fully book tanan ang mga table sa cottage, naswertihan mi kay dihay nagbackout usa ka nagpareserve. So gihatag namo ang table 6.

Pili na mi ug among order. Dayon hatag ang among order sa kahera. Ahong giurasan 11:04 na. Picture picture habang naghuwat sa amo order. Lingkod mi sa among table estorya estorya unya ang mga bata tan-aw tan-aw sa dagat. Taud-taod miabot na pod ang uban nagpareserve. Midaghan daghan na jud ang mga tawo nga nangabot.

Halos nalukop na ag mga table. Sige lang gihapon huwat mi sa among order hangtod mi alas dose na wala pa gihapon ang amo order. Nangaon na lang mi ug biscuit nga amo gipalit sa ilang tindahan. Miabot na ug 12:30 hangtod ala una wala pa gihapon ang order. Gi-follow up na sa ahong igsoon kay nanghilak na ang mga bata sa gutom. Nireklamo na manguli na kuno mi. Ako pod nagpanglipong na sa gutom. Wa mosalir ang biscuit nga ahong gikaon mga alas 11:30. Gusto ko na mugawas mangita carenderia. Ingon ahong ate wala kuno carenderia duol sa pagatpat.

Migawas man ahong ate kay nangita ug carenderia kay nagreklamo na ija anak. Ala una nalukop na jud ang table ug mga tawo. Halos puno na ang tanan 13 ka table. Namatikdan naho murag usa ra man ila server. Dili organize ang pagserve sa pagkaon. Ala una wa pa jud naserve ang pagkaon sa among table. May mga table na naserban, jutay may sud-an pero way kanin. Sa pinakaunang table sila pinakaunang miabot naserban na sila ang mga misunod nga mga table utay utay man.

Dili kumpleto, naay sud-an way kan-on. Sa uban pod naay pipila ka order. Anyways, sa pagbalik balik namo ug follow up 1:30 na jud naserve ang duha namo ka order pansit ug buttered shrimp. Ang kapait way kan-on. Nangluspad na jud ko. Gifollow up na pod sa ahong ate ang kan-on. Miadto pod ko sa ilang lutuan nagpakiluoy jud ko mangayo ug kanin ug sabaw kay nalipong na ko. Wa jud ko panumbalinga sa babaye kay ang ilang giasikaso kutong miorder ug boodle fight. Ingon tong ilang head nga "kun imo balik balikon follow up mapressure sila mga cook". What???? Hinay manglihok ilang mga cook. Ang ilang lutuan gagmay ra nga kaldero ug kawali. Mao diay dugay kaayo magluto. Ahong ate gisigurog follow up ang kan-on murag gipugos jud niya ang taga takos sa kan-on. Tamang tama lng nahurot na ang kan-on sa ilang kaldero. Daghan na jud nagreklamo. Nangasuko na ang ubang tawo nga naghuwat.

Sa dihang naserban mi ug kan-on, kaon na mi dayon. Kay gutom na jud. Ang among tapad table halos kumpleto na ang order nga sud-an pero way kan-on. Paghatod sa ilang server ug mga baso namo, gipangutana namo ug kanus-a maserve ang uban order. Tubag niya: "Wa ta kahibawo unsang orasa". What???? In fairness bisag nagkapuliki na si kuya server relax gihapon siya. Ang among tupad table nangaon nlng bisan way kanin. After one hour mao pay pag-abot sa kanin. Nahurot na ila sud-an. Ang uban table naghangad hangad intawon kanus-a makumpleto ilang order. Follow up ulit ahong igsoon giluto na kuno ang tinolang isda ug ang crab. Amo na gihuwat. Gikancel nalang ang uban namong order. 45 minutes pod hinuwatay. Gitake out na namo. Kami na lang pod nagbalot. Dayon bayad sa counter. Nanguli na mi.

Daghan na jud nangasuko. Nagbagutbot na ang uban kustomer. Ang uban nagbackout na. Gisirado ni kuya server ang gate sa pagatpat. Close na kuno sila. Goodluck na lang sa mga nahabilin. Murag alas 3 na to sila nakakaon. Charge to experience jud tong nahitabo namo. Nakakaon mig tagam. Mao na kun mangadto mo, pareserve mo'g table, paluto na ug pagkaon before moadto. In fairness mga buotan man ang mga staff. Dili lang magsilbi ang pagkabuotan kun nangapasmo na ang kustomer. Makakita jud silag away. Mao ni ila reservation number.

Reservation Number:

09355214354

09287217926

09066165929

One of the best Islands in Leyte: Digyo Island

Nestled within the calm waters of Leyte, Digyo Island stands as a hidden gem, boasting beautiful shores reminiscent of the famous Boracay. Despite its small size, this island exudes unparalleled beauty, captivating all who visit its shores. Situated under the control of the Inopacan municipality, Digyo Island is a testament to the wonders awaiting exploration in the Philippines.

Digju Island

Clarifying misunderstandings, it's important to note that Inopacan is not located in Southern Leyte but rather within the Leyte province. For travelers coming from Tacloban Airport, a convenient journey to Digyo Island begins with a Jeepney ride to the van terminal, just a quick 20-minute trip. Among the trustworthy van services facilitating trips to Maasin are Vav-Van and Duptours, with a fare of 170 pesos.

Upon reaching Inopacan, travelers can secure a motor banca ride to Digyo Island, with round-trip fares priced at 1500 pesos. Alternatively, for those traveling from Cebu, a ferry journey to Hilongos Leyte is the first step. From Hilongos, a tricycle ride to Hindang provides access to Digyo Island, as Hindang and Inopacan share neighboring boundaries.

Entire Island

Upon arrival at Digyo Island, visitors are greeted by the warm hospitality of the caretaker, who helps with their stay. Entrance to the island is a small fee of 20 pesos, while cottages are available for 200 pesos. For overnight stays, as there are no lodging options, campers are encouraged to bring their tents and essential supplies such as food and water.

In the embrace of Digyo Island's natural beauty, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in its tranquility and marvel at its unspoiled landscapes. With its beautiful beaches and inviting waters, Digyo Island offers an ideal escape for travelers seeking solace amidst nature's embrace.

Our rented Bangka from Afar

Nipa Hut Cottage