Dalaguete, Cebu: Osmeña Peak

"It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves."

-Edmund Hillary

NOTE: Sorry to tell you in advance but this trip of mine happened years ago. Even though the gap years is a bit big I still want to share my experience there while I'm still blogging. Hope you like it.

The geography:

Osmeña Peak is located in the Municipality of Dalaguete in the province of Cebu. The peak is approximately 1,000 meters above sea level making it the highest peak in the island of Cebu.

The peak is part of the Mantalungon mountain ranges, which is unique from other mountain ranges in the Philippines because of its multiple jagged hills grouped together that overlook and stretch as far as the Badian shorelines. The highest of these hills is the Osmeña Peak named in honor of the famous Osmeña clan in Cebu. 

The visual appearance of the Mantalungon range is almost similar in form to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol but the peaks of the ranges are thinner, sharper-pointed and rocky. Unlike the Chocolate Hills, the peaks of the Mantalungon ranges cluster are quite near to each other and give the impression of being formed from rocks that have survived through time.

The Travel Journey:

BADIAN, KAWASAN FALLS

Go with the flow.

Roar with excitement.

Let you cares fall away.

- Take this advice from a waterfalls.

 

                        Cebu is not only own for this famous festivals and foods but also for this beautiful nature trippings. One of this is the Kawasan Falls which is found in Badian, Cebu. Just 130 kilometers southwest of Cebu City and about three hours bus ride. Kawasan Falls is located inside the mountains of Barangay Matutinao, Badian.

To start my trip to Kawasan Falls with my friends we went to Southbus Terminal and got on a bus going to Badian. (If your travelling by bus during midnight I suggest you bring a jacket with you because it will be really cold when the bus starts moving which by mistake I didn't do with left me hugging myself.) The bus fare is just 126php per person. (Not bad) For about three hours of travelling in midnight you don't have the choice but to sleep. At around 6 in the morning we arrived at our stop and had to walk uphill for about 1.5 kilometers to get to the first waterfalls. (NOTE: If it's your first time going there and you're afraid to get lost in the walking, don't worry a tour guide will be waiting for you at the entrance to guide you all the way. Though you have to pay a minimum of 150php for that.) Along the way to the first waterfalls we passed by the river, small streams and a small hydro generator which is also a good site while walking.

Pangan-an Island

"Travelling feels good. Doing good feels better. Doing both feels great."

Ever since I was young I am already into charity work. I was fascinated by this activity when I was in high school and I was able to pursue it when I reach college since my scholarship is into charity works. At that time I really felt amazing helping people that are in need. It gives a warm feeling that's difficult to explain when you I see people smile and thinking you're one of reasons behind those smiles make it better. When I graduated college I thought I would never have the opportunity to help and serve again but luck is on my side when I met Miki-san and Tamo-san in my current work place. They are the one who established a charity tour in Pangan-an Island. It's an island-barangay that belongs to Lapu-Lapu City. It is situated east of Mactan and right next to Olango. To go there is quite a long journey. From I.T Park, Lahug to Marigondon, we rent a van which would take 45 minutes to 1 hour travel depending on the traffic. As we reach the shore of Marigondon a boat was waiting for us that will send us Pangan-an Island. Travelling by boat would take another 45 minutes or so.

   

The Sacred Place of Simala

"When Life is Rough, PRAY. When Life is Great, PRAY."

It was in the middle of a hot August that I went to the sacred place of Simala. My colleagues and I went there to pray for the success of our Licensure Examination for Teachers. This is my first time going there. I've heard many things about Simala so I want to experience it first hand.

Simala Shrine in Sibonga Cebu

Going to Simala is easy if you just hired a van or an owner car. At that time, we hired an owner car to lessen the hassle and since it's our first time we really don't know the route in going there. The famous Simala Church is found in Marian Hills, Lindogon Sibonga, Cebu a 2 hours travel from Cebu City. When we arrived there I was so amazed with the number of people present there. You can really see how devoted are they and how strong their faith is. Even if its so hot people still want to pursue their interest in going to the top of the church which is really a long line. 

The long queue going to the top of the church.

When I reached the top, it was heaven. I've never seen such a wonderful church with an amazing view. The long line, the hot weather, and all of the waiting was worth it. On top held many things that left me in daze. There are relics of the Virgen Mary, testimonies of different miracles experienced by many people, petition hall, prayer station and a line that leads to the statue of the Virgen Mary where we will be given the chance to kiss her altar and pray. The site of all the other devotees was so overwhelming. They all held the same faith as I, the same motivation to surpass whatever problems and give thanks to all the miracles and blessings that they experience.