Christmas freebies and Awesome Surprises

I don't normally receive gifts on Christmas. It is usually me giving gifts not the other way around. Yet, I have to admit I become ecstatic receiving one. Always humbling!

I'll take you to the time where my friend, Claire, (who's residing now in another city) made a way to let her presence felt. Her hubby became an instant messenger.

My first gift - Brownies!!!

Hot Spring Experience

After that action - packed trek at Mambukal Falls, we decided to calm our nerves down and chill at this pampering tropical hot spring just within the resort.

Water kept falling in and out of this jar.

Temperature in the dipping pool is set at 38 - 43 °C

While getting yourselves  a hot compress; do a favor and look up and see this. Heavenly!

Bats fly freely!

The sulfur dipping pool surrounded by lots of trees.

A small space where you can leave your things. Love the detail !

I am liking the wooden drapes here! Classy!

Feels like taking a shower with your heater on. Relaxing!

Bacolod City and the Seven Falls of Mambukal

It all started with a ticket booked randomly for Bacolod. Then, the planning and pesky inquiries came in. A friend told me, "Why Bacolod? There's nothing much to do here! " I chuckled, I said, wait; Bacolod is the City of Smiles and the Sugarbowl of the Philippines. Also famous for its ancestral houses and to top it all Mambukal is fantastic for having not 1 but 7 waterfalls! Take that! So there you go, me trying to justify my actions. haha.

Fast forward to 12.10.11! The downpour was heavy days prior to our arrival. The thought of it made me sick. Luckily, Mr. Sunshine greeted us that morning with a beaming smile. I was so, so delighted! Having a limited time, we chose to drop roaming around Silay and head to Mambukal Falls instead. Had a quick breakfast at Bongbong's; went outside the vicinity of the airport. and rode a tricycle and paid P10.00. We got off at the highway and transfer to a jeepney bound for Bacolod and paid P13.00 From the jeepney terminal to Libertad Terminal (where buses for Mambukal can be found); fare is P7.00. The fare going to Mambukal Resort is P35.00. This wouldn't be possible and I bet we might have been lost without the help of a good natured Ilongga named Merlyn. She was with us from Silay Airport to Libertad terminal. She, making sure that we reach our destination. I'm speechless! Her kindness is genuine. Indeed, a perfect welcome for us tourists! :)

The arrival area at the New Bacolod - Silay Airport

Had breakfast here. Ordered steak.

Exactly noontime, we arrived at Mambukal Falls Resort. That was a close 2.5 hours if you came all the way from Silay Airport and roughly an hour travel if you are based on Libertad. Paid P50.00 for the entrance fee.

Mambukal Resort

Basking at Mt. Uragay Spring Resort

Last December 4, my sister invited me to their annual outing with her college buddies. They opted to go at a cold spring resort over a beach resort. Had I not known her friends, and my sister shouldering the expenses; I would not have gone there.. ha-ha

Well, this place is not new to me, I have been here last year with my family and some relatives. Unfortunately, I had a period at that time, Quite annoying that I couldn't match their excitement. I was drooling with envy. But not this time. Good food + good company = A Perfect Combo.

THE DESTINATION: 

Uragay Spring Resort

The Fees You Need to Pay at the Entrance.

The scenery...

Christmas Village at SM City Cebu

Nothing can stop Filipinos in celebrating Christmas. As early as September, (the so-called "BER" months) we already fancy on putting up decorations, and christmas lights. Spirits is high while remembering the birth of Christ. Some families even look forward to family reunions. People working overseas also take their time out to fly in time for Christmas. 

So it's a usual sight to see blinking of lights in houses, in parks, and in the malls. But I have to say SM City Cebu's Chritmas Village really stands out. It looks so lovely and a good food for the eyes. Indeed, Christmas makes you feel young at heart. I felt it when I first saw this.

Christmas Village

From another angle
Photo Taken by Dawson

Simala Shrine

Monastery of the Holy Eucharist or shortly known as Simala is a place for pilgrims. A site devoted to worship. A spot that connects you to HIM and HIM to you.

One sunny day of November 30; my feet lead me to Marian Hills, Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga. Approximately, an hour and 1/2 ride from downtown Cebu.

The Pilgrim Site

The view from afar

The World Famous CPDRC Dancing Inmates

What usually comes to your mind seeing a bunch of prisoners? By instinct, you get scared, right? Visiting detention cells would be the least thing you will do. But hey, not here in Cebu! Cebuanos and foreigners alike have a completely different view. 

Why? See this video 

Thriller

(video cr: Byron Garcia)

Uploaded in 2007 and currently has 48 million views and counting. The best rehabilitation ever!