Kennard Diaries

This trip started in a Facebook group chat. It was moved by the 2nd week of October to fit our schedules because we are busy individuals now- adulting. The night before our departure it was raining hard that I almost want to not push through with this trip. But ended up going and I made the right decision.

We arrived at 10 am in the morning and went immediately to the public market to buy foods that will last a day and half for us. Baler was so laid back, at least for me that was my first impressions. The way of living was very simple, similar to my province, the region next to it. Peaceful, serene were the other words to describe the province as well as rich in history and culture just ask the locals.

We stayed at Eugene's Place and the moment I set my foot at the place I was in deep awe! The place was everything I ever imagined. It was beautiful. It was like I'm in those beaches in Thailand. The view was fantastic and I just can't get over it. The house that we rented was cheap for it's price but it did not disappoint with its amazing view.

We didn't waste any moment after lunch. Immediately, went to the beach and took our photos because they say if it's not on Instagram, it did not happen. Will you believe it took us 4 hours taking just only photos? 

Countless photos later, we headed for a 20 minutes tricycle ride to Museo de Baler. The museum contains everything you need to know about Baler basically. The entrance fee will only cost you P30.00 and you can also use your ticket to enter Doña Aurora's ancestral home, Manuel L. Quezon's wife, a 5 minute walk from the museum.

xx,

Kennard

We only had five days for vacation and we made sure to drop by Bohol which is two hours away from Cebu via a ferry boat. In our case, we woke up very early to get the first trip to Tagbilaran. The line for the tickets was very long I'm telling you. Anyway, it was my first time to be on a ferry boat. Actually I have a fear of the ocean that's why I'd rather ride on a plane than a ferry because I have this mentality that what if the both sink, how will I swim? I know some of you think that way too lol!

Two hours later, we were already at Tagbilaran and upon entering the exit of the port a lot of vans await and offer to tour you the whole day in some of the tourists spots in Bohol. Well, it works that way there though.

First on the list is of course, the very famous Loboc River. It was actually a unique experience. River was picturesque while having your buffet on the floating restaurant while the boat cruises on the Loboc River. At the end of the trip, you will be welcomed by the children's choir and the small falls, called the Busay Falls.

What's a trip to Bohol without visiting the Chocolate Hills right? This is probably one of the highlights of my trip aside from seeing in person the tarsiers which I wasn't able to include here just because the photos are so blurry, sorry for that! It was around 3pm when we arrived at the hills. You need to climb more than a hundred steps to get to the viewing deck if you want that perfect shot of the hills. It was so hot though but the view was worth the climbing.

Till next time Bohol. Thanks for the fun experience and a lot of firsts.

xx, 

Kennard

I haven't heard of this place before. During our first day in Cebu, I thought that Magellan's Cross is our last itinerary for the day but my cousin was rushing us to head back to the tourist van and get straight ahead to Temple of Leah before the sun sets. I really have no expectation at that time, all I know is that it is situated at the mountains and as per my cousin told us, the view is majestic.

And yes true enough, the moment I stepped into the place I felt like I belong here, I really belong here. It's like the angels of heaven started singing and was really waiting for me for a longtime. But that's what I felt guys. Lol!

Temple of Leah is an epitome of an undying love. Teodorico Adarna, the owner of the place and as some of you would know, he happens to be the father of Ellen Adarna, built this Roman architecture inspired edifice to show her agape love to his wife. See what love can do guys? If you want to be in love or spend some time with your self, you know where to go.

Everything falls into place. The picturesque grand palace is dubbed as the Taj Mahal of the Philippines. But for me it's a combination of both Greecian and Indian vibes. It's so hard to explain how ethereal the place is, you have to see it for yourself. 

The temple also boasts an art gallery, museum, and a library which houses his wife's favorite things. Though, we weren't able to see it because we are running out of time. And I was busy taking photos of the view. I swear guys these photos don't do justice. Ahhh I never want to leave this place really.

The queen in her full glory will welcome you at the temple. You already mademoiselle, the Queen of the South! It is a massive 10 feet statue and the queen is adorned with a flower and what's a queen without a crown. A grand staircase will lead you to the art gallery I suppose with the angels made of brass welcoming you.

It's really hard for me leaving this place. If you only saw how sad am I upon leaving the premises. The goddess in me has slowly died as we are getting away from the place. But surely, I'll go back here again. So see you then!

xx

Kennard

This is probably one of the highlights of my last year of being a teenager (yikes!). I remember going home months ago back in the province for school break when my mom told me that my cousin is finally tying the knots with her long time boyfriend. Of course, that came as a surprise and I was shook, as Bretman and Barbiegutz would say it- if you know what I mean. But the question is where?

And so my first ever out of town trip ever since my existence finally happened. I've been wanting to travel our country over some time now but my parents would not permit me to do so because I was young and all that safety stuffs that goes with it.  Months before our trip, I was all stoke and made mental notes of places in Cebu I want to visit, photos to take, things to buy, outfit ideas to wear and all the touristy things one would do the first time. Yes, I was that prepared.

Boarding time was at 5 am, and it was my first time  boarding a plane. And so the touristy feels in me has begun. What better way to do that is the usual plane wing photo on the window, lucky enough I was seated beside the window, everything is falling according to plan! Jet lagged aside, we immediately went for a quick visit to the Mactan Shrine nearby where Lapu-Lapu's statue, the man who stopped Magellan from circumnavigating the world, is situated.

That's only one of the many places on our list. Headed to our apartment which took us 2 hours because the traffic is comparable to that of here in Manila. After everything was all set we headed to have lunch at Cebu's iconic dining place for the best barbeque dishes, AA BBQ. 

Perhaps, our next leg is Cebu's most important historical marker, the Magellan's Cross which of course we've discussed a lot in our Philippine History subjects. As most of you don't know, this place symbolizes the beginning of Christianity in our country.

Women in yellow were around the area. These women offer prayers of safe journey and welfare for the travelers. Just across Magellan's cross is the Basilica del Sto. Nino where the oldest replica is set to be situated.

This is just the first part of my visit in Cebu. Half of the tour which I'm gonna blog will be up very soon. But until then, here's a visual diary with photo filled post for you. I know I'm on a hiatus over the weeks because of school so bear with me please (arayt?). More is coming dear readers.

xx

Kennard