In Pictures: Hidden Valley Wave Pool (Pinamungahan, Cebu)

Have you been to Pinamungahan? How about to their Wave Pool? Well, it is said to be Cebu’s first wave pool, you know the kind of ‘wavy’ stuff you normally see at the beach — so it must be some place that would interest many — yes, in spite of the distance.

To Get Here. With your starting point at the South Bus Terminal, take a bus going to Lutopan, Toledo City. Then ride a ‘habal-habal’ which is P60 per head — and that’s just one way, so imagine how far it is from the highway. Yes, 7.8 kilometers. Do not worry though, there are already motorbikes waiting over there as well that is for those who are done with their experience.

The signage where you should stop: Brgy. Bunga

Opposite the signage is the start of the 7.8 kilometer road to Hidden Valley

Still, the distance is about 58 kilometers from Cebu City with buses taking the Naga-Uling road, however, if you got your own vehicle — you could take the Toledo wharf road. This is to the right of Tabunok proper, or the road going to Jaclupan. Either way, it would still take at least around 2 hours of travel — but for your gasoline’s sake, of course, the shorter distance would be preferable.

The main entrance and to the left is the reception area

Just inside the resort and the parking area as well

Well, parking would not be a problem here as you can see.

The actual resort entrance

Meanwhile, the wave pool fee is P150 for adults and P125 for kids.

To the right upon entering

To the left upon entering

As of this writing, they are planning to put up a zip line and sky bike.

Directions

The area is about 2,000 square meters and has 2 resorts actually, so you might get confused. Just ask. The one we are featuring is the Wave Pool Resort while the other one is the Mountain Resort.

Full-length view

Near the wave machine

Opposite end of the pool

Another angle of the opposite end

The opposite sidelines

The waves

Waves from the sidelines

Cottages are nicely located and pretty affordable though.

Tables and Chairs: P350

Umbrella Cottage: P500

Inside the native cottage: P600

Mushroom cottage: P800

However, what’s not really nice here is the corkage. Imagine paying P50 per menu or kilo for food?? How about P100 per case on drinks, or P250 per one whole lechon? It’s like you’re being forced to buy.

Like, short orders ranging from P105 to P180 on single round buffet.

Accommodation

Meantime, accommodation is from P2,500 to P8,750 per room and though you would have free use of pools, that depends on the type.

The resort’s top view

In the end, coming over for the day tho would be a nice experience.

In Pictures: Papa Kit’s Marina and Fishing Lagoon (Liloan, Cebu)

There’s really no such thing as all-in-one per se in terms of adventure since earth is not only a division of land and water but land itself has caves, mountains and plains. Thus, in most cases, the nearest thing to an all-in-one could be beach activities (parasailing, jetskiing, and alike) plus camping..

Or swimming and land activities (zipline, wall climbing, and alike); otherwise, you just have to hike to link all ’em activities you like.

And Papa Kit’s Marina and Fishing Lagoon is one that includes a mix of water and land activities without the camping among others.

Horseback Riding: P75 for 15 minutes

Fishing: P100 per fishing rod

400m Zipline: P200 two-way (800m)

Wall Climbing: P100 per 3 attempts

Hanging Bridge: P50 one way

600m Jungle Obstacle: P150 one way

Wakeboarding: P500 per hour

Paddle Boat: P200 per half hour

Swimming Pool: P100 per head

Papa Kit’s is just 20 kilometers north of Cebu City — this is in Liloan, near the municipal hall and just a stone’s throw away from the sports complex. Everyone there knows the place, so just ask if you feel lost.

Rooms are available in 2 rates: Overnight and Day Use

Once you are inside this 93 hectare property, the sights could induce you to spend a night or two — and what a spot?! The rooms are even facing the wakeboarding site! By the way, the entrance fee is P100 per head but it is consumable — so enjoy!

NOTE: Catch our upcoming video on wakeboarding and ziplining! CLICK HERE to follow us and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Top 10 Beach Activities in the Philippines

Know what, there are actually many things we could do in beaches — yeah, not just swimming, eating and chitchatting. We could do yoga, read a book, fly a kite and more! Unfortunately, many of us just leaves such activities at home. Hmm…

And so, what do we normally see in Philippine beaches?

Singing (Music): The universal language

VIDEOKE. In almost any beach you go to, and even from afar, you could already hear this thunderous sound — Singing!!

Selfie: The way of life

SELFIE OR PHOTOGRAPHING VIEWS. What is having fun without having memories of it? Besides, picture-taking has simply become part of our lifestyle already!

Playing Cards: The national past time??

PLAYING CARDS OR MAHJONG. Especially for those who does not want to swim yet, playing cards or mahjong is one past time many just could not live without. Really.

Drinking: The amnesiatic solution??

DRINKING. Though you could see people ‘drinking’ even without playing cards, in most cases, these two activities go hand-in-hand.

Sand Games: The path to re-energizing

SAND CASTLES OR BURYING A FRIEND. Even for many adults, playing with sand is a sure thing especially when it’s white sand where one could also bury a friend.

Beach Volleyball: Bonding and exercise in one

BALL GAMES. Beach volleyball and soccer, these are the most popular ball games one could see on beaches. And oh, incidentally, athleticism is reduced dramatically when on sand making almost everybody equal — thus, more fun and excitement!

Playing Frisbee: Fun and personal training in one

FRISBEE OR PLAYING CATCH. For those who doesn’t have a Frisbee, one could see beach goers playing catch instead that is by using a beach ball — however, only few moves on to play dodgeball since it requires more energy and athleticism to play it.

Relaxing or Taking a Nap: Just ‘enjoying’ the moment

TAKING A NAP. Yeah, we could see more than a handful actually taking a nap or relaxing on beaches — what with the time they spent in preparing food or even just talking onto the wee hours of the night in excitement of going to the beach!

Playing Tag: A simple way of making friends

PLAYING TAG. Either on sand or at sea, there are still those who plays tag or even race — then again, the numbers has fallen since this requires energy; and these days, energy has become a commodity that they’d rather swim leisurely than try to tag someone else.

Boating: Enjoying while exploring the sea

BOATING. While many would want to go boating, only a few would actually go for it. Ey, you have to spend to do so! Good if their group is just about 6-8 people, that with some extra cash, they would most likely rent and take the paddle. Thus, if the majority could not ride then the minority would not force it. So, jetskiing, parasailing, and alike — obviously, they’re not for the majority.

Banana Boat Ride: Adding excitement to a wonderful summer

As for playing musical instruments, most would rather sing at the videoke bar. Board games? Most would rather play cards. Dance the limbo or learning new sports? Most would rather roam around for ‘selfies’. Watching movies on a portable CD player? Most would rather, well, sleep; of course, watching movies among others is sedentary as well but the point is — many have become idle!?

Collect seashells or play tug-of-war? My, it’s almost a forgotten art!

In Pictures: Compostela Boardwalk Beach Resort (Cebu)

One of the smallest beach resorts one could ever go to is the Boardwalk at Compostela, Cebu — that is 26 kilometers north of the city!

T’is easy to find though since it’s just right after the municipal hall and the town’s public market; however, just before the Green Lagoon Park which is also in Compostela. Okay, got it!?

Compostela Municipal Hall is to the left when coming from Cebu City

From Cebu City, the Boardwalk is to the right

Anyway, smallish as it is, the Boardwalk’s got a handful of signages?!

Signage #1: Just after the reception

Signage #2: After the kiddie pool and the cottages

Signage #3: In front of the main pool

We are not even counting the resort’s ID! Well, it’s just noticeable since the place is clearly just a few hundred (??) square meters in area. And so, everything is just on a rectangular landscape.

From the entrance, the cottages are to the right

Rooms are to the left

Well, the resort proper is kind of cute though — and perhaps never really experienced overcrowding unless those bigger resorts are full. So, you got ’em little pools all for yourself with this one..

Main pool

Kiddie pool

Even tho with limited parking space. But who cares, you’re alone!

Parking area just before the resort proper

How ’bout checkin’ our ‘live’ tour, ey, you might see somethin’ else!

To follow and see our other adventures, CLICK HERE and subscribe.

Top 10 Beach Foods in the Philippines

Going to beaches would be incomplete without food — of course! But did you ever notice what kinda food do Filipinos usually bring to their outings? Or at least wished they could have brought if not for this or that.

Here now are the Top Foods you’d often see in Philippine beaches.

Lechon

LECHON. Though many would want to bring a whole roasted pig to the beach, obviously not everyone could afford to; so, one would either bring a couple of kilos or go on to the next ‘baon’..

Fried chicken

FRIED CHICKEN. While a whole lechon may truly be impractical to many unless they got some sort of celebration other than just a simple summer get-together, the fried chicken is almost a certainty in every Filipino picnic basket.

Grilled food

GRILLED FOOD. Whether it’s pork, chicken, beef, fish or squid, Filipinos love cooking in such a ‘picnicky’ ambiance; thus, you can count on this food group to be part of your lunch!

Hotdogs

HOTDOGS. Oh, this one could either come in fried or grilled, and with marshmallows or not; and because it’s the cheapest (yet tasty) among the ‘meat’ group, not to mention that kids just love ‘em — hotdogs are certainly more than just an alternative.

Fresh fruits or salad

FRUITS. At the very least, you could either see a bunch of bananas, mangoes or watermelons in your cottage — otherwise, someone must have brought ‘buko’ (coconut) salad for your dessert.

Fun snacks

SNACK. Roaming the beach or simply chitchatting with family or friends would be more enjoyable while munching on something, right? In this case, chips or raw mangoes with ‘bagoong’ (anchovies) are the top choices — young or old.

Rechargers

RECHARGER. One can’t always eat rice and what have you the whole time they’re in the beach, but we do get hungry more often than not — especially when we swim. Solution? Steamed sweet potatoes, bananas or even ‘kakanin’ (made of glutinous rice).

Beverages

BEVERAGES. Either softdrinks, soda, juice, ‘gulaman’ (gelatin), water or beer (surety for adults) — we need to drink, of course. And this is just a matter of what most presumably would like to have.

Lumpiang shanghai and Empanada

MEAT CRISPIES. For those who want food other than something grilled or fried chicken — lumpiang shanghai (spring rolls) or empanada (stuffed bread or pastry) are popular among beach goers. And these are generally stuffed with ground pork.

Menudo and Pancit

EXTENDERS. More than just wanting another kind of food, if a family miscommunicates and happen to buy more than a handful of hotdogs or meat, it is usually turned into another dish like ‘menudo’ — and that would give some kind of soup or sauce for the rice.

Otherwise, some type of ‘pancit’ would be tin-foiled in a ‘bila-o’ (circular basket) and so normally consumed as a delicious light to medium snack in beaches. T’is too light to be a ‘recharger’ tho, yet a little heavy for ‘chitchatting’, so it’s just made for variety.

In the end, one doesn’t have to bring a sack of everything on the list but just an ample amount of ‘em major groups — or its alternative. What’s matters is you have enough for everyone and you had fun!

Summertime: Your Camping Essentials

What is summer without camping, uh? Yep, especially when beaches are full?! Yet of course, camping is by all means not a second choice for fun and adventure — as the wilderness is always a refreshing way to energize and bond!

But just like any other activity, preparation is needed. Especially in camping when you would spend at least a night outdoors. And altho you could bring just about anything, it’s certainly practical to travel and go light. The less, the better.

Here now are your Basic Camping Essentials. Just Click the Images.

WATERPROOF TENT (5-6 persons)

Ideally, you should put a 1-2 person allowance in your tent check list — for extra valuable space. This means, if there are 4 of you who’s planning to go camping, try to bring a 5-6 person waterproof tent.

SLEEPING MAT

You wouldn’t want to feel itchy while you sleep, that is if you could even sleep with the grass tickling you. So if you couldn’t afford an inflatable pad yet, just make sure you get a mat that is waterproof.

SLEEPING BAG

Even during summer, you know it’s cold when you’re outdoors — thus, having a sleeping bag could keep you warm and safe.

SOLAR LAMP

We guarantee you, it’s gonna be dark at night and you would not want to get lost in the woods. Therefore, a solar lamp is a must.

CAMPING KNIFE

One can’t imagine the importance of having a knife (even a multi tool) on hand — from preparing food to fixing your tent to opening bottles to what have you.

PORTABLE CAMPING BURNER

While you could cook with firewood and really feel that you are camping, it wouldn’t hurt if you bring a little portable stove.

WINDPROOF & WATERPROOF MATCH

If you got a lighter or even a match, you could bring ’em; then again, could it handle even a slight breeze without being extinguished?

CAMPING COOKWARE

Hey, we can’t always eat canned goods, you know. And burners are not only for heating up coffee water — so, try to take along a couple of pots and pans including a bowl or so.

HOT COLD TUMBLER

Now speaking of hot and cold beverages for your mornings and throughout the day, a nice vacuum flask would do.

WATER PURIFICATION FILTER

Would you rather bring several containers of water, or invest in a water filtration system? Having the latter is more than welcome.

WINDPROOF JACKET

Camping doesn’t mean you’d always hole up in your tent, thus having a windproof jacket to roam around would surely do you good.

FIRST AID KIT

Finally, when outdoors, it’s always good to be ‘first aid’ ready.

At the end of the day, camping is really like living outdoors, so others might even bring coolers, portable tables and chairs — but for us, we travel light. The less, the better.  However you travel, just do not forget to bring extra clothing, slippers, hygienic set (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc), and extra food unless you would fish.

In Pictures: Green Lagoon Park (Compostela, Cebu)

A lagoon park that’s pleasantly close to Cebu City, the Green Lagoon Park is just 27 kilometers north of the city proper! Have you been there?

Well, if you’re all alone or even with a partner, you would not really have to spend much getting there as even a jeepney (with no need to ride a ‘habal-habal’) will do since the place is just along the highway of the municipality of Compostela. See??!

The entrance to Green Lagoon Park

Reception Area

TO THE RIGHT OF THE ENTRANCE: 2-way road going to the shore with cottages on the side

Cottages near the shore

STRAIGHT ROAD FROM THE ENTRANCE: Onto the rooms

View of the rooms from the back

The playhouse just before the pool

Pool fee is P100 for adults and P50 for kids

This is the only pool they have but it’s good enough

By the way, if you notice, the place is spacious enough, so do not worry about parking space. Check out the video for a ‘live’ feed.

One of those fun things you could do here is play volleyball. Oh, did I hear ‘basketball’?? Sorry guys, I didn’t see any court. Nada.

Volleyball area near the shore

Also, for those who love to sing, there’s no ‘videoke’ here — but you could bring your own tho. And whether there’s singing or not, there is drinking; ey, your corkage fee okay? At the entrance.

Summertime: Your Snorkeling Essentials

Ready to dip?? Wait. Got to prepare yourself first for the adventure to have more fun and protection in the experience. And t’is ’bout investing in equipments.

Okay, you could borrow; then again, more than the possibility of not having that ‘perfect fit’ — you could also risk damaging ’em, and t’is somethin’ that’s not yours?! So, here now are  snorkeling essentials that you would or could be needing. Just Click the Images.

FULL WETSUIT

HALF WETSUIT

SPORTS SWIMWEAR

Okay we need a swimwear, and if our chosen attire is other than the full wetsuit then we would especially need a sunscreen.

SNORKEL MASK: Good for beginners to advanced swimmers

DIVING MASK: Ideal for competent swimmers

For the mask, it is important to note the kinds of masks there is since it would be your aid to seeing and breathing underwater.

FLOATING VEST

And remember, more than just fun, keep safe with a vest.

GOPRO HERO4

ETCAM C5

Then of course, what is fun without memories — don’t forget your underwater camera! GoPro or more affordable ones will do.

SNORKELING BAG

Now if you don’t have a snorkeling belt to tag along your camera (and your kitchen sink hehe) underwater then bring a bag.

FLIPPERS

SNORKEL SHOES

For your footwear, you could either have flippers to speed up your swimming, or just shoes to protect your feet. Your choice.

WATERPROOF WRISTWATCH

Finally, it’s paramount to know time — even during ’em fun times and especially underwater — lest before you know it, it’s already dark.

DIVING FLASHLIGHT

Well, worry not though if you got a diving flashlight with you.

Oh so much to explore, so little time! Till next time!

9 Common Summer Diseases and Precautions

It’s juuust about summer, yep, even if it rains once in a while — it’s still hot, ohh, hotter! Anyway, while many are excited about vacationing and spending their days under the sun, be careful. It’s better to know your body’s limits and take some precautions.

Here now are the most common summer diseases in the Philippines.

SORE EYES 

Sore eyes (Photo: firmoo)

Although this ‘reddening of the eyes’ also infects adults, this is especially common in children mainly because of the less than hygienic nature of kids mixed with the warmer than usual temperature and an abode that is more frequented not only by people but dust and dirt.

Oh by the way, did you know that if ‘sore eyes’ are mistreated that it could lead to blindness? Seriously. Thus, this summer make sure you wash your hands more often to lessen the risk of infection.

SUNBURN 

Sunburn (Photo: mommyish)

Obviously with our excitement to go swimming and cool off our buuurning bodies, we tend to overdo it. Result. More than just a red skin but a sunburn. Mind you, know what exposure to UV rays bring to our health? Skin cancer. So, it’d be good to start putting sunscreen 30 minutes before going under the sun.

HEAT STROKE 

Heat Stroke (Photo: First Aid for Free)

Now speaking of ‘going under the sun’, remember, the hottest time of the day is between 10AM to 2PM. Therefore, try to stay in shades or cooler places during this time. Hydrate yourself by drinking more than just 8 glasses of water the whole day. Hey, 8 glasses is just a year-round average — which should naturally be increased during summer!

Also, try to always use umbrellas or hats whenever you go out. That would help against dehydration and heat stroke.

COUGH AND COLDS 

Cough and colds (Photo: World News)

Because of the changing weather (which at times rain despite summer), we are more prone to cough and colds; and so, it would be good if we could have more fruits and veggies in our diet to strengthen our immune system. Yup, not just water.

Otherwise, don’t miss out on your vitamin C and D supplements.

FLU 

Flu (Photo: 91healthcap)

Worse case scenario, you could get bedridden with a flu should you take your cough and colds for granted — and thus miss out on some bonding moments with family and friends. Hmm…

So. Drink. Drink. Drink. Water. More water. To up your immunity to the next level. And don’t forget to cover your nose and mouth whenever you cough or sneeze. Hey, can’t just bring another summer-excited soul to sick bay with you!

SKIN DISEASE 

Prickly heat (Photo: herbal care product)

Prickly heat. Rashes. Boils. Actually, these are the result of not just a hot weather but of improper hygiene. Try to regularly bathe everyday. Wear clean and dry clothes. And when you go swimming, make sure that you take a shower before and after dipping in the pool — especially if you’re not sure of the pool’s maintenance.

And of course, don’t add to its dirt by peeing in it. Okay? There are bathers who may have a weaker immune system, you know.

DIARRHEA 

Diarrhea (Photo: skymet weather)

While we may enjoy eating street food, summer is the time to be especially careful on this indulgence. The weather is hot, and at times, unusually hot thus food could spoil faster than usual — particularly those ‘already cooked’ food that we buy, or that even we ourselves have prepared for our summer escapades. See? Even if we made them ourselves!

Worse, some may even be contaminated for whatever reason. So, if not careful, you’d spend more time on the ‘bowl’ than at the beach.

Food poisoning (Photo: News Flash)

FOOD POISONING

Okay, the ‘bowl’ may be a much better place than the hospital which could be due to a summer breakdown like food poisoning. So careful.

RABIES 

Rabies (Photo: vital animal)

Especially for non-native English speakers, have you ever wondered what ‘dog days’ mean? Hottest time of the year. Summer. And this term is referred to because dogs usually breathe harder with their tongues out during hot days — that’s why it’s called ‘dog days’!

And during ‘dog days’, these creatures are particularly ‘hot-headed’. Yeah, meaning irritable since it’s hot. Thus, be sure to always give them water and bathe them regularly. Rabies can be fatal. So for assurance, have ’em vaccinated as well. Give ’em all the care they deserve. They too want to feel comfortable, and us, safe.

In the end, what’s the use of summer if we can’t all have fun?!

Fashion Watch: Best Dresses of the Week

From simple dresses to lively ones to chic — yup, even for a mom-to-be — that’s what we have for this week. The best dresses on our summer stylish stars!

And first up..

Jennifer Lopez in NYC

J-Lo! Peach is always a nice, soft color — more so with Jennifer Lopez in that dress. Hey, don’t you just love her tote bag? Hah!

Jennifer Aniston in New York

Now, this is what you call simple — yet it rocks! Whatta cool paisley dress, Jennifer! And those slippers are just perfect!

Blake Lively in New York City

Wow, yellow! Just real lively! And looking like a princess! Ohh, who would think that Blake is even pregnant??! Hmm…

Beyonce in New York

B for Boho. B for Queen Bee. B for Beyonce. And B for just Beautiful!

Blake Lively onto The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in NYC

Oh my, is this the ‘Blake Lively Show’? Hah! Well, it’s just another wonderful dress by Blake — as if we can’t have enough of it!

Yet t’is just about it for today’s fashion feature. Ciao!