Scape Skydeck: A Taste of Mactan Cebu's Premier Sky Lounge and Restaurant with Awe-inspiring Views!

PHOTO: Scape Skydeck - Mactan, Cebu, Philippines' Premier Sky Lounge and Restaurant

Nothing completes a dining experience the way a perfect view does (aside from good dessert of course). Consider adding this in your Must Try list now, as this newly opened sky lounge and roofdeck restaurant in Mactan, Cebu, Philippines will be a big hit for food lovers - enjoying glorious views and delicious food at the same time!

Scape Skydeck is a rooftop restaurant, situated at the13th Floor of Azon Residences Condominium

in Pusok (along ML Quezon Highway), Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. This is just few distance away from Mactan Cebu International Airport and Marcelo Fernan Bridge, so might as well pay a visit if you are in Mactan Island.

PHOTO: Scape Skydeck - Map Location in Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines

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5 Reasons why you should visit OSLOB in CEBU, PHILIPPINES!

Traveler's Couch shares to you 5 Reasons why you should visit one of Cebu, Philippines' promising towns - Oslob which is known for the Whale Shark Viewing adventure, iconic structures (Oslob Church, The Ruins) and wonders of nature (Tumalog Falls).

1) Budget-friendly Destination!

Yes it is! You can explore the town of Oslob without worrying too much of the expense - visiting most of the attractions are actually (or almost) for FREE! Below are some of the rates you might consider when traveling to this town (rates are subject to change, these are just estimations as of this writing):

- Rountrip Bus Fare via Ceres Bus (Airconditioned) - USD 7 / Php 290

departing South Bus Terminal in Cebu City to Oslob Town Proper.

- Accommodation, choose from USD 16 / Php 700 to USD 35 / Php 1,500 per room per night

You can stay in "Payag ni Sebastian" having above room rates (rooms good for 2 persons only, excess will have additional USD 4.60 / Php 200 per head). It's a mid-type accommodation which offers regular room size. WHY STAY HERE? This is just situated at the town proper so most of your needs are just within reach (few walks away). PLUS, you'll have that infinity pool (refer to below photos, click to enlarge) for a good afternoon or night swimming.

PHOTO: Oslob Accommodation - Payag ni Sebastian's Infinity Pool

PHOTO: Oslob Accommodation - Payag ni Sebastian's Infinity Pool

PHOTO: Oslob Accommodation - Payag ni Sebastian's Infinity Pool

PHOTO: Oslob Accommodation - Payag ni Sebastian's Infinity Pool

- Food, ranges from USD 1.50/ Php 50 to USD 5 / Php 200 per meal

When staying in Oslob town proper, expect more of a Cebuano cuisine, known by locals as "Carinderia". The food expense would really depends on your cravings, whether more of meat or seafoods or a typical Filipino meal. USD 2.74 / Php 120 is already a good meal rate when eating in a Carinderia.

- Attractions' Fees

Below are the entrance fees or charges for the spots you can visit in Oslob (as of June 2014):

*Oslob Town Proper Attractions - FREE (Church, The Ruins, Town Plaza, Bayside)

*Tumalog Falls Entrance Fee (per person) - USD 0.50 / Php 20

*Whale Shark Watching (per person) - USD 12 / Php 500 for Local Tourist, USD 35 / Php 1500 for Foreign Tourist

*Sumilon Island Sandbar Visit (per group) - USD 35 / Php 1500 boat rental (unconfirmed)

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Cathay Pacific: An Experience with 2012 World's Best Business Class Airline

I'm writing this post here at the other side of the world - Waterbury, Connecticut and it's 13606 kilometers or 8455 miles or 7347 nautical miles from my home country. My immediate travel is a work-related one (though I can do travel stuffs with different states of US during weekends). I arrived here last October 1, 2012 around 10AM and I'm currently staying in one of the Marriott Hotels in USA, the Courtyard Waterbury. I'll be here for 3-4months or even more if needed. This is an all expense trip by the company. Many then would ask what airline that took me here (the usual question my blog readers would ask) and I can answer you guys with this post.

Cathay Pacific is one of the official airlines that our company partner with when it comes to international travel (Philippine Airlines for domestic travel). Since it's a long-haul travel, a business class will suite my needs and fortunately the company was able to cater such. Below is my flight itinerary heading from Cebu, Philippines to New York, USA.

CEBU --> HONG KONG --> VANCOUVER, CANADA --> NEW YORK, USA

First was the 2hr-and-40minute flight from Cebu to Hong Kong. Here are the details of this flight:

 

Flight: CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS, CX 0920
From: CEBU MACTAN INTL, PHILIPPINES (CEB)
Departs: Sunday, 30 September 2012 8:05pm
Departing Terminal: Not Available
To: HONG KONG, HONG KONG S A R (HKG)
Arrives: Sunday, 30 September 2012 10:45pm
Arrival Terminal: TERMINAL 1
Class: 1B
 Seat(s): 16A
Status:Confirmed
Meals: Dinner
Aircraft: AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A333 JET
Distance (in Miles): 1060
Stop(s): 0
Smoking: No
Duration: 02hr(s) :40min(s)

 

 The Aircraft and services? It was ok, but I must admit it's one of the best Airbus I had so far. The flight attendants were so accommodating, they will really make you feel special and your at ease with their untiring assistance.

The food? simply WOW! Deliciously made dinner was served to me and they served it at guest's convenience or choice of time. Everything was perfect from meal to dessert to drinks!

I arrived earlier than the expected time of arrival in Hong Kong International Airport and had an invitation to stay & wait for the next flight at a lounge exclusive for First &  Business Class guests of Cathay Pacific.

Next was the 12hr-flight from Hong Kong to Vancouver, Canada - the longest one so far for me. Below are the flight details:

Flight: CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS, CX 0888
From: HONG KONG, HONG KONG S A R (HKG)
Departs: Monday, 01 October 2012 12:30am
Departing Terminal: TERMINAL 1
To: VANCOUVER BC, CANADA (YVR)
Arrives: Sunday, 30 September 2012 9:25pm
Arrival Terminal: MAIN TERMINAL
Class: 1B
Seat(s): 23A

Meals: Dinner Snack
Aircraft: BOEING 777-300ER JET
Distance (in Miles): 6383
Stop(s): Intermediate at VANCOUVER BC, CANADA Change of equipment may be required
Smoking: No
Duration: 11hr(s) :55min(s)

The Aircraft and services? The best of its kind I guess, I didn't wonder that time why they were proclaimed as 2012 World's Best Business Class Airline. I had no issues with the facilities, everything was comfortable enough and I even had a good sleep that time, watched some movies (Amazing Spiderman, etc.), listened to music (nice that they have variety of choices, even OPM) and more. They still have these friendly attendants on board, most of them are Chinese and they're very accommodating.

 

 The food? Another WOW on my trip, they served one of the best meals every traveler would want to. The attendants actually serve you food either heavy or light one when you're awake or watching movie, playing games or reading magazines. Yeah, they just stop serving food when you're asleep. :) When I asked for fruits, they served it immediately and when I asked for ice cream, they served me not just once but twice (since I asked for another Haagen-Dazs, haha). I couldn't ask for more on that flight - perfect!

We arrived in Vancouver, Canada just on time. We had an hour wait at Vancouver International Airport for change of attendants and aircraft maintenance. The waiting lounge wasn't that bad.

Below is the flight details of my 5hr-flight from Vancouver, Canada to New York, USA:

Flight: CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS, CX 0888
From: VANCOUVER BC, CANADA (YVR)
Departs: Sunday, 30 September 2012 10:50pm
Departing Terminal: MAIN TERMINAL
To: NEW YORK JFK, NY (JFK)
Arrives: Monday, 01 October 2012 7:00am
Arrival Terminal: TERMINAL 7
Class: 1B
Seat(s): 23A
Meals: Dinner
Aircraft: BOEING 777-300ER JET
Distance (in Miles): 2433
Stop(s): 0
Smoking: No
Duration: 05hr(s) :10min(s)

The aircraft, services and food? The same with the previous one, nothing changed at all except for the food & wine menu being served (still delicious and perfectly served). Also, still very friendly and accommodating attendants.

Saving the best for last? Definitely yes, though this was my last connecting flight for this trip, I was really amazed with the view when daytime and nightime met at the horizon. Below are the shots taken during that time, also the beautiful city of New York. :)

We arrived on time at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport New York. I was picked up by a shuttle service from New York heading to Waterbury, Connecticut where I will be staying for my whole business trip.

Over-all, Cathay Pacific is totally a 5-star airline and deserves the title as 2012 World's Best Business Class Airline. :) My US trip will be posted soon (I have to visit at least 10 states, LOL) so stay tuned.

Thanks for reading my blog! Comments are highly appreciated.

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Boracay Escapade: Guide Going to Boracay, Philippines!

It was ever my dream since High School to visit this wonderful paradise of Boracay.  And such dream was fulfilled last November 25-27, 2011 when Me & my close friends went there for a 3D2N escapade. This escapade is a personalized one, we didn't acquire any tour packages because we can really save alot if we do it on our own, though the advantage of a tour package is that it is hassle-free in terms of transportation, accommodation, etc. I had a direct flight from Cebu to Caticlan last November 25, around 2PM via Cebu Pacific. It was actually the first Western Visayas destination I went to. I arrived at Mactan Cebu International Aiport 1-Hr before our flight, went to Cebu Pacific check-in counter to get our boarding pass and proceed to Terminal Fee counter, paid Php200 then went to the Waiting lounge, near Boarding Gate 8.

At Mactan Cebu International Airport.

Waiting for boarding gate to open.

Boarding Gate now open.

Take Off shot from Mactan Cebu International Airport. A view of Lilo-An, Cebu.

Another Take Off shot from Mactan Cebu International Airport.

We passed by Negros.

Aerial view of Guimaras Island, Iloilo City on the right.

Aerial view of Kalibo, Aklan.

The pilot allows the passengers to have a stunning aerial view of the beautiful Boracay Island, indeed the White Beach is what the island is all about.

Aerial View of the White Beach, Boracay Island (Excited mode when shot taken).

When we landed, I was a bit surprised with their airport: runway is too small, the airport lounge is like a private house (no wonder only turbopop airplanes are used to go to boracay, airbuses not allowed I guess).
 

Welcome to Godofredo P. Ramos a.k.a "Caticlan Boracay Airport".

And I was excited! :)

Inside Godofredo P. Ramos a.k.a "Caticlan Boracay Airport".

Tourist Information Desk at Caticlan Boracay Airport.

Front-view of Godofredo P. Ramos a.k.a "Caticlan Boracay Airport".

 
We took a 3-minute tricycle ride from Caticlan Airport to Caticlan Jetty Port (Php25 fare). To transfer from Caticlan Port to Boracay Island via boat, you have to pay Php25 for the boat fare, Php75 for the environmental fee & Php25 for the terminal fee as well.

The Caticlan Jetty Port & Passenger Terminal

On Board to a small boat going to Boracay Island

Arrival at Boracay Island Proper

Me & Friends at Boracay Island Port

Boracay Island Port with Tourist Vans waiting

Boracay Island Port & Terminal

Upon arrival at Boracay Island Port, we had to take a 10-15-minute tricycle ride (the only transport available when you don't have any tour package availed) from there to our D' Mall (Mall near Station 2), where the Hotel staff will meet us. The regular rate for the tricycle from Boracay Port to D' Mall (Station 2, Boracay) is Php25. D' Mall has a variety of shops to offer, from clothing to restaurants to sports & leisure.

D' Mall, Station 2, Boracay

My Friends enjoyed walking at D' Mall

Me & Friends exploring D' Mall

At Hama, D' Mall, Station 2, Boracay

At D' Wall of D' Mall, Station 2, Boracay

Me & Friends stike a pose at D' Mall, Station 2, Boracay

"A Piece of Green" at D' Mall, Station 2, Boracay

Rumba's Bar & Restaurant at D' Mall, Station 2, Boracay

Bite Club's Grilled Burgers at D' Mall, Station 2, Boracay

Lemon Cafe at D' Mall, Station 2, Boracay

Amazing D' Mall at Night at Station 2, Boracay

The Tides Hotel Boracay at D' Mall, Station 2, Boracay

We checked-in in our hotel late afternoon already, we took some rest after a long trip. Decided to go for a night exploration in Boracay instead after taking some dinner. Station 2 has a lot of restaurants, bars & clubs that makes you wanna party-all-night. I must admit, this is the place I wanna be with when it comes to Nightlife, the people & the place are so fantastic! Gonna call Boracay as the "Beach that never sleeps".

Me & friends get some nightlife at the paradise.

Stand straight, strike a pose.

FireDancing with the tune of Shakira's Waka Waka!

At Crown Regency Boracay - one of the amazing Hotels.

FireDancing with the tune of J.Lo's Papi!

One of the Best in Boracay!

MO2 Boracay Branch (One of my faves in Cebu as well)

Tourists' Nightlife.

We had a good sleep in our hotel. Then came the longest & most exciting part of our trip: One Whole Day Boracay Exploration. We did plenty of activities in just one day: Banana Boat Ride, Helmet Diving a.k.a Aquanaut, White Beach swimming & Sun Bathing, Island Hopping and Sunset Viewing (I already forgot the rates, my bad.) See shots below.

Good morning Boracay!

Breakfast with friends!

Waiting for the speedboat for our Banana Boat Ride!

Our Banana Boat experience!

Behind is Manny Pacquiao's RestHouse in Boracay Island.

Island Hopping!

Strike a pose, Island Hopping!

Big waves at island hopping!

Strolling at Station 1, Boracay

Strolling at Station 1, Boracay

Where I love to stay!

Amazing White Beach, Boracay at noon!

Lunch Time!

One of my favorite spot in White Beach, Boracay.

As expected, Island Souvenir shop exists where foreigners dominate.

My friend April enjoying the cold breeze.

Fellow photographer friend James and his pose.

My friends' pose at White Sand Beach.

Super White Sand Beach!

Low-tide at White Beach, Boracay.

Can't stop taking shots of this super white sand beach!

:)

My friends strike an underwater pose!

Where I took some rest after a long fun day!

Afternoon shot at White Beach, Boracay!

Kids also enjoying their stay here.

OK, my Bay Watch shot? LOL.

Jump Shot is a MUST here in White Beach Boracay!

On our way to Helmet Diving a.k.a Aquianaut!

Where the Helmet Diving Activity is held.

Preparing for Helmet Diving, I'm so nervous at this point.

This is it! off for Helmet Diving!

Me & my Friends enjoying this Helmet Diving Activity at Boracay!

How romantic that wedding is.

For Elites only, Resthouse of know people.

It was indeed a long, fun day. 2nd Night came, we went to a tiange-tiange in Station 3 after dinner to buy some pasalubong & memorabilia. Then went to my party-all-night part 2 but unfortunately no shots this time since I decided to leave my cam in the hotel to really enjoy my Nightlife that time. :) On our last morning at Boracay, we decided to take one of the best shakes in the place: Jony's Fruit Shake in Station 1, Boracay.

Good Morning Boracay, Mango Shake it is.

One of the Best Mornings so far. Boracay is so captivating.

Where we had our Mango Shake Party. LOL.

Few hours later, we went back to the hotel to pack-up and get ready for our 6-hour trip from Caticlan to Iloilo (Yes, we decided to take Iloilo-Cebu route going back to have a glimpse of Iloilo City as well) via Public Air-conditioned Van. If this is your first time to visit Panay Island, then you can follow such route. But if you are not a traveller who is fond of long land trip, then better yet not take such route. We departed from hotel around 11:30AM, arrived at Caticlan Jetty Port & Terminal around 12Noon (same rates & fees applied upon going & leaving Boracay Island). From Caticlan Terminal (which is just outside Caticlan Jetty Port), we took a Public Van that was heading to Iloilo City. This route will pass Kalibo City, the Home of Ati-atihan Festival. I was excited to see what Panay Island has to offer but a bit disappointed with the ROAD they have (seriously, I can't sleep with that type of trip). Also, you can't see much interesting or great scenery on this route (there are just trees everywhere, a typical province I guess). Around 3PM, we stopped by at Brgy. Tinaytayan, Dumarao, Capiz, in Pengee's Restaurant (a default stop over). We took our lunch in there, and I didn't like the service & the food (if known earlier, we could have brought some worth-to-eat foods from Caticlan).

Pengee's Restaurant in Brgy. Tinaytayan, Dumarao, Capiz

The Best Kaldereta in Panay?

Are you afraid of Capiz, James? :) LOL.

  Then we continued our trip from Capiz to Iloilo City. We arrived in Iloilo City around 5:30PM and chose to drop by in SM City Iloilo to look for some Ilonggo Delicacies. :)

SM City Iloilo

My Friends taking some Ilonggo Delicacies as pasalubong

From SM City Iloilo, we took a taxi in there going to Iloilo International Airport. At first, we expected that the taxi we took is a meter-based one. All of a sudden, the taxi driver (speaking tagalog with Ilonggo accent which gave us a hard time talking to him) informed us that Php500 is the fixed rate from the mall to the airport. We were a bit shocked of course, that made us decide to look for another taxi that is a metered one. The driver was then begging us to consider the rate & asked us if can we take it with Php400 instead. Due to the remaining time we had, we decided to take the offer. Actually, I just knew that it was a long distance from SM City Iloilo to Iloilo Airport. It was a kind move from the driver to allow us to stop over at the known Biscocho House in Iloilo & bought something for our relatives & friends as well.

Biscocho Haus in Iloilo City

After few minutes, we then continued our trip going to Iloilo City International Airport. We came at the right time, the Airport was like one of the best here in the Philippines (I believed it's a newly renovated one), much better than Mactan Cebu International Airport. It was a 30 or 40-minute flight from Iloilo City to Cebu City.

Entrance of Iloilo International Airport

Iloilo's Dinagyang Festival Ad inside the Airport

Cebu Pacific Check-in Counter in Iloilo International Aiport

Waiting Lounge of Iloilo International Airport

Get ready for Boarding!

Last pose before boarding!

Going back to CEBU!

 
The whole trip was amazing. With this, I decided to back there maybe 2nd Quarter of 2012. But this is for sure: I already booked a Cebu-Caticlan flight on October 23, 2012 to spend my Birthday in there, then Caticlan-Manila flight as well in October 24, 2012 as a post-birthday trip I guess (LOL), then Manila-Cebu in return. 2012 is really exciting, Gonna choose Philippine destinations this year!

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