📍 Oslob, Cebu

Enjoy whale watching in Oslob, South of Cebu. These amazing creatures are so friendly yet they’re so big! Friendly giants indeed.

Let us protect our oceans & seas by not throwing our garbage anywhere. Let’s minimize the use of single use plastics like straws and the like.

We are not the only living beings that need a better environment, a better world. The animals, the plants, us, we need a cleaner world, we can achieve this through discipline, proper knowledge & compassion.

Here are some snippets of my Oslob Whale Watching:

Lost in Taoist Temple.

The Cebu Taoist Temple, one of Cebu’s famous tourist attraction was built in 1972. People from all sorts of life and religion come here to see its grandeur and offer prayers and wishes of good luck and fortune. 💫 One can also refresh and relax with the view that the temple has to offer.

Get lost with Tim, Taoist Temple. 2017.

Beach, beach, beach.

Sim’s ice cream! Butter Pecan, I dont know whats that but itsss so delicious! 💚

Candid shots are the best.

Turning away from life’s problems be like.

Smile! Because you are worth it 🌼

Getting darker and darker by the minute. ✨

Look at that view!!

Clear blue waters, can’t drown me.

Beach is always a good idea. 🌸

Side Trip: Padre Burgos

Forty five minutes from the capital of Southern Leyte lies Padre Burgos, a peaceful and picturesque municipality that boasts tourist worthy beaches, dive resorts & charming coastlines. One of its acclaimed spots that’s slowly gaining name & visitors is the Blue Deep Resort. The unique design and architecture of the place really captivates the eye of the goers. The place is rustic and has a blend of polynesian inspired villas and asian design and also it holds a panoramic view of the bay which surely, will inspire you to go diving. Padre Burgos has A LOT of diving resorts.

Aside from the view and the beach, the resort offers a variety of food.

And the rest is for you to experience.
See you there!
How to get there:
Start from Maasin 🚌
– Multicab fare is 30 php
– Multicabs standby at the J&F store
– You can take the bus that will go to Malitbog still at 30 php

 

Beach-peditions.

Going to the beach is always a good idea. The last time I went to the beach it was pretty much gloomy, literally and figuratively. This time, the sun’s really up! and I mean really up. The beach’s water is blue, sand’s perfectly white and the breeze makes you want to get that four seasons cocktail and just chill and never mind the work load you have left behind in the city. Pack up your things and get away. But mostly, what happens to me is that I forget a lot of things to bring, and I mean a lot but I’d always make up for such loss. So here are some tips. If you’re planning on going on to somewhere ‘beachy” or not, do not forget to write an itinerary and a listing of the clothes or things you’d like to bring with you. Also, you might wanna bring with you towels or the traditional “malong” if you’re backpacking because not all destinations provide you with dressing rooms, they come in handy. Always re-hydrate your body so you won’t get heat strokes. And lastly what’s important is how you spend your beach holiday. And oh! here’s a beach tip: Don’t forget to put sunscreen, or else. 🙂

Love, Tim

North Bound

As a kid, I was always afraid of riding planes because I saw a lot of movies back then that weren’t really trip-provoking but as it turns out it was and still is an amazing experience.

So here’s my North bound trip 🙂

Old meets new. Inside the walled city of Intramuros, old cultures of buildings and architecture meet with new and advance idiosyncrasies of the people and the community.

One of the famous landmarks of Manila is The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception also known as the Manila Cathedral. It has been there for quite some time now. It was established back in 1571. Has been struck by different challenges like earthquake and fire. It has been restored and now you can marvel to its grandeur as well as practice your faith.

“Refugium Peccatorum”

Found inside the church is a small chamber dedicated to the image of Mary, Refuge of Sinners. You can offer your prayers here especially with the intentions of those who have departed before us.

The Cathedral’s Belfry. #JAwDropping

“The San Agustin Church”

Another symbolic architecture found in Intramuros is the more than 400 year old church of Saint Augustine.

Here are some snippets from my Tagaytay experience.

The sun about to bid farewell.

Old houses.

Pineapples! My fave.

Just perfect.

Hahaha. Oh no.

Hello, Peek a boo!

Purple skylines.

Perf Shot!

 

And lastly, my MNL trip would not be complete if it weren’t for them.

Love, Tim.

Travel became my medicine.

Before, in the four corners of my room I confined in solitude imagining what it’s like to be traveling around here and there. The more I do, the more I become weary to the fact that what I ought to be doing right now might all just be, illusions rather than heart-warming daydreams. “To travel is to live” said the famous quote and that as we move from one place to another we let our soul rather than our bodies grow, develop and learn. It seems like as we meet new people and see new horizons we become numb to the effects of time and as we let the moment sink in, only then can we recognize the fact that traveling may have cured us from the recurring sickness brought about by monotone habits.

The idea of it all struck me in a sublime manner and opened my eyes to the great promises of traveling. I, for myself am blessed to have received what I have today, not the terminal fees I have paid, not the gasoline tanks filled, not the burnt skin in driving in the shade of southern skies, not the islands I’ve crossed nor the scars that came along the way, but it is that sting you just can’t explain. That certain feeling you gain as you talk to strangers, as you break the ice between intimidation and share smiles. That certain feeling that give you the chill when you see the sunsets and feel the warm breeze of the sea and remember home.

To travel really is to live. We breathe air but more than that we cling on to memories for us to be reminded that we are not machines that feed on programs and software but embodied spirits that live on cherished moments, moments that may either be bound for oblivion or for ethereal nostalgia. These are more than thoughts written and emotions put to words.

Life is not a race and the world isn’t big enough for the life we have dreamed of, travel and be cured.

DIGYO: Stole My Heart

 

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city life awaits the Cuatro Islas of Leyte. Four uniquely beautiful islands with pristine coastlines. I was enchanted to have roamed one of the four. Digyo, the smallest but the most alluring of them all captured my heart.

The journey starts with a boat ride from the port and in around 30 to 45 minutes travel time. Mind you, the waves there can be a challenge, so I suggest, you travel in the morning but if you’re an adventure junkie you might as well keep up with the waves. Once you reach the island you’ll see below the white sand and the different marine animals lurking therein. The island features nothing less than untouched beauty. Locals are few, there are only eight houses in the island and solar panels power the island lamp posts. Please charge your phones and cameras or bring many power banks as possible.

At night time, the wind is chilly but not biting. I, myself, slept in the sand and it was an amazing experience, no tents, no mosquito repellents, no reservations, just a blanket. The best part of that night was the glorious skyline full of stars because it’s far from light pollution. You’ll certainly get in touched and feel one with nature.

You’d definitely need to bring sea goggles. The view below is as amazing as the view above. If you have underwater cameras then you’d definitely have a blast.

Sunbathing is a must, but please, put on some sunscreen to protect the skin you’re in. There aren’t enough tall trees that could shade you in the seashore.

I’d definitely go loco for some cocos. There are a lot.

If you have a soft spot for seafoods, then you better gear up because the island offers so many different fresh produce. From shells, to different varieties of fish. Surely, it would be a gastronomic feast. Simple life hack: Bring someone who knows how to cook! Numnum

Perhaps the best thing that the island gave to me was taking away a part of something that I needed to let out that I have kept in for quite sometime. I can’t lie, I really have a soft spot for beaches. They usually take my stress away. The best and humane form of pain relievers and water therapy at its finest.

I’d definitely be back. The three islands better be ready.

Tim.