Iloilo City

A few months ago, I visited Iloilo City, the City of Love. DIY Travel.

First stop, Sta. Ana Parish Church or Molo Church, known as the feminist church. It is the only all woman saints church in the Philippines. There is a statue of St. Mary Magdalene inside, along with other statues of female saints.

Right across is Molo Plaza. I tried pancit molo, a classic Iloilo comfort food, at Kap Ising's. 

Then I headed over to Molo Mansion, an old mansion converted to an SM Kultura Store where you can buy t-shirts and other souvenirs. Outside Molo Mansion, there are many food spots. I tried Happy Endings ice cream. It's delicious. There's also someone writing on the spot poetry. He's quite good. He asks you what topic and then he writes it there and then. I think my topic was about traveling. You pay any amount,

My next stop was La Paz Market, home of the original batchoy. Although the market was already renovated. I tried Netong's. Their batchoy is yummy. Legit. Then I tried Madge Cafe's famous coffee. No fancy machines there - coffee done the traditional way.

Next I headed to Calle Real or J.M. Basa Street. It's like Iloilo's downtown. Here you can find old American buildings. Roberto's is also located here. I tried their famous siopao. They say your trip to Iloilo is incomplete if you don't try the siopao at Roberto's

From the old side of Iloilo City, I headed to its modern side. I went to Iloilo Museum of Contemprary Art (ILOMOCA) and had my Ferris Bueller's Day Off moment.

Then I rented a bike at Bikelab and rode a bike to the River Esplanade and Jaro Cathedral.

I had a wonderful time in Iloilo City. Hope I could come back again. 😊

Avatar Gorge

Some places seem unreal. Formed during the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, Avatar Gorge was carved by flowing lava that hardened into the surreal landscape you see today.

But locals call it "Tutulari" meaning "dripping". This gorge isn't just a tourist spot. The locals get water here too.

Yun nga lang, to get here you need to book a tour with an accredited travel agency such as Pinatubo Mountainero since the gorge is located in the  Indigeneous Aetas' ancestral land. You can't do DIY.

Enjoyed my tour here. Such a beautiful place. :)

Bohol Adventure

Since I was in elementary, I’ve seen the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier only in textbooks. And now, here I am… in Bohol!  So excited because I’m about to explore the island through a tricycle tour. 🙂

Kuya Jaime is my driver and he was really nice. He first quoted ₱1,800, but I haggled a bit and we agreed on ₱1,500. But, I still gave him ₱1,800 after the tour because it takes over an hour to get to the spots from Tagbilaran and the same amount of time to return. Almost two hours really. Plus, he was just genuinely kind and accommodating. (Minsan lang naman ako dito ba't pa ko manghinayang and mas mahirap mag bus. 🙂)

First stop — Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area. They’re so tiny and super cute  Just keep quiet so they don’t get stressed. A staff member took the photo.

Next, we passed Bilar Man-Made Forest. It’s a two-kilometer stretch of mahogany trees between Loboc and Bilar — super cool and peaceful, like driving through a green tunnel (Source: Guide To The Philippines). Had my picture taken in the middle of the road. Just like a punk.😃 Don't worry they have signs warning vehicles to slow down because tourists are having their pictures taken when you enter the forest. 😃

Then Loboc River — floating boats, and nearby is Loboc Church with its bell tower. 

Of course, a trip to Bohol wouldn’t be complete without visiting the iconic Chocolate Hills. Seeing it in real life… wow. I’ve only seen it in pictures before, and now I’m actually here.

     

(Nice view. 🙂)

Last stop, Dumaluan Beach. Clear skies, white sand, turquoise waters, good vibes only. 😎🏖️🌴

Definitely worth the trip. Come and visit Bohol! 🙂 🇵🇭

Cebu City

Exploring Cebu City. First stop - the historic Fort  San Pedro.

   Next, a stroll through Plaza Independencia.

Then, Magellan's Cross. A piece of history from 1521.

Walking along the National Museum and near the port area.

And the bustling Colon Street - the oldest in the Philippines.

Then a quick stop at Fuente Osmeña - Cebu's iconic fountain. And Cebu Public Library.

                      

 

Trying out puso, ginabot and stuffed crab at Pungko Pungko sa Fuente. I liked the stuffed crab. It's delicious. 

 

   And of course, Cebu's famous lechon at CNT. Cebu lechon is different from the lechon in Metro Manila since it's skin is thinner but crunchy with some layer of fat. Yum. And it's   paired with vinegar instead of sauce like Mang Tomas.

49 peso pares with rice. Lami rin.

 

Spotted this cozy cafe in Jessica Lee's vlog. So here I am at Bintana Coffee House. The vibe? Warm, artsy, and perfect for slow afternoons.

And right outside...a photobooth for that perfect retro souvenir. Since I'm already old 😃 and not that tech savvy (the booth uses a touch screen pad), I asked a young college couple how to operate the photobooth. It was nice of them to help me out. Generally, all the people I met in Cebu City were very nice. 

 

Made my way to Atua Midtown for some cocktails at Owl bookshop and bar. Also saw this in Jessica Lee's vlog.

Then capped my journey with some street food at Sugbo Mercado at Cebu IT Park.

If you’re looking for a place where every smile feels like home and every corner tells a story, come visit Cebu City — where kind people and breathtaking sights await you. 🙂