So, I'm back from our whirlwind trip, settling back into reality and catching up on stories. We had planned an international trip for our one and a half year anniversary but ended up booking a domestic trip instead.
We booked our flights through Air Asia, but we didn't get the promo fare, so it's quite expensive compared to the usual promos available online. We booked our accommodations through Agoda, which I usually do because it is less expensive, but you can also try Expedia.com.ph, which also offers a best price guarantee.
We checked in online and had our boarding passes printed, so we skipped the line at the check-in desk. Online check-in saves time and is definitely less stressful. Our flight is at 0600, and thankfully, it is not delayed. Yey ✈
Upon arrival at Mactan airport, we took Mybus (Airport to SM Cebu)
for only 25PhP. Then from SM Cebu we got our Uber ride to the hotel 🏩 Gran Tierra
Suites. We are lucky to get an exceptionally nice and helpful Uber
driver, so we had an instant tour guide en ruote to the hotel. Yay! Thanks Sir :)
We arrived at the hotel and left our belongings because early check-in was not an option. The receptionist handed us a complimentary hot egg tart when we returned from our City tour. Yum 😝
We took a jeepney from the hotel to the Basilica; according to Google Maps, we can walk around the city and discover the most interesting places.
Okay, I won't bore you any longer, so here's a sneak peek of our #Cebucation.
DAY ONE
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| Gran tierra suite |
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| Basilica Menor del Sto. Niño |
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Magellan’s
Cross
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Plaza independecia
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Fort San Pedro
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Malacañang sa Sugbu
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After a short nap at the Hotel, we decided to go to Ayala Mall
(hahaha! , as if we don’t have one here 😀)
I'd say that it is indeed #TatakAyala. Felt like we're just in
Glorietta or Greenbelt.
We're both hungry by 7 p.m. He wants to try Crown Regency's buffet and skywalk, but as a self-avowed acrophobic, I'm not going to agree. Well. I like the idea, but I'm not going to try it! So I told him I wanted to try Zubuchon, which was on our itinerary for the first day. Guess what, I won! Wooo! Girl power. Thanks dear!
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Photo: My Instagram
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DAY TWO
We got up before cockcrow to get ready for our trip to Bantayan Island. We checked out of the hotel early and took an Uber to the North Bus Terminal. As I have heavy bags and don't want my BF to suffer, this is the most convenient way for us to commute. Anyways, Travel time from North Bus Terminal to Hagnaya port is
4hrs. I know I know, the traffic is terrible. According to the blogs I've read, the travel time is about 2-3 hours. But, yes, it took us four hours. The bus fare is 170 PhP. We boarded the Roro bound for Sta fe Bantayan at the Hagnaya port. The ferry fare is 170 PHP plus a 10 PHP terminal fee. The travel time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
We arrived at Bantayan Island after an hour and a half. We took a tricycle to Yoonek Inn - we were supposed to get a free ride from Yooneek, but for some reason, we haven't heard back from them. We decided to walk along the beach after lunch and take a lot of pictures.
We had our dinner at HR
Music Bar and Native Restaurant -I ordered baked Scallops and pork steak
tagalog. Day 2 has ended with a tired feet/body yet a super full and happy
tummy.
DAY
3:
It was half past five
when we woke up. Without eating our breakfast, we grabbed our camera - we
went to the beach, took pictures and enjoyed the beach.
We pretty much had the beach to ourselves at times, which was fantastic.
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| Mangrove Garden |
We availed the tricytour offered to us by Kuya
Remi for 500PhP. Our 1st stop is at the mangrove garden, entrance fee
is 50phP for adults and 20 for kids. They also offered boating and kayaking. We also asked
Manong if he can get us fresh tubâ. We got 2bottles of fresh coconut wine for
only 50PhP. I super love the taste -tangy and refreshing.
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| Tuba |
Next stop - Baybay. I love the panoramic view and the smell of the ocean - i love the saltiness and freshness of the sea breeze.
This is one my favorite views in Bantayan. Probably because of the
blue ocean, or the sea breeze maybe. One thing's for sure, i love this place.
You can smell freedom and love and serenity.
Last stop - Ogtong Cave. Entrance fee is 100PhP. Unlimited
access to the beach, pool and of course cave. This amazing cave is at the
middle of the resort, you wont notice it except because of the people coming up
and down the stairs.

We went back to Yoonek by midday to check out and asked kuya Remi
to drop us off in Beach Placid. We booked one night here as we want to see the
other side of Sta Fe and it is indeed a good decision.
Based on the blogs I’ve
read, beach placid has much to offer when it comes to (sea)food, spa/massage
services, water bikes etc. During lunch time, I saw a lady selling giant clams
(Taklobo or Manlit). I’ve always dreamed to eat this giants since gradeschool. Taklobo costs 50Php (small) and 100Php (large).
I just bought the small one as I haven’t tried it before. I know that we shouldn’t
be eating this due to extinction, but please don’t judge me. I just want to
have a taste of this yummy (baby) giant clam. The vendor opened the shell
exposing the fresh multicolored lip of the clam and chopped the meat, added chopped
onions, squeezed some calamansi juice, added a few spoonfuls of coco vinegar
and added sliced red chili. I’d say that
I am literally salivating when she finished the kinilaw na taklobo. The white
meat from the clam is exceedingly crunchy, while the purple colored meat is deliciously
slimy. My verdict? Thumbs Up !
So basically, that's it. It was fun, and im glad that we've spent our 1 and a half anniversary here in Cebu.
Will post our itinerary and expenses soon.
Thanks for dropping by lovelies 😍
Xx
Ash
