2025 Don & Ji Got Back Out in Jan

2025 January: 18th Anniversary Drive (Cebu and Bohol) Part 1 - Cebu!

Hello there!

Waiting @ Davao Int'l Airport

How long has it been since the last time I published??? It has been awhile, not weeks, not even months, but years!!! But let's not talk about it, what's done is done. Sincerest apologies...

Let's go back to the 'what-now(?)-mode'...

So, it's our 18th wedding anniversary (Jan 25) and as usual, we travel. This time however, it wasn't the usual, survivor-race-like-adventure, but rather, a lazy-moment-escape, one place at a time. Also, this time, we had accessories 😉, we rented a self-drive car for the duration of our stay in Cebu and Bohol 😊.

Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway

We normally commute. We would take some busses, taxis, grab cars, tricycles, tuktuk and etc.. Now, we kind'a want this time to be a little more convenient in hopping from one place to another... (I guess we're getting older... )

Destinations: Cebu (Cebu City, Mactan, Moalboal) and Bohol (Tagbilaran, Sikatuna, Panglao)

Day 1 : Jan 25 | Davao - Cebu flight at 8:50AM     

Road trip! Taken on Jan 26
(on our way to Moalboal)

Mindset: Since we planned to visit some relatives, we wanted to bring some pomelo with us. But then, there was a recent info relayed that the Bureau of Plant Industry requires to check the boxes and will have to issue some clearances for domestic transport (CDT) of plants and other agricultural commodities. A friend also relayed that it wouldn't be necessary if you bought the goods from the airport before departure. Hence, since we really don't have more information yet, so instead of buying from the market (supposed to buy more and have it checked-in), we bought a single box of pomelo, right before getting to the boarding gates.

At Nustar Parking Area

The seller just told us that if we get inspected, we can just show the receipt. But nothing like that happened and we just went in as usual, carrying that single box as our "hand-carry" item. Around mid February (while writing this), some posts confirmed the requirement. One of those is the DOT FB post here. 

Our Ride:

Lazy stroll @ Nustar

We arrived in Cebu on time (TY CebPac!), and as mentioned, we rented a car, with delivery and pick-up options (additional fee). So just when we were about to get off the plane, the driver called, informing us that he is already at the airport waiting for us to take the car.

Kazuwa Prime Al Fresco Area

We got into the car and parked somewhere we can spend a few minutes checking the rented car's conditions, and of course, pay the full amount. Down payment was only Php500 BTW. Below are some deets:

• Shop: JBMC Autocare Center Cebu
• Type: Sedan
• Model: Toyota Vios
• Rent/day (24 hrs): Php1,500
• Rent (half day/ 12 hrs): Php1,000 (They don't do half day, but I requested an exemption, and they agreed)
• Carwash: Php300
• Delivery: Php350
• Pickup: Php300
• Total bill: Php5,000 (for 2.5 days - 60hrs)

 

Picking which restau to dine-in

Our Anniv Lunch:

After the documentation, and agreement signing, we were all set. We parted ways with the driver who delivered the car, then off we went for our lunch at Nustar Resort and Casino, particularly at a Japanese restaurant - Kazuwa Prime (FB Acct). 

Kazuwa Prime's location is perfect with its outdoor area, that gave us easy pics with the Nustar facade as our background, not to mention, a good view of the Cordova bridge.

Enjoying Lunch!

Lunch was served, and while everything was superb, I couldn't finish my beef rice toppings. Servings were ranging generally between (estimated) Php350-Php600.

Our lunch! Arigato Gozaimasu!

We ordered a bowl of ramen (tantanmen), a set of california maki, chicken teriyaki rice bowl, gyudon (beef rice bowl), and a can of sprite/soda. We paid a little over Php2,000 for the meal, took a few stroll inside the mall and then off to our temp home for the night.

Our Anniv Temp Home (Jan 25): 

How Sheraton greets you in your room

We normally don't book a lavish room without a discount or if it is not on sale, but this time, we kind of, went all out, fully siding on the hotel we wanted to stay-in this time. As we were intrigued by it, chosed Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, booked for a King Room with balcony and ocean view, including a breakfast for two (2). 

The view from our balcony 😃

Below were our splurges:

• Resort: Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort
• Membership Booking App: Marriott Bonvoy (optional)
• Room: Php17K+
• Deposit: Php5K upon check-in for possible room charges during the stay
• Buhi Bar Expenses: 700+

Beach bumming mode on

Warning: Be careful with resort scam FB-sites. There are lots, I almost booked a stay at Pearl Farm, thru a resort FB acct saying they're offering 50% off. But what warned me was that the followers and likers were only 1K and there were angry emojis. Thus I checked another site and their FB acct has a blue check, indicating a verified account. Anyway, with Sheraton, we booked thru Marriott Bonvoy app, it's their membership app and there's an option where you can click if your booking as a govt personality, getting more or less a Php1K discount.

Our room. Elegant yet with local feel

We arrived at around 3PM at Sheraton, where we got accommodated right away. Then we spent an afternoon siesta in our cozy, luxurious and nice-smelling room, on a large, soft bed, while having a view of the ocean. So relaxing... 💤💤

After our siesta, we went for a swim at their beach. It was a good swim, very calming swim until 6PM. That's when the lifeguard asked everyone to get away from the beach.. We stayed a little while in the beach area, strolled our way to Buhi Bar, to initially check it out.

The tub greets you first in the T&B

A friend told us about Buhi Bar, and we were intrigued with the setup. It was cute, with a modern stone age feels. We looked inside for a while, but then, we felt hungry, so head back to our room to change and get ready for our dinner.

My afternoon view

Tip: check the tide in your area, just check out google and it will give you links to check for the tide table/status for the next 24hrs. That way, you'll know when to take a plunge in the beach or in the pool. We checked and it says high tide at past 7PM and low tide the following morning, so beach in the afternoon and some pool swimming the next morning.

Sheraton activity area

Our Anniv Dinner: 

Why we stayed in Mactan Area? It's because we wanted to use our Megaworld Club Access membership complementary dinner for two (2). I renewed the membership again in December and one of the vouchers is that a member + 1 companion can have a free lunch or dinner buffet at any of the member hotels. This time we booked at Savoy Mactan for our dinner.

Savoy Chinese New Year Themed Dinner

We drove from Sheraton to Savoy for roughly 13 minutes and enjoyed a Chinese New Year inspired al fresco buffet. They had the usual dumplings, siopao, lechon kawali, hainanese chicken, chicken feet, etc etc...some sweets for dessert like tikoy, cakes, fruits, mango something (forgot, sorry ✌️), etc etc..  while being serenaded by a couple of musicians. It felt homey and romantic at the same time..

Savoy Hotel Al Fresco Dinner

After that empowering dinner, we went for a quick stroll within Mactan Newtown looking for Watsons to buy some meds we forgot to bring. Just enough to relax & assist our "digestive organs" after consuming loads of tasty foods over dinner.

@ Buhi Bar

Our Anniv Cocktails:

One reason why we stayed at Sheraton is because we got curious with Buhi Bar. It's been showing up in my FYP recently, and was suggested by one of my colleagues as well.

So after dinner, we went back to Sheraton and went straight to the cave-like-bar, the Buhi Bar. It wasn't that big, but, you will find yourself, looking up and around, wondering how did they design the place that you seem to be having a party inside a flinston-like ambiance. 

@ Buhi Bar

Don had San Miguel Beer Light, while I ordered their 'State of the Nation' cocktail (as recommended). They gave us some free kropek and we "caved-in" with our preferred alcoholic drinks 'til we felt sleepy and headed back to our room as we retire for the night.

@ Buhi Bar

Just when I was about to go to slumber, I realized, we haven't tried their room coffee, yet. They had drip coffees, and they were soothing, just like music to our ears...

Room Coffee. Drip!

Day 2 : Jan 26 | Mactan - Moalboal

Sheraton Gym

Workout:

When there is a chance to have a 30-min workout in our hotel's gym, we usually take it before we head for breakfast, so we did. The gym isn't that big, but it was complete with the right equipment, gears and accessories, from modern/smart treadmills, to yoga mats and with a TV showing how-to-do pilates, etc.. The gym has ready towels as well for the guests and weighing scales so  we can check how "cute" we were when we came in.. :)

Morning Boardgames

Also, only check-in guests can use the gym, since you will need your key card to open the door.

We jog/ran/walk for about full 20 min, then we tried the skipping rope, which then told me that my right knee is still a little unready (sports collateral), so I stopped.. We cooled down a bit, then head for breakfast.

Activity Area

If you don't want to go to the gym, but still wants some exercising done, they have a wide variety of things to do aside from swimming. We wanted to play badminton, but the area is being used as an extension for the breakfast setup, they're fully booked (I think). So, we checkout another area.

They have, however, an open area where there are tables at the side for those who wants to play chess, jingga board, etc... There are also archery corner, and an open (center) where you can play soccer among others. That morning, since the badminton area was occupied, they set it up at the open area for some outdoor badminton play. 

Sikwate and Kakanin! Lami-an!

5 Cien Breakfast:

5 Cien is one of the restaurants of the resort, and it's where we had our breakfast. The breakfast was a buffet of so many culinary options and my breakfast faves have always been bacon and sikwate! Hahaha

Salad Corner

I always ask if the hotel's hot beverage options include sikwate (native hot chocolate) and boy I'm hype when they said YES, and pointed to the direction where you can get them, and also offered to get you one instead, which I gladly took.

We picked the table where there is a closer view of the ocean, and enjoyed the breakfast for the next 2 hrs.

More sweets!

They have local & foreign delicacies, some salad, cheeses and cold cuts, bacon and other protein-rich food, variety of hot & cold beverages (brewed coffee, espresso, tea, milk, choco, juice, etc), they even have one personnel roaming inside the place calling out for those who wants taho (carrying the tubs like those we see out on our streets). They had desserts that you don't want to miss, but I did miss some, 'cause it's just toooooo much to take.

The Pool Zumba:

Zumba by/in the pool!

So we were "done" with breakfast, and we think, we lost 2 calories earlier at the gym, and gained a hundred over breakfast.. So we rested a bit, changed into our swim wears and went to the pool to continue our lazy morning...

Some bar at the side... 

When we reached the pool, we were greeted by a bunch of guests in the pool and at the sidewalks, doing zumba, following the fitness instructor just in front of the 2nd pool. Of course, me being me, joined! ;)

It was super fun and the guests appreciated this activity. 

Ready for Moalboal:

Aftie ride to Moalboal

After the swim, we prepared to check-out and went out of the hotel, driving our way to Moalboal! For our lunch, we played-it-by-ear and when we think we're hungry enough,  went for a drive thru at Jollibee Naga.

Drive thru for lunch

We reached moalboal at around 4PM, and we were surprise of how crowded the area is... Our expectations is that, we would be having difficulty in looking for food during dinner later that day, but reality tells us otherwise... We spent quite a fews minutes looking around and choosing where to eat, because options were many!!

Sunset watching at the resort

Being picky for a Temp Home in Moalboal:

Anyway, before we get to dinner, let me tell you where we stayed. Since our main agenda in Moalboal, is the sardines run, we booked a resort along Panagsama Beach, we booked at:

•     Resort: Sunset Beach Resort
•     Private Room only for 2: Php2,500
•     Food: They serve breakfast for a fee from 7:00AM to 10:00AM

 

The pool area

  Activity: They have snorkeling gears at Php400; Request for a guide at Php800 (if my memory serves me right). I knew about these upon our arrival, but we already booked, so this is just for reference.

Sunset Beach Resort (beach side)

The room was clean, they have a nice area to watch the sunset, or just to hang out and/or swim at their pool, and the same area has a direct access/exit gate to the beach. They literally have the beach when you open a gate, and we loved it. We didn't go for a swim though as we got a little exhausted that afternoon.

The beach exit gate...

This was the last accommodation I booked for the trip, I initially wanted to book somewhere near Basdako Beach, but then it would take a few minutes to drive and we would be wet when we get back after the underwater activity, we don't want that in the car, etc etc considerations, so we decided to book at Panagsama Beach, near the sardines run activity.

I have checked a few establishments via FB accts, but nothing sticks. Until I saw this one tiktok post of Sunset Beach Resort, and right after I saw that post, I was convinced to book there and I did! Booked thru their website and also message their FB msgr account regarding other details like if they have a parking space, which they do, and that sealed it.

The busy street of Panagsama

They have wifi access, and that's one of our requirement when we book a temp home, since Don usually has to do some work while we travel. That night, we cannot connect, and we ended up using our network data. It wasn't that efficient, but we had no choice. The owner/fb msgr holder replied to my msg that they already called Globe and that there really are times that some gadgets cannot connect. This time, 3 phones and 1 laptop, did not get connected. Nonetheless, he got the work done. Some room for improvement, but I could still say, we picked a good temp home.

Betty's Grill:

Mojitos @ Betty's Grill

Here goes dinnertime! We ended choosing a place where there was a line of customers waiting to get a table. We thought, this could be a good one - Betty's Grill. Don ordered grilled salmon and I had the grilled porkchop. The salmon was great, we enjoyed it. The porkchop was regular, but, you get three (3) porkchops for Php380, and that's not bad, not bad at all.

Our Dinner

We had one serving of mango shake and since mojito is B1T1, we got 2! Before we head back to the resort, we walked a bit, to look for the place where we will proceed in the morning for the underwater activity fundive shoot. It was just a few mins walk, until we reached the shop - Moalboal Underwater Adventure.

Quite a night in Moalboal

We also bought a cup noodles and some snacks at a convenience store and eventually went back to the resort to sleep earlier than usual, so we can get up early, since the activity is best to start between 6AM to 8AM.

The Sardines Run!!!

We booked a fun dive photoshoot, below are the package deets: 

• Shop/Agency : Moalboal Underwater Adventure 
• Package costs: 1,700/pax (snorkeling gears, fins, 1 guide, 1 photographer/videograher, use of gopro/underwater cams)
• Graded goggles : 300/pax (optional, we opted for this for clearer vision during the whole activity)

Briefing first

Around 6:00AM, we cooked the cup noodles we bought a night before, as a partial breakfast, then in our preferred swim suits, walked towards the shop and registered us for the underwater fun "run" photoshoot. Upon arrival, they gave us fins and checked which ones will fit. They noticed both of us wearing glasses, so they told us that they have graded goggles, and they let us choose which are more comfortable. I got the -2.5 (minus 2.5), while Don, got the -3 (minus 3), and then we were all set.

Tired but exhilarated

We all headed towards the shore, and before the actual activity, they gave us a short briefing (the dos & don'ts). There were four (4) areas/sites/dives to cover, (1) sardines (2) turtle (3) corals and (4) mermaid point. Per our guide's assessment of the waves (kind'a having a good swelling) and the direction of the (sea) current, we started our shoot at the mermaid statue site, so we walked towards the south and headed to the waters where the mermaid point is, then swam our way to the other sites one after another.

The dive was very challenging for first timers like us. Although we had tried scuba diving before, but this is different, no heavy gears to take us down to the seabed. Oh well, one of the guide's role was to push us down so we can reach the sites (just imagine... 😁😉). Here's a subject to your imagination.

The Mermaid Point - Its the site where there's a statue of a mermaid submerged in the water. It's about 5 meters deep, so it was ok 👌 for beginners like us.

Corals site - This site, is actually right across our hotel/resort (about 15-20 meters from the sea-exit gate). From the site, I can see the resort's veranda, the rooms, etc.. It was probably the only site we didn't need much pushing as it was not so deep (low tide), and there were stones/rocks/dead corals to grab on so we didn't need pushing.

Swimming with the Turtles - It was a gloomy morning, it was raining earlier before we started, and there was only one (1) turtle who graced our activity. It was a hit and miss activity though, since the turtle is also having a leisure time (we think). It would sometimes go deep and take cover, thus we have to wait again until it surfaces, so the cams can take a shot. 

Sardines Run - The highlight of our trip! In front of us are schools of fishes, quite amazing and an undeniably God given awesomeness, for lack of more awesome words (sorry, it was just so awesome!) 😆😁. So the usual guide-diver relationship, the pushing, the diving, the posing and the documenting of the 'aura-moment' underwater was undertaken again and again. We were tired, short of breath, but in awe of the nature and quite thankful of the experience. Don couldn't stop talking about it! While I'm already thinking of when to come back... 😊

After a few more tries, I got a cramp in my left leg, maybe for trying so hard in using the long fins for about two (2) hours. If we weren't using the fins, we could dive down easily actually, but not with the fins that we aren't used to. Hence the desire to come back, with a vengeance (just kidding!). Nonetheless, it was good that we are almost too tired to try again when that happened. We aren't so sure yet if we've got good shots, but there's a movement (rotate from back to front to back) I'd like to try, however, the guide told me that since that requires me to put more effort on my legs (with cramps), he suggested to drop it. Now I have more reasons to come back.... 😉

There..  there... We ended the fun dive photoshoot, they gave us a copy of the digital pics and off we went to our resort to prepare to leave for Cebu City Pier 1, to take our trip to Tagbilaran, Bohol.

Tops of Cebu:

Breezy afternoon delight

Upon arriving in Cebu City, we still have about an hour left, so we went to Tops before heading to the seaport. We stayed for a few minutes to take photos and embraced the relaxing ambiance of the area.

Chillin' at the Tops

There were restaurants and establishments to order food from, and the view was such a delight.

Exiting Cebu, Entering Bohol! Bye for now Cebu!👋

aesthetic location

We left Tops after ordering coffee to-go, and headed to Pier 1. BTW, we booked our Cebu-Tagbilaran via Oceanjet website while we were on our way back to Cebu from Moalboal, and it was so seamless, I liked it. 👍

Bound to Bohol!

Upon arriving near Pier 1's gate, Mr Driver from JBMC was already waiting for us. Together, he checked the car with Don. Finding nothing wrong, we got cleared, he drove it back to their shop, and we went in to take our fast craft trip to Bohol....

Moalboal Reels link  --- Just for some fun!

That's it for now. Part 2 will be our Bohol side trip. See yah!

Happy 18th!

- Don and Ji