After the Cigarettes After Sex concert (which felt like being serenaded by a ghost in love with you), my friend and I wandered into a place called Fat Cat. The name immediately gave me a good feeling.
The place was upstairs, hidden enough to feel like a secret place. The stairway was lined with stickers like a mosaic. Inside, it was small and cozy, dimly lit in an Instagram-filter way, with soft jazz playing in the background. It’s a nice spot for catching up with friends, especially on a weekday when it’s quiet and not too crowded. I had one drink. Just one. And somehow I was already slightly dizzy. Which is crazy, because I swear I have amazing alcohol tolerance.
We stayed until just before their closing at 1 am, then decided to head toward the nearest McDo which is actually not that near. A minute or two of walking cleared the dizzy spell. We sat there in the fast-food chain, dead-eyed but content, slowly working through our fries while waiting for the first bus to Batangas like we were in the closing scene of some indie coming-of-age movie. Fade to black.
Earlier this year, I stumbled upon this hidden cafe in Taft called “Elsewhere.” I mean, what a name. If someone asked me where I was going, I could just say “Elsewhere”. It felt a little mysterious like I was off to some other world. In early January, I went there alone and got lost… I couldn’t find the building it was in, so I ended up going up the stairs beside Starbucks, which was the wrong building. Turns out, the stairs is actually the one right before that, next to Domino’s.
Anyway, I finally made it. Even though the cafe is kinda hidden, there were only a few seats left when I got there. The cafe still had the Christmas vibe and decor which I wasn’t mad about.
Aside from the cafe, there’s also this photobooth and a little shop with stationary, stickers, and random cute stuff. Naturally, I ended up buying some stickers. I saw a frog sticker and a lily of the valley one and literally couldn’t resist.
The photobooth was my main reason for going there. I was so awkward at first cause it was my first time in a photobooth and it’s just me. I did practiced my poses before that, and of course, I completely forgot them as soon as I stepped in.
Can’t remember how many poses the booth made me do but in the end, I had to pick just three from the poses to print. Here’s the final result.
Oh, and I had a slight panic moment before going in because the booth wouldn’t take my new 100 peso bill. Luckily, the person behind me was super nice and lent me their bill, which the machine finally accepted. Apparently, the booth is picky about bills and only wants the old crumpled ones.
Before I proceed to the photobooth I ordered a mango shake and some rice bowl. I can’t remember the name of the rice bowl or much about it either. Though I can remember that the mango shake is definitely just a powdered one.
After my little solo date, I initially planned to walk over to El Poco Cantina nearby for tacos as I was craving it but by the time I was done, it was already dark. So, I decided to save it for another time. Maybe I’ll give it a go when I visit a museum in Taft.
My trip to the Chocolate Hills started with a very loooong drive from Panglao (where I was staying, btw). The road was zigzaggy, but the views along the way were beautiful. We passed rice fields, mountains and trees. And somehow, all of it made me feel so at peace.. Why is nature like that? Maybe green is just a relaxing color.
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 it’s 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, lets call it chocolate.”
It turns out, when the grass on the hills dries during summer, they turn perfectly brown, and from above, they look like those chocolate kisses we used to eat as kids. There was this moment in history where someone once flew over in a helicopter and was like, “Whoa, this looks like chocolate!” And boom Chocolate Hills.
Unfortunately, I didn’t go during summer, so I didn’t get the full chocolate effect. Instead, I got… matcha hills. Still cute, just not edible.
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. Guess what? It rained. Just like what my weather app said. And did I bring an umbrella? No.
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 and give me a mini heart attack, 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, 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. I managed to snap a few pics, though I really wished I had a better a camera with .5 settings.
After all that climbing, I grabbed a cold bottle of water from the air-conditioned resto nearby, which felt like stepping into heaven. Seriously, bless air-conditioning. 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.
After surviving my long, chaotic journey to Bohol and sneaking in a much-needed nap, I found myself on a mission: find food that would save my life. Google Maps led me to Ubeco, a cozy-looking café with minimalist vibes and glowing reviews. It was just a 15-minute walk from my hotel, but because the universe decided to make it rain and I forgot to pack an umbrella I hopped on a tricycle instead.
There’s a tricycle outside the hotel so I asked the driver to take me to Ubeco. The fare was just PHP 30. The fare was only ₱30, and I ended up having the most unexpectedly wholesome conversation with him.
By the end of the ride, he handed me a calling card in case I needed a ride again. Sweetest gesture. I felt like I was collecting NPC allies on this trip.
The ambiance in Ubeco was good and relaxing. I ordered their teriyaki fried rice and a calamansi drink, which looked gorgeous in the photos.
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. The teriyaki fried rice didn’t teriyaki, but my soul was fed anyway. After my starvation-induced state, that first bite was like a slice of heaven. The egg on top was perfect, and they were generous with the green beans. Like, a lot of green beans. I was starting to worry I’d turn into one if I kept going.
Bhe calamansi drink kind of clashed with the rice. I think the sweet-sour tang of it just overwhelmed the flavors. I started wondering if I accidentally sabotaged my own brunch.
I didn’t finish everything, so I asked for a takeout box—no way I was letting good food go to waste. Despite the weird combo, I’m actually craving that fried rice now. I’m even considering trying to make my own version at home. If I nail the recipe, I’ll be posting it 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!
For my Bohol stay, I booked Bassa Nova Villa, a Bali-inspired gem tucked away in Panglao Island. It 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 Truths
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. It’s a minor struggle, but a struggle nonetheless. Also, the bidet was a mystery I couldn’t solve. The shower was cold at first, but it did warm up after a bit which was totally fine because I quite enjoy chilly night showers.
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.
My Last Night and a Tuko Twist
That evening, I stayed in and had dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. I ordered Thai curry, and they even toned down the spice for me. It was flavorful, comforting, and just the right thing to end the day.
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. Then… the tuko happened.
Around midnight, I heard it that loud, echoing “TU-KO!” not once, not twice, but three times. I froze. My brain went straight to, “Is this the beginning of a horror movie?” I genuinely thought some mythical creature was about to come for me.
When I was planning my Cebu–Bohol trip, one thing had me weirdly excited: my first-ever ferry ride. I don’t know why, but boats just seem romantic and movie-like to me. So I booked an OceanJet ferry via Klook. It had step-by-step instructions, and I thought, “Okay, I’m not gonna mess this up.”
Oh, sweet summer child.
Oops, Missed My Ferry!
Of course, I was late. What did I expect? My luck had already been on the decline since the previous day. Since the ticket was non-transferable, I had to buy a new one. Thank God, the line for tickets was fast. After I got my ticket and paid the ₱30 terminal fee and checked in, I somehow landed seat 27Ia window seat! I was still sleep-deprived and semi-stressed, but at least I could romanticize my window view.
A staff member helped me find my seat, which I really appreciated it was my first ferry ride and I was kind of just… vibing my way through.
As the ferry left Cebu, we cruised under the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway the longest and tallest bridge in the Philippines. And let me tell you something: I’ve had a weird obsession with bridges ever since I was a kid. I would always look for bridges whenever I’m on the road to San Juan Batangas. No matter how short the bridge is, it made me feel nice.
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 a missed ferry and a delayed flight, I was ready to face-plant into a hotel bed.
I noticed something fun: Bohol tricycles come in two types the usual ones and these colorful jeepney-style versions. Both are cuter (and way roomier!) than the ones I’m used to back home.
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 affirming my life choices. I had a little lightbulb moment as I figured out how the seating was arranged “Ohhh, EFG and three seats. That’s what it meant!”
When we docked back in Cebu, there were already habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) lined up. If you want a cheaper and more convenient ride, you can also try booking via Angkas!
From scoring a promo fare to questioning the universe’s every sign. This trip had me spiraling in all the ways possible.
It all started with a spontaneous Cebu Pacific seat sale. I booked a round-trip ticket to Cebu for only ₱1800, which felt like fate handing me a gift. I even booked hotels in advance thinking, “If I change my mind, I’ll just cancel.” but they weren’t refundable.
So when the date came closer, I had no choice but to commit. But the universe had other plans.
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. I passed a flight attendant and managed a quiet “Good morning,” even though it felt like the least good morning of my life.
Just as we were about to take off… another mechanical issue. Another delay. But this time, they handed out snacks: two Dewberries, a Presto cookie, and water. A small but welcome peace offering.
I leaned back in my seat, thinking about everything that had gone wrong until the plane’s speakers played “Rain on Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande. “I’d rather be dry, but at least I’m alive.”
Right then and there, it clicked. I was still alive. Still going. Still on the plane. And maybe, that was enough.
Finally, after a bunch of waiting, we took off. Hours later, as we finally landed, “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton came on. It hit me this chaotic, unpredictable, emotionally draining journey somehow felt whole. Like a movie montage with a strangely satisfying ending.
Maybe it wasn’t smooth. Maybe the universe wasn’t against me, just testing my patience. But I made it. Despite everything, it was an unforgettable trip.
After our encounter with the whale sharks in Oslob, the morning still had room for adventure but first, lunch.
We stopped for a meal somewhere nearby. I wish I could remember exactly what we ordered. I think there was sisig. Maybe tinola or sinigang. All I remember clearly is how comforting everything tasted after the long wait and the cold sea. A fruit smoothie too on the side. The kind of meal you forget in detail but remember in feeling.
Boat ride to Sumilon Island
From Oslob’s shoreline, you can already spot Sumilon Island a soft blur on the horizon. The boat ride took about 20 minutes, enough time for the sea breeze to clear my head and lull me into a kind of silence.
The island 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.
Exploring the island
We wandered the beach for a while, took photos, and stood where the sandbar should’ve been—submerged under the high tide. I didn’t mind too much. Missing it just gave me another reason to return.
The waves were stronger than they looked. Every few seconds, one would crash into me like it had something to say. I stumbled more than once and laughed every time.
What I’d Tell You If You’re Going
We went in early June. Not ideal, since the tides were high and the weather slightly unpredictable. If you’re planning a visit, aim for the drier months—November to May. Catch it on a low tide day if you want to see the iconic sandbar in full shape.
And if you can, take the time to walk to the old tower. I didn’t but next time, I will. Some places are meant to be visited twice.
Last year, we booked a tour in Cebu. One of those spontaneous “why not” decisions that lead to something you didn’t know you needed. It was my first time in Cebu and also my first time swimming with whale sharks.
I thought I’d write something from memory. Just a glimpse of that time in Oslob.
Sunrise over Oslob
There’s probably a quote somewhere about how discomfort heightens beauty. I usually don’t believe in that kind of thing, but in this case it fits.
We landed in Cebu late at night. After a quick dinner and a few hours of hotel sleep (or no sleep at all), our driver picked us up at 4 a.m. to take us to Oslob.
The van ride was long and bumpy, I genuinely feared I’d get whiplash. I had hoped to rest a little on the way, but instead, I watched the sky shift from darkness to soft light, revealing a long stretch of coastline to our left.
As we got closer to Oslob, the scenery started to change and I was glad to be awake. I got to watch a beautiful sunrise and it made the whole ride worth it.
Morning crowd
By the time we arrived, it was already packed. Maybe fifty people ahead of us. But thanks to our guide, we got our names listed and waited for our turn. 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
The water was clear. As I leaned over and dipped my head beneath the surface, I saw the whale shark, massive but calm, gliding just beneath us.
I don’t know how to swim, so there was a moment of panic, but that passed quickly. They didn’t feel threatening at all. If anything, being next to something that enormous made everything else go silent. We got lucky with some beautiful photos and videos, and our guide made sure to capture the moment for us.
It only lasted about 30 minutes, but it lingers in my memory like a dream.
There’s a side to this experience that I didn’t know until after the trip.
Things I Learned Later
Feeding whale sharks to keep them in one place interferes with their migration and natural behavior. It can make them dependent on humans and more vulnerable to harm. I wish I had known this before we booked. It doesn’t undo what happened but it does make me think differently about future travels.
If you’re planning something similar, consider choosing marine experiences that prioritize wildlife conservation. Let’s protect what we still have. Let’s be a little more careful with the beauty we’re lucky enough to witness.
I still carry that morning with me. Not just for the whale sharks but for the way the sea looked at sunrise, for the cup noodles, and the feeling of standing in line at 6 a.m. wondering what the day would bring.
