Badian Island Resort and Spa | A Paradise Resort

             My father was invited by his co-employee to have some summer escapade in an island that only known by few people. And since I’m such an explorer by heart, I did convince my father to go but of course together with the whole family, so I’m in. Before weekend comes I felt so tired because of some office tasks that I needed to fixed though still, I can’t get off my head the island that me and my family will be spending  the weekends. Then Saturday came and my father informed us that the place well be going was Badian Island, located on the southwest coast of Cebu. Since Badian was more than a couple of hour ride we did wake up earlier, like 4:00AM to catch the 5:00AM bus and get on the place  early so that we can get to explore the island longer.

             The moment we arrived on the island, I didn’t waste any time and get my exploration begin. I happened to get the information that its name was Badian Island Resort and Spa, the resort was built to provide employment to local residents around Badian Island and to help boost tourism in the Philippines. The resort offers the gift of holistic well-being by introducing natural spa treatment, yoga exercises and organic eating and drinking lifestyle. It also have an ionized seawater outdoor pools that can ultimately heal and revitalize the body. Badian Island Resort and Spa offers first-class room accommodations, WI-FI Internet access, international cuisines, fine dining entertainment, exciting excursions, yacht cruising, scuba diving and fun beach activities.

             Badian Island Resort and Spa has a total of 42 rooms having 10 Family Suites, 6 Pool Villas, 18 Junior Suites and 8 Badian Suites. The luxurious hotel resort situated on a private beach in Badian. Breakfast is included in the room rates and served daily. Children 3 years old and below were free of charge sharing existing bedding. Check-in time is 2:00PM and checkout time is 12:00 noon. The signature treatment and massage that Badian Island Resort and Spa offers were Badian Deluxe Four-Hand Massage (75 minutes), Warm Seaweed Bath (30 minutes), Seaweed Massage (60 minutes), Badian Hilot(60 minutes), Traditional Herbal Massage (90 minutes), Island Paradise Massage (60 minutes), Pure Indulgence (180 minutes), Badian Unique Discovery (120 minutes) and many more. The resort also offer some tour and excursion packages like Whale Shark Watching – Half day Tour, Dolphin Watching - with hotel owned motor yacht, Island Hopping - with hotel owned motor yacht, Bay Cruising - with hotel owned motor yacht, Kawasan Waterfalls Tour - with hotel owned private Land transfer, Dumaguete Tour - full day tour to this Negros with use of ferry and many more.

             There’s so many things I’ve experienced being in Badian Island Resort and Spa, experiences that I always love to remember. Thanks to all the staffs that accommodated and treated us very well on our stay. I so love to get back very soon. How ‘bout you? Wanna experience such a heavenly feeling and away from the hassle of being in the city? Then come and join me when I get back in Badian Island Resort and Spa.

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OSLOB "Place of Natural Indulgence"

Have you ever been in a town that showcases historic and scenic views that will allow you to collect so many memories when you left. It might take more or less 3 hours to arrived at the place but everything that you will be experiencing is so worthwhile.

Carry your backpacks and join me as I take you a tour on the "Place of Natural Indulgence: OSLOB".

Oslob is formerly known as "Nigad". The word “Oslob” originated due to the misunderstandings between a native couple who's named are "Umpang" and "Burong", and the two civil guards(guardia civils) in the year 1785. The story goes when the said couple were taking a rest under a tree and eating a boiled bananas while soaking it in a vinegar and salt.Two Civil guards pass by and asked the couple; “Como se llama esto pueblo?”(What is the name of this town?). The couple not understanding what the civil guards were saying and thinking that they were asked what they were doing. And since at that time, the couple were soaking the bananas they replied ”Toslob”, which means “Soak or to dip”. And later on, the name was shortened to "Oslob".

Spanish Cuartel

There's no historical landmark has been installed and there's no document about its history has been retrieved but I’ve found out that it was built by El Gran Maestro Don Marcus Sabandal to serve as barracks for the Spanish armies. It is also believed that it served as the first line of defense for the naval infantry due to the town’s strategic location however, its construction was put on hold when the Americans arrived in 1899.&nbspThe Spanish Cuartel, a double rows of arches and 91 centimeter-thick walls of coral stones is said that the stones used for its construction came from the remnants of the collapsed floor of the once five-level bell tower of the nearby church of Nuestra Señora de la Immaculada Concepcion.

Nuestra Señora de la Immaculada Concepcion

Fronting the coast of Oslob is the massive church of Immaculate Concepcion. Constructed on May 4, 1830, that was designed by Bishop Santos Gomez Marañon. He is the same prelate who had built the kiosk of Magellan’s Cross in Cebu City that holds another historic story. However, the construction of the current structure is attributed to Fray Julian Bermejo, the warrior-priest who organized a military defense system composed of "Bantay sa Hari"/watchtowers and fortress churches in the southern coastal region of Cebu. Unfortunately, the church together with its centuries-old rectory is undergoing major reconstruction after both structures were razed by an 8-hour fire in 2008. December  8 is the Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion, the patroness of Oslob.

Oslob Belfry

Flanking on the left side of the main church is its four-storey massive belfry. Natives said that the belfry used to be five-levels high however the topmost floor was destroyed by a typhoon and was never rebuilt then another story is said that the belfry is a seven-storey high with 10 bells which have collapsed in 1871. I'm confused though the belfry is so scenic that you can't help yourself but locked your eyes into it.

Baluarte

Constructed on 1788 to act as defense front line of the complex against the moors that enjoyed invading the pueblos along the coast is called "Paril/Baluarte". The thick antique coral stonewalls are topped by a series of inverted cone shaped stones, this unique feature completes the medieval fortress. Attributed by Fray Bermejo, one can only imagine how it looked like from the ruins, the rear portion of the massive wall, gun-slits and the small entrance.

Calle Aragones

The oldest street in Oslob is built on 1879 that is called "Calle Aragones", was named after Parish Priest, Fr. Jose Aragones during the Spanish Era. Walking along in the old street you will then realized that you're following the main processional route way back that connects the church complex with that of the cemetery. The panteon is the focal point of the cemetery complex. According to tradition, the site is where the Spanish priests performed their penitential rituals every 8 in the evening over a platform that once stood at the center.

Tumalog Falls

Another a-must-see and recently discovered place in Oslob is the raw beauty of Tumalog Falls. Also known as “Toslob Falls” or “Mag-Ambak Falls”. The falls have mini-umbrellas that cascade fine strands of cold, fresh water in a rain-like fashion. To get there, you first have to drive a car or rent a "habal-habal" for 15 minutes to the highlands of Oslob and hike for another 15 minutes to discover the falls in which the way down was very steep. There's a natural mini-pool that welcomes you as you enter the area and a century-old trees that provides a mini Jurassic era ambiance. Everyone's might be jaw dropped upon seeing the humbled by the natural beauty of the falls. This immaculate nature attraction is truly breath-taking.

Whale Shark and White Sand Beaches

Oslob is rich of beaches where white sands resides together with a very awesome view of the horizon from the shoreline or wherever your eyes gets you. The very quite sea hides a very big secret that natures offer, "Whale Sharks". You may have four options to experience the humble giants' company.
       • Scuba dive from a  shore entry, it is just a shallow dive in about less than 5 meter but always note that there might be a strong currents along the coast.
       • Snorkel along the sea with your own gear or you might as well rent for there are also available gears from the beach owner.
       • Take a ride on a small fishermen’s boat wherein usually only room for one visitor per boat within 40 minutes.
       • Hire an outrigger boat but the things is, there are restrictions on how close you can get to the whale sharks.

You may check out their Official Website: oslob.gov.ph to collect some information on how things are going and how to get there, fell free to interact. You might as well check on the video below to boast your interest on the place.

Here are some pictures that might interest you to visit at Oslob,"Place of Natural Indulgence".

The beauty of nature do hugs your eyes  the moment you arrive at the place, Oslob.

Solemnity strikes as you pave yourself on the park that offers the view of the horizon.

The holy ground of Nuestra Señora de la Immaculada Concepcion Parish let's you contemplate deeply.

"So what are you waiting for my dear beautiful ladies and handsome guys out there. Experience the humble offer as our Mother Nature showcases OSLOB, Place of Natural Indulgence." ^_^

*Credits to the University of San Jose-Recoletos, Marketing students of Hotel and Management(BSHM). Mr. Steven N. Sasam's class for the pictures and video.

*Ma. Rhe John, G-Anne, Stingo, Waneth, Mariz, John Louis, Jona, Jenny, Deyya and Janine.

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Environment - the zone of EARTH that is able to sustain LIFE

People tend to think of themselves as the most, if not the only important creatures on earth. We tend to think that all other things are created for our benefit and therefore we can use them in any way we want.


This world is ours. It is our only home in space. As we keep our own homes clean, let us keep our world clean.


The air, water and soil are gifts. Indeed, as a famous song goes, "The best things in LIFE are FREE". In gratitude to the Giver, let us keep these gifts clean and safe for all.

As far as the environment is concerned, the expression "Quality of Life" is meant to describe a state or condition in which: a. air, water and land are free from pollution, b. the supply of natural resources does not fall to critical levels and c. the balance of nature is not disturbed.

This means that we have clean air and water. Human wastes and garbage are properly and efficiently disposed off. Logging, hunting and fishing are regulated so that the supply of wood, forests products and aquatic life does not get depleted. There is no shortage of water and electricity. There are no serious flooding problems. Land use is wisely managed so as to achieve an effective ratio of the areas alloted to forests, agricultural lands, industrial lands and residential lands.


Today we entertain the idea that we are the masters of all things around us. But it also shows us how our activities affect both the other living and non-living things in our environment. It shows us that, if we are crazy, we can harm the very environment of which we are part but, in the last analysis, it will be to our disadvantage. It will be like burning the house where we live, because everything in an environment is, in one way or another, connected to everything else.

No person or group of persons can claim exclusive ownership of planet Earth. This planet belongs to all the people who have been born and will be born on it. The planet Earth is a system shared by all people alive today. All of us breathe and partake of the same air that envelopes the Earth. No person is meant to live on earth forever. Through birth we receive our turn to walk the earth. Through death we will leave everything that is of the earth. Our natural resources are meant not only for the present generation of Filipinos but also for the many generations of Filipinos to come. Let us manage these resources wisely.


When our turn to go comes, the next generations should be able to say: "They left us a good place to live in; They cared!". So the next time we litter or kill the animals or cut trees or do activities that may harm our environment, we must first think what are the disadvantages or bad effects on it then put on out mind that we're not the only one who own this planet. So we must preserve our environment starting today or even on the day you were born and hope to last it forever.

To achieve such quality of life, people have to impose discipline on themselves... ^_^

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Imperial Palace, Cebu: the place I really dream to go

I was totally mesmerized as I found out that my elder brother is working in the place everybody was talking about. And for a person who loves to wander around, plus the beautiful things everybody describe about Imperial Palace.
So to end my imagination what Imperial palace really looks, I decided to ask my bog bro, who was working there and see it everyday, what he can say about Imperial Palace.


This are the things my Big Bro said:


The first time I went inside Imperial Palace, it was as if I entered an Oasis. The front lawn was landscaped in brightly-colored flowers and the Palace itself rose like a temple, dominating the horizon.

Imperial Palace is a Korean-owned hotel chain, and its Cebu location is the first of its kind outside Korea. The famed and mercurial architect John Hwan Park(talented jud ang mga John...) is the one who designed the Palace.

The spacious lobby overwhelmed me with a sense of luxury. And one part of the wide white marble lobby was a bar that overlooked the resort's expansive network of pools. Its full name is Imperial Palace Resort and Waterpark.


The Palace's family dining restaurant is an extravaganza of five different ethnic cuisines and everything you could want in between.


The Palace have a romantic red suite, with its own black marble bar, complete with two posh black barstools. The living area came with a comfortable, stylish sofa, coffee table and flat screen television. The beds are soft with thick down comforters. The bathrooms got slate floors, three rooms, stand alone tub and etc.

In a co-worker my brother heard that in 2003, a few years into retirement, Park Yon Jun's father took a vacation in Cebu. The story goes that he enjoyed his stay so much he wanted to extend for two more days, but he couldn't because the hotel he was staying in was full. So he said, " Hey! I think I'll put up my own hotel! ", and so Imperial palace was build.

In a conference my brother heard that Mr. park, the chairman was asked " So, why did the management choose to build here in Cebu? " He answered " Cebu has very good infrastructure, and 40 direct flights from Korea. It's a 4-hour plane flight so you won't feel so tired ". General Manager Richie Kang chimed in, " Cebu is a very beautiful place. The beaches are just minutes away. The mountains are lush and there is a rich culture. We are happy to be part of this thriving community ".
And referring to his father, Park said: " Not only are we celebrating his dream, but his secret to being young. If you want to look 30 years younger, pick up a challenge like building Imperial Palace!(SHOCKS!!! a very challenging one...) ".

My big bro said so many marvelous things about Imperial Palace but I just wrote here a summary 'coz if I write all, I might have a whole magazine for sure...!!!
I may have oooh'd a little as my brother describe the Palace. And so I guess I will start saving money so I may treat my family there, for a once in a lifetime experience... ^_^

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Basilica Minor del Santo Niño | Magellan's Coss

I proudly tackle here the very great Catholic spots in Cebu...

First was Basilica Minor del Santo Niño...

Originally built in 1565, it is a home to what many consider the oldest religious relic in the Philippines, the image of Santo Niño. In 1521, magellan gave Filipina Queen Juana the image of the Santo Niño as a baptismal gift. Many years later, following the sacking of the town, a soldier searching through the charred rubble found the image of the Santo Niño half buried, totally untouched by the flames that had burned down the house around it.

Since then, this miraculous image has been venerated by the Cebuanos with religious fervor, and people travel from all over the Philippines and the rest of the world to view this magnificent catholic icon.

Close to basilica del Santo Niño stands Magellan's Cross and Shrine. Planted in April 21, 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, this marks the spot where the first Christian Filipinos, rajah Humabon, Queen Juana and about 400 of their followers were baptized by Fr. Pedro Valderama.

Originally, the cross was surrounded by an open shrine; however, as some natives believed the cross had miraculous power, they began to cut pieces off the cross believing it had a miraculous power.

To prevent further damage, a new enclosed shrine was built, and a hallow cross of Tindalo wood was made to encase and protect the original cross. Now with the shrine stunningly decorated with beautiful ceiling murals, Magellan's Cross and Shrine is a prime destination for visitors.

^_^

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Fort San Pedro - encapsulate Cebu's history

Fort San Pedro is a very lovely place and it encapsulate Cebu's history...


Let me inform all of you a little about Fort San Pedro...

Near the Cebu area sits Fort San Pedro, as a stately reminder of bygone era. Began as a wooden structure in 1565 and after a number of medications finally finished in stone in 1738, the fort is the smallest and oldest, tribastion fort in the Philippines.





Originally, the fort provided safe haven for people of the Spanish settlement, but the years have seen it used for many purposes, as a military garrison, rebel stronghold and even a zoo....!!!

Now under the jurisdiction and care of the Cebu City Local Government, the fort's walls and inner courtyard gardens provided a relaxing reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city.






^_^

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I Love Cebu | Welcome to CEBU

I happen to realize that my site doesn't tackle yet the very province I born --- Cebu. Well then, allow me to tell you things about Cebu...

                    
Zubu, the original name for Cebu. Cebu was already an important port and crossroad for trade many centuries before the birth of Ferdinand Magellan. In fact, for more than a millennium before his birth, Cebu's sheltered harbor served as a hub for travelers and merchants from exotic and far-off foreign lands. However, when Magellan landed on the island in April 1521, he quickly decided that Cebu's central location and balmy weather made it an ideal base.

While Cebu's first European visitor did not leave with happy memories --- being as he was killed in skirmish with Chieftain Lapu-lapu --- nowadays, things have changed considerably. The island's friendly people and host of attractions, natural man-made, modern and ancient, make Cebu stand out as one of the most popular destinations in the archipelago.


Situated in the protected middle of the Philippine archipelago; Cebu's location ensures a relatively dry climate, making the surrounding seas clear, calm and diveable. Cebu boasts some of the best dive locations and dive resorts. One of the most exciting aspects of diving around Cebu is the many different dive types that can be experienced. Some areas are famous for the thresher sharks, manta rays and the extremely popular gargantuan whale sharks. Dive sites have fantastic coral gardens, sleep overhanging walls and cliffs, all teeming with a myriad of colored reef fish.


An ideal location for nature lovers and adventure seekers, Cebu provides a host of treks through deep green jungles, alongside crystal-clear rivers and foaming waterfalls. Trekking isn't the only way adventure seekers can experience Cebu, one can also go for mountain biking, horseback riding and golfing. 



World-class beach resort with international standard accommodations and amenities dot the nearby island of Mactan. Lovers of sea breeze, white sand and qua sports such as scuba diving, jet skiing, snorkeling, windsurfing, water skiing can make their choices. Lovely beach resorts can also be found at the lovely seaside towns.






So for a wonderful experience just visit my beloved province --- CEBU. Everybody is free to come!!!

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