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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…
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Mantayupan Falls: Indulging On Barili’s Irresistible Natural Wonder
Human combustion isn’t real. At least, that’s what my science professors in college and high school said. Yet, somehow, I felt like I was on the verge of bursting into flames as the dry season was about to officially kickoff. With Metro Cebu heating up environmentally and politically, I had a craving for a refreshing escapade to get away from the hot spell. And, as I was going through a multitude of options, a beautiful idea flashed into my mind. Why not take a plunge at the island’s tallest waterfall: Mantayupan Falls? So, I, together with my favorite hike buddies, ventured into Barili, and released our happy hormones at Mantayupan…
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Guinkamote Peak And The Beauty Of Getting Lost
It was a blistering, sunny afternoon. Lost in the heart of Toledo’s scenic highlands, the only sound I could hear was my heart beating as loud as Lars Ulrich’s drum. There was no house, local farmer or even a livestock in plain sight. Standing on top of a hill, I soon saw trails branching into different directions. Unsure of where to go, we felt officially lost in the middle of nowhere, following our hike to Guinkamote Peak. And, guess what? It was a moment of bliss for me. The thing is, I’m addicted to getting lost, especially in highlands like Guinkamote Peak. Untouched mountains like Guinkamote Peak are, to me,…
