Adrenaline Romance

Enchanted River: The Magical Realm of the Ethereal Diwata

Posted by Gian and Sheila on October 15, 2013 in River adventure, Surigao del Sur

Enchanted River

Diwata, sometimes called enkanto or dili ingon nato—the mystical and magical fairies of the Philippines—usually stay out of sight from humankind’s prying eyes. However, fortunate mortals who come to these realms may attract the attention and earn the admiration, love, and respect of these nature spirits. Sometimes, haughty humans may antagonize the spirits who will then take these mortals prisoners. Whatever the case, mortals who caught the attention or the fury of these diwatas are never seen again.

Tags: eco-tourism, Enchanted River, Hinatuan, lagoon, Philippine tourism, river, Surigao del Sur, underwater cave Permalink

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Tinuy-An Falls: Discovering the Majesty and Wonder of Bislig’s Pride

Posted by Gian and Sheila on October 8, 2013 in River adventure, Surigao del Sur

Tinuy-an Falls

Once upon a time, now a tale that has faded into nothing in the pages of the oldest tomes in the country, in a land known as Surigao del Sur, there was a peaceful tribe called Magdiwata. Whether they were ethereal fairies or mere mortals, no one knows for their story has become one with the verdant forest, all around us but unfathomable to the modern man’s mind. That didn’t matter because from the ancient mists came pitiless invaders, warriors who invaded their peaceful realm. The peaceful Magdiwatas were enslaved by their conquerors, and for many years, they served their tyrannical masters.

Tags: Barangay Burboanan, Bislig City, Caraga Region, eco-tourism, Magdiwata, Mangagoy, Multi-tiered waterfall, Surigao del Sur, Tinuy-an Falls, waterfalls Permalink

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Fascinating Surigao: A Teaser of an Awesome 835-Kilometer Journey

Posted by Gian and Sheila on October 2, 2013 in Backpacking, Surigao del Sur

Surigao and Caraga Region Road Trip

When it comes to surfing in the Philippines, only a few places can compare to Siargo and Surigao del Sur where perfect, massive waves barrel down and crash to the shores. However, world-class surfing hotspots are not the only places that the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur can offer. Within the nooks and crannies of these beautiful provinces are stunning natural wonders that can definitely and easily bewitch those who set eyes on them. Sweetie and I consider ourselves quite fortunate to be able to visit these breathtaking places that are barely touched by man’s greed.

Tags: Agusan del Norte, Agustan del Sur, backpacking, Bislig, Britania Islands, Cagwait Beach, Caraga Region, Enchanted River, Hinatuan, Mabua Pebble Beach, Mangagoy, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tinuy-an Falls Permalink

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Lunatrek 12: Exhilarating Adventures, Strong Camaraderie, and Awesome Fun Under the Moon’s Silvery Fingers

Posted by Gian and Sheila on September 25, 2013 in Cebu, Mountain Trekking

Lunatrek 12 Cebu Mountaineering Alliance at Mt. Manunggal

All right, there’s no denying it. You have fallen in love with the awe-aspiring views of lofty mountains, sky islands, and seas of clouds through your adventurous friends’ Facebook, Flicker, and Tumbler accounts. You can feel the adrenaline and excitement as you read through the detailed tales of their adventures, their blogs and Facebook statuses. It is then that you realize what your heart wants to do: to go up to the mountains, see the world from a different perspective, and enter a life full of adventure.

Tags: Basic Mountaineering Course, BMC, Cebu mountaineering, Cebu Mountaineering Alliance Inc., Cebu Mountains, CMA, full moon, hiking in Cebu, lunar hike, Lunatrek, Lunatrek 12, Magsaysay, Mt. Manunggal, socials Permalink

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Hermit’s Cove: An Utterly Secret, Totally Breathtaking Marine Treasure

Posted by Gian and Sheila on September 13, 2013 in Cebu, Island Hopping

Hermits Cove Aloguinsan

There are adventure destinations that are so isolated and so well tucked that getting to such destinations is actually an adventure in itself. These places radiate so much splendor, mystery, and secrecy that they deserve very special trips. That is basically what I had in mind to celebrate my Sweetie’s birthday last September 8, 2013. As a special birthday gift, we decided to visit and explore Aloguinsan’s version of a secret coastal shangri-la, The Hermit’s Cove.

Tags: Aloguinsan, Aloguinsan Cebu, coral reef, corals, cove, diving, free diving, Hermit's Cove, Kantabogon, secret beach, snorkeling, Tañon Strait Permalink

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Ten Reasons Why We Can’t Have Great Adventures Without Each Other

Posted by Gian and Sheila on September 6, 2013 in Special Posts

Love and Adventure

“Sweetie, I won’t be able to go rock climbing with you this weekend,” Sheila somberly tells me. “I’ll be working a bit late in the office.”

“I’ll just wait for you at home, prepare a meal for you, and give you a nice massage,” I reply.

“Really, Sweetie, you can go. I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

“Nope. We go together always.”

Tags: adventure, adventurers, adventurous couple, couples, love, outdoor safety, relationships, safety in numbers Permalink

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Buhisan Watershed: An Adventure to Witness Cebu’s Rich Yet Fragile Biodiversity

Posted by Gian and Sheila on August 28, 2013 in Cebu, Mountain Trekking

Buhisan Watershed

You may not believe this, but you’re in for a wonderful surprise if you’re a proud Cebuano adventurer, outdoorsman, mountaineer, bushcrafter, or eco-warrior! Despite massive deforestation, Cebu has its own natural park or protected area! Yes, that’s right. A natural park or protected area is a location that receives legal protection due to its recognized ecological, natural, and/or cultural value. A protected area is crucial for ecological conservation and form the vanguard of any national or international conservation scheme.