Exploring South Cebu on a Budget

Want to explore South Cebu on a budget? There are so many things to explore at Cebu especially on the South. If you are a nature lover and you want a DIY travel on a budget, then this blog is definitely for you! Just this weekend my family and I went for a quick trip to explore South Cebu. After a week's work, it's time to refresh and have my Vitamin N - "Nature"!

In doing a DIY travel on a budget, you should consider bringing these items: packed food, snacks, drinks, (just in case you can't find a food stall or "carinderia"), be ready to try different food and delicacies in the area where you're going. Extra clothes are essential too in case you find a good place to swim :), you should have an internet connection on your cellphone for the Waze or Google maps, of course, check the car as well (gasoline, water etc).

From Cebu City, we went straight to our first stop... Baluarte Park. It took us almost 2 hours to get there. You will pass by Cebu South Road (Talisay City, Minglanilla, Naga City, Carcar City and finally, Aloguinsan). 

At Carcar City, we passed by a line of locals selling "Bibingka" or rice cake which is cooked under a coconut husk. Priced at 20 pesos for 4 pcs in a pack. If you buy 3 packs, they will give it to you at a price of 50 pesos. So delicious, the sugar is just right. I love its soft and fluffy texture too. 

Carcar's Bibingka (Rice Cake)

The Baluarte Park is just at the back of their Municipal Hall, which is near Aloguinsan Market (you can also buy food there for a picnic). It is a "Park on a Hill" that houses the famous ruins of the Aloguinsan watchtower which is the "Baluarte" or stronghold during the Spanish Era. The park is good for morning or late afternoon strolls either with the family, loved ones or alone to reflect. If you are like me who is fascinated with the sea, mountains, and trees, Baluarte offers nice landscape and a fantastic view of Cebu's blue-green sea! It has a minimal entrance fee of 20 pesos for the adults and 10 pesos for the kids (for the park's maintenance of course.)

Baluarte Ruins

From Baluarte Park, it took us just 9 minutes to get to our next destination... Hidden Beach Resort (still in Aloguinsan). Entrance fee is only 50 pesos per head and we rented a table at 150 pesos where we can eat or lunch. Not an elegant resort but just enough for you to experience and take a dip in Cebu's crystal clear and calm waters. 

After our lunch and taking our Vitamin Sea, heading our way to our final destination... Simala Church or the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist in Sibonga, Cebu. It is an hour and 16 minutes travel from Aloguinsan to Sibonnga via Santander - Barili - Toledo Road. We again passed by Carcar City and they said that Carcar's Chicharon is the best. At Carcar, it was priced at 600 pesos per kilo of a chicharon. I only bought 1/4 kilo for 150 pesos just to have a taste and see for myself. I'd say that it is not cheap because from where I came from, Bulacan, we also have chicharon which is famous in our place. Carcar's chicharon was good, but it was not as crunchy as what we have back in our town (Bulacan). #JustSaying, I still like our very own "Bikoy's Chicharon" as we can buy as cheap as 13 pesos up to 120 pesos for the Backfat Special Chicharon.

While munching the Chicharon, we made it into our last destination. Simala Church at last! We intentionally planned to get there in the late afternoon because during Saturday's, they have an ongoing mass at 10:30 am and we don't to go there with so many people (optional if you want to hear mass). It is a church so there are no entrance fees. We are so amazed by the church's structures! Feels like we're in Rome!

There is a dress code because it is a church, so you should wear pants, jeans or any decent clothes. NO sleeveless shirts, please! You may also buy religious items there such as rosaries, statues etc. Here's is our quick trip at Simala Church:

Now time to go back to Cebu City. And you shouldn't miss buying Carcar's Lechon. We stopped by at Carcar City's intersection and bought a so juicy, tender and delicious Lechon for only 350 pesos a kilo! Cebu City's price for a Lechon is 150 pesos (the cheapest) for 1/4 kilo, while at Carcar, you can have it at 90 pesos! 1/2 kilo is just right for a family of 4 (with 2 kids) and bought Pu-So (hanging rice) for 5 pesos per piece. Bought 8 pcs of hanging rice and it is so filling for a dinner.

Carcar's Lechon

There's so much more to explore in Cebu (South side). If you have a vehicle, the gasoline (diesel) is just 320 pesos for so many kilometer travels. But if you are going to South Cebu via bus, you can ride buses near E-Mall or Elizabeth Mall at Cebu City. I'd say it is much convenient to travel if you have a vehicle because it will save you money from riding buses and habal-habal. 

If you want to experience nature at its best, travel South of Cebu! Follow me on my next adventures as Baliwagenya explores more of Cebu! www.facebook.com/Baliwagenews Tara na, let's explore the Philippine islands!

IG & Twitter: @Switirohsays

How does Marian Rivera makes Garantisadong Ginisarap Dishes?

How does Marian Rivera makes Garantisadong Ginisarap Dishes?

Wondering How Marian Rivera makes Garantisadong Ginisarap Dishes? 

We all know that Marian Rivera - Dantes is used to playing different characters: Primetime Queen, recording artist, brand ambassador, style icon, and philanthropist. But as of now, her favorite role have been those behind the camera: as a wife to Dingdong and a mom to Baby Zia.

A modern homemaker who manages her time between work and family, Marian has truly found comfort in cooking as one of the best ways to make her family feel so loved and also to improve her culinary skills. As a matter of fact, on her social media pages, Marian posted some of her own culinary creations Some are baby food for Zia, stews, soups, and veggies. And during the days that she was short of time, stir-fry dishes have become her go-to choices for easy and yummy meals. 

On top of her stir-fry list are Chopsuey and Fried Rice made with AJI-GINISA Flavor Seasoning Mix, as seen in the seasoning's two new TVCs which began airing last June 4, 2017. In both versions, Marian dances and sings to the tune of her hit song "Sabay-Sabay Tayo", while she adds AJI-GINISA to each dish that she was cooking to make them more delish and "Garantisadong Ginisarap."

If you haven't watched it yet, here's the video

Like Marian, you too can also whip up "Garantisadong Ginisarap" dishes --- even on non-vegetable ones. Just by adding a touch of AJI-GINISA to your favorite stir-fry recipes. 

Visit http://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/ recipes and like their page www.facebook.com/AjiGinisaPH and www.facebook.com/CookmunitybyAjinomotoPH for more exciting dishes to try.

SEA Challenge Figure Skating 2017 Winners

SEA Challenge 

Figure Skating 2017 Winners

June 4th, 2017 --- Excited to know who won at the recent SEA Challenge Figure Skating 2017 in Cebu? I'm sure everyone is excited to know. Official Result is from Mr. Eddy Wu (TPE) - Referee and Ms. Yukiko Okabe (JPN). Well, here are the winners courtesy of PHSU (Philippine Skating Union).

Here are the organizers: 

What's so nice about this competition is the awesome camaraderie formed between skaters, considering that skaters come from the different countries of the South East Asia. Here are some pictures. 

Overflowing gratitude for their coach melts my heart as they offer their medals to their coach. 

Congratulations to each and every skater! For updates on their next competitions, follow them on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/IceskatingSEA/

Want to see how they perform? Check this out!

http://www.baliwagenews.info/2017/06/sea-challenge-figure-skating-2017.html

TOSOT Cebu Launch

TOSOT Cebu Launch

May 29th, 2017 --- TOSOT Philippines Corporation has officially opened its doors to Cebu through a Press Conference held at their showroom located at Mandaue, Cebu.

Mr. Tomas Balete - General Manager, Mr. Steven Yang - Vice General Manager, and Ms. Rosalind Co - Branch Manager welcomed members of the media and bloggers. Said that TOSOT's vision is to become one of the market leaders in the air conditioning system in the Philippines, through proven durability, affordable prices and elegant design that specifically cater to different needs of the average Filipino families. 

TOSOT Corporation is an exclusive importer of TOSOT products in the Philippines. Founded in 2015, TOSOT is aimed to improve the quality of life through meaningful and innovative air conditioning system with a harmonious blend of sustainability and energy efficiency.

While TOSOT Stands for Technology, Outstanding, Style, Originality, and Trust. TOSOT is a global brand launched internationally by Gree Electric Appliances Inc. of Zhuhai, China -- the largest air conditioning manufacturer in the world. TOSOT brand was first introduced in 2003, and has been distributed globally in China, Ukraine, Jordan, Iraq, Russia, Canada, Belgium, Germany, Austria, The Republic of Tajikistan, Denmark, HongKong, Angola, Israel, Turkey, and was also formally introduced to the Philippine market in October 2015.  

Come and visit their showroom at E15-E16 Trader's Arcade, Hernan Cortes St., Mandaue, Cebu, Philippines. You can send them an email at cebu@tosot.com.ph. (032) 4227628, (032) 5149620, (032) 2387453, or reach their mobile number 09166922444, 09177085549. 

It is here where you can experience the exquisite TOSOT Lifestyle. Because TOSOT cares for you and your surroundings. 

For more updates about their products, upcoming promos, and sale... visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/tosotphilippines/ and their website http://www.tosot.com.ph/

SEA Challenge Figure Skating 2017 in Cebu

SEA Challenge Figure Skating 2017 in Cebu

Yesterday, It was a privilege that I was invited to a big event here in Cebu. The Southeast Asian (SEA) Figure Skating Challenge 2017 held at SM Seaside Cebu. This was the first ever Figure Skating Challenge happened here in Cebu. 

SEA Figure Skating Challenge was comprised by 19 skaters from the Philippines, 5 from Malaysia, 4 from Thailand, and 2 from Indonesia completes the roster of figure skaters to compete in the 2017 SEA Challenge - which is an international figure skating competition held under the helm of the Asian Skating Union (ASU), jointly hosted by the Figure and Speed Association of Thailand, Singapore Skating Association, and Ice Skating Association of Malaysia, Federasi Ice Skating Indonesia (FISI), and the Philippine Skating Union (PSU). Unfortunately, Singaporean skaters weren't able to join because of school activities at their country.

"The event was to stabilize the strong commitment to develop figure skating in the area.." 

- says Mr. Christopher Martin, Sports Director, Philippine Skating Union.

Mr. Christopher R. Martin
Sports Director, Operations Manager Ice Skating Rink
Philippine Skating Union

From the Philippines, we have Ariel Pascual, Celine Tansipek, Czerine Ramos, and Hayden Balucating for the Juvenile category. Sophie Hernandez, and Cailyn Bangug for the Pre-Novice Category. Kate Orrock, Sofia Cu, Nicole Dritsas, and Shaniah Yu for the Basic Novice A category. AJ Ariones, Skye Chua, and Sky Patenia for the Basic Novice B category. Gabby Panlilio for the Anvance Novice category. Steph Angeles for the Basic Juniorcategory. Mariel Mendoza for the Junior category, Misha Fabian fr the Elite Junior category, Bianca Vinarao for the Basic Senior category, and Jules Alpe for the Elite Junior Men category.

From Malaysia, they have Vanessa Carol Yau for the Juvenile category, Sofiya Halim for the Basic Novice A category. Kyla Ichelle and Nethania Lopez Ernest for the Advance Novice category. Chew Sze Chi and Ng Jia Xin for the Elite Junior category.

For Thailand, they have Apisada Jesdaapiban, Phatchita Chorprasertchock and Poonyawee Wisawajarn for the Pre-Novice category, while Jennifer Pulgasem for the Basic Novice category.

For Indonesia, they have Milessa Geana Serafine for Juvenile category and Melody Asri Fatimah for the Pre-Novice category

Apart from proving the country's readiness to host international skating events with the help of SM Skating, the 2017 SEA Challenge organizers hope to spread awareness on the sport and to invite more people to become part of the growing number of skating enthusiasts in the Philippines.

Here is my video of some figure skaters' amazing performances that left me with goosebumps as they perform! 

June 4, 2017 will be SEA Figure Skating Challenge 2017 awarding ceremony that will also be held at SM Seaside Cebu. So, stay tuned for more of my updates!