Captivating Cebu

We were waiting for yet another delayed Cebu Pacific flight back to Manila when I came across this article from the New York Times Style (The Tyranny of Other People's Vacation Photos aka the excessive posting of photos). It couldn't have been published at a better timing and it did bring back the many feelings of doubt I had before posting a carefully VSCO-ed photo in my social media accounts. Do I feel bad for posting photos of a sunny beachside on a weekday, just when it is raining cats and dogs in Manila? Or the fact that I'm letting other people know that I'm having a fahvolous vacation just when another part of the world is hit by an earthquake? But thankfully I have resolved these issues within myself before the trip ended and if you'll allow me to explain further...

It's my first time in southern Cebu (the queen city of the South) and I just couldn't believe why it took me so long to check what this side of the island has to offer. Sure, my scuba diving friends would often go to Moalboal for a dive which is not part of my itinerary and something that I regret but I'll get to it in a bit. We availed this package tour that would take us island hopping around Pescador Island and neighboring reefs and Kawasan Falls in the afternoon.

First of all, Kawasan and its unforgettable blue green waters! Like how in the world is it possible? I'm sorry but my basis of comparison would have to be Mother Falls in Baler and that of Tangadan in La Union and it's safe to say that this waterfalls color is my favorite version of blue green! By now, it is also pretty much established that I have this thing for hiking to waterfalls. Plus factor for this falls are the many things you can do while in there like your wrecking ball moment or fun cliff jumps. I'm amazed at how I've become fearless by this time that I don't hesitate anymore when in the edge. Lol!

Pescador Island. I traveled with my friends from work (corporate and part time job in the gym) so naturally there'll be no scuba diving activity but snorkeling just doesn't cut it anymore once you've felt how it's like to swim with the fishes further below. Like in one of the reefs, we saw this huge turtle surfacing for air before feeding itself a few meters down and it was so fun observing it (not that I haven't seen one while diving before, lol!) but it's stationary and if I could just dive deep down below to see it up close...Sigh... Another thing is the sardine run. Of course, I'll put it in my checklist to go back for scuba diving here someday.

Oslob, Cebu. After a day at Moalboal, off we moved to Oslob for another highlight of our trip. The Butandings (whale shark)!!! Responsible travel dictates that one should not support this activity because of the effect in migration patterns of the creatures but I couldn't help it. The least I could do was to abide by the rules during briefing. I had info that it is much better to encounter the whale sharks in Donsol though. But it was really awesome swimming with them. A tad scary also to get near them (haha!) and I was hit one time at the leg and it hurt. Lol! They're now my most favorite underwater creature, I swear. =))

Sumilon Blue Water Island Resort. Sumilon is a coral island off the coast of Oslob, Cebu. We took a day trip from our superb resort to check out its sandbar and do some photoshoots. :P

Seafari Resort. Well, not that our resort is anything short of fantastic! It is located down the cliff and has the best infinity pool view! :)

Alright, let’s get into some tips. If you’re like me who’s just exhausted all swimwear from one too many beach trips this year (check out my Quezon, Fortune Island, Maldives and Burias Islands) then a girl has to reinvent her bikinis. Sure, you can do mix and match but some of the items worn here include:

1. A black sports bra. Luckily I got a black bikini to match the top. (Kawasan Falls photo)

2. You can layer an off-shoulder top to style your two-piece. (Pescador Island)

3. Use a bodysuit. I used another in my Maldives trip. :) (Jacuzzi photo)

After sharing all that wonderful experience in Cebu, I think it’d be a great disservice to my friends/ followers if I wouldn’t post or let them know about the experience. And mind you, there are still a lot of attractions (falls and white beaches) that we missed on this trip. I will be forever guilty of this generation’s over-sharing attitude but I believe I filed my vacation properly, I worked hard for the money I spent and all of us deserve to relax and unwind. And if you’re not happy about it, I don’t have qualms being unfriended or muted from appearing in your wall. :P