Nov 6-7, 2010
Jovee and Missy's Excellent Adventure
Location : Siquijor Island + Dumaguete, Philippines
Manila Friends
After days and days of html coding, I get a text from a Manila friend, Jovee, asking me if I could take her and a colleague around Dumaguete during their 2-day R&R. Touring them would be a welcome break for me. Besides, it's always good to be seeing friends from Manila. Diving, food tripping, night outs all came to mind. Woohoo!
Prepping for the Day-Dive
After picking them up from the airport, our stroke of luck started when Daphne, owner of Neva's Pizza, passed by and offered us a lift to the hotel. It was the first of many green lights to come. After checking-in, we went to the public market for a local breakfast - native chocolate drink and budbud cabog and budbud tanjay. We had a whole lechon chicken chopped (pack lunch), and we were off to Dauin's Poblacion I Marine Reserve.
Snorkeling
Missy is a good swimmer but hasn't tried snorkeling. Jovee is gung-ho but cannot swim yet. That didn't stop us from venturing into the drop off with an inflatable pillow for a floatation device. The reef system looked very different from last summer. With pounding waves from a recent storm on a low tide, the hard corals were broken down into rubble. Compounding the event was coral bleaching brought about by climate change. What was once a vibrant coral reef teeming with marine life, was now a coral graveyard - not entirely, but the resident big fishes were conspicuously absent. I was told however, that the damaged corals are the ones that can quickly recover - crossing my fingers.
Zip Lining
Heading back to Dumaguete, Rene, an outdoor adrenaline junkie himself, offered to take us zip lining on the Tierra Alta grounds. This was opened only in Oct. 23 and has since been drawing crowds. I think Rene pulled a few strings to get us accommodated - Jovee and Missy were the last ones as daylight was diminishing. The nearly 1 minute of zip-lining across a cliff-face got the two totally stoked!
Neva's Pizza
Dinner plans? You can't go wrong with Neva's Pizza. I really think it's one of Dumaguete's best kept secrets. With their brick oven, pizza crust is done to perfection. Jovee and Missy ordered the pricey seafood pizza and for comparison, the kuripot beefy beef. They couldn't find fault with either. With added Shepperd's Pie and clam chowder soup, we were feasting. On a separate date, Jovee even texted me saying they came back to Neva's to lunch. Her suggestion? Soup on the menu!
Siquijor
We started the following day with a trip to Siquijor. Catching the 9am fast craft, we were in Siquijor in no time. We contracted an island tour with a tricycle and went off to visit the following sites: St. Francis of Asisi belfry, Capilay Spring Park, the century-old Balete tree, St. Isidore Church and convent, Cambugahay Falls, and finally JJ Backpacker for lunch and chilling out on a beach.
Photo Finish
I thought there was enough time for hammock comfort, but nada. We realized our 3:45 ferry just might leave without us. With only minutes to spare, we frantically waited for a tricycle. We flagged the first one and cramped ourselves in. I had to top-load myself - a first for me. Upon arriving at the pier, the people told us we were too late - the ferry was already leaving. I ran fast and saw the ferry slowly leaving the pier. I called and waved but the ground crew said we were too late - the ferry was already about 10 feet away and the boarding plank was already removed. If it was just me, I think the ferry would just keep going. I would suspect the crew saw Jovee and Missy running right behind me - that clinched it. The ferry started reversing itself, heading back to port! A makeshift plank was extended to the ferry rail and we got ourselves on board. Woohoo!
Cabin Crew
Not only did we not miss the ferry, but the crew even extended us the cabin crew space where the captain sits. We met the crew and their friends, one of whom was Jimbo, a band player with a gig that evening at Atong Kamalig. We got an invite to join him for eats and music. How cool is that?
Atong Kamalig
With the promise of grilled pork and seafood, dinner was at Atong Kamalig. Jimbo and the band were already playing. The ship crew was on a different table. We ate heartily until Jimbo asked Jovee and Missy to sing on stage. And they did! They took to stage and brought the house down! It was my turn after - there was no turning back. With a few missed notes, I sang the Beatles' Let it Be. It was a good release for the three of us.
That was our last night together as Jovee and Missy had to start working the following day before they head out to Bacolod to continue their road show presentation.
Ending Thoughts
What can I say? I had a lot of fun. Sure, I've been to all the places we went to, but if you're with good people who know how to have fun, it's just all good. This one was particularly cool since we hit all the green lights in rush hour traffic - given a lift by Daphne from the airport to the hotel, zip-lining courtesy of Rene, getting a tricycle to catch our ferry, and the ferry backing up to accommodate us, meeting people on the ferry who invited us for the sing-along at Atong Kamalig, etc. That was one good Flow. The whole experience redefined Dumaguete-Siquijor for me.
Jovee and Missy also gave me an insight on how the game is played in the corporate world now. With the two of them being smart, pro-active, and on top of things, I think they strike a fine balance between playing hard and working hard. It's been so long since I was a part of that landscape. I can't say I miss it, but I remain curious what changes have happened since.
Just 2 weeks before, Bianca and Gianne visited and took me along for a great ride. Now, it's Jovee and Missy. I can't help but wonder. Who's going to visit Dumaguete's shores next for the great fun ride? Ah...life is good!
--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit
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Thank you Jovee and Missy. We should do this again! Thank you too to Daphne for giving us a ride from the airport. Thank you Rene for taking us to the zip line! To the crew of MBca Jaziel, you could have gone without us, but you didn't. You guys are FAB!
*** Pictures courtesy of Jovee and Missy
Related Links:
- dumaguete+siquijor nov 6-7, 2010 - Jovee's FaceBook entry
Leave a comment?
Reader Comments:
Jovee See
"sobrang saya...ulitin natin!" -- TheLoneRider
(Nov 9, 2010) yup yup!! =) next time i'll bring Pawie =)
TheLoneRider
(Nov 9, 2010) sobrang saya...ulitin natin!
Missy Cheah
(Nov 9, 2010) ...loving the entry! :) Add me to your growing list of blog readers haha. Thanks again for a great weekend. Nice meeting you too Rene! Thanks as well! Dumaguete rocks woohoo!
Jovee See
(Nov 9, 2010) We had a super fun time! thanks again!! and to all the people who supported us - Daphne, Rolly, Rene, Jimbo and the crew of Jaziel!! =)
Jovee See
"always bring two attractive girls with you" -- Rene Abesamis
(Nov 9, 2010) hehe thanks Rene!! =)
Rene Abesamis
(Nov 9, 2010) Haha! The lights were all green indeed...and now we know how to make a ferry stop and turn around when you just missed it (always bring two attractive girls with you). The ending sure beats videoke.
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More on Siquijor Island:
Siquijor Island Local Info
Jeeps - there are only 2 routes for jeeps within Siquijor Island - and they are rare. Most people have their own motorcycle transport.
- Siquijor Port to Lazi - last trip leaves at 3pm from station near market
- Lazi to Siquijor Port - jeeps depart from the Lazi Port area. 5 jeeps, the last trip at 12:30 pm. Lazi to San Juan, P50.
- Larena Port to Lazi - jeeps are unpredictable. As of this writing, there is only 1 jeep plying the Larena-Lazi route. This jeep leaves Larena for Lazi at 9:50am. After that, no more jeep. You'll have to take a tricycle to Siquijor Pob for jeeps going to Lazi
- Lazi to Larena Port - 6am (daily) and 9 am (M-Th)
Food - these were suggested by a local to me
- Lechon manok & liempo - roasted pork belly and chicken at Joel's in Siquijor Poblacion. I've tried this myself...yummy, even if the chicken was no longer hot
- Bibingka - sweetened rice cake by Fidy's Bibingka (P30) in Sawang, Maria. I've come back for this and I buy for other people as well as 'pasalubong' - they love this
- Siopao - at the Rosita store near Thrifty (P25) in Siquijor Poblacion
- Peanut butter - by Rene. Just ask around in Siquijor Poblacion. It's popular
- Torta - sweet cakish bread at the Thrifty story in Siquijor Poblacion
Siquijor Island Map
Siquijor - Dumaguete Boat Trips
(as of Jan 2023)- Montenegro Lines - at Siquijor Port, P234.00/pax, P169/bicycle, 7:30am/10:00am/2:00pm/4:30pm
- Aleson Shipping - at Siquijor Port, 6 am and 6 pm daily, 1:30 pm M-Sat, Regular P200.00/pax, Aircon P250.00/pax
- Ocean Jet - 40 mins,at Siquijor Port, 0919.066.5964, www.oceanjet.net, marketing@ocenajet.net, 6:00am/6:00pm, P350/pax (tourist/open air), P580/pax (business class)
Siquijor - Tagbilaran - Cebu City Boat Trips
(as of Jan 2023)En route to Cebu City, the ferries usually make a stop-over to Tagbilaran (Bohol) to pick-up more passengers or unload.
- Ocean Jet - 8:20 am, at Siquijor Port
To Tagbilaran: P800/tourist & open air, 2 hours (arrive 10:20 am), P1200/business class
To Cebu (Pier 1): P1600/tourist & open air, 4 hours (arrive 12:40 am), P2400/business class - Lite Ferries - at Larena Port, no Senior Citizen discount for online ticket purchase
To Tagbilaran: T-Th-Sun, 3 hours, depart 7 pm - arrive 10 pm, P475/standard (Tourist, PHP 750)
To Cebu: T-Th-Sun, 10 hours, depart 7 pm - arrive 5 am, PHP 605/standard (Senior P484), Tourist, PHP 770 - Apekoptravel - at Larena Port to Tagbilaran: 1:00 pm, xxx hours, P750
Reserve through call or text: Cleare - 0938 283 4760 | Grace - 0936 534 6564 | Jessel - 0961 759 6711, Pay via G-Cash: +63-917-880-1464, Email: momovillageadventure@gmail.com, Facebook messenger: Apekoptravel. Enter your birthday and nationality to get discounts: 0 to 3 years old free, 4 to 9 years old will have 20% discount, 10 years old and above full price, Filipino Senior Citizens will also have 20% discount
Siquijor - Plaridel Boat Trips
(as of Jan 2023)- Lite Ferries - at Larena Port, T-Th-Sun, 2:00 am, 5 hours, PHP?
Siquijor - Cebu (Liloan) - Cebu City BUS Trip
(as of Jan 2023)There is only one bus plying this route - Sugbo Urban. Tourist class coach, a/c, comfortable, Sun-Fri (these dates keep changing). P420 for bus, P275 for ferry to Liloan. Larena Port around 5 am, makes a clockwise roundtrip around Siquijor Island - Larena, Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi (stops at Lazi market for breakfast and leaves 6:50 am), San Juan, Siquijor (arrives 8am, P50 from Lazi to Siquijor Poblacion) and catches the 1pm ferry at Larena Port (Sundays at 3 pm) for Liloan, Cebu and resumes its land route. Arrives Cebu City (South Bus Terminal) 10 pm.
Sugbo Urban is the cheapest and most convenient way because it goes around the island (clockwise) along the circumferential road, passing through - Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi, San Juan, Siquijor...and back to Larena where it takes the ferry at 1 pm. This saves you the hassle and high transport cost of a tricycle. Besides, it's a long trip from the other side of the island to be taking by tricycle.
Suggested Destinations After Siquijor Island
These are the nearest popular destinations from Siquijor by boat
- Bohol - Bohol is an island northeast Siquijor. Tourist attractions are Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Monkey, Loboc River Cruise, Beaches of Panglao, whale sharks (recent offering), freediving (recent offering)
- Cebu - Cebu City is the usual gateway into the Visayas. But in Cebu Island itself, there are many offerings - Whale Sharks of Oslob, sardine run at Moalboal,Thresher Shark of Malapascua
- Dapitan (Zamboanga del Norte) - I haven't been there but a lot of island ferries ply this port. There must be something here.
- Dumaguete - Dumaguete is a small charming progressive coastal town in Negros Oriental. Cafe and restaurants line the famous Boulevard Boardwalk. Tourist attractions include Japanese Shrine, Casaroro Falls, snorkeling along the southern coastline (Dauin, Masaplod Norte, etc), Balinsasayao Twin Lakes
- Plaridel (Misamis Occidental, Mindanao) - I haven't been there but a lot of island ferries ply this port. There must be something here.
Blogs
Siquijor Island
- Goodbye Siquijor April 18, 2024
- January Chronicles: Bandilaan Meditation January 2024
- My January Yoga Practice: A Journal January 31, 2024
- Jan 2024: Squid, Balangawan, Margarita Pizza January 2024
- December Chronicles: Yuletide Season December 30, 2023
- December Snapshots: Bolo Bolo Dip, Christmas Lunch, Tuba Denizens, Friends Forever, Men Working, Cow / Crow December 1-30, 2023
- Eggplant Bulad Pizza December 20, 2023
- Canghaling Cave November 14, 2023
- Kings and Queens November 13, 2023
- Barangay Vote-Buying October 22, 2023
- Real Estate Mapping October 1, 2023
- Learning Cebuano: Oct October 1-31, 2023
- Oct Food Hack: Pizza, Kinilaw, Coconut Bread, Fish Okuy, Carrot Omelette,Lemon-Grass Tea October 2023
- Sep Snapshots: Fisherman, Granny, Pedicure, Big Fish, Garbage September 1-30, 2023
- Sep Food Hack: Fish Tinola, Ratatouille, Chayote Omelette, Flat Bread September 2023
- Together Forever Sep 11, 2023
- The Cigarette Talk Sep 1, 2023
- Siquijor Star Meditation Center Aug 31, 2023
- The Lost Dogs of Siquijor Aug 27, 2023
- Moving to a Bungalow! Aug 22, 2023
- Aug Chronicles: CDO produce August 31, 2023
- Aug Snapshots: Pan de Sal, Palpitate, Taho, Tuna, Pineapple August 1-31, 2023 [an error occurred while processing this directive]
- July Chronicles July 31, 2023
- July Snapshots July 1-31, 2023
- Learning Cebuano: July July 1-31, 2023
- June Chronicles June 31, 2023
- June Snapshots June 1-31, 2023
- Learning Cebuano: June June 1-31, 2023
- May Chronicles May 31, 2023
- May Snapshots May 1-31, 2023
- Learning Cebuano May 1-31, 2023
- In Search of a Cool Climate May 25, 2023
- The 64 km Bike Ride May 16, 2023
- Lazi Fiesta May 15, 2023
- The Boulevard Opening May 5, 2023
- April Snapshots April 1-30, 2023
- Learning Cebuano...Again! April 1-30, 2023
- Kris Visits Siquijor Mar 17 - Apr 15, 2023
- Exploring Siquijor with Marky Mar 25 - Apr 11, 2023
- Siquijor Healing Festival April 5-8, 2023
- The Talk at United Church of Christ April 2, 2023
- Mar Snapshots Mar 1-31, 2023
- Vigil for the Ghost Ship of Siquijor March 31, 2023
- Judging an Essay on Gender Equality Mar 29, 2023
- The Thief, the Shaman, the Elves and the Police Mar 20, 2023
- Finally Acquiring the Motorbike Mar 18, 2023
- Bitcoin Blunder Mar 15, 2023
- Maria's Unsung Beaches Mar 11, 2023
- Lagaan Falls Mar 9, 2023
- Tibhong Spring Water Source Mar 8, 2023
- Bolo-Bolo Natural Spring Mar 2, 2023
- Reasons to Get a Wife March 1, 2023
- Feb Snapshots Feb 28, 2023
- Camagung-Ong Natural Spring Feb 28, 2023
- Heeeere's Johnnie! Feb 26, 2023
- Manifesting a Motorbike from Thin Air? Feb 18, 2023
- The 'Bad Guy' of Siquijor Feb 15, 2023
- Amazement from Drivers License Renewal in Siquijor Feb 15, 2023
- Locong Falls Feb 9, 2023
- Inguinal Hernia? Goodbye ABS! Feb 4, 2023
- Jan Snapshots January 31, 2023
- In Search of Tubod Cold Spring Jan 27, 2023
- 1:4:2:3 Nadi Shodana Jan 26, 2023
- Lazi's Boulevard Jan 22, 2023
- Lazi: A Monthly Stay Jan 21, 2023
- 7 Days in Maria, Siquijor Jan 14-21, 2023
- Capilay Spring Jan 17, 2023
- Siquijor: In Search of Resonance Jan 9-14, 2023
- Riding Around Siquijor's 86km Coastal Road Apr 3, 2012
- Exploring the Cantabon Cave of Siquijor Feb 23, 2012
- Jovee and Missy's Excellent Adventure Nov 6-7, 2010
- Freediving in Siquijor's Marine Sancturaries Apr 23-24, 2010
- Island Tour of Siquijor Apr 22, 2010
- Kram's Siquijor Wedding Apr 21, 2010
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