Waterworld Cebu: Central Visayas' largest waterpark

A new park has started splashing in Cebu last December 14, 2019. WaterWorld Cebu, which claims to be the largest waterpark in Central Visayas, is located on the foot of the Marcelo Fernan Bridge in Mandaue City. The park is home to 10 extreme slides, a wave pool, a spacious water playground with 11 child-friendly slides, and three function rooms which can accommodate up to 220 people. It is surely a place for everybody from kids to kids at heart.

Here is our guide to WaterWorld Cebu.

Location/Getting There

WaterWorld Cebu is located on the foot of the Marcelo Fernan Bridge at the UN Avenue, Opao, Mandaue City.

Vehicles from Northern Cebu may take Cebu North Road then turn left at the Butuanon Bridge junction to UN Avenue and head straight to Marcelo Fernan Bridge. At the foot of the Bridge, go to the access road to reach WaterWorld Cebu.

Vehicles from Southern Cebu may take Cebu South Road heading to the Central Nautical Highway through Natalio Bacalso Ave, Imus Ave, Lopez Jaena Street, and MC Briones Street. Then, turn right at the Butuanon Bridge junction towards UN Avenue and head straight to Marcelo Fernan Bridge. At the foot of the Bridge, go to the access road to reach Waterworld Cebu.

Vehicles coming from Mactan island including those from the Mactan Cebu International Airport may take M.L. Quezon National Highway and head towards Marcelo Fernan Bridge to UN Avenue. At UN Avenue, make a u-turn and head back to Marcelo Fernan Bridge. At the foot of the Bridge, go to the access road to reach Waterworld Cebu.

For those commuting from Cebu City, you can take a PUJ with 01K route and hop off at the Cebu North Bus Terminal. There, you can take any of the buses that head north and disembark at the foot Marcelo Fernan Bridge right in front of the Waterworld Cebu. Alternatively, you can take 01K and hope off at the PUJ terminal in Parkmall then ride a PUJ with MI-02B route which plies the Mandaue-Maribago route or 23 which plies the Mandaue-Punta Engaño route. Inform the PUJ driver that you will hop off near the foot of the bridge (in the Mandaue side).

Those commuting from Northern Cebu may ride on buses or jeepneys heading to Mandaue and hop off at Pacific Mall Mandaue and then head to their PUJ terminal and ride any of the jeepneys that go to Mactan island (Lapu-lapu).

Commuting from Waterworld Cebu back to your place is a little bit of a hassle as most public transports are already in full capacity once it reaches the foot of the bridge. For those going north, you can ride the bus (usually standing as seats are already filled). For those going back to Southern Cebu or to Mactan island, your best bet is also to ride the bus and then hope off across Pacific Mall Mandaue. At Pacific Mall Mandaue, you should be able to find public transport heading to Cebu City or to Mactan island.

For those who prefer ride-hailing apps, going to your place from Waterworld Cebu is difficult to book as UN Avenue is a traffic chokepoint. You may wish to leave earlier than the 5pm closing time to avoid traffic congestion and be able to book a ride.

Park Schedule

As of the writing of this post, the following park schedule applies:

• Ticket selling starts at 9:00 AM
• Gate opens at 9:00 AM 
• Waterpark closes at 5:00 PM 
• Food World and Tiki Island Bar opens at 9:00 AM 
• Barbecue Bay opens at 9:00 AM 
• Snack Shack opens at 10:00 AM 

Entrance Fee

WaterWorld Cebu is currently offering a promotional rate which is half of their regular rate. There is no exact date as to when the promotional rate will lapse so I encourage you to visit WaterWorld while it lasts. The place is surely a great treat for the kids and kids at heart. The rate covers all-day unlimited use of all slides and attractions. 

Promo Rate (Rates apply until further notice) 

• Local Weekday Rate: Php 400.00 (for local Philippine residents)
• Local Weekend/Holiday Rate: Php 500.00 (for local Philippine residents)
• Non-Local Weekday/Weekend/Holiday Rate: Php 1,000.00 

Note: 

• Kids 3 feet and below are FREE.
• The rate also applies to those who will not swim but wish to enter the waterpark.
• Local Philippine residents - all individuals (including foreigners) RESIDING in the Philippines. Proof of residency must be presented upon ticket purchase. 

Rentals 

• Lockers – Php 100 for the whole day 
  Safeguard your valuables with WaterWorld Cebu’s automated lockers equipped with RFID technology. The lockers are not that big but should fit your electronic devices and other valuables.
• Tables – Php 400
  You can rent a table if you come as a group for a comfortable stay. The table can accommodate 8-10 people comfortably and are located at the Upper and Lower Deck facing the slides and near the food outlets. Table reservation can be made by contacting their sales office at 09177907911 or by messaging them on Facebook
• Aqua Suites – Php 2,500 for day use only (good for 10 pax)
  WaterWorld Cebu also has Aqua Suites to give your visit that extra special getaway vibe. The Aqua Suites are fully air-conditioned with a TV, sofa and a private comfort room. Booking may be done by contacting their Sales Office.

Cashless Waterpark 

WaterWorld has employed cashless transactions inside the waterpark. You will have to get a reloadable Wristband Wallet for a minimal deposit of Php 100 pesos. All remaining wristband balances including the deposit can be refunded before the closing of the waterpark at any of the loading stations located at the WaterWorld Cebu Entrance Area, Splash Shop, Food World, and Tiki Island Bar. 

Schedule of Operations, Slide Rules, and Regulations

As per our experience, not all slides/rides operate at the same time. Lifeguards and staff are approachable, and you can always ask them for the schedule. It would be nice if WaterWorld Cebu can place a monitor which provides which slides are open and which are close in realtime at the Tiki Lounge where the tables are located. I hope that they also make the most of their PA system to announce the schedule every now and then. 

Swimming Attire

Wearing proper swimwear is strictly imposed when engaging in all water slides and pool activities. 

ALLOWED 

1. Board Shorts 
2. Swimsuits 
3. Bikinis 
4. Rashguards 
5. Full body Swimsuits 
6. Swimming Diapers 
7. Goggles 

NOT ALLOWED 

1. Regular Diapers 
2. Undergarments 
3. Jeans 
4. Jackets 
5. Halter Dress 
6. Denim Shorts and Boxer Shorts 
7. Long Skirts 
8. Garments with Sequins and Beads 
9. Knitted, Lace and Cotton Fabrics 
10. Jewelry 

Food and Drinks 

There are 4 food outlets inside the waterpark which offer a variety of food choices. The menu they offer is leaning towards fast food so don’t expect much. For us, we did have Boodle Fight Set which is good for 10 from Barbecue Bay. Unfortunately, some of the barbecues came in raw. Also, the Linagpang soup tastes mediocre.

The four food outlets are the following:

• Food World - offers different cuisines such as Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and American 
• Barbecue Bay - serves grilled pork, chicken and many more 
• Tiki Island Bar - has a variety of drinks such as fresh juices and fruit shakes as well as delectable desserts including cakes, halo-halo, etc. 
• Snack Shack - burgers, fries, chips, and the likes 

Prices for their meals are in the range 100 to 300++ excluding drinks. Please note that outside food and drinks are STRICTLY PROHIBITED inside the waterpark. They would, however, allow you to bring Celebratory Cakes. Lechons are also allowed with a corkage fee of Php1,000.00. There are no alcoholic beverages in the waterpark. 

Slides/Rides/Activities 

Extreme Slides

• Dare Drop Speed Shooter 
• Mat Racer 
• Tornado Twister 
• Space Hole 
• The Loop 
• Family Roller Coaster 

Dare Drop and the Speed Shooter, which are the tallest slides at  15 meters high,  offers adrenaline junkies the best experience. I personally recommend that you take these two first. After this, every other slide is easy-peasy.

Wave Pool

The wave pool can create waves as high as 1.5 meters. The wave pool can accommodate more than 1000 people. 

River Rapids

A lazy river with a total length of 400 meters. This is a good activity for you to chill and enjoy.

Water Playground

This is the place for the small ones. The water playground comes with 11 child-friendly slides.

Summary and Comments

WaterWorld Cebu is a new destination to be in Cebu. As a waterpark, it is indeed the best in Central Visayas. There are rooms for improvement but then, in general, it did meet our expectations. The food quality could be improved. It would be nice if announcements on which slides are open is done consistently using the PA system. Also, the stair steps on the Dare Drop and Speed Shooter tower are not rough enough which may become slippery. Kudos to the p

I hope this guide helps you enjoy most of WaterWorld Cebu! Adios amigos!

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28 years of life and still...

The 4 Non Blondes’ song What’s Up is a perfect lyrical metaphor of the story of each of our lives. We are always trying to figure out a destination. Whether it is the search for a concrete career path, a life-long partner, a sense of purpose, each one of us is in a continuing battle of figuring out what comes next in our lives. Some of us have definite plans while others tend to be very lax in putting weight on what comes after today. The truth is neither of these two is better than the other. 

Those who live for today and those who try to give up today for a better tomorrow are on equal footing as neither one is superior to the other. You may disagree with me on this, but let us just agree to disagree. I am in no position to lecture you on what is right and what is wrong because the truth is that there is no definite right and no definite wrong. Right and wrong are social constructs that we have imposed as a species to be able to uphold the very fabric that keeps our society. We have a catch-all term for this, morality. The truth is that morality was, is, and will never be absolute and resolute. There will come a time when what is right today will become unacceptable. That is how things have been and that will be how things shall continue to be. 

Climbing the great big hill…

Where do you stand on the hill that you call ambition? Have you reached the apex? Or, are you still figuring out how to get there? Chill… You will have your equal share of doubts – of questions as to whether you are doing the right things.  Again, do whatever you want to do. Because at the end of the day, it’s your life and no matter how much others will fiddle and get involved in it, you are the final arbiter and the final say will come from you. Just do what your heart tells you to do. Do not be afraid of judgment but don’t be cynical about other people’s opinions. These are born for reasons that are equally acceptable as the essentiality of your own belief. Just don’t let them dictate the story of your life.

The world is made up of brotherhood…

I always have this question in mind – would I be able to live without connecting to people? I tried. This year, I went to five countries alone with as little connection as possible. It was the best thing that I ever did, but it gave me this harsh truth that no matter how much you want to be alone, you will and will need people. The truth is that we only see connections that are essential to our lives without thinking that we are connected to a lot of people. The pilot that brought you from your point of origin to your destination was there not just for the job but also for the fact that there are people who rely on him including you. The small food stall owner who cooked that delicious laksa that you love was not just there for profit but also because she knows that people will need to eat good food. You see, this world is made up of brotherhoods of different sizes. You can never be alone and you will never be. As much as you hate people, you cannot stand on your own without the toil of others. 

I cry sometimes just to get it all out…

Like a glass filled to the brim, you will soon start spilling over. Our emotions can sometimes outsmart us. When these times happen, remember that it is perfectly normal. Get angry; shout the most demeaning expletives you can think of; say as many “fuck you” as you want, just let it all out. The more you hide your emotions, the more dangerous they become. Just spill it over. Be as mean as you can go as that is the best way to outgrow such emotions – for you to become better at handling them. Again, let it all out.

I’m feeling a little peculiar…

Be unique! And by that, I mean that you must be true to yourself. Don’t cripple your wings because society dictates that you have to be this way. Remember that the best reflection of yourself is observed by no other person but you. Remember that you don’t have to fit in some other person’s shoes. Remember that whatever you want to become, you are capable of doing so. The only limit that you have is the one that you set on yourself. Go further than what you ever want. Be your own motivation.

I wake in the morning and I step outside…

Consider each day as a gift. The more you put a value on what is happening today, the more you become focused on achieving something that will not just influence you right now but will also shape your future. Don’t be afraid to go beyond your norms. Keep that fire of desire burning within you. There is no such thing as a dead-end failure. Only that some people give up after a few tries. Never give up. If something becomes comfortable, then it means that you are no longer growing. Get going, no matter what.

I take a deep breath and get real high…

This may sound cliché but it is the truth – for most people, this world is too much to handle. The complexity of our existence makes us wonder if all these are worth the fight. But I tell you, when you come to a point of uncertainty, just shrug it off. Take a deep breath and remember one thing, you are here to please no other person but yourself. Whatever things you enjoy, immerse yourself in it. Get real high and be as happy as you can be.

So what’s going on?

Keep your own pace. The destination that you want might be miles away or just around the alley, but it doesn’t matter as long as you continue moving. Remember to ask yourself, what’s going on? Re-evaluate your goals. Be more proactive in doing things. Influence others to become better people. But don’t force your spoon into their mouths. Like you, they know what’s best for them. Keep a close connection with people but never intrude in their personal space.

Pray for a revolution…

At the end of the day, pray for a revolution - a revolution of ideas, beliefs, and aspirations. Continue to seek change. And be an instrument of change. This world is in chaos, so keep reminding yourself that “All is well”! 

So, here I am. 28 years of life and still... 

Adios amigos.

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The best thing that I can do

I start my daily routine at 5:00 AM when most of the people are still sound asleep. I would walk around five and a half kilometers to reach Umapad Dumpsite. Not even a typhoon could stop me from doing this daily regimen. After all, I have seven young mouths to feed. I'd rather get wet than hear the hungry sounding stomachs of my three girls and four boys. 

All of my children are schooling. I feel that education is the only escape I can provide them against this hell that we are right now. When I was their age, I did not mind my studies. I saw no sense in scrambling numbers trying to figure out products and quotients when at the end of the day I and my brothers would still go the plantation to harvest pineapples. 

I was born in Mindanao, specifically in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. As glamorous as it sounds, the place is actually of no single glitter. Most people live on a one-day-one-eat scheme. Kids spent their days not in school but in large pineapple and banana plantations doing hard labor to earn a few centavos. We do not have a functioning hospital in our community. It was like, when you suffer an illness, the best that you can have is to implore the heaven that you get healed. 

I lived in Manolo Fortich, the entirety of my teenage life. I think I have harvested more than a hundred thousand pieces of pineapples that now I can't even think of smelling one. Maybe it's true that when you have too much of something, you will start to dislike it. 

When I turned 23, I decided to seek better opportunities in Cebu. I packed up my stuff, which translates to two shirts, one puldoroy, and a dog tag that my grandfather gave me. He said that it was a gift from an American friend during the second world war. It was a treasure that he wanted me to keep and give to the next generation of our kin. It's the only treasure I have with me up to now. Well, at least, I am not that poor enough not to own even a single treasure. 

The first time I arrived in Cebu, I marveled at its modern look. It was so chic to a probinsyano like me. I've never seen such a vast crowd gathered in one place. It was all good until the harsh reality of life slapped me. I tried looking for work, but everywhere I go, they'd ask me for a high school diploma. I don't have one. The truth is when I was in Mindanao, I never cared for my education. After all, why would you need to know how to divide large numbers when you are only earning a few centavos for a hard day in the plantation? 

I started sipping my coffee and ate two pieces of pandesal. The shanty which the eight of us lived was still shrouded in darkness. We do not have electricity. We couldn't afford such a luxury. My children are fast asleep except for Lando, who must go to school early as he is a working student. 

After I was done eating, I rolled two empty sacks, got my kalakay, and started heading to the dumpsite. You would barely recognize me in my scavenger costume. My entire body is generously clothed. I walked unceremoniously but filled with hope that I might hit a pot of gold in the dumpsite. I mean it. I am tired of this life. I don't care about myself anymore; I can't bear it looking at the suffering faces of my children. 

Two trucks arrived, and the witch hunt for plastic and tin cans started. There were 8 of us who would typically come early in the dumpsite. When we are not scavenging, we are the best of friends. But when we start collecting sellable trash, it's a different story. 

The minutes of sorting trash became an hour, and the hours became a day. Filled with exhaustion, I walked towards the junk shop where I would sell my sacks of plastic and metal scraps. That day, I did not hit the pot of gold I was expecting, but I was fortunate enough to have 49 pesos in my pocket. Half a kilo of rice would be 23 pesos, two packs of noodles at 16 pesos. I still have 10 pesos that I saved to give as baon of my kids for the next day. 

Just a few blocks to the slum area where I lived, I've seen many people gathering. The smoke is still rising mightily to the sky. There was a fire, and it was a humungous and devastating one. I ran as fast as I could. 

"My kids! Help me! I need to find my kids." I shouted in despair as I struggle to navigate through the crowd that has gathered. 

There was nothing left. It was like a vast football field, but only that everywhere you look was filled with ashes and debris. I started crying. I was baffled, but then a familiar voice came to my ears. 

"Pa, naa sila tanan sa Gym. Tana adto ta." It was my son Lando who, after hearing the news from his friends, rushed to aid his younger brothers and sisters. 

It was the best feeling that I have had in my life. Knowing that my kids are safe filled my heart with joy. Maybe, I did not hit the pot of gold in the dumpsite, but still, I was blessed for my family is safe. It was at that moment that I realized that it is not money that can bring us genuine happiness. It is seeing the people we love safe and sound. Material things may provide us comfort, but you can never put a price tag on true happiness. 

I am Ondo, a scavenger, a fire victim, a widower. I don't know what's left of the thinning pages of my life, but as long as I live, I will forget all these to focus on the one best thing that I could do… being a father. 

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Amid the chaos: a weeklong trip in Hong Kong

The past few months have been very crucial to the people and the government of Hong Kong. What started to be a movement against a perceived undemocratic and authoritative extradition bill has turned into a full political extravaganza. Hongkongers have been very vocal in their displeasure with how the government is handling the current situation.

My trip to Hong Kong has long been planned months before the current political circus has unfolded. Days before my flight, there was this little reluctance on my end to pursue it because, as per the way it was shown in international media, chaos brews in all four corners. From mobs defacing and damaging MTR stations to rioters throwing Molotov cocktails on police vehicles, it was evident that there is too much anarchy in the country.

Nonetheless, I saw this as an excellent opportunity for cultural immersion. My curiosity as to how things are happening in Hong Kong and my never-ending wanderlust brought me to pack up my luggage and head out to Mactan Cebu International Airport. Everything has been set and planned, and I was hoping that nothing dangerous would erupt in Hong Kong while I was there.

I arrived around 10 pm in Macau International Airport, and I headed straight to the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal. From Macau, I rode a ferry to reach Hong Kong. And around 12 am, I have set foot in what is said to be a land in chaos, Hong Kong. I was in a rush since the last MTR trip towards the nearest station to the hotel where I am staying will arrive in a few minutes and chances are I would miss it. I've exited Hong Kong Ferry Terminal and went straight to the Sheung Wan Station. I was literally running from the station entry barrier to the platform. Luck was with me as I was able to reach the train before the doors closed.

For my first day, I went to explore the neighboring areas surrounding my accommodation. I went to a public market and went to a spice market to get a taste of the way of life of Hongkongers. In the afternoon, I went to a local shop which sells snake soup, which I must say is something worthy of the exorbitant price that comes with it. I also tried their different modes of transportations, including the colonial era Tram, which is one of the remnants of the British occupation in the country. In the evening, I went to Fa Yuen Street Market, which is one of the best street food locations in Hong Kong. I ended up going back to my hotel late at around 11 pm, and my legs are already feeling the effects of the walkathon that I did for the entire day.

The second day was allocated for a nature adventure. I have always been a trail lover and what would be the best thing to do in Hong Kong than trek Dragon's Back Trail. Dubbed as one of Asia's most scenic trails, the Dragon's Back is in the eastern seaboard of the Hong Kong island away from the skyscrapers and bustling metropolis. The 8-km trail will showcase to you a scenic view of the Big Wave Bay, the Tai Tam Bay, and the Beaufort Island. The first two kilometers of the trail is the most challenging part with areas of steep ascents and sun-exposed paths. After this, most of the trail is covered with lush vegetation, which protects you from the blazing sun. Some interesting points on this trail include the Shek O Peak with an elevation of around 931 ft, the Dragon Back's viewing deck which gives you a panoramic view of the surrounding bays and islands, and the Big Wave Bay Beach which is where you will end up after completing the trail.

I arrived in the Big Wave Bay Beach around noontime, so I decided to find a local eatery and grab some meals. In all fairness, food is delicious when you are tired and wasted. I then spent some time on the beach with two bottles of beer and a recently bought book. For me, nothing beats the combination of a book, beer, and beach.  Indeed, these Bs made this part of my journey the most memorable out of my entire Hong Kong trip.

I went back to my hotel to get some rest before I continue with the day's itinerary, but unfortunately, what was supposed to be a short nap ended as 6 hours of sleep, and I was awake around 11 pm. I had to reschedule my plan to go to Victoria's Peak as it is too late. I was still exhausted, and my legs are aching. For the next two days, I do need to report to work. Thus, I will have limited time for adventures.

On the third day, I had to check out of Grand City Hotel and transfer to Mojo Nomad Aberdeen, which is on the southern part of Hong Kong island. It was indeed the right choice as it helped me avoid the mayhem that occurred during the weekend that followed in the Causeway Bay area and in the Mongkok area, where most of the accommodations are. For the third day, I went to Victoria's Peak and did some pasalubong shopping in the Temple Nigh Market.

For the fourth day, I did go to work from 6 am to 3 pm. The coworking space in Mojo Nomad Aberdeen is one of the best that I have been too. It was an excellent choice since there are not that many people in the hotel and that is something which I prefer. While I like to be in crowds, I would always opt to work in areas where there are fewer people. I commend Mojo Nomad Aberdeen for their communal facilities are some of the best that I have seen in the number of backpackers' accommodations that I have been too.

The first encounter I did with protesters occurred on my fourth day in Hong Kong. I went to Admiralty to exchange my peso for some Hong Kong dollars and boom there was this barrage of people who are on the streets. It was not chaotic. They were singing, and some were shouting what seems to be slogans. I saw the police force directing people and traffic away from the protesters. My heart skipped a beat when I was inside the MTR station and was about to board the train. Police were running towards a group of men, and media were following them. I hurriedly stepped inside the wagon as I thought it might escalate to a full ruckus. I went back to the hotel and decided to call it a day. I've read the news, and it appears that had I stayed longer; I may have been caught up in the commotion that transpired in Admiralty. 

I have filed a leave so that I can enjoy my fifth and sixth day in Hong Kong. On the fifth day, I wanted to go to Disneyland, but train service has been canceled due to some protesters vandalizing Sunny Bay Station, which is where you should alight to get to the Disneyland MTR line. I decided to change course and proceeded to the Hong Kong Space Museum and explored the Avenue of Stars, which is just nearby. Hong Kong has several Museums, but being a science geek, I decided that the best one to go to is the Space Museum. I was amazed when the ticketing officer told me that the entrance fee is just $10. It is quite cheap than I have anticipated.

In the evening, I did watch the symphony of lights, and it was a mesmerizing view. I just felt terrible that if things would not deescalate, the beautiful infrastructures, the diverse culture, and the colorful history of Hong Kong will be put to waste.

On the sixth day, I woke up early as I was planning to try to go to Disneyland one more time. Unfortunately, there was an urgent work-related request that I must facilitate. I ended up being in front of my computer until noon. I decided to forgo Disneyland as it would not be economical for me, and I would be rushing to get the most out of the pricey admission fee. I decided to go to the Big Buddha instead.

When I arrived at the Tung Chung station, I saw the damage that was caused by the riot that transpired the other day. MTR ticketing machines have been wrecked, walls and floors have been vandalized, and posters cover the walls of the nearby bus station.

Heading straight to the Ngong Ping 360, I was lucky because the demonstration that occurred the other day has reduced the number of tourists. There was no line, but I still opted to avail the Klook offering, which is way cheaper than buying the ticket from the ticketing booth. I did ride the Ngong Ping crystal cabin, which was another unique experience since you'd feel as if you are floating in the air with its glass bottom and 360-degree view. The cable ride took around 20 to 30 minutes per way.

When you arrive at the Ngong Ping Village, you will still need to walk a few meters to reach the foot of the staircase that leads to the Big Buddha. The stair comes with 268 steps, so reaching the top is indeed a feat to make, especially for those who are not used to walking or trekking. In my case, I simply breezed through the stairs. On top, I took some up-close shots of the statue, went inside the museum on the building where the Buddha sits, took some shots of the surrounding view, and I then went down.

Next to the Buddha is the Po Lin Monastery. This 123-year-old monastery is a gem of its own. Some points of interest are the three huge statues representing the past, present, and future of Buddha, the Main Shrine Hall of Buddha and the Bodhisattva Skanda Hall. The eatery inside the monastery serves Vegetarian food. I ate my late lunch in the monastery and headed back to the gondola ride.

I arrived around 4:00 pm back at Sheung Wan Station. I took my baggage form the TurboJet Service Center, where I left it earlier. I then went to buy my ticket and waited for my ferry ride. By 5:30 pm, I was already in Macau, so I decided to do a quick tour as my flight would still be past midnight.  There is not that much to do in Macau unless you like gambling. I went to Senado square, visited the Ruins of St. Paul, and did some casino hopping. Free Shuttles ply the streets of Macau, which will save you a lot in transportation costs.

My trip to Hong Kong was a spectacular experience. It showed me different faces of this little democratic region on the outskirt of a communist giant. I was surprised to find out that street dwellers and beggars are living in Hong Kong's elevated walkways. While Causeway Bay, Mongkok, and Tsim Sha Tsui area are filled with modern skyscrapers, the Shek O village is a great contrast. I can say that the influences of its past being a British colony are hardly seen these days. The locals I met there revealed to me that the current political ruckus is the result of an overcomplicated mesh of issues, grievances, and discontent. Nevertheless, it is something that only Hong Kong and its people will be able to solve. I just hope that it will never be too late before they arrive with a solution.

At the end of the day, I feel fulfilled because I survived a week in a land said to be marred with chaos, but then I guess this chaos is universal and is happening around the world. This chaos is not just about riots or demonstrations. This chaos is manifested in different ways – from the food security issues in African nations to the military conflicts in the middle east to the political and sociopolitical wars between the first world countries and to the never-ending problem of poverty that is happening in all four corners of our planet. But then without chaos, the universe would have never been created. It was chaos that brought the birth of the world and consequently the life on our planet. It may as well be that another form of chaos shall end it all.

See you on my next adventure!

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Ginlubngan: an island paradise

Situated in the archipelago of the Province of Masbate is the little island of Ginlubngan. The name literally translates to “burial site” which is actually true about the island. This little paradise is part of the series of islands which covered somewhat a story: Ginlabanan – a place of battle, Nabuktot – experiencing injury, Namatyan – a place of death and “Ginlubngan” which is the burial site.

Getting there

You can actually go to Ginlubgan from any of the ports and fishing villages of the island of Masbate. The most ideal one is the Cawayan port as Ginlubngan is right across this sleepy town. From Masbate City, you can ride a van (Php 120) and travel around 2 hours to reach barangay Divisoria. From barangay Divisoria, you hire a habal2x (Php 30) or hop-in to one of the tricycles (Php 20) which frequently travel to the Cawayan port. At the Cawayan Port, look for the motorized banca which travels to the fishing village of Naro. From Naro island, you can ask one of the friendly fisher folks in the area to bring you to Ginlubngan.

While there are regular trips to Naro Island, you might have run out of luck and will find yourself stranded in the port of Cawayan, thus, it is recommended that you instead hire a private banca to take you from Cawayan port to Ginlubngan island. Back and forth rate for the Banca is around 1500 to 2000 pesos and most bancas can accommodate as many as 10 people. If you need a larger boat, you will have to shell out more, but technically the more people, the lesser the cost per person will be. Please haggle responsibly and do not overdo it. These banca operators are fishermen missing a day’s catch to bring you to this paradise.

Alternatively, you may travel from Cebu by riding a couch bounded to northern Cebu from the North Bus terminal. Ferries to Cawayan is available in Polambato port traveling daily at 11 PM and in Hagnaya port traveling daily at 6 AM (Php 200~300). From Cawayan port, you take the same route mentioned earlier.

The island of Ginlubngan

Having an area of approximately 2 hectares, the island has two distinct features: a somewhat circular main island where no other vegetation grows but coconuts. On the southern bound of the island, you will find a lengthy sandbar. The sand in the area is powdery white and is comparable to that of Boracay. Locals even claim that some resorts in Boracay have illegally exhumed sand on the island and brought it to their facilities.

The island has no inhabitants so you can aptly say that it is naked. The surrounding sea has little inclination but is very ideal for snorkeling. As the island is relatively untouched, you will find rich biodiversity. The corals blanket the seafloor that you might accidentally step on one so please be careful when swimming. For those who love swimming, the eastern side has better inclination so you would not need to travel that far to find a better depth.

Entrance Fee and Accommodation

The entrance fee is very affordable at 50 pesos per head and already includes access to the open cottages which is available on a first come, first served basis. Overnight stay is possible and you can pitch your own tent for free.

The island also has strong mobile signals for Globe and TM subscribers so you wouldn’t miss your daily dose of social media while staying on Ginlubngan albeit we recommend that you shy away from it and enjoy the rawness of this paradise.

What else should I know?

The island does not have electricity, so make sure that you have your devices fully charged and bring power banks. There is no water source on the island and no store, so bring everything that you need.

Final Note

As always, let us apply the golden rule of traveling.

Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time.

Please help make it possible for future generations to enjoy the greatness of Ginlubngan. Be a responsible laagan.

#teamLaagan   

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