Visiting KALANGGAMAN Island (Leyte)

Posted on by JM Kayne

 

KALANGGAMAN island is one of the many beautiful islands the Philippines could offer. Visiting Kalanggaman is a treat to anyone who loves the sun and the beach!

The island used to be a part of Bogo Cebu but after a while, Palompon Leyte claimed it based on the height/deepness comparing each other’s shore. This remote treasure didn’t just came out of nowhere, it has always been there.

There may be quiet a few people who have started gushing around the prestine beauty of this island. In fact, I personally think this is such a secluded getaway for couples, friends and family as well. In this trip, I went there with my parents, my Aunt VK, cousin Harold (You could check out his vlog at Hush Shorts), cousin Darwin with his son Marcus, then cousin’s niece Odang + Mareng Dion and agaw Harold’s couple friends.

HOW TO GET THERE (From Cebu)

We moved from Cebu City and headed to Daan Bantayan’s Maya port. From the port’s entrance, you have to pay 5 pesos entrance fee per head. It will take around 4- 4.5 hours at 160/- to 170/- pesos per head.

You also need to book a banca/boat. Maya port is the jump off point to Malapascua island and so securing a boat to Kalanggaman is usually a special trip because it takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours to reach the island.

  • Boat trip (2-way) package starts at 9,000/- Pesos – but we managed to get a discount at 8K. The boat is good for 15-16 persons max.
  • Another package; boat + food will cost 1,000/- pesos per head.

WHAT TO DO IN KALANGGAMAN

The activities you can do on site are as follows:

  • Beach/swimming
  • Sun bathing
  • Tour the whole island
  • Snorkling
  • Diving

Entrance Fee:

  • Local – 150/- pesos
  • Foreign – 500/- pesos

This includes a free cottage.

 

Facilities:

  • Lifeguard station
  • Medical Station
  • A big group hut – possible for team buildings
  • Cottages
  • Toilets
  • Changing stations (beside the toilets)
  • Water / Pumped from the sea – 100/- pesos per barrel
  • Fresh water is available on the left side area of the island but it has to be paid.

 

Facing the island, the right side will amaze you with the white sandbar! So beautiful it would tempt you to definitely check out the tip of it!

 

While the left side of the island has the coconut huts for rent in case you want to stay overnight. Finally the treehouse is a highlight too.

 

 

OVER-ALL Impression

I enjoyed the island alone, it was serene, safe and a great place to think about life.

I personally recommend that the island/government assigned has to make the toilets better and make the water accessible. We happened to be right opposite to a toilet/changing station, but it wasn’t maintained. Although the other stations are just walks away.

TIP: Make sure to bring your own drinking water… I’ve heard from past visitors that theu’ve tried the onsite water and their stomach went wrong.
Finally, I’d say that it is indeed another must see island. Especially now that the feels of the place isn’t that crowded yet. Yet another amazing creation of the Almighty so worth of our time! 😊

Hope I helped you get a new idea on where to go next!

 

 

God bless!

 

 

 

 

 

CEBU : Sinulog 2017

Posted on by JM Kayne

For many years, Cebu has been known for being the Queen City of the South. The white sand beaches, the food, the people and more has contributed to the popularity of Cebu. Not only that, every new year marks another year of festivity!
In this blog post, allow me to share some basic information about this popular event back in my hometown to which where and when the Sinulog Festival comes in! The above video is one of this year’s presenter – from the Municipality of Dumanjog!

 

What & How Sinulog started?

Sinulog started as a celebratory ritual for the locals of Zubu (Cebu’s old name). Upon the arrival of Spaniards in 1519 who brought Christianity in the country, the image of Sto. Niño was a gift to King Humabon and Reyna Juana and became the image of worship for the people of Cebu. The word SINULOG came from the word “sulog” which means like a water current movement – that’s why one of the major steps of the dance is the two-steps forward and a one step backward.

Baladhay was the King’s right hand who became sick. So the king ordered his servants to bring Baladhay to the chapel where the image of Sto. Nino was.  In a few moment they saw Baladhay alive and well again. They asked him how it happened and Baladhay shared that he saw the image of the child Sto. Niño and thus he started dancing. Up to date, this dance has become an offering as a sacrifies to the child Jesus Christ. Year after year, Sinulog Festival has become known worldwide and has draw thousands of visitors foreign tourists and Filipinos alike.

Sinulog is a month-long festivity for everyone especially for all devotees, among the events that get people involved into are:

  • Sinulog Street Fair,
  • Sinulog Fun Run
  • Walk with Jesus
  • Sinulog sa Kabataan
  • Novena Mass
  • Ms. Cebu or Sinlog Festival Queen
  • Sinulog Idol
  • Walk with Mary
  • Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of the Sto. Niño
  • Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon
  • Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
  • Sinulog Fireworks Competition
  • Sinulog Grand Parade (The Big Event)
  • Awarding Ceremonies @ Cebu City Sports Center
  • “HUBO”

Attending this year’s main event was special because a co-Piper has offered us a “Sponsor’s seat”! It is of course for free! I am watching Sinulog live at Cebu Sports Complex for the first time! Shout out to Joanne!!! Thank you! Got to mention thought that we got it from her cousin who has connections in one of the sponsors – Generica Pharmacy! For your info; Sinulog Festival can be both enjoyed for free (on the streets, for the Street Dance Competition or by buying a ticket for the Main Presentation at Cebu City Complex (aka Abellana SC) for around 500 Pesos and above.

Jollibee and friends joined the crowd at Cebu City Sports Complex for Sinulog 2017!

Tips while attending the festival!

  1. Keep a bottle of water at all times. Walking around the city is a must when you want to see the festivities, major roads are closed because of the street dance. Of course there are food & souvenier stalls around the corner, so as soon as you consume it you can just buy.
  1. Stay Close with your circle. This year the City Mayor ordered a “network shutdown” while the festivities are ongoing. This is for security purposes. So staying beside your buddies will save you time in searching your friend in a crowd of thousands of people, which if your in no luck may end up you going home alone.
  1. Be careful with Pick pockets. Like many other cities, although Cebu City government spreads out the policemen around the city, it is still wise to be mindful of your bag and belongings. Due to the massive number of people both locals and visitors, it will be difficult to identify who is who. So better be ready and
  1. Enjoy!  The view, the street dance and the mardigra itself is a fun experience, people walking around the street and the all smiling people around the street gets you into the mood.
  1. Take Photos all the way! Mobile cameras will do. But if you would like to take a better quality photos then something high-end is recommended, especially if you have an intention to join the Photo walk contest. Did I miss anything?

See more photos on my photo journal blog here.

Go ahead, feel free to drop me a comment.

God Bless!

 

What I Learned in our 2016 Sri Lanka Trip

Posted on by JM Kayne
A question, not many would probably ask… most of the time, people ask about “How’s the _____ (country/place) – asking how’s the view, the experience, the food, sightseeing spots, the people and more. On this blog, I would like to answer this in a different perspective. I would like to answer this with what I truly learned and realized when we were in Sri Lanka – September of 2016.

 Culture, Food, Places, People and more!
These are the common “what I learned” many would probably share. Indeed I learned about those different aspects of this place that used to be called CEYLON. So I’m skipping this part as I believe, if you have been reading my past blog posts you’ll learn what, where, when how etc… 

 This Sri Lanka itinerary would help! So! What I learn about this 2016 Sri Lanka trip with Kokobear and Ate Amie is an eye-opening encounter with God!

Yes, you read it right, it was an encounter with Him!

We stopped by in a church near our hotel, took a few minutes riding a tuktuk to reach St. Mary’s Church. After getting inside, our tuktuk driver guided us to a chapel beside the church. We went down on the underground to their adoration chapel and on that room I have felt God.

I started saying my prayers. Distracted a bit actually because I could still feel the dust around the place as it’s totally new. In a blink of a situation I have started feeling my tears slowly drenched into my face. I found myself crying. My mind is empty, I say prayers no more. Nothing is playing on my head, but the thought of BEING BLESSED. Being blessed for being able to travel. That I have reached another part of the world and able to enjoy His magnificient creations. Able and having fun with my husband and friend. That not many can actually do this. Some may be capable but just don’t get the chance because of the different circumstances they are in. A few has enough money to splurge but don’t have the guts or probably don’t have someone to share it with. I say, I’m truly blessed.

Thoughts about comparing myself to others, thoughts of why we were denied in our last visa application and the questions on why here and why not in other chic places… were erased.

How do I thank God for this opportunity?

I know right? I could actually realize that while I’m in Abu Dhabi or in the other places I’ve visited – but I felt it in Sri Lanka. When I thought this is just a 3rd option to us, but actually this is the chosen place God has bestowed for me to realize how blessed I am.

Signing off all Sri Lankan stories with this blog post. Thank you Lord for such a lesson!

Read all my Sri Lanka series blog (and other places) on my Travel Log page!

God Bless!

JM Kayne | www.iamjmkayne.com

SaveSaveSaveSave

Ceylon | 2016

Posted on by JM Kayne

A Detour to Ceylon
To some of you who know our Eid getaway plan this year, perhaps you’ll be surprised that #ByaheNgKokobears is heading to another destination. Don’t wanna mentioned where we’re supposed to be but this time we are heading to CEYLON or now called SRI LANKA and we have a special guest, Ate Amie joins the adventure!
After the twist and turns of events, I started reading about this new destination and found some interesting places and activities. As an intro blog, I will be listing below what I expect to experience and shall update this once we complete or miss those items.
While reading this, we maybe off to Dubai to catch our flight to Colombo 🙂 so enjoy and updates will surely be posted soon.

So, I hope we could:
1.      Ride an elephant! It’s actually on my bucket list
2.      Visit the tea estate
3.      Ride Sri Lankan train (not the modern one like in Dubai)
4.      See more animals in Safari like a leopard…
5.      Enjoy the beach of Sri Lanka
6.      Visit Temples
7.      Hike Adam’s Peak/ Sigiriya
8.      Learn more about this country, the culture, the people and the food.
There could be more on this list and for sure a series of blogs will come up soon. For now, I wish everyone will be enjoying the long holiday. Stay safe and God bless us all!
Update will be posted here…

Update as of 18/09/2016

SL Itinerary Summary


Day 1 – Kandy and Nearby Areas

I see Edward Cullen 🙂

SaveSaveDay 2 – Sigiriya, Elephant Ride and Safari

Day 3 – Galle

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DIY – Travel Diary (Maldives)

Posted on by JM Kayne
Last 2015 September, Kokobear and has the privilege to do our first International Travel together as a couple to Maldives. The summary and further story can be found on – ByaheNgKokobears-Maldives 2015
On this entry, I would like to share to you the DIY (Do It Yourself) art that I did for this travel! I call it Travel Log. A DIY Travel Diary – Maldives 🙂

So here the materials:

  1. Old certificate folders
  2. Binder Rings
  3. cut-out photos of any thing about travel /journey around the world and most especially Maldives photos
  4. Paste/Glue
  5. Scissors
  6. All memoir of the travel
  7. Maldives Photos, tickets, money etc.

So, let’s start!

Materials: hard paper – in my case I used a certifcate folder, pen, pentel pens, highlights, scissor, glue, binder ring.
Front – Top & Back View of our DIY – Travel Log/Diary – Maldives
1 – Standing Front View
2. Tickets & an official note that this is our 1st Official International Travel together
3. A quote about marriage and snapshots from my polaroid cam
4. Money/coins & a daily log about what we see, hear, smell, etc…
5. Day 1 and more pics and notes
6. Daily budget envelops, tickets going back and a receipt of our final meal before leaving Maldives.
A closer look of Day 1 Page, the first island trip  to Bandos Island and the fees
we paid for this trip 🙂 courtesy of Holiday Factory!

Maldives Memories 2015

Posted on by JM Kayne
This post is dedicated to the whole of Maldives, the travel log, the budget (envelop), the city, the buildings, our hotel, the kick off travel by bus to Dubai, the tickets and more!

See the complete guide on a special #throwback blog on Maldives 2015.