Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Be Pinoy: About Cebu City

Be Pinoy: About Cebu City: C E B U "A Quintessential Destination" "click to view larger image" C ebu is one of the most favored provinces of the Ph...

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Santander, Cebu


Santander
"Mesmerizing the Wonders"

The Santander Island

Municipality of Santander-Official Seal

Map of the Santander Island

Official Seal of the

Municipality of Santander
"click to view larger image"





Wander the
Municipality of Santander
If you're bored of getting yourself in the midst of all business of the city, try to get a share of the wonders of Santander.
     The municipality of Santander is located in the southernmost tip of the island of Cebu and is approximately 134.3 kilometers from Cebu City.
Geographical Location
It is bounded on the:


  • North
  • -Samboan


  • East
  • -San Jose, Negros Oriental


  • West
  • -Bohol Sea


  • South
  • -Bohol Sea
    Badian Information
          Santander is a 5th class . Main crops are coin, copra and root crops. White sand beaches and watchtowers must-sees in Santander. The famous beach resorts in the area are located in Liloan, which boasts of crystal-clear waters than can compare to the beaches in mactan Island. Among the famous resorts is the Marine Village Dive House, which offers several activities for divers and non-divers. Dive enthusiasts will surely enjoy the dive sites in the municipality such as the wall of Death, a dive site for experienced divers, where one can find hand and soft cards, and different kinds of fish.
          Santander is the third smallest town in Cebu. But it has turned out many professionals. Majority of the people depend on the sea for livelihood --- fishermen who continually explore the vast Palawan and China seas in search for rich fishing grounds. The methods of fishing used is the popular muro-ami.
          Santander's popularity as a tourist destination has increased in the past few years. Santander is the ideal spot for diving as it's located in the hub of some world renowned dive spots like Apo Island, Balicasag, Pescador Island, Sumilon and Siquijor This is also reflected in the growth of Santander in the tourism industry. 6 years ago there were only 2 resorts, still open today. Today there are 11.
     Why the municipality was named with ?
          Santander was popularly known in the past as “Tañong” after the turbulent waters of the Tañon Strait, which surrounds the area. However, when the Spaniards came, the town’s first parish priest changed its name to Santander, the priest’s hometown, which can be found in the northern coast of Spain and is considered a chief port and a famous bathing resort.
    Tañon Strait is a narrow channel about 3 kms deep, 185-km long between Cebu and Negros in central Philippines. According to sources from the , Tañon Strait is among the top ten major fishing grounds in the country. It produces big and quality fish stocks, including blue marlin and tuna. It is also famous for its schools of dolphins, attracting a growing number of foreign and local tourists each year.
    However, this biodiversity rich water and adjacent waters are not spared from ecologically destructive oil exploration.


    Culture and Heritage

    Tostado Festival

    Tostado Festival

    Tostado Festival

    Tostado Festival - showcasing different performances of participating barangays.

    Tostado Festival


          3rd Sunday of April
         Santander is popular for its Annual Tostado Festival where they showcase their famous "Tostado" and other delicacies.

    Tostado Festival Queen 2011

    Tostado Festival Queen 2011

    "1st Runner-Up"
         Tostado is a local delicacy in the town. It's a home-baked cookie with delicious taste and the procedures and secret ingredients in making a really delicious tostado have been handed down from generations to generations.

    Tostado festival gives honor to the delicacy that have made Santander popular. Of course, there are a lot of things that can be attributed to Santander, but when you mention the town anywhere you go, people will remember the Tostado.
          The festival focuses on the town’s famous delicacy, the “tostado”. The street dancing which is the highlight of the festivity uses the different movements of making a tostado in the dance participated in by the different barangays.

          The street dancing, which is the highlight of the festivity, uses the different movements of making a tostado, and is participated by the different barangays. The town’s fiesta is also in honor of their patron, St. Gabriel. The festival is meant to promote the tostado industry of the town to other places.


    Tostado Festival Queen 2011

    Tostado Bread Snacks













    "Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival Queen 2011"

    -Tostado Festival-

    Santander, Cebu




    Marine Village Dive House
    Explore with us amongst the 7,107 islands known as the Pearl of the Orient Seas - a perfectly challenging experience as you go snorkeling, scuba diving or simply strolling along secluded beach coves, coral gardens, natural attractions of towering rocks island and mountain trails dramatic landscapes and fiestas... 
    A tropical paradise just within your reach, explore the ocean, see marine life, island hop, and go caving in Mabinay.... Get intimate with the wonders under the sea
    Our Rooms are laid back, cozy, a homey sanctuary with an ocean View. A beautiful lookout for the ocean, sunrise, sunset while standing at the terrace
    Activities:

    Short Diving

    Middle Diving

    Long Diving

    Snorkeling / Skin Diving

    Dolphin/ Whale Watching

    Mountain Climbing

    Island Hopping

    City Tour

    Caving

    Golf

    Corals & Fish

    Water Falls Tour
    Services Offered:

    Massage

    Reflexology

    Swedish massage

    Aromatherapy

    Shiatsu

    Manicure

    Pedicure
    Sample our chefs Japanese, Filipino and other continental cuisine at the restaurant.
    Planning a wedding can be highly stressful, so taking a honeymoon vacation is a great way to unwind after the big day is over.
    Let someone else look after you and cater to your every whim. The hardest part will be picking the destination - there are so many romantic places to choose from! It never hurts to let people know you're on your honeymoon once you arrive at your destination!

    Marine Village Dive House


    Transportation
         Tourists can reach the town through an approximately 3 ½ -hour bus of vehicle-for-hire ride from Cebu City. These vehicles are available every hour at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Tricycles, trisikads, and motorcycles for hire to take care of the tourists around the town.                                       



    Getting There?


    ROUTES

    MEAN S OF TRANSPORTATION

    Capacity

    Accessibility

    Fares*

    CSBT-South

    Buses (aircon)

    66(max)

    CSBT

    (Cebu South Bus Terminal)

    P100-P160

    CSBT-South

    Buses(non-aircon)

    66(max)

    CSBT

    (Cebu South Bus Terminal)

    P85-P110

    CSBT-South

    Mini Buses

    40(max)

    CSBT

    (Cebu South Bus Terminal)

    P70-P100

    *Fares vary depending on the destination point.


    Have the chance to meet and greet the people of

    .





    “Tara na Bai!”





    View Larger Map



    Map of
    Cebu showing the location of Municipality of Santander
    .





    Barangays in the Municipality of Santander

    Santander Municipality is administratively subdivided into 10 Barangays.


    • Bunlan

    • Cabutongan

    • Kandamiang

    • Liloan

    • Lip-tong

    • Looc

    • Pasil

    • Poblacion

    • Canlumacad

    • Talisay




    Argao, Cebu


    Argao


    "Captivating the
    Gorgeous Town of Argao"



    Argao, Cebu

    Map of the Argao
    "click to view larger image"


    Heritage  Of Cebu





    Your one-stop site for everything about Argao:
    beaches, resorts, transportation, accommodation, crafts, arts, recreations, events, fiesta...
         The municipality of Argao is located in the southeastern part of the province of Cebu and is approximately 67 kilometers from Cebu City. It is bounded by the following municipalities:
    Geographical Location

    Contents

        1 Information
        2 Why Argao?
        3 San Miguel Church
        4 Pitlagong Festival
        5 Puerta Marina
        6 Mahayahay Beach
        7 Getting There













    It is bounded on the:

            North     -Municipality of Sibonga
            South     -Municipality of Dalaguete
            West     -Municipalities of Dumanjug, Ronda, Alcantara, Moalboal

          and Badian
            East     -Bohol Strait



    Argao Information
             is located on the 2nd district province of . Composed of 45 barangays and now acknowledged as a first class municipality.
    What is a ?
            It is known to describe as a native Filipino term for village or district. Barangays are subdivided into smaller Zones or what they call as .
    What is the population of Argao?
            Argao is in the southern part of Cebu with a population of more or less than 62,000 people.
            In one of the previous news articles, Argao was declared as the top tourist destination in Cebu. This is because of the increasing number of visitors who are interested to see the controversial place. With so much development in just a short period of time, lots of people get curious as to what Argao has to offer. Below is a list of things that you must experience when you visit the place namely:
    Delicacy
            The town is famous for its mouth-watering , lip-smacking , and sweet beverage. You must not forget to bring some when you return to your place because these make your stay complete.
    Natural views
            With so much scenic places to visit like Nature Park, beautiful beaches, and the “Only in the Philippines” – you will never feel bored even a single minute.
    Available Amenities
            Being away from home will not make you feel home sick because it has a WIFI connection open to the public. Just don’t forget to bring with you your laptop and enjoy unlimited Internet access for free.
            The urban centers and highways of the municipality is largely composed of plains and flatlands while the central portion is mountainous and very steep. Among the places to see in Argao is the Mahayahay Beach and the municipality’s Chuch, the . This beautiful and richly furnished Rococo- Baroque church was constructed in 1734 and was completed in 1788. The church was renovated for its bicentennial Celebration on 1988. Another must-see in Argao is the Riverstone Castle, which were constructed using stones collected from a nearby river. The castle has a mini-zoo that  features monkeys, snakes, and other animals.
    "These are just few of most sought-after things in Argao.

    To have more of it, kindly drop by and experience them yourself"
    Why named with ?

        

          The name dates back to the Spanish period. Locals claim that their hometown got its name from a tree called , which gre abundantly in the coastal areas of place during that time.
          The town of  is considered as one of the oldest towns in the province of , having been founded by the Spaniards and established as a pueblo in the year1608. But prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, what was then Argao was composed of several families that lived mainly by fishing and farming, as many still do today. According to stories passed on from generation to generation, the name of the town was derived from an abundantly-growing plant in the area, known locally as . The story of Argao’s name is very much like many other localities in the Philippines that derived their names from popular flora or fauna found in the area. As the story goes, a delegation of Spanish officials came to the town and asked a villager, some say a fisherman, what the name of the town was. Obviously, not comprehending the foreign tongue, the man presumed that the Spaniard was referring to the “Sali-argaw” plants in the area, as the Spaniards were waving their arms to mean the entire place. With this, the fisherman simply said “Sali-argaw”, and from that moment on the Spaniards christened the area as el pueblo de Argao. On that very same day, legends further say, many more Spaniards arrived to formalize the establishment of the pueblo and appointed  as the town’s first .


    Culture and Heritage

    Argao Church

    Municipality of Argao

    Rizal Statue

    San Miguel el Arcángel

    - The facade of the church -

    Municipality of Argao

    - Official Seal of the

    Rizal statue in Argao

    San Miguel el Arcángel


     Facade of the church (Leftmost Picture)

    Argao Church

    Argao Church

    Argao Church

    San Miguel el Arcángel

    - Details of the facade -


    The Facade of the church
         The church of St. Michael the Archangel in Argao was built in 1783 during the time of Fr. Francisco Espina who was the parish priest from 1782 to 1798. It bears a striking resemblance with the San Guillermo de Aquitania Church in Dalaguete.
         Sporting influences of baroque and rococo, the church features a three-level facade that is divided into segments by pilasters. At the lower level is a paired pilaster each with a carved-relief of a cherub clinging to an ornamental plant on one hand while carrying another plant on the other hand.
    The Details of the facade


         A framed representation of St. Michael the Archangel is carved in high-relief at the middle of the triangular pediment. At the lower level are carved relieves of ecclesiastical symbols and texts.

    Right above the main entrance is the Spanish royal seal, an indication that this church like many other churches in the country was built out of funds from the Spanish monarchy. Relieves of floral motifs and cherubim also decorate the facade, the side entrances and the perimeter wall of the church plaza.
    An Unplayable pipe organ
         The entire church complex, the municipal hall and the two-level coral stone building which is now a courthouse were once enclosed by a defensive wall of stone with bastions. Parts of the wall including the three portals still exist.

    San Migue el Arcanguel

    San Miguel el Arcángel

    - An unplayable pipe organ-
         The eastern portal that opens to the sea seems to have doubled as a watchtower since a small door beside it opens to a narrow passageway to the top. Just beside this portal is the mortuary chapel that was recently rediscovered after being hidden for years behind an out-patient department building of a nearby hospital. This contemporary structure was torn down recently thus finally exposing the stone chapel.
         According to church historian Regalado Trota Jose, Argao Church is perhaps the only one in the country with  at the four corners of the church plaza which is enclosed with a low perimeter stone wall. These capilla posas were small chapels or shrines for stopover prayers during a procession and is common in Spanish colonial churches in Mexico.

    Unfortunately, only one of the four is intact while the rest have fallen victim to the modernizing efforts of a particular parish priest. The low perimeter wall of the plaza itself is decorated with relieves of symbols representing the 14 stations of the cross.


    San Miguel Arcangel

    San Miguel el Arcángel

    - The main altar retablo-
    The Main altar retablo
         The interior features a semi-cylindrical ceiling made up of planks of wood that is painted with various biblical scenes and ecclesiastical motifs. It is supported by corbels with decorative cherub heads. At the sanctuary is a large carved wooden altar screen or retablowhile two smaller altar screens can be found on each transept.
         The main altar retablo which no longer bears its original color after being painted with a motley of gold, silver, and gray colors a few years back still contains the original images that was intended for it unlike the side altars. In fact, the images at the main altar were also applied with gold leaf all over. The side altars however still bear its original colors including the painted floral embellishments and may give one a hint of how the large main altar retablo may have looked like.


    San Miguel Arcangel

    San Miguel Arcangel

    San Miguel el Arcángel

    - The pulpit attached to the wall (left) -

    -

    Tomb of a parish priest (right)-
    The pulpit &

    Tomb of a parish priest
         Right across the main altar, at the crossing, hangs a very large censer or thurible. At the northern transept is the tomb of Fr. Meliton Talegon, a parish priest of Argao in the late-nineteenth century who was once a rector of the Real Colegio delos Padres Agustinos Filipinos de Valladolid of the Augustinian Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus of the Philippines which is based in Valladolid, Spain up to now.








    Festival

    "Pitlagong Festival 2009"

    -Tribu Talaga-

    Argao, Cebu


    Pitlagong Festival in Argao

         The  honors Argao's patron saint, Michael the Archangel.  The festival is celebrated through a parade, a street dancing competition, and a ritual showdown. 
         The term  is a bamboo instrument used to clean the sugong. The  is a bamboo container used in collecting tuba, or coconut wine. Tuba is a traditional Filipino drink and it is believed that the tuba will not taste good without the pitlagong. Because of what the festival is named after, it is expected that locals will be drinking  during merrymaking in the festival.


    Tourist Spots
    Puerta Marina     



    Puerta Marina MainEntrance

    Puerta Marina Hallway

    Puerta Marina

    - Main Entrance -

    Puerta Marina

    - Hallway -

        Main entrance to the pueblo of Argao. Built in the mid-1700s, this served as the first line of defense of the pueblo.  The was constructed in the 1700’s to protect the town from possible looters.  It serves as the main entrance from the sea to the charming town of Argao.
    Mahayahay Beach Resort


    Mahayahay Beach

    Mahayahay Beach

    Mahayahay Beach

    - Argao, Cebu-

       The is a nice sand beach and is a well-known place for its beauty in whole Cebu. The resort is just in front of the famous Mahayahay Beach. And even at high tide there is an opportunity to swim in our cool swimming pool. A romantic and quiet place with clean and clear blue water as well as fresh air, that means Mahayahay Beach.
        The Mahayahay Beach Resort exists since 1987. The Resort consists of three houses and offers accommodations for about 20 persons. The Mahayahay Beach is a nice sand beach and well known for its beauty in whole Cebu. During north monsoon season (October to May) there is long headland and the wind comes from north-east. The water at the south beach is very calm during that time. The rainy season/south monsoon (June to September) is a stormy time. Strong wind and big waves attract many people from all over the Philippines for wave surfing, windsurfing and especially skim boarding.
    "Mahayahay Beach"
    Argao, Cebu

    Transportation
         It is very easy to reach Argao. Aircon and non-aircon buses that leave for the town every hour are available at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. There are also mini-buses and vehicles-for-hire available within the terminal premises. Going around the town is also a breeze. Tricycles, trisikads (bicycles with sidecars), and motorcycles called are all over the place. These vehicles take tourists and locals to different areas in the town.


    Getting There?


    ROUTES

    MEAN S OF TRANSPORTATION

    Capacity

    Accessibility

    Fares*

    CSBT-South

    Buses (aircon)

    66(max)

    CSBT

    (Cebu South Bus Terminal)

    P155-P190

    CSBT-South

    Buses(non-aircon)

    66(max)

    CSBT

    (Cebu South Bus Terminal)

    P120-P160

    CSBT-South

    Mini Buses

    40(max)

    CSBT

    (Cebu South Bus Terminal)

    P100-P130

    Argao

    "Habal-habal" Ride

    3(max)

    Vicinity of Argao

    P10-P50

    *Fares vary depending on the destination point.
    Falling in Love with a Town
    .



    “Suroy-suroy Argawanon!”
    Badian Island, Cebu, Philippines





    View Larger Map





    Map of
    Cebu showing the location of Municipality of Argao
    .





    Barangays in the Municipality of Argao

    Argao Municipality is administratively subdivided into 10 Barangays.


    • Alambijud
    • Anajao
    • Apo
    • Bala-as
    • Balisong
    • Binlod
    • Bogo
    • Butong
    • Bug-ot
    • Bulasa
    • Calagasan
    • Canbantug
    • Canbanua
    • Cansuje
    • Capio-an

    • Casay
    • Catang
    • Colawin
    • Conalum
    • Guiwanon
    • Gutlang
    • Jampang
    • Jomgao
    • Lamacan
    • Langtad
    • Langub
    • Lapay
    • Lengigon
    • Linut-od
    • Mabasa

    • Mandilikit
    • Mompeller
    • Panadtaran
    • Poblacion
    • Sua
    • Sumaguan
    • Tabayag
    • Talaga
    • Talaytay
    • Talo-ot
    • Tiguib
    • Tulang
    • Tulic
    • Ubaub
    • Usmad

    Badian Island, Cebu




    Badian Island




    "Delightful Craving for Nature"

    Badian Island's Top View
    The Badian Island
    Sunset over badian island, off the southwestern coast of cebu island
    Bird’s Eye – View of the Badian Island
           "click thumbnail for larger images"


    "Humbly Badian"


    One of the nature's ally in the preservation of its natural wonders, especially here in Cebu is the municipality of Badian.
    Badian is a 3rd class municipality on the southwestern coast of the province of Cebu, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 35,876 people.

     

     

    Geographical Location


    It is bounded on the:
    • North
    -Moalboal
    • East
    -Dalaguete
    • West
    -Tañon Strait
    • South
    -Alegria

    Badian Information

          It has a total land area of 107 square kilometers and is politically subdivided into 29 barangays. The town is situated 97.6 kilometers southwest of Cebu City. The capital barangay of Badian town is Poblacion. It is located basically in the center of the town. This is where the local high school is located called Badian National High School (BNHS)is one of the two high schools in the town of Badian. This is also the largest of the two and many students from the neighboring town just like Moalboal, Alcantara and Ronda come to study in this high school.
          The lower educational facility in Badian is the Badian Central Elementary School where basically all the younger children go to school for the simple fact that it is completely free and the only elementary school and the biggest one in town. One more very important institution that is located in Poblacion is the Town Hospital where everyone from every other barangay goes to in the time of sickness. The facility has been better than the past management they have more improvements to the hospitals than anything else which is the best thing they could have done because this is where most Badianganons run to in the time of need. 

    Why is the island named Badian?

          This southern town got its name from a plant called, “badyang”, which was once abundant in the area. However, the Spaniards found it difficult to pronounce the name so eventually the “g” was dropped and the “y” was changed to “i” and the town came to be known as Badian, a generally mountainous and hilly area where locals and tourists go around in jeepneys and tricycles.

    "Culture and Heritage"

    Badian Church
    Formerly known as “Badyang Church”

                "click thumbnail for larger images"
    Badian Church
    Badian Church Altar
    Badian Church
          Badian was separated as a parish from Barili in 1825 under the advocacy of Santiago de Apostol. Its church is unique compared to the others in the island province with its squat and unusual porticoes facade with four quadrilateral columns supporting a triangular pediment. Simple floral bas reliefs decorate these and four jar shaped finials are found at each corner.      

          The original belfry, now built at its side, used to sit atop the pediment but was taken down in 1990 upon the advice of NHI to ease pressure on the two free columns. The church still has its original and beautiful wooden retablo.    








    Badian Church, Badian, Cebu, Philippines





    "Badian Assets"



    Zaragosa Fish Sanctuary
    Municipality of Badian, Province of Cebu
    "click thumbnail for larger images"
    Zaragosa Fish Sanctuary
    Zaragosa Fish Sanctuary
    Zaragosa Fish Sanctuary
    Zaragosa Fish Sanctuary


          The Zaragosa Fish Sanctuary is situated on the southwestern side of Cebu Province. The sanctuary is approximately 9.7 hectare. This protected area was declared in 1987. It was established by the Central Visayas Regional Project (CVRP) in 1987 by virtue of Municipal Ordinance 01-1987. It is managed by the Zaragosa-Badian Island Multi-Purpose Cooperative. They aspire to make the sanctuary a prime tourist destination in Badian. Other laws that cover the protection of this area are Municipal Ordinance 01-1989, Municipal Ordinance 09-2003, and Presidential Proclamation No. 1234 declaring the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape. 

         The management of this fish sanctuary is given to the Zaragosa-Badian Island Multipurpose Cooperative consisting of local people in the area within its vicinity. Over the years, coastal resource management initiatives have been provided by several groups such as the local government of the Municipality of Badian, the Tambuyog Development Center (non-government organization), and the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation, Inc. Currently the Zaragosa-Badian Island Multipurpose Cooperative manages the user fees that are the sanctuary’s income. These fees help with the management costs and operations. 

         The threats that the community perceives to their fishery resources are mainly commercial fishing intrusion and illegal and destructive fishing practices not only by the local fisher folks near the area but also the foreign people who, at not so obvious times, intrudes the area for their personal benefits. The habitats and ecosystems being protected within the marine protected area of Zaragosa Fish Sanctuary are: 
    coral reefs (fringing reefs interspersed with mostly branching and massive corals)
    a rocky intertidal area
    sandy





    Badian Island Resort and Spa

          Badian boasts of breathtaking beaches, most famous of which is the Badian Island Resort and Spa. The resort has sandy beaches, a natural spa and dive center that is equipped with the best dive equipment. Instructors are around to help beginners, as well as experienced divers explore the colorful marine life in the area.

    "click thumbnail for larger images"
    Badian Island Resort and Spa
    Badian Island Resort & Spa
    Room information:
    Badian Island Resort and Spa has a full-service spa featuring massage/treatment rooms, facials, body treatments, and beauty services.
    Area information:
    Cebu Airport (CEBU) Approximate distance to Badian Island Resort and Spa is 100 km (62 miles).
    Contact Information:
    Telephone: +(63)(032) 4751103
    Email:  badiancebu@aol.com

    Yoga, Health and Wellness Experience


    Yoga Health and Wellness Package presented to you by Ming's World Travel and Tours in cooperation with Badian Island Resort and Spa.

    Agua Azul Beach Resort

         Agua Azul Beach Resort, Badian, Cebu, Philippines. Beach house for rent or for sale. Entire lot. 1800 sq. meters, 5 rooms, 5 toilet and bath, all rooms are fully air-conditioned, pool and jacuzzi. House is fully furnished. Beach front. 2 kitchens. Large playroom or game rpom Table tennis, billard, videoke, etc. 3 hours south of Cebu. Contact mingsworldbizcenter.com for more details. Can house up to 20 person.




    "Natural Wonders"

    Kawasan Falls


          Another must-see in Badian is the majestic Kawasan Falls, one of many waterfalls that make up the Matutinao River System, which stretches 18.35 kilometers from the Municipality of Alegria to the mouth in the Strait. Its source of fresh water comes from a large underground reservoir that emerges to the Kabokalan Springs. The river system, composed of springs, streams, and waterfalls, has been awarded several times in the past years as the Cleanest and Greenest River in the Philippines. In 2003, it earned the Hall of Fame Award for the rivers category.

              "click thumbnail for larger images"
    Kawasan Falls
    Upon arrival at Kawasan Falls, climbers may spend some time to rest their muscles and cook meals while resting before taking a dip in the cool waters. Kawasan Falls is a magnificent three-level cascade of clear spring water in Matutinao, Badian around 100 kilometers from Cebu City. The main source of the Kawasan Falls or level 3 is the first stop for climbers following the itinerary below. Level 3 is also the third water source for climbers. Cottages, rest houses, souvenir stalls, and restaurants are available mainly at levels 1 and 2. Bamboo rafts are also available for a fee. Kawasan Falls is a good venue for family and group picnics, besides a dive-and-swim in the water. The area is thickly covered with trees and plants. The Kawasan nature's park is the entry point to the river system, the Kawasan Falls and the Kabokalan Springs, which is approximately a two-kilometer uphill walk toward the Matutinao River Canyon. Different kinds of flora and fauna along the river canyon give visitors the feeling of slowly entering the forest.

    Osmeña Peak

          Among the Mantalongon Ranges, the Osmeña Peak is the highest peak among the Mantalongon range. Practically cutting across the island of Cebu west part, one can do the trekking across the mountain ranges. The mountain ranges stretches as far as Badian. Osmeña Peak is situated in Mantalongon, Dalaguete also known as the "Vegetable Basket" of Cebu or "Little Baguio" because of the vast vegetable farms in the area. The mountain is actually a series of rugged peaks that have been compared with the Chocolate Hills of Bohol because of its interesting formations. Osmeña Peak is considered the highest peak in the province of Cebu. The peak was named after the Osmeña family, an influential political clan in the province. Osmeña Peak is accessible all year round, but to avoid the hassle of rain and slippery pathways, it is best to climb the peak within the first half of the year. THE TRAIL to Osmeña Peak Starting from Mantalongon Market, a rough barangay road – about 1 hour to 2 hours hike – leads to the foot of Osmeña Peak. Climbers have the option to either walk or ride a "habal-habal". From the foot, the summit is around half an hour away. A water source is located along the trail to the summit. It is advisable to fetch as much water and carry it along towards the campsite or peak.
                    "click thumbnail for larger images"
    Kawasan Falls
          The neighboring mountain ranges of Osmeña Peak are mostly pointed and rocky, the very trade mark of the area. Some of the mountains don't have very sharp peaks and, hence, resemble Bohol's Chocolate Hills. These peaks can be likened to Bohol's native delicacy, Peanut Kisses, though. The area is somewhat bare to thinly forested because the locals are farming most of the lands. The peak area is privately owned and has been fenced. A lot keeper collects Php20 from each climber that enters the area. At the peak, one can have a 360-degree view of Cebu South [more on the southwest side] plus a sneak peek of Negros. It is not advisable to set camp at the peak and campsites are normally established a few meters down the peak. Several climbers have their own versions of ghost encounters. Years back, there were also incidents of campsite theft and robbery. However, through the efforts of the local government, the suspected thief/thieves were seized and Osmeña Peak is a relatively safer campsite once again. Barangay Tanods also patrol the area for added safety. Still, climbers are advised to be always vigilant and on-the-watch. Socials and camp gatherings at the campsite are perked up by these ghost and robbery story-telling sessions. And when feasible, climbers may do night trek up the peak to socialize there.

    Matutinao River

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    Matutinao River
    Matutinao River
    Matutinao River
    Matutinao River


    "Do you want to see for yourself one of the Coolest Sensation for natural wonders in Badian?"

    -Hop into the Matutinao River-

          Matutinao River is where the famous Kawasan Falls of Badian, Cebu lies. It is your companion during the 30-minute luxurious trek from the main road to the waterfalls. I say "luxurious" because one doesn't need to know rapelling, climing or any of those stuff to reach the waterfall. One can walk as he looks around to appreciate the green. I do not recommend this to those who are up for a more challenging adventure.

          This one more tourist-friendly. Locals have built bridges and large trails with a reasonable entrance fee of 10 Philippine Pesos. Sadly, as we go closer to the main waterfall, more food stalls color the area making Kawasan more commercialized thaCoca-cola-marked wooden table would cost 200 pesos. Food is also expensive. I'd rather have mine home-cooked and packed for the trip. As a nature-lover, I can only suggest that store-owners paint their stores brown (as in the color of the woods) to make them look natural than eyesores.






    "TRANSPORTATION"


    "click thumbnail for larger images"
    Cebu South Bus Terminal Cebu South Bus Terminal
    Cebu South Bus Terminal
    Getting There?
    ROUTES
    MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION
    Capacity
    Accessibility
    Fares*
    CSBT-SouthBuses (aircon)66(max)CSBT
    (Cebu South Bus Terminal)
    P85-P120
    CSBT-SouthBuses(non-aircon)66(max)CSBT
    (Cebu South Bus Terminal)
    P65-P80
    CSBT-SouthMini Buses40(max)CSBT
    (Cebu South Bus Terminal)
    P55-P70
    *Fares vary depending on the destination point.
    Be one of the people who have enjoyed the company of the Badianganons. Be there. Be Aware of the many splendid things you'll discover in Badian Island.


    "Ali na Bai!!!"

    Badian Island, Cebu, Philippines

    Map of Cebu showing the location of Badian Municipality


    "Barangays in the Municipality of Badian"

    Badian Municipality is administratively subdivided into 29 Barangays.
    • Alawijao
    • Ginablan
    • Sulsugan
    • Balhaan
    • Lambug
    • Talayong
    • Banhigan
    • Malbago
    • Taytay
    • Basak
    • Malhiao
    • Tigbao
    • Basiao
    • Manduyong
    • Tiguib
    • Bato
    • Matutinao
    • Tubod
    • Bugas
    • Patong
    • Zaragosa
    • Calangcang
    • Poblacion

    • Candiis
    • Sanlagan

    • Dagatan
    • Santicon

    • Dobdob
    • Sohoton