Memory holds better images than photographs. A poetic, dramatic excuse for someone who has experienced something great but doesn't have a picture to show it. But then again, do all great memories have to be proven through pictures? Can't stories suffice? I may not have a picture to show you what a great experience it was, but you should believe me when I say that it's awesome. Will you just take my word for it, please? Anyway, we all know that it's the memories and remembrances that last -- oh right, photographs can be immortalized these days too.

 I didn't have an underwater camera, dammit. I just let the one-of-a-kind experience go down the drain, water if you must. Bummer right?

Here's what I did - on my birthday (that's January of this year) I went on a snorkeling trip with a bunch of divers in Apo Island. This piece of paradise, which means 'grandchild'  in Filipino and Bisaya is located off the Southeastern tip of Negros Island in Visayas. It boasts of wonderful rock formations scattered over the terrain, a protected rich marine reserve, and lovely white sands. They say it lists approximately 650 documented underwater species and 400 types of corals.

Harold's Mansion is a backpackers' hostel located at the heart of Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental. There are several reasons you should stay here when you travel to the City of Gentle People:

1. Great location. Situated right beside the busy stretch of Hibbard Avenue, Harold's Mansion is a 5-minute walk away from Silliman University, the town plaza, Rizal Boulevard and various restaurants. There are a lot of tricycles passing by so going anywhere in the city is easier.

Valencia is one of the closest towns in Dumaguete so getting there wouldn't be a problem.

I've actually mentioned that a hundred times in my previous posts. 




I know, but I have a point to make. There's an imaginary guarantee that since it's close to the city, getting to Casaroro Falls shouldn't be a problem. Especially if you were promised by the tricycle driver that it's not too far from Forest Camp, where I spent the first 3 hours of my day. There's a much shorter route, I was told, but it's currently impassable because the road was badly hit by Typhoon Sendong.

The road where the cement ends is the start of a 5-kilometer hike to the jump-off point to the waterfall. It's a narrow dirt road (like a dry river littered with small rocks) that's yet to be constructed. Only habal-habal can pass there. The slope isn't very different to the road I used to walk on when I was young (we live uphill in the province) so I thought the trek's pretty much manageable. I just had lunch too. Still, I found myself sweating and panting.

So how was Casaroro?
I wasn't able to see it.

I paid Php150 just to see it but I didn't actually see it. Rip off?
Definitely not. And I have no regrets. Let me set the record straight though that such amount was only for the tricycle. There's a 10 peso entrance fee in Casaroro Falls which I didn't pay because there's no one there to collect it. When I came back after surviving the 600+ steps, I understood why no payment was required.

The descent starts here...

The trek down was a memorable experience in itself. Not to mention very challenging and exhausting. Imagine going down a stair with 367 steps and going up again using the same stair. One wrong step and you'll find yourself falling down the cliff. I'm glad I did it because it somehow prepared me for my first mountain climb in Mt. Pico de Loro a week after.

Apologies for the shaky shot. I was apparently shaking...

Why wasn't I able to see it?
I was just about 200 meters away from the waterfall when I decided to back out. I could already make out the crashing sound the falls made. The foreign guy ahead of me was going back. He told me it's quite difficult to get there. He's a tall dude, possibly more fit than I was. If he weren't able to do it, how could I? Mang Enie, my tour guide/ tricycle driver was able to make it though. He's a good driver but not a very tour guide, left me on my own.

He didn't make it either..

Big rocks were splayed in the river bed. Rocks that were not originally there in the first place. Mang Enie, was a bit surprised to see them there. "It's the typhoon (Sendong) that dislodged these rocks from the cliffs," he said, pointing at the high walls above.

Bridge badly damaged.

There used to be a concrete bridge that connected the steel stairs to the viewing deck in the falls. You could still make out the bridge under the boulders. Judging from the damage the typhoon caused, it'll probably take time before the bridge way will be reconstructed. Until then, anyone who hopes to see the falls will have to brave the difficult trek. The experience will be surely much sweeter and rewarding because not everyone can do it.

Rock wall This post is part of my Solo Backpacking Adventure in Dumaguete.

Those who are seeking thrill and adventure in their trip will probably skip Cebu from their must-go-and-see list due to a common but nonetheless miscontrued notion that it's 'a city just like Manila.' While the two cities indeed share a few glaring similarities - urban setting and lifestyle, among others - Cebu has lots to offer than meets the eye.  For starters, Cebu is ringed by more than a hundred smaller islands and is home to several white sand beaches. Beaches that you can actually enjoy are non-existent in Manila.

If you're planning on spending a vacation in the paradise-island of Cebu but are still undecided, don't be dissuaded by those naysayers. For what it's worth, Cebu is a must-see destination for every traveller.

Here are some of the things you can do in Cebu:

1. Hit the Beaches

Camotes Island

You won't be disappointed with what Cebu offers in terms of beaches and dive spots. Bantayan for one is a famous beach destination with its pristine white coast that will definitely amaze every beach lover. If you prefer beaches that are off the radar, you can go North and try Malapascua, Alegre and Camotes; Olango, Mactan, and Sulpa in the East; and Moalboal, Badian, and Sumilon in the South.

2. Experience the Sinulog Festival

Sinulog is Cebu's infamous festival that also defines its culture. Best to plan your trip on the third week of January when the festival culminates with its annual mardi gras, happening every third Sunday of the first month of the year.  Feel the festive air and watch the city explode into a vibrant sea of dancers and extravagant floats taking over the street.

3. Travel Back in Time by Visiting Old Churches

Magellan's Cross

Cebu is a historical city that hosts several old churches which date back to the Spanish era. The Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño in the old downtown is definitely worth a visit as it's the country’s oldest church. It was constructed by the Spaniards in 1566 on the very spot where the image of the Santo Niño, left behind by Portuguese and Spanish explorers in 1521, was found preserved in a burned wooden box. Carcar, a three-hour drive to the south, is also home to a lot of old churches.

4. Go Downtown or Go Up High the Mountain Top

The oldest street in the Philippines can be found in Cebu. Built by the Spaniards in 1565, Colon St. has been the center of Cebu’s commerce. Although it has lost its glitz, you can still feel its old world charm with its old building facades and historic markers. Dine in one of the restaurants in the stretch and check out affordable finds in the flea markets. Don't forget your camera as you can take good photos of the beautiful houses that used to define the district. At the end of Colon St., just ahead the Gaisano Main department store, you can find a small obelisk (one of the many historical markers) in the middle of the road.

Mountain View

Don't miss out one of the attractions in the city - the nature park situated in the mountain which can give you a new kind of experience slightly away from the hustle of the city. It's a 15-20 minute ride from downtown Cebu and can be reached through a cab or a motorcycle which they call 'habal-habal.' If you're travelling in a big group, you can hire Mountain View Nature’s Park's van that would pick you up and drive you home. Entrance Fee is Php 50 per person for unlimited use of the park until midnight.

5. Indulge in Native Cuisine

You won't completely enjoy your Cebu trip without trying out their roasted pig, arguably the best tasting lechon in the Philippines.  Most recommended is the one cooked and prepared in Talisay City. Why? Because they say the Talisay inasal tastes best. Some say it is the herbs they place inside the pig, others say it is the way they cook it, still others say it’s the sauce they use for basting.

You won't miss out 'puso,' a staple rice wrapped in coconut leaves, because many establishments serve this instead of the regularly served rice to go with your meals. Puso rice pieces are strung together and servers just cut them off and slice them in half for serving, hence the term “hanging rice.”

Puso

Kinilaw - a must-try