iloilo city to kalibo

Kalibo is the capital of the Province of Aklan, located in the northwest portion of Panay Island. Its name come from the words "sangka libo", meaning one thousand, the number native Aetas who attended the first Catholic Mass. The town is well-known because of the the Ati-Atihan Festival it annually celebrates during the third Sunday of January. It is also a jump-off point to Boracay.

Kalibo is around 160 kilometers from Iloilo City. By bus, travelers can take the Ceres Tours at the Tagbak Terminal in Iloilo City. The travel takes around three hours and the fare is P216.

dumaguete to bacolod by bus

Bacolod City, is the capital of the Province of Negros Occidental. It is known as the City of Smiles because of its warm, friendly, and hospitable residents. It was also nicknamed as the "Football City of the Philippines" because of its accomplishments and passion for the sport. It is famous for the Masskara festival held every third week of October that is frequented by local and international visitors.

The shortest route from Dumaguete City to Bacolod City is via Mabinay-Kabankalan route which takes approximately six hours; the aircon bus passenger fare is P284. Aircon buses are limited and have specific schedules of departure. When we miss the aircon bus from Dumaguete City, we take the regular bus and get off at Kabankalan City Terminal then board another bus (usually aircon and non-stop) to Bacolod City. Because the bus from Kabankalan is usually a non-stop trip, our total travel time to Bacolod is usually under the usual six hours.


Other routes are via San Carlos City-Don Salvador Benedicto (about seven hours) and San Carlos City-Escalante City (about eight hours). Routes are serviced by Ceres Liner with regular hourly trips daily.

sampaguita gardens aklan

Just after Christmas, we decided to travel and spend a night in Sampaguita Gardens Resort and Spa in New Washington, Aklan. The resort is the creation of the Samuel John Butcher, an American artist and creator of the Precious Moments that promote messages of love, care, and of sharing. More than a resort, they feature an all year round celebration of Christmas.

We booked our rooms a few days before Christmas thinking there might be a number of people visiting the resort after Christmas. Getting to Sampaguita Gardens from Iloilo City took us about four hours. We took a the Ceres Tours aircon bus from the Tagbak Terminal in Jaro, Iloilo City. The fare from Iloilo City to Kalibo Aklan was P216 per person. 

Upon arrival in Kalibo bus terminal, we asked around how to get to Sampaguita Gardens. It was not my first time to go to the resort and I recalled there were multicabs going to New Washington. I learned that the multicabs unload passengers only at the town proper and not straight to Sampaguita Gardens. So we decided to take a motorcab. Some motorcab drivers offered to bring us there for P150; which was not reasonable since the resort was just a few kilometers away and there were only four of us. So, we walked a little and got another motorcab and negotiated with the driver. He agreed to a fare of P100. Sampaguita Gardens was located in New Washington, a municipality next to Kalibo. It took us around 20 minutes to reach Sampaguita Gardens. To show our appreciation, we paid the driver P120.

After a few hours of rest in our rooms, we went around the resort to see the sights and take some pictures. To name a few, we visited The Mansion, Jojo's Christmas Cottage, Precious Moments Chapel, Sammy's Circus Ride, Aquarium, Oriental Flavors Restaurant, and the Pool.

Upon check out, the resort offered free transport to the bus terminal and off we went bringing with us precious memories from our short visit to such a wonderful resort.

For more information contact

Sampaguita Gardens Resort and Spa

506 Rizal Street, Poblacion, New Washington, Aklan

Tel # (63) (36) 264-3422

Tel # (63) (36) 264-3474

divisoria

image courtesy of frs_1111 of flickr.com

My wife and I went through Divisoria the other day to shop and we really had a great time. It still is the best place to shop for cheap but quality shirts, blouses, jeans, bags, accessories, etc. Depending on your haggling skills, you can really purchase a lot for a few bucks. Just be wary of your pockets and belongings and enjoy shopping!

dakak beach resort for a few days

We attended a retreat a few days ago that was held at the Dakak Beach Resort in Barangay Taguilon, Dapitan City. We stayed for four days and three nights. I was not able to really go around since we were preoccupied with the activities of the retreat but we really had fun.

To reach Dakak, we traveled early in the morning from Dumaguete City (for more information see dumaguete to dipolog by boat) and disembarked at the Dapitan City Port. Upon arrival, we traveled to Dipolog City to eat lunch and buy some supplies since we were informed earlier that Dakak was far from the premises of the city and there were no convenience store around. The resort's van picked us up at the Lee Plaza City Central Dipolog. The travel to Dakak aboard the van took us almost an hour since some roads were still under construction.

Upon entering the resort, we were awed with its beautiful landscape and cool atmosphere. It had paved roads even in steep areas. From what I gathered, the resort is around 15 hectares with a 750-meter powdery white sand beach. The reception area was located near the restaurant and the beach front while the rooms were situated a few meters away. Bringing our luggage to our respective cottages was not a hassle since there were pavements and directions that clearly mark where our rooms were although it took us around five minutes to get to our rooms. Those who had cottages that were really far took the van that regularly services guests to their rooms or to the parking area.

In my stay at Dakak, I do appreciate the services of their housekeeping since they delivered what we required even though our cottage was far. However, calling through their phone proved to be a challenge since their phones were not user friendly and the instruction card they provided was complicated. The food they served for us was enough to just to ease hunger and not really encourage you to feast although I have not tried their buffet which cost around 335 (breakfast) and 385 (dinner).

What I enjoyed in Dakak was the beach, the pool, and the climb to the 325-step repeater. The repeater gave us a view of the whole resort area and it was just simply breathtaking.

dumaguete to dipolog by boat

wikipedia.org

Dipolog City is the capital of the province of Zamboanga del Norte. To its southeast are rolling hills surrounding the city while bounded in the north by the Sulu Sea. It is known for its sardine industry hence it was called the "Bottled Sardines Capital of the Philippines." It is also popular for its wild orchids. Furthermore, Dipolog City is known to be the "Gateway to Western Mindanao."

We took a boat serviced by George and Peter Lines, Inc. from Dumaguete City and left at exactly 6 AM. The fare was P260 plus a terminal fee of P15 which you have to pay upon entering the Dumaguete City Passenger Terminal. 

At around 10 AM, the boat docked at the Dapitan City Port. We needed to travel from Dapitan City to Dipolog City via land transportation. George and Peter Lines, Inc. had arranged free shuttle buses that will drop us off in Dipolog City. We had to disembark from the boat in a hurry to get good seats in the shuttle bus. The travel from Dapitan City port to Dipolog City took around 40 minutes. If you fail to get on the free shuttle bus, you can opt to ride a tricyle that charges P50 per person to Dipolog City.

dumaguete to cebu on a private vehicle

Getting to Cebu City from Dumaguete City is one of my frequently traveled routes mostly due to work. Most of my travels were through public transportation. There are many options that can be taken: boat, fast craft, bus, and a combination of bus and fast craft, ferry or pumpboat. I had only tried thrice to get to Cebu City on a private vehicle.

On a private vehicle from Dumaguete City, travel around 20 kms. north to Tampi, San Jose to get on a ferry serviced by Maayo Shipping, Inc. to cross to the island of Cebu. The ferry docks at Barangay Bato, Municipality of Samboan, Province of Cebu. There are 15 simultaneous trips between the ports of Tampi and Bato. It costs P870 for vehicle freight and P70 for every passenger. When we took the ferry last time, they gave free fares for the driver and one passenger. It used to be free fare for the driver only.

Upon disembarking in the port of Bato, get to the highway and turn right to get to Cebu. This route passes through the Municipality of Argao and according to some, is the fastest route to get to Cebu City. The route on the left goes through popular dive site municipalities of Badian and Moalboal.

The Argao route on a private vehicle takes a little over two hours compared to the usual three hours by bus. The traveler can also opt not to go through the traffic in Pardo before entering Cebu City by taking the SRP (South Road Properties) Road in Talisay City which takes you along the coast and through an underpass that exits to S. Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City.

For more information contact

Maayo Shipping Lines, Inc.

Tampi, San Jose, Negros Oriental

Tel # (63) (35) 417-0280 | (63) (35) 419-6023

dumaguete to cebu by bus

Traveling to Cebu City from Dumaguete City by bus is one of the routes that I am familiar with since I have gone through it a number of times, mostly because of the nature of my work. There are two options that travelers can take in this route.

Option 1 - Bus direct to Cebu City

Dumaguete to Cebu
Ceres Liner Schedule

Ceres Liner (Vallacar Transit Corporation) buses service direct trips to Cebu City from Dumaguete City via the Tampi, San Jose-Bato, Samboan route. There are six trips daily and the fare is around P250 plus P70 for the ferry in Tampi. 

Option 2 - Fastcraft/ pumpboat then bus/ van to Cebu City

Travelers can take a multicab (fare is P10 per person) or pedicab from Dumaguete City to the Port of Sibulan located behind the Public Market. People can either take the fastcraft (fare is P62 including the terminal fee) or the pumpboat (fare is P47 including the terminal fee). The schedule of trips of both crafts are usually every 30 minutes. Both the fastcraft and the pumpboat dock in Liloan, Santander, Cebu but in different ports which are located a few meters apart.

Sibulan, Negros Oriental to Liloan, Santander, Cebu
Fastcraft Schedule of Trips

Upon arrival in Liloan, those who took the fastcraft can take the bus waiting in the fastcraft terminal to Cebu City. The fare of the airconditioned bus is P162. The travel duration usually takes three to three hours and a half. The bus' final stop is at the Cebu City South Bus Terminal. Those who took the pumpboat can take the van standing by outside the pumpboat docking area. The fare of the airconditioned van is P150. The travel usually takes less than three hours and upon arrival in Cebu City parks at the Citilink.

dumaguete to cebu by boat

There are many boat trips to Cebu City from Dumaguete City. Tickets can be availed from the offices of the shipping companies located in the Port of Dumaguete.

Fastcraft

photo courtesy of

www.silent-gardens.com

Ocean Fast Ferries, Inc. (OceanJet) has a daily trip to Cebu City (via Tagbilaran City) which departs at 2:20 PM and arrives at 7:20 PM; taking about five hours of travel. From their website, Tourist Class accomodation is P900 while Business Class costs P1,200.

Ship/ Ferry

www.cokaliongshipping.com

Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Inc. regularly (except Mondays) services trips leaving at 12 AM midnight and arriving in Cebu City Pier 1 at 6 AM. Passage rates are available in their website.

photo courtesy of

mcgutib.wordpress.com

George and Peter Lines, Inc. has two regular trips from Dumaguete City: Thursdays at 3 PM which arrives in Cebu City Pier 2 at 9 PM and Fridays at 11 PM that docks at Cebu City Pier 2 on Saturday at 5 AM.

For more information contact

Ocean Fast Ferries, Inc.

CPA Bldg., Pier 1

Cebu City, Cebu

Tel # (63) (32) 255-7560

Fax # (63) (32) 255-0115

email: marketings@ocenjet.net

website: www.oceanjet.net

Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Inc.

Cokaliong Tower, Don Sergio Osmeña Avenue

North Reclamation Area, Cebu City, Cebu

Tel # (63) (32) 232-7211 to 18

Fax # (63) (32) 231-6825 | (63) (32) 231-6826

George and Peter Lines, Inc.

GP Bldg. Arellano Blvd. cor. V. Gullas St.,

Pier 2, Cebu City, Cebu

Fax # (63) (32) 254-0679

Tel # (63) (32) 254-5404 (Freight)

Tel # (63) (32) 254-5154 (Passage)

a few days in southern leyte

First Mass in the Philippines

by Carlos V. Francisco

A few weeks ago I had a chance to visit the Province of Southern Leyte in the Eastern Visayas Region (Region VIII). According to historical accounts, Limasawa, an island in the southern part of the province, was the venue for the first Christian mass thus considered by some to be the birthplace of Christianity in the Philippines.

I was in Southern Leyte for a few days not for leisure but for work so I did not have the luxury of going around to see the sights around the province. However, during the travel to and from the Municipality of Hinunangan, the venue for a training we were facilitating, I was convinced that the province was beautiful and breathtaking.

The province had amazing landscapes, green and thick forests, magnificent views of the coast from the mountains, thunderous waves along the beach, enchanting beaches, and uniquely beautiful islands. In addition, it is breathtakingly awesome since Agas-agas Bridge, the highest bridge in the Philippines, can be found in Sogod, Southern Leyte. The bridge is 350 meters long and is about 90 meters high from the riverbed.

Aside from the wonderful scenes, the people were also warm and friendly. It also amazed me that the Province of Southern Leyte had its own flag and hymn. For the people of the province, the flag is a "visible representation of their feelings, aspiration of fulfilling their legitimate dreams, values of faith, and confidence in their capability to undertake the task of nation-building, freed from the inequalities and maladies of old".

My visit to the Province of Southern Leyte may be short but it has encouraged me to consider coming back and see more of the wonderful sights it has to offer.

travel from dumaguete city to iloilo city

The route from Dumaguete City to Iloilo City has been one of my most traveled - from once a month to a few times per quarter. Most of my trips were through bus. I take the Ceres Liner bus from Dumaguete City to Bacolod City which goes through Mabinay and Kabankalan City. The fare as of October 7, 2010 was PhP284.00 for non-aircon and PhP250.00 for non-aircon. 

However, There are times that I do not opt for the bus that travels directly to Bacolod City especially when it is a non-aircon bus. From Dumaguete City, I choose to get off in Kabankalan City and take the non-stop aircon bus to Bacolod City. The fare from Dumaguete City to Kabankalan City on the non-aircon bus is PhP155 and the non-stop aircon bus from Kabankalan to Bacolod City is P110.

Upon arrival in Bacolod City, I took the taxi to the fast craft terminal for Iloilo City which costs around PhP70.00. Before entering the terminal, there is a terminal fee of PhP10.00 for the taxi. The fares for the fast craft range from PhP275.00 to PhP300.00 for one way. If you are planning to get back to Bacolod City from Iloilo City within the year, you can purchase roundtrip tickets which cost PhP390.00 to PhP400.00. The fastcraft to Iloilo City takes an hour to an hour and a half.

The Iloilo City fastcraft terminal is located in the Iloilo River. Transportation is not a problem since there are taxis in the port premises and outside the main gate of the terminal. If you have a few baggage and is on a limited budget for fare, you can walk to street where jeepneys pass by. Jeepney fare starts at PhP7.00.

a passion for travel

The exploration of new places and taking time to pause and marvel at the magnificence of nature has always fascinated me while I was growing up. Most of my hours were spent in going around farms close to our home, climbing trees, collecting bugs from bushes, catching sleeping birds at night, and catching fish from rivers in our small village.

While I was in my elementary years of schooling, my parents gave me a bicycle. I was overjoyed and would spend a lot of time with it to be more skilled in biking. When I was able, I would spend my free time and weekends biking and venturing to the villages close by. I discovered more amazing sights to see – rivers, farms, watersheds, hanging bridges, and many more.

When I entered high school, I began learning how to drive a motorcycle. After I got my license, I explored the towns next to our city and visited their unique highlights – colorful reefs, historic sites and churches, and the awesome and beautiful landscapes. With other opportunities to travel, such as visit to relatives, I was able to visit all the coastal towns and cities in the two provinces of our big island plus a number of major cities and towns in nearby islands of our region.  

While I was pursuing a degree in college, my passion to seeing new places was not put on hold. The university I was enrolled in was located on a different island more than a hundred miles away from home. I was on a new place. There were new sights to discover and new adventures to be pursued. The school was located in a remote town. It was far from the urban centers so visit to malls were not that frequent. Instead, I spent it visiting far-flung barangays situated a few mountains away and were only accessible by motorcycle plus a few hours walk. My other escapades gave me a chance to swim in the middle of the sea (during nighttime) with a depth I dare not measure. I was also able to enjoy a spectacular sunset in one of the world’s superb white sand beaches. In the nearby province, I had the opportunity to trek a rugged trail then hiked through a dried river bed and concluded it with a bath in a cold pool near a marvelous waterfall.

There are many more wonderful and memorable adventures I have been to. Even as a working professional, I am glad to have not been confined to a cubicle in an air-conditioned office. My work has allowed me to travel to a number of destinations and see new places. I never cease to be excited and look forward to every trip because it has always been my passion to travel.