Sunday, January 27, 2019

My South Cebu Adventure

This is the last out-of-town  travel I had with my wife last 2018. The main reason why we go to Cebu is to document a youth camp there and after that is to experience the beauty of "The Queen City of the South",  Cebu.



After the youth camp that was held in Danao City, we spent a night at a hotel in Cebu City to regain our energy and prepare for an extreme adventure that we are going to experience. We joined two different groups of people but majority of us are Filipino and one foreigner from Singapore. At first we are not talking to one another because  they look professionals and high profile people but after an hour its like we are all close friends for a long time, that was a great opportunity to build friendship and it makes our adventure more exciting.

Here are the list of the places and adventures we experienced in South Cebu tours


#1 Osmeña Peak



This is the highest place in Cebu. It has an amazing scenery, despite of the coldness of the surroundings. There are some tourists who are spending their night in a tent and some just climb the peak and enjoy taking photos there. There is also a store where you can buy a cup of hot coffee and fresh buko juice. This is a great spot to start our adventure.

#2 Tumalog falls

This falls is so magical because of its looks, it brings you a real life fiction movies like Lord of the rings or Narnia. Its like it has curtain with cool water falling on it and  probably this falls is the most beautiful falls I have ever seen in my life.


#3 Oslob Whale-Shark encounter

Swimming with a whale-shark is one of the highlights of my south Cebu travel. These friendly giants are so calm and it looks like they really wanted to swim with people. I'm actually afraid of swimming on a deep water but I thank God because I overcome it plus I experienced swimming with the biggest species of fish in the world.


#4 Sumilon Island

This very peaceful island is like a hidden paradise. The water is crystal clear with a sand bar where you can enjoy swimming. Another thing is there are life guards who are so attentive for the the safety of the tourist.


# 5 Pescador Island

Part of our island hopping was to stop at Pescador Island.  This island is near Moalboal where you can find a lot of small fish, rich corals and school of jacks. This Island is well-known because of the richness of its marine life .


# 6 Sardine Run

After snorkeling at the Pescador Island, we proceeded near the shore of Moalboal where we watched thousands of sardines  forming a tornado-like movement. This huge school of fish became an amazing attraction. Their uniform movement are so incredible.


# 7 Kawasan Falls Canyoneering 

The crystal clear water of  Kawasan falls makes it look like a calm and peaceful place but as we go nearer and nearer on the area where we will start our trek, we heard shouts and loud voices of people who jumped from high level ground down to the water and it made me feel so nervous and excited at the same time. The first jump was the most difficult for me because it was so high and the water is so clear so you can see big rocks there and I had a mixed emotions that time and I asked myself "why am I here?", Should I jump or should I go back?', "is this the end of my life?"... but my wife jumped on the water without hesitations, so I have no choice but to jump. To make the long story short, I jumped on the water and the rest is history. That was an amazing experience and I enjoyed it, I'm hoping to experience it and be back there again someday.

Sharing with you other photos of our South Cebu and Cebu City Tour.






















Truly traveling was a necessity for man, you will learn things and ideas from the people you encounter, make new friends and connections, experience the beauty of God's creations and strengthen the bond and relationship with your loved one, but we should always remember that our travels would become more meaningful if we walk with God.

If you want to experience our South Cebu Trip, you may contact Happy Juanderer Travel Inc.
--The travel agency of our Project Sursuroy Adventure.
 Here's their website: http://www.happyjuanderer.com

Friday, January 25, 2019

Top 5 Most Common Line of Students inside the classroom

This blog is part of my "byahe" as a teacher and also a learner, all of the statements here are came from my own opinion base on my personal experience.


Students of today are acquiring a lot of information because of their exposure in different ideas and philosophies they are watching on the television and social media like facebook, twitter, instagram and the likes. This somehow affects the way they think, they act and the way they communicate with their peers and even with their teachers.





I am a private elementary school teacher and it's been a four amazing years since I started to observe those lines that my students always use inside the classroom.In this blog I'm going to share those words  and hopefully you may enjoy reading it. 

#5 "Di ko gets!( I don't understand)"

https://kimberlygalang.wordpress.com/2016/01/28/math-irap/


Are you familiar with this phrase? Have you ever used it either especially on your math and science class? If yes, then there is nothing wrong with you and I like to congratulate you because it simply means that you belong to this generation.This is one of the most commonly used lines that my students are using and as teacher it makes me feel discourage sometimes but because I love my students and teaching is my passion it cannot stop me to facilitate teaching learning process. So what I do is just talk to myself and say "buti pa yung chicken may nuggets, sila wala".




#4. "Teacher, five minutes review please"

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1366&bih=657&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=nixLXN3jM4nLvgSh8qfACQ&q=hirap+sa+math&oq=hirap+sa+math&gs_l=img.3...33854.
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This line is very popular before quizzes or recitations as an assessment of learning. Sometime I just want to have a heart-to-heart talk to my students, "are you guys really listening to me while I'm discussing our lessons?". The good thing about this line is that it ,means they have the desire learn and pass the assessment.




#3 "Teacher may I go to the comfort room?"



Comfort room is like a safe refuge for the students, a mighty fortress and a peaceful kingdom. This is where they go if something terrible is going to happen like when the teacher is angry and they feel that they are going to be scolded. This is the place they go when they are bored about the discussion. The best line for those who wanted to roam around to kill time. When my student asked me this magical question,"May I go to the comfort room?" I always tell them to enjoy and comeback to the class. 


#2 "Sir open notes?"

https://www.ccd.edu/org/testing-center

This question was so cool, the courage and the boldness of any student who asked their teacher if they can open their notes while taking an assessment is pretty impressive, its like they are asking your permission if they can cheat on their exams. Well,  one time I made a deal with them, "open notes but close your eyes".



#1 "Bonus! Bonus! Bonus!"

https://today.duke.edu/2010/04/celebrate.html

The all time favorite line of student from the past up to the present and the future! It brings smile on their faces despite of the hardships they experienced on exams, it brings hope for those who are hopeless, it brings peace for those who are worrying to get a zero score and it calms an unease heart. Everyone loves bonus, even me as a teacher. I really love bonus, but it should be put on a right place and at the right time. 






Hopefully you enjoyed reading this blog, and I know you can relate from this topic because  you were once a student like me! Let us always remember that when we are communicating with anyone we should always consider their situations in choosing the words that we are going to use. 

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Top 10 Places to Visit in Camiguin




Camiguin is the smallest island in Mindanao and the second smallest in the Philippines. It is dubbed as "The Island Born of Fire" harboring 7 volcanoes including Mt. Vulcan and Mt. Hibok - Hibok. This Island possess breath taking scenery that will make you fall in love in this place. The calmness of this island makes it different on the other islands of the Philippines, this is an ideal place to reflect, to have a quiet time and to appreciate life and the goodness of God in His creations.


There's a lot of places to visit in Camiguin despite of its size and it is actually an advantage because you can visit all those places on just a day or two, you just have to rent a motor cycle if you can drive but if not, you can hire a multi-cab with a very friendly tour-guide/driver . In this blog I made a list of my top 10 best places to visit in this island. I just want to make it clear that this list came from my own opinion and I'm not saying that the places that are not listed here are not good because  Camiguin Island itself is very beautiful enough.







10. The Guiob Old Church Ruins 

http://www.lonelytravelogue.com/2015/02/five-reasons-to-travel-around-camiguin.html

The architectural structure of this church ruins tells a lot of story about the past of Camiguin Island, the richness of its civilization, the dedication of the laborers and builders of the church and its tragic past that turns into beauty. It feels like you are living on another dimension as you walk around its premises.



9. Bura Soda Pool

http://www.lonelytravelogue.com/2015/02/five-reasons-to-travel-around-camiguin.html
It is the only soda water swimming pool that you can enjoy to swim here in the Philippines. The inviting fresh soda water of this pool is perfect for those who wanted to relax, there are also benches and cottages that you can use if you want to rest and have picnics.




8. Sto. Niño Cold Spring

https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g701653-d1123515-i151214988-Camiguin_Island-Camiguin_Mindanao.html
Because of different volcanic activities in Camiguin Island, it caused different types of springs its either cold springs or hot springs, according to some locals that I interviewed there's a division of place where cold springs and hot springs are located.  Hot springs are located at the east side of the island while cold are found at the west side. One the most popular cold spring in Camiguin is the Sto.Niño Cold spring, at first it will make you hesitate to go on the water because of its very low temperature but as you stay for a while it'll change the coldness into fun. 





7. Tuasan Falls

https://thoughtstalesandwhatnot.com/2014/07/21/camiguin-tuasan-falls/
It is like a latent paradise, at first Tuasan falls is like typical water falls because its not very high but what makes it especial is the surrounding areas of it, it is filled with beautiful trees and flowers. Another thing that makes it especial is the thrilling roads that you need to pass before you can go there.



6. Sunken Cemetery
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/sunken-cemetery
Sunken cemetery in Camiguin is known as diver's paradise. It is a cemetery on the Spanish era that emerge below the water after Mt. Vulcan exploded on 19th Century. As of today, tombstones are full of corals and marine life.



5. Giant Clams Sanctuary of Guinsiliban

<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g701653-d2177870-i279197773-Giant_Clam_Sanctuary-Camiguin_Mindanao.html#279197773"><img alt="" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/10/a4/38/4d/photo2jpg.jpg"/></a><br/>This photo of Giant Clam Sanctuary is courtesy of TripAdvisor
This Giant clams sanctuary is located at Guinsiliban, Camiguin. You will be amazed by the beautiful colors  and the size of clams here. Seven of the largest species of clams in the whole world are can be found in this sanctuary. The tourist guides are very knowledgeable about clams even though they are at the young age. There is also a beautiful white sand beach where sanctuary of giant clams are located.



4. Hibok-hibok Ardent's Hot Spring

http://aboutcagayandeoro.com/4-ways-enjoy-rainy-season-misor/mindanao-tours-ardent-hot-spring-camiguin/
This hot spring is one of the highlights of Camiguin Island, its crystal clear water that came directly from the mountain of Hibok-hibok with a temperature perfect for those who are tired after wonderful adventure in the Island of Camiguin.


3. Katibawasan Falls

http://www.travelingmorion.com/2013/10/travel-diaries-katibawasan-falls-of.html
Katibawasan falls, is one of the highest falls that I have ever seen in my life. The fascinating things about this falls is the calm and peaceful flow of water. This place is also very quiet because it is located in the center of the forest.





2. White Islands
https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2012/04/white-island-camiguin/

This naked island has white sands and stunning sand bar. Although its usual shape is boomerang it changes according to the tides. It is an inhabitant island there is no tree or any structure there but still you can enjoy its views, you go swimming or just take photo and relax while delicious eating sea urchin.




1. Mantigue Islands

Me(left) and my wife(right) enjoying the serenity of Mantigue Island
For the first place, I chose Mantigue Island. It is a small island that has a white beach with powdered coral sand. The difference of Mantigue Island to White Island is its green forest, there are also community that lives there and they are very nice to us. You can enjoy its cleanliness and serenity that is perfect for romantic bonding and quality time with your love ones.



Here are some of the photos of me and my beautiful wife while enjoying the wonders of Camiguin Island










Aside from it's wonderful views, the locals of Camiguin are very welcoming and friendly, 
they will always greet you with smiles in their faces that makes you feel at home, the foods and souvenirs are cheap but very great, perfect for those who wanted an amazing adventure experience but at the same time are avoiding to spend a lot of money.

Thank you for visiting my blog! God bless our byahe...