TheLoneRider
a seeker in search of Easter Eggs

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Energising Yoga Class, April 24-28, 2024

Join me in Panglao, Bohol at Jing's Yoga & Wellness Studio Energising Yoga Class for some Yoga classes. Book Online!

April 24 Wednesday: (Energizing Yoga) 10-11 am / (Slow Flow Yoga) 5:30-6:30 pm
April 25 Thursday: (Energizing Yoga) 10-11 am
April 26 Friday: (Energizing Yoga) 10-11 am
April 27 Saturday: (Energizing Yoga) 10-11 am / (Slow Flow Yoga) 5:30-6:30 pm
April 28 Sunday: (Energizing Yoga) 10-11 am


Country > Philippines > Cebu > Cebu City
Date > 2024 > Mar
Activity > Yoga

Yoga

Yoga Workshops



Siddhi-Activation Workshop March 22, 2024

Siddhi-Activation Workshop

Location Google Map: Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines

Siddhi
In yogic parlance, Siddhi is the development of superhuman powers - it's a tall order to be conducting such a workshop or even invoke it. In Patanjali's Raja Yoga, Siddhis should be kept a secret. It is considered taboo to put focus on Siddhi, let alone to conduct a workshop to activate it. However in Tantra Yoga, they consider Siddhis as inherent to human nature and thus should not be denied. It may not be kept secret to them because it only showcases the inherent power that resides in man.

For me, Siddhi is a tool like fire - could be good or bad depending on the user. Fire can cook your food and heat your house on a cold day. Abused, fire can burn you.

Rite of Passage
In my yoga practice, I am at a point where most of what I do can trigger a Siddhi activation - Pranayama, Kumbhaka, Bandha, Mudra and Mantra. It's just a rite of passage in going through the 8 Limbs of Yoga. This area is virtually untouched by the studio practitioners. This is where I come in by selecting only the protocols specific to Siddhi activation.

Getting Pro-Active
The Siddhi-Activation workshop has long been in my thoughts but remained inert all this time. With renewed impetus for 2024, I kick-started the preparation with my business partner, Marky, and headed to Cebu to talk to the studio owners.

Yoga Studios in Cebu
I initially thought about doing 1 workshop in Cebu, but while thinking about it, why not a few studios back-to-back? I was already there anyway. I talked to Nemo Om Yoga, Bliss Yoga Cebu, Re-Fit Wellness Center, Yoga Shala - Tisa and Dawata Yoga. The owners were accommodating and receptive. It's also something new to the scene - no one has ever attempted to teach a Siddhi class/workshop before - it's almost blasphemous and arrogant.

This is what gave me the confidence to hold it in several studios, thinking every yogi is hungry for this. This was my rude awakening when the registration signees were low. Ultimately, I cancelled the event on all the studios and funneled all the registrants to Re:Fit. It was a good move. The overhead was reduced and the venue space was filled. I also realized that doing 4 workshops on a 4-day series would have been too exhausting - one workshop on a big space was enough.

Owning the Show
Instead of the studios organizing it and us giving us a percentage, we would run the show - pay the studios for the use of their space, handle our own marketing, and do our own video recording. The video can then be used as a pay-to-view video on my website. This way, we would be in control of our event.

Snags
Making this our own show is where we ran some snags with some of the studio owners - others wanted a cut on top of the venue payment, others wanted to expropriate the event as their own, others were non-responsive, while others were manipulative. Any sign of difficulty with the owners, I cancelled. Makes no sense to me dealing with people where I have to constantly look at my back or constantly be vigilant. This is also a good exercise in filtering down the people you can do business with - in the current project and in the future.

Doing the Pencil Pushing
Back in Siquijor, I began to identify the variables (workshop mechanics, what the studios will provide, the payment system, dependencies, promotion, etc.) and drafted the proposal - the same for all the studios.

The Workshop at Re:Fit
I came early to feel the place. Thomas, the owner, was there to assist. He lent us the whiteboard and the audio recorder. Marky set up the video and audio. People started coming in. It was full - 19 people, filling up the space. I started on time.

2 hours was too short. Ideally, it should have been a half-day workshop.Some sections I planned had to be skipped.

Siddhi-Activation Workshop Siddhi-Activation Workshop
class picture

Lessons Learned

  1. Too aggressive - this was our first project and I booked 4 yoga studios for a back-to-back 4-day workshop. Why? I thought there would be wide interest in Siddhi activation because no one has ever offered it, no one teaches it, it's powerful and we're offering it cheap. I thought all the studios would be fully booked. Apparently, that assumption was wrong. As Marky put it, "it's not even newbie friendly".

    Solution: Re:Fit should have been booked exclusively for the event - just one studio. They have the biggest space and the rental was competitive.
  2. Yoga studio owners are business people - most yoga studio owners opened the studio for love of yoga. But it doesn't take long before they realize practicing yoga and running a studio are 2 different things. They learn fast. They may be smiling yogis during practice, but during negotiation, but they are sharp with ROIs and numbers. They will maximize revue on a zero-sum game basis.

    Solution: on the mat, treat studio owners as yogic breathrens, but in business, treat them as shrewd business people.
  3. No gray area - during negotiations, ensure that all variables are covered and mutually agreed upon in writing (could be just on Messenger). After the handshake deal, some owners will change the terms like an ambush. Stick to your guns and remind them of the agreed terms.

    Solution: make sure all terms are covered in writing (and not just verbal) and agreed upon before doing a handshake deal.
  4. Be prepared to walk away - the one who is prepared to cut the deepest wins. When some terms were unacceptable, or if they were changed after the handshake, I just offered to walk away. Studio owners are business savvy. They'll know when to retract and renegotiate. As for me, it's easier to walk away than deal with unreasonable behavior or unreasonable terms.

    Solution: enter deals you can walk away from, or have a safe bailout mechanism in place in case of a breach.

Insight Gained

  1. It's not just about me - just because I wanted it doesn't mean they'll want it - this explains the low turnout with 4 studios. Maybe the yogis are happy with upward dogs in their yoga studios. They become fit and they have a supportive community. Maybe that's enough and they don't feel the need to levitate.
  2. Seeing Success in what looks like a Fail - with few attendees causing a cancelation on some studios, I didn't feel defeat. There are many successes here.

    a. Success to get a workshop off the ground, beyond the planning and brain-storming, knowing the pitfalls, completing a checklist of things to look after in any project, etc. This objective was the primary goal to begin with - not the money.

    b. Success that I met the studio owners and established a positive rapport with them - essential for future projects

    c. Success that we even earned a little money (just coffee money, really), instead of a negative cashflow

    d. Success that I learned which studio to deal with in the future where I don't have to keep looking at my back

    e. With many empty spaces, there was success in that I was able to extend goodwill to friends and studio owners (whom I canceled on) by inviting them to attend for FREE. Luckily, none could make it. Otherwise, the venue would have been over full.

To-Do for Next Time

  1. Get mobile # from the registration form - when we had to reconnect to the registrants (due to venue cancellation), email wasn't reliable - it was maybe falling under SPAM. Without the phone, it was a struggle
  2. No multiple choice for studio-specific poster - for specific studio posters, create a dedicated registration with no choices to make (if ReFit, don't show the other studios). It's more work, but it's less confusing for some

Ending Thoughts
Since Siddhi activation has long been my practice already, I didn't have to prepare too much for the teaching part. I simply have to ensure the whole program fits into our 2-hour time frame - which I wasn't able to do. There were many things I had to cut off for lack of time. Ideally, this should have been a half-day workshop. It's also easy for me to sell that workshop as I am the embodiment of my practice. I don't walk on water yet, but the system I've developed has allowed me to remain strong, resilient from disease and stay younger.

This is our first salvo. The next phase is to offer the video version to a global audience as a pay-to-view online alternative.

I'll be lining up more goal-specific workshops in the future - yoga and non-yoga (icebaths, Pecha Kucha, etc). I have already developed many yoga sequences that I can format into a workshop - to remain forever young, yoga for physical strength, yoga for mental strength + tapas homework, HIIT yoga, etc.

--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit Yoga by Gigit | Learn English Learn English | Travel like a Nomad Nomad Travel Buddy | Donation Bank Donation Bank for TheLoneRider



FREE 120-minute instructional class on Siddhis

Event poster Siddhi-Activation Workshop
workshop poster for Facebook ad promotion
Promotional Video
Default

Version 2

Version 3



For whom is this class for?
  1. Advanced yogis - ideal integration for those who have many years of yoga practice, strong in their asana, pranayama, kumbhaka, bandha and mudra
  2. Intermediate - 1 to 2 years practice, you should be strong in your practice and ready to dip your toes into this new realm of moving energy
  3. Beginners - 6 months to one year practice, you're not a newbie anymore. But this is still too advanced for your practice. However, this will give you a blueprint, a working knowledge and muscle-memory for what's ahead when you are ready to level-up.
  4. Newbies - this is not for you. Practice Yama, Niyama, Asana and Pranayama first.


Components of the Siddhi class

Yoga has an infinite array of asana, pranayama, mudra and bandha. But in this class, only the components essential to Siddhi-activation are factored in.

    Asana

  1. Sirsasana Kriya - on a headstand (Sirsasana), the most powerful chakra, Sahasrara chakra, is activated. This is where energy and consciousness unite, where Parvati and Shiva unite, where prana no longer flows along Ida and Pingala but along the Sushumna. All Siddhis are acquired with Sahasrara activation.

    Since the heart no longer fights gravity, there is more oxygenated blood pumped to the head and pineal gland (Ajna chakra).

    It's a tall claim to say Sirsasana can overcome birth and death. But I would like to interpret this as attaining a level where you become a "non-returner" or an arahant - a person who is no longer reincarnated after death because he has attained a level of spirituality where all karmic debts have been paid.

    Additionally, Sirsasana reverses the flow of Amrita (the nectar of immortality) and thus reverses/slows down the aging process.

    I consider Sirsasana as part and parcel of a inversion kriya (a sequence of Asanas with a specific objective). The kriya is sequenced as follows: Sirsasana, Halasan (as primer for Sarvangasana), Sarvangasana, Halasan (yes, again), Karnapidasana, Urdhva Padmasana, and Pindasana. As a series of counter-poses: Mathsyasana, Uttana Padasana, Pachimottanasana.
  2. Siddhis (yogic super powers)
    Sirsasana Kriya

    Sequence

  3. Sirsasana - headstand, up to point-of-failure, but time it. Breathe slow as this is also a mudra
  4. Halasana 1 - plow, an expression of Jalandhara bandha, short primer for Sarvangasana, so we can establish the reach of our hands on the back
  5. Sarvangasana - shoulderstand, an expression of Jalandhara bandha (so focus on the Vishuddhi chakra), hold as long as Sirsasana (that's why you had to time it)
  6. Halasana 2 - full expression, do Maha Bandha Mudra
  7. Karnapidasana - an expression of Jalandhara + Maha Bandha mudra
  8. Urdhva Padmasana - inverted Lotus pose
  9. Pindasana - do with Maha Bandha mudra
  10. Counter Poses

  11. Mathsyasana - head is pressed on its Bindu chakra
  12. Uttana Padasana - head is pressed on its Bindu chakra
  13. Pachimottanasana - until satiated
  14. Pranayama

  15. Pranayama - In Hatha Yoga Pradipika, it is said that to be strong and live a long healthy life, you need to practice Asana and Pranayama. However, if you want Kundalini-awakening and Siddhi activation, you need to practice Bandha, Kumbhaka and Mudra. But you cannot do these without Pranayama. The Pranayama we'll do in the class consists of Ujjayi, Kapalbhati, Nadi shodan and Wim Hof breathing.
  16. Surya bhedan - prevents old age and increases the body heat and awakens kundalini. (it's interesting that its counter part, Chandra bhedan is not included as a siddhi-activating pranayama)
  17. Kapalbhati - Kapalbhati is so powerful it's not just a Pranayama but also one of the Shat Kriyas to purify and prime the system for Siddhi activation. It also rejuvenates tired cells and nerves, keeping the face young, shining and wrinkle-free

  18. 11 mins

    Manas Mudra (mudras on the head)

  19. Khechari mudra - When the tongue constantly presses the nasal cavity, fatal diseases, old age are warded off. This can be done together with asana, pranayama or with other mudras. If the practice of Khechari mudra can be perfected, the process of degeneration in the body is reversed. Khechari activates Bindu flow and wards off old age and manifests Siddhis. The yogi who remains with the tongue going upwards for even half a second is freed from toxins, disease, and old age. In the Yoga Kundalini Upanishad, it is even stated that practitioners are 'freed from old age and death'. Hatha Yoga Pradipika claims that if you can only do one mudra in all of yoga, let it be Khechari mudra). If you encounter a sage who knows and practices Khechari mudra, choose him to be your guru.

    (Khechari mudra) is extreme and very invasive. I don't practice it, thus it's not part of this class. I posted it just the same because it's a powerful mudra to activate Siddhis. As a gentler substitute, I do the Nabho / Manduka Mudra instead (below).
  20. Manduka / Nabho Mudra - this is a gentler form of Khechari mudra. The tip of the tongue is pressed against the soft palate (Nabho) or pressed left to right on the soft palate (Manduka). Both prevent aging and will not allow greying of hair. These mudras are not as powerful as Khechari mudra, but they are the next best thing providing essentially the same benefits. But if you really want to do Khechari mudra, you can cut-off your frenulum and pull your tongue long over the years.
  21. Bandhas / Mudras

  22. Mula bandha - the 3 most powerful nadis (Ida, Pingala and Sushumna energy pathways), together with the dormant Kundalini Shakti, reside in the Muladhara Chakra. Engaging Mula Bandha activates the Muladhara chakra. This pushes up Apana vayu to unite with Prana vayu. This also generates heat to awaken the Kundalini shakti. Mula bandha is instrumental in un-knotting the Brahma granthi (psychic knot) in the Muladhara and Svadisthana chakras, caused by attachment to worldly possessions.
  23. Uddiyana bandha - Uddiyana, when it is done regularly, even an old person can become young again. Uddiyana can slow down the natural process of degeneration and aging and make even an old person look young. Uddiyana bandha is instrumental in un-knotting the Vishnu granthi (psychic knot) in the Manipura and Anahata chakras, caused by fear - e.g. fear of leaving your comfort zone for something that excites more, fear of leaving a dead relationship simply because you'd been together too long, etc..
  24. Jalandhara bandha - Jalandhara regulates the flow of Amrita, the Nectar of Immortality. It prevents Amrita to flow back to be burned at the Jatara Agni (digestive fire) and instead, to be distributed in the body as Bindu (energy uqually as powerful as Prana).

    Additionally, Jalandhara stops the looping of prana from Ida to Pingala, and instead, redirects Prana to flow along the Sushumna nadi where Siddhis are activated.

    Jalandhara bandha is instrumental in un-knotting the Rudra granthi (psychic knot) in the Vishudhi and Ajna chakras, caused by attachment to the power of Siddhis and psychic powers.
  25. Maha Bandha mudra - When the two opposite poles of energy unite in the navel center, the decaying, degenerating and aging processes are then checked and every cell of the body is rejuvenated. Raising the apana upward and bringing the prana down from the throat, the yogi becomes free from old age and appears as if sixteen years of age. Engaging the three bandhas, the body is influenced in such a way that degeneration no longer occurs. By contracting the perineum, performing uddiyana and locking ida and pingala with jalandhara, sushumna becomes active. Prana and breath become still. Thus old age and sickness are conquered.
  26. Maha mudra - the symptoms of old age are either annihilated or reduced
  27. Maha vedha mudra - in its practice, wrinkles, grey hair and the trembling of old age are evaded. The symptoms of old age are either annihilated or reduced
  28. Maha mudra, Maha bandha and Maha vedha mudra - individually, they are powerful (that's why they are called mudra). But together, they are synergistic. I practice them as a Kriya - bundled together towards a specific outcome. They are the three great secrets which destroy old age, increase the digestive fire and bestow the siddhis
  29. Mantra Chanting

  30. Bija Mantra chanting - Siddhi activation is a function of Chakra awakening. Additionally, mantra chanting is one of the many ways to activate Siddhi. So, for the Mantra component of the workshop, Bija Mantra chanting is done. Every chakra has a seed mantra. e.g. LAM mantra for the Muladhara chakra, etc. Lam, Vam, Ram, Yam, Ham, Om, Om
  31. Meditation

  32. Nada - Goraknath was partial about Nada meditation for his Siddhi development. Thus, out of the many ways to meditate, we choose this method. When the body is already exhausted (from asana), when the mind is already still, and the emotions already emptied out, one can focus on subtle sounds emanating from the head. These sounds are Nada - the unstruck sounds.
  33. Sambhavi Mudra Meditation - in Siddhasana or Padmasana, close the eyes and fix awareness on the 3rd Eye. Don't intensify the concentration. Just focus your attention on that area. As the mind is stilled, you may feel some kind of sensation. Observe that sensation without reacting to it.
  34. Homework

  35. Vajroli mudra - sperm retention. This is very powerful but cannot be done in class. This is an entire course on its own, but in a nutshell, it redirects Bindu back for assimilation. This can be done as a homework.
  36. Tapas - try to integrate Tapas in your day-to-day life and embrace the discomfort. Cold showers, taking the stairs, walking instead of riding a car, etc.
  37. Neti pot - bring the 'pot' to class. This rids the sinuses of old mucus, but it also makes one attractive and prevents the aging process from occurring
  38. Nauli - bring 1 liter of water. This is one of the shat kriyas and essential in purifying the system


Siddhi Class

    EXPLAINER

    Welcome (2:00 pm + 2 mins)

  1. self-introduction - 20 years practice, nomadic yogi, tried lotsa styles, developing Gigit yoga, my practice for years already
  2. workshop overview - 2 hours, introduction for siddhi beginner, ok for high intensity class, compressing to 2 hours, who is this class for?
  3. What is Siddhi? (2:02 + 6 mins)

  4. description
  5. kundalini/chakra/siddhi correlation
  6. how many
  7. involuntary / spontaneous
  8. not required for enlightenment
  9. Video: Welcome (9 mins)
    9 mins

    What are the 8 major Siddhis? (2:08 + 12 mins)

  10. anima
  11. mahima
  12. laghima
  13. garima
  14. prapti/trikala
  15. prakamya
  16. vashisva
  17. isitva
  18. kama-avasayitva
  19. Video: 8 major Siddhis (16 mins)
    16 mins

    MOVEMENT

    Limbering (2:20 + 7 mins)

  20. shadow boxing
  21. stretching
  22. spinal mobility
  23. Video: Limbering (7 mins)
    4 mins

    Surya namaskar A&B + (2:27 + 15 mins)

  24. Warrior I
  25. Warrior II
  26. Parvotanasana
  27. Trikonasana
  28. Parivrita Trikonasana
  29. Parsvakonasana
  30. Parivrita Parsvakonasana
  31. Video: Surya namaskar A&B + (17 mins)
    17 mins

    Inversion Kriya (2:42 + 12 mins)

  32. Sirsasana
  33. Halasan (as primer for Sarvangasana)
  34. Sarvangasana
  35. Halasan (yes, again)
  36. Karnapidasana
  37. Urdhva Padmasana
  38. Pindasana
  39. counter-poses
  40. Mathsyasana
  41. Uttana Padasana
  42. Pachimottanasana
  43. Video: Inversion Kriya (14 mins)
    14 mins
    Siddhis (yogic super powers)
    Inversion Kriya

    Seated poses for meditation (2:54 + 6 mins)

  44. Siddhasana
  45. Yoni Siddha Asana
  46. Padmasana
  47. Vajrasana

  48. Video: Seated poses (6 mins)
    6 mins

    Bandhas:Energy Locks

    Video: Bandhas (45 mins)
    45 mins

    Jalandhara bandha (3:00 + 5 mins)

  49. 1 min, seated, touch/observe Vishuddhi chakra (soft part of neck base)
  50. 1 min of intermittently swallowing, keeping awareness on the throat sensation
  51. full exhalation, engage (chin to the chest), hold, release bandha, inhale
  52. Mula bandha (3:05 + 5 mins)

  53. touch perineum muscle, get tactile sensation
  54. 1 min, seated, exhale fully, hold. Engage (like holding your pee, squeezing butt cheeks, contracting anal muscles)/release
  55. 1 min, seated, exhale fully, hold. Full engage/no release
  56. Uddiyana bandha (3:10 + 7 mins)

  57. 1 min, exhale fully, hold, vacuum/release, inhale...repeat
  58. 1 min, exhale fully, hold, vacuum (sustained until failure), release, inhale...repeat

  59. FINAL: inhale, then exhale (empty) and hold. Engage Jalandhara bandha, then Mula bandha, then Uddiyana bandha. Hold for as long as you can.
  60. Mudras + Bandhas + Asana

  61. Nabho mudra (3:17 + 3 mins)
  62. Manduka mudra (3:20 + 2 mins)
  63. Sambhavi mudra (3:22 + 3 mins)
  64. Maha mudra, 1 round (3:25 + 8 mins)
  65. Maha bandha mudra (3:33 + 7 mins)
    Holding only on the outbreath + bandhas. No Antara kumbhaka.
  66. Video: Maha Bandha Mudra, explainer, 1:1 ratio (4 mins)
    4 mins
  67. Maha vedha mudra (3:40 + 10 mins) - high plank tapas, 1 min Wim Hof breathing, exhale (maha bandha mudra), full inhale for Maha Vedha Mudra. Repeat for 2 mins WH and 3 mins WH
  68. Video: Maha Vedha Mudra, explainer (11 mins)
    11 mins
  69. Mandukasana Mudra (3:50 + 5 mins)
  70. Bija Mantra Chanting (3:55 + 20 mins)

    Video: Bija Mantra Chanting (17 mins)
    17 mins
    Lam, Vam, Ram, Yam, Ham, Om, Om

    Nada Meditation (5 mins)

    Video: Nada Meditation (11 mins)
    11 mins

    How was this sequence developed? (2:28 + 12 mins)

  71. no Siddhi teacher
  72. read books
  73. collected specific Siddhi protocols
  74. translated concepts into 'call to action'
  75. developed an intuitive/coherent sequence
  76. practice
  77. tweak for best results
  78. does it work? enhancements, strength, resilience from illness, youth, right place/right time, synchronicity, manifesting
  79. Video 1: How was this sequence developed? (12 mins)
    Version 1, 3 mins
    Video 2 How was this sequence developed? (6 mins)
    Version 2, 6 mins

    Limbering

    Symptoms of Siddhi activation (Kundalini awakening) (4pm + 5 mins)

  80. you will feel/notice - enhancements
  81. heat
  82. tremor
  83. steadiness
  84. Kevala kumbhaka
  85. Video: Symptoms of Siddhi activation (11 mins)
    Version 1, 11 mins
    Video Symptoms of Siddhi activation II (4 mins)
    Version 2, 4 mins

    Limbering

    Should Siddhis be kept secret? (4pm + 15 mins)

  86. Yes - otherwise you lose the practice, lose friends, lose the siddhis, ego corruption
  87. No - inherent quality, tool, position of power, inspire man
  88. How are Siddhis acquired? (4pm + 15 mins)

  89. tapas
  90. innate
  91. Hatha Yoga
  92. samyama
  93. mantra
  94. guru
  95. psychedelics
  96. emergencies
  97. occult
  98. siddhi-specific practice

  99. Limbering

    Blockages (Granthis) to Siddhi Activation (4pm + 9 mins)

  100. Brahma granthi
  101. Vishnu granthi
  102. Rudra granthi

  103. Limbering

    Warning about Siddhi Activation (4pm + 5mins)

  104. Long Gom Pas (no free lunch)
  105. Schizophrenia
  106. Seeing the unseen
  107. Hearing the unheard
  108. Amplified trauma
  109. No Yama and Niyama
  110. You can lose it
  111. *** Lesson? Make sure you already have a strong practice when you embark on a Siddhi program. Ensure you are morally well-grounded in Yama and Niyama.

    Video: Warning on Siddhi Activation (7 mins)
    7 mins

    Homework

  112. Tapas
  113. Neti pot
  114. Nauli
  115. Final Rehearsal

    From welcome remarks to the end
    Video
    57 mins
    0:00-6:00 welcome, show of hands for yoga experience, workshop overview, advanced, bandhas/mudras/kumbhaka, brief explanation of siddhi (6 mins) process
    limbering
    6:00-10:30 explaining Siddhis, chakras, kundalini, emergent powers, for enlightenment?, involuntary, inevitable, secret? (5 mins)
    limbering
    10:30-19:40 psychic knots (9 mins)
    limbering
    19:40-42:11 eight Siddhis (22 mins)
    limbering
    42:11-56:42 how we acquire Siddhis (15 mins)




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Bantayan: in search of a home Traveling

Bantayan: in search of a home

(March 23-26, 2024) Marky brought up Bantayan after the workshop. I remember asking Mikko a year ago what place he will settle down for life if Cebu was no longer an option. He said Bantayan. Hmmm...maybe this is the universe talking to me. This is the best time to visit Bantayan in search of a new home since I was already in Cebu City. Impromptu, I asked Marky if he would like to go with me to Bantayan the next day, all expenses paid. I'm glad he said yes. I handed him all my earnings from the workshop as our pocket money....more »»

More on Cebu City:

About Cebu City
  • Cebu City is the 2nd biggest city in the Philippine (next to Manila) - and it continues to build and expand. Traffic is getting bad. Decentralization is being developed with the SM Super Mall in the SRP south and the suburban towns in the north.
  • Boat from the airport to the city center - even without traffic, it takes about 4 rides to reach the city. But with Cebu's increasing traffic congestion, it has become a nightmare. Instead of taking the land route, take the water route - no traffic, fresher air and cheaper. From the airport, take the yellow multi-cab straight to the river port and take the ferry (there's only one destination) to the city. Take the 02B jeep and get off at UC near Jones - you're now on the city's main artery.
  • given its size and increasing congestion, Cebu really needs a mass railway system - something that is conspicuously lacking, but no one seems to complain about
  • Cebu is bursting at the seams on the yoga scene. There are about 20 yoga centers in the city - from yoga studios to gyms offering yoga and hotels jumping on the bandwagon
  • a trendy and safe place in Cebu where you can chillout for coffee and enjoy good eats would be at the Ayala Mall
  • there are other pocket-areas for trendy hangouts - Banila Town Center, Crossroads, Escario Plaza, La Vie, etc.
  • the tourist area where most of the budget hotels and restaurants are, are located within the Mango area, although it has a seedy belly feel. Kids may swarm on you pretending to be begging, but they could be picking your pocket or your backpack pockets - be careful
  • many pick-pockets in the Colon area - be careful
Cebu City Google Map

Google Map Cebu City, Philippines

tourist attractions in Cebu City tourist attractions
  • Tops in Cebu City Tops - hilltop offering panoramic view of the city
  • Taoist Temple in Cebu City Taoist Temple - temple on a hillslope in Lahug with panoramic view of the city
hotels in Cebu City hotel
  • Hostel Seven Cebu - newly opened, resto/bar, central location, solo/group travellers
    Juana Osmeña Street, Cebu City
  • S Hotel Cebu S Hotel & Residences - new hotel, luxury rooms, central location
    827 M. Velez corner Andres Abellana St.
cafes in Cebu City resto / cafe / bar
  • Fujinoya Fujinoya - new and refreshing twists to Western style desserts using Japanese techniques
    Wilson St., Lahug, Cebu City - tel. 888.6075
  • Bad Boys Wingz Bad Boys Wingz - Buffalo Wings, unique versions of sauces! Great service, accommodating staff, bad boys vibe
    Kasambagan, Cebu City | (032) 415 4811
yoga in Cebu City yoga
  • Love Yoga World Love Yoga World - yoga studio
    11/fl, Skyrise 2 Tower, IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City
  • Yoga Now Yoga Now - first Yoga and Wellness studio in Mactan offering daily Yoga Classes
    at The Yacht Club Mactan
mountain biking in Cebu City mountain biking
  • Cebu Mountain Bike Adventure Cebu Mountain Bike Adventure - MTB tours, bike sales and repairs. Bed and Breakfast + Resto Cafe + wifi
    1298-b V.Rama Ave, Guadalupe, Cebu City | 0942.959.7451
Cebu City to Bantayan Island

The best and fastest way is by Ceres Bus at the North Bus Terminal, adjacent to SM City. The bus takes 4.5 hours going north until it reaches Hagnaya Port. From there, you pay the ferry company separately. The bus boards the ferry until it reaches Sante Fe Port (1.5 hours) in Bantayan Island. From Santa Fe, the bus goes to Bantayan Poblacion and then to Madridejos.

Ceres Bus - PHP 260 (to Santa Fe), 4.5 hours to Hagnaya Port + 1.5 hours by ferry.

Schedule: according to the dispatcher, trips begin at 6 pm (this arrives Hagnaya around 10:30 pm but the first ferry leaves at 1 am...that's a 2.5-hour wait at the port), leaving every hour until 1 pm the following day (I speculate that 1 pm is the last trip to avoid rush hour traffic along Consolacion). This doesn't match the ferry schedule so the bus simply waits until a ferry departs. e.g. the 6 pm trip arrives 10:30 pm and waits for the 1 am ferry. The last trip, 1 pm, arrives 5:30 pm, in time for the ferry's last trip.

Bus arrives at terminal 30 mins before departure. Luggages are P150/pc if no passenger.

Alternatively, you can get off the bus at Hagnaya Port and take the ferry independently. There are 2 ferry companies:

Super Shuttle Ferry
PHP 359 + 25 Terminal fee, 1.5 hours


ferry, Hagnaya Port to Bantayan Island

Island Shipping
PHP 350 + 25 Terminal fee, 1.5 hours


ferry, Hagnaya Port to Bantayan Island

Cebu City to Dumaguete

Cebu City to Dumaguete by Boat

  1. George and Peter Lines - Mon/Thur/Sat/Sun 10pm, (035)225.4337, 0922.557.1023
  2. Oceanjet - via Tagbilaran, daily 6am, dumticketing@oceanjet.net, 0918.898.2188
  3. Cokaliong - Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat 7pm, Sun 12pm, 6 hours, (035)225.3599

Cebu City to Dumaguete via Liloan (bus, boat, jeep, tricycle)

  1. Cebu City South Terminal - take the southbound Ceres bus to Liloan, P200, 5 hours
  2. Liloan - the bus drops you off at the Liloan Port where you board the Fastcraft to Sibulan, Negros Oriental, P62, 30 mins
  3. Sibulan - at the Sibulan Port, the jeeps wait for Fastcraft passengers to take them to the public market in Dumaguete, P12, 30 mins.
  4. Public Market - at the market, you can take any tricycle to your hotel, P8 for short trips
Cebu City to Tagbilaran, Bohol

Cebu City to Tagbilaran, Bohol

  1. Weesam Express - Pier 4, departs 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 2 hours
    one way: Economy (aircon) P500.00, Economy (non-aircon) P400.00, First Class P600.00
    round trip promo (at least 2 days advance booking): Economy (aircon) P600, Economy(non-aircon) P500, First Class P1200
    round trip promo (1 day or on the day booking): Economy (aircon) P800, Economy (non-aircon) P700, First Class P1200
  2. Ocean Jet - Pier 1, departs 6-7-8-9:20-10:40-11:40AM, 1-2-4:20-6:35PM, 2 hours
    Open Air / Tourist Class P800, Business Class P1000
    +63 932 8734 885 / +63 922 8572 300
  3. SuperCat (2GO) - Pier 1, departs 08:15-13:30-15:10-18:00-19:40
    P 500.00
    +63 32 233 7000
  4. Lite Ferries - Pier 1, departs daily 12:30pm, 10:00pm and 1:00pm (Mon, Wed, Sat)
    Standard (Lying) Php 150, Tourist (Lying Aircon) Php 340
    +63 977.822.5483 / +63 998.999.5483 / +63 925.347.5483 / (032)255-1721 to 26 / (032)414-9001 to 03
    info@liteferries.com.ph / www.liteferry.com
Cebu City to Siquijor by Boat, via Tagbilaran

Cebu City to Siquijor, via Tagbilaran

  1. Lite Ferries - Pier 1, departs M/W/SAT at 1:00pm, 10 hours, economy Php 649 (through barkota.com), layover in Tagbilaran 5:45pm-8:00pm, arrives Larena Port, Siquijor at 11:00pm
    +63 977.822.5483 / +63 998.999.5483 / +63 925.347.5483 / (032)255-1721 to 26 / (032)414-9001 to 03
    info@liteferries.com / www.liteferry.com
  2. Ocean Jet - Pier 1, departs daily at 1pm, 5 hours
    Open Air P1600
    +63 932 8734 885 / +63 922 8572 300


Cebu City to Siquijor by Bus, via Liloan (Santander) (as of Jan 2023)

Sugbo Urban
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. Leaves Cebu City (South Bus Terminal) at 8 pm (Sundays 1 am), heads south to Liloan (Santander), takes the ferry to Larena Port, Siquijor, docks 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 for Liloan, Cebu and resumes its land route. Arrives Cebu City 10 pm.

Sugbo Urban is the cheapest and most convenient way because when it reaches Larena Port (Siquijor), it continues its trip around the island (clockwise) along the circumferential road, passing through - Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi, San Juan, Siquijor...and back to Larena. It spares you the cost of hiring a tricycle or habal-habal which charges exhorbitant fares. Besides, it's a long trip to the other side of the island to be taking by tricycle.

This is also the slowest. The bus arrives Liloan Port around 12:30 am but the ferry leaves 2:30 am (2 hours of waiting time). The ferry trip is a slow 4 hours (this should only take 1.5 hours with Montenegro or Alesson), arriving Larena around 6:30 am. This 4 hour voyage offers no comfortable sleeping - you stay upright on your seat or sleep on the floor on a cardboard. The boat waiting/voyage takes 6 hours. Altogether, the entire trip takes 11.5 hours until the bus reaches Lazi.


Sugbo Urban

Sugbo Urban

Cebu City to Camotes Island

Cebu City to Camotes Islands

  1. via Poro - from Pier One in Cebu City, take the Ocean Jet for Poro, 2 hours, daily trip - 6am and 3pm (0936.823.8762 |0956.270.6610 | 0999.889.9999).
  2. via Consuelo - from Cebu City, take the northbound bus passing through Danao and get off at the Danao Port. At the Port, take a Jomalia Shipping boat for Consuelo (San Francisco, Camotes), P220/pax, a/c, 2 hours, daily trip - 5:30am, 7:00am (special trip), 8:30am, 12:00 noon (express), 2:30pm, 5:30pm and 9:00pm (express, Fri/Sat/Sun only).

Camotes Islands to Cebu City

  1. Poro - Cebu City (fastest and most direct) - go to Poro and take the 8am or 5pm Ocean Jet to Pier One in Cebu City, P380/pax/aircon, 2 hours
  2. Consuelo - Danao - Cebu City - go to Consuelo (San Francisco) and take the Jomalia Shipping boat to Danao, P220/pax, a/c, 2 hours, daily trip - 5:30am, 7:00am (special trip), 8:30am, 12:00 noon (express), 2:30pm, 5:30pm and 9:00pm (express, Fri/Sat/Sun only). From Danao, take the Ceres Bus to Cebu City

Blogs Cebu Blogs
Cebu City CEBU CITY

2024

  • Siddhi-Activation Workshop March 22, 2024
  • Cebu City for the Workshop March 20-23 / March 26 - April 1, 2024
  • Cebu City for the Siddhi Workshop Feb 2-5, 2024
  • 2022

  • 2022: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2022
  • Dec Snapshots Dec 31, 2022
  • UP-Ateneo-La Salle Talk Dec 30, 2022
  • Smart Politics Dec 29, 2022
  • Dawata Yoga Studio Celebrates 1st Anniversary Dec 28, 2022
  • Icebath 2 at Hostel 7 Cebu Dec 17, 2022
  • Snorkeling in Mactan with Mikko's Merry Band Dec 11, 2022
  • Life-Hacking Using Yogic Principles at Dawata Yoga Studio Dec 9, 2022
  • Cebu City Peoplescape Dec 4, 2022
  • Fitness in Cebu Oct 3 - Dec 4, 2022
  • Food in Cebu Dec 4, 2022
  • Nov Snapshots Nov 30, 2022
  • Pranayama for Mikko's Marathon Nov 27, 2022
  • Moderating the Theosophical Society Meeting with Yoga of Emotions Nov 26, 2022
  • Yoga with Jason Nov 23, 2022
  • Yoga Classes in Cebu Nov 23, 2022
  • Life-Hacking Using Yogic Principles at Hostel 7 Cebu Nov 19, 2022
  • Icebath at Hostel 7 Cebu Nov 12, 2022
  • Underwear Talk Nov 9, 2022
  • October Snapshots Oct 31, 2022
  • TOPS Farewell Party Oct 21, 2022
  • Cebu City Base: Hostel 7 Cebu Oct 13 - Dec 4, 2022
  • Manila - Cebu City: from Touch-down to my Hotel Oct 13, 2022
  • 2017

  • 5 Nights in Cebu City at Hostel Seven Cebu Sep 2-7, 2017
  • Karma Yoga at S Hotel, Cebu Jul 5-7, 2017
  • Life Coaching for a Competition Dancer Jul 5, 2017
  • Back to Cebu: Life Coaching and Jeanne Jul 3-10, 2017
  • Thank You Cebu Jun 12, 2017
  • Lazarus Jun 12, 2017
  • Palm Grass Hotel Food Tasting Jun 10, 2017
  • Qube Gallery's Ako Si Sabel / Balay-Balay Art Exhibit Jun 8, 2017
  • Ambushed By SM Seaside Jun 1, 2017
  • Cebu Living May 4-31, 2017
  • Conducting Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation Classes in Cebu May 26, 2017
  • Rangoli Workshop with Yasha Dabas May 26, 2017
  • Rosti with Fish Fillet on Tomato Puree May 17, 2017
  • Downhill Riding with Cebu MTB Adventure May 13, 2017
  • Healing Yoga by Nonie Fernando at The Detox Bar May 12, 2017
  • Be-In Gathering at Jeanne's May 9, 2017
  • Detox Bar Lunch May 9, 2017
  • Barakki May 7, 2017
  • Ashtanga Primary Series Yoga in Cebu May 5, 2017
  • 3-Night Cebu Stopover Apr 6-9, 2017
  • Coming Back to Cebu City Jan 27-Feb 6, 2017
  • Celebrating Friendship in Cebu City Jan 27-Feb 6, 2017
  • 2015

  • Goodbye Cebu...Daghang Salamat! Dec 20, 2015
  • Into the Realm of Jiu-jitsu Dec 5, 2015
  • Vegetarian Food at Cherry's the SPICE Nov 21, 2015
  • Shadow Fragments by Leopoldo Aguilar at Qube Gallery Nov 17, 2015
  • Yoga Adjustment and Alignment Nov 11, 2015
  • Smoked Salmon-Belly Pizza on BBQ Sauce Nov 8, 2015
  • Meditation Basics Nov 7, 2015
  • Pilipino Time Oct 30, 2015
  • The Benevolent Cebu City Oct 28, 2015
  • Vegetarian Cooking Demo with Chef Sharon at Studio 108 Oct 24, 2015
  • Yogathering 2 Oct 3-4, 2015
  • Lalique and the Lily's Peanut Butter Glass Jar Sep 12, 2015
  • Re-purposing a Broken Umbrella Aug 27, 2015
  • Body Combat Aerobic Workout Sequence Aug 24, 2015
  • Handstand Clinic at Surya Nanda Yoga Studio Aug 23, 2015
  • Stopping Time Aug 5, 2015
  • Peoplescape and Synergy Jul 19, 2015
  • Abaca Baking Company Jul 17, 2015
  • Getting Deeper into Yoga Jul 12, 2015
  • Cebu Yoga at Studio 108 Jun 30, 2015
  • Back to Surya Nanda Yoga, Cebu Jun 18-28, 2015
  • 2014

  • Thank You Cebu, til the Next Time Oct 21, 2013 - May 15, 2014
  • Teaching Yoga May 9, 2014
  • Yoga Dance with Jaya Indra at Dragonfly Yoga Studio May 9, 2014
  • Aqua Yoga with Jeanne Torrefranca at Dragonfly Pool May 4, 2014
  • i-Yoga with Ayee Domingo at Dragonfly Yoga Studio Apr 27, 2014
  • Burning Man on PechaKucha Night at GILT, Cebu Apr 22, 2014
  • Leveling Up: Veer-Yoga with the YogiVeers Apr 11, 2014
  • Kundalini Yoga with Rebecca Youngdahl Lombardi Mar 28, 2014
  • SUP Yoga with Jeanne Torrefranca at Plantation Bay Mar 23, 2014
  • Kitchie Nadal Rocks Cebu City Mar 20-21, 2014
  • U Trade Hosts Online Trading Forum with Tony Herbosa and Roy Reyes Mar 6, 2014
  • Test Driving the 420D BMW Coupe Mar 6, 2014
  • Yoga Immersion with Veer (Vaibhav Rana) Mar 5, 2014
  • Pechakucha Mar 4, 2014
  • Jeanne's Community Outreach Program Mar 2, 2014
  • U Trade's Coming Out Party Feb 27, 2014
  • La Creperie Paris Opens its Doors in Cebu City Feb 22, 2014
  • Cebu Hiatus Feb 22, 2014
  • Joan Hyman Yoga Workshop by YogaHub Feb 18, 2014
  • Idiot on a Jet Plane Feb 15, 2014
  • Demystefying Ashtanga Yoga Feb 13, 2014
  • Abundance in Cebu (Part 2) Feb 11, 2014
  • Shifting Yoga Paradigm Feb 10, 2014
  • Gayatri Mantra Jan 21, 2014
  • Crossroads in Cebu Jan 20, 2014
  • Deepening My Yoga Practice in Cebu Jan 12, 2014
  • New Year Yoga at Dragonfly Yoga Studio Jan 1, 2014
  • Fab People: Vaibhav Rana (Veer) Jan 1, 2014
  • 2013

  • Fab People: Jeanne Torrefranca (Yogini) Dec 25, 2013
  • Coffee Review: Himalayan Java Coffee Dec. 18, 2013
  • YogaHub - Real People, Real Yoga Dec 18, 2013
  • 108 Sun Salutations for Typhoon Yolanda Victims Dec 15, 2013
  • 2-day Yoga Mountain Retreat at Rancho Cancio Nov 30 - Dec 1, 2013
  • Cebu Yoga Immersion Nov 14, 2013
  • Human Neti Pot Oct 23, 2013
  • Car-Talk Cebu City Style Oct 23, 2013
  • 2012

  • Back to Cebu for the Web Workshop Oct 3-18, 2012
  • Abundance in Cebu Jul 19, 2012
  • Theosophical Buffet Breakfast at Parklane Hotel July 15, 2012
  • Parklane Hotel Talk Jul 2, 2012
  • Seekers' Lair Jun 25, 2012
  • Yoga at Cordova Reef, Cebu Beach Resort May 6-7, 2012
  • Vipassana Meditation Course Part 4: Getting Established in the Technique (sit) Apr 25 - May 6, 2012

  • More on Cebu Province:

    Suggested Destinations in Cebu
    1. Camotes Islands - caves, beaches
    2. Cebu City - rich in culture and history, 2nd largest city in the Philippines
    3. Moalboal - amazing coral reef system, sardine bowl, deep drop-off for freediving
    4. Oslob - Butanding (whale shark) watching
    5. Bantayan Island - long stretch of fine white sand beach, Virgin Island for snorkeling
    6. Malapascua Island - divers' paradise for seeing the rare Thresher Shark
    7. Cantabaco Cave - Toledo
    8. Barile Waterfalls - Barile
    9. Whale Shark Tour - Oslob
    10. Carcar - chicharon and lechon in public market
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