The day I arrived, Typhoon Ondoy just left and Typhoon Peping was on its way to the country. I have to cancel North Luzon and Bicol. :-( Then I was scheduled for interview in Manila on Oct.6 and in Bacolod Oct.7... And some more job applications and interviews came in between. I decided to just set aside my backpacking plans.
Until I found an oppotunity during the last 2 weeks of November. I had another plan. There was a meeting of my alumni association in Cebu and instead of flying from Bacolod, I took the bus to Dumaguete (to visit my friends) then took the RO-RO to Santander,Cebu.
With only my backpack, some cash, and a booked flight to Zamboanga from Cebu, I continued with my trip.
Weather was not so cooperative. I wanted to go to the beach but it was always raining. Going back to the trip... so I took the RO-RO to Santander and then headed off to Cebu City by Bus. One realization: Bus fares were lower this year than last year. I normally pay Php300 (+/-) from Bacolod to Dumaguete and this time I only paid Php217.00. Same was true from Santander to Cebu - lowered prices. Thanks to the still exisiting competition between the big and small bus companies! Take the small buses from time to time to maintain this balance!!!
So, Cebu was a bit boring as I was on a meeting for 2 days until "freedom" came BUT I have no definite plans yet since my flight to Zamboanga is still on Thursday and that was still Monday, I took off to Moalboal (diving area in the south of Cebu). As I was on the bus, I recieved a message from an Austrian who resides in Moalboal, "I am currently in Cebu City and going back to Moalboal today at 2pm, you can join me on my motorbike if you want." Hmmm... OF COURSE! I replied, "I am already on the bus but I can get off in Carcar and wait for you there." Then I had my free ride from Carcar to Moalboal plus the added adventure of motorbiking along the Cebu countryside.
The ride was smooth until we stopped somewhere along the highway with a very nice view of magrove plantations... we ran out of gas! hahahaha... The tricycle was to the rescue, I took a tricycle to the nearest gasoline station, borrowed a bottle of Coke (1 liter) which I will use as container for the gasoline (typical Philippine thingy and a must-see)...
After some more minutes, we arrived Moalboal and I stayed at the Backpacker Lodge in Panagsama Beach owned by a German married to a Filipina. The place was not bad at all. Php270.00 for a single room with fan and it is quite clean and practical. It was just some steps away from what they call the "Downtown Moalboal" where the bars and restaurants are located not to mention that just at the doorway of the lodge is a small bar owned by a charming lady - Manang Chona.
...to be continued
(Part 2 is coming soon)
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