Chocolate Hills Aren’t Chocolate

Okay, it’s almost that magical time of the year, so I think its mandatory for me to make a wishlist—here’s just a mix of stuff I might need, things I probably won’t buy (but want to), things that just look super cool, and things I already bought this year and am still completely obsessed with.

Is it real chocolate?

Oh, here’s a fun fact I picked up from our driver! Do you know why they’re called the Chocolate Hills? And no, it’s not because its made of chocolate or just because they’re brown. Like, obviously they’re brown, but that’s not the whole story. People didn’t just look at something brown and go, “Yup, that’s chocolate.” 😂

So apparently, the reason is way more specific. When you look at the hills from above, they look like little chocolate kisses — you know, like those sweets you used to love eating as a kid (and even now). There was this moment in history where someone in a helicopter looked down and thought, “Whoa, this looks like chocolate!” And boom — Chocolate Hills.

In the summer, the grass on the hills turns brown, and that’s when they actually look like chocolate. Sadly, I missed out on that because it wasn’t summer when I went. So, instead of chocolate hills, I got… green hills.

It is made of dead corals

The driver hit us with another crazy fact: the hills are actually made of dead corals, which is why only grass grows on them. Like, you could try planting a tree, but it’s not gonna grow. Then he goes, “Oh, and the hills were shaped by waves because… they used to be underwater.” Um, WHAT?! 🤯 Can you even imagine? Sea creatures used to live there! These hills used to be an ocean floor?!

Now, back to my trip. The whole time on the way to the Chocolate Hills, I was crossing my fingers, hoping it wouldn’t rain. But of course, it did. Exactly like what my magical weather app said — which I ignored by not bringing an umbrella or a hat.

Tikbalang in the hills

When we arrived, I tried borrowing an umbrella from this tiny office building at the drop-off point but there’s no extra umbrellas left. So, I’m sitting there in the waiting area, and someone goes, “May kinakasal sigurong tikbalang. Maaraw kanina bigla na lang umulan.” If I was a little kid, I would’ve turned white with fear and my heart race after hearing that.

Quick backstory: when I was a kid, people used to say if it’s sunny and then it suddenly rains or starts drizzling while the sun is still out, it means a tikbalang is getting married. This used to freak me out as a kid, but now that I think about it, why am I so scared of a tikbalang wedding. I mean, it sounds kinda romantic! Imagine the tikbalang saying, “To celebrate our love, let’s make it rain a little.” A little dramatic, but honestly, who doesn’t love a good dramatic wedding moment?

Anyway, since no umbrella was in my future, I decided to buy a hat from the souvenir shop. And let me tell you, that hat was so cute. I also grabbed a fridge magnet for my mom because she loves those.

As if by magic, the rain stopped, and the sun came out. Hallelujah! I climbed up 214 steps (no I didn’t count) to get a better view of the hills. They weren’t chocolate-colored, they were more like greenish-yellow, but the view was still chef’s kiss. I managed to snap a few pics, though I really wished I had a better a camera with .5 settings. Oh well.

After my mini hike, I bought some water from this air-conditioned restaurant nearby, which felt like heaven after all that walking or climbing. So yeah, if you ever go to Bohol, you shouldn’t miss the Chocolate Hills. I’m already planning to go back in the summer just so I can finally see them in their full chocolatey glory.

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Ubeco on a Rainy Afternoon

Okay, it’s almost that magical time of the year, so I think its mandatory for me to make a wishlist—here’s just a mix of stuff I might need, things I probably won’t buy (but want to), things that just look super cool, and things I already bought this year and am still completely obsessed with.

The place looked minimalist and chic, serving up a mix of Asian dishes. It’s only a 15-minute walk from my hotel, but it was raining and I didn’t have an umbrella, so I had to hop in a tricycle.

There’s a tricycle outside the hotel so I asked the driver to take me to Ubeco. The fare was just PHP 30. I had fun talking with the tricycle driver on the way to Ubeco. He even gave me a calling card in case I would need a ride in the future.

The ambiance in Ubeco was good and relaxing. I ordered teriyaki fried rice and the calamansi drink.

The calamansi drink reminded me of my childhood because it tastes like “Celine” the vitamins my mother gave me when I was young. I have no idea if that’s how it’s supposed to taste, but it looked pretty in the photo. The teriyaki fried rice didn’t really scream teriyaki to me, but after my starvation-induced state, that first bite was like a slice of heaven. The egg was great, and there were so many spring beans that I thought I might turn into a bean myself if I ate any more.

The fried rice was also a lot for me, and I think the calamansi drink ruined the taste of the teriyaki fried rice for me.

I ended up asking for a takeout box for the leftovers because I didn’t want to regret not saving some for later. Overall, the food was tasty but a bit on the pricey side. Now, I’m craving that teriyaki fried rice and might try to make it myself at home. If I do, I’ll definitely share the recipe here.

So, that was my adventure at Ubeco. Despite the rain, it turned out to be a good brunch experience. If you’re ever in Bohol and need a good spot to chill with some tasty (if slightly overpriced) food, Ubeco’s worth a visit. And who knows? Maybe I’ll master that teriyaki fried rice and impress everyone with my cooking skills. Stay tuned!

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The Tuko At My Hotel In Bohol

For my stay in Bohol, I chose Bassa Nova Villa, which I booked for PHP 4500 for two nights. It’s this super cute, Bali-inspired place on Panglao Island that looked aesthetic and spacious in the pictures. After the long trip I had from Manila to Cebu and then Cebu to Bohol, all I wanted was to collapse on the bed and reboot.

Fresh sheets

On my way to the hotel, I ended up being the navigator with Google Maps since the tricycle driver didn’t know where Bassa Nova Villa was, I guess because it was new. It felt like an eternity getting to Bassa Nova Villa. I started thinking maybe I should’ve just hopped on one of those Jeepney-style tricycles instead.

After an hour, we arrived. The hotel staff immediately helped me with my bags as I was going out of the tricycle. They gave me water and made me sit as they prepared my room. They then walked me to my room which is Room 10 on the 2nd floor. The room was huge and comfy, with two double beds and a nice balcony.

I immediately flopped onto the bed and was greeted by the coolest, most relaxing sheets ever. It felt like the bed was giving me a big, comforting hug which I deserved after everything I had just been through.

Bathroom quirks

Now, with the bathroom review. If you’re on the shorter side (like me), get ready for some serious tiptoeing to see yourself in the mirror. And the bidet? Total mystery. I couldn’t figure out how to get it working—either it’s broken or I’m just not tech-savvy. The shower was cold at first, but it did warm up after a bit which was fine because I’m all about those chilly night showers anyway.

The next morning, I had a tour pickup at 8:20 am. I didn’t notice the time slipping away, but thankfully, the staff knocked on my door to let me know someone was waiting outside. Major relief!

On my last night

On my last night, I decided to try the restaurant and ordered Thai curry. It was delicious, and they even toned down the spice for me, which I really appreciated.

I wanted to explore more before checking out, but the rain had other plans. I didn’t get to swim in the pool, which was a bummer. But overall, the stay was really nice—the staff were thoughtful, and the place had a great vibe. And oh, on my last night, I heard a tuko (that lizard noise) three times, and I totally freaked out. I honestly thought a mythical creature was coming for me.

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My First Cebu to Bohol Ferry Ride

Okay, so when I was planning my Cebu-Bohol trip, I was weirdly excited about my first-ever ferry ride. Like, who gets excited about a ferry? Me 🤭. Anyway, I booked the Ocean Jet Ferry on Klook because it was the first thing I found, and it had instructions, so I was like, “Okay, I’m not gonna mess this up.”

Oops, Missed My Ferry!

I was late for the ferry! But what do I expect? luck wasn’t on my side since yesterday. Since the ticket was non-transferable, I had to buy a new one. Thank God, the line for tickets was fast. After grabbing my new ticket, I paid the PHP 30 terminal fee and checked in.

I lucked out with seat 27I, right by the window! When I boarded, someone checked my ticket and directed me to my seat. As I boarded the ferry, someone checked my ticket and directed me to my seat, which was super helpful since it was my first time.

Then, we passed under the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway—the longest and tallest bridge in the Philippines. Let me just say, I have this weird thing for bridges. I don’t know why, but I’m obsessed ever since I was a kid.

Arrived in Bohol

Once I arrived in Bohol, there were tricycles waiting to take passengers wherever they needed to go. Since my hotel was in Panglao and kinda far, I ended up paying PHP 400 for the ride, which felt a little steep, but whatever—after delays, flights, and the ferry, I just wanted to get to my hotel and face-plant into a bed.

On the way there, I couldn’t help but notice the tricycles in Bohol. There are two kinds: the regular ones and these colorful, jeepney-style ones. Both were cute and way more spacious than the tricycles I’m used to!

Now, if you wanna save some cash, here’s the hack: ask the tricycle guy to drop you at Dao Terminal for PHP 50, and then you can catch a bus to Panglao. And if you’re heading back, just wait by Bo’s Coffee after McDonald’s & Jollibee.

Finally, a Smooth Ride Back to Cebu

Fast forward to my trip back to Cebu: I finally got to use my Klook ticket. I just showed the booking confirmation on my phone, and the staff printed my ticket. I paid the terminal fee before getting in, then it was just a waiting game for the ferry.

Here’s where it gets funny: I got seat 32G, but the seating arrangement was confusing. I was looking for 32-G but only saw EFG, then 32. I just sat down in an empty seat and hoped for the best.

I awkwardly asked the person next to me if I was in the right spot, and she was like, “Yeah, you’re good.” Thank you, random person, for confirming my existence. I had a little lightbulb moment as I figured out how the seating was arranged—”Ohhh, EFG. That’s what it meant!”

Back in Cebu, I noticed there were habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) waiting, so getting a ride wasn’t a problem. If you want a more affordable option, you can try booking an Angkas, which might be cheaper!

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My Chaotic Journey to Cebu

From booking a cheap flight to questioning the universe’s signs—this trip had me all over the place.

So, last year I grabbed a round-trip ticket during a Cebu Pacific sale for just PHP 1800. It felt like such a deal for Cebu to Manila. I even booked my hotels in advance, thinking I could cancel if I changed my mind. Spoiler: They weren’t refundable. So, I had no choice but to stick with the trip to avoid wasting my money.

I thought everything was set, but as soon as I left for Manila, I started wondering if the universe was trying to tell me something.

It all started when my bus crashed into the car in front of us. It wasn’t a huge crash since we were in traffic, but it caused a major delay. We ended up waiting almost three hours for another bus.

Let fate decide

By the time I finally got to Manila, it was 9 p.m. I rushed to the airport, only to miss my flight by five minutes. I wasn’t shocked, but I was definitely bummed.

I seriously considered just giving up and going home, but then I decided to let a yes-or-no tarot website make the call. I drew the Fool card, which basically said to go for it—there’s wisdom in being a little foolish, right?

I booked a flight for the next day, but of course, faced yet another delay. As I sat there, frustrated and tired, I thought, “Maybe I’m just not meant to take this trip.”

Finally boarding, but not without another delay

After what felt like forever, they finally announced we could board. I was over all the waiting, but I figured if I didn’t go now, all of this would be for nothing. On the way to my seat, a flight attendant greeted me. I managed a “good morning” back, even though my morning had been anything but good.

Just when I thought we were finally about to take off, they hit us with another announcement: another mechanical issue, which meant another delay. At least they gave us some snacks—two Dewberries, a big Presto, and a bottle of water.

I was so close to giving up again, but then I heard “Rain on Me” by Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga playing over the speakers. The lyrics “I’d rather be dry, but at least I’m alive” felt too on-point. It was almost like the universe was giving me a sign to stay positive. After all, at least I’m alive, right?

Finally, after a bunch of waiting, we took off. When we landed, “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton was playing, and it brought back so many memories. It felt like a full-circle moment after all the chaos. Despite everything, it was an unforgettable trip.

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When Tumalog Falls Runs Low

From Sumilon Island, we made our way over to Tumalog Falls. Although we visited during the dry season, the waterfall remains spectacular. It’s also crazy to think that this gem was only discovered in 2012. It’s tucked away in such a hidden spot before—but now there’s a road that makes it way easier to get to.

Like a fairytale setting

The area around Tumalog Falls is really beautiful. You’re surrounded by greenery, bamboo, and these tall limestone cliffs. The waterfall itself is like a thin curtain of water flowing over the rocks, which gives it a pretty magical vibe.

The pool isn’t super deep, so it’s perfect if you just want to wade in and soak up the vibes. I also read somewhere that Tumalog Falls has a unique mineral composition in the water, which is why it has that beautiful, milky blue color. The locals even say that the water has some health benefits.

To get to the falls, we had to take a motorcycle from a little sari-sari store nearby. The ride was kind of intense—imagine a roller coaster without seat belts! It was pretty steep, and I was a bit nervous, but I reminded myself that these drivers do this all the time, so I will be fine.

Still stunning!

When we finally got there, I was really impressed. Even though there wasn’t as much water, it still looked amazing. The water was this cool milky blue color, and butterflies were flying around, which added a magical touch.

They also have a spot where you can get a fish foot massage, which was a unique experience. We even had our photos and videos taken by a “human drone”—a guy who moves around and take videos like a drone. It was actually pretty cool.

If you’re planning to go, I’d suggest visiting during the wet season, from July to January, when there’s more water. We went in June, so it was pretty dry.

Wrapping up our trip, the waterfall’s milky blue hues and the surrounding scenery made it feel like we were in a dream. The ride up was a bit of a thrill, but it was all part of the fun! If you get the chance, aim for the wet season to see Tumalog Falls in full flow. Tumalog Falls is still worth a visit no matter when you go though. If you’re ever in Cebu, it’s definitely a spot to check out!

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High Tide in Sumilon Island

After our whale shark adventure, we were still ready for more exploring. But first, we had to grab some lunch. We ordered some delicious Filipino cuisine and a fruit smoothie to cool down. I’m pretty sure we ordered sisig, and maybe tinola or sinigang? I can’t remember exactly—it’s been a while. Keep reading to find out more about our Sumilon Island trip.

Boat ride to Sumilon Island

Once we were fueled up, we hopped on a boat and headed to Sumilon Island. You can actually see the island from Oslob! It has an interesting history behind it too. The name “Sumilon” comes from “Sumilog,” which means “take shelter,” Back in the day, fishermen used it as a safe haven during those intense typhoons that love to hit the Philippines.

It took us about 20 minutes to get to the island. I was seriously impressed with how the boatman handled everything—it felt like we were on a mini adventure.

Exploring the island

Sumilon Island is a tropical dream—white sand, clear blue water, and lush green vibes. Besides the sandbar, you can also hike up to this old Historic Watch Tower that’s over 200 years old! It used to be a lookout point for pirates and slavers during the Spanish era. And here’s a little secret: there’s also a lagoon with mangroves and a natural fish pond hidden away on the island—how cool is that?

Our time on the island was short and sweet. We snapped a bunch of photos of the beach and just soaked in the views. Sadly, the sandbar was nowhere to be seen because it was high tide.

And the waves? Let’s just say they were not messing around. I felt like I was about to get knocked over every time one hit me. We didn’t have enough time to hike up to the watch tower either, which I’m still bummed about—definitely a reason to go back!

Making the most of your Sumilon trip

We went in early June, but from what I’ve heard, the best time to hit up Sumilon Island is between November and May. If you ask me, try to go when it’s not high tide, and definitely check the weather beforehand to make sure your trip’s a good one.

So, that was our adventure on Sumilon Island! Even though we didn’t get to see the sandbar or hike up to the watch tower, the island still made quite an impression.

With the beautiful views, interesting history, and that exciting boat ride, it’s definitely a place I’ll remember.

In any case, I’m already dreaming about my next visit. Maybe I’ll finally make it up to that watch tower! Until then, I’m just happy to have these memories (and the photos). See you, Sumilon—until next time!

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Oh Whale…Shark?

So, last year, we decided to book a Cebu tour that included swimming with these incredible creatures. It was my first trip to Cebu, and I have to say, it was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I thought I’d share a little recap of our Oslob whale shark-watching trip and everything that went down.

Sunrise over Oslob

I can’t recall if there’s a quote that says you have to go through hardship before you can truly feel at ease, but that’s exactly how I would describe our journey to Oslob from our hotel. Normally, I don’t believe in that kind of thinking, but for this particular situation, it seemed to fit perfectly.

We arrived in Cebu from Manila late at night, checked into a hotel, and grabbed a quick meal. By 4 a.m., our driver arrived to take us to Oslob. It was a long journey, and since I hadn’t slept the night before, I was hoping to catch some sleep in the van. Unfortunately, the road was so bumpy and uncomfortable that getting any rest was nearly impossible. At times, I felt like I was going to break my neck!

As we got closer to Oslob, though, the scenery started to change, and I was glad to be awake. The sea on the left side of the road was stunning, and I got to watch a beautiful sunrise.

Morning crowd

We reached Oslob around 6 a.m., and the line was already long—I’m pretty sure we were the 100th or so in line. Luckily, we had booked a tour, so our guide helped us get in line and navigate the process. At the end of the line, we filled out some forms with our names and information and then waited for our number to be called for a briefing. While waiting, we noticed a few stores selling souvenirs and a karinderya (local eatery) across the road where we could grab some breakfast. We hadn’t eaten yet, so we ordered some cup noodles and Milo or coffee to tide us over.

After the briefing, we waited again until it was our turn to prepare for the boat ride. Finally, at 8:30 a.m., we got on the boat, and the activity lasted for about 30 minutes. Even though we had to wait for two hours, it was worth it.

Face-to-face with gentle giants

The experience was unforgettable. I was initially a bit nervous, especially since I didn’t know how to swim and worried I might panic at the sight of such a big fish. But once I dipped my head underwater and saw the whale shark up close, it felt otherworldly. We managed to get some amazing pictures and videos of us swimming with the whale sharks, and our guide even helped us capture some great shots.

However, it’s important to note that whale shark watching in Oslob has its downsides, something we didn’t know before booking the tour.

Hidden impact on nature

The practice can be harmful to whale sharks and the marine ecosystem. The feeding of whale sharks to keep them in the area disrupts their natural migratory patterns and diet, making them reliant on human interaction.

If you’re considering this activity, please think about the impact on wildlife and the environment. Instead, look for alternative experiences that support conservation efforts and prioritize the well-being of animals. By choosing eco-friendly activities, we can help protect these magnificent creatures and preserve their natural habitats for future generations. Let’s make responsible choices that respect nature and its inhabitants.

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