Camotes Escapade

Camotes is a group of four small islands (Pacijan, Poro, Ponson, and Tulang) located at the northeastern part of Cebu...

Last Summer 2007, my friends and I spent the whole weekend at Mangodlong Rock Resort, one of Camotes’ breathtaking beaches. Getting there wasn’t so difficult ‘coz we already booked a motorized Bangka. Together with us are students from Velez (in which one of them happened to be a classmate from high school) and people from different other companies. The boat was actually a big one, that is, bigger than the usual “lantsa” that is commonly used by ports. It took us about 2 hours to travel, but it was sooo worth it!

We immediately ate when we arrived (we haven’t had breakfast since we departed from Danao, Cebu at 7am). Mangodlong didn’t really have a big shoreline but the beach was great! Powder-like sand! I was actually planning on jumping directly into the water but my friends would still want to tour the island so we relaxed for a while as we waited for the transportation. They’re not actually the swimmer-by-day type ‘coz they’re afraid their skin would get dark ;-)

Finally, about an hour later, the jeep arrived. First stop was the neighboring beach, San Francisco Bay. This resort has the biggest shoreline. Problem is, when it’s low tide, you’d only be able to enjoy the sand.

And then we went to Lake Danao. The lake was breathtaking! So serene and peaceful! It was said that there’s a crocodile farm nearby which kinda spooked us a bit. LOL!

After the lake, we proceeded to Bukilat Cave at the town of Tudela. The cave wasn’t really that big, however, it was my first time to enter such so it was really a big deal for me, hehehe! It was really dark inside except for the natural light source at the center.

Lastly, we went to another resort in Poro town. They said that it was where they shoot the film of Vhong Navarro, forgot what it’s called though.

It was nearing 5pm when we headed back at the resort and when we arrived, our breath was captured by the mesmerizing beauty of the sunset! Such stunning blend of red, orange, yellow and black. It was perfect!

When the sun has finally set, my friends had also finally given up resisting the temptation of the beach. The water was really refreshing owing to the fact that the half day tour of the island had literally dumped our faces with sand and dust =)

The following day, we said goodbye to the island. Yep, whether we liked it or not, back to work, back to reality! Here are more pics of the resort. Enjoy!

10 Dove - Uniquely Cebu

Hey fellow Cebuanos! Have you heard of 10 Dove? Most of you probably haven’t. That’s because this little American-inspired café cannot be found inside the malls or along the streets; it is nestled inside Sto. Nino Village in Banilad.

You’re not going to have a hard time looking for it though once you get inside the village, because as what its name is, it’s on Dove Street, house number 10. It’s a garage turned into a lovely café with an American-European, homey theme.

For an affordable price of PhP185.00, you can already enjoy a four-course meal that includes a choice of delectable soup, an appetizing salad, a sumptuous sandwich, and a slice of their yummy dessert. Drinks are billed separately with prices ranging from PhP40 – 50. I haven’t been there for almost a year now, and I miss the unique taste of their dishes, so last weekend I decided to spend my afternoon in their cozy café.

For the soup, I ordered French Onion, and oh my god!! It was the best tasting soup my mouth has ever encountered! Well, maybe after grandma’s :) You wouldn’t expect it tasting so good at first due to its pungent onion smell. But once you sink your teeth into its creamy cheese melt topping and soft croutons, you’d think you’re in heaven! ;-)

Next course, salad. I ordered Fandango– a blend of greens, cheese, oranges, walnuts, and (my favorite) raspberry dressing. By the time I finished it, my stomach was already halfway full.

For the main course, I had a Wild Turkey sandwich. It has always been my favorite. I love the blend of its yummy turkey ham and rich Yukon dressing.

And finally, the single piece that sums it all – a slice of their lip-smacking dessert. I had the Cappuccino flavor and my friend had the Mango.


Here's a pic of their facade :)

It was indeed a hearty feast and yet our stomachs didn’t even feel bloated at all! It was so far the most relaxing meal I ever had coupled with a perfectly relaxing afternoon :)