Budlaan-Sirao Day Trek

I've been busy again for the past months with my studies (my not progressing papers) and work. I was updating my journal and realized that my life has been routinary and I am getting bored. I need life and I need to reconnect with nature. So, I tapped my officemates who shared the same feeling with me. We don't want to travel far from Cebu (it would cost us time and money), beaches don't interest us at that time. We are getting burnt out and looking for something new to do. Like, HIKING! Good thing, Cebu still has a vast forest to explore and mountains to climb. We searched online for destinations; read blogs about trekking and mountain climbing just around Cebu. We tried reaching out to some Facebook pages to ask how much would it cost us to hire a guide (some would ask for fee more than what we are willing to pay). Until my cousin who's fun of trekking and mountain climbing hooked us up in a local group known as Guadalupe Mountaineers. Visit their page and contact any of their page administrators.

• Meet-up at Gaisano Grand in Talamban around 6am.
• Ride a motorcycle (habal-habal) to Baugo (jump-off point). Fare: 25-30 pesos 
• In a certain store, you need to write your name, contact information with signature.

• Meet and greet with GM (Guadalupe Mountaineers), a short introduction, they are checking who among the group is the first time hiker, a prayer for guidance and safe adventure and a brief orientation of how will the trek go. They have an Alpha that will lead everyone to the trail (usually Chris), they assign person/s in the middle and sweepers (to make sure no one will be left behind)

This is Budlaan Falls not so clear and attractive on our first visit.

This is where we tripped off, slide, got our bruises and some even tore their shorts, but the GMs were there to help, guide and even carry some of our big and heavy bags.

They adjust their pacing with us. We stop whenever we needed some rest and catch our breaths.

Rest if we need to, we should not force ourselves if we can't anymore. That's one of the most important reminders they have and keep on reminding us each time they see us struggling and catching breaths.

People greet each other along the way.

We have heavy bags because we brought a lot of food for lunch. We didn't know that there's a certain barangay in Sirao wherein you can buy hanging rice (puso), have a barbeque, refill your water containers and quench your thirst with cold soft drinks. This is the last spot where you have an option to end your hike and ride a motorcycle back to the city. Once you decided to continue hiking, you need to finish the trail and no turning back.

We were reminded to eat light because after lunch we are going to rest for 30 minutes and ascend to Sirao Peak.

We successfully finished our day hike, but end it with a clean-up at the end of the trail where some irresponsible campers left their trash. 

Always remember to take only pictures, bring only memories, and leave no trace whenever you're climbing mountains or enjoying nature. 

We end up our trekking at Canada drive.

This is the last photo we had with GM that day but we never knew that it will be the start of a newfound friendship, bond, and camaraderie. A day when CCM  (Callcenter Mountaineers) was born. Watch out for Miss Blue, the Thrifty Wanderer's adventures and struggles in conquering trails in Cebu with CCM and GM :D

San Juanico Bridge

For me, another structure that symbolizes the strength of Yolanda victims is San Juanico bridge. Tested through time but still standing strong. It is known as the longest bridge in the country and some called it bridge of love of former president Ferdinand Marcos to his wife the former first lady Imelda Marcos who was known to be "The Rose of Tacloban". The bridge that connects Samar to Leyte. Enough of the history and facts about the bridge. I'm not a historian...hahaha! Just want to share this memorable experience I had. Stepping on the bridge and witnessing its beauty in my own eyes and not just on postcards or photos anymore. Yay! 

Miss Blue has finally stepped on San Juanico Bridge. 

Letter to My Old Self

I was cleaning my office table when I found a printed copy of my assignment in one of our training sessions. We were asked to write a letter to our young or old self. I didn't know why I came up with this funny letter, but sharing this anyway...

                         

Dear Foolish and Innocent Girl,

This is me, the present you. I just want to let you know that you're doing a good job, so far.

A part of me wanted to warn you to stop being foolish in love and wake you up from your fairy-tale dream about your hopeless love story.I am tempted to slap you with truth that there's no such thing, But then I realize that, that stupidity will eventually save you from a damaging relationship or worst premarital/teenage pregnancy that is prevalent in your time. Warning! Some of your closest friends will be victims but don’t worry you're safe!

Continue being true to yourself and to others. Never stop and don't be afraid in expressing yourself. You will meet a lot of friends and may loss some along the way, but those who will remain will serve as your powerful support system all throughout the different stages of your life. There will come a time that you will start to question your worth and the path you're in, but know that everything happens for a reason. Remember that your mistakes and failures will teach you lessons, your heartaches will make you tough and strong

There will also be part of your life that you will be overwhelmed by a lot of growing up stuffs, but please don't forget to slowdown, enjoy every victory and savour every success. Never get too busy making a living that you forget to make a life. Always give time to yourself and the people you love.

Love,

The Still Foolish you :)

The Cuartel, Oslob

Here's another instagramable place to visit or stop-by in Oslob is the Cuartel. Good for photo op and pre-nup.

There's also a Museum nearby, but I was not able to get any information. Sorry...

 The old church of Nuestra Señora dela Immaculada Concepcion is just beside Cuartel.

And this beautiful shed in-front of the church, where the photo for our wedding invitation was unintentionally taken.

Miss Blue the Thrifty Wanderer dropped-by the Cuartel in Oslob! 

BEGA Falls in Prosperidan, Agusan del Sur

So, I'm back in Agusan Del Sur; this has been my go-to place everytime I wanted to breathe some fresh air and unwind. It’s not just about the place but my friends where in there, I believe. I was few days late to witness their famous Naliyagan festival. 

We visited Bega Falls in Brgy. Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. A 4 tier falls, but only experienced 3 tiers falls the 4th has not been cleared yet if I am not mistaken. There's an entrance/environmental fee and you can rent a life jacket in the entrance, which we did. hahaha!

There are several resting areas in between stairs. It was easy to go down but the struggle was in climbing up. The resting areas really served its purpose. 

 

First Falls

Second Falls

3rd Falls

This is one of the best falls I've been to so far, better than Kawasan falls in Badian, Cebu I would say; maybe because this place has not been so commercialized yet. You can really connect with nature and feel that you are away from the hassle and bustle of the city. You will still hear the sound of birds chirping and the relaxing waterfalls sound. I highly recommend to visit this place on weekdays to avoid the crowd. Miss Blue the Thrifty Wanderer visited BEGA FALLS on a bright Friday noon.