Gibitngil Island

Gibitngil Island

It’s More Fun in the Philippines, goes the Philippines' tourism campaign. And with this in mind, my wacky office mates and team mates from Convergys decided to check out the Funtastic Island of Gibitngil, Cebu Philippines, famous for its 30-40 ft. cliff diving for our first team outing last May 2012.

Gibitngil Island is located in Sitio Pasil, in the 2nd class Municipality of Medellin. Located in the northern part of Cebu Island, travel time is around 3 hours from Cebu city proper. To get there, one can go to the North Bus Terminal. In our case, we hired a private van for the 14 of us.

Medellin

We arrived late afternoon already at Medellin. Since most of us just came from our night shift work,we rested and settled ourselves first at the place we’ve reserved for around php 1500. The place is located on a beachfront where most “bankas” (motorized boats) that will take tourists to Gibitngil Island, are docked.

The place had a big nipa hut made entirely of bamboo, big enough to accommodate our group. Place was perfect for team and family outings as it had a refrigerator, where we stored the food that we brought, and a separate kitchen and grilling area.  Some went ahead with cooking our food which was mostly grilled pork and fish, the rest just having their picture taking activity. The entire day/night was spent just chilling out, posing for our never ending photography sessions and gathering around for the not to be missed drinking sessions, the one activity that’s always present in any team outing.

Team Kim

Crazy, fun people

Grilling time

Jump shot on our beach front

Next day, after breakfast, we headed to Gibitngil Island on board a motorized boat for the highlight of our team outing, jumping off from the 30-40 feet cliff! We commissioned the boat for more or less php 1500 (to and from the island). We had to be taken in two batches to avoid overloading.

Breakfast before doing the dare devil stunt

Gibitngil Island

The boat passed by semi-rough seas. A certified “byahilo”, I didn’t of course forget to take my Bonamine pill, my strongest and best defense against sea and or motion sickness. Though the trip was only 15-20 minutes, I still had a great time looking at the high cliffs we passed by and just simply having my feet touch the blue green waters of the sea with complete abandon (Thank God, there weren’t any sharks).

Gibitngil Island is surrounded by clear and pristine waters. From afar, one can already see the colourful structure built around its cliffs.

We settled for a cottage that had a nice view of the diving area. And from where we were, the 30-40 ft. diving cliff just looks scary. Totally out of my league, considering how scared I was when I jump off from the 6 ft. rock formation for the white water rafting graduation jump. 

Outside our over looking cottage

30-40 ft diving cliff

Although one can rent a life jacket, only 5 of my team mates dared to jump off. I totally salute them for such a daredevil feat considering that there were strong winds, waves pounding on the rocks plus a giant jelly fish lurking in the sea. Hands down to them.

First blood: TL Kim

There were lower diving cliffs but none of us dared to try and instead just took a swim in the island’s pristine and deep waters and chill out in our cottage.

With me not on the mood for any adventure that day (no diving and swimming), I can still say it’s More Fun in the Philippines especially if you spend it with the craziest and funniest people. Our first team outing was a success and we’re an inch closer to each other! Thanks to Gibitngil! (oh how we just love to say the word with matching stress and high pitch tone on the last syllable!)

Photo credits to my team mate/budding photographer Paul Raymund Ang. 

Crimson Resort and Spa

On a beautiful, sunshiny morning of July 7, 2011 we decided to celebrate our four years as a couple and spend the day with style at the latest addition to the luxurious World-class beach resorts and hotels at Mactan Island, Cebu Philippines, The Crimson Resort and Spa, a five star hotel.

When we arrived, we were greeted with the resort’s warm and pleasant staff, who by the way spoke very good/flawless English. Since it was a weekday, we paid php 1500 for the day’s pass which will cover the use of their amenities: locker, gym, pool (with free towel use), and a lunch buffet which didn’t include drinks. Weekend day pass was around php1800. Upon entrance, you can already see the stunning pool area.

The resort had separate changing /locker rooms for the ladies and gents. Individual locker keys were also provided. It had a minimalist design but with a modern look. The soft light used all over the room gave a calming and relaxing ambiance, perfectly complementing the neutral tones of the room.

At first we somehow felt alienated as there were only few Pinoys in the resort. Guests were mostly foreigners which included Koreans and Americans among others.

One of the main attractions of the resort is the infinity pool which was 5-6 feet deep and wide enough for guests to swim back and forth. It served as the centrepiece of the resort as it is visible mostly from any part of the resort.

Not really much into swimming pool, considering my zero swimming skills, we headed to the beachfront first which also had an inviting appeal. The white sandy shores and the blue-green waters got me in the mood for swimming right away although of course not forgetting to put some SPF lotion first. Basked in the waters and heat of the sun, I was having just the perfect day at the beach. If not for the uncomfortable itch I felt all over my body while I was submerged in the waters, I would have spent longer time dipping in the waters.

Seeing that the pool area was no longer that crowded, we decided to take a plunge and cool off.

The heat of the sun was getting intense that we decided to take our lunch. The buffet menu wasn’t quite impressive as I thought it would be. It wasn’t close or even half of what Marco Polo has to offer. Though it had the usual sushi bar, fruits, salad, nuts, pastry, pizza, pasta, desserts, cold cuts section, the resort’s menu was mostly Korean, Kimchi and all. Not sure though if that was the theme for the day’s lunch.

Slowly taking our time and enjoying what we paid for, we headed to their outdoor mini bar where comfy wicker couches were purposedly placed to give you an awesome view of the beach. Area is perfect for some quality time with your loved ones or just simply to enjoy the view most especially catching the sunset.

Apart from the children’s playground, indoor badminton court, beachfront cabanas, fitness center, island hopping and water sports activity, we checked out what other distinct services the resort had to offer and had a tour around the resort.

Beachfront cabanas

Children's playground

Several private villas were clustered around the area complete with a private pool which you can rent for more or less Php 20k/night. Signature spa services were also offered at an equally expensive price. But maybe other World-class resorts also have the same rates.

Surrounded by private villas

Spa services rates

Over all, experience was just okay as I wasn’t satisfied with the resort’s menu and find the resort's recreational area quite small compared to other renowned beach resorts in Mactan. The resort though had a very homey atmosphere for me maybe because of the Asian inspired design and earth toned theme which were exquisitely executed. Their staff were the most accommodating and pleasant people I’ve ever dealt with. What they lacked in size, they made up for their hospitality. 

Baguio City

Dressed in traditional Ifugao costumes

From the tiresome Ilocos adventure we had, we woke up late than the original 3AM wake up call. Had quick coffee at the Vigan bus terminal and tried another local delicacy, Marsha’s bibingka (rice cake)which was creamy and delectable. No wonder it’s a must bring “pasalubong.” By 6AM we took the Victory liner bus bound for Baguio. The five hour trip was spent enjoying every scenery we pass by with chit chats in between. By 1130AM, we finally arrived at Baguio City.

Must bring pasalubong

Vigan to Baguio scenery

This is gonna be my 3^rd time in the City of Pines / Summer Capital of the Philippines. First when I was still a baby and second when I was 6 years old. Pictures at home served as a reminder for those memories. So what’s in it for me this time aside from the cold climate, fresh strawberries and lush pine trees?

Fresh strawberries Baguio is known for

With no reservations made for the night, we were looking for an affordable transient place.  There were  plenty of them offering tourists a place to stay at the bus stop. The Baguio Tourism was also there to assist. Finally, we settled for one which cost more or less php700 for the five of us.

Since we were pressed with time, we decided to have Mcdonald’s drive through for lunch on board the FX taxi we commissioned for the whole tour at php1000. There was no need for an aircon as the place was already cold. Taxis are the only means  of public transportation as far as I’ve noticed. Not bad since it was still cheap compared to other areas in the Philippines. Not the usual rate if I may say.

KENNON ROAD

First stop was the Kennon Road which gives you an excellent view of Baguio’s zig zag road, picturesque mountains, and tall pine trees. The driver was kind enough to take our pictures who was quite a pro in finding the picture perfect spots.

PHILIPPINE MILITARY ACADEMY 

The training ground for the country’s future officers, we were able to witness the cadets practicing their military routines. They were also kind enough to pose with us although some refused since they were on duty.

CAMP JOHN HAY

Around the area are pricey hotels, residential homes that resembled country homes, golf courses, picnic areas, pricey diner shops and just recently the addition of the Convergys Baguio site. Somehow got tempted to have a lateral transfer for work.

 

MINES VIEW PARK

Considered the most popular park in Baguio City, you get to see a breath taking view of the surrounding mountains from the viewing deck. We had fun checking out the local handicrafts, snack stores, souvenir shops which sold items at very cheap prices. We also didn’t miss the chance of wearing the traditional Ifugao costumes. A photo op with the St Bernard shouldn’t also be missed.

Affordable price

View deck

Photo op with the St. Bernard

THE MANSION

Known as the President’s official summer residence, I didn’t quite take any interest with the place as we were only allowed just a few meters away from it.

 WRIGHT PARK

Situated across The Mansion, you can see the “Pool of Pines” which is an elongated rectangular man made pool right at the center of the park. The place somewhat reminds me of the Taj Mahal pool. We also had a taste of the strawberry flavoured taho (bean curd) which I find too sweet for my liking.

 

 BAGUIO BOTANICAL GARDEN

Me and my hubby were already tired of all the walking and picture taking that we just stayed inside the FX when we had our stop over. There were a few old Igorot people dressed in their tribal costumes outside the place. They flocked towards my friend much to her surprise. Like any tourist will do, she had her photo op with them. My friend later told me that there was actually a fee for each of the Igorots in the photo op. The driver also told us that some of the Igorots there are surprisingly well off, have hectares of land, and have educated and wealthy children. 

 

BURNHAM PARK

Located at the heart of the city, the park offers boating and biking activities. We wanted to try both but since we were short of time, we settled with just renting a boat for the five of us. Since it was a Sunday, there were a lot of tourists around the area having picnic and some just getting cozy with their partners. Must be due to the cold climate.

 

SM BAGUIO

Unbelievably, the only mall, to my knowledge, that doesn’t have any airconditioning system. Everything is just fresh air though I can’t tell the difference. From the restaurant that we dined (forgot the name) it gave us a lovely panoramic view of the city lights, perfect way to end our Baguio adventure.