DUMAGUETE CITY BY NIGHT PLUS A CLUELESS SIDE TRIP TO VALENCIA

DUMAGUETE’S PORT AREA

Fresh from our Siquijor wanders, Dumaguete as its entry point is my next and final destination before enplaning back to Caramoan via Legazpi.

You don’t have to go somewhere else when you are already along Rizal Boulevard. The major spots are all stone’s throw away.

The seaport has a splendid view from Rizal Boulevard where the big “I Love Dumaguete” which is illumined at night is positioned. Cool to see and take pictures by day and nicer by night as its bright colors exude the warmth of the place and the people busying around it.

SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY

The long wait was over when I finally set foot on this prestigious university in the Visayas, owned by our church, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. I was awed by the enormity of the campus and the building around. Entering the campus is like arriving at a village with welcome sign. PUB’s ply along the university main road, but I didn’t bother to complete a campus tour and just restricted myself near the church, took some photos and proceeded to survey other interesting buildings close by and ambled along the campus till we found the exit for I was already starting to perspire.

THE CLUELESS AND UNTIMELY VALENCIA TOUR

It was Jerel’s turn to take me around Valencia, Negros Oriental, a mere 15-minutes motorbike ride from Dumaguete City proper. From downtown and at 12:00 high noon, I was never told that we were on our way to the places he mentioned. We left all essential things at Gazebo Pension House and that means enduring the almost cauterizing heat of the sun and risking sun-burnt skin.

GEOTHERMAL ACTIVITY: STEAM OF SULFUR CLOUDS

An extra-ordinary sight was closing in as we drew nearer to the steam of sulfuric clouds and came to a sudden stop. I was ecstatic because I didn’t expect the spectacle before my eyes. I remember him asking last night if I had seen an activity similar to this. I responded, “Yes, in Tiwi, Albay, but it’s no longer in existence.”

RUSTY AND RUST-FREE FALLS OF PULANG LUPA, VALENCIA

Our scooter snaked through the unpaved road and the rusty shallow river leading us to the waterfalls. The bigger and taller but rusty falls have a distinct charm, the rust of course, which highlights the cascading water as it drops on its basin and makes it way out through the stream down the river. A video documents the beauty of the Pulang Lupa falls. I was told that at times the water could get warm. When I tried to feel the water, it was not.

Few steps away higher are the rust-free Malabo Falls. The basin of the falls, a non-extant pool ravaged by Typhoon Yolanda, was covered by erosion and landslide. It is visited by habitués and the spot has become a crowd drawer as it was being maintained by the municipality. Now the swimming fun has been moved a few steps further and a new pool is available for public usage.

RED ROCK HOT SPRING

Sans the things needed for the Valencia spur-of-the-moment tour, I braved to take the hot spring swim challenge sans undies. It was a matchless experience since I rarely get a chance to plunge on a warm pool with health benefits. Its natural rust made the base floor and stones plated with golden bronze in an amazing way. Two spouts beautify the pool with warm water pouring into the pool. I lingered awhile almost completing an hour or so before taking a quick bath. Relaxed somehow, we prepared for our uphill climb to Tiera Alta Resort.

TIERRA ALTA RESORT

It was still sunny when we hurtled to a five-star resort on an uphill property with high end amenities, picturesque vista of Dumaguete, lush mountains and seas, a very high and long zip line that made me flinch from doing the activity, are among the descriptions I have for Tierra Alta. 

The tantalizing and inviting come-ons of the pools and the lawn covered by Bermuda grass with a huge white marquee tent pitched on a featured area make the heavenly place just awe-amazing! A minimal entrance fee is charged to access the property. It’s a pity that I didn't make the zip line due to fear and I was the only interested party that time

SANS RIVAL AND SILVANAS TASTE

This favorite cake and pastry shop is arguably the most popular in Dumaguete. Their cakes and pastries have long been ballyhooed in blogs by satisfied bloggers, and a must-try treat in this City of genteel people.

Just before dark, all out of curiosity, I ordered a slice of sans rival cake, 3 pieces of silvanas and a cup of café latte for a late snack. These great tasting delights are the best pasalubong idea.

ATONG KAMALIG

From Sans Rival to the dimly-lit Rizal Boulevard and the already illumined Dumaguete signage is red-hot for tourists, and I was one of those who queued up for a good shot, but my battery was about to  deplete.

I walked cautiously towards Atong Kamalig though I was not hungry at all. As suggested, I had to order just to fulfill my itinerary and it wasn't bad at all to have dined here on my last night. They have a wide variety of grilled sea foods and other delicacies to choose from. It is pricey here and eating solo robs you a little bit of the food’s yumminess that is best shared by two or with a small group.

GOOD BYE DUMAGUETE

It was a very short visit and I'll be back for more activities sooner or later.

DREAMY AND BALMY AGUIRANGAN ISLAND..... FEATURING KINAHULUGAN FALLS

AGUIRANGAN ISLAND, MAANGAS, PRESENTACION, CAMARINES SUR

March 30-31, 2015

Aguirangan Island, tantalizing as it appears, has been teasing me since the late 80’s, every time I attend summer youth camps and Christmas conventions in Parubcan during my heydays as an active youth leader.

Now that I am a resident of Caramoan for almost two years, passing by this island became a commonplace and I didn’t even entertain the idea of hopping into this nearby paradise, having been to almost all the major touristic island beaches in the country.

The right time has come when the school year ended that it was high time to discover what Aguirangan has to offer. Through phone chats, the plan was conceived and got the nods of the limited members. We are actually four! Leah and Christopher are both teachers from our district, with my housemate Jaymark made the group in search for an early summer fun!

See the setting of the sun from Aguirangan Island

The island dwellers have just settled down as night befalls

Our tent resembles our shirts in color and will shelter us through the night

THE ISLAND BEACH EXPERIENCE

The caretaker of the island has his own tour package. That included the boat ride to and fro the island, entrance, cottage and overnight fees. A brief cruise for about 10 minutes, quelled our hunger for this adventure and it was just amazing to have landed on this “very-near, but -hard-to reach-island”.

Yes, it is. From Sabang, you need to rent a boat to get to the island for about 45-minute cruise. Alternatively, from Goa terminal, take a Maangas-bound jeepney or catch by chance a Caramoan-bound Raymund bus and alight at Maangas proper. Boats are available especially the caretaker’s boat. Dare to swim across? You may.

The views were all eye-popping as we got close to and when we were already on the island. The beautiful hues of the sky stole show as it was reflected by the setting sun.  Seeing the distant towns by the lights they emit and the nearby mainland, still a part of the peninsula made us feel safe and secure.

We pitched our tent, fresh from Lazada, in no time at all, and started to wallow in the white sand while capturing memories from the revelation of the beauty of the island, chirping birds and the rustling of coconut palm trees behind out tent and cottage.

The island didn’t darken. Before the sun has set, the half-moon has replaced the daylight sun so fun continued to count. Blessed with a perfect weather for this event, we relished the moonlight and enjoyed stargazing as well. Cracking jokes and sharing of unscripted stories were the main agenda for the night, not to mention the photo-taking which was an obvious requisite.

When morning broke, we ambled together around the island for fresh morning views, and leaving behind footprints as we value the surroundings. The creamy fine sand where our barefoot step on was just delightful without any room for reproach on my part. I fully loved everything about this still unspoiled wee island, just a striking distance from the shores of Maangas and a refreshing perk to travelers bound to Caramoan.

We found a perfect spot to frolic and wallow on, etching on the sand the island we are on and our date of stay. Then, we all rushed for a swim, enjoying the waves smashing us along the shores.

These fresh footprints signify that we have circled the 1.5 hectares Aguirangan Island  on our early morning walk

The creamy fine sand on the other side of the beach facing Maangas barangay proper

This hermit crab greeted us during our morning beach-bumming

What a fun with the sand, etching on it the island's name and our date of visit

A beautiful morning on Aguirangan makes it perfect for a small group to get ready  for a dip 

Time to part ways from  this prized island as we wait for  the boatman to show up

Splendid floating treasure in Camarines Sur

Leaving the island behind at mid-morning

Back to Maangas and head off to Kinahulugan Falls

The falls' basin. Good for swimming and rock jumping

The trickling falls

A QUIZZICAL RAMBLE AROUND ENCHANTED SIQUIJOR ISLAND

My February 25 Siquijor travel madness was inspired by the People’s Power Day and the quizzical quest in me to confirm or refute allegations on witchcraft and sorcery in Siquijor rather than on its moniker as the "Island of Fire."

Being first in my bucket list for 2015, I took time out from a stressful battle with unruly and ill-mannered learners from my workstation.  I noticed in my previous travel stories one common denominator:- "To de-stress.”

At first, braving a holiday getaway to a dreaded destination was just a skin-deep thought playing in the back of my mind. It was a genuine curiosity that induced my interest for this island province as I have searched and browsed all the particulars about Siquijor. I was upbeat to conquer the threat and enjoy the treat.

DUMAGUETE AND SIQUIJOR TOUCHDOWNS

My former student from a computer school in Pili, Camarines Sur, a resident of Valencia, Negros Oriental, met me up at Dumaguete Airport. He flashed a welcome greeting printed on an oversized paper welcoming me to Dumaguete. The effort was commendable as I actually prodded him to do it for me.

He captured few snapshots of me outside the airport before driving me to the seaport on his motor scooter. I purchased the next available trip to Siquijor via Jaylann-2 while Jerel left his scooter somewhere at downtown Dumaguete. On his arrival, we immediately boarded the sea craft and the cruise lasted for about 80 minutes.

The impressive turquoise water in the pier of Siquijor was clean and deep, I thought. Few steps after our descent from the craft, Tata, the driver-cum-guide whom I have contacted a day before I flew in to Dumaguete surprised me with a printed welcome greeting. His red pedicab was already ready for our adventure.

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH, SIQUIJOR

About 15 meters meters away from the port, the church emerged. The cemented letters sitting on the ground read: WELCOMETO SIQUIJOR.  I guess it is one of the most photographed places in the province. To my surprise, while posing for my second snapshot, the fountain right behind me was opened and that thing added life to the background.

We had a short stop over at an eatery inside the market for a quick lunch. There we had the puso steamed rice inside a ball-like coconut leaf, common in Visayas and Mindanao which we had eaten hand-held on my left and it went with native chicken tinola, using my right hand. It was our first meal on Siquijor Island. 

GUIWANON SPRING PARK

From the road’s shoulder, an immediate entrance to the park awaits. You will pass through a long footbridge on stilts that would lead you to the main cottage. Thick trees and mangroves are the common sight; with the strikingly splendid sea contribute to its relaxing ambiance. Bunkhouses are seen on sturdy trees which are open for lodging.

This park is good for a swift sight-seeing and selfie taking, unless you decide to extend a longer time lazing around or spend the night eerily on one of the trees.

TULAPOS MARINE SANCTUARY

A one-minute stop to hail the mangroves which are starting to bud and replenish the denuded area of the sea bank. For now, it was just ordinary and nothing special for the eyes to see, but it time, the residents of Enrique Villanueva will be the beneficiaries of this undertaking.

BUKAYO BREAD

I met the baker, Lilibeth, who was featured in a travel magazine show, in her makeshift bakery thus getting this idea for a taste of the local bread. There’s a small clay oven that is heated up by live charcoals. The filling of the bread looks pasty and it is far different from the common pan de coco. Let me just give credit for whatever reason to this popular island bread. I bought 30 buns at Php 6.00 each for pasalubong, but half of it got stale and rot in my four days stay.

SALAGDOONG BEACH AND AGRIPINO HOTEL

The disclosure of country views was unwrapping as we headed on to our final destination for the day, Salagdoong beach and hotel. This government owned property is a must-see attraction in Siquijor.

Dainty concrete statuettes of the Salagdoong duck, a local fowl, from which this property was named after. 

Down the beach are the following amenities, concrete mushroom-type cottages, restaurant, footbridge, slides and jumping platforms. The sophistication of this beach owes it from the scant and limited sandy area, but darn hold your breath when you view or take shots of the main beach from the elevated part, will make you orally compose exclamatory expressions.

Two water-slides which are temporarily unavailable during my visit and the jumping platforms are inviting attractions. That means that this beach is not only perfect for swimming but the deeper part is great for jumping acts as well.

I checked in at the three-storey Hotel Agripino. Their standard room was cozy and comfy with good air-conditioning and two beds. I dozed-off for a while before checking on the attractions down the beach. Almost sleepless for the past two nights, I made it up here on my bed till the morning light.

OLD CHURCH, MARIA, SIQUIJOR

A small old church in Maria town was our first stop for the day. What I usually do is to take a shot of the façade, then the altar, ceiling or dome.  I have nothing to say about this ordinary place of worship. So off we go to the next attraction!

LAZI CHURCH, CONVENT AND MUSEUM

This old Roman Catholic Church’s admirable design is by far the grandest of all the churches all over Siquijor. I noticed the abaca rope curtain on the main door which to me was unique. I didn’t bother to ask our guide but one thing he told us was about the wooden tiles as the flooring of the church.

Across the church there’s an enormous Narra tree. You can find an equally big old building where the museum, convent and school are housed. A climate of good vibe can be felt while you pass time anywhere in the vicinity would reward you with peace.

CAMBUGAHAY FALLS

Described as a three-tiered waterfalls, there things could be enjoyed on each layer. I tried them all and it was real fun!

The first thing that I reluctantly did was jumping over the falls, yes, with the low cascading falls, while our guide was taking my video and giving out instructions to evade a certain part where a rock was lurking underneath.

Then down to the second tier of the falls, I simply posed on the trickling water behind me and went on for a quick dip.

Finally, the lowest part offered the most fun of all. Vine swinging! This evoked childhood memories of our river in Santiago, and I was jubilant to have tried it once again in my life in the presence of local and foreign tourists. Shook off tons of stress somehow.

LUNCH AT A HOLE IN THE WALL

Famished after the series of activities, we pigged out in an eatery with a good bill of fare. We ordered local delicacies that left us glutted for the next attraction to follow.

FISH SPA AT CENTURIES OLD BALETE TREE

The oversized-trunk and the manifold branches make it stand out as an attraction rather than a creepy sight. A shallow pool teeming with small schools of fish is a hangout for relaxation and to pamper yourself with these friendly “at-your-feet’s-service’ fingerlings ever ready to nibble off the dead skin from your weary feet.

To rate this activity, two thumbs up.

CAPILAY SPRING PARK, SAN JUAN

Right at the town’s center of San Juan, a natural spring flowing out on two concrete pools for swimming and laundering are found in this town. The park may seem ordinary yet it brings good reasons to enjoy this rare blessings. No one was moved to take a plunge so we headed out to the final spot on offer.

PALITON BEACH AND FISH SANCTUARY

This secluded beach, a cove, with generous and appreciable white sand is still unspoiled. Small fishing boats docked along its shore are visible. Bushes sitting on the jagged cliff embellish the other side of the cove. I sensed that soon there would be improvements on the area and will soon strip off this beach with the adjective “unspoiled.”

Having reached the pinnacle of our itinerary, we spent a little while lazing on the beach, just the perfect way to call it a day. Touring around the island and experiencing the six municipalities of Siquijor, the third largest island province, got me some sense of gratification for the completion of this trip with God’s provision and protection.

SHOP, STROLL, DINE IN SIQUIJOR TOWN

After our tour, Tata brought us to Tumamak Lodge. This property has native rooms with simple accommodation for backpackers. Ideal place to access Siquijor town and the port on foot. Shopped for souvenir shirts, roamed around town, and posed by a burger store with I LOVE SIQUIJOR, and that prompted us to try their burger combo. The good-looking burger with fries and red iced-tea is a must-try.  The patty was crispy like no other, and it is tasty. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Jaylann-2 ferried us back to Dumaguete the following morning as early as 5:40, seeing the rising of the sun  as I looked back and took with me good memories of this prejudged island.