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Fort San Pedro: A Beguiling Game Changer In Philippine History
Somewhere, inside my mind, a different version of Cebu exists. Energetic, diverse and youthful, this personal adaptation of Cebu dazzles with an endless string of mesmerizing attractions. In fact, it beckons thousands of travelers annually, thanks to its majestic waterfalls and photogenic peaks. But, unlike our universe’s Cebu, my version barely has any Spanish churches and historic sites, like Fort San Pedro. Instead, it boasts a wondrous blend of eye-catching Hindu temples, colorful mosques and elaborate stupas. With a mosaic of ethnic communities, this fictional Cebu somehow reminds me of the multifaceted Singapore and Bangkok. And, there are no famed Spanish-era Cebu tourist spots here, such as Basilica del…
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The Unplanned Sweet Escape At JVR Island In The Sky
A warm ray of light woke me up on a fine and easygoing Saturday. And, even with the blistering summer heat, I felt like it was going to be a beautiful and fruitful day. Moments later, I found myself standing on a crossroad with two roads leading to different directions. The road on my right was the gateway to hours of binging, blockbuster movies and Facebook soap operas showing pilot episodes every five minutes. And, the other road was a blank canvas. As tempting as the first option was, I had to go with the blank canvas. Like an abstract painter, I prepared my tools and made my first stroke.…
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The Beautiful Secret Spot In Barili, Cebu
Dian had always yearned to set foot on this spot. Every time she passed by the national highway in Barili, she gazed at it, wondering if a surprise was waiting on the other side. Beboy and I had been enthralled by the possibilities of hiking this mountain, as we were making our way to Paradise Valley. Raul, with his go-with-the-flow attitude, knew the universe was brewing something smashing for us that day. And, in a fascinating twist of fate, we found ourselves perched on this spot, astonished by a dramatic sunset and a picture-perfect view of Barili, Cebu’s coastline. On a day full of mesmerizing surprises, I must say it…
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Buwakan Ni Alejandra: Balamban’s Surprisingly Wondrous Garden
It all started with a picture. An eye-catching drone shot showcasing the vibrant greens, reds and yellows of Buwakan Ni Alejandra. Shortly after, photos of it went viral online, sending Cebu’s social media users into a frenzy. Fascinated by the photo albums, dozens of visitors, then, flocked to Buwakan ni Alejandra to see its gorgeous blooms. Since then, Balamban became a sought-after spot for tourists and locals yearning for a quick break from their daily grind. And, as far as I’m concerned, it sparked a tsunami of new attractions in Cantipla and Balamban, Cebu. Yet, even with its immense appeal, I wasn’t really interested in seeing Buwakan ni Alejandra. When…
