An afternoon at Sans Rival in Dumaguete
At a Sunday afternoon, what can be better than taking the girls for an outing. Bonding, having a nice time and relaxing... oups maybe someone will not agree about the last statement hehe. Well check out the short video clip at the end and you will see what I mean...
Related links:
Apo island the pearl of the Visayas Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin Road trip to Sipalay A day of exercise The fine art of eating an ice cream Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete The Christmas House in Dumaguete Tarbush, a story of love The boulevard in Dumaguete Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
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The unknown pearl
This is one of the more unknown hot sulphur springs in the area around Dumaguete. The place is located remotely in the rainforest so expect no shops, changing rooms or comfort rooms here. The hot spring basically consists of five pools where one of the pools is not suitable for bathing due to no maintenance. So that leaves us four pools, where another one is by far too hot, more suitable for boiling egg. So what remains are three pools with hot, medium and a little bit cooler water. The water is not clear but I guess it depends on the minerals... hey this water is volcanic and comes directly out from the mountain after all! The area is quiet and peaceful and if you are resonable fit and are not dependent of shops and changing rooms this is the place for you!
Going down to the hot springs. Indeed we saw many people at the turnback, but they were there for cock fights not for the hot springs.
Going there
The sulphur Baslay hot springs are accessed along a bumpy road 10 km off the main highway, best accessed by motorcycle or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi). When you drive south from Dumaguete, pass Dauin proper and when you see the Blue Pearl Minimart you turn the next available road to the right. Then go the bumpy road 10 km until it ends in a turnback. From there follow a cemented path with steep stairs down to the river for about additional 10 min. Expect it to be steep and slippery at some points.
Related links:
Apo island the pearl of the Visayas Outing with the girls Road trip to Sipalay A day of exercise The fine art of eating an ice cream Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete The Christmas House in Dumaguete Tarbush, a story of love The boulevard in Dumaguete Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines Going by scooter to Sipalay
We decided to make a road trip on the scooter to Sipalay. The distance is roughly 180 km from Dumaguete to Sipalay one way. Either you can go along the coast which is a little bit longer and with more traffic or you can take the way through the mountains and Pamplona. We decided for traversing the mountains. The road was in very good condition, incredible beautiful and not much traffic.
The video shows the first stretch going from Dumaguete to Bayawan. We ended up having a huge barbecue dinner at Maricel's place.
We stayed in Bayawan, coming halfway
On our way we were surprised by heavy rainfall so we decided to stay overnight in Bayawan. We arrived like drenched cats at the sleepy little C & L Top View Inn centrally located. It was a nice budget hotel with a simple filipino breakfast included.
The video shows glimpses on our way to Sipalay and from the Jamont hotel. We also tried to get to the Sugar Beach but instead we ended up in the beach next to it.
Sipalay
We stayed at Jamont hotel downtown. It was near to the market and near to the beach. We had a nice spacious room and they served good coffee in the restaurant. Later we went out to look for the Sugar Beach that we heard so much about. The road going there was a little bit tricky so eventually we ended up at the beach next to the Sugar Beach. It turned out we had to take a boat the last bit to get there. But time was late and it was beginning to be dark so we skipped it, for this time.
Tinagong Dagat Island Resort and Perth Beach Resort
The next day we went on beach resorts safari. First we visited Tinagong Dagat Island Resort and then Perth Beach Resort. Both are located south of Sipalay, easy accessible if you have a scooter. Perth Beach Resort is famous for its pool with an incredible beautiful view overlooking the archipelago of islands. Both of these resort offer nice and simple accommodation to very reasonable rates.
The video shows our beach resorts safari with clips from the beautiful Tinagong Dagat Island Resort and from the pool of Perth Beach Resort with the totally astonishing view (!) overlooking the whole archipelago of islands.
Downtown Sipalay. The Sugar Beach is located north and the resorts we visited are located south of downtown.
Related links:
Apo island the pearl of the Visayas Outing with the girls Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin A day of exercise The fine art of eating an ice cream Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete The Christmas House in Dumaguete Tarbush, a story of love The boulevard in Dumaguete Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
With more than 30 degrees and a distance of totally roughly 8 km back and forth, where some stretches were pretty steep uphill, would probably be considered as a good exercise. Right? Yes, for sure! We went to Puncak Tanawan today. The purpose was to get some kilometers in our legs. A real bonus was that this place is incredible beautiful and quiet coz it's far from the bustling city of Dumaguete. I really enjoyed it here today. The technical details of hiking Puncak Tanawan is covered in an earlier post: Hike the Puncak Tanawan
Hey! Don't forget to check the video clip at the end!
A short compilation of our exercise up to Puncak Tanawan
Related links:
Apo island the pearl of the Visayas Outing with the girls Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin Road trip to Sipalay The fine art of eating an ice cream Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete The Christmas House in Dumaguete Tarbush, a story of love The boulevard in Dumaguete Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
A little girl's own way to enjoy an ice cream, that's happiness to see. But for the mom in charge I guess the feeling is somewhat double-edged. The happiness is mixed with trying to avoid a total mess which is of course often is inevitable! But for me as a photographer, I could just sit, relax and observe.
Hey! Don't forget to watch the short video clip at the end!
Related links:
Apo island the pearl of the Visayas Outing with the girls Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin Road trip to Sipalay A day of exercise Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete The Christmas House in Dumaguete Tarbush, a story of love The boulevard in Dumaguete Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
Related links:
Apo island the pearl of the Visayas Outing with the girls Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin Road trip to Sipalay A day of exercise The fine art of eating an ice cream Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete The Christmas House in Dumaguete Tarbush, a story of love The boulevard in Dumaguete Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines Dr. Rico Absin, the master of Christmas decorations
We are all used to Christmas decorations before Christmas, right? But at this house in Dumaguete, they take the Christmas decorations to the extreme. I have never seen anything like it, except maybe on movies. This house is just 5-10 minutes walk from the Silliman University and the entrance fee is 25 PHP / person.
A passion for art and decoration
This is the Dr. Rico Absin’s house, a former anesthesiologist in his late 50s. He has created an institution out of a genuine passion for art and decoration. This is actually his private residence and it’s well known as the Christmas House in Dumaguete and Negros Oriental. In December his house will be the brightest and merriest, illuminating the quaint old house which he has dwelled in most of his life and in which he now occupies alone after inheriting it from his parents.
A little bit surreal
For me it’s a little bit surreal to see all this and it raises some questions. Who is Dr. Absin? And why is he doing this year after year. Inside the big house which of course was full of Christmas decorations in every room and corner, there were also many personal things which like proved that someone actually was living there. For example there were lot’s of old photos from different episodes of his life, from his younger days until now.
For a good cause
It has become an annual custom for this Doctor to share his blessings during the season to some 300 less fortunate children in the city which he throws a party for their benefit. He never forgets to wrap up gifts to be given away and makes sure that not one child leaves without getting any. Also a member of the City Tourism Council, Dr. Absin holds benefits and fund raisers for this particular cause.
Related links:
Tarbush, a story of love The boulevard in Dumaguete Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City
Rizal Boulevard or more commonly known as just the Boulevard is the heart of Dumaguete. It's here everything happens. I love to stroll here specially in the evenings when the air is cooler and you can feel the ocean breeze. Many they are doing their exercises here as well, jogging and walking back and forth the boulevard. Some days of the week they arrange Zumba open for everybody brave enough to participate.
The boulevard’s stretch is immediately visible when coming into the Dumaguete port via any sea vessel. From the white lamp posts lining up the stretch to the stately trees swaying with the sea breeze, Rizal Boulevard holds a big part in the city’s provincial charm and has become a very popular landmark.
A lazy afternoon at the boulevard. (60 s video clip)
Named after the great Philippine national hero
Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City was named after the great Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, marking it as one of the historical sites found in the city. It has been said that he had made a brief visit and took a stroll here before departing to the neighboring island of Dapitan, Dipolog City where he was exiled for four years.
A venue for leisure and recreation.
Rizal Boulevard is definitely one of the city’s best loved places. It has become a landmark as well as a venue for leisure and recreation.
Related links:
Tarbush, a story of love Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines Chili ice cream, bagoong and sea urchins
When you travel around in the Philippines you will have the possibility to encounter food experiences unlike what you are used to from back home. So what can you expect? It's of course depending on your own curiosity and where and how you travel. Here I share just a few examples of my own experiences. But remember, be brave and stay curious... always!
Chili Ice Cream
Hot and spicy but still cold. How is that possible? This is really a perfect combo to enjoy the spiciness of the chili together with the mild taste and coolness of the ice cream. The scoop with two chili fruits is the most spicy one.
Chili pepper
Bagoong or shrimp paste
Fresh sea urchins
Raw sea urchin, how does it taste?
Sea urchin, also known as Uni, is loved by chefs and features heavily on tasting menus around the world. The delicacy of the ocean has a strong flavour and a strange texture if you're not used to eating it. Raw uni has a fresh ocean taste, briny and slightly minerally but not salty or "fishy". The flavor is mildly nutty with a slight sweetness similar to raw scallops. The texture is smooth, wet and custard-like. While the flavor of uni isn't particularly strong or sharp, the combination of the briny ocean taste and creamy texture is definitely not for everyone.
Visit Intramuros in ManilaIntramuros, the original Manila
In 1571 to the end of Spanish rule in 1898, Intramuros was Manila. It's also known as the Ciudad Murada (Walled City) because of its most famous feature: a nearly three-mile-long circuit of massive stone walls and fortifications that almost completely surrounds the entire district.
The wall of Intramuros
History and mystery are built into the two and three-quarter miles (around 4,4 km) of walls that surround the old capital of the Philippines. The first wall, built in 1570 was made of logs. Today the construction bears evidences of many builders and widely differing plans of defence.
Getting around Intramuros
Pain and sacrifices
When wandering around in this area and reading about all those important historical events which took place here you get a feeling of humbleness. There have been so much pain and sacrifices inside and around these walls of Intramuros. For example, Jose Rizal the national freedom hero of the Philippines was imprisoned here. He was later executed in Bagumbayan (now known as Rizal Park) just outside the walls of Intramuros on December 30, 1896. Or in 1945, during the fierce Battle of Manila between American, Filipino and Japanese forces, where so many soldiers paid the ultimate price and Intramuros was almost completely destroyed.
Fort Santiago and the Rizal Shrine
Fort Santiago, the former military headquarters of the Spanish colonial government. Although the fort sustained very heavy damage during the 1945 Battle of Manila, several key portions of the compound were subsequently restored. It's now considered a major landmark and one of Manila's most popular tourist attractions, partly because José Rizal - the national hero of the Philippines - was imprisoned here prior to his execution on 30 Dec 1896. The Rizal Shrine, a small museum dedicated to his life and work, is housed in a restored section of one of the fort's former barracks.
The Dungeons
During World War II, Fort Santiago was captured by the Japanese Imperial Army. They used the dungeons as prison cells for captured Filipino and American soldiers. Around 600 bodies were found inside these dungeons and they probably died of starvation and suffocation on the very last days of the Battle of Manila.
How to get to Intramuros
Nearest train station: LRT1-Central Terminal
Or my personal recommendation, get off at United Nations Avenue and then take a 10 minutes nice walk. You will pass the Rizal Park and among others the National Museum of Fine Arts, which both are well worth visits.
Related links:
UCC Good Coffee Smile in Manila Where to eat the fiery style in Manila? Visit Intramuros in Manila Manila American Cemetery & Memorial Visit the Manila Chinese Cemetery Review of Jatujak Thai Restaurant, Manila Review of hotel Isabelle Royale in Makati, Manila Review of Kyochon restaurant in Mall of Asia Review of Arya Persian Restaurant in Pasay Hiking trip to Mt Pinatubo Review of Casa Verde Boutique Hotel and Gardens, Imus, Manila Review of Chili's Restaurant in Mall of Asia Review of Burgoo, American Bar and Restaurant in Mall of Asia Review of Pinoy Pamilya Hotel in Pasay Review of 88 Courtyard Hotel in Pasay Video clips Manila Ocean Park |
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