We’ve visited Bohol numerous times before—with different partners, when LP and BG haven’t crossed paths yet; as a couple, when our paths finally did cross; and now as a family, with Kid A in tow. Each visit was definitely different. This time, we both decided to stay at Panglao’s Alona Beach—a first for us both—to see what this so-called Boracay-esque area of the island has to offer.

KID A AND BG ENJOYING BEST WESTERN PANGLAO’S POOL

After spending four days in the sleepy town of Anda, we thought of staying another five days in Bohol before going back home to Manila. Since we’ve previously toured the province’s tourist spots, we thought of doing nothing but frolic on the beach, eat out, and enjoy our hotel. Well, maybe check out the Chocolate Hills and see the tarsiers too, for Kid A’s sake. But what we really wanted was a staycation by the beach. And our staycation place of choice, Panglao’s Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort.

I recently contributed another Insider’s Guide article for Inflight Traveller issue 30, this time for a Bohol listicle, Top 10 Things To Do in Bohol. Again, I can’t seem to get a hold of a physical copy, so I guess a PDF will do. Inflight Traveller is the official inflight magazine for AirSWIFT Airlines Philippines, so if ever you get the chance to fly via AirSWIFT, grab me a copy, please?

Here’s my article in its original form:

Ever since I started traveling to Cebu, I’ve always wondered where that flagstone-wall with hypnotic concentric circular portals are in Cebu. I knew the name, Tops Lookout Cebu or simply Tops Cebu, but I always seem to miss it whenever I land at the Queen City of the South.

I’ve been to Cebu and Mactan’s tourist spots, even going so far as Camotes Island and the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, but Tops Cebu seems to be eluding me. Just where the heck is it?! And on this last trip to Cebu with fellow drinkers from Team RH, I finally found out where.

When in Cebu, eat lechon. That’s our group motto when we headed over to the Queen City of the South on an impulse weekend trip. And eat lechon we did. If Premiere Citi Suites Cebu offered it for breakfast, we’d have roasted pig for breakfast. But alas, they do not, so we had to confine our pig out sessions during lunchtimes.

CEBU’S ORIGINAL LECHON BELLY ~ WHOLE, FROM PHP2,200.00

On our last day in the city, we visited Cebu’s Original Lechon Belly. I’ve tried one of Lechon Belly’s Manila branches before and found it to be supremely good; better than most commercial roasted pigs I’ve tried elsewhere. We were told then that they actually fly these pork bellies all the way from Cebu to Manila. And that made me curious if those they sell in Cebu actually tastes like those they hawk in Manila. Or more importantly, is it actually better?

I’ve been hearing a lot about a certain temple in Cebu which many dub as the Taj Mahal of the Philippines. While I’m not much for comparing places we have in the Philippines with those abroad, but for many, that’s usually the easiest and not to mention, the catchiest way to promote a place. And so it was that on our last day of our weekend in Cebu, we decided to add at least a single tourist spot on our itinerary, the famed Temple of Leah.

► CHECK OUT: CEBU TRAVEL GUIDE

THE MOUNTAINOUS AREA OF BARANGAY BUSAY

Located on the hills of Barangay Busay, where the equally popular Tops Cebu and Sirao Garden is located, the graceful temple rose from the ground in 2012. Fairly recent, but judging from the number of visitors we have to dodge that weekend, its popularity with both local and foreign tourists, seemed to suggest otherwise.

► TO HELP YOU GET STARTED, HERE’S A LIST OF TOP THINGS TO DO IN CEBU BY GUIDE TO THE PHILIPPINES

Visiting tourist spots in Cebu City wasn’t really on our itinerary. What’s in it though are the numerous lechon restaurants that the city is known for. I know, we only have to go to La Loma in Manila to enjoy this sinful porky treat, but since it’s been years since we last visited Cebu, we just have to try some of its newer pig-out places.

CEBU’S HOUSE OF LECHON

Coming straight from our breakfast at the Premiere Citi Suites Hotel, the first one we went to for lunch is Cebu’s House of Lechon, a restaurant specializing in Carcar’s version of roasted pigs. Carcar is a city about an hour away from Cebu City and it can compete, and even better, Cebu’s very best. I’ve tried CnT Lechon, Zubuchon (for purists, I know, I know), and Cebu’s Original Lechon Belly, but honestly, I’ve probably haven’t tried the best lechon in Cebu City yet. What I can do say is that I’ve tried Carcar’s version on its public market years back. And for me, it still is the best lechon I’ve ever had.

There really wasn’t any particular reason why we booked an immediate flight to Cebu City. There was no long weekend. There weren’t any festivals happening. No one was celebrating any birthday that we have to attend in. There wasn’t anything. Together with a few friends visiting from Singapore and Australia, we just felt like going there. No plans. No itineraries. No nothing. Just us, and a couple of days’ worth of clothes.

Everything happened fast. Too fast. After a drunken debauchery of a weekend in Boracay with the same gang. We felt we needed to bring our mess to the Queen City of the South. After hurried flight bookings and rebookings, and a quick scan for the cheapest, but still decent, hotel in Cebu. We’re all set.

Three of us touched down at the Mactan International Airport just before the clock struck twelve midnight, while another went earlier. Our last two companions came the morning after; the hastily drawn circle, completed.

”No, I will not ride that little surfboard thing.” I told my friends as we watched C and M balance above the artificial waves created by Crown Regency Resort’s Wave Rider. Hollering and laughing as they did, they looked like they were all having so much fun, that after a few more prodding, I myself was riding on the board, wobbly legs and all.

LOVE THE MODERN TROPICAL ARCHITECTURE OF CROWN REGENCY RESORT

It was the weekend, and after the much expected delays at Manila’s airport, we were soon heading through the lonely evening roads of Aklan and on to a speedboat en route to the Philippines’ party island, Boracay. Our lodging of choice this time, Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center.

SEE: BORACAY TRAVEL GUIDE

Siquijor is an island province located at the Central Visayas Region of the Philippines. It is composed of six towns; Enrique Villanueva, Larena, Lazi, Maria, San Juan and Siquijor. The island is bordered on the northwest by Cebu and Negros islands, on the northeast by Bohol, and on the south by the northern Mindanao provinces of Misamis Occidental (Dapitan) and Zamboanga del Norte (Dipolog).

Often dubbed as, the Isla del Fuego (the island of fire) due to the glow it gives off during sundown as multitude of fireflies gather on the molave trees off the island, it is a place of mystery and mysticism especially for older generations who believes in witchcraft and sorcery. And indeed, the said practice is still being observed in Siquijor, albeit on a less prevalent scale as it was before. I find that most people would look strangely on you if you mention that you’re traveling to Siquijor, the island having its reputation with the black arts, but once you get pass that—and it is really not a problem when on the island itself—the place would reward you with amazing tourist spots such as pristine beaches, amazing waterfalls, lush hiking trails, centuries old stone churches, and yes, even the sweetest people.

During my first trip to Siquijor, I’ve wanted to visit a Guiwanon mangrove park after reading about it from Ironwulf’s blog. Back then, I haven’t been to the Kalibo Mangrove Eco-Park, which was probably one of the most extensive of this type of parks, so I was really interested to go—wooden planks elevated several feet from the ground, gnarly trees and all. It was just unfortunate that we were unable to check it out due to time constraints.

A PROFUSION OF BRANCHES AND LEAVES

After four years of traveling around the country and outside of it, I’ve finally seen my share of mangrove parks, but still, I was still longing to see Siquijor’s own mangrove forest, a place that has long piqued my curiosity. And so on this recent trip, during our last few hours on the island, our guide at last delivered us to the gates of Guiwanon Spring Park.

We were at the town of Enrique Villanueva, it was almost evening and we still didn’t have a place to stay. San Juan, with its famous Tubod Beach, may be the most popular beach town in Siquijor but we wanted to explore the province’s other locales. Enrique Villanueva fitted the bill, we wanted a quiet place where we could have the beach all to ourselves, plus we were told that there’s a marine sanctuary near the area. We were sold, but first, we needed to find an affordable lodging.

SEASIDE GARDEN RESORT & COTTAGES FAN ROOM IN CAMOGAO, SIQUIJOR

The sun had finally set when we settled for the Seaside Garden Resort & Cottages. Located at Barangay Camogao, it offers a couple of rooms clad in sawali—the walls are made of concrete though, so there’s no problem with privacy. We’ve initially talked with the owner of the place, but passed off since we found their price a bit too high. Well, PHP800.00 per night for a fan room isn’t really expensive, but we’re cheapskates like that, lol. We eventually gave in, finding no other suitable place to bed in for the night.

► SIQUJOR TRAVEL GUIDE

We were at the tail-end of our whole-day Siquijor island tour. From the Beach Port of Siquijor, to Lugnason Falls, the famous Siquijor balete tree, Cambugahay Falls, Kagusuan Beach, and finally, Salagdoong Beach; we’ve been to places we’ve visited before and to new ones. And there’s definitely nothing more rewarding after such a journey than a relaxing coffee break (or beer, perhaps?) right by the beach as the sun sets far off into the horizon.

THE OLDEST HOUSE IN SIQUIJOR LOOKS READY TO FALL DOWN

Those thoughts were running on our mind as Dennis, our guide, revved his tricycle along the empty highways of Enrique Villanueva. After passing through the now crumbling Cang-isok House, the oldest of its kind in Siquijor, we asked him to slow down a bit, we knew exactly where to end our Siquijoran adventure.

He counted; one, two, jump! On his back, he flew thirty five feet into the air, arms outstretched, his shout trailing behind as his long hair whipped about. The air swooshed against his scraggly beard and at the last moment, he turned, diving perfectly into the aquamarine waters below, plunging deep. And with a gasp of air, he reemerged, with a triumphant laugh.

Watching from the concrete platform from the cliff area of Salagdoong Beach, I wished mightily that I could jump too. My mind was sure I can do it, but my body resisted, my hand still painfully swollen after a minor accident at Cambugahay Falls.

► SEE: SIQUJOR TRAVEL GUIDE

“Can you show us a different beach this time around?” I asked our Siquijor guide, Dennis, as our tricycle sped through the deserted highway loop around the island. We’ve been to a few of the famous beaches around Siquijor; Tubod Beach and Salagdoong Beach, particularly, but we knew this island still has a few more sandy secrets right up its mystical sleeve.

THE UNENDING TREE TUNNEL TO KAGUSUAN BEACH

From the highway circumnavigating Siquijor, we turned a bend from Barangay Minalulan in the town of Maria and crossed over to barangay Lilo-An. The road was narrow, set on both sides by lush trees bending right at the top, forming a sort of leafy cathedral ceiling for us. It might be the desertedness of the path but it seemed the road wasn't going to end.

► SEE: SIQUJOR TRAVEL GUIDE

Down some hundred steps from Lazi’s main road is a scenery as magical as Siquijor’s mystical reputation. The afternoon was steadily progressing on as we made our slow way down on stone steps leading to Siquijor’s famous three-tiered Cambugahay Falls. The treads were evenly made with natural stones, probably procured from the river that feeds the waterfall. The falls cascade all the way from a small rainforest above the mountains, some freshwater springs, and watersheds.

UNEVEN STONE STEPS TO CAMBUGAHAY FALLS

A hint of light green waters, reminiscent of Palawan’s famed Kayangan Lake, springs into view in between the foliage as we made our ever downwards progress. And in less than five minutes, we were holding on to our jaws, lest it fall all the way downstream with the green gushing waters of Cambugahay Falls.

► SEE: SIQUJOR TRAVEL GUIDE

The minutes quickly passed as our tricycle roared off into the humid streets of Siquijor. It was already two in the afternoon, and again, we disembarked and found ourselves staring right into a gnarly body of a huge centuries old Balete tree growing at the end of a shallow swimming pool.

VINES STRAGGLING DOWN THE SIQUIJOR BALETE TREE

The tree is said to be around 400 to 500 years old, depending on who you ask, and is definitely the biggest of its kind on the island. Balete or banyan trees are usually parasitic in nature, creeping up on unsuspecting healthy trees and wrapping itself around it until the host finally dies. This leaves a hollow core in the middle where one can enter if it becomes big enough.

► SEE: SIQUJOR TRAVEL GUIDE

I wasn’t really aware that Siquijor has more than one waterfalls gushing down along the island. There’s the famous three-tiered Cambugahay Falls at the town of Lazi, and then there’s Lugnason Falls; a lesser known attraction located at Barangay Napo in San Juan.

LUGNASON FALLS DETAIL

There are a couple of reasons why this particular waterfall is relatively unknown to tourists visiting Siquijor. First, I heard it closed down sometime ago due to its spring source drying up; we’ve been told by our guide that it has only been recently reopened.

► SEE: SIQUJOR TRAVEL GUIDE

I’ve always been mesmerized by the beach at the Siquijor port. The first time I visited this island province, the shallow translucent waters on both sides of the concrete causeway was the first thing that struck me as we disembarked from the ferry we boarded from Dumaguete City. This second visit, it was absolutely the same; the waters of Siquijor pier was so inviting that we decided to stay for a night and see if the beach in the area is any good at all.

► CHECK OUT: DUMAGUETE TRAVEL GUIDE

CAN YOU IMAGINE A PIER LIKE THIS?

The first thing we looked for was a place to sleep in. Camping out on a tent is possible, but was not a choice for us since, well, we didn’t bring no tent with us. After passing through the port gates, it was easy enough to ask around for lodgings. We were told there were a few inns in the area, although definitely not luxury resort types.

► SEE: SIQUIJOR TRAVEL GUIDE

The sea, in all its emerald glory, opened the ninth hour of our stay on Mactan island. The sun was in full blast, with only a few puffs of cloud to contend with. And the water, oh my goodness, the water. It was indescribably clear and vivid, mercurial even! I wanted to jump in, but my doctor’s advice regarding my eardrums stopped me from doing so.

CEBU FROM THE PLANE WINDOW

Cebu became our jump-off point for our two-month Asean Summer Loop tour after being forced to, due to lack of flights from Manila to Kuala Lumpur via the AirAsia Asean Pass. So there was our plane, landing at Lapu Lapu City’s tarmac close to midnight.

► CHECK OUT: CEBU TRAVEL GUIDE

Absolutely no one was paying attention to the four trays of karioka set on our food-cramped table at Cabanatuan City’s Hapag Vicentico’s. We were already starving, but it was our job to take photos of the food first before wolfing it all down. And the restaurant’s chicharon bulaklak was the first casualty of the day—everyone was taking potshots at it while we took pictures of the other dishes.

HAPAG VICENTICO'S BEAUTIFUL COMPOUND IN CABANATUAN

We just came from the Aquino-Diokno Memorial at Fort Magsaysay via Microtel Cabanatuan’s van. It was almost an hour drive and it was past noon when we arrived at this quaint restaurant fronting the city’s Freedom Park. I don’t easily use the word quaint, but once you stepped inside Hapag Vicentico's compound, you’d find yourself blurting out the words, how quaint!

► READ: CABANATUAN TOURIST SPOT