Yours Truly July

Random bits and pieces of a twenty-something insomniac from the Queen City of the South. Born on the month of May but she is called July. Disclaimer: Posts are owned by her unless otherwise noted. Tweets by yourstrulyjuly Live Traffic Stats

[yourstrulyjuly]

Remember when I posted about our 3-week family sojourn in Mindanao where lechon played a default role—be it on regular occasions or on ordinary Sundays after church? There are a couple of meat dealers and roasters among my Mama’s relatives, so that actually explains the story. My guilty self tried to compensate by having fruits and vegetables, and deliberately ditching meat (specifically red meat) in my consumption. Over time, I have seen the versatility of green leafy produce among others, and I loved the effects that they radiate in my wellbeing. I also owe this transition in my lifestyle to my beautiful friend Tiffany who influenced me to eat healthy. 

There had been challenges through the course, but the benefits could not be outnumbered. Aside from its potential health benefits, it also advocates against animal cruelty, decreases your carbon footprint and thereby, helping the environment even on a small scale. So here’s some wheat fettuccine with fresh Shiitake mushrooms to celebrate 4 years of being a pollo-pescatarian! I still eat chicken though, but I am looking forward to the day when I no longer need to consume any meat in my diet, and become a full-fledged vegan. ☺️

[yourstrulyjuly]

When I left a certain job 7 years ago, my work assignments have always been away from the comforts of home—that I would only be around on weekends to run errands and catch up with loved ones. This quarantine situation is somehow giving me the opportunity to make up for the lost moments. ☺️ Here’s to getting the most of what we have now; to finding the silver lining in the midst of uncertainty. ✨

[yourstrulyjuly]

Hello! If you are reading this, I sincerely hope that you are doing well in these trying times. This Covid-19 contagion has distressed and stirred not just our physical needs, but even the other aspects of our well-being. How are you holding up with the Enhanced Community Quarantine, by far? In my case, it took some kind of a house arrest to finally get back into this page. It has been over a year since my last update and today, I have actually unearthed a pile of posts that had been collecting dust in my drafts folder--an unfinished post from November 2012, for instance. 

This one is not supposed to add fuel to our already virulent situation, but would allow us to broaden our perspective in life amidst every crisis--to become more grateful, more resilient, and more human. 

This is not about the recent typhoon, but a sort of storm that is equally unfortunate. It was a windy Saturday, not the normal breezy type yet we opted to attend the anticipated mass for some reasons. I was partly happy since I need not to wake up early the next day, and I could watch movies until the wee hours without the guilt of having dead tired eyes. Then again, I preferred to read blogs about my place than finish the second half of that Korean drama (perhaps it was Love Rain or King 2 Hearts, or Rooftop Prince). I went through a lot of stories that somehow relived my identity as a Cebuana. 

Where most of the featured topics on the blogroll were about the exciting places to visit, activities to do and foods to savor, one article from a local newspaper intensely moved me to tears. It was about a father who lost his three kids in a grenade explosion somewhere in my hometown, Talisay City, and the former was still at the hospital giving manual resuscitation to his other son who was also a victim. 

Many times we complain about the little storms that are happening in our lives, when in fact, others are struggling, fighting and trying to be strong to survive.  What is that something that makes you carry on? 

When all of this is over, may we become the better version that our future self will thank us for. May we all find the light at the end of this tunnel. 

[yourstrulyjuly]

Supposedly a Holy Week trip last year, but some things happen when you least expect it, so my cousin and I had to forfeit our round trip tickets and hotel bookings bound for Malaysia.

Two weeks later, I scored another seat sale and eventually decided to go there alone.

I stayed right in the heart of Central Market and nothing was more convenient than indulging in a good deal of cheap thrills right outside my hostel!

Watching the confluence of Klang and Gombak rivers with an uninterrupted view of Masjid Jamek. The River of Life project is a breath of new life for this historic riverfront in Kuala Lumpur.

About 2 hours from the city proper is the quaint state of Melaka (also Malacca City). I kind of regret that I stayed there only for a day, because it totally surpassed my expectations!

What are the odds of meeting someone who happens to be your dormmate in Kuala Lumpur, who is also bound for an overnight stay in Melaka, and has booked exactly the same hostel as yours? My new friend from Indonesia leading the way. 

Good thing, we arrived there on a Saturday so we got to stroll around the tourist-approved Jonker Walk and revel in a myriad of street food, antique collectibles and fancy knickknacks. 

Our fill of the famous durian cendol with Portuguese egg tart and chicken bun on the side.

If you have a penchant for culture, history, arts and all things beautiful, this UNESCO World Heritage Site deserves a spot in your Malaysian bucketlist!

Terima kasih, Malaysia!

[yourstrulyjuly]

This year’s summer shenanigans started with a long weekend trip with the best frenemy!

With the help of our on-the-spot trike driver and tour guide, Kuya Jasper, we made it through the winding roads off the outskirts of Dumaguete City.

Please do contact him at ([phone] if you wish to explore the beauty of Valencia. He is one of the guys who pulls off a surprise just when you think that your trip is over. Hihi. And he is not the type that overcharges his customers, too!

Sans Rival’s Tiramisu at midnight, why not?

Dumaguete has left a special mark since the very first time I went there, and as much as I want to keep mum about it and save these feelings all to myself, my love for this laid back city will never go unnoticed. ♥

[yourstrulyjuly]

[yourstrulyjuly]

Still unsure what I got myself into, but 3 weeks prior to this trip, I simply told my parents, “I’m going to Taiwan,” and the first solo travel to a country I have never set foot on happened.

Trust me, it was not the broken heart that prompted me, not even the thought of possibly seeing Dao Ming Si and the rest of F4, nor the plethora of dimsum goodness in their night markets. Blame it on adrenaline, maybe?

It was not my first time abroad and not my first solo trip either, but the struggle was real when I had to pass through Philippine immigration and prove myself that I deserved to travel alone and that I was worthy of that vacation. Haha.

Disclaimer: This is not a legit travel guide, so read at your own risk. Hahaha. I tried to put the details and links that might help you if you ever plan to visit Taiwan. Starting November 1, 2017 until July 31, 2018, Filipinos are granted visa-free entry to Taiwan for 14 days. UPDATE: It has been extended to July 31, 2019! I went there on the first week of December 2017 which kicks off the winter season.

I checked in at Taipei Taipei Hostel where everything is strategically located especially the Taipei Main Station. From Taoyuan International Airport, I traveled for about an hour to the main city via Kuo-Kuang Bus 1819. (Fare at NTD125/P222) Also, getting an Easy Card made every commute more convenient and hassle-free.  

A rare sight in the heart of the city is one of the gates of Taipei City Wall, the North Gate or Cheng-en Gate. Day one was spent wandering along the bustling streets of Taipei, visiting Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (and chanced upon the Guards Changing Ceremony) and seeing the world’s famous Taipei 101. Thanks to Klook for my pocket wifi! It was so easy to navigate around using Google Maps.

By riding the metro, take the Blue Line and alight at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station (BL15). I decided to walk from the memorial hall to Taipei 101 which I kind of regret because strolling for thousands of meters in the middle of winter breeze absolutely turned my legs into jelly! Wisdom from the road: Get a copy of the train route!

Finally!!! Some authentic Taiwanese food at Din Tai Fung located at the basement level of Taipei 101. Of course, I had the most-talked about xiao long bao. I was supposed to try it at their original branch in Xinyi Road, but on that very moment, I could no longer wait to give my feet a rest. Hahaha. 

Prepare to get drunk by milk tea! Haha. Taiwan is the mecca for pearl milk tea lovers and I made sure to satisfy my daily fix.

I set day 2 of my itinerary to meet a friend who apparently works in Taiwan. However, she is based in Tainan that’s about 4 hours by train south of Taipei, so we decided to meet halfway—in Taichung. 

Confusion was written all over my face when I arrived in Taipei Main Station, but the guy at the information center was helpful enough to write the directions in Chinese and told me to just show it at the ticket booth. (Fare at NTD375/P665 one way for 2 hours)

After alighting at the wrong station (panic rising all over me!) and leaving the wrong exit, after getting lost and frozen because Google Maps was not working, I can finally say it was one roller coaster of a reunion! 

It was so amazing to be reunited with my close friend from grade school! I remember spending my lunch breaks in her cozy home. Fifteen years later and nothing has ever changed between us, except having our lunch about 900 miles away. 

We initially planned to check Houli Flower Farm, but the lady at the station said that the farm was already closed for that day. We just hailed a cab from Taichung Station going to Rainbow Village and admired the vibrant artworks of a veteran soldier everyone fondly called Rainbow Grandpa. 

It was about midnight when I arrived from Taichung (I almost booked a room to spend the night because I was a bit anxious to go back to Taipei, but felt so relieved I made it alive!) that I woke up late on my 3rd day and missed breakfast hours at the hostel.

This stall was my lifesaver! They sell the best to-go steamed buns and soya milk! (NTD15/P26 each) P.S. They are all over Taipei! The rain did not stop me to proceed to Jiufen, an old mining town in the mountain area of Ruifang District. 

It must be a blessing in disguise that Klook ran out of tickets for their Jiufen group tour because I got to explore it on my own. And by far, it was one of the highlights of my entire trip. How to get there? Use the metro and alight at the Blue and Brown Line interchange (Zhongxiao Fuxing Station), leave from Exit 2, ride Keelung Bus 1062 to Jinguashi and get off at Jiufen.

Relive the scenes from the animated movie Spirited Away by exploring the lanes and alleys packed with a wide variety of restaurants, shops and cafes. Peanut ice cream wrap is a must-try even on a cold weather! 

From Jiufen I went straight to Shilin Night Market to make the most of my food adventure in Taiwan. Stinky tofu, anyone? Take the Red Line and alight at Jiantan Station (R15). 

You know when they say, “Eat like a local.” Day 4 started with a brunch somewhere in a sidewalk and a visit to Dalongdong Bao’an Temple. By MRT, take the Red Line, alight at Yuanshan Station (R14) and leave from Exit 2. Walk down Kulun St., turn right at the intersection of Dalong St. (walk past Taipei Confucius Temple) and turn left on Hami St. 

Bao’an Temple has received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation in 2003. The Taipei Confucius Temple is another must-see destination within Datong District. Except for the ongoing pictorial, I sincerely loved the solemnity of the place.

Next stop was the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a national monument in honor and memory of their former president. Take the Green Line or Red Line and alight at CKS Memorial Hall Station (G10 or R08).

To say that I am an avid fan of Meteor Garden is an understatement. I remember hoarding pirated VCDs just so I don’t miss out on an episode, asking my dad to buy every single memento sold at Divisoria, and collecting their posters and giving away some to our neighbors because my room ran out of space.

That is why I could not contain my fangirling moment when I reached the gates of National Taiwan University (Green Line, Gongguan Station or G07) where some of the scenes were filmed. Feel free to roam around and be your own version of Shan Cai.

My last day in Taiwan was spent at the ... airport! Haha. My flight back to Cebu was delayed for 4 freaking hours, but shops for pasalubong got me covered. I actually had no idea how to get there (my bad!) and I was already on the verge of panic ‘cause I might miss my flight and hiring a cab will surely dig a hole in my wallet (fare starts at NTD1,000/P1,780), so I just followed everyone carrying a luggage. Hahaha.

Going on a solo trip is quite challenging, yet it equally feels liberating. Unexpected circumstances had come my way, but it did not hinder me to enjoy such beautiful moments--of experiencing new culture, meeting new people, and discovering more about myself. ♥

[yourstrulyjuly]

Started the year 2018 with a bang! The first two months were spent exploring different provinces following the road less traveled. Here’s a photo diary of the journey that, by some means, involved two tropical storms and one volcanic eruption. 

Aftermath of Typhoon Urduja that swept hundreds of houses and properties in the province of Biliran.

Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape reminded me of Bohol’s Manmade Forest. Its thick foliage covers about 1,000 hectares and can be seen when you pass along the main highway from Iligan City, Lanao del Norte to Misamis Oriental.

The calm after the storm, literally. Few days after Typhoon Vinta made a landfall in Zamboanga del Norte. 

Touchdown, Camarines Sur! 

Worth the 12-hour land trip from Manila. Viewed from Quituinan Hill, Mayon Volcano on alert level 4.

The famous Cagsawa Ruins.

“Marhay na aldaw sa indo gabos!”

Can’t get over the beauty that is Daragang Magayon! Stayed in Albay province for nearly 3 weeks and had authentic Bicol express and laing more than our tummies can hold! 

Capped off our entire Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao sojourn with a relaxing dip in the hot springs right in the slopes of Mount Makiling. What more can I say to the country that has withstood the rigor of life-threatening calamities? Stay strong and beautiful, Philippines! 

[yourstrulyjuly]

“I’d know you in the dark,” he said. “From a thousand miles away. There’s nothing you could become that I haven’t already fallen in love with.”

[yourstrulyjuly]

Sharing with you the beauty of Cagayan Valley Region beyond the aftermath of Typhoon Lawin as I reminisce on that unforgettable trip around this time last year. This region in the northeastern part of Luzon is composed of five provinces–Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino including the most-coveted Batanes.

Sunkissed from Boracay, I flew straight to Manila (via Kalibo) and stayed there overnight before reaching Tuguegarao City. It was too naive of me to think that the locals speak Tagalog as well! Hahaha. Naimbag nga bigat kada kayo! 

The longest river bridge in the country (second longest after San Juanico Bridge), Buntun Bridge offers a panoramic view of Cagayan River. 

On the far side of this view lie the borders of Sierra Madre mountain ranges. 

A must-see in the town of Peñablanca (Spanish term for white rocks) is the Callao Cave, the mother of all 300 caves in the area that is famous for its seven-chamber showcase.

The first chamber highlights a cathedral-like rock formation which is now transformed into a chapel. Remember that wedding scene from the movie The Mistress? Yes, that scene! Also, a young tour guide’s life story was featured on Maalaala Mo Kaya. 

The church in San Pablo is said to be the oldest in the province of Isabela. It was partly left in ruins during WWII, but its bell tower remained intact making it the tallest in the entire region. Dios mabbalo!

After two weeks, my separation anxiety started to creep in and it was one of those rare moments when I secretly wished for our flight back to Manila to be canceled, so we would never have to leave soon, or we could actually try the 10-hour land trip on-board a sleeper bus and enjoy the sceneries of the neighboring provinces. Well I guess the odds were in my favor? ;)

[yourstrulyjuly]

“Kapag mahal mo, babalikan mo.” Pretty sure cupid fired his arrow right through my heart that I got stuck in love with this laid-back city in Negros Occidental.

I went to Bacolod last year and incidentally celebrated my first ever Masskara Festival and boy, was that fun!!! Two months ago, just when I felt that I needed a lift, I decided to go there again on a 3-day solo trip. I took the route via Don Salvador Benedicto and my eyes feasted on the lush scenery.

From the bus terminal, I arrived safely at Hometown Hotel along Lacson Street onboard a GrabCar. I actually tried my best to converse with the driver in my trying hard Ilonggo accent. Haha. It’s a budget-friendly hostel for backpackers that is accessible (only few blocks from Robinsons) to many establishments. Check the reviews on Agoda! 

There’s a common room for the guests where we can enjoy board games, play guitar or watch TV altogether though each room has its own TV, too.

I love that there’s a sort of mini kitchen that offers unlimited refill of hot and cold water, has a coffee maker, toaster and microwave oven. I could even borrow utensils for the meantime because who brings spoon and fork on a vacation, right?

That trip was basically more of a food trip than of a journey to contemplate about life. Hahaha. Hey! Aside from their famous Manokan Country, Bacolod has a great selection of decent restos that serve equally delectable eats!

Still in the quest for the best-tasting chicken inasal…

The province of Negros Occidental is dubbed as the sugar capital of the Philippines and it is no surprise why there are dainty cafés and dessert shops in every corner in Bacolod.

Spent a morning at Felicia’s and the place was overflowing with sweetness! It radiated through their staff who kindly assisted me and even walked me to the jeepney on the way to the cathedral. From there, another angel in disguise came to my aid! Manong Felipe, the church marshal, called upon his son to bring me to the terminal en route to my next destination. ☻

So why do I keep going back? I guess it is not just my all-time favorite napoleones and other freshly-baked confections made with locally-sourced sugar, nor the memory of a special someone (okay partly, yes haha), but the number of reasons that make the City of Smiles live up to its name.

Every single time. ♥

[yourstrulyjuly]

The province of Cebu is abundantly and naturally graced with exceptional wonders, and there’s no stopping tourists and locals from exploring every now and then. After all, it is not called The Queen City of the South for nothing.

I have lived most of my life in Cebu (we moved here since I was kindergarten) and thanks to my work assignments and Dora genes, I was able to go to the 44 municipalities (and actually stayed in Bantayan Island and Borbon consecutively for a year) except for the town of Pilar which is hardly accessible.

But it is such a shame that I have not even tried whale shark watching and other water adventures in the south until last last week. Haha. 

It’s a blessing that a good friend of mine and her family tagged me and our other friends along in a trip where we finally got to meet the gentle giants and other sea creatures! Enjoy our underwater photos and video all the way from Oslob down to Pescador Island in Moalboal! 

#MermaidFeels

[yourstrulyjuly]

I remember the very first time I set foot in Leyte about seven years ago. The vivid memories of my college classmates and I enjoying the cold water of Banahaw Spring in Macrohon, and us hiking to the peak of Jaleca Hills in Maasin City fervently praying that we’d pass our board exam. (And thank heavens we did!) 

Fast forward to 2017, I had the opportunity to go back and explore more of the province, and this time on the northern part. Here’s a cold morning in Tacloban City.

Larger than life bronze statues of General Douglas MacArthur and his troops in MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park serve as a commemoration of that significant event in history, the liberation of our country from Japanese forces.

I got to experience the splendor and grandeur of Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum, a former rest house of the Marcoses. It features 12 themed guest rooms with intricate pieces and designs, and private rooms for then President Ferdinand Marcos and his first lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos and their children.

Took us buckets of sweat, mud and energy to reach the highest point of Mt. Inapusong and its historical bulwark in Municipality of Tolosa, the hometown of the Romualdez.

One of the structures badly hit by the havoc that was Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Today, almost 4 years after the tragedy, Palo Cathedral rises in all its glory.

Remember the ship that was pushed by the storm surge at the height of the typhoon? It was anchored in the city harbor, ran aground and killed residents of Barangay Anibong. The shipwreck is a memorial of the lives that perished, and a symbol of the resilient spirit among Filipinos.

Walked through the longest bridge in the Philippines that’s about 2.1 kilometers and eventually reached the province of Samar. 

View from Pasqualino’s Ristorante Italiano, a must-visit dining spot in Santa Rita, Samar that is nestled on a hill just few minutes after crossing San Juanico Bridge. It overlooks the countryside especially the San Juanico Strait between Samar and Leyte.

Basked in that sunny vibe in Balantak Falls, Basey, Samar. 

Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge is another gem in Basey. If you ever plan to visit Samar, please, please include this in your itinerary! I strongly insist!!! Hahaha. I am posting less photos so you can see more for yourself. Go straight to their Municipal Tourism Operations Office and they will arrange everything for you! P.S. This detailed post by FAQ.ph will help you bigtime!

Two weeks in Eastern Visayas and I wished I stayed even longer, for now, I gotta say, “Damo nga salamat ha iyo, Leyte ug Samar!” ♥

[yourstrulyjuly]

I guess one of the perks of living in the tropics is feeling the summer vibes even on a -ber month. The bestest friend and I were seriously in dire need of sea water and while we could not agree between the go-to resorts in the south or the hidden gems of the north, we ended up booking a flight to Boracay Island! Haha. 

Here’s a photo story of that spontaneous trip right after Halloween of last year. Too early for #LaBoracay, eh? ☻

Boracay Toilet at Station 1 is a replica of Taiwan’s Modern Toilet Restaurant where diners get to enjoy a stinky, I mean, tasty meal right from a mini toilet bowl and urinal! 

Complimentary dinner buffet courtesy of Astoria Boracay.

The island at night sans the beach parties.

Ticked the following water activities off the bucketlist: paddle boarding, helmet diving and parasailing.

“Kuya, ang mahal. Ubos na pera namin. Hindi na kami makakauwi nito,” as we would jokingly say in response to overpriced stuff on the island. Hahaha!

Considered as one of the most beautiful in the world, it is sad truth that Boracay is gradually spoiled by consumerism. The idea made me wonder what life was there about 10 years ago, or what it will become 10 years later. Anyhow, it is never too late to protect and conserve this part of the Philippines that people have called paradise. ♥

[yourstrulyjuly]

Cotton candy sky and our favorite song on repeat 🎶

[yourstrulyjuly]

Never did I imagine that I’d live a part of my life somewhere away from the city, away from the bustling traffic and towering skyscrapers, a place so far from the usual.

It was during the first quarter of 2015 (my sincere apologies for the major, major backlog) when my world turned 180 degrees. I guess my previous trips to Bantayan Island played as the prelude to this experience of a lifetime. 

Without hesitations (not really), I obliged. “It’s going to be summer all year round!,” I thought. But the adjustment phase was tough. We actually stayed in five different houses in our first six weeks!  

Forgive the minor plane ‘crash’, but did you know that the town of Santa Fe has an airport? Yes, but only for small aircrafts. Remember that particular scene from Camp Sawi movie? :)

Tired of long bus rides? Save yourself from the hustle and book a flight straight to Mactan Cebu International Airport! If you are still high on adrenaline, try skydiving! 

One of the places that I have been meaning to visit is Kinatarcan Island, one of the islet barangays of Santa Fe. About 2-hour pump boat ride from the mainland, Kinatarcan has restored its natural beauty and remained intact after Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

Peeking at the northern part of Iloilo where Isla de Gigantes is located. There is actually a boat service at Bantayan Port that goes to Iloilo and vice versa three times a week. No wonder a lot of the locals partly speak Hilonggo. 

What is Bantayan without the famous dried fish? Hello, danggit!

A staple in every Bantayanon’s home, scallops are normally priced at only P20/kilo! Friends would even give it for free! 

Aside from the delectable variety of seafoods that the island can offer, somewhere in an uphill village is a dragon fruit farm! 

The boardwalk at Kota Park, Madridejos, the northernmost municipality of Cebu province. Also, if you are a big fan of crustaceans, don’t forget to ask where to buy the ready-to-eat crabs. Thank me later. ;)

I got used to the motion in the sea, but it was not all smooth sailing. Other times we had to brave the stormy waves and pretend like we were riding a sort of roller coaster. Haha.

Another remnant of that super typhoon, this tree was struck by lightning and the local government had to cut it down few months later as it waved a danger of falling onto people and properties. 

Looking at the bamboo beach huts of Budyong Beach Resort from a boatman’s perspective.

No words, just plain admiration of such beauty. I could not be more thankful for the blue waters that meet the sky, for the touch of sugary sand under my toes, for every stunning sunset, and for the island life like no other. ♥

[yourstrulyjuly]

We intentionally moved our trip to Bacolod a week after what we thought was the Masskara Festival to avoid heavy traffic and massive crowds, but only to arrive just in time for the celebration. Haha. No regrets though. 

However, it was no easy trip! At 2am in Cebu North Bus Terminal, we ran out of bus tickets that would ply us directly to Bacolod City passing Don Salvador Benedicto. Only heaven knows how we made it in San Carlos.

From there, we traversed the long trip via Escalante and finally arrived in our destination after 4 hours! Insert droopy eyes.

Mandatory lunch at Aida’s Chicken, Manokan Country. Fret not, Cebuanos! I heard they just opened a branch somewhere in Banilad. Namit gid!

One of the 12 bedrooms of Balay Negrense, an ancestral house right in the heart of Silay City. The Philippine horror movie Oro Plata Mata was filmed here. 

Stayed just around Lacson Street and reveled in the colorful Electric Masskara for two nights straight! 

Cheesecakes below P100 per slice? I bet Calea Pastries and Coffee is jam packed with sweet lovers like me even on ordinary days. 

Dubbed as the “Taj Mahal of Negros”, the two-story mansion in Talisay City (popularly known today as The Ruins) was once a symbol of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson’s infinite love dedicated to his wife, Maria Braga. 

By the way, Roger Lucero, the funny tour-guide-turned-PBB-housemate, took this photo for us. ☻

One can absolutely feel the chills both from the exciting rides and cool atmosphere of Campuestohan Highland Resort. Back to back adventures await about 800 meters above sea level!

Mambukal Resort, the gateway to Mt. Kanlaon, offers not just the healing benefits of sulfur, but also the relaxing effects of nature itself! Outdoor Jacuzzi, yes please! 

The vast field of sugarcane would always remind me of my happy summer days in Negros. So happy to be back after a decade! ♥