Our Whale shark Experience in OSLOB, CEBU

November 6, 2013. As early as 6 a.m., our group headed towards the briefing center for our much awaited whale shark experience. Upon reaching the briefing center, each person was asked to enlist his name. After which, the short session began. The following are things to remember during whale shark watching:

• No touching of the whale sharks or tuki
• No camera flash allowed

There are security personnel in the area so anyone caught violating the rules will be fined  2500 pesos or will be imprisoned.

        Whale shark watching fee is 500 pesos per person. This includes the use of life vest and snorkeling gears and a boat ride to the site. Tuki watching is only good for 30 minutes. Once whale sharks are spotted in the area then the timer starts. So be sure to bring your own underwater camera to make the most out of your whale shark experience. The boatmen themselves will help you and assist you in picture taking.  :)

a couple, wow!

See related posts:

http://swazigirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/3days2nights-itinerary-cebu-kawasan.html
http://swazigirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-enchanting-tumalog-falls-of-oslob.html
http://swazigirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/day-tour-in-sumilon-island.html
http://swazigirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/going-to-kawasan-falls-via-hired-van.html

Going to Kawasan Falls via Hired Van

      Two years ago, a friend of mine celebrated his birthday at the famous KAWASAN FALLS of Badian, Cebu.. I was not able to go there personally due to a hectic schedule. So I told myself that soon I will visit with a group of friends and maybe, just maybe, have my own birthday celebrated there. 

November 5, 2013. Two days before my birthday, our group arrived at MacTaN-Cebu International Airport and headed to KAWASAN FALLS. Estimated travel time is 3 to 4 hours. We rented a van for 6000 pesos to take us from the airport to Kawasan Falls then to OSLOB ( I will be posting an article about Oslob later). A v-hire is much cheaper and comfortable when traveling in groups. And since we have our own means of transportation, we decided to stop by at CARCAR PUBLIC MARKET to buy our lunch food to be taken to Kawasan Falls.

CARCAR PUBLIC MARKET is famous for its tasty lechon and chicharon. We bought 2 kilos of their famous lechon (280 pesos/kg) and chicharon (600 pesos/kg) and ‘puso’ rice (100 pesos/25pcs). 

Drop off point to Kawasan Falls is at Matutinao, Badian Cebu. Once you see the church below, then it means you are on the right track.

    Here are some pictures taken during our 20 to 30-minute trek to the KAWASAN FALLS. You will notice that the water is not too clear because according to the locals, it rained so hard the night before we arrived. I guess, we were still lucky that the sun smiled when we got there. Entrance fee is 10 pesos.

 Kawasan Falls comprised of 3 falls. We reached the first falls an hour before 12 noon. In this area, there are available rooms for rent ( minimum is 1000 pesos) as well as cottages and tables (300 pesos) and free toilets. Since we brought our own lunch, we just purchased some drinks and rented a table. 

First Falls

'puso' rice (it's not a kakanin, don't be deceived)

crispy lechon!

After a satisfying lunch, we trekked towards the Second Falls. It was just about a 10 to 15-minute hike from the First Fall.

Second Falls

The group was not able to advance to the Third Falls because according to one of the locals, a bridge was damaged during the recent earthquake. And so, we went back to the First Falls to have our swim.

Life vests can be rented at 50 pesos per person.  You also have an option if your group will rent a raft ( 300 pesos) that could take you directly to the falls for an hour. We paid an additional 500 pesos for 4' pull men' who guided us towards the falls via the rented raft.

KAWASAN FALLS... :)


See related posts:

http://swazigirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/3days2nights-itinerary-cebu-kawasan.html
http://swazigirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-enchanting-tumalog-falls-of-oslob.html
http://swazigirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/day-tour-in-sumilon-island.html
http://swazigirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/our-whale-shark-experience-in-oslob-cebu.html

The Enchanting TUMALOG FALLS of OSLOB CEBU

Here lies a pot of GOLD!

Besides the whale watching activity of which Oslob, Cebu is famous for, I would also give credits to one of its natural beauty ---the TUMALOG FALLS. 

It is a 15 to 20-minute hike depending on your speed.  If you don't feel like walking, there are habal habal/ motorcycles that could take you there for 100pesos. But our group was opt for the challenge so we decided to take a hike instead. 

Be cautious as you head towards the Tumalog Falls. It is an almost 40 degree slope with  surrounding cliffs.

Aren't they too excited?

a giant tree!

Almost there!

Yes! It's only thigh high!

This is by far the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever been to --- with its all natural, shallow, and crystal clear waters. It’s a hidden beauty waiting to be discovered. J (11.06.2013)

See related posts:

http://swazigirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/our-whale-shark-experience-in-oslob-cebu.html
http://swazigirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/3days2nights-itinerary-cebu-kawasan.html
http://swazigirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/going-to-kawasan-falls-via-hired-van.html
http://swazigirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/day-tour-in-sumilon-island.html

Steps in Driver's License Renewal (Paranaque City)

Every 3 years, my dad and I renew our driver’s license together. Being of the same birth month, this means scheduling that special day and bonding with my dad.

As early as 800 a.m. of November 12, 2013 , we headed to the nearest Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Paranaque City.  We had no trouble in finding for a place to park our car. Parking fee is Php15.00.

Here are the steps for the renewal of driver’s license:

1.   Medical  Examination

-          Fee is php100.00 .  The nurse takes your weight and height. And then the doctor gives an eye exam. Three years ago, they test you for drug use wherein urine sample is collected. It’s worth php300.00 that time. I have no idea when they removed this procedure.

2.   Help Desk

-          The person in-charge hands out an application form and a copy of The Driver’s Road Safety Pledge  to be filled out and signed  by the applicant. After doing this, the forms, together with the medical evaluation, are assessed by the same person. In cases like mine who wears corrective lenses, you still need to photo copy the application and medical evaluation forms. Don’t worry, xerox machines are available in the vicinity (php2.00/short bond paper).

3.   AMPHI : WINDOW 2

-          For verification and picture taking. No dress code. Just give your best smile.

4.   EVALUATOR : WINDOW 1

-          For evaluation of license

5.   APPROVING OFFICER : WINDOW 6

6.   CASHIER : WINDOW 7

-          After your picture has been taken, you are asked to proceed directly to this window. Wait for your name to be called. Cost of renewal of license is php492.63. But of course, the rate is different for senior citizens.

7.   BACK TO WINDOW 2

-          Release of ID cards

The whole procedure took us about one and a half hours. Maybe it was quick? Or maybe it wasn’t. But what is most important is that I look forward to doing this every 3 years because of my father. This year, he offered to pay for our renewal fees…. How cool is that? J

sample copy of THE DRIVER'S ROAD SAFETY PLEDGE