Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Life begins where WIFI is weak
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​Jeepneys are popular in the Philippines

Jeepneys are the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. They are known for their crowded seating and kitsch decorations, which have become a ubiquitous symbol of Philippine culture and art. Jeepneys were originally made from U.S. military jeeps left over from World War II. But under a government modernization program, vehicles of this type that are 15 years or older will be taken off the streets by 2020 and replaced with a more environmentally friendly version.
Jeepney Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

​Uso-Uso jeepneys in Davao

​The Uso-Uso jeepneys which you only will find in Davao are customized jeepneys which are known for their fast speed driving and playing music in high volume. According to the drivers, it will only take 20-30 minutes of travel from Toril to downtown Davao. And because of that many of the Uso-Uso jeepneys are popular among the students and workers who don't want to be late. If you mention the Uso-Uso experience in Davao everybody will know the meaning of it.

​The Uso-Uso experience

The Uso-Uso experience, fast and furious with the music on the highest volume! The music in the clip is authentic from the actual trips and no editing was made whatsoever regarding the sound. 1.20 minutes video clip.
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Good location near The Ayala Mall

I have stayed at The Center Suites two times and the last time was in December 2016. It has good location near The Ayala Mall, just walking distance 10 minutes. But the neighborhood just close to the hotel is a little bit rough. When you are walking from Ayala to the hotel, there is an unfinished construction site just close to the hotel at N Escario St and Gonzales Compound which you must pass. That construction site looks exactly the same as when I was there the first time in December 2015! When passing that area at night time it feels not safe, it's dark and shabby. 
Where to stay in Cebu, Review of The Center Suites Hotel (Cebu, Philippines) video clip © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The Bistro, where you have your complimentary breakfast of your choice.

Where to stay in Cebu, Review of The Center Suites Hotel (Cebu, Philippines) Breakfast Dangit © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Traditional Filipino breakfast, this is for the braves, Dangit. Crispy and delicious!

Offer much for the money

​The Center Suites offer much for the money. Clean rooms with good working AC. Some of the rooms have "the silent and not too cold" type of AC. Breakfast is included and the staff is very nice and service minded. Free WiFi but the signal varies from excellent to less good depending on which room you have. The Center Suites is a nice hotel, very affordable and gives value for your money.
Nice and clean rooms, this one without window but with the new AC This room came with a window But had the old type of AC, although it worked ok Entertainment for breakfast in the Bistro. (6 seconds video clip) ​Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent 4 Location 5 Sleep Quality 4 Rooms 5 Service 5 Value for the money 4 Cleanliness  I stayed here December 2015 and 2016. The Center Suites N. Gonzales Compound, Barangay Camputhaw, Escario St., Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Philippines Mobile no. +63 917 137 6262 , +63 943 546 0924 Related links: Review of Mooon Cafe in Cebu Review of Siam Thai Cuisine Restaurant in Cebu Review of Harbour City Restaurant in Cebu Review of Seafood Island in Ayala mall, Cebu
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​World record of selfie-taking?

When traveling around Philippines I have noticed that the Filipinos really love taking selfies more than anything. But on the other hand, who doesn't love taking selfies regardless of where you live, right?
Selfie, Osmena Peak, Cebu Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Manila is the selfie capital of the world

​But the fact is, in Makati City, known as the financial center of the Philippines, can now boast another distinction: It is the Selfie Capital of the World. An examination of hundreds of thousands of selfies—the low-fi, self-shot photographs that are intensely popular among younger social media users—suggests that the city, part of metropolitan Manila and home to 500,000 people, produces more selfies per capita than any other city in the world. ( To be fair I should mention that this survey was made 2014)
Source: Time

Note! Click on images to see slideshow and captions!
A good tripod is very useful sometimes (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A helping hand taking your selfie If you don't have a tripod then you need someone who can help you with your selfie-taking Related links:​ Red Rock Hot Spring, Valencia Dumaguete​ Going to La Verna with the girls​ Happy birthday Jas​ ​Sexy mama The Japanese Shrine​ Shopping spree​ Apo island the pearl of the Visayas​ Outing with the girls​ Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin Road trip to Sipalay​ A day of exercise The fine art of eating an ice cream​ Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete​ Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete​ The Christmas House in Dumaguete Tarbush, a story of love​ The boulevard in Dumaguete​ Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
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Apo Island famous for its sea turtles

Apo Island is most famous for its sea turtles. Before I went there I didn’t know what to expect, I had read good and bad things. Some wrote it was crowded, the beach full of garbage, they hadn't seen any sea turtles, overexploited… and others wrote, it was the paradise of snorkeling, they spotted many sea turtles, the scenery was amazing, Apo Island is a must in your bucket list… Well I guess the truth is somewhere in between. Anyway I decided to go there. 
Sea Turtle Apo Island Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Apo Island is famous for its amazing sea turtles

Note! Click on images to see slideshow and captions!
When you are going down to the shore to rent the boat you will pass the Malatapay Market. The market is open on Wednesdays and the entrance fee is 5 PHP. Among other things they have a big live stock market here. It can be worth a visit if you have the time. It's lively and noisy and be prepared, some animals are not treated very good. Lava instead of white sand ​The main beach where you have the sea turtles is nothing special. Yes, a little bit crowded with small huts where you can rent equipment, eat and relax. There is no white sand, the ground consists of lava so the beach is a little bit rocky. But hey, it’s in the sea you experience the sea turtles, right? Apo Island tourist office where you pay the environmental fee 100 PHP The beach from where you snorkel to experience the sea turtles Divided in three different areas ​The sea near the beach is divided in three different areas. First the common area where you can snorkel freely. Of course if you are lucky you can spot the sea turtles here also. The second area is only allowed for snorkeling with a guide. It's here you are supposed to swim with the sea turtles. The third area is intended only for the sea turtles so no swimming is allowed there.  ​I saw several sea turtles ​I was lucky, I saw several sea turtles. Some of them were really near the shore line feeding on the algae in the shallow water. Others were farther out. Apart from the sea turtles there were not many fish and corals in this relatively limited area. There is another beach located at Apo Island Resort which is more suitable for relaxing and sunbathing.  Another beach located at Apo Island Resort which is more suitable for relaxing and sunbathing. Just a few minutes walking from the port. ​​So what’s my conclusion then? I didn’t see any garbage on the beach. It was not crowded but of course there were other tourists roaming around the place. Apart from the sea turtles there were not many fish and corals to see in this limited area. And yes, it’s definitely a beautiful scenery around the island specially if you visit the light house. Next time I would like to stay for at least a couple of days so I really can explore the island.  ​Going there: Take a jeepney from Dumaguete city centre, around 20 PHP. Tell the driver to let you off at the Malatapay Market in the town of Zamboanguita, around 40 min from Dumaguete. Go down to the shore and rent a motorized boat that will take you to Apo island. The round-trip boat ride costs 2500 PHP (good for 4 passengers), 3000 (good for 6 passengers) or 3500 PHP (good for 8 passengers). Solo travelers may join other groups, and share the costs for the boat rental. ​Fees: Upon arrival, head to the tourist information office and pay 100 PHP. It’s an environmental fee, which will be used to maintain and preserve Apo Island. You need also to pay 300 PHP to a tour guide (good for 4 people) at the tourist assistance center. You’re not allowed to enter the protected area where the turtles swim without a guide. An additional 300 PHP if you like a table to put your stuff when you are in the water. 100 PHP for a snorkel and mask and 100 PHP for a life vest.  A 60 seconds video clip: Related links:​ Apo island the pearl of the Visayas​ Outing with the girls​ Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin Road trip to Sipalay​ A day of exercise The fine art of eating an ice cream​ Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete​ Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete​ The Christmas House in Dumaguete Tarbush, a story of love​ The boulevard in Dumaguete​ Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
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Just a video clip showing the friendly side of the Philippines.  
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​A nice day trip to do

Grab a pedicab to Sibulan from the wet market in Dumaguete. Fare PHP 12 per person. Get off at Sibulan near the port. From there take a Habal Habal to the drop off point for Puncak Tanawan. Expect to pay the driver of the Habal Habal around PHP 30-50 per person. Total travel time from Dumaguete to the drop off point is around 40-60 minutes depending on the traffic. From the drop off point you will hike for around 90 minutes before you reach the Puncak Tanawan.

Rewarded with an astonishing view

It's relatively steep uphill but nothing special if you are relatively fit. Height over the sea level is around 750 m. Once at the summit, you will in clear weather be rewarded with an astonishing view over the sea and the nearby islands. There is like a little café where you can buy water, coffee and biscuits if you need to refuel some energy. With some coffee and bisquits you can then enjoy the quietness and beauty of the nature.
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Good snorkeling near Dumaguete

Going there

Marine Sanctuary in Dauin, is about 15-30 minutes travel from Dumaguete City. For those taking the public transport, you can find jeepneys to Dauin at the bell tower in Dumaguete City or near the Robinson's Mall. Fare is PHP 13.00. Inform the driver you are getting off at the corner leading to the Marine Sanctuary. It’s a couple of blocks away or a good 4-5 minutes brisk walk. The entrance fee for the sanctuary is PHP 150 with a table included. Without table it will be less.

Many fish to see

The beach with its brown sand may not look like much but wait until you get in to the water. The Marine Sanctuary starts a few meters from the shore and remains fairly shallow for about 20-50 meters before it slopes down into the deep. It's best to start snorkeling in the mid-morning until lunch, as the water gets shallower towards the afternoon. It said you can expect to see parrot fish, clown fish, anemone fish, neon damsels, hump-head banner fish, some baby black tip sharks, boulder coral, giant lobe and whorl bowl corals at the center. I myself saw most of the fish mentioned and also spotted a muraena. I didn't see any black tip sharks though. 

Definitely worth a visit

The conclusion is that the Marine Sanctuary is definitely worth a visit either for snorkeling or just relaxation.
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Going there

Casaroro Falls is located in Valencia roughly 10 km from Dumaguete. It’s considered to be the most photographed waterfall in the entire Negros province. To get there, take a jeepney from Dumaguete to Valencia Plaza, it takes 20-30 minutes depending on the traffic. The fare is 12 PHP per person. At Valencia Plaza take a Habal Habal up to Casaroro falls. Ask the driver to wait for you. The fare should be around 200 PHP per person and back and forth. Always try to negotiate. Travel time is around 20 minutes.

350 steps but worth the effort!

From the drop off point you need to hike. There will be steep stairs going down at first, it’s said to be 350 steps. I haven’t counted them but it might be true. Additional hike is required after the stairs. Be prepared for wet feet and to stumble around among slippery rocks. Depending on your fitness level the hiking time to the falls would be from 15 minutes and plus. The waterfall is mighty, beautiful and really worth the effort.
​Note! Click on images to see slideshow and captions! 
Hiking to the actual fall may take around 15 minutes The foliage is dense Sometimes there are many tourists here The water flows and drops at a height of 30 m Related links: Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant, Dumaguete Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place, Dumaguete Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant, Dumaguete ​Review of San Rival Bistro, Dumaguete ​Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant, Dumaguete ​​Review of Gabby's Bistro, Dumaguete ​Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete​ ​Visit the Marine Sanctuary in Dauin ​​Hike the Puncak Tanawan, Negros Oriental ​Tempura, takoyaki and balut​
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​Always more fun in the Philippines!

I was sitting with my coffee at the Bean Connection in Dumaguete when suddenly...
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Buko, young coconut

Buko juice is a popular refreshing drink from the Philippines. “Buko” is a Filipino word which means “young coconut” in English. Buko juice is also known as coconut milk drink or just simply coconut water. It's a very refreshing and healthy drink, it contains a lot of electrolytes, and minerals to replenish hydration levels in the body that's why it can be used as an energy drink or liquid replacement for people suffering diarrhoea. Drinking the buko juice directly from the fresh coconut is difficult. I recommend using a straw if available!
Drinking buko juice © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

I recommend using a straw if available. I got all wet here.

Here are some of the beneficial effects of coconut water:

Prevents Kidney Stones
Drinking buko juice has beneficial effects on the body, especially in preventing the formation of kidney stones.

Reduces Sugar Levels
It contains a great amount of magnesium, which has the ability to increase the sensitivity of insulin that can reduce the blood sugar levels.

Regulates Blood Pressure
It is an excellent source of potassium and fights the buildup of sodium, which is one of the major causes of clogging in the arteries that can result in cardiovascular diseases and even cardiac arrest.

Improves Digestion
Coconut water is rich in enzymes that help our digestive system to flush out toxins from the body.

Keeps Us Hydrated
This juice was composed of well-balanced fluid containing sugar and calories, which fight dehydration. Experts suggested athletes to drink coconut water to prevent dehydration.

Source: Philippine News

Where to find fresh buko juice

Go to nearest wet market, find the guy who sell coco nuts and ask for buko juice. Expect to pay around 20 PHP.